Good news for Nikon users, the new 80-400 is here!

[arash_hazeghi]

http://www.nikonusa.com/en/Nikon-Products/Product/Camera-Lenses/2208/AF-S-NIKKOR-80-400mm-f%252F4.5-5.6G-ED-VR.html#!

at $2700 is no longer a cheap zoom but that usually means the optics must be pretty good!

here is a link to MTF charts for some zoom lenses from Nikon, the difference between the old and new 80-400 is day and night

http://nikonrumors.com/2013/03/05/nikkor-af-80-400mm-f4-5-5-6d-vs-af-s-80-400mm-f4-5-5-6g-specifications-comparison.aspx/#more-55308

time for Canon to update the 100-400 or the 400 f/5.6!

[Christof Ruch]

Oh - just in time, I as was just thinking about replacing my "old" Sigma 100-300 f/4 as my walkaround lens with a 70-200 f/4 + 1.4x TC. The new 80-400 looks like the lens I wanted to have for the last 5 years, but now that I own and mostly use a 500 I find the price tag and the weight hefty (same weight as the Sigma 100-300 - which is heavy, for the causal "additional" lens)

Thanks for sharing!

[arash_hazeghi]

good zoom lenses are always heavy...:)

[shane shacaluga]

Looks good.

How do you think the IQ will compare against my 300f4 with 1.4x TC? Would be a lot more flexible for hiking

[arash_hazeghi]

Looks good.

How do you think the IQ will compare against my 300f4 with 1.4x TC? Would be a lot more flexible for hiking



I don't know but according to Nikon it's much better

[Jack Breakfast]

time for Canon to update the 100-400 or the 400 f/5.6!


Indeed! I switched to Canon so I could purchase the 400 f5.6, which is obviously a terrific lens (particularly for flyers) but I would go crazy if Canon updated either of those two lenses. Unfortunately I've been spoiled by the remarkable IS and AF speed of the 70-300L and although one doesn't need IS for flying birds, it certainly helps the brain and heart, gives a man a sense of inner peace to look at a perfectly steady subject in his viewfinder. As for me, my lens and camera function also as binoculars as I walk around. But I will NOT switch back to Nikon, even though they sometimes make it tempting...

[shane shacaluga]

I am now having indecent thoughts about this lens and a 1.4x tc on any of the new nikon bodies that would allow AF at f8. Pretty flexible handholdable setup up to 560mm.

[John Chardine]

The key will be the AF speed. The original was a dog and I'm sure the new one is an improvement.

[Jack Breakfast]

And the new one shall be approximately TWICE as expensive. Yikes! Same will go for the new Canon 100-400 if it ever comes out...

[arash_hazeghi]

I am now having indecent thoughts about this lens and a 1.4x tc on any of the new nikon bodies that would allow AF at f8. Pretty flexible handholdable setup up to 560mm.

you should check Nikon's site to see if it takes a TC.

But unfortunately there is no shortcut to 500mm, A slow zoom lens will focus very slow with a TC and you need to stop down for sharpness that means you will be shooting at f/11.

it won't work IMO :(

[Norm Dulak]

:S3:
The key will be the AF speed. The original was a dog and I'm sure the new one is an improvement.

Unlike the older version, this is an AF-S lens that is not camera driven. It also has the improved VRII. Still, the older lens is remarkably sharp and capable unless you need faster focus for BIF. I think I'll keep the older lens.

BTW, Linda and I have facing, full page images published in the new Spring issue of Nature Photographer. We captured those images in the Peruvian Amazon using our 80-400mm Nikkor lenses on our D7000s.:S3: Our lenses are definitely not "dogs".

Norm

[shane shacaluga]

The site says it does allow a TC but as you say, it could make the AF bog slow and IQ not great.

I need to keep saving....

Congrats on the shots in the magazine. Was that with the old lens or were you there testing this new version?

[Norm Dulak]

The site says it does allow a TC but as you say, it could make the AF bog slow and IQ not great.

I need to keep saving....

Congrats on the shots in the magazine. Was that with the old lens or were you there testing this new version?

Thanks Shane.

We used the older lenses. My point is that unless you really need faster autofocus, the results produced by the older lenses are consistently excellent. Linda and I have had outstanding performance from them for many years.

Norm

[Morkel Erasmus]

I'd be VERY keen to see this lens' actual performance.
I have the 500mm but have been thinking about "someday" investing in the 200-400mm as well as the versatility for wildlife work is awesome.
If this is tack sharp with decent AF it's going to be a real option for many...

[Sinuhe Hahn]

For what it is worth, here are Scott Kelby's impressions:
http://scottkelby.com/2013/first-real-world-field-test-new-nikon-d7100-af-s-nikon-80-400mm-f4-5-f5-6-ed-vr-lens/

The MFT curves look very impressive - looks like it could be a handy lens.

[Paul Guris]

Not bird photography specific, but here's a recent review with sample images for the new 80-400:

http://aboutphography.blogspot.com/2013/03/nikon-80-400mm-f4.html