what lens zoom time

[wedgtail]

I have been saving for some time for a zoom some where in the 70-200 range but came across the new 80-400 . I mainly shoot indoor events low light work so my 24-70 tamron 2.8 does most of the work Ihave a 105mm 2.0 if I need to come in closer on my back up body d7000 .

Does any one here have both would the 80-400 be an good alternative to the faster 70-200 2.8 on my D600 I would mainly be using this lens for out door events

Cheers Mark

[Tommo1965]

not used the 80-400..but as you say you do low light work..remember the 80-400 is F5 @ 200mm

how much reach do you need...of course low F stops trade off DOF too...its bugger aint it :)

VR is useful but not when subjects are moving about ....

if you are going to only use it outdoors in good light Id say it would be fine

[nimrodisease]

Lance B reckons the 80-400 is a stellar lens on his D800E (I think he uses it mainly for birding).. but I would agree that for low light situations it may struggle a bit unless you can really push the ISO.

I would reckon that for low light situations (and if you don't need the extra reach) you're still probably better off with the 70-200 f/2.8.

[willl]

Perhaps you should also consider the Nikon 70-200mm f/4 (and a Nikon 300mm f/4) if you aren't going to fully utilise the 80-400mm range?

Or at least, that is the alternative that DxO has proposed in this their review of the 80-400mm - http://www.dxomark.com/Reviews/Nikon-AF-S-Nikkor-80-400-f4.5-5.6G-ED-VR-review-Nikon-s-Super-Zoom-versatility-at-a-price/Conclusion

[oneeyedphoto]

Have you considered a used 80-200 2.8 AF-s? It works well on both DX and FX. I've paired it up with my D7000 and even a 1.7TC to give very good flexibility of range and use in low light situations. You could pick up a good used one for about a third the price of a new 80-400. Just a thought.

[danny]

I've said it before and I'll say it again "I LOVE MY 70-200mm". :)

I use a D7000 and for my money they f5 that the 80-400 offers at the end of the zoom range just wouldn't be enough for me. Close but not quiet if you know what I mean. However, seeing as you have the newer D600 you can bump the ISO up a lot more so it probable would be great.

Just my thoughts
Cheers
danny

[wedgtail]

Thanks Guys I went for the new 70-200 2.8 will pick it up monday