Nikkor 80-400 AFS
Discussion
Anyone used one ?
Seems like everyone I know is buying Sig 150-600 C/S but Im not a fan.
I have the old 70-300 and its not bad, bit soft at the long end, so I dlike something better.
Have toyed with a 70-200 2.8 and a 1.4 but dont know of thats worth doing ?
Would like a bit more length so Im not using it extremes, but the 150- stuff all starts to long for me.
Seems like everyone I know is buying Sig 150-600 C/S but Im not a fan.
I have the old 70-300 and its not bad, bit soft at the long end, so I dlike something better.
Have toyed with a 70-200 2.8 and a 1.4 but dont know of thats worth doing ?
Would like a bit more length so Im not using it extremes, but the 150- stuff all starts to long for me.
As an 80-300 lens it is a very nice bit of kit.
The problem is that most people buying a telephoto lens can't get close enough even with a long lens. So critical sharpness at the 400mm max is key, and the Sigma/tammy/nikon 150-500/600's are just so much better at 400mm and 500mm than the 80-400 is at 400mm, especially when you use something like a 24mpix DX 7100 as the sensor.
Which is a bit harsh on the 80-400, its a very useful lens *if* you can get close enough and need the flexibility.
There is a guy I know who shoot with D7100 and 80-400 almost exclusively, have a look at his work on Flikr:
Dartford warbler by John Rowland, on Flickr
The problem is that most people buying a telephoto lens can't get close enough even with a long lens. So critical sharpness at the 400mm max is key, and the Sigma/tammy/nikon 150-500/600's are just so much better at 400mm and 500mm than the 80-400 is at 400mm, especially when you use something like a 24mpix DX 7100 as the sensor.
Which is a bit harsh on the 80-400, its a very useful lens *if* you can get close enough and need the flexibility.
There is a guy I know who shoot with D7100 and 80-400 almost exclusively, have a look at his work on Flikr:
Dartford warbler by John Rowland, on FlickrBy various accounts the Mk I version was a bit of a poor compromise all round. Was never tempted.
I handled the latest version a few years ago - but didn't use it in anger. Certainly nice to wield, well built etc.
Of course, it depends what you want to use it for. I moved onto a 300mm f/4 AF-S - sometimes with TC 14 or TC 20. I think it's just great (with an aftermarket and much more sturdy tripod foot, mind!)
If money was no object I'd look at the super-fancy E (and maybe a TC17 for occasional use) which I think is an unbeatable bit of tech for a mid-length in a very handy package.
I handled the latest version a few years ago - but didn't use it in anger. Certainly nice to wield, well built etc.
Of course, it depends what you want to use it for. I moved onto a 300mm f/4 AF-S - sometimes with TC 14 or TC 20. I think it's just great (with an aftermarket and much more sturdy tripod foot, mind!)
If money was no object I'd look at the super-fancy E (and maybe a TC17 for occasional use) which I think is an unbeatable bit of tech for a mid-length in a very handy package.
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