I can tell where this thread is going so lets not go there.

Drab,...It's very easy to sit behind a computer and throw insults. You do this well.

This forum is for enthusiast, pro's and even newbees. Please give the poster the respect they deserve. If you dont like the question, keep your comments to yourself.
They are not appreciated by many!

File this under: Who cares?

Lenses aren't for looking at, they're for looking through.

broxibear said:
It definitely has ED glass krevlingoodspeed but it was discontinued in 2007 according to the Nikon site http://www.europe-nikon.com/en_GB/product/discontinued/nikkor-lenses/2007/80-200mm-f-2-8-ed-af-s-zoom-nikkor
It says there's a "Light grey version available " do you have that one ?
I searched to see if there was any info about a silver band instead of a gold one but I couldn't find anything...your best bet is to send Nikon a quick email, they're usually pretty helpful.

I understand it's discontinued.

Also no, the light grey version is actually "white" and looks like a Canon lens (eww).

I guess I will e-mail them and hopefully get an answer.

Let's say a lens was damaged and the gold band lost would a Nikon Repair facility replace it?

Gareth said:
can you take photos with it?

LOL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The gold band has seems to become the standard now but has not been in the past. It helps on lenses like the new 24-120 F4 where it does extend (most pros do not) to distinguish a more pro build rather than the 28-300. Not to say other lenses are not built to a high level. I'm not sure what Nikon distinguishes Pro and non pro (gold ring) but it probably has to do with the internals of the lens rather than the paint or detail. If it is built like a bazooka gold ring or not, It is a pro line lens.

It definitely has ED glass krevlingoodspeed but it was discontinued in 2007 according to the Nikon site http://www.europe-nikon.com/en_GB/product/discontinued/nikkor-lenses/2007/80-200mm-f-2-8-ed-af-s-zoom-nikkor
It says there's a "Light grey version available " do you have that one ?
I searched to see if there was any info about a silver band instead of a gold one but I couldn't find anything...your best bet is to send Nikon a quick email, they're usually pretty helpful.

broxibear said:
Sorry krevlingoodspeed, confusion on my part about exactly which lens you're talking about.
So what you're saying is that it does have a band but it's silver instead of gold ?
I have no idea why it's silver but I'm sure if you contact Nikon support and ask them they'll know...it's possible they introduced the gold band after the first batch of that lens was made and you got one of those, but I'm speculating.

That could sound like a plausible reason.

I don't know. I mean yes this all a cosmetic thing, but it has ED glass, I did drop some big cash on it, it'd be nice to have that gold band if it belongs there and from what I can tell it does.

My serial is US 249955 if that helps.

Sorry krevlingoodspeed, confusion on my part about exactly which lens you're talking about.
So what you're saying is that it does have a band but it's silver instead of gold ?
I have no idea why it's silver but I'm sure if you contact Nikon support and ask them they'll know...it's possible they introduced the gold band after the first batch of that lens was made and you got one of those, but I'm speculating.

I am talking about the AF-S version which is why I said so in my first post.

At the end of the day I could probably trade it plus cash for the 70-200mm VRI but I really like my lens. Does anyone know why it's silver instead of gold?

I guess you could paint it in?

surely he means the AF-S 80-200mm f/2.8? http://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/80200afs.htm , not the AF-D? I think I've seen replacements on ebay, failing that use detailing tape like someone suggested.

if you're talking about the AF-D version, then....srsly dude.

The Nikon AF-S 80-200mm f/2.8D ED-IF never had a gold band, there is nothing to replace ?

Is NikoDoby on holiday or has he just given up...somebody close this thread...please !

:-) now now Drab, come on, keep it civil :-) (You did make me chuckle)!

If vanity is the issue a supplier for automotive body shops is the answer. Any color pinstriping tape is available in any width one could want.

Personally I'd go with pink.

Or maybe teal would better match your purse?

Gareth said:
can you take photos with it?

Like it! :-) Seriously though, as far as I am aware Seshan is correct, Nikon only puts Gold rings on the ends of their pro spec lenses. Is this one of them?

Does Nikon said official the truth meaning of Gold Band ? Canon said on Red Band ?

There was a similar discussion on a local forum regarding Canon's red band that one user had lost and wanted to replace. The best reply by far was: take a piece of red yarn and tie it around the lens.

can you take photos with it?

Gold bands are for nikons high end lenses.

Alright this is kind of a weird question.

First off my 80-200mm AF-S is awesome but it doesn't come with a gold band.

I have not been able to figure out why. It does have a silver band. I thought it meant it might be a grey market lens but it has US before it's serial number.

My question is, is there a place to buy a replacement gold band? Or does anyone know why mine is silver instead of gold?