Heavy Metal

[attack_donut]

I have a Nikkor 35-70 lens that is, as near as I can tell, solid metal (casing) and weighs a ton.

I love that hefty feel.

I also have a Nikkor 70-240 lens that is totally plastic.
I'd like to replace that with something in the same range, +/-, hat is metal, like my 35-70...

How can you tell which ones are all metal vs the plastic bodied ones, at auction places (eBay) or places like KEH and whatnot?

Cheers!

[TimF]

Any of the Nikon 80-200mm f/2.8 lenses will do! The early version is a one touch design (i.e. Both zoom and focus are on the same ring), and also the early AF models lacked a tripod mount. Optically they're all excellent though.

If you'd prefer something slightly lighter, keep an eye open for the f/4 design. This is a manual focus only one touch lens

[AndyTake2]

The higher you go in the Nikon (and presumably other makes) range the heavier the beasts tend to be.
The 70-200 F2.8 VR is an expensive beast but is sold and heavy.

The drawback is the price. As most of their lenses have focussed on the APS sized sensors over the last few years, they tend to be plastic/lighter, so it is going to be best for you to look at either earlier stuff, or perhaps other makes.
Sigma do a 70-200 F2.8 (no IS sadly) which is a hefty beast as well, and you may be able to find one at auction if you cant stretch to the full price of a new one.
(It's a cracking lens as well)

[TimF]

The 70-200mm is a G lens, so might not work on a_d's Nikon bodies. I'd be surprised if the VR function would anyway, given their vintage if memory serves.

[attack_donut]

Yeah, I'm currently sporting an N4004, but have a line on a d200 for 350.00$ US, but for now, no G lenses.

Cheers!