Nikkor 80-400VR,ED test

[AIRIC]

For the past few weeks I have been looking at replacing my tired 70-300ED lens and have pretty much decided on the Nikkor 80-400VR,ED lens. All reviews are great except, and there is always something; it is not an S lens and is geared very slow. Before I plunk down almost two grand I decided to rent the lens today to see if it can keep up with my wildlife and aviation photography.

The lens would have to keep up with fast moving birds and landing aircraft in continuous servo mode. What I did not expect was really crappy weather today but at least I could see how the lens would react in the worst type of conditions. I spent a few hours at the airport but there was few aircraft to be shot and at none of the best locations. In the end it started to snow so I packed up and moved to the marsh. I was looking for Geese and other birds flying but it was also a slow day at the marsh. At least I got in enough tests to decide I could easily live with the slower focusing lens as it is sharp and I really did not loose any shots due to slow focusing. I hope to have it under the tree for Christmas. The rental cost $40 for the day.


Focal length: 400.0mm (35mm equivalent: 600mm)
Exposure time: 0.0025 s (1/400)
Aperture: f/5.6

This one is cool
(1/500)
Aperture: f/5.6

and then the snow came
(1/400)
Aperture: f/13.0

Off to the Marsh were I had sun for about 15 minutes
Flash used: Yes (auto, return light detected)
Focal length: 400.0mm (35mm equivalent: 600mm)
Exposure time: 0.0040 s (1/250)
Aperture: f/5.6
Whitebalance: Manual

Flash used: No
Focal length: 400.0mm (35mm equivalent: 600mm)
Exposure time: 0.0040 s (1/250)
Aperture: f/6.3
Whitebalance: Manual

Flash used: No
Focal length: 400.0mm (35mm equivalent: 600mm)
Exposure time: 0.0063 s (1/160)
Aperture: f/22.0
Whitebalance: Manual

Flash used: No
Focal length: 180.0mm (35mm equivalent: 270mm)
Exposure time: 0.0080 s (1/125)
Aperture: f/11.0
Whitebalance: Manual

Flash used: No
Focal length: 400.0mm (35mm equivalent: 600mm)
Exposure time: 0.0031 s (1/320)
Aperture: f/7.1
Whitebalance: Manual

Flash used: No
Focal length: 400.0mm (35mm equivalent: 600mm)
Exposure time: 0.0025 s (1/400)
Aperture: f/5.6
Whitebalance: Manual

Flash used: No
Focal length: 250.0mm (35mm equivalent: 375mm)
Exposure time: 0.0025 s (1/400)
Aperture: f/9.0
Whitebalance: Manual

Flash used: No
Focal length: 400.0mm (35mm equivalent: 600mm)
Exposure time: 0.0025 s (1/400)
Aperture: f/5.6
Whitebalance: Manual

This was right before the sun set in heavy overcast. 50sec @ 300mm the VR worked!
Flash used: No
Focal length: 300.0mm (35mm equivalent: 450mm)
Exposure time: 0.020 s (1/50)
Aperture: f/5.3
Whitebalance: Manual

Flash used: No
Focal length: 400.0mm (35mm equivalent: 600mm)
Exposure time: 0.013 s (1/80)
Aperture: f/5.6
Whitebalance: Manual

As you can tell by the last two shots the lens can be shot very slow in the VR mode. All of the images are handheld. I would like to see what i could have got on a nice and sunny day.

Looking forward to any comments about the lens.

Eric

 

[Chase]

Wow, ok...I'm really impressed with 1/50th @ 300mm....anyone want to buy one of these for me? :mrgreen:

 

[kalee]

i don't know anything about the lens...
but man, your stuff is good.

i can't even pick a favorite really....
2,5,9 and 11 is as close as i can come.

thanks for sharing!

 

[AIRIC]

I have to add the lens is a heavy beast and the one thing I really did not like was when you zoom from 80-400mm it takes a good two twists with my hand to get it to go the full range. I sure with I had another day or two to really give the lens a good work out.

Eric

 

[skiboarder72]

:mrgreen: wow, thats an awesome lens

my sigma telephoto should be coming soon, hopefully it will be half this good

 

[megapaws]

looks like she'd be a keeper.... hopefully santa is good to you. nice stuff here... especially love the seagulls

 

[woodsac]

I think you have a winner :thumbup: If you can adapt to the 2 turn zoom to get it out in time, I think you found an awesome lens!

 

[JonMikal]

personally, i prefer the thrill of getting close and shooting with my 18mm for these type shots. :greenpbl:

impressive results Eric. bought it yet?

 

[FlightShadow]

Wow! Great Shots! 1, 2, and 3 are my favorites...(go figure!)

1 - Zoom Airlines 767-300 (?)
2 - Can't tell Airline (mabye British Airways or Virgin Atlantic?) 747-400 (?)
3 - Continental Embraer 145

Correct me if I'm wrong Airic - wanted to try my spotting skills.

I like # 4, 6, and 7 a lot too - The composition in # 6 is great, the line down the center with the seagulls off-setting it :thumbup:

 

[AIRIC]

Wow! Great Shots! 1, 2, and 3 are my favorites...(go figure!)

1 - Zoom Airlines 767-300 (?)
2 - Can't tell Airline (mabye British Airways or Virgin Atlantic?) 747-400 (?)
3 - Continental Embraer 145

Correct me if I'm wrong Airic - wanted to try my spotting skills.

I like # 4, 6, and 7 a lot too - The composition in # 6 is great, the line down the center with the seagulls off-setting it :thumbup:

1 and 3 correct but #2 is an Air Canada A340 on take-off.

Cheers,

Eric

 

[airgunr]

Excellent work. It is a great lens.

 

[nakedyak]

love the pics. looks like a great lens. feel free to continue posting airliner pictures, those are my favorite

 

[FlightShadow]

1 and 3 correct but #2 is an Air Canada A340 on take-off.

Yay! (looks like I need to study belly shots more):mrgreen:

 

[Raymond J Barlow]

nice shots, the lens looks great from here! will you sell me your 70-300??

 

[AIRIC]

nice shots, the lens looks great from here! will you sell me your 70-300??

Uh no! It will be a backup. Still sharp and working fine. You can have it when it sounds like yours Sorry, could not help myself.

Eric