NEW Nikon 80/400mm f4-5.6

ndwgolf

ndwgolf

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Neil Williams
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I have some questions about the above lens
  1. Has anyone on here got one
  2. If you have one......any regrets buying it
  3. Has anyone that has this lens taken it on a Safari......very dusty conditions
  4. Has anyone that has this lens used it in up to minus -15 degrees
  5. Last but not lease how does it compare to the Nikon 70/200 as far as IQ is concerned
Thanks in advance........... I also have another question related to the above but will wait and see what kind of response I get to this as that might answer my other question
 
1. Many.
2. Yes. It's possibly the single most unreliable lens design I've encountered. The zoom mechanism is very prone to failures.
3. Not me personally, but loads of my clients have. No major issues so long as you take the obvious precautions.
4. No data, but no reason to expect problems.
5. Image quality is very very good. Not inferior to the 70-200.
 
1. Yes
2. a little - wish I'd waited to get the Sigma 150-600mm Sport... & will think about possibly getting rid of it over christmas.
I always feel UNDERWHELMED with the pics when using it especially compared to the 70-200.
3. No
4. Yes - Skiing in the Alps - - Zero issues - worked fine.
5. Personally think the 70-200 knocks it out of the park - to the point I've almost stopped using the 80-400 in favour of the 300mm VR2 with a 1.4 tele.
 
StewartR said:
1. Many.
2. Yes. It's possibly the single most unreliable lens design I've encountered. The zoom mechanism is very prone to failures.
3. Not me personally, but loads of my clients have. No major issues so long as you take the obvious precautions.
4. No data, but no reason to expect problems.
5. Image quality is very very good. Not inferior to the 70-200.
Click to expand...
Thanks for the info Stuart.....I'm leaning towards not getting this lens :(
 
Diving Pete said:
1. Yes
2. a little - wish I'd waited to get the Sigma 150-600mm Sport... & will think about possibly getting rid of it over christmas.
I always feel UNDERWHELMED with the pics when using it especially compared to the 70-200.
3. No
4. Yes - Skiing in the Alps - - Zero issues - worked fine.
5. Personally think the 70-200 knocks it out of the park - to the point I've almost stopped using the 80-400 in favour of the 300mm VR2 with a 1.4 tele.
Click to expand...
Cheers Pete
Thats the bit that worries me , spending a fortune on a once in a lifetime holiday to come home disappointed because you had the wrong gear with you
 
I'm the same as you Neil,

I got the 80-400 for my wife as its lighter than the 300 2.8 that I use & she uses it with a D7100. Her results have not been anywhere close to the same level as the 300mm f2.8.

Personally, I don't think you would be happy with it.

If I was looking for a zoom then the Nikon 200-500 may be more suited to you, as I know you aren't keen on the Sigma 150-600 Sport....
 
Pete
I really wanted this lens but just have this thing bugging me about the "Not more than three times zoom" that I was told a long time ago about buying zoom lenses. I know that was 2009 and now is 2015 but I am seriously leaning towards just getting an extra D810 and use the lenses that I already have, that I know won't disappoint me as far as IQ goes.
I was out today with the D800e for the first time on the 600mm f4......I will post up some pictures later :)
 
I really like the 80-400 mainly for the range + the image quality aint too shabby either! :cool:
There have been a few comparisons Vs the 70-200 + TC & reading them helped me with the decision to get the 80-400. eg; http://www.cameralabs.com/reviews/Nikon_Nikkor_AF-S_80-400mm_f4-5-5-6G_ED_VR/verdict.shtml

If you want another lens simply for the good range between near/far, then there is nothing wrong with the 80-400 at all.
If you want another lens simply for the good range between mid/far, then I'd go for the 200-500
If you want another lens simply for near/mid distance, then I'd go for the 70-200
 
I have one and it is great apart from being a little on the heavy side, fast focus and the VR is excellent.No complaints so far
 
No issues with mine...

I think a big problem with these types of lenses is that they are long, but too light. The lower weight reduces inertia/stability and encourages poorer technique (i.e. handholding).
 
This is what I posted last time someone asked about it, my lusting for a 500f4 overcame me and sold my 80-400 but really miss it for flexibility.

I have been really pleased with mine on my D800e trouble is now I am lusting after a 500 f4 or other major prime (which is unfair to compare as they cost around 3x the price ! and probably weight at least 2x !) but here are some samples from what I have taken with it nothing great compared to some people on this forum but ones I have been happy with

Some of below were heavy crops

Takeoff by Adam Sibbald, on Flickr

White Tailed Sea Eagle - Skye by Adam Sibbald, on Flickr

White Tailed Sea Eagle - Skye by Adam Sibbald, on Flickr

White Tailed Sea Eagle Scotland by Adam Sibbald, on Flickr

Exmoor Short-eared Owl by Adam Sibbald, on Flickr

African Elephant by Adam Sibbald, on Flickr

Black-backed gull by Adam Sibbald, on Flickr
 
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