Here are some photos taken with my 80-200
Quote Miss Jane : not sure if I want to go to a 3rd party lens.
I'm with AM, Why
This was taken with a third party lens yesterday , Dont think a Canon lens would have done much better , And the Sigma is a third of the price
Well i bought a sigma when I first got my camera and it zoomed in and out the opposite way to my nikons, I missed a couple of shots cos i zoomed in when I should have zoomed out :/ Also I haven't really used any apart from that one so don't know how they compare.
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ok William and AM you could convince me otherwise
The different direction of the zoom ring is'nt really a problem, Just a new piece of equipment that after a couple of shots you wont notice the difference Not a worry
Last edited by William; 05-03-2013 at 2:41pm.
very interesting thread indeed fro such a less used lens (200-400 f4).
Mongo agrees with much of what has been said by Wayne, Sar, Lance and Norman.
the 200-400 can perform to give stunning images but it can be hit and miss in IQ. Sar’s is working fabulously. Mongo is too now that Nikon have adjusted it. It weights about 3.3 kgs and can be a handful. Mongo has only has very good results with the 1.4 converter and average results with the X2 converter on the D800. Have not tried and cannot say how it works with 1.7 converter. Focus can be slow with converters.
Mongo found (as Wayne did ) that he is constantly using this at 400mm. Have only needed less than 400mm on the zoom probably 3 or 4 times in the 4 years he has owned it. If Mongo had his time all over again, he would be buying this lens for that reason.
The best results Mongo has ever seen on any lens is the 200 f2 even with X2 converter but this was on Mongo’s old D200. This is limiting in the long end however at only 400mm even with a X2 converter.
The next best lens Mongo has used is the 300 f2.8 VR. Fantastic lens even with X2 converter. This would be a serious contender for Mongo these days if he did not have the 200-400mm.
As weight and mobility is an issue for Mongo (but it sound like it is not for you) he would not consider the 400 f 2.8 even though Mongo knows it to be a most superb lens even with converters. Mongo would consider the 500mm f4 and is looking to see what he can do in that respect. the 500 weights about the same as the 200-400mm.
If Mongo were going on your trip he would take a 20mm (or short range zoom covering the 20mm mark), the 70-200 f2.8 and he would buy the 300mm f4 just for this trip. the 300mm f4 is very sharp , very ,light, quick focusing (especially on your D4) and works great with converters. Failing that, in your case, as you are already getting the 300mm f2.8, take it in place of a 300mm f4.
completely out of left field, Mrs Mongo has a 50-500 sigma and it produces remarkable results in the right hands and only weighs about 1.8kgs. Do not know how it would work with converters but would be very slow “f” stop.
Mongo does not know that any of the above has helped you - it seems to have raised more questions than answers. Either way, good luck, happy trip and share the images when you return. A review of the gear you do take would also be nice on your return for all of our us to learn from.
Yep, the old ( ancient in lens terms ) version was always criticised for the slow / hunting AF and "wobbly" tripod foot.
I have seen some very good images taken with the old one on an APSC body so if Nikon have managed to fix the AF speed, now AFS, and weave a little optical magic in the form of modern day lens coatings etc it should be a good thing.
Price is another matter though.
Your were told right. AF-D version of this lens isn't compatible with Nikon's current teleconverter range.
A better option would be to replace the 80-200 with either a Nikon 70-200VRII, the new AF-S 80-400 VR lens, even a Sigma 120-300/2.8.
300/4 + TC is a good option. This lens seems to work well with all the Nikon TC's.
Note too tho, that Kenko make a nice range of teleconverters that WILL autofocus with your 80-200/2.8. They're a damn sight cheaper than the Nikon TC's too!
Hi Mongo,
This new 80-400mm has a new optical formula and especially has a "Super ED Element" (used only in the famous 200/2 VR). Its MTF shows pretty good performances (quite close to those of the 200-400/4 at 400mm, f/4 vs f/5.6).
I expect very good results in the field from this new zoom-lens. It would be an ideal travel lens for wildlife and nature, especially for those who travel by plane !
OK everyone my new gear rocked up yesterday 300 f2.8, 24-70 f2.8, D4, 1.7TC and 1.4TC. mono pod etc etc. I had to get a shopping trolley from Coles!
The 300 on the D4 is amazing, it focuse's in a nano second. I know I've got the right lens.
Cheers to everyone again.
BELLY
Drool....
It is much better than the original 80-400 according to the MTF's. In fact it is right up there with the 300 f4 and close to the 200-400 f4. I think this could be a very good (read excellent) wildlife lens for those who want to travel light.
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Well done, Belly! The 300 is stunning lens and my favourite.
My PBase site: http://www.pbase.com/lance_b
My Flickr site: https://www.flickr.com/photos/35949907@N02/
Gearporn indeed!
Awesome to see anyway and personally I have learnt alot from just reading the pros/cons on this thread.
Congratulations on your purchase/s Belly
Cheers
Wazza
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Cheers Warren...gearporn indeed
It ended up being a good question to ask, there's lots of helpful members out there.
I've decided to take with me both Camera bodies D4 & D700 plus the 14-24 f2.8, 24-70 f2.8 300 f2.8 plus all three teleconvertors. The Think Tank Airport Accelorator can carry the lot with lens fitted to both bodies and go on board as carry on luggage. I'll have to hide all facial expressions of straining of course!
Nice gear Belly..make sure you have insurance ..
a D800 would make a nice addition to your current line up..the resolution is stunning
Cheers and my name is Steve
OMD Em1...Now with two lenses !
http://www.flickr.com/photos/steve_tompsett/
http://tommo.smugmug.com/
Hey thanks Steve,
mate I gave the D800 some serious thought and I've got the right sort of glass to justify one but I needed a decent frame rate. Maybe in a years time I'll see what Nikon are doing. I don't think I could ever part with my D700 though, it was first DSLR and such a reliable companion.
A great thread and congrats Belly.
Just to warn you, they do actually weigh hand baggage from time to time. If you're over, expect to pay steeply!
Best to be sure of the limits - which tend to be lower on the domestic airlines I've noticed.