Nikon AF 80-400mm F4.5-5.6 D VR Review
General information
This is a zoom lens manufactured by Nikon and the lens was released 2000.
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 2000 Nikon wrote this regarding Nikon AF 80-400mm F4.5-5.6 D VR :
"This versatile, compact and lightweight zoom is ideal for wildlife and action photography, and includes Nikon’s VR image stabilization technology.
Nikon VR (Vibration Reduction) Image Stabilization Vibration Reduction, engineered specifically for each VR NIKKOR lens, enables handheld shooting at up to 3 shutter speeds slower than would otherwise be possible, assuring dramatically sharper still images and video capture.
3 Extra-low Dispersion (ED) glass for high resolution and high contrast even at maximum apertures.
VR is automatically detected during panning operation. Two modes of VR: image plane and viewfinder.
Filter does not rotate during zooming."
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 possibility to use autofocus (AF) is available for Nikon cameras but only if the camera itself has a built-in autofocus (AF) motor. Some cheaper and budget camera models from Nikon lacks a built-in autofocus motor, and we at Lensora appreciate autofocus, so in the list of compatible cameras we have chosen to display only the cameras that you can get autofocus with.
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 80-400mm F4.5-5.6 D VR
- Read more about focal length and your field of view
- Read more on the cameras impact on the perceived focal length
- Read more about the autofocus motor and the importance of this part
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-24".
Tripod Mount
This lens is equipped with a tripod mount, which makes use of a tripod easier and more stable.
Images of Nikon AF 80-400mm F4.5-5.6 D 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
- A lens hood is included
- A tripod mount is included
- No built-in autofocus motor
- Poor aperture value with its f/5,6
- A variable lens brightness at different focal lengths
- The lens is not sealed against moisture and dust
- Heavy (1340 gr)
Our Review Ratings
Time to grade Nikon AF 80-400mm F4.5-5.6 D VR .
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| Autofocus |
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| Value |
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| Overall rating | 3 of 5 |
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