AI-S Nikkor 200mm f/4

200mm
f/4.0
Prime
540 g
Min focus 2 m

Quick answer

A light manual-focus 200mm f/4 introduced in 1975, with a 52mm filter thread and a weight of about 540g. It focuses down to 2m.

Pros

Light at about 540g
52mm filter thread
Compact
Sharp stopped down

Cons

Manual focus only
Slow for low light
Some fringing wide open

Verdict

A light, simple 200mm that adapts well to Z cameras.

About this lens

The Nikon AI-S Nikkor 200mm f/4 is a telephoto prime lens covering 200mm at f/4 for Nikon F mount cameras. It brings distant subjects closer for sports, wildlife and events.

Nikon AI-S Nikkor 200mm f/4 specifications

Brand: Nikon
Mount: Nikon F
Focal length: 200mm
Maximum aperture: f/4.0
Lens type: Prime
Format coverage: full-frame
Optical construction: 5 elements in 5 groups
Autofocus motor: none
Minimum focus distance: 2 m
Weight: 540 g
Length: 126 mm
Diameter: 68 mm

Specification source: en.wikipedia.org

What can you shoot with the Nikon AI-S Nikkor 200mm f/4?

Portraits
Wildlife in good light
Adapted use on Z

Its moderate maximum aperture works best in good light or with a higher ISO.

Full-frame equivalent and field of view

Calculated from the focal length and crop factor. Not measured.

Sensor	Crop	Equivalent	Horizontal FOV	Diagonal FOV
Full frame	1.0x	200mm	10.3°	12.3°
APS-C	1.5x	300mm	6.9°	8.2°

Try the field-of-view calculator

Frequently asked questions

Is the Nikon 200mm f/4 AI-S sharp?

It is sharp from about f/5.6, with a bit of fringing wide open.

Can I adapt the 200mm f/4 AI-S to Z cameras?

Yes, with the FTZ or FTZ II adapter. You focus by hand, and once you enter its focal length and aperture in the lens-data menu the camera can meter and stabilize.