Results 1 to 14 of 14

Thread: My Nikkor 80-400 died. Advice needed for replacement

  1. #1
    Forum Participant
    Join Date
    Sep 2008
    Location
    The Netherlands
    Posts
    1,991
    Threads
    192
    Thank You Posts

    Default My Nikkor 80-400 died. Advice needed for replacement

    I had a problem with a stuck focus ring on my Nikkor 80-400 (old version). I sent it to Nikon for repair, but they want to charge me €800+ for the repairs . That's more than I paid for the lens in the first place, so it's time for a replacement.
    Any advice over any of the replacement options is very welcome!
    I'm using this lens mostly as a carry around lens while hiking for birds (occasional BIF), wildlife and larger insects. I'm shooting mostly handheld. My camera body is the D7000. I mostly shot the 80-400 at it's maximum focal length

    My options and considerations so far:
    - new Nikkor 80-400. I've read enthousiastic stories about this new lens here on BPN. I liked the old one already, except it was slow, which the new one is not. Pro: good IQ, relatively light, compact, fast, good VR and accurate AF. Takes 1.4 TC. Con: expensive!!
    - Nikkor 300 f/4. Pro: great IQ, light, ?? Con: no VR, slightly shorter. The patented 300 f/4 with VR still hasn't appeared, but it will probably be double the price of the old one, like with the 80-400.
    - Sigma 50-500. I've seen very nice images made with this lens her on BPN. Pro: cheaper than the Nik while more focal length. Con: heavier than the Nik, slightly less compact. What about IQ, AF and VR?
    - Sigma 150-500. See 50-500?? I've never seen images made with this lens.
    - Sigma 120-400. I've never seen images made with this lens.

    Another consideration might be the new Tamron 120-600, but I think this lens is too heavy and bulky for my needs.
    The Nikkor 80-400 is at the upper limit of my budget, so I'm not considering the 300 f/2.8 or the larger focal length primes.If I would go for a Sigma instead of the new Nikkor 80-400, I can almost buy the Tamron as an extra for different application with the money I save.

    Any advice, links to good reviews and/or sample images are very welcome.

  2. #2
    Forum Participant
    Join Date
    Jan 2008
    Location
    Sacramento, CA
    Posts
    3,469
    Threads
    495
    Thank You Posts

    Default

    I LOVE the new Nikon AF-S 80-400 VR for all the reasons stated. BUT......I have had mine for about 8 month and had to (this morning) send it in for repair of a seemingly serious internal problem. The zoom started getting stiff and after a while it became almost unmovable. At the same time, I started noticing dust on the internal elements, which turned out to be metallic grit, presumably from something inside the lens!!! Ugh! This should be covered by the warranty as the lens had never been bumped or dropped. I don't know if this has been a common problem with the lens. I have heard that internal dust can occurr which never did happen with the old version.

    I have owned 2 Sigma 400mm lenses, one MF and the other AF, and both fell apart in one way or another! MY 2 CENTS.

  3. #3
    Forum Participant
    Join Date
    Sep 2008
    Location
    The Netherlands
    Posts
    1,991
    Threads
    192
    Thank You Posts

    Default

    Thanks for your input Dan! The problem with your new lens sounds nasty. Given the rate Nikon seems to charge for repairs, I do hope that this is covered by you warranty.

  4. #4
    BPN Member Morkel Erasmus's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jun 2009
    Location
    South Africa
    Posts
    14,858
    Threads
    1,235
    Thank You Posts

    Default

    Of the options you listed I would really go for the new Nikkor 80-400mm. Which camera would you use it on mostly?
    I've found it works better with my D3s than my D800, but I'm happy with results on both. I only used it for one trip though, tested it out courtesy of Nikon South Africa.
    Morkel Erasmus

    WEBSITE


  5. #5
    Forum Participant
    Join Date
    Sep 2008
    Location
    The Netherlands
    Posts
    1,991
    Threads
    192
    Thank You Posts

    Default

    Thanks Morkel! What are the main reasons you would advise the Nikkor 80-400 over the others?
    I will be using it on the D7000.

  6. #6
    BPN Member Morkel Erasmus's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jun 2009
    Location
    South Africa
    Posts
    14,858
    Threads
    1,235
    Thank You Posts

    Default

    Jerry - it has VR and a lot of flexibility, which puts it above the old 300 f4 for me.
    It's really improved on the old version, and I think on the D7000 it will be beautiful match!
    I just don't rate those other Sigma lenses, especially on the long ends. The Nikkor holds its sharpness and IQ very well even up to 400mm from what I saw during my 7-day use of it.
    Morkel Erasmus

    WEBSITE


  7. Thanks Jerry van Dijk thanked for this post
  8. #7
    BPN Viewer
    Join Date
    Jan 2009
    Location
    Rio de Janeiro - BRazil
    Posts
    202
    Threads
    42
    Thank You Posts

    Default

    A lot of folks here in Rio de Janeiro use the D7100 + Sigma 50-500/OS.
    Check Robert OToole website for a reference of the 50-500/OS.
    http://www.robertotoole.com/

  9. Thanks Jerry van Dijk thanked for this post
  10. #8
    BPN Viewer
    Join Date
    Mar 2014
    Location
    Lafayette, Louisiana, USA
    Posts
    1
    Thank You Posts

    Default

    Hi Brand new here and, this is my first post.

    For years, I used the D7000 with the Sigma 50-500 lens and consider the two an excellent combo. I also have the new Nikon 80-400. I will give the Nikon the edge in weight and autofocus acquisition. However, it is not $1000 better than the Sigma. Value wise, I don't think you can beat the Sigma 50-500. I hand held the D700 and Sigma combo in a kayak and have gotten excellent results. IQ is very good. Especially, when you consider that 99% of the wildlife shots will be taken center focus.

    John

  11. #9
    Forum Participant
    Join Date
    Jan 2008
    Location
    Maryland's Eastern Shore, beside Fairlee Creek near the Chesapeake Bay
    Posts
    1,961
    Threads
    344
    Thank You Posts

    Default

    Hi Jerry.

    I also have a D7000 and the older 80-400mm Nikkor lens, which still works fine. You might, however, consider the new Tamon 150-600mm lens. It has very good reviews and stabilization, and many very sharp images have been posted using it. The word is evidently out on this lens, which costs only a little over $1,000. I've been on the pre-order list for one with B&H for over a month, but e-mails from them indicate that they can't yet fulfill my order. Still, I think it will be worth the wait, and I eagerly await this lens.

    Norm

  12. #10
    Forum Participant
    Join Date
    Sep 2008
    Location
    The Netherlands
    Posts
    1,991
    Threads
    192
    Thank You Posts

    Default

    Thanks John and Norm!

  13. #11
    Forum Participant
    Join Date
    Jul 2012
    Location
    Albuquerque, NM
    Posts
    2,132
    Threads
    193
    Thank You Posts

    Default

    Not to add more options, but what about the Tamron 120-600? I've read it's a great lens although I've never used it myself.

    If you worry about weight and size, I'd go with the 300 + 1.4x. That's as much reach as you had with better AF and I presume slightly better IQ.

  14. Thanks Jerry van Dijk thanked for this post
  15. #12
    Forum Participant Leigh Cojocar's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jul 2013
    Posts
    76
    Threads
    16
    Thank You Posts

    Default

    Not sure if you found something yet or not, but I can highly recommend the Tamron 150-600. I've only had mine for a week but I am already blown away with how well this lens performs for the price.

  16. #13
    Forum Participant
    Join Date
    Sep 2008
    Location
    The Netherlands
    Posts
    1,991
    Threads
    192
    Thank You Posts

    Default

    Thanks Leigh. I've sort of decided to go for the Nikkor, because its the only lens from my list of options that is weather sealed. My guess is that the old one broke up because of the lack of that. The Tamron seems like a great lens, but I think it is just too bulky for my application. I'm inclined to consider it as a possible future addition to my kit should I move to more 'planned in advance' setups.

  17. #14
    Forum Participant
    Join Date
    Feb 2011
    Posts
    2,162
    Threads
    668
    Thank You Posts

    Default

    You are probably better off with the new Nikon 80-400 (faster focus), but if you want an older 80-400, I have one in good shape.

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •  
Web Analytics