I'm seriously thinking about breaking my bank managers heart and buying a nikon 200-400 f/4 VR lens. It's one chunk of money, so before I commit I was hoping to hear if anyone else has got this lens and what they think of it.
All thoughts pro and con received with gratitude as I don't want to make a mistake.
Well Gavin, just a quick glance at your site says it aint no waste of dosh, superb work. Rene is your man re 200-400mm.
Tim
Posted by Rene de Heer on April 6, 2006 at 12:57 PM
Gavin, i use this lens since a while and i think its the best allround telephoto lens around at the moment. It works great with the 1.4 and 1.7 converter, although the AF will slow down with the 1.7 converter.
If you have anything specific, send me a private message or ask on this forum and i will reply.
Rene de Heer
Hi Gavin
I got mine three weeks ago and have yet to really test it in the field, I have done some test shots and it rocks. I agree with Tim after looking at your site I don't think your wasting your money.
Hi Gavin,
On the recommendation of Rene de Heer, I purchased this lens a couple of weeks ago. I wanted to stay with Nikon, needed longer reach but wanted VR (that tends to limit your choice!!!) I was a bit apprehensive as the cost, obviously, makes any decision quite critical. The reach with a 1.7 TC is good but max aperture is then set at f6.3. The 1.4 TC is great (f5.6) and gives you a very usable focal length. The DX sensor factor providing the equivalent angle of view of a full frame 840mm. (Sorry, you probably know all of this!!!) The fact that I am rambling on indicates that I am overwhelmed with the lens. Build quality is superb. The weight is perfectly manageable in the field. The zoom ratio has been criticised but I think 200-400 is perfect for nature/wildlife photography (this lens blitzes the 80-400 VR for speed and quality of image IMHO). I shopped around for a reasonable deal but wanted a UK import. KP Pro were the cheapest a few weeks ago but AJ Purdy do a reasonable deal if you want any of the TC's as well. I had to wait a couple of weeks for one to arrive at Nikon UK. Grays of Westminster carry one in stock.
My views, so far, for what they are worth!!!
Thanks very very much for the advice. I was on the verge of buying one and I think you gave me the shove I needed. My bank manager will be in touch I'm sure I bought my D2X from AJ Purdy and some other bits and think they are pretty good so will probably go back to them.
Discussion
5 repliesAll thoughts pro and con received with gratitude as I don't want to make a mistake.
Tim
If you have anything specific, send me a private message or ask on this forum and i will reply.
Rene de Heer
I got mine three weeks ago and have yet to really test it in the field, I have done some test shots and it rocks. I agree with Tim after looking at your site I don't think your wasting your money.
Regards
On the recommendation of Rene de Heer, I purchased this lens a couple of weeks ago. I wanted to stay with Nikon, needed longer reach but wanted VR (that tends to limit your choice!!!) I was a bit apprehensive as the cost, obviously, makes any decision quite critical. The reach with a 1.7 TC is good but max aperture is then set at f6.3. The 1.4 TC is great (f5.6) and gives you a very usable focal length. The DX sensor factor providing the equivalent angle of view of a full frame 840mm. (Sorry, you probably know all of this!!!) The fact that I am rambling on indicates that I am overwhelmed with the lens. Build quality is superb. The weight is perfectly manageable in the field. The zoom ratio has been criticised but I think 200-400 is perfect for nature/wildlife photography (this lens blitzes the 80-400 VR for speed and quality of image IMHO). I shopped around for a reasonable deal but wanted a UK import. KP Pro were the cheapest a few weeks ago but AJ Purdy do a reasonable deal if you want any of the TC's as well. I had to wait a couple of weeks for one to arrive at Nikon UK. Grays of Westminster carry one in stock.
My views, so far, for what they are worth!!!
All the best,
Roy
Thanks very very much for the advice. I was on the verge of buying one and I think you gave me the shove I needed. My bank manager will be in touch I'm sure
Thanks again