Posted by Tonia Graves on April 15, 2013 at 11:58 PM
Has anyone tried the new Nikon 80-400VR AF-S out yet or heard anything about it yet? I used to own the first version and it left a lot to be desired. I currently have a 200-400 VR lens, but it is a lot of weight to carry around on long walks. I'm thinking about getting something a bit lighter weight basically. Any insights would be welcome!
You might try to rent one and see what you think.
Sandy
Posted by Nick Baldwin on April 16, 2013 at 8:02 AM
I too had the first one-Nikon's 1st venture into VR if memory serves.
It was a great lens for static subjects. However as mainly an bird photographer I needed something that could track and acquire quickly.
I bought the 70-200 f/2.8 VR and 2.0TC and have used it for 7 years. I recently sold the 80-400 in mint condition. and traded my older 70-200 for the new one!
Here is the main thing, you can't use any teleconverter with the new one.
Whereas I am sure you are aware you can with your lens.
Not sure what link Sandy sent to you but there is discussion on it at dpreview.
have a great day.
Posted by Tonia Graves on April 16, 2013 at 10:17 PM
Sandy, thanks for the link, I found it very helpful as I was wondering the difference between the AF-S and the Sigma 50-500. Nick, I'm not sure why Nikon would not have designed this for use with a teleconverter? Seems to me that would be a selling point, especially considering the price.
You can use a 1.4 teleconverter (with at least the newer cameras.)
Local camera store is letting people try out the lens on a D7100 with the 1.4.
Posted by Rodney Ninow on April 18, 2013 at 9:58 AM
I have seen photos of birds taken with the the D7100 in crop mode, effectively making the lens an 800 5.6 and the images are super sharp. Looks like a winner.
Discussion
7 replieshttp://www.lensrentals.com/blog/2013/03/quick-take-on-the-new-nikon-80-400-vr
You might try to rent one and see what you think.
Sandy
It was a great lens for static subjects. However as mainly an bird photographer I needed something that could track and acquire quickly.
I bought the 70-200 f/2.8 VR and 2.0TC and have used it for 7 years. I recently sold the 80-400 in mint condition. and traded my older 70-200 for the new one!
Here is the main thing, you can't use any teleconverter with the new one.
Whereas I am sure you are aware you can with your lens.
Not sure what link Sandy sent to you but there is discussion on it at dpreview.
have a great day.
Local camera store is letting people try out the lens on a D7100 with the 1.4.
http://www.cardinalphoto.com/content/new-nikon-80-400mm-af-s-lens-ultimate-optics-safari-goers-and-soccer-moms
Wow, heavy and expensive, but looks like a terrific lens.
Sandy