AustinTed

I didn't try the 80-400mm on a tripod, but based on my experience trying to hand hold long lenses I thought the VR system was pretty amazing. That's not to say it's better than a good solid tripod...

It doesn't look as sharp as it should, but I don't think it's the lens.  The branch looks decent, but the bird looks soft... I think your friend moved on you.  1/50s is pretty slow for a twitchy...

I think these are looking good especially considering the demands of the D800.  There is some slight softness there, but I wonder if it is more related to thermal effects on the roof given how hot...

There's nothing wrong with this lens.  Like any other lens it has its limitations.  As Ken often says - those who need something more you know who you are.  When the grandkids start playing night...

As a general trend across more than one site I've noticed far less detailed technical reviews lately and more opinion based pieces.  This is true of KR and others.  I've got to imagine that it's...

I've been having some trouble fine tuning lenses with teleconverters attached.  For example, using Reikan Focal I might be able to fine tune a 2x TC on some combination of cameras and lenses, but...

The 28-300mm is quite good for a super zoom, but the D800 is going to show its limitations.  Unless convenience is the driving factor (and sometimes it is), I'd suggest you look at the 24-120mm F4...

I tested an 80-400mm (new version) for a few days.  Your examples are similar to what I saw with a D800 although your squirrel shot seems a bit weak.  I was only doing testing at 400mm and your...

There is no way I'd ever trade the 70-200mm f2.8 for the new 80-400mm.  The 70-200mm can get to 400mm with a tc, but the 80-400mm can never get to f2.8.  So while the 80-400mm is optically better...

On a D800 the 70-200mm + TC-17II/TC-20EIII gives good results, but will look soft at 100% crop wide open.  Stopped down one stop the TC17II is going to be barely acceptable and the TC20III is still...

Wouldn't a fairer comparison be against the 300mm F4 with the 1.4x TC?

I'm afraid your probably right.  Given how this lens performs I'm not sure N is really necessary, but VR would sure be nice.

Reviewing more of my test shots.  Despite the additional stress on technique that the D800 causes I am absolutely impressed at the quality of the 300mm f4 + 1.7x.  It makes you work, but it can...

Congrats.  Let us know your experience.  I currently have one to evaluate.  I'm having some mixed feelings so maybe everyone can provide some feedback. I'm trying the 300mm f4 with a 1.7x TC as a...

There are a lot of good reasons to get a D800, but I'm not sure this is the right one.  Your wedding clients aren't going to notice the difference and yet you are going to slow down your workflow...

One other point to consider.  Depending how audio is being handled your shutter sound might be recorded with spectacular clarity...

Agree, looks a bit soft to me too.

No doubt the 24-70mm is a great lens.  But that same money can almost get you a new Nikon 28mm f1.8G and Nikon 85mm f1.8G.  As good as the 24-70mm is those primes will outperform it.  Since you...

If the new 80-400mm is a sharp as a naked 70-200 VR II (and with similar rendering), then I agree that this will be a truly noteworthy lens.  I'll look forward to hearing about your experience.  I...

I'm interested in this as well only on FX.  I need to get to 300-400mm with best optical quality possible while not spending a fortune or carrying a heavy piece of artillery with me.  Both the new...