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Nikon Lenses
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Feb 17, 2017 11:46:21   #
FreddB Loc: PA - Delaware County
 
any advice would be welcome: which would you choose - 200-500mm f/5.6E or 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6G;
both full-frame ED with VR

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Feb 17, 2017 11:54:53   #
ecblackiii Loc: Maryland
 
200-500 would give you the capability for the greatest magnification of distant images--which is the purpose of a long lens. I would not waste money on an 80-400mm lens. For the shorter distances requiring less than 200 mm, just use one of your other lenses.

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Feb 17, 2017 11:57:45   #
Mac Loc: Pittsburgh, Philadelphia now Hernando Co. Fl.
 
I agree with ecblackiii.

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Feb 17, 2017 12:00:57   #
JPL
 
200-500 is the better choice. Also good with 1.4 converter which extends the range up 700 mm.

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Feb 17, 2017 12:01:41   #
orrie smith Loc: Kansas
 
FreddB wrote:
any advice would be welcome: which would you choose - 200-500mm f/5.6E or 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6G;
both full-frame ED with VR


The 200-500mm lens gives you a constant 5.6 aperture for all magnification in the zoom range of the lens, the 80-400 will have a variable aperture throughout the lens magnification. In my opinion, I prefer a constant aperture in a zoom lens, so I would choose the 200-500. Actually, I do own the 200-500 lens and I think it is a great lens. The downside of the lens is it is not weather sealed, which is not a problem for me, but some may decide against it for that reason. You may easily use a cover for the lens if weather is a concern. I have never used the 80-400 lens, so I cannot say about it. One thing to consider before you buy is to rent both lenses prior to purchase and see which one performs best for you.

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Feb 17, 2017 12:03:54   #
Leitz Loc: Solms
 
FreddB wrote:
any advice would be welcome: which would you choose - 200-500mm f/5.6E or 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6G;
both full-frame ED with VR

I'd choose the one that had the range I want to shoot at.

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Feb 17, 2017 12:14:29   #
imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida
 
FreddB wrote:
any advice would be welcome: which would you choose - 200-500mm f/5.6E or 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6G;
both full-frame ED with VR


What camera body ?? - on FX, definitely 200-500 .......on DX, the 200-500, but only if you can manage the larger size and weight - if not, use the 80-400 and crop to 500.

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Feb 17, 2017 12:19:25   #
FreddB Loc: PA - Delaware County
 
Thanks all - I was leaning (real hard) toward the 200-500; you all seem to agree
BTW - I have an FX (D610)

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Feb 17, 2017 12:21:22   #
JeffDavidson Loc: Originally Detroit Now Los Angeles
 
Both good, however, 200-500, which I have, gives a greater reach and you can use it with a TC1.4 teleconverter. You cannot do that with the slower lens. Also, much more bokeh if you want with the 200-500mm.

Photo shown done with 200-500.



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Feb 17, 2017 12:21:25   #
moonhawk Loc: Land of Enchantment
 
I've had both. Sold the 80-400. In addition to greater range, the VR on the 200-500 seems to be far better. Also prefer the constant aperture.

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Feb 17, 2017 14:46:37   #
JR45 Loc: Montgomery County, TX
 
200-500

This was cropped in Capture. Estimated horizon at 2.5 to 3 miles.

http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-419170-1.html

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Feb 18, 2017 05:55:14   #
Brucej67 Loc: Cary, NC
 
FreddB wrote:
any advice would be welcome: which would you choose - 200-500mm f/5.6E or 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6G;
both full-frame ED with VR


Don't have the Nikon 200-500mm, but I do have the 80-400mm "G" and the Sigma 150-600mm Sport as well as the Nikon 200-400mm and I find that I tend to use the 80-400 more when I want to hand hold the lens as it is lighter and even with a 1.4 tele on it can be managed far better than the other long lenses.

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Feb 18, 2017 06:20:14   #
Gene51 Loc: Yonkers, NY, now in LSD (LowerSlowerDelaware)
 
FreddB wrote:
any advice would be welcome: which would you choose - 200-500mm f/5.6E or 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6G;
both full-frame ED with VR


Tried both, found the 200-500 much better in all respects. Ended up getting the Sigma Sport because it was even sharper -

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Feb 18, 2017 07:01:12   #
FiddleMaker Loc: Merrimac, MA
 
FreddB wrote:
any advice would be welcome: which would you choose - 200-500mm f/5.6E or 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6G;
both full-frame ED with VR

you will not be disappointed with the 200-500 lens.

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Feb 18, 2017 07:21:30   #
billnikon Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont
 
FreddB wrote:
any advice would be welcome: which would you choose - 200-500mm f/5.6E or 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6G;
both full-frame ED with VR


I have owned and used both. In my humble opinion the 200-500 is not only less expensive it is sharper and more versatile. I have mine mounted on my D500, I use GROUP AUTO FOCUS in CONTINUOUS AUTO FOCUS at 10 fps. My keep rate is almost 96% for birds in flight. I use center weighted metering especially on white birds and usually an exposure compensation of around -.7 to -1.3 depending on how bright the sun is behind me for front lighting. I reverse this for back lighting +.7 to +1. Again, 200-500 f5.6 hands down. IT IS THAT GOOD. It compares favorably to my Nikon 200-400 F4.

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