New Nikon 80-400 lens
Nov 22, 2017 08:31:30 #
sendero72
Loc: Candler, North Carolina
I have the Nikon D7100 , but mounted the old version of the Nikon 80-400 lens only to find out that the motor on the lens can't keep up the motor on the D7100. It's very difficulty to track birds and such. Anyone having the same problem. May end up having to sell it and purchase the new version or is there a way to speed up the motor in the old lens?
Jim
Jim
Nov 22, 2017 09:29:48 #
sendero72 wrote:
I have the Nikon D7100 , but mounted the old version of the Nikon 80-400 lens only to find out that the motor on the lens can't keep up the motor on the D7100. It's very difficulty to track birds and such. Anyone having the same problem. May end up having to sell it and purchase the new version or is there a way to speed up the motor in the old lens?
Jim
Jim
That lens is the old screw drive AF system which is much slower than the AFS lenses. Your particular lens was the longest range AF type lens made and is well known for having the slowest AF of any of that type lens. Itsca great lens, but the slow AF cannot be fixed, its just the nature of the beast. The newer AFS version is MUCH faster focusing.
Nov 22, 2017 09:30:21 #
Jim , I don't know a lot about the old version except what I have heard, it was not great. I have the new version IMO it is a great lens, I have a few, this the one I use most of the time. It is a bit pricey but I think it's worth it. The 200-500mm lens has come out since I purchased mine, I have seen some very good results from it @ about half the price.
Nov 22, 2017 09:37:20 #
sendero72 wrote:
I have the Nikon D7100 , but mounted the old version of the Nikon 80-400 lens only to find out that the motor on the lens can't keep up the motor on the D7100. It's very difficulty to track birds and such. Anyone having the same problem. May end up having to sell it and purchase the new version or is there a way to speed up the motor in the old lens?
Jim
Jim
Assuming your old version is the 80-400 D (has an aperture ring). Newer version is the 80-400 G (no aperture ring).
There is no way to speed up the motor in the D version because it doesn't have a motor. Focus is mechanically driven by the in-camera motor. The G version does have an in-lens AF-S motor that is way faster. Be prepared for sticker shock at $2300. Nikon pretty much redesigned the entire lens, so there are other significant changes.
It's on Thom Hogan's recommended list, if that matters to you.
Nov 22, 2017 13:03:53 #
I couldn't see spending 2300.00 for that lens. I went with the Sigma 100-400 and I am impressed with it. no tri-pod mount but the lens is so light and well balanced that their is really no need for one. Tamron just came out with their version and has a tri-pod mount for an extra 129.00 and it's 100.00 more than the Sigma. I have yet to see a bad review of the Sigma.
Nov 22, 2017 21:03:10 #
sendero72 wrote:
I have the Nikon D7100 , but mounted the old version of the Nikon 80-400 lens only to find out that the motor on the lens can't keep up the motor on the D7100. It's very difficulty to track birds and such. Anyone having the same problem. May end up having to sell it and purchase the new version or is there a way to speed up the motor in the old lens?
Jim
Jim
You may want to consider the 200-500 - better, faster, lighter, cheaper.
https://photographylife.com/reviews/nikon-200-500mm-f5-6e-vr
Good compare to the new 80-400, even with extenders. After reading this and other reviews, I have to wonder why someone would buy the 80-400. Or, if you liked the image quality on the old 80-400, I can't put in print (family oriented forum) how much you'll love the 200-500.
Nov 23, 2017 06:03:25 #
jeryh
Loc: Oxfordshire UK
You will find that the first version which you have is a very slow focussing lens, and definetly not for birds in flight, or for anything which moves.
Nov 23, 2017 11:04:54 #
sendero72
Loc: Candler, North Carolina
Thanks for all the replies and advise. Happy Thanksgivings to all.
Jim
Jim
Nov 24, 2017 21:43:08 #
I have the newer 80-400mm AF-S version of that lens. It's lighter than the 200-500mm f/5.6 (1,563g vs. 2,300g) and has faster autofocus. I really think the nano crystal coating on the glass helps to give it slightly high contrast than lenses that have standard multi-coatings. Its vibration reduction is excellent.
Nov 24, 2017 21:53:38 #
I had a chance to test the 200-500 on my D7100 at a Nikon sponsored event. This lens would be my choice.....
Nov 25, 2017 09:24:41 #
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