New lens just ordered

realspeed

realspeed

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Bazza
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I have been looking and doing a lot of research on this lens for the past few weeks and decided while I can afford it get it. Ok so which lens am I talking about?

Its the Nikon AF-S Nikkor 80-400mm f4.5-5.6 G ED Vr lens from HDEW cameras.com. Why from them as it may be a grey import? well I have had several grey imports in the past with no problems so I can't see any with this lens. Being nearly £400 cheaper than advertised on a camera price comparison site I decided to take a punt at it.

If I use it on my Nikon D300 it will do around 560 mm with a 1.4 TC, very handy for wildlife watching

I do have the 70 -300mm f4.5-5.6 G VR at present which I don't know if I will keep or not, will have to try out this new lens first. possibly selling some other lenses i don't use as well so watch this space
 
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The old model would not take a TC mate, will the new version do so?
 
It only works with manual TCs.

Therefore, no autofocus, no matrix metering and no VR.
 
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Hdew must hold UK stock too as they told me if I ordered one on Friday just past it would be here on the Monday (I've still not pulled trigger yet but very close) I'd be interest how quick yours comes and what you think of it
 
Yes is the quick answer from what I have read. On a D800 autofocus from F8 onwards but I stand to be corrected. however on my D300 in DX mode so it will give more reach than the 70-300mm lens so I have a win/win situation

Quote" As to the second question, the only teleconverter you can use on the 80-400mm is the TC-14E, and really only on the most recent bodies (D7100, D600, D800, D4), which support autofocus at f/8. You're at the margin with focus even with those cameras, and I detect some variability to the focus performance that wasn't quite there at 400mm f/5.6, even on the bodies that only accept f/5.6 for autofocus. Since you're using 560mm (with the TC) usually for distant things, even a small focus error can impair your results. I'd say that the owners of those cameras (D7100, D600, D800, D4) would pretty much always be better off selecting a crop setting on the camera instead of adding the TC-14E. "unquote

extract from

http://www.dslrbodies.com/accessori...lens-reviews/nikon-80-400mm-f45-56g-af-s.html
 
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Unless they have radically changed the design, TCs would not physically fit on the old model. The rear element prevented them mating.

I would double check if you intend to use a TC with it mate.

Saying that, it is a very useful lens and the old version I had was very good optically. The AF was slow, but I believe it to be a lot better on the new version.

Best of luck with it Baz.
 
kendo1 said:
It only works with manual TCs.

Therefore, no autofocus, no matrix metering and no VR.
Click to expand...

Not strictly true, "AF is possible even with a 1.4x teleconverter when attached to an f/8-compatible camera" (e.g. D800/D4) - on other cameras it may work but Nikon doesn't specify it as a working option.
 
Gramps found this for that lens

  • AF with teleconverter: AF works even when a 1.4x teleconverter is attached to an f/8-compatible camera.
 
The review I read must have been wrong. Apologies.

But how about metering and VR
 
Ken

I will find that out when I get the lens, however as i more than likely be using a tri /monopod the VR question may not be an issue.

Metering I should imagine would bring up the same issues as using it without a TC
 
Iam sure I have seen online the AF-S 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6 G ED ( The Newest Version ) Can fully function with VR and Metering with the TC-14E / TC-14EII with a body that focuses down to f/8 compatible camera. Which makes the lens a 110-560mm f/6.3-8 or on a DX Body a 170-850mm.
 
I have the Sigma 1.4 TC so trying out on my D300 and D800 should be interesting
 
Jan

Quote " And Nikon did release a firmware update for D300 to make it use the new 800mm lens??

I have not ordered an 800mm lens @ £14000 so not bothered about firmware updates anyway, but I have the A1.11 and B1.11 already on my D300. Also added Portrait and Landscape into the shooting menu which arn't on the D300. Also bolted on an MB D-10 battery pack with EN-EL-4a x2 batteries(one spare).
 
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Neither am I ordering that 800mm monster!
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But what I meant was, that the firmware update did something with AF capabilities on the D300(s), so thought it would be worth a look!

Some users over at NikonCafe reported AF to be "snappier" after the update.

Good luck with the lens!
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It's on my wish list as well, but wallet says wait...
 
Glad to hear it Bazza - I'll look forward to the results.
 
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Not yet Adam and I am not expecting it until at least the weekend or next week,I am in no hurry so can wait. On their web site the do say anything between 3-5 days before ready to post and then at least another day or so in postage. They have acknowledge payment and will be processed ASAP. Got absolutely no worries as I paid by credit card and the credit card statement for the last lot came today ,so no more credit card statements for a few weeks before payment.

http://www.trustpilot.co.uk/review/hdewcameras.co.uk
 
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Just received the 80-400mm lens at 2.30 pm today and first impressions are WOW what a difference from my other lenses. First of all weight, hooked up with a D800 and battery pack and Speedlight SB-900 is just over 7lb, heavy enough around the neck all day to send you straight to the DR,s next day, definately a camera/lens setup requiring a monopod so one can carry it over the shoulder.

Size

BIG BIG BIG compared to the 70-300mm vr lens, infact about a third bigger all round. Now I happen to like big and heavy ( not to swing around quickly and hit someone) but I find the heavier the less camera shake hand held. This brings me on to focus speed and yes it is quick something I won't have to worry about too much.

Handling

AS pointed out in reviews the collar base is a bit on the small size and possibly needing an longer bracket to bolt on underneath. Whilst on the collar removal is one of those that can only be taken off in certain positions and not worth the effort, better to swing it out of the way. The focus and distance rings are very smooth with the distance ring being the furthest away.

VR at 400mm

AS I only got it just before it started getting dark I really havn't had much chance to really try it out, but from the couple of test shots I did manage it quickly stop the camera shake, but as regards shutter speed and time hand held I can'tforsee any problems.

Tele converter

I did manage to quickly try out my Sigma 1.4 version but got a little concerned with the connection of the TC at the camera side with this lens on it. There was too much play for my liking and I would worry something might break so won't be attempting that again.

Lens hood

Long, very long, infact long enough for a bird to nest in it , it also has a push button release which isn't a bad thing as it will stop it from coming undone
Cost

Is it expensive? yes and no depending on how wealthy you are and how keen a photographer. So is it worth it? depends on what I have just said. Here in the UK I got it for £1609 delivered from HDEW Cameras from £300 to £800 cheaper than on here

http://www.camerapricebuster.co.uk/N...4.5-5.6G-ED-VR

So can't complain and it was delivered within their time scale.

I have not managed to do a proper field test at the moment so can't comment .

Would people notice it when on a shoot say in a Zoo for example? Yes and it would get other photographers coming up to you to ask questions and you can't hide it under a coat.

Just one thing thinking on it, when at 400mm although supposed to be weather proofed. The actual extn part that goes inside the main lens body I would wipe down first if it was raining or in a dusty environment, just to be on the safe side

OK that is my first impressions just a question of using it properly now

 
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Thanks for the mini-review!
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But careful with hiding it under the coat! "Is that a lens, or are you happy to see me"?
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Good tip of wiping the extended front part, when wet! That's a "downside" of these exetending lenses.

Cool setup!

Is it just me, or are lenses getting smaller over time? Thinking back, what I thought was big, isn't any more?
Same goes with prices, btw....
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Good stuff Bazza.

I also liked the locking hood, but it's a bit of a squeeze to get the lens cap back on if you want to while it's in place. (unless you have small hands)

I found the VR & AF speed excellent.

In half decent light I found it excellent for BIF too.

I found the zoom lock button (creep) wasn't needed, although it may `loosen` slightly after time?

One thing I did notice after a few weeks use, was a bit of dust behind the front element. No effect on images though. Would be interested on your thoughts/findings on this.

I think it's a cracking lens!

Happy shooting.
 
realspeed said:
Would people notice it when on a shoot say in a Zoo for example? Yes and it would get other photographers coming up to you to ask questions and you can't hide it under a coat.
Click to expand...

Why would people ask questions :thinking:
 
The English are Nosey ;) I have even had people asking me when I had my 70-300mm lens fitted to my camera and what a great way to talk about your hobby to others with the same interest. I have done it myself when I spotted a person with a 200-400mm lens to find out first hand what he thought about it.
Maybe north of the border people are more reserved and don't like to ask
 
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How are you getting on with the new lens, Bazza? (presumably, with the terrible weather you haven't used it as much as you'd like, yet)
 
realspeed said:
I have the Sigma 1.4 TC so trying out on my D300 and D800 should be interesting
Click to expand...

How do you find performance with & without TC?
Do you find `crop ability` on the D800 adequate, without the TC?
 
Quite interested in this lens mate, any update on how your going on with it?

@realspeed
 
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