Nikon 80-400 vs 300 with TC

merv

merv

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Hello all.
Looking for an opinion, apart from price and versatility of a zoom, for choosing the new Nikon 80-400 zoom over a 300/f4 prime with a 1.4x TC.
Mainly for working at around 400mm focal length. The first is about £1800 and the second about £1400
thanks
MERV
 
I have the new 80-400 G & a 300mm f2.8 VR2 (& convertors).
The 300mm + 1.4 kicks it into touch for sharpness but to be fair I have only used the 80-400 once (10 shots)
 
Thanks Pete. The 300/2.8 is brilliant as I used to have one and I'm sure the combo is great. The 80-400 is getting very good write ups.
Will chew over
 
Hi merv

I do not have the 300f4 but had the 80-400VR for about six months immediately upon its release in the UK. Personally, I think the 80-400VR is an excellent lens which is super sharp and very fast focussing. The real benefits are the comparatively compact form for such a long/versatile lens, the excellent build quality, effective coatings which improve transmission/control flare etc... and very effective VR. Basically, you cannot go wrong with the 80-400VR.
 
thanks Gary thats very positive. Do you think its sharp at 400mm? I suppose if i put a 1.4x on my 300/f4 its going to go to f5.6 as well. However, the lens and TC combination might cause loss of image quality so on balance the 80-400 should have it by a hair!
thanks. Mind you I can't resist new products
merv
 
Hi merv

It is plenty sharp enough for me at 400mm but you may well be more fussy than me ? The really big advantage is the VR which is very good and allows hand-holding even in our dim Winter daylight. On the D7100 it even retains AF with the appropriate TC onboard as well although you go out to f8, of course. To me it is a no-brainer, I would go for the zoom every time. Just my £0.02 of course.

Good luck with your selection.

Gary
 
Have to agree with everything Gary has said about the 80-400. Absolutely loved mine from the first pictures I took with it.
To me it's very sharp and handles tricky light very well.
I used to use a 70-300mm as my walk about lens and this really doesn't feel all that much bigger to handle. I'm more likely to have this fitted to my camera than any other lens I own.
 
merv said:
Hello all.
Looking for an opinion, apart from price and versatility of a zoom, for choosing the new Nikon 80-400 zoom over a 300/f4 prime with a 1.4x TC.
Mainly for working at around 400mm focal length. The first is about £1800 and the second about £1400
thanks
MERV
Click to expand...

Just wondering if you made a choice on this merv, I'm thinking along the same lines.
Ta

Sorry just did a search and saw you'd got the 80-400. Just reading about it now.
 
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