Nikon 80-400VR and 300/2.8VR with 2TCIII for airshows

[merv]

I am looking for opinions on this lens and lens combination for airshows. I own the 300 and 2TCIII and this teleconverter seems brilliant with no perceptible loss IQ. Mind you I havent tried it with the 300 lens. merv

 

[specialman]

Can't speak for the 300mm + TC but I've used the 80-400mm quite a few times as a rental and although a decent preformer, its slow AF and soft(ish) IQ at the long end mean it's not a lens meant for high-speed subjects. The VR function works great and between 80-200mm it's very good optically; up to 300mm it's fine but start pixel peeping at 400mm and you may be disappointed. It's time for an upgrade really....

 

[scottthehat]

merv maybe look at a sigma 150-500mm or the 50-500mm os, i love my 50-500mm os,heres some shots taken when out bird hunting.

 

[D3S]

I agree having used both in times past, used correctly the Bigma can be easier to work at airshows compared to the 80-400. You might also find turning OS/VR off will help reaction times, considering you'll be notching up shutter speeds with flying subjects in the most part

 

[merv]

Thanks guys that makes sense. merv