ericbowles
Well-known member
The Canon folks are begging for an update of the 100-400 f/5.6. It's a good lens - but ready for a revision.
The new 80-400 looks to be a nice upgrade. Yes it's expensive, but it's priced at a premium to the Sigma 50-500 as you would expect. Optics are going to be quite good, but still not a 300 f/4 or 200-400 f/4. Still - for a zoom it's moderately above the 70-200 f/2.8 VR. I don't think the price is unexpected.
I have the 300 f/4 and TC20E III. I am very reluctant to use that combination due to the drop in image quality. Same with the 70-200 and 2.0 teleconverter. They are excellent with the 1.4, and passable with the 1.7 and 2.0 but its not the level of sharpness that is acceptable for every day use.
The 80-400 is a lot cheaper and easier to carry than the 200-400. Image quality is going to be superior to third party alternatives - as with most other new Nikors. And AF will be good - and much improved. For occasional use, the 1.4 teleconverter is a viable option.
This is a much needed update to put Nikon back in the game in the 400-500mm range. They really have not had a product for several years. If you want top image quality in a small, hand-holdable tele-zoom, this is a good option. I would not count on price discounts any time soon unless there is a currency advantage.
Keep an eye out for a 300 f/4 AFS VR in our future. Look for very good optics, VR, and a price tag of $2000 or so.
The new 80-400 looks to be a nice upgrade. Yes it's expensive, but it's priced at a premium to the Sigma 50-500 as you would expect. Optics are going to be quite good, but still not a 300 f/4 or 200-400 f/4. Still - for a zoom it's moderately above the 70-200 f/2.8 VR. I don't think the price is unexpected.
I have the 300 f/4 and TC20E III. I am very reluctant to use that combination due to the drop in image quality. Same with the 70-200 and 2.0 teleconverter. They are excellent with the 1.4, and passable with the 1.7 and 2.0 but its not the level of sharpness that is acceptable for every day use.
The 80-400 is a lot cheaper and easier to carry than the 200-400. Image quality is going to be superior to third party alternatives - as with most other new Nikors. And AF will be good - and much improved. For occasional use, the 1.4 teleconverter is a viable option.
This is a much needed update to put Nikon back in the game in the 400-500mm range. They really have not had a product for several years. If you want top image quality in a small, hand-holdable tele-zoom, this is a good option. I would not count on price discounts any time soon unless there is a currency advantage.
Keep an eye out for a 300 f/4 AFS VR in our future. Look for very good optics, VR, and a price tag of $2000 or so.