p.22 #2 · Official Nikon DSLR images, videos and discussion thread
bs kite wrote:
I know what you mean regarding the 80-400 G (AFS). For several years I ignored it, but am now seeing more value. It is becoming a go-to. I've used it for years, with the Canon 500D, to do super-sharp close-ups. I have no need for any long macro.
This lens checks *all* the boxes, and unlike the exciting new 100-400Z, the 80-400 AFS can be used on a DSLR or a MILC (with DTZ).
Yesterday, I went to a beach, attempting to prove the D850/80-400 worthy of action video. I carried slim hopes. As expected, it failed the first test miserably. But the problem is not in the lens. I believe the problem is that the D850 AF is very poor through the LCD. I will do more experimenting though, until I move to the Z9.
I bought the 80-400AFS (G) in 2016 and the 850, the year it came out (2017?).
This Nikon 80-400mm AF-S is tack-sharp. It focuses super-fast. Through the viewfinder, this rig keeps up with the fastest incoming dogs. And the lens has Nikon's outstanding vibration reduction.
Here are a few shots from yesterday, of "Gus", the little French bulldog.
Images of the *running* dogs I post today, were photographed a few weeks ago.... all through the viewfinder. Sorry, I may have posted a couple of them, a few weeks ago.
Gus looks like an awesome dog ! I sold my 80-400 and replaced it with the 70-300 AF-P FX. Not saying it was a horrible decision as the whole idea was to create a capable, lightweight walk around option but there are too many times I wish I had the extra 100mm. This was shot during a literal "walk in the park" with my wife, daughter,son-in-law, and new grandson. I had the 70-300 in my bag just in case. But this is why I don't like 300mm slow lenses for any type of wildlife. Even though I could get close enough in this instance I would have much preferred the subject isolation that I could have gotten by using my Sigma 150-600 S at say 500 or 600mm. Now if it was a 300 2.8 that's a whole different story, but then again, I wouldn't have been carrying it in this situation. Quite a conundrum
As far as Liveview on DSLR's go, I've replaced that D5200 with a D5600 for walk around and I've found the focus and general usability of the Liveview feature seems better on these consumer, entry level bodies. Maybe Nikon knows a lot of users are more comfortable with this feature ?
p.22 #3 · Official Nikon DSLR images, videos and discussion thread
bs kite wrote:
F3HP, 300mm EDIF, Fujichrome 100
You seem to have quite a long history with SLR/DSLR's. I can't help but think you may be a little torn about your move to mirrorless. I can see why you might be making the move, seems like a great new system, but maybe just a little mixed emotion ??
p.22 #6 · Official Nikon DSLR images, videos and discussion thread
sum1sgrampa wrote:
You seem to have quite a long history with SLR/DSLR's. I can't help but think you may be a little torn about your move to mirrorless. I can see why you might be making the move,
seems like a great new system, but maybe just a little mixed emotion ??
DSLR can't continue to give me *all* I want from my nature photography into the future.
There are three aspects of the pro-level mirrorless that I want.
1. Fast, accurate and silent shooting, probably out to about 15fps. When loons are in close, I miss focus on probably the majority of images. That should greatly improve with eye focusing.
2. That fast, accurate and silent shooting is also included in a tilting screen. I cannot get that in a 45 mpx Nikon DSLR
3. Video! I have been shooting video clips for a couple of years now. Imo, video is difficult and I am relatively new to it. Apparently, with the Z9, Nikon has dramatically improved video.
I am excited about the potential for high-grade video
However, after seeing beginning postings of video clips of action wildlife, shot with the Z9, there are not many now. I wonder why. It could be that not many folks do video, or that it takes
considerable time to produce a video. I don't know. We will see.
Until I can/will pull the trigger, I'm quite happy to work with what I have.
p.22 #7 · Official Nikon DSLR images, videos and discussion thread
bs kite wrote:
DSLR can't continue to give me *all* I want from my nature photography into the future.
There are three aspects of the pro-level mirrorless that I want.
1. Fast, accurate and silent shooting, probably out to about 15fps. When loons are in close, I miss focus on probably the majority of images. That should greatly improve with eye focusing.
2. That fast, accurate and silent shooting is also included in a tilting screen. I cannot get that in a 45 mpx Nikon DSLR
3. Video! I have been shooting video clips for a couple of years now. Imo, video is difficult and I am relatively new to it. Apparently, with the Z9, Nikon has dramatically improved video.
I am excited about the potential for high-grade video
However, after seeing beginning postings of video clips of action wildlife, shot with the Z9, there are not many now. I wonder why. It could be that not many folks do video, or that it takes
considerable time to produce a video. I don't know. We will see.
Until I can/will pull the trigger, I'm quite happy to work with what I have.
I can see where the video would be enticing but I don't have near enough the dedication to get good at that. I have my hands full trying to master my D500 and stills
p.22 #20 · Official Nikon DSLR images, videos and discussion thread
thedruid wrote:
@bs xxxxx is the AFS 80-400mm on the long end say for distant landscapes?
It is sharp at all focal lengths. I shoot it at f8.
Another nice thing, is that the zoom throw is short enough, that I start at 400 on a fast, incoming dog, and comfortably zoom through to 80mm, without needing to reposition my zooming hand. It’s great!
.... changing the caption now
