J-SPEIGHT Loc: Akron, Ohio

Erv is using the new version of this lens and loves it

dcampbell52 Loc: Clearwater Fl

I have used the older version (slower focusing) and loved it but am saving for the newer version. The lens is amazing for everything fronm portraits to birding (especially on a D7100 or other crop factor camera). The new version of the lens uses better technology and is much faster and more precise focusing. (And more expensive). The original lens is available new for about $1800 and the New version is about $2700. You can find the older version used at Adorama and most other stores that deal in used lenses. I have yet to see the new lens available as a used lens, however you can get it as a refurb. Here are a couple of photos I took with that lens (through protecive glass at the Bronx Zoo). Please note these were taken with a D600 and are first efforts with this (the older version) lens.

Monkey

(Download)

Tiger

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Gene51 Loc: Yonkers, NY, now in LSD (LowerSlowerDelaware)

Borrowed on from Nikon for a trip - used it for two weeks. I was underwhelmed, especially at the long end.

wcuster Loc: The Sea Ranch, CA

It (latest version) is my "go to" lenses for handheld wildlife photography. I use it on a D4s. It is not to heavy, focuses fast and is reasonably sharp especially if you stop it down a bit.

The only issue I have had is when shooting under very dusty conditions it has become hard to zoom, necessitating an expensive trip to Nikon for cleaning.

Walt

CO

I have the new Nikon 80-400mm AF-S lens. It's sharp and has very fast autofocus. I really think the Nano Crystal coating on the glass gives it slightly higher contrast than lenses with the standard multi-coatings.

The latest issue on NPhoto magazine (Nikon magazine) issue 45, May 2015 has a roundup of eight super-telephoto lenses. The magazine is 100% independent and not influenced by Nikon. The new 80-400mm lens is one of the lenses tested. It's the sharpest overall except for Nikon's own 200-400mm f/4 lens. A local bookstore may have it on the newsstand.

Erv Loc: Medina Ohio

Hi Joe. I had the old version of the 80-400. I was ok but the new version is an awesome lens. It will scare you when it focuses.:) And it is as sharp as I need. So far having it almost a year now it stays on the D300s. I am going to Yellowstone this weekend and it and 2 others lens are going.)

LaMaCh Loc: Parkville Md USA

It's one of my dream lenses and you can rent it from Borrow lenses or Lens Rental. Good luck and please post some pics if you rent one.

drosegarden Loc: Kansas

I have the Nikon 80-400mm AF-S lens and use it on the D7100. I was hesitant about buying it because of the cost, but I am so glad I bought it. It is heavy, but I've gotten use to the weight and I often use it with a monopod. It is so sharp! The depiction of the feathers on birds and the petals on flowers is awesome.

DeAnne

joer Loc: Colorado/Illinois

Thanks everyone for the excellent feedback.

Brucej67 Loc: Cary, NC

I have the new version of this lens and use it on my D7100 with excellent results.

Taken with lens and D7100

(Download)

waykee7 Loc: Cortez, Colorado

These are some shots taken with the 80-400, all handheld. These are small files then further reduced by Hedgehog so it is a bit hard to see that they are very sharp, at least to my eye.

Pierre H.J. Dumais Loc: Mississippi Mills, Ont.

The subjective answer is, with good focus and viewing pix on the monitor, there is no difference. Both will give you excellent pictures.
If you shoot a lot of lens charts and love to argue about how many angels can dance on the head of a pin, there may be a difference -- LOL
My druthers are that if the subject is within 100 feet, the Nikon AF-S is the most satisfactory. Beyond 100 feet, the Tammy, with that little extra reach is what I choose. Again, this is purely subjective.
And by the way the Tammy appears a bit better at 550mm than at 600mm.
Both lenses come with crappy balky lens collars. I switched to a Kirk collar for the Nikon and it is now silky smooth and quick. The Tammy, for me, hunts for focus in low light more often. This is very annoying when combined with the balky collar.

I bought the Nikon at the time there was a long, long wait for the Tammy. Do I need the two now? No!!!!!
Were I to get rid of one, it would be the Tammy. The Nikon seems to me to be better built and usually gives me images that handle extreme crops very well.
My advice is, try out the lenses if you can.
Let us know how it all shakes down for you.

Pierre

joer Loc: Colorado/Illinois

Thanks Pierre.

phlash46 Loc: Westchester County, New York

Before I switched to Olympus I shot Nikon and had the latest and prior version of this lens. The latest, while expensive, is far superior in focusing and sharpness to the prior one.

JFleming Loc: Belchertown, Ma

Do any of you using this lens "fine tune" it? I have it as well and love it though I wish it went out to 500mm or so.