Nikon AF-S 80-400mm F4.5-5.6 G ED VR Review
General information
This is a zoom lens manufactured by Nikon and the lens was released 2013.
The lens belongs to the category
telephoto zoom lenses, a telephoto lens where you have the possibility to zoom in and out.
Product description from Nikon
At launch 2013 Nikon wrote this regarding Nikon AF-S 80-400mm F4.5-5.6 G ED VR:
"The ultimate medium to super-telephoto zoom lens.
Product photo of the AF-S NIKKOR 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR lens If you’re looking for a compact, versatile telephoto zoom lens that handles portraiture as well as it handles long-distance wildlife and action photography, look no further than the AF-S NIKKOR 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR. With the broadest focal length range in our super-telephoto zoom line-up, it reduces the number of lenses you need to carry into the field; and expands your handheld shooting capabilities, thanks to Nikon’s Vibration Reduction (VR) technology. Create spectacular photos and HD videos in nearly any light, from nearly any distance.
Any subject. Any distance.
Remarkable versatility and performance
Travel light. Shoot with confidence. The AF-S NIKKOR 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR covers the broadest focal length range of any NIKKOR super-telephoto zoom lens. At 80mm, its an ideal medium-telephoto portrait lens. Create stunning portraits with a medium telephoto perspective and softly blurred backgrounds. At 400mm, its a powerful super-telephoto lens suited to wildlife and action photography, with or without a tripod. For dazzling close-ups with macro detail, get as close as 5.7 feet from your subject and zoom in to 400mm—you´ll be amazed by the results!
Sharp, beautiful images in any light
Nikon´s VR image stabilization with Tripod Auto Detect
At super-telephoto focal lengths, even the slightest camera movement can cause image blur. Fortunately, the AF-S NIKKOR 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR features Nikon´s second-generation Vibration Reduction technology to ensure every handheld photo and HD video is razor-sharp. Nikon VR (Vibration Reduction) image stabilization provides 4 stops of blur free handheld shooting, assuring dramatically sharper still images and HD video capture. The AF-S NIKKOR 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR even detects when you´re using a tripod and automatically delivers specialized VR correction.
A lifetime of brilliant performance
Nikon innovations for consistently stunning images
Nikon´s innovations in optical design and lens technology have given way to a remarkable new class of NIKKOR lenses. The AF-S NIKKOR 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR is among them. From its Silent Wave Motor (SWM) for ultra-fast, ultra-quiet autofocusing to its Extra-low Dispersion (ED) glass elements for maximum contrast and minimum lens flare and ghosting, you can expect a lifetime of consistent brilliant performance. The AF-S NIKKOR 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR is equally at home on DX- or FX-format Nikon cameras.
High-performance telephoto zoom lens for use with FX-format SLRs.
With a broad 80-400mm focal range and superior optical design, this lens is suited to a variety of subjects including wildlife, landscapes and sports.
Nikon’s Vibration Reduction system lets you shoot at shutter speeds up to four stops slower for steady images at any focal length when shooting handheld. Four ED (Extra-low Dispersion) and one Super ED glass elements correct chromatic aberration and the kind of optical color defects that can occur at longer focal lengths.
FX-format telephoto zoom lens with 80-400mm focal range (120-600mm when used with a Nikon DX-format SLR).
Superb optical performance: four ED (Extra-low Dispersion) glass elements and one Super ED glass element help correct chromatic aberration and optical color defects, which can occur at longer focal lengths.
Nano Crystal Coat greatly reduces ghosting and flare even in backlit situations.
Vibration Reduction (VR) system with Normal, Active and Tripod modes. Minimizes camera shake and lets you shoot at shutter speeds up to four stops slower.
Silent Wave Motor (SWM) enables fast, quiet and accurate autofocus.
Three focus modes: A/M (autofocus with manual override, AF priority), M/A (autofocus with manual override, manual priority) and M (manual focus).
AF with teleconverter: AF works even when a 1.4x teleconverter is attached to an f/8-compatible camera.
Focus limit switch: “FULL” and ∞-6m, which lets you reduce focusing time when shooting within a specific distance range.
Lens barrel lock (when the barrel is collapsed at 80mm position) prevents the barrel extending under its weight when the lens is not in use.
Detachable tripod foot included."
Compatibility, autofocus and focal length
This lens is constructed to fit all models of Nikon cameras, regardless of camera model or type of sensor.
The ability to use autofocus is available for all cameras.
The lens has a focal length of 80-400 mm. Depending on which camera the lens is used, the experienced and perceived focal length will be different. Please visit the list of compatible cameras below, it will provide the equivalent focal length you get on each camera.
A positive thing is that this lens has a versitale zoom range, where the difference between 'maximum zoomed out' to 'maximum zoomed in' increases the lens versatility since you as a photographer easily can compose your picture without moving yourself physically.
- See compatible cameras and perceived/equivalent focal length
- See a full camera compatibility chart for Nikon AF-S 80-400mm F4.5-5.6 G ED VR
- Read more about focal length and your field of view
- Read more on the cameras impact on the perceived focal length
Lens brightness and image stabilizer
The lens brightness and aperture value is f/4,5-5,6.
This lens is not considered to have a good aperture value and brightness. It is something to consider before you purchase the lens. To compensate for this you might, while photographing in less favorable light conditions, be forced to either use higher ISO settings (which generates more noise in the image), slower shutter speeds (which may give some motion blur) or flash lightning. Read more at the link below what lens brightness means to you as a photographer.
One thing to consider is that the lens has a variable brightness, which means that depending on how much you are zooming the lens will have a different maximum aperture value. At 80 mm the lens brightness is f/4,5 and at 400 mm the brightness is f/5,6. Through the link below you can read more about what this could mean for you as a photographer.
Inside the lens there is an image stabilizer, which helps to fend off possible movements and tremors. This is very positive and can be of great help in situations and conditions where the light is inadequate and not enough for decent shutter speeds.
- Read more about the aperture and lens brightness
- Read more about changing brightness at different focal lengths
- Read more about how an image stabilizer works
Filter and Lens Hood
The lens has a traditional filter thread on the front and its measuring 77 mm which also the filter you will use must have. If you use for example an UV filter can be a cheap insurance against scratches and dust.
If you buy this lens it will come with a lens hood, whose model name is "HB-65".
Tripod Mount
This lens is equipped with a tripod mount, which makes use of a tripod easier and more stable.
Images of Nikon AF-S 80-400mm F4.5-5.6 G ED VR
In order to see larger product images of the lens, click the link below.
Things to consider before buying
Below you will find some summarized points and facts that can be considered as the 'pros and cons' of this lens. These are based entirely on the facts and values that are accessible through the lens specification, so we highly recommend that you also read the reported reviews available (see tab 'Reviews'); this in order to get a more complete view of the lens and its capabilities. Reviewer opinions reflect the lens, its use and its optical performance in a more accurate way, but any way - here a few different points to consider before buying this lens.
- Has a built-in image stabilizer
- Long focal length with its 400 mm
- An impressive focal range
- Works on all sensor types
- Has a built-in autofocus motor
- A lens hood is included
- A tripod mount is included
- The lens is sealed against dust and moisture
- Poor aperture value with its f/5,6
- A variable lens brightness at different focal lengths
- Heavy (1570 gr)
- The price (more info)
Our Review Ratings
Time to grade Nikon AF-S 80-400mm F4.5-5.6 G ED VR.
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| Overall rating | 3 of 5 |
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