Not really a lens to rave about.
http://www.opticallimits.com/nikon_ff/552-nikkorafd80400vrff
-- Markus
Editor
opticallimits.com
[quote name='mst' timestamp='1303769659' post='7900']
Not really a lens to rave about.
[url="http://www.opticallimits.com/nikon_ff/552-nikkorafd80400vrff"]http://www.photozone...korafd80400vrff[/url]
-- Markus
[/quote]
It's quite a mystery why Nikon is keeping this lens for so long in their lineup. It had never a good reputation.
[quote name='Klaus' timestamp='1303807184' post='7904']
It's quite a mystery why Nikon is keeping this lens for so long in their lineup. It had never a good reputation.
[/quote]
I always thought it was because it makes professionals more easily splurge their dough on the 200-400mm f4, because it so clearly is superior in the long end to the 80-400 VR.
[quote name='Brightcolours' timestamp='1303807617' post='7905']
I always thought it was because it makes professionals more easily splurge their dough on the 200-400mm f4, because it so clearly is superior in the long end to the 80-400 VR.
[/quote]
If so, it would be more effective to simply discontinue the 80-400 VR. In addition, not anyone can shell out the big bucks required to purchase the 200-400 VR. And of those who can, probably only a minority would be willing to carry such a heavy lens.
-- Markus
Editor
opticallimits.com
I used to have this lens for some time... Honestly, it didn´t look that bad on 6mpx Nikon D70 then but I can imagine it sucks on full frame. Clearly one of the worst FX options and one of the worst tele options in the Nikon line today. I wonder how anyone can buy this today - should have been replaced long time ago.
[quote name='mst' timestamp='1303810778' post='7907']
If so, it would be more effective to simply discontinue the 80-400 VR. In addition, not anyone can shell out the big bucks required to purchase the 200-400 VR. And of those who can, probably only a minority would be willing to carry such a heavy lens.
-- Markus
[/quote]
That is the point. The ones who can sell out for the 200-400mm f4 VR will do so, as the 80-400mm VR is inferior. And the ones who can't afford the weight and/or cost of the 200-400mm f4 VR get the 80-400mm VR and tell themselves what a great lens it is (yes, this 80-400mm gets called great very often in forums).
But, I am sure it will be replaced in the not too distant future.
[quote name='Brightcolours' timestamp='1303812845' post='7910']
That is the point. The ones who can sell out for the 200-400mm f4 VR will do so, as the 80-400mm VR is inferior. And the ones who can't afford the weight and/or cost of the 200-400mm f4 VR get the 80-400mm VR and tell themselves what a great lens it is (yes, this 80-400mm gets called great very often in forums).
But, I am sure it will be replaced in the not too distant future.
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Nikon have filed a number of patents for similar focal range lenses recently.
The latest was for a 100-400 F/4.5-5.6 ED G VR design.
A replacement seems likely to be in the (slow) Nikon pipeline, therefore. Various rumours say it will be soon.
I remember trying out the 80-400 in a photo store once, played with it for less than 5 minutes. I didn't like it at all! Heck, I love the 16-35 and 24-120 f/4 lenses, so I really don't have the highest standards. The 80-400 should needs to be discontinued, it's embarrassing.
Several other reviews would seem to disagree with your findings. Possibly you had a bad sample. My 80-400 is very sharp at 400mm. All the best!
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