got new lens

Just received the 80-400mm lens at 2.30 pm today and first impressions are WOW what a difference from my other lenses. First of all weight, hooked up with a D800 and battery pack and Speedlight SB-900 is just over 7lb, heavy enough around the neck all day to send you straight to the DR,s next day, definately a camera/lens setup requiring a monopod so one can carry it over the shoulder.

Size

BIG BIG BIG compared to the 70-300mm vr lens, infact about a third bigger all round. Now I happen to like big and heavy ( not to swing around quickly and hit someone) but I find the heavier the less camera shake hand held. This brings me on to focus speed and yes it is quick something I won't have to worry about too much.

Handling

AS pointed out in reviews the collar base is a bit on the small size and possibly needing an longer bracket to bolt on underneath. Whilst on the collar removal is one of those that can only be taken off in certain positions and not worth the effort, better to swing it out of the way. The focus and distance rings are very smooth with the distance ring being the furthest away.

VR at 400mm

AS I only got it just before it started getting dark I really havn't had much chance to really try it out, but from the couple of test shots I did manage it quickly stop the camera shake, but as regards shutter speed and time hand held I can'tforsee any problems.

Tele converter

I did manage to quickly try out my Sigma 1.4 version but got a little concerned with the connection of the TC at the camera side with this lens on it. There was too much play for my liking and I would worry something might break so won't be attempting that again.

Lens hood

Long, very long, infact long enough for a bird to nest in it , it also has a push button release which isn't a bad thing as it will stop it from coming undone
Cost

Is it expensive? yes and no depending on how wealthy you are and how keen a photographer. So is it worth it? depends on what I have just said. Here in the UK I got it for £1609 delivered from HDEW Cameras from £300 to £800 cheaper than on here

http://www.camerapricebuster.co.uk/N...4.5-5.6G-ED-VR

So can't complain and it was delivered within their time scale.

I have not managed to do a proper field test at the moment so can't comment .

Would people notice it when on a shoot say in a Zoo for example? Yes and it would get other photographers coming up to you to ask questions and you can't hide it under a coat.

Just one thing thinking on it, when at 400mm although supposed to be weather proofed. The actual extn part that goes inside the main lens body I would wipe down first if it was raining or in a dusty environment, just to be on the safe side

OK that is my first impressions just a question of using it properly now

Just looked at the serial number and it is a US model so sourced from America somewherea

Congratulations Bazza, it looks a brilliant lens. Does it replace the Nikon AF VR NIKKOR 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6D ED Lens, going for around £1000, or is it being sold along side it?

At the moment both are being sold, the old one your quoting has a screw drive which has a slow auto focus. The new version that I bought has the HSM motor and new lens etc. The actual spec can be found on the internet.
I have noticed that there are several older versions being sold second hand on a well known auction site which makes me think it wont be too long when the older version is discontinued.

AF VR 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6 Lens = £939.00

AF-S 80-400mm f4.5-5.6G ED VR =£1899.00

As I posted it can be bought cheaper

Look forward to seeing some shots taken with it.

I sometimes get frustrated with the slow focusing on my 70-300 VR. Its usually when i am trying to find a bird in flight or several objects stacked close together. How does your new lens compare with the 70-300?

Faster than the 70-300VR, however I tend to use centre spot focusing so hunting isn't so much a problem unless my target is very small.

Yes same here, spot focusing that is. Its small fast moving objects that catch it out, hummingbirds, swallows in flight.

Bazza, how is the 80-400 AFS compared to the 70-300?

i don't find my 70-300mm VR lens that slow but if I am after fast focus I have used my Sigma 70-200m F2.8.