I had the AFD (1st version) and wasn't crazy about it. Slow AF and soft past 200mm. Now have the AFS version. It's much better in both regards. But, I never really -loved- it. So, I bought a Nikon 300mm f4 VR PF and TC-14Eii last summer. The AF on that lens is blazing, but when shooting into bright lights (railroad engine headlights) it makes huge glowing blobs. So I nearly quickly sold it. In the end I kept it because it's so light and the blazing fast AF is useful for some things I shoot. And that brought me back to looking for something to replace the 80-400mm AFS. I nearly bought a Nikon 300mm f2.8 VR, but couldn't then justify keeping the 300mm f4. The 300mm f2.8 is very heavy and fairly big, and it doesn't zoom. I ruled out the Nikon 200-500mm (no nano coating) and other similar lenses. In the end I still have the 80-400mm AFS not because I love it, but because I really haven't found anything I like better. By default it is a pretty good lens. I'm also keeping the 300mm f4 PF to use for hiking, travel, and when I need instant AF. If you're on a budget, I too suggest the generation older 300mm f4 AFS + TC-14E.
The same kind of reason I have mt AF-S 80-400mm lens as you Two23.
I have the fantastic 70-200 E FL but wish Nikon makes a stellar upgrade on their 80-400mm with all bells and whistles. For now is there a void in the lens lineup from Nikon on a multirange zoom lens.
ckcarr wrote:
It's the G. I had the D in the beginning and always hated it. As soon as the G was available I was very happy it had finally come out and bought it that day.
Thanks, good to know. I'll steer her that way.
It's between the 80-400 and the 200-500. She'll probably opt for the lighter lens.
So, I bought a Nikon 300mm f4 VR PF and TC-14Eii last summer. The AF on that lens is blazing, but when shooting into bright lights (railroad engine headlights) it makes huge glowing blobs. So I nearly quickly sold it. In the end I kept it because it's so light and the blazing fast AF is useful for some things I shoot. And that brought me back to looking for something to replace the 80-400mm AFS. I nearly bought a Nikon 300mm f2.8 VR, but couldn't then justify keeping the 300mm f4. The 300mm f2.8 is very heavy and fairly big, and it doesn't zoom. I ruled out the Nikon 200-500mm (no nano coating) and other similar lenses. In the end I still have the 80-400mm AFS not because I love it, but because I really haven't found anything I like better. By default it is a pretty good lens. I'm also keeping the 300mm f4 PF to use for hiking, travel, and when I need instant AF. If you're on a budget, I too suggest the generation older 300mm f4 AFS + TC-14E.