Dialema

[Mr Noble]

Bought my lovely Nikon 70-200 F2.8 VR a few months back and apart from having to send it to Nikon twice to discover that the UV filter I had on it was distorting everything, its been great. (nice to know that Nikon have tuned it up to perfection twice for free!)

I've only used it properly 3 or 4 times and as I mainly shoot motorsport, airshows and the like, I'm always lusting after more zoom, and rarely desparate for the 2.8 ability.


I went to Duxford yesterday with V6GTO and his 100-400L and I spent the whole day thinking I'd be much better off with an 80-400 VR instead of the 70-200.

I was shooting at about f6-11 all day to get shutter times of 200-400ths.

Any thoughts from users of either.?


Anyone with a 80-400 who would rather have a 70-200 and wants to swop?

Greg

[chris.mapey]

I'd love to swop. But I don't have the 80-400 either

I'd say ebay is your friend. The 80-400 seems to be available from mid £600's if you import from HK.

The 70-200 VR's are making more than that.

Sell one, then buy the other & pocket the change perhaps?

Chris

[_dobbo_]

I have an 80-400VR minus the tripod collar and would be very happy to swap. I find I rarely need the 400mm and always am lusting after f/2.8.

I think to make the swap fair some money would have to go your way as well.

[V6GTO]

_dobbo_ said:

I think to make the swap fair some money would have to go your way as well.

Where in the world, apart from PH, would you here things like that?

PH...camaraderie matters.

Martin.

[Mr Noble]

Hmmm, there is an option.

Have just had the brain wave of getting a 1.4tc on it.

I wonder if it would then compare to the 80-400.

I hate this lens thing! What can't we just have simpo's 10-1000mm F1.2 VR and be done with it!


How do you find the 80-400 dobbo? Have you had any great results with it? Did you not get it off of another PH'er?

[Wyvern971]

Mr Noble said:

What can't we just have simpo's 10-1000mm F1.2 VR and be done with it!

Because I'd rather not have to use a golf cart to carry it about

though the lens described (if sharp, reasonably priced and light) would be every photographers wet dream come true

[chris.mapey]

Mr Noble said:

Why can't we just have simpo's 10-1000mm F1.2 VR and be done with it!

Aaah - Latest update from "VapourWare" lenses...

Last "prototype" I "saw" at Simpo's featured:

AF motors built in for D40 users (& Canon customers)

Interchangeable mounts to fit Nikon & Canon (there was no demand for any other fittings )

Max effective weight of 1.4kgs owing to the anti gravity unit that fits on to the tripod mount.

Solar charging panel to top up the camera batteries, optional charging jack for your mobile phone.

Sharpeness good enough for Ken Rockwell to shave with (even to the edges of the image) - even opened up to F1.2

Image stabilising built in - and it actually works with moving subjects - even if you use a tripod

Sadly, none of the above can be verified, as Simpo did not let me use the "working prototype" - I was allowed to hold a "non-functioning scale model" - the finish on this was apparently lacking the final solar coating, as the word "Pringles" was still visibile through the paint...I have had to rely on Simpo's own spec given to me.

Obviously I have no reason to doubt his claims that the lens will be available to preorder during Q4 this year...target price is £229.99 inc taxes & shipping.

Obviously this may be higher for Canon users, as Simpo uses a Nikon



Chris

[_dobbo_]

Greg,

I've only used the 80-400 two or three times, but have been very happy with the results on those occasions. The fact that I rarely use it coupled with the fact I always wanted a 70-200 more is why I'd be happy with a swap.

I got the lens from dcw@pr, and based on what I paid (it was a bargain too good to refuse) couldn't in good concience do a straight swap, I'd have to throw a couple of hundred notes your way I think.

That being said you might find the TC is a better answer - it may not be quite as good as the 80-400 at full extension but will be better up to 200mm...

The offer is open, the choice is yours!

[GetCarter]

...or you could swap with me and I'll throw in Ben's Pug