Lens Summary
Brand: Nikon
Also Known As: Nikon 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6G VR
Lens Type: Zoom Lens
Format: Full Frame / FX
Focus: Autofocus
Lens Mount: Nikon F
Release Date: 2013-03-05
MSRP Price: $2696.95
Made in: Japan
Infrared Rating: Good
Production Status: In Production
Lens Description: Travel light and shoot with confidence. Capture beautiful portraits with softly blurred backgrounds, then zoom in with super-telephoto power and capture nature, sports and more. Nikon\'s second generation Vibration Reduction (VR) enables shooting at shutter speeds up to 4x slower than would otherwise be possible and makes a tripod optional; but when one is needed, the lens automatically delivers specialized VR correction for tripod shooting.
Photography Life Review Summary: At its current price of $2,699, I struggle to see good value with this lens. Yes, it is better than any other zoom lens in its class overall, but lenses like Sigma 50-500mm OS typically go for almost twice less that amount and give you a much better value. Read the full Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR Review by Photography Life.
Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR Specifications
| Lens Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Lens Type | Zoom Lens |
| Focal Length | 80-400mm |
| Mount Type | Nikon F |
| Format | Full Frame / FX |
| Compatible Format(s) | Nikon FX, DX, FX in DX Crop Mode, 35mm Film |
| Compatible with Teleconverters | Yes |
| Zoom Ratio | 5x |
| Maximum Reproduction Ratio | 1:5 |
| Vibration Reduction (Image Stabilization) | Yes |
| Aperture Information | |
| Aperture Ring | No |
| Maximim Aperture | f/4.5-5.6 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/32-40 |
| Maximum Angle of View (APS-C or smaller format) | 20° |
| Minimum Angle of View (APS-C or smaller format) | 4° |
| Maximum Angle of View (Full frame or larger format) | 30°10' |
| Minimum Angle of View (Full frame or larger format) | 6°10' |
| Optical Information | |
| Lens Elements | 20 |
| Lens Groups | 12 |
| Diaphragm Blades | 9 |
| Extra-Low Dispersion Glass Elements | 4 ED, 1 Super ED |
| Nano Crystal Coat | Yes |
| Super Integrated Coat (SIC) | Yes |
| Focus Information | |
| Focus | Autofocus |
| Built-in Focus Motor | Yes |
| Silent Wave Motor (SWM) | Yes |
| Internal Focusing | Yes |
| Minimum Focus Distance | 1.75m |
| Focus Mode Switch | Auto, Manual, Auto/Manual |
| G-type | Yes |
| Distance Information | Yes |
| Filter Information | |
| Filter Size | 77mm |
| Accepts Filter Type | Screw-on |
| Physical Characteristics | |
| Weather / Dust Sealing | No |
| Mount Material | Metal |
| Tripod Collar | Yes |
| Dimensions | 95.5 x 203mm |
| Weight | 1570g |
| Other Information | |
| Available in Colors | Black |
Lens Construction
MTF Chart
Sample Images
Reader Interactions
User Reviews
User Review Policy: All user reviews are moderated. If you would like your review to be posted, please make sure that there is enough valuable information for others to read. Two or three word reviews will be deleted. Also, please do not forget to give a star ranking to the reviewed product. Thank you!
Could you please make a review of this lens?
Please read this page once again and you will find a link to the review :)
When I saw the MTF chart for this lens I couldn’t wait to buy one. Sadly, I have been quite disappointed with what I got. The AF at first was rather pedestrian. However, changing the setting to Active AF improved this considerably to the point where I am actually quite satisfied with the AF.
My real problem is the optical performance. Despite fine tuning my D800E, and using all the other tricks that I can think of, I have never managed to get a really sharp image from this lens. The optical performance is generally no better than that of its predecessor (that cost a lot less) and has severely dented my faith in Nikon’s ability to consistently produce top lenses for top dollars.
Felix
I waited to purchase (in case of launch failure, like with the D800 and D600), and finally bought. However, I either got a bad copy anyway, or I am asking too much of the lens (due to distances involved in polo). I shot over 4,500 pictures in two days of polo action, on a D800E, and had a hit ratio of less than 40%, even in cases of slow moving action (an instructional session for children). Both days were bright light, shutter speeds of 1/2,000th or 1/2,500th, all at f/5.6, with auto ISO. All shots were done handheld, some while standing, and others while sitting in a chair. Focus was set at AF-C, and I tried both Single Point and 9 Point Dynamic. Have used same camera with a 300mm f/4 and a 70-200 VR II, and gotten better hit ratios (same settings), so I don’t believe is either me or the camera.
In testing, it seemed to me that if I used the AF Fine Tune feature, and set up the focus for distance X from me to the subject, then when I shot at that distance I had a better hit ratio. Hower, since I am using for sports, and the distance varies constantly, only a low portion of the shots are at that distance, and the hit ratio drastically dropped the further from distance X the subject was at. I tried shots both with and without VR on (at the above shutter speeds, VR should not be needed).
Having used the old version of this lens on a D3X, and getting a 90%+ hit ratio with that combo (until I wore out the old lens), I am not happy with my copy (sending it back to Adorama today).
Sample shots (unedited/uncropped) can be posted to my website if anybody wishs to see. Note: Will be at a photo shoot for few days, so could not post those samples before May 22nd or 23rd.
Any comments or suggestions are welcome.
WEJ
Hello,
I have the lens and had problems with focus and found that nearby objects weren’t a problem but further items were. Suspected it may be the filter and swapped it out for a Carl Zeiss T* UV Filter and it’s performed to my expectations. I’m unsure if this advice is applicable.
Thanks,
Tim
I know, it’s expensive! But WOW,the IQ is truly superb. Bought mine Mar14, have shot over 1K images so far on both D600 and D7000. As a prior owner of the 80-400D for 12 years, the AF-S in continuous focus at 5FPS is tack sharp, CA is gone and mechanics flawless. AF is dead-on up to f8 and it is an absolute joy to use. Just stunning images. The best money I have ever spent. Congrats Nikon! (An advanced amateur).