Latest Nikon 80-400 or 200-500 for Airshows on D750?

merv

merv

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Am considering which of the above would be more suitable for Airshows. Am determined not to lug both around.
I realise I'll loose length with the 80-400 but suspect it maybe a better 'action' lens? Comments please
Merv
 
This all depends on what you read, and who you speak to. I haven't tested most of these types of lenses but have researched them a lot and tried to find a general consensus. From reading around a lot of reports are showing that the 200-500mm is as sharp if not a touch sharper than the 80-400mm at the tele end, but again without doing my own tests this is just info gathered from the internet which we all know is wonderfully reliable ;) Based on this I'd say the reports are right, but again how controlled these tests are I don't know.
http://www.the-digital-picture.com/...meraComp=614&SampleComp=0&FLIComp=5&APIComp=0

I've then read a lot of reviews that say both the Tamron 150-600mm and Sigma 150-600mm C are both a touch sharper than the 200-500 in the centre at the long end, although they Nikon has better edge sharpness and is better at the shorter lengths. There does seem to be quite a bit of sample variation with the Tamron and Sigma though. I have the Tamron and am very happy with it, although don't take it above 550mm.

Then there's the Sigma 150-600mm sport which is the best of the lot, but also weighs 1kg heavier than the Tamron and Sigma C, 1.4kg heavier than 80-400mm and 0.6kg heavier than the 200-500mm making it a handful to hand hold.

As for AF speeds I can't comment. AF speed isn't exactly the strong point of super tele zooms but I believe all tend to be pretty decent. In fact I've read a review that says that the 80-400mm is comparable to the f2.8 pro tele zooms, but I'd have to see it to believe it ;)

Hopefully someone will be along soon whose tested a number of these lenses though and hopefully offer more insight. I know personally I would rather go for one of the 150-600mm's or 200-500 rather than an 80-400mm with 1.4TC.

http://www.the-digital-picture.com/...meraComp=614&SampleComp=0&FLIComp=6&APIComp=2
 
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think about the 300mm f4 PF VR with the Nikon 1,7TC .. really light and easy to hand hold

negative you will lose the flexibility of a zoom
 
My limited experience of the 200-500 is that I wouldn't want to hand hold it at all. I use mine for golf and cricket, so a monopod works well and weight isn't much of an issue.

Autofocus is reasonably quick, but by no means fast IMHO.

I chose the Nikon over the other two because I think that the overall cost of ownership will be no higher than the Sigma/Tamron offerings. People I trust consistenly said "get the Nikon".
 
I've got the later 80-400 and at RIAT last year I couldn't get all of the A400 in the shot at 80mm when it was closest, even the Chinook filled the frame at 80mm when it was hovering near to our viewing field. Likewise when the Red's came over with the Vulcan I was using 80mm. I won't use a TC, so for wildlife i'd use the Sigma 150-600c, if it's airshow only I'd get the 80-400 if it's your one lens. I can't think that I missed many shots for reach especially as it was hot and the haze from the airfield was a minor issue at the long end.
 
Thanks guys a lot of info there.
Hi Kev nice to hear from you again. It would indeed be infuriating if the subject kept more than filling the frame. The 200 wide end of the 200-500 could be very restrictive so I think I'll run with the 80-400.
I got the 200-500 for birds on a tripod and think I'll stick to that
Thanks all
 
Kev said:
I've got the later 80-400 and at RIAT last year I couldn't get all of the A400 in the shot at 80mm when it was closest, even the Chinook filled the frame at 80mm when it was hovering near to our viewing field. Likewise when the Red's came over with the Vulcan I was using 80mm. I won't use a TC, so for wildlife i'd use the Sigma 150-600c, if it's airshow only I'd get the 80-400 if it's your one lens. I can't think that I missed many shots for reach especially as it was hot and the haze from the airfield was a minor issue at the long end.
Click to expand...
Useful info that, I would never have thought 80mm wasn't wide enough for an airshow. Was this in FF or crop?
 
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