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Thread: Nikon 300 f4, Nikon 80-400vr, or Sigma 120-400

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    Default Nikon 300 f4, Nikon 80-400vr, or Sigma 120-400

    I currently shoot a Nikon D90 and have a Nikon 70-200 vr and a 1.7tc that I am using for bird photography. While this combination works to a degree, I am looking for a little more reach.

    The lenses I am considering, given budgetary restraints and what I am willing to carry around all day, are the Nikon 300mm f4 with a 1.4tc, a Nikon 80-400vr or possibly a
    sigma 120-400. I would also like to have the lens work well for insect shots.

    I would appreciate other peoples' insights into these choices. Thank you for any responses.

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    Hi Joe,

    I have shot with the 300 f/4 and the 80-400 and between the two I favor the 300mm by a very wide margin. It focuses faster than the 80-400 and its IQ is superior. You can get good results with the 80-400 if you step down the aperture but that means slowing down an already slow lens.

    The 300mm works well with the 1.4 TC and the 1.7 TC (I have had some af problems with the 1.7) so you can get more reach from it. The 80-400 will give you some rather strange bokeh at times.

    The 80-400 is very versatile lens but there are some trade off for that versatility.

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    300mm F4 + TC14eII all the wayy..
    seriusly, you cant beat that lens.

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    I would be inclined to suggest it is a tie between the 300mm AF-S with a 1.4 and the 80-400VR.
    Why? The 80-400 has VR!! I would imagine you are looking to hand hold at those focal lengths that's when VR really pays off.

    Add an extension tube and any of the lenses above will work for insect photography.

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    I suggest you rent or borrow an 80-400 before buying one. It isn't AFS and the focus is frustratingly slow if you're used to AFS lenses - and if you're doing things where speed of focus is an issue. I like the 80-400 as a crawling on the ground lens, the subjects are more static, the zoom and light weight help.

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    I hear rumblings that Nikon is going to introduce an upgraded to it's 80-400.

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    Quote Originally Posted by Alfredo Fernández View Post
    300mm F4 + TC14eII all the wayy..
    seriusly, you cant beat that lens.
    +1 Best Nikon glass for the money spent.

  8. #8
    Robert K Griffith
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    Default Nikon 300 f4, Nikon 80-400vr, or Sigma 120-400

    Hi Joe,

    After doing a lot of research myself on the same topic, I went with the 300mm F/4 and have been really happy with it so far. By itself, or with the TC-14EII, the focus is really fast. I got the TC-17EII as well. From the feedback I got from folks I talked to, I was prepared for really slow AF with the TC-17EII, but in sensible light (most birding light), it's quite fast as well. I came had an Olympus 70-300, and the Nikon 55-300 previously, both of which were really slow. The AF speed with this lens in any circumstances is worlds better. It's fantastically sharp for the price. I'd buy it 100x over. If you'll be using a tripod, be sure to get the replacement collar from Kirk.

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    Quote Originally Posted by Chris Poole View Post
    I hear rumblings that Nikon is going to introduce an upgraded to it's 80-400.
    I heard that too so I sold my 80-400 over 2 years ago. I am still waiting. Actually, I bought and sold another copy of the 80-400 along the way.
    I am in the camp that the 300 f/4 with 14 has much better IQ.

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