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AF-D 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6 ED VR - BirdForum Opus

Revision as of 15:34, 23 April 2007 by BirdDB (talk | contribs) (New page: thumb|200px|right|AF-D 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6 ED VR Main Features � Result of VR (Vibration Reduction) is equivalent to using a shutter speed three f/stops faster � V...)
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AF-D 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6 ED VR

Main Features � Result of VR (Vibration Reduction) is equivalent to using a shutter speed three f/stops faster � VR is automatically detected during panning operation. Two modes of VR: Image plane and Viewfinder � 3 ED glass for high resolution and high contrast even at maximum apertures � Filter does not rotate during zooming

Lens Construction: 17 elements in 11 groups (3 ED) Minimum Focus Distance: 7.5 ft. Maximum Reproduction Ratio (Macro Setting): 1:4.8 Attachment/ Filter Size: 77mm Dimensions (diameter x length - in.): 3.6 x 6.7 in. Weight (oz.): 47 oz. Included Accessories: Hood HB-24; soft case CL-L1; front cap 77mm; rear cap LF-1

Content and images originally posted by Andy Bright

Reviews

Juan Estevez's review

A lot has been written about this lens, I have this lens for three years now, worth every penny. Could be better ? Of course. I wish for a AF-S version.

I find that the best thing about this lens is sharpness, at 400mm is right there with Nikon big guns. Is not a 10 just beacuse the autofocus speed. For birds in fly get something else.

Pros

  • Sharp and it has VR

Cons

  • Slow autofocus

Andy Bright's review

Everyone seems to knock the AF speed of this lens but it is perfectly adequate for most bird photography situations and is generally faster on pro bodied Nikons such as the D2x.

In truth, the lens is a little bit dated now and would not be the first choice for a fast action lens.

No one can doubt the optical quality from this lens, capable of razor sharp images even wide open at f5.6. Tripod collar designed by an idiot but it is a VR lens that positively encourages handheld use, so leave the tripod collar in the box and consign it to a life in the attic.

VR clunks in and out with a slightly worrying noise but it does work.

Review available here http://www.digiscoped.com/Nikon80-400.html


Pros

  • Optical quality
  • VR

Cons

  • AF speed

mybirds's review

Another great lens from Nikon but now getting a bit dated. With a Silent Wave Motor (SWM) it could be much faster but even so I find it perfect for use from a hide with a monopod or when just walking. The Vibration Control (VR) works very well and the sharpness of the images is superb. Still learning but great so far. Will post samples shortly.

Pros

  • Superb optics

Cons

  • Slow autofocus
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