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Originally Posted by Richard G.  The direct equivalent to your 100-400L is probably the 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6. The main issue with this lens is it's not AF-S, which means focusing is not as fast as some of the more recent lenses. This lens is begging for an update from Nikon, IMHO, and I would dump the Sigma tomorrow if there was an 80-400mm with AF-S and VRII. Having said all of that there are people who get good results and are perfectly happy with this lens and I'm sure Dave P. will be along shortly to give you some genuine hands on feedback on this lens, I've never used one though, to be clear. |
Took me over a day but I'm here now!
Yep, I've been using the 80-400 f4.5-5.6 for just over 3 years and, for the money, I think it's a great lens. It's capable of delivering some very clear and sharp images. Almost all the birds in my
Gallery since April 2006 were taken with it (although there are a handful that were taken with the Sigma 150 when I could get close enough). My biggest problem in offering a meaningful opinion of it is that I have no experience of any other long zoom. Or prime for that matter. As Richard says, it lacks the silent wave motor and I've read lots of reviews that say it's slower to focus as a result but I've no idea how much slower. It's true that I have missed the odd shot because I couldn't get a focus lock before the bird flew but no lens focuses instantly so that's always going to happen occasionally.
I stopped using the VR about 18 months ago as I think it gives slightly softer results. If I'm truly hand-holding I look for a shutter speed faster than 1/400th sec but most of the time the lens is supported. If not on a tripod then on a hide window frame, a fence, a branch, the ground - anything really!
If Nikon ever do bring out a newer version with silent wave and VRII, and I agree with Richard that it's long overdue, I'd be very interested!
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Originally Posted by Richard G. In an ideal world I'd have a 200-400mm f/4, well I can dream  |
Described by Andy Rouse as "the best wildlife lens in the world". Anyone got four and a half grand spare?
Dave P.