Hi all, Has anyone had any experience with the new(ish) nikon 80-400mm AF-S lens? All reports I've seen say it is very good wide open and full zoom, in fact good across the entire range. Can it be true?!! None of the zooms I own (Sigma 170-500 and Nikon 18-300) cope well wide open and max focal length so this new lens sounds ideal for birding, especially since going to a big prime is just way to dear. Anyone used this beast yet? Thanks Mitzy
Hi, Mitzy. I don't use Nikon but have read a lot about this lens.
It does seem very good but have read the VR is not very effective beyond 200mm, but you can't believe everything you read.
But to me the price is way to much for this lens.
Maybe update your Sigma for the newer 150-500 OS.
I shoot mine wide open @500mm 98% of the time and i am very happy with it.
Yesterday i was in a rainforest and had shutter speeds down to 1/30 handheld and was very surprised how well the OS worked.
Shorty......Canon gear
Canberra
http://www.flickr.com/photos/rawshorty/
Thanks Shorty, the price is a big factor as you say. The jury is out on Sigma cause I was not impressed with my current zoom & now the 18-300 nikon is looking less than a suitable choice for birding. The VR function is however very impressive. Decisions, decisions!