Nikon 80-400 f/4.5-5.6 Any thoughts?

[djrichie28]

Was looking into getting this lens at some point mainly for the reach it offers at the price. I have read some reviews already on line and I thought I would ask the fine folks who frequent TPF for their input. I am not really worried about the speed of the lens nor the slow focusing, but mainly looking to learn about the sharpness. I shoot a Nikon D300. Thanks in advance.

 

[One Sister]

Check out this thread. http://www.thephotoforum.com/forum/showthread.php?t=121304

I'm struggling with it right now, what have you found out?

 

[djrichie28]

Not much. I was inquiring because I was considering to rent this lens for a trip to the UK. I reserved the rental and leave for the trip in July. I followed the link you posted and your shots look sharp to me.

 

[Garbz]

http://www.photozone.de/Reviews/46-...45-56-ed-vr-d-review--lab-test-report?start=1 sharpness sucks at 400 wide open otherwise acceptable. Nothing stellar it is an older design afterall.

 

[Phranquey]

I rented one for a weekend a while back, and I guess I would label it a "hit and miss" lens. Sometimes you will get a nice clean, crisp shot, and sometimes you won't. IMO, it wasn't a bad lens, especially on a tripod or on my Kirk window mount, but you have to be very careful with your technique.