thanks for posting the sample shots. This lens definitely interests me. I just sold the 80-400G because it is big and I didn't really love it for wildlife. The background looked weird except for a certain sweet spot distance, and it was rarely fast enough for the dawn/dusk animal activity here in Colorado.
I would love a fast tele but they are just too big and expensive so this might be the perfect compromise for me.
Andre Labonte wrote:
Interesting ... how does the new Canon lens perform? DO may be the wave of the future for the long tele lenses should these early lenses prove popular.
Aside from the 'big-white' build quality of the 400/4 DO II, the performance is very similar in Canon's range as the 300/4E VR is in Nikon's; extremely sharp, flare resistant, with above average rendering (better than zooms), so just shy of the faster lens in each company's lineup; i.e., 400/4 DO II is to 400/2.8L II as 300/4E VR is to 300/2.8G VRII.
binary visions wrote:
I appreciate you posting such early samples, they sure look good.
I'm surprised at the quality of the swallow with the 1.7x. I've used the 300mm f/4 + 1.7x extensively and I'm used to a small amount of smearing of the fine feather detail - areas like the tip of the tail where you might normally lose sight of the individual ... uh, barbs I think they are called?
Looks pretty nice to me. My wallet just jumped off my desk and hid in the corner.
Thank you very much for your lovely comments and thoughts.
This is an almost "must have" lens for anyone who shoots birds or wildlife.
johnctharp wrote:
Lance, no complaints about the processing!
What I'm looking at is the background rendering, where the bokeh exhibits just a tad bit of noisy character. What I'm looking for here is what might separate the 300/4E VR from it's much more expensive siblings; if it isn't smooth, likely due to the use of Phase Fresnel optics, then one can easily understand why PF technology has not yet been used in the top of the line lenses.
I completely agree and something that I want to see how it fares as well compared to the 300 f2.8 VRII. If it is as sharp as my 300/2.8 and has as good OOF rendering/bokeh etc, then I may even think of selling it off! Thats a big call as my 300 f2.8 is my favourite and best rendering lens.
I'd like to see more shots with the sun in the frame and some with city lights at night to see how the flare really is. If it's acceptable for that this lens might find it's way into my bag.
Imagine that - I could carry a 300/4VR and 400/5.6 ED-AI in one lumbar pack!
jbonzo1 wrote:
Lance, as previously stated, it's the photographer first, equipment second. Well done.
Having said that, I'm very impressed with the lens and the AF of the 810. So much that now I really want them!
Thank you very much for your lovely comments, bonzo1.
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birdied wrote:
Thank you for posting these. They look wonderful! Of couse ths talented photographer has a lot to do with it. I preordered mine , can't wait to get it now .
Birdie
Thank you very much for your very kind comments and thoughts, Birdie!
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Red G8R wrote:
Maybe time to sell my 2.8.
If it can match my 300 f2.8 VRII, then I may even sell mine.
TaTaToothy wrote:
Fantastic shots! This lens seems like a really positive step for Nikon. Very very impressive to be able to take shots like these with such a relatively small, light, reasonably priced lens.
Thank you very much for your lovely comments. It's almost a game changer lens.
mysh wrote:
thanks for posting the sample shots. This lens definitely interests me. I just sold the 80-400G because it is big and I didn't really love it for wildlife. The background looked weird except for a certain sweet spot distance, and it was rarely fast enough for the dawn/dusk animal activity here in Colorado.
I would love a fast tele but they are just too big and expensive so this might be the perfect compromise for me.
Thank you for your thoughts. I am hoping to get some shots at the zoo tomorrow where I can try the lens out more thoroughly both bare and with TC's, using more aperture combinations etc. This should hopefully give me a very good feel for how this lens compares to the more expensive exotics like my 300 f2.8 VRII.
. Thank you for your positive reply....I think.