AF Nikkor lenses work with Nikon SLRs for optimal performance, even the very latest. The Nikon 80-400mm f4.5-5.6D ED AF VR is a compact, lightweight 5x telephoto zoom with Vibration Reduction. VR operation offers the equivalent of using a shutter speed three stops (eight times) faster. VR is automatically detected during panning operation with two modes of VR: Image plane and Viewfinder. VR for the viewfinder is cancelable to conserve battery power. Three ED glass elements ensure superior optical performance and high contrast even at maximum apertures. Filter does not rotate during zooming. The nine-blade rounded diaphragm achieves a natural blur for out-of-focus elements.
D-type and G-type Nikkors relay subject-to-camera distance information to AF Nikon camera bodies. This then makes possible advances like 3D Matrix Metering and 3D Multi-Sensor Balanced Fill-Flash. Note: D-type and G-type Nikkors provide distance information to the following cameras: Auto exposure; F6, F5, F100, F90X, F80, F75, F70, F65, F60, F55, F50, Pronea S, Pronea 600i, D2 series, D1 series, D100 and D70s/D70. Flash control; F6, F5, F100, F90X, F80, F75, F70, D2 series, D1 series, D100, and D70s/D70 cameras.
Technical Details
- Compact, lightweight 5x telephoto zoom lens
- Vibration Reduction operation offers the equivalent of using a shutter speed three stops faster
- VR automatically detected during panning operation
- Three ED glass elements ensure superior optical performance
- Nine-blade rounded diaphragm achieves a natural blur for out-of-focus elements
- Maximum aperture: f4.5-5.6
- Minimum aperture: f32
- Closest focusing distance: 7.5 feet
- Maximum reproduction ratio: 1:4.8
- Zoom control: Manual, via separate zoom ring
- Attachment and filter size: 77 millimeters
Customer feedback:
1. Many photographers who purchase telephoto lenses wind up disappointed in their lenses’ performance; they achieve subpar results and then swear that the lens is “not sharp.” Some lenses indeed might not be optically outstanding, but even in these cases the major cause of soft images, particularly when camera and lens are handheld, is camera/lens shake. People routinely try to take highly magnified photos at shutter speeds that are simply too slow.
Nikon has come up with a (partial) solution to this problem through its innovative “vibration reduction” series of lenses. These optics are designed to compensate, at least partially, for the camera shake/movement that is inevitable when a lens is hand-held. According to Nikon, the VR mechanism adds two or more “stops” worth of steadiness, meaning that a 400mm. lens that previously might be adequately handheld at 1/500 second now will (often) produce good results at 1/125. Out in the field this can make the difference between a successful photo outing and a frustrating one.
Does this technology work, and is this 80-400mm. lens a good product overall? To both questions I offer a qualified “yes.” As long as one realizes that VR is not magic and has definite limitations, this feature is definitely worth paying some extra money for, particularly if one’s photographic style prevents the regular and disciplined use of a tripod. The other thing about VR to keep in mind is that since camera shake itself is variable, it’s a good idea always to take multiple photos to ensure that at least one of them is optimally sharp (a slow-mo record of how much one ‘vibrates’ while holding a camera would reveal that from instant to instant there is considerable variation).
2. This is a great lens and takes simply amazing pictures. The results are much better than what you will get with the “plain” 70-300 telephoto lens. That being said, there are a few things to consider.
a) the lens is expensive. It cost more than my D70 did…
b) the lens is HEAVY. When lugging this baby around, you know *something* is in that camera bag…
c) the focus is SLOW, particularly compared to the 70-300.
However, using the tripod mount as a “handle” (an awkward but effective use of the mounting bracket), I got some shots that simply blew me away given the amount of perceived camera shake. I do not have very steady hands (particularly with something so heavy) so the VR feature is invaluable.
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