400mm Prime or Zoom ?

I am a very happy man today, my wife has given me the ok to purchase a new camera and 400 mm lens.
I am switching from Pentax to a Nikon D300 after Christmas.
I shoot mainly from a 17' boat for loons and moose. etc..
Should I go for a prime like the Nikkor 400 / 2.8 because it is supposed to be sharper and faster or should I purchase the Nikkor 200 - 400 / 4 because its handy and I can't stand backing up.
Are they both equally sharp?
Is the 200-400 fast enough to use for flight?
I will be buying the sigma 100 to 300/ 4 for use in the heavy bush when the moose are in rut and when hiking.
Can you help me Alfred, James, anybody?

Thanks,

Michael Bertelsen
www.algonquinparkphototours.com

I'm sure some Nikon shooters on here can give you their input, but the 200-400VR is an awesome lens!! It almost makes me want to buy a Nikon!! :)

I am fortunate to have both. I am very pleased with the slightly newer 400VR. If I had to choose I would go for the 400VR as 2.8 is great for early morning/late afternoon. Of course it is costlier, sorry.

If I have money for a Nikon 400 f2.8 VR, I will buy the 500 f4 VR instead. Or pay a bit more to get the 600 f4 VR. I think 400 f2.8 is a bit short but is also heavier than the 500 mm.

As for if 200-400 f4 VR is fast enough for flight shot, take a look at Raymond Barlow's posts here, just one of the examples you can find right here at BPN.

Just my thoughts.

I used to have both, and sold the 200-400. It's all a matter of what you'll be shooting the most. Both are great glass, but the 400 is definitely better in low light and focus acquisition is much faster. My copy also takes all three teleconverters very well. If you think you'll be doing alot of composing and framing, the the zoom may be best. Then again, why not ask the wife if you can try both, if you can swing it? You won't lose much, if any, money if you sell one of them after trying them a few months.

Thanks guys,

I think the 200-400 might be the lens for me, seems like you all agree its very sharp and it will do for flight even though its not high on my list. I think David's thoughts are going the same way as mine, I shoot alot of moose but a moose is just a moose after a while then you find the landscape plays a far more important role more and more.
Does the 200 - 400 come with a good protective bag?
If I decide to buy a D700 in the future will the 200 -400 work with a fx camera?

Thanks for all the help guys,

Michael

The 200-400 comes with an excellent bag. If you want to you can remove the top section of the padding and use it for the lens with a body attached, depending on safe use of course. The lens will work fine on an FX body.

Thanks Alan,

I would not what to drag that expensive piece of glass through the bush without protection.

Michael

Be sure to get a lens coat for any of your long lenses. They protect the lens from bumps, scrapes and dings while also helping to retain the cosmetic resale value. The only Nikon lens I miss since I moved to Canon is the 200-400VR.

Jim

Michael the 400 2.8 is one huge lens. Strongly suggest getting the 200-400. At a later date you complement with the 500 or 600 !!!

I am not a nikon user. However, I use the 400f2.8 of Canon. It is a huge lens. You need to hit the Gym hard if you plan to buy that lens. I would love a 200-400 f4 Zoom. Unfortunately canon doesn't have one. The 100-400 Canon gives nice results but is not fast enough. I have heard lots of good stuff about the Nikon 200-400. Good luck.

Thanks Guys,

I just ordered my 200-400 Nikkor, I don't even have a camera body for it yet.
Could'nt wait till Christmas, the Canadian dollar is dropping fast and the next batch of Nikkor lens to come into the country will cost more I imagine.

Cheers,

Michael Bertelsen

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Michael Bertelsen

the Canadian dollar is dropping fast and the next batch of Nikkor lens to come into the country will cost more I imagine.

Cheers,

Michael Bertelsen

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Canadian dollar just went up today (Oct 29, 2008). "Experts" say in a few months it would be up or on par again.

Enjoy your lens, Michael. I am extremely happy with mine - complements the D300 beautifully and mine works well with the 1.4x and 1.7x converter. 1.4x OK for BIF but 1.7x hit and miss for this but great for static subjects. I find the zoom very useful compositionally and the image quality and Bokeh are great. Works fine on the D700 but I find the D300 better for birds as better AF point coverage of the viewfinder gives more compositional flexibility and 1.5x crop factor gives you 300-600mm equivalent.

That would be great Desmond, I still have to buy the D300.
Thanks Tony, I saw your photos looks like the lens is a winner.

Michael

Michael I would recommend the D300 for the zoom I have a D3 but rarely use with the 200-400 I like the corp factor making the lens a 300-600 f4.0 !!! It is one fine lens !! .... btw I have posted some head shots with a 2.0X razor sharp !!!

Hi Michael, The 200-400 is awesome. Later, you might want to add a 600.

If you're not set on Nikon Canada, I know where you can get a D300 with less than 4k shutter clicks for a reasonable price ;)