Konica Hexanon Zoom 80-200 mm / 1:3.5 first chrome ring version

Konica Hexanon Zoom
80-200 mm / 1:3.5
first version with chrome ring

Konica Zoom-Hexanon AR 80-200 mm / F3.5 chrome ring version

Konica Zoom-Hexanon AR
80-200 mm / F3.5
early version with chrome ring

Konica Zoom-Hexanon AR 80-200 mm / F3.5 rubberized version

Konica Zoom-Hexanon AR
80-200 mm / F3.5
late version with rubberized rings

Konica Hexanon Zoom 80-200 mm / 1:3.5
Konica Zoom-Hexanon AR 80-200 mm / F3.5

downLens data | downVariations | internal linkLens overview

The Hexanon Zoom / Zoom-Hexanon AR 80-200 mm / F3.5 is a two-touch zoom with two separate rings for focusing and setting of focal length. It was Konica's first zoom in this focal lengths range – and it continued to be the fastest and optically the best. It was introduced during the era of the internal linkAutoreflex T. After the internal linkAutoreflex T3N had been introduced, it was replaced by the internal linkUC Hexanon AR 80-200 mm / F4. In this time, the exterior design of the Konica lenses has been changed several times, so different downvariations of this lens exist.

The lens is much bigger and heavier than any of its successor models and needs much bigger filters, too. It does not change its overall length when the focal length is shifted. As on almost every Konica zoom lens, the front element rotates when focus is shifted, making the use with polarizers and gradated filters a bit cumbersome.

A big advantage over the later lenses in the same focal lengths range is the built-in tripod collar, that makes use on a tripod much more comfortable and provides a better balance – this is very handy especially on the long end of the focal lengths range.

Until the mid-80's there were only very few zoom lenses with decent optical quality that had a focal length range greater than double or triple – independent of who the manufacturer was. Even with the double or triple zoom lenses that are easier to master, many lenses from the 60s and 70's have optical quality inferior to the fixed focal length lenses. This affects mainly sharpness and contrast, but some zoom lenses from this era also have problems with distortions and especially in the wide-angle range many show strong vignetting. Most of the Konica zoom lenses belong to the better ones for their time, but still many of them cannot keep up to their contemporary, first-class fixed focal length lenses, nor to modern zoom lenses from the upper quality range.

For a zoom lens of this vintage, the Hexanon Zoom / Zoom-Hexanon AR 80-200mm / F3.5 has a very good image quality. Images are sharp and contrasty and virtually free from noticeable distortions. The lens is not particularly sensitive to stray light, a matching lens hood should be used consequently, however. A matching metal lens hood with inner velvet lining came with the lens when new.

Lens hood Konica Zoom-Hexanon 80-200 mm / F3.5

Lens hood
Konica Zoom-Hexanon AR
80-200 mm / F3.5

The Hexanon Zoom / Zoom-Hexanon AR 80-200 mm / F3.5 is offered once in a while, but is not a very common lens – thus it's neither very cheap nor very expensive. If you are looking for a zoom lens that covers short to middle telephoto focal lengths, provides very good image quality and relatively high speed, and to get this you do not mind to carry a huge and heavy lens, this one will serve you well.

Case Hexanon Zoom 80-200mm 1:3.5

Case
Konica Hexanon Zoom
80-200 mm / 1:3.5

Variations
Lens data
Angle of view: 30°-12°
Construction: 17 elements in 10 groups
Aperture: Fully automatic AE, smallest aperture 16
Closest focusing: 1.8 m (5 ft 107/8")
Filter thread: 67 mm
Length (at ∞): 201 mm (71516")
Weight: 1,200 g (2 lb 103/8 oz)
Lens hood: Metal, round, screw-in
Lens diagram: Lens diagram Zoom-Hexanon AR 80-200 mm / F3.5
More pages on the Konica Hexanon and Hexar lenses:

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