anybody using the Nikon 80-400VR for birding ?

mart_d50 · #1 (**permalink**) 22-07-2006, 04:32 PM

tried searching these forums but can't find any mention about anyone using a Nikon 80-400VR for bird photography - does anyone use them ?

I am seriously contemplating getting one rather than the Bigma 50-500 or Sigma 80-400 OS because they are much heavier (supposedly) and don't know if I'll be able to handle them all day with a weak neck

so I expected there would be many more people using the Nikon one, but can't find any !

Bushcraft · #2 (**permalink**) 22-07-2006, 04:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mart_d50

tried searching these forums but can't find any mention about anyone using a Nikon 80-400VR for bird photography - does anyone use them ?

I am seriously contemplating getting one rather than the Bigma 50-500 or Sigma 80-400 OS because they are much heavier (supposedly) and don't know if I'll be able to handle them all day with a weak neck

so I expected there would be many more people using the Nikon one, but can't find any !

Hi,

I use a Nikon 70-200mm VR (2.8) with a 1.7 converter this is = to 420mm if my memory serves me right. I have been very happy with the lens although it is big and heavy. I am thinking of getting a Nikon 600mm or Sigma 800mm next though as I can't capture all I want with it but the results so far have been good.

mart_d50 · #3 (**permalink**) 23-07-2006, 08:47 AM

mm...that combo is not far off the weight of the bigma - I guess no-one is using the nikon then ?

Bushcraft · #4 (**permalink**) 23-07-2006, 11:08 AM

Not much difference, Bigma 1842g Nikon with 1.7 1670g. The nikon is a much better lens IMO though and is only 2.8 with VR. The Nikon lens looks bigger but is slightly thiner I belive. Looks like your on your own with this lens. Most people tend to use Sigma as they are much cheaper and of a very high quality, in some cases better than Nikon and Cannon IMO, and for the money you can't go far wrong, but then you can't go wrong with any Nikon lens either.

eeyore · #5 (**permalink**) 24-07-2006, 07:11 PM

I've tried using the canon 100-400 but find that 400mm just aint enough reach, a lot of my bird shots are taken with the little bigma at 500mm often with a 1.4x or sometime 2x tc. I deally i'd love a sigmonster but have higher priorities to spend five grand on (like paying off my car hp / deposit on my own gaff) if i ever came by it.