Nikkor 80-200 F/2.8 AF-S focus stutter

[bruce_maddox]

<p>I have a newly purchased Nikkor 80-200 f/2.8 AF-S that struggles to lock focus for a second or more. The stuttering becomes extremely rapid before it locks focus. It's not a normal behavior. The ring motor does not squeal, but stutters in a rapid, quiet manner typical of the near silent operation I have known these lenses to exhibit. My question is, based on any experience you may have, is this a potential electrical contact issue, or perhaps another characteristic of a failing focus motor. I've owned two copies in the past, and had good luck before ultimately selling them. My copy looks as if it were never used. It's sharper than my Nikkor 70-200 f/2.8 version 1. Thanks for your comments.</p>

[tomweis]

<p>I can't say for sure what might be wrong with your Nikon 80-200mm f2.8 AF-S, but Nikon stopped servicing that lens back in April 2012. Parts are no longer available.</p>

[robert_stig]

<p>I had thesame issue with my 28-70 afs lens. It wouldnt lock and then would stop. I tried cleaning the contacts and mounting and remounting but to no avail. There is an af indicator mechanism that tells the focus cam where to move. It focused on a person but would move back and forth around 1-2 inches and try to focus but couldnt lock and find what i asked it to lock on. <br>

I used nrc<br>

http://www.photo.net/nikon-camera-forum/00caj0</p>

[robert_stig]

<p>Btw call around, u can probably find parts for it. At worse u can send it to japan. Most likely theyd have parts. </p>

[bruce_maddox]

<p>Thanks for the input. A Nikon repair rep told me yesterday the AF-S is not on their list of unrepairable lenses. I'm not sure that's the case. I guess it's going on a journey to see what's askew.</p>

[michael_bradtke]

<p>Bruce<br>

Give it a shot but I just got my 80-200 AF-S lens back from Nikon as no parts available. The AF-S motor had given up the ghost. It still works really well as a very sharp manual focus lens.....</p>

[ShunCheung]

<p>That is bad news. Nikon replaced the 80-200mm/f2.8 AF-S with the 70-200mm/f2.8 AF-S VR in 2003, so it has been over 10 years since the 80-200 was discontinued.</p>

[bruce_maddox]

<p>Perhaps I'll try someone else. There's a repair facility in Morton Grove, IL that said they'd give it a look. If Nikon's out of parts, I guess I need more confirmation the facility has what is needed. It's really an incredible lens.</p>

[robert_stig]

<p>I wouldnt go to nikon at all. I have a feeling they wont repair it for reasons I believe are for u to buy a new updated model. Try aps. Just be aware that if its the piezo motor (swm) ur looking at a steep price and it may not be worth it as u can get the vr1 for around 1100 in mint used. <br>

I dont believe any repair place at all. I believe the vast majority are shady peoe and they can tell replace this and that and u wouldnt know if its true or not. I dont know Daniel from nrc before i repaired mine but he posts pictures and explains whats going on with the lens. <br>

If i didnt need the 10mm id buy the 80-200 afs as i believe its sharper than my vr. I was depressed when mine was stolen. I loved the hefty body. Shame that swm werent so durable. Afd never failed me. </p>

[bruce_maddox]

<p>Nikon customer service just informed me there are very limited parts available for service. Thanks to Tom for the servicing info, and thanks to all for the very solid advice.</p>