Lens for D90

[jimred]

Could you please tell me if the Nikon 80-400 AF lens would be good for bird photography or any other compatible lenses that have AF or VR ?

New to SLR!

Thanks

jim

[ChasCreek]

Hi Jim,

I use the Nikon 80-400 VR with a Nikon D80 and I find it a great lense to use. It isn't the fastest lense in terms of focusing as it uses the camera screw drive so shots of birds in flight might be an issue as it might not keep up but for the rest it is great.

I also have and now don't use a Sigma 50-500 which again is a good lense and lot's of people on here get great shots with them, however I just found the lense to be a little unpredictable in use and I find that I get a higher percentage of 'keepers', i.e shots that I am happy with than with the Sigma.

The VR on the Nikon is very usefull and I use the lense hand held all the time walking around and the VR makes pictures in low light practical where as without it the lense would struggle in terms of shutter speed and camera movement not having the largest apature in the world compared to a prime lenses, but then again add another £3-6,000 for primes and the size factor and I think the Nikon 80-400 is a great lense in the up to £1000 price bracket.

There are examples of the pictures I take with the 80-400 on my site from the link in my signature... they aren't up to the standard of many of the guys (and gals) on here, but they will give you an idea. (Latest pics at the bottom of the front page or click the 'Birds Owls and Bats' button on the site to see lots more.

Hope this helps, Charlie

[pressld2]

I have this lens too and used it first with my D70 and now with my D300. Almost all of the birds in my Gallery were taken with it - see pressld2 Gallery - Wildlife Photography

I would echo Chas's comments, it's not the fastest focusing lens and it does struggle to keep up with birds in flight but unless you can afford to go for a prime (or the 200-400 f4) then those are limitations you will just have to work around! It is capable of some stunning images and it'll do for me until that ol' lottery win comes along

Dave P.

[jimred]

Thanks for the information, great photos.

is the Sigma AF and VR with the Nikon

Thanks again

jim