Budget Nikon F-mount telephoto zoom with D-chip for metering on digital bodies — basic but functional.
The Nikon AF Nikkor 70-210mm f/4-5.6D was released around 1990 as an affordable consumer telephoto zoom for the Nikon F mount system. The D designation means it communicates distance information to the camera body for improved metering.
Optical quality is modest — adequate sharpness in the centre but soft at the long end and in the corners. The screw-drive AF motor relies on the camera body for autofocus, so it will not autofocus on entry-level Nikon DSLRs like the D3000 or D5000 series.
Nikon F mount with 62mm filter thread. Weighs approximately 435g. No VR stabilisation. Full-frame coverage. Minimum focus distance 100cm. The push-pull zoom design is unusual by modern standards but some users find it quick to operate.
Very cheap used. Ensure the zoom and focus rings move smoothly — old push-pull mechanisms can develop play. Only useful on bodies with built-in AF motor. The AF-S 70-300mm VR is a dramatically better option for a small premium.