alexol

I will be able to try both at some point, although I'd like to start with some thoughts in place along with an open mind - clearly there are pro & cons.

I like motor sports and air shows, and would like to spend more time on wildlife. I'm very much an amateur, taking photos strictly for my own pleasure. Disappointingly they are mostly snap-shots, occasionally very well timed, obtained at considerable expense. On the positive side, by buying unnecessarily expensive gear I contribute to keeping the costs down for everyone else, but that's a different topic;)

Although the 80-400 doesn't have quite the reach, cropping an 850 image should still yield decent results.
It is smaller & lighter, and means I could possibly dispense with my 70-200/f4. Maybe. Years ago I had a Canon 80-400 L series which was superlative, but it sucked in a lot of dust and didn't quite have all the reach I would have liked.

The 200-500 has a lot of reach and is less expensive, but is big enough that it would only be used when really needed. Probably not something you're going to leave on the camera for "just in case".

Thanks in advance for your thoughts and comments.

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

I like your thinking. The 80-400 is more expensive but more manageable - and yes the 850 will crop well and you can use pixel enlargement software if needed. You can use a 1.4X extender in good light also.
Not to take anything away from the 200-500 - it is a great lens - but will require more management.
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cjc2 Loc: Hellertown PA

I've not worked with the 80-400 but I have worked with the 200-500. While neither lens is stellar, it seems you have a handle on these two. I used the 200-500 for sports and only owned it for six months as I was just 'kicking the tires'. For me, the 5.6 aperture created too much depth-of-field so I sold it. I much prefer my 400/2.8 and I replaced the 200-500 with a 200-400 F4 VR II which I like much better so far. Best of luck. So, it depends upon what you're willing to spend and what you want to shoot, the 200-500 being my choice for BIF. Best of luck.

dick ranez

I'd pair a 70-200 with the 200-500 and use each appropriately. IF budget's a problem, I'd get the 70-200 with a converter (2X) for maximum versatility. You can never be too rich, too thin or have a long enough telephoto reach.

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

I've used both - borrowed from Nikon's NPS program. I found that the 200-500 is sharper, though the 80-400 VR isn't terrible on a 36mp body. I suspect the difference will be wider on a D850.

I've used both - borrowed from Nikon's NPS program. I found that the 200-500 is sharper, though the 80-400 VR isn't terrible on a 36mp body. I suspect the difference will be wider on a D850.

The difference in weight - 3.5 lbs vs 5.1 - or 1.6 lbs, does not necessarily put the 200-500 out of the hand-holding category. I have several female friends that routinely shoot birds with 150-600mm lenses, and they aren't complaining. They range in age from 65 to 71.

orrie smith Loc: Kansas

Although the 80-400 does not have quite the range on the high side, but it is more useful because it will go down to a 70mm. If you need the extra reach, try a Nikon 1.4 teleconverter. It will not focus as quickly with the teleconverter, but you will probably not need the teleconverter as much as you may think.

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

You'll find a useful comparison here:

https://photographylife.com/reviews/nikon-200-500mm-f5-6e-vr

I think the 80-400 with a TC is pretty useless.

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

The size and weight difference of the 200-500 is an impediment - any way you slice it or dice it !
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DaveO Loc: Northeast CT

Perhaps a body pod will help!

Mine is working just fine on my little trip!

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

- yes, the BP DOES help !
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alexol

Thanks for all the comments so far. Most useful.

The issue with 5.1lbs isn't so much hand holding, it's just at that size & weight it is a BUF no matter which you slice it.

Budget is definitely a concern - someone mentioned a couple of big-aperture primes which would be great, but a little unreasonable for my purposes. Too many hobbies, not enough money to feed them all!

So far selling the 70-200 in favor of the 80-400 makes most sense, but that's only what I think today without having handled either.

Very much a 1st world problem which I will enjoy wrestling with.

Kmgw9v Loc: Miami, Florida

Selling the 70-200?
I own both the 70-200 and the 80-400; and I use both.
But, it is a no-brainer---if pushed, for my purposes, I would keep the 70-200 over the 80-400 any day, everyday.

Drip Dry McFleye

For what it's worth: I wouldn't be too quick about selling the 70-200. I have both the 70-200 f2.8 and the 80-400(newest version). I use them on my D500. The 80-400 is actually better than I expected and I have no regrets. I've used the 80-400 a lot for birds but the 70-200 is hands down just better lens. It's sharper, faster and just seems to give clearer images. Hang onto yours and avoid sellers remorse at a later date.

cjc2 Loc: Hellertown PA

I am also one that would STRONGLY advise AGAINST selling your 70-200, no matter what you bought. The 70-200 is my 'go-to' lens. I like it so much I have BOTH the 2.8E AND the F4 versions, the F4 being much more weight-friendly when the 2.8 is not needed. Best of luck.

Dr.Nikon Loc: Honolulu Hawaii

I have both the ‘80-400 and the 200-500 and as you asked ...paired with a 47 mega pixel D850 .....the 80-400 works well ., my 200-500 is rarely used ... there were a lot of replies , but no one mentioned they use the lenses they like are paired to a D850 ..which is what you asked ...that said .., the lenses they recommended are all excellent .. rent the lenses to try out on your D850 and you’ll have your answer ..

My point ... the 80-400 when used with a D850 can be cropped to equal the 500mm because of the pixels ..
Most 24 mega pixel rigs can’t handle the cropping of the D850 ...so unless you have a lest D800 / E - D810 with 36 mega pixels .. you won’t get to crop as much ...

It all depends on you needs ... I prefer to,mate my D850 with my 24-70 .. for most of my work ..
Cropping gets a little pixeled ..