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Archive 2013 · New Nikon 80-400mm Needs To Go On A Diet

  
 
SSISteve
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p.1 #1 · p.1 #1 · New Nikon 80-400mm Needs To Go On A Diet


I just got the new Nikon 80-400mm and it is one squatty fat little sucker. I haven't had a chance to shoot with it yet and my game plan was to replace my Nikon 70-200 VR1, Tamron 70-300mm, and possibly my Nikon 300mm f/4 with this lens. Time will tell but this thing needs to go on a diet.


Dec 04, 2013 at 05:13 PM
Jim8EL
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p.1 #2 · p.1 #2 · New Nikon 80-400mm Needs To Go On A Diet


Steve,

I would like to here your thoughts on whether it does in fact replace those 3 lenses after you've had a chance to put it though it's paces. I have the exact same lenses and would love to consolidate. Post some images when you can and give us your thoughts. Be well.

Jim

Edited on Dec 04, 2013 at 05:37 PM · View previous versions



Dec 04, 2013 at 05:22 PM
JohnC
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p.1 #3 · p.1 #3 · New Nikon 80-400mm Needs To Go On A Diet


Well I have the 70-200 and 70-300 but going on safari leaving tomorrow for South Africa, I decided to buy the new 80-400 since most of the interesting shots looked like they were taken at the 4-500 length and I also considered the Sigma 150-500 which is even bigger. I'm taking the Panasonic 100-300 to use with my OMD, we shall see if the micro mirrorless format stands up to full frame. My main issue with the smaller format is shutter lag.


Dec 04, 2013 at 05:34 PM
davidnholtjr
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p.1 #4 · p.1 #4 · New Nikon 80-400mm Needs To Go On A Diet


SSISteve wrote:
I just got the new Nikon 80-400mm and it is one squatty fat little sucker. I haven't had a chance to shoot with it yet and my game plan was to replace my Nikon 70-200 VR1, Tamron 70-300mm, and possibly my Nikon 300mm f/4 with this lens. Time will tell but this thing needs to go on a diet.


Once you use your "fat little sucker" you will sell all 3 of those lenses, it's that good.

I sold my 70-300 and 300/4 after I got it. Great lens. Enjoy it.



Dec 04, 2013 at 05:48 PM
ckcarr
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p.1 #5 · p.1 #5 · New Nikon 80-400mm Needs To Go On A Diet


Jim8EL wrote:
Steve,

I would like to here your thoughts on whether it does in fact replace those 3 lenses after you've had a chance to put it though it's paces. I have the exact same lenses and would love to consolidate. Post some images when you can and give us your thoughts. Be well.

Jim


And here is the thread...

https://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/1220559



Dec 04, 2013 at 06:02 PM
arbitrage
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p.1 #6 · p.1 #6 · New Nikon 80-400mm Needs To Go On A Diet


Most people are selling off there 200-400s after getting this lens. I think you will do fine selling off the lenses you list. However, always better to decide for yourself after some testing in the real world that you shoot in. I believe that is your plan anyways.

I've used the 80-400 and I like it, don't think you can make it much smaller for what it is.



Dec 04, 2013 at 09:08 PM
Frogfish
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p.1 #7 · p.1 #7 · New Nikon 80-400mm Needs To Go On A Diet


JohnC wrote:
Well I have the 70-200 and 70-300 but going on safari leaving tomorrow for South Africa, I decided to buy the new 80-400 since most of the interesting shots looked like they were taken at the 4-500 length and I also considered the Sigma 150-500 which is even bigger. I'm taking the Panasonic 100-300 to use with my OMD, we shall see if the micro mirrorless format stands up to full frame. My main issue with the smaller format is shutter lag.


Make sure you take a 24-70 or similar too .... many shots are very close to the vehicle.



Dec 04, 2013 at 11:09 PM
cebseb
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p.1 #8 · p.1 #8 · New Nikon 80-400mm Needs To Go On A Diet


I sold off my 70-200 VRII and my 200-400 VRI after getting this lens. I'm most definitely losing a couple stops of light and a few fractions of a second in terms of focus acquisition, but as far as sharpness goes, it's near negligible.

The 200-400 had superior bokeh and build quality as well, but the image quality (in terms of sharpness and contrast) take quite a hit when focused on anything 75 meters and out.

The 70-200 had to go as well since most of my shots were in the 100 and up range. I did love that lens though.

One thing you may have to consider is how the lens extends back and forth. This will most definitely make the lens more susceptible to dust intrusion in dry and arid environments. Then again, changing lenses may be as bad in terms of dust as the extending and retracting of lenses.

Even with all the sacrifices I had to make to stick with the new 80-400, the fact that I can take it with me as carry-on and not be given a hard time or charged extra is a godsend.



Dec 04, 2013 at 11:40 PM
m.sommers00
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p.1 #9 · p.1 #9 · New Nikon 80-400mm Needs To Go On A Diet


This guy didn't seem to think the 80-400 was too fat

I found it has its quirks, like focus chattering with AF-C and stationary targets, but overall I've managed to get some great shots while in Africa.

http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5535/9400033467_45c33accc8_b.jpg



Dec 05, 2013 at 12:59 AM
MikeW
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p.1 #10 · p.1 #10 · New Nikon 80-400mm Needs To Go On A Diet


I thought I'd be interested in this lens, but after using it I didn't like it. I don't like lenses that extend, it feels cheap & is definitely on the chubby side

But, the copy I have used managed to cartwheel down a sandy & rocky goat track & came out unscathed, so yeah.



Dec 05, 2013 at 02:25 AM
playerofwar
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p.1 #11 · p.1 #11 · New Nikon 80-400mm Needs To Go On A Diet


All lenses that eat VR become fat.
I would put it on a non-VR diet .



Dec 05, 2013 at 04:29 AM
elkhornsun
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p.1 #12 · p.1 #12 · New Nikon 80-400mm Needs To Go On A Diet


My 80-400mm lens is going off to Nikon's repair center tomorrow. Even with a stationary subject the point of focus will jump when the shutter is released and move the point of focus enough that the subject is no longer in focus. With a series of 7 images taken in succession the first had the point of focus jump up, second shot was dead on, third show was to the right, fifth shot was too the left, sixth shot was too the left, seventh shot was on target, eight shot had the point of focus shift to the right.
I could see the focus point indicator jump in the viewfinder and after reviewing the pictures I was clear that the point of focus really did jump with the shutter activation.

This is peculiar to this lens. I have never had the problem with any other lens I have owned including the first generation 80-400mm VR lens. I hope Nikon can fix the problem or I will have a very expensive door stop.



Dec 17, 2013 at 08:06 PM
runamuck
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p.1 #13 · p.1 #13 · New Nikon 80-400mm Needs To Go On A Diet


Get some dumbbells and start doing curls. Get a couple at wallyworld and work out. Arms build up in no time. Then the lens will not need a diet.


Dec 17, 2013 at 08:57 PM
Steve Perry
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p.1 #14 · p.1 #14 · New Nikon 80-400mm Needs To Go On A Diet


You should try my 600mm - the 80-400 is petite by comparison. And makes a fantastic lens for hand holding or shooting form a kayak or car. I had a 200-400 and (call me crazy) didn't like it. This lens gives me the sharpness and flexibility I really want in the 80-400 (mostly 300-400) range - and the size is just right IMO.


Dec 17, 2013 at 10:25 PM
Frode
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p.1 #15 · p.1 #15 · New Nikon 80-400mm Needs To Go On A Diet




Jim8EL wrote:
Steve,

I would like to here your thoughts on whether it does in fact replace those 3 lenses after you've had a chance to put it though it's paces. I have the exact same lenses and would love to consolidate. Post some images when you can and give us your thoughts. Be well.

Jim

A 4.5- lens will never be able to replace a 2.8- lens. Never!



Dec 18, 2013 at 01:06 AM
rick_reno
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p.1 #16 · p.1 #16 · New Nikon 80-400mm Needs To Go On A Diet


elkhornsun wrote:
My 80-400mm lens is going off to Nikon's repair center tomorrow. Even with a stationary subject the point of focus will jump when the shutter is released and move the point of focus enough that the subject is no longer in focus. With a series of 7 images taken in succession the first had the point of focus jump up, second shot was dead on, third show was to the right, fifth shot was too the left, sixth shot was too the left, seventh shot was on target, eight shot had the point of focus shift to the right.
I
...Show more


Please report back if they can fix it.



Dec 18, 2013 at 09:16 AM
binary visions
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p.1 #17 · p.1 #17 · New Nikon 80-400mm Needs To Go On A Diet


A diet? Seriously?

A lens that includes VR, AF-S and goes out to 400mm? It's only 130g heavier than your 300mm f/4 and it includes VR, a faster AF-S motor and a lot more focal lengths.

I thought it was kind of a cute little lens, especially next to the 200-400mm f/4 it replaced...



Dec 18, 2013 at 10:52 AM
molson
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p.1 #18 · p.1 #18 · New Nikon 80-400mm Needs To Go On A Diet


cebseb wrote:
I sold off my 70-200 VRII and my 200-400 VRI after getting this lens.


I was thinking along the same lines when I first got my AF-S 80-400, but after the initial honeymoon period was over, I realized it wasn't nearly as sharp as either of those two lenses, and I really didn't like the weight and the clumsy handling, so I sold it.



Dec 18, 2013 at 01:17 PM





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