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DPChallenge Forums >> Hardware and Software >> Nikkor 80-400mm VR.. any good?
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Showing posts 1 - 9 of 9, (reverse)
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 08/04/2004 04:06:42 PM · #1
Hi all,

I had the chance to try the 70-200 VR f2.8 and it totally rocks! But it doesn't have the reach I want. You might say, hey Yanik, put a 2x TC on it or something.... but I'd rather have a 400mm and then put a TC on it! :-)

Anyway, has anyone tried or owns the 80-400mm f4.5-5.6 ED VR? What are the pros and cons? I've read many reviews but I would like DPCers' imput. :-)

Thanks!

Yanik
 08/04/2004 04:25:26 PM · #2
I have one and love it. It's a bit heavy, but produces sharp images at all focal lengths. When using VR (handheld) you can easily shoot at 2 stops better than a non-vr lens. On a tripod - you need to remember to turn VR off.
08/04/2004 04:54:15 PM · #3
I own this lens too. And, I love it. In fact, I plan to sell my AF-S 80-200mm f2.8D as it is redundant and rarely used. I find the 80-400 just as sharp and it is lighter too.

I highly recommend this lens. I have a matching x2 converter from Nikon and have used it to achieve 160-800. It works fine as well. Buy it, you will love it too.
 08/04/2004 06:03:07 PM · #4
:-) Gooooooooooooooooooood!!! Thanks for the input!!
 08/04/2004 06:23:06 PM · #5
Originally posted by kosmikkreeper:
but I'd rather have a 400mm and then put a TC on it! :-)

Out of curiosity, how do you intend to focus with a 2X TC on that lens? That would make the 80-400 the equivalent of 160-800/Æ’9-11 wouldn't it?

Message edited by author 2004-08-04 18:23:18.
 08/04/2004 06:42:22 PM · #6
Originally posted by Morgan:
I own this lens too. And, I love it. In fact, I plan to sell my AF-S 80-200mm f2.8D as it is redundant and rarely used. I find the 80-400 just as sharp and it is lighter too.


I'm assuming your 80-200 is the older lens before the 70-200? Other than the fact you dont use it anymore what did you think of it?
 08/04/2004 07:01:38 PM · #7
Originally posted by kosmikkreeper:

Anyway, has anyone tried or owns the 80-400mm f4.5-5.6 ED VR? What are the pros and cons? I've read many reviews but I would like DPCers' imput. :-)



Here's a photograph that I took of Chicago's skyline from 7 miles (!) away, handheld, using the 80-400mm VR lens:

//www.trekearth.com/gallery/North_America/United_States/photo62191.htm

This wasn't even at full extension - it was just at 270mm focal length.

I don't really know much about equipment, but I have very shaky hands and can't focus well so the VR works for me. In fact I was so pleased with this lens that I acquired another VR (24-120 1:3.5-5.6 G ED) for my everyday use.

Message edited by author 2004-08-04 19:02:57.
 08/04/2004 07:06:39 PM · #8
Originally posted by EddyG:
Originally posted by kosmikkreeper:
but I'd rather have a 400mm and then put a TC on it! :-)

Out of curiosity, how do you intend to focus with a 2X TC on that lens? That would make the 80-400 the equivalent of 160-800/Æ’9-11 wouldn't it?


On a sunny day????? :-)
 08/31/2004 07:41:51 AM · #9
Originally posted by moodville:
Originally posted by Morgan:
I own this lens too. And, I love it. In fact, I plan to sell my AF-S 80-200mm f2.8D as it is redundant and rarely used. I find the 80-400 just as sharp and it is lighter too.


I'm assuming your 80-200 is the older lens before the 70-200? Other than the fact you dont use it anymore what did you think of it?


So sorry for the extended delay in responding, I have been traveling again.

The 80-200mm is reputed to be one of the best lenses that Nikon has ever produced. I have owned three variations of this lens over the past 30 years and can state that it is sharp, clean, and crisp. The colour is truthful and the focal length range is perfect for general photography.

My latest variation is an auto focus fast f2.8D version, which is terrific for just about any application. But, as you noted, it is now discontinued in favour of the 70-200 VR. I am not too sure why a VR lens is required at this short focal length, but it may be offered to better serve the aging population cohort of baby boomers?

Regardless, I still prefer the softer 80-400mm VR lens due to the focal length. I am a telephoto fanatic, so longer is better for me. I prefer images with just one subject that is isolated and simple. This is easily achieved with longer lenses. Especially, because of the DOF that comes with longer focal lengths.

Message edited by author 2004-08-31 07:42:25.
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