Experiences with the new Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR Lens

2

Comments

  • heartyfisherheartyfisher Posts: 3,186Member
    edited December 2018

    I don't get this ..why would you pay 2000+ for a 80-400 when I just paid 400 for a Tamron 100-400 and 800 for a N 200-500

    A bit less than 1100 USD :-) couldn't resist :-)

    Post edited by heartyfisher on
    Moments of Light - D610 D7K S5pro 70-200f4 18-200 150f2.8 12-24 18-70 35-70f2.8 : C&C very welcome!
    Being a photographer is a lot like being a Christian: Some people look at you funny but do not see the amazing beauty all around them - heartyfisher.

  • PB_PMPB_PM Posts: 4,494Member
    The 80-400mm VR, D or AF-S. are not exactly known for being stellar, personally I'd skip it unless one really need the zoom range. Hope it works out for you.
    If I take a good photo it's not my camera's fault.
  • heartyfisherheartyfisher Posts: 3,186Member
    edited December 2018
    I am hoping it would.. I have been using my 70-200 f4 (really nice) with my d500 and sometimes with the tc17 (is ok) .. I gave away my old tamron 200-400 f5.6 and have been missing that reach... was looking at getting the tamron 100-400 but it does not work with that z7/6.. so this 80-400 looks like it would fit well with my system... which includes a 16-80 and maybe a z6 soon.
    Post edited by heartyfisher on
    Moments of Light - D610 D7K S5pro 70-200f4 18-200 150f2.8 12-24 18-70 35-70f2.8 : C&C very welcome!
    Being a photographer is a lot like being a Christian: Some people look at you funny but do not see the amazing beauty all around them - heartyfisher.

  • SportsSports Posts: 365Member
    The 80-400 G is not as sharp as the 200-500 or some other new designs. That's to be expected when a lens offers 5 x zoom. The G version is, however, a huge step forward from the D!!!
    I use it for airshows, where the 200-500 would be useless for my shooting, as things can get "much wider than 200mm" in a few seconds.
    D300, J1
    Sigma 70-200/2.8, 105/2.8
    Nikon 50/1.4G, 18-200, 80-400G
    1 10-30, 30-110
  • DenverShooterDenverShooter Posts: 416Member

    I don't get this ..why would you pay 2000+ for a 80-400 when I just paid 400 for a Tamron 100-400 and 800 for a N 200-500

    Because I only need to carry one lens instead of two.

    You are already at $1,200 (800 + 400)..

    And the new version of Nikon 80mm to 400 rocks...

    Denver Shooter.
  • heartyfisherheartyfisher Posts: 3,186Member
    edited December 2018



    And the new version of Nikon 80mm to 400 rocks...

    Denver Shooter.

    Man you got me so ... frustrated waiting a few more days !!!! Arrrgh !! .... ( breath... Patience .... )

    Yes those 2 for this one was also my thought.. and the crazy good ebay price I couldn't resist .. ...

    Now I am thinking i dont need my 70-200 F4 anymore? .. but its so lovely...

    Post edited by heartyfisher on
    Moments of Light - D610 D7K S5pro 70-200f4 18-200 150f2.8 12-24 18-70 35-70f2.8 : C&C very welcome!
    Being a photographer is a lot like being a Christian: Some people look at you funny but do not see the amazing beauty all around them - heartyfisher.

  • SportsSports Posts: 365Member
    Keep the 70-200! It's definitely a better lens for this range. And much lighter.
    D300, J1
    Sigma 70-200/2.8, 105/2.8
    Nikon 50/1.4G, 18-200, 80-400G
    1 10-30, 30-110
  • PistnbrokePistnbroke Posts: 2,443Member
    edited December 2018
    Denver shooter….but its the 100-400 for the wife on her 7200 and the 200-500 on the 850 for the birds for me
    Post edited by Pistnbroke on
  • heartyfisherheartyfisher Posts: 3,186Member
    Sports said:

    Keep the 70-200! It's definitely a better lens for this range. And much lighter.

    Yeah it is a lovely little thing. Went to my friend's daughter's wedding at the botanic gardens last weekend. Sure was perfect for some nice informal snaps.
    Moments of Light - D610 D7K S5pro 70-200f4 18-200 150f2.8 12-24 18-70 35-70f2.8 : C&C very welcome!
    Being a photographer is a lot like being a Christian: Some people look at you funny but do not see the amazing beauty all around them - heartyfisher.

  • spraynprayspraynpray Posts: 6,545Moderator
    800 FOR A 200-500?
    Always learning.
  • PistnbrokePistnbroke Posts: 2,443Member
    edited December 2018
    £804 actually, Grey of course, I think it was shipped from Portugal..no problems pin sharp.
    Currently £869 at E infinity but prices have gone up a bit in the last couple of weeks due to Brexit/ exchange rate ..bought lots from these people never had a problem.
    Post edited by Pistnbroke on
  • heartyfisherheartyfisher Posts: 3,186Member
    So the 200-500 was about the same(50 less ) as what I paid for for my 80-400.

    Its a good price.. But I think I can pat myself on the back for what I got mine for :-)

    PS: Picking it up tomorrow... hope its not broken or crap or cant focus straight .... cos it just feels "too good to me true" and most cases it usually is... ...
    Moments of Light - D610 D7K S5pro 70-200f4 18-200 150f2.8 12-24 18-70 35-70f2.8 : C&C very welcome!
    Being a photographer is a lot like being a Christian: Some people look at you funny but do not see the amazing beauty all around them - heartyfisher.

  • PistnbrokePistnbroke Posts: 2,443Member
    edited December 2018
    hope it goes well .I just bought a N 24-85 VR for £50 as it had a mark "under the front element" . It did but between the two front elements and fungus in the back. £20 refund , cleaned out the fungus and there we have a serviceable N 24-85 for £30
    Post edited by Pistnbroke on
  • heartyfisherheartyfisher Posts: 3,186Member
    edited December 2018
    Just picked it up.. my 80-400.. its ok... but there are some signs that its been "buzy". there are dust in side the lense internal elements Zooming out to 400 you can see very fine dust rings on the new exposed barrel of the lense. AF seems a bit "clunky" but it may be I am used to the smooth AF of my 70-200 F4 and 16-80. The clunkyness is about the same as my old 18-200 if it was the same size... anyone has the 80-400 who can share their experience with the AF ?

    Yeh I may keep the 70-200 f4.. sure appreciating it :-) light and fast AF silently.

    Zooming is not smooth. catches a bit. Maybe I just need to be more assertive when I zoom. I am probably too dainty.

    The front element was also not pristine .. seems the previous owner wiped it down a bit before sending but didn't do a great job.. would seem to indicate that this ol lense was not looked after very well. at least its found a better home now :-).

    I will probably keep it... not too bad for less than half price..
    Post edited by heartyfisher on
    Moments of Light - D610 D7K S5pro 70-200f4 18-200 150f2.8 12-24 18-70 35-70f2.8 : C&C very welcome!
    Being a photographer is a lot like being a Christian: Some people look at you funny but do not see the amazing beauty all around them - heartyfisher.

  • Capt_SpauldingCapt_Spaulding Posts: 729Member
    Hearty, How's the IQ?
  • PB_PMPB_PM Posts: 4,494Member
    edited December 2018
    Dust inside of that kind of zoom is common, it's almost inevitable with a cam type zoom like the 80-400, unless you only ever use it in a clean room. Considering that these types of zooms are very popular with wildlife shooters, it's very likely that it's been used outdoors extensively.
    Post edited by PB_PM on
    If I take a good photo it's not my camera's fault.
  • heartyfisherheartyfisher Posts: 3,186Member
    edited December 2018

    Hearty, How's the IQ?

    Its better than my old 200-400 F5.6 Tamron :-) so thats good .. :-)

    Not as good as my 70-200 F4 but that is darn good. I am not sure if it is better than my 70-200 + TC17. So that is not a good thing.

    Will be taking it out for a good work out in a couple of days. So will see how it goes then.

    Looks like AF acquisition is also very good. I also wont need to do any micro adjustments.
    Post edited by heartyfisher on
    Moments of Light - D610 D7K S5pro 70-200f4 18-200 150f2.8 12-24 18-70 35-70f2.8 : C&C very welcome!
    Being a photographer is a lot like being a Christian: Some people look at you funny but do not see the amazing beauty all around them - heartyfisher.

  • heartyfisherheartyfisher Posts: 3,186Member
    edited December 2018
    PB_PM said:

    Dust inside of that kind of zoom is common, it's almost inevitable with a cam type zoom like the 80-400, unless you only ever use it in a clean room. Considering that these types of zooms are very popular with wildlife shooters, it's very likely that it's been used outdoors extensively.

    Had another look.. its not as bad as I first thought .. esp after I cleaned the front element .. Thinking if I should get a filter for it... dont think it will help much as I will probably baby it a bit more than I should :-)

    There is dust inside but as you say its to be expected for these types of Zooms.
    Post edited by heartyfisher on
    Moments of Light - D610 D7K S5pro 70-200f4 18-200 150f2.8 12-24 18-70 35-70f2.8 : C&C very welcome!
    Being a photographer is a lot like being a Christian: Some people look at you funny but do not see the amazing beauty all around them - heartyfisher.

  • Capt_SpauldingCapt_Spaulding Posts: 729Member
    As you noted, the 70-200f4 sets a pretty high bar. Mine is painfully sharp. It sounds good to me so far. I'll be interested to see how it goes with your workout.

    Good luck.
  • PB_PMPB_PM Posts: 4,494Member
    Once you use the higher end stuff, with internal zooms, better build quality and sharpness, the other stuff seems like cheap toys, even if they aren't actually that cheap.
    If I take a good photo it's not my camera's fault.
  • Capt_SpauldingCapt_Spaulding Posts: 729Member
    I'm probably safe from that PB-PM. As much as I would love a stable of low f-number long (and short) primes and internal zooms, I can barely scrape enough pennies together to buy the "cheap toys." It has a way of simplifying complex decisions. :)
  • spraynprayspraynpray Posts: 6,545Moderator
    It does indeed.
    Always learning.
  • heartyfisherheartyfisher Posts: 3,186Member
    edited December 2018

    Fun lense but heavy ...

    Not as sharp as I hoped for.. maybe it needs servicing ?
    Post edited by heartyfisher on
    Moments of Light - D610 D7K S5pro 70-200f4 18-200 150f2.8 12-24 18-70 35-70f2.8 : C&C very welcome!
    Being a photographer is a lot like being a Christian: Some people look at you funny but do not see the amazing beauty all around them - heartyfisher.

  • PB_PMPB_PM Posts: 4,494Member
    It’s not know for being super sharp, the 70-200 F4 and 200-500 blow it away in that department.
    If I take a good photo it's not my camera's fault.
  • spraynprayspraynpray Posts: 6,545Moderator
    Is that the earlier 80-400 Hearty? looks as soft as butter to me.
    Always learning.
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