Product Description

The 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6D ED now allows you to shoot at shutter speeds once reserved for tripod use. Nikon VR is equivalent of using a shutter speed 3 f-stops faster, allowing sharper images to be more easily produced in low light and at slower shutter speeds. For even higher performance, the lens can automatically detect when the photographer is panning with a subject. Other features include two VR modes (one for viewfinder and image plane and one for image plane only, which conserves battery power and reduces possibility of eyestrain), a built-in A/M switch for changes from auto to manual focus and a focus range limiter.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #53130 in Consumer Electronics
• Brand: Nikon
• Model: B00005LEOO
• Released on: 2003-08-01
• Dimensions: 6.70" h x 6.70" w x 6.70" l, 5.00 pounds

Features

• "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

Manufacturer's Description
The 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6D ED lens with an innovative Vibration Reduction (VR) system. This 5x high-power zoom lens allows handheld super-telephoto zoom shooting at dusk, at night and even in poorly lit interiors.

Nikon's VR system minimises image blur caused by camera shake, and offers the equivalent of shooting at a shutter speed three stops (eight times) faster (as determined by Nikon performance tests). For example, where photographers using a conventional lens would have to shoot at a shutter speed of 1/60 sec. to minimise image blur, with Nikon's VR system, they can obtain the same result with a shutter speed of 1/8 sec.

The lens also offers photographers the option of a natural viewfinder image even during VR operation. The VR system also detects automatically when the photographer is panning with the camera - no special mode is required.

In addition to Nikon's VR system, this lens incorporates three ED glass elements giving superior optical performance.

This lens is ideal for a wide range of picture taking situations, including portraits and sport.

Advantages of Nikon's VR system

Vibration Reduction (VR) minimises image blur caused by camera shake;VR operation offers the equivalent of using a shutter speed eight times faster (3 stops);Two VR modes are available: 1) Vibration Reduction for both the viewfinder image and the image on film. Moderate VR operation is executed to ensure viewing comfort for the viewfinder image. 2) VR for the image on the film only (conserves battery power);Panning is automatically detected;VR operation can be cancelled when not needed.

Note: VR operation works with the Nikon F5, F6, F100, F80, D1 and D2 cameras.

Box Contents

Customer Reviews

razorblade sharp, somewhat slow
I have had this lens for a year now, and I still am extremely pleased with it. Even wide open it is quite sharp at 400 mm (some other reviewers say it is sharp until 300 mm but becomes soft at 400mm, mine does not). Focusing is not as fast as on AF-S lenses. Nikon alternatives are a. the 400mm F4, b. the überzoom 200-400 (a. and b. cost a multiple of the 80-400), c. a 2 times teleconvertor on the AFS 70-200VR which gives faster focusing but slightly softer images and is more expensive, d. a 1.4 times teleconvertor on a 300 F4, which costs about the same as the 80-400, does have AFS although the teleconvertor slows it down, but lacks the convenience of a zoom, or e. a 1.4 times teleconvertor on the glorious 300 F2.8, but this once again costs a multiple of the price of the 80-400.
To be short: the 80-400 is an affordable way to get excellent results up to 400 mm, if speed is not important. If speed is important and zoom is not, the most affordable alternative is the 300F4 + 1.4TC.

Spectacular Zoom by Nikon ... Great in Bright Conditions
I owned this lens for more than a year, and due to lack of use, (and a temptation to purchase the Nikon D200 (best purchase I've made for a superb camera!) to replace a great D100) I decided to sell my 80-400VR before the re-sale value of the D100 dropped too low!

I agree with the earlier review, initially I didn't find results, with slower speeds, what I expected, but, on a bright summer's day ... WOW! I have some of the best air display shots I could ever have wished for ... crystal clear! (VR lenses do take a bit of 'getting used to'!) With the addition of a polarising filter, the background deep blue sky and white clouds enhanced my photos superbly! I'm even proud enough to show them at my local camera club!! I miss this superb lens, so, guess what? It's on my want list again! I must say, though, my Nikon 18-200VR is also one of the best lenses I've ever owned. (Thank you Ken Rockwell's superb website for his recommendation!)

The 80-400VR is not the fastest lens in the world (hence the need for bright sunshine) but for it's price it's excellent value! Just make sure you buy your wife/girlfriend a superb present/holiday prior to 'appearing' with this 'monster' lens one day!!

fast enough
I have used this lens for 18 months on my d3 on many types of fast moving subjects and have had very little problems these include racing cars and motor bikes dolphins albatross with a little practice its easy to use and get good results to get good results on moving subjects you do need to be able pan a camera if it helps I am not a finicky pixel popper I have been taking photographs 48 years and have had a lot of experience using zoom and fixed focus lenses with this one its all down to the user almost for got optics great as well