Nikon 80-400 f/4.5-5.6 ED AF VR

[Romy Ocon]

Features:

Nikon's 80-400mm high-power zoom lens features an innovative Vibration Reduction (VR) system that allows handheld super-telephoto zoom shooting in poorly lit conditions. The VR system minimizes image blur caused by camera shake, and offers the equivalent of shooting at a shutter speed 3 stops (8 times) faster. The lens offers a natural viewfinder image even during VR operation and also detects automatically when the photographer pans. It is ideal for candid, portrait, sports photography and more.

Note! AF not supported by D40 and D60 cameras.

• Vibration Reduction (VR) minimizes image blur caused by camera shake (cancelable).
Two VR modes available:
1) Vibration Reduction for both the viewfinder image and the image on film. Moderate VR operation is executed to ensure viewing comfort for the viewfinder image.
2) VR for the image on the film only (conserves battery power).
Compatible with Nikon's F5, F100, N80, N65, D70, D100, D1 & D2-series (or newer) cameras.
• New optical design incorporates three ED glass elements for superior optical performance throughout the entire zoom range
• Built-in A/M switch enables instant switching from autofocus to manual focus (Lock mechanism provided)
• Focus range limiter for smooth focus operation
• Detachable tripod mounting foot provided
• Filter attachment does not rotate during focusing or zooming.



Specs:

Filter Size 77mm
f/Stop Range 4.5-32
Minimum Focus Distance 7.5'
Magnification 1:4.8
Zoom/Focus Control Two-touch
Angle of View 30 to 6 Degrees
Groups/Elements 11/17
Tripod Collar Yes (detachable)
Length 6.7"
Maximum Diameter 3.6"
Weight 2.9 lb

[Martin Alvendia]

What I know about this lens:

- This lens was released in 2000. At that time, Canon had already long relased a series of IS lenses. This lens was therefore Nikon's reaction to Canon's successful IS system, making it Nikon's first attempt in using the VR Mechanism.

- The 80-400mm is the only VR equiped lens that's still AF-D. The rest having the much quieter and faster AF-S system.

My Testimony:

I've had this lens for almost 2 years already and it has been my workhorse for my Bird and Sport Photos. As expected, this lens is quite slow to focus. In fact, most of my birding buddies would attest that I rarely take BIFs because the focusing would be at the edge of being frustrating. But the slow AF has greatly taught me patience and mastery of ninja stalking skills, which are musts in bird photography. The AF may be slow, but it will focus just in for you to take your subjects. This is true even during my D80 days, which is much slower to focus than my current D300.

Aside from its slow AF speed, I will vouch for this lens becasue of the sharp iamges it can produce, even at wide open aperture settings. Its size and weight are just right, which makes handheld shots easy. Plus, it is not that ard to lug it around, especially if you're in the field or treking the mountains.

Most Nikonians would agree that lens long needs an upgrade. But I truly believe this lens is great for beginners and enthusiasts. If I were to rate it, I'd give it 4 out of 5 Stars. Or 4 Darth Vaders since this lens is from the Dark Side. Hehe....

Nikon D80+Nikkor 80-400mm VR Zoom @ 400mm, f/5.6 1/250sec, ISO 200, Manual Exposure, Handheld:

[Romy Ocon]

Excellent user report Marts.... your copy of this lens is among the sharpest I've seen!

[JP Cariño]

I would still have this lens with me if I wasn't offered a swap to a 70-200 2.8 nikkor. It was just too wrong not to take the offer despite the non AF-S features, this lens is tack sharp. Like Martin i would give it 4 stars. This lens has its purposes and should be kept in one's arsenal. Given the chance to purchase one again, I would do so in an instant. Here's a sample photo from my floating blind days:



Nikon D300+Nikkor 80-400mm VR Zoom @ 400mm, f/8 1/400sec, ISO320, Manual Exposure, manfrotto ballhead, floating blind:

[Romy Ocon]

Love the detail, colors and low angle of this one, JP!

[Edu Lorenzo Jr]

if I may.

Coupled with my D90, this lens is great!!! Agree with Martin on the size and weight factor as a plus out in the field. AF Speed is also lacking in performance, coming from a Sigma, I miss the HSM. I must say though, that the VR on this lens is excellent (although I find the 'click-shake' action when the VR kicks in as a bit of a nuisance) and I have survived this long without a tripod.

Before I went to buy this lens, I dug up a lot of articles particularly the negative ones about it. Am unsure if I am just lucky but I have read that it is soft at wide open. I beg to disagree, here is a sample shot that I took within 2 weeks of using this lens.

Camera: Nikon D90
Exposure: 0.002 sec (1/500)
Aperture: f/5.6
Focal Length: 400 mm
ISO Speed: 200

Some also say that at f8, the IQ suffers.. again, I disagree

Camera: Nikon D90
Exposure: 0.001 sec (1/800)
Aperture: f/8.0
Focal Length: 400 mm
ISO Speed: 200

I agree though, that this lens was not built to freeze motion and BIF shots are limited to slow flyers of the likes Herons, egrets and terns.

Camera: Nikon D90
Exposure: 0.001 sec (1/1000)
Aperture: f/5.6
Focal Length: 400 mm
ISO Speed: 100