Quote:
Originally Posted by Zebethyal  I am also in the market for a lens in this area and at present my leaning is definately towards the Nikon 80-400mm f/4-5.6 VR for the following reasons:
The Nikon 200-400mm f4 AFS VR I am sure it is a wonderful lens but is well outside my price bracket and way too big and heavy for me to bother taking it with me most of the time so for me would not be a worthwhile purchase.
The Bigma is another one being seriously considered and around the same price as the Nikon 80-400mm however much bigger and heavier, slightly faster focusing but no VR and very little gain in length (it is actually only 460mm), much greater range, but how often does anyone who owns this lens actually use it at anything below about 200mm?
As for the Nikon 80-400mm f/4-5.6 VR it is smaller and lighter than the other two though also the slowest to focus is likely to be used by myself more often than either of the other two because it is smaller and lighter, most people do not bother with its tripod mount either (it gets in the way), making it even lighter.
On most sites where I have seen the last two compared, everyone has opted for the Nikon over the Bigma.
Regards
Tim |
I use the 80-400 VR, but very rarely hand-held. In combination with my D200 it becomes a heavy blighter to carry round, if not mounted on a tripod or monopod. As to the supplied nikkor tripod collar, you'll find it useless to say the least. Consider purchasing the
Kirk lens collar, specially made for this lens.
