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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.
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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.
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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.
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BPN Member
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.
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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.
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BPN Member
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.
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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/
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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
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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
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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.
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Forum Participant
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.
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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.
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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.