Reading mode: Light Dark

News Reviews Articles Buying Guides Sample Images Videos Cameras Lenses Phones Printers Forums Galleries Challenges

Now reading: Editor's opinion: Nikon's AF-S Nikkor 80-400mm F4.5-5.6G ED VR 69 comments

Editor's opinion: Nikon's AF-S Nikkor 80-400mm F4.5-5.6G ED VR

Published Mar 5, 2013 | dpreview staff

Nikon's AF-S Nikkor 80-400mm F4.5-5.6 G ED VR will be eagerly welcomed by many enthusiast and professional Nikon photographers who've been waiting for a replacement for its 12 year-old predecessor. The original 80-400mm was Nikon's first lens to offer vibration reduction but the intervening years have left it looking rather long in the tooth. The latest version boasts a new optical design, built-in SWM focus motor and much improved vibration reduction. In this short article, Barnaby Britton gives his opinion.

Click here to read 'Editor's opinion: Nikon AF-S Nikkor 80-400mm F4.5-5.6 G ED VR'

Gear in this story

Nikon AF-S Nikkor 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR

346

I own it

151

I want it

I had it

Discuss in the forums

Shop now

Lens Only In Stock.	See price on Amazon.com »
w/ UV Protection Filter In Stock.	See price on Amazon.com »

View Comments (69)

Comments

All (69)

Most popular (1)

Editors' picks (0)

DPR staff (0)

Oldest first

dontblip

I have owned the original 80-400mm since 2006 and have literally made 10s of thousands of dollars by using it in regatta photography. It has been my go to lens on everything from a D100 up to my new D4. I have waited for this update for a long time. I will spend the extra money and be glad to do it. There are enough changes to the body of the lens, its technology, and optics to make the price increase worth it to me. I have read all the comments complaining about price. So What? If you are making money from the lens it will pay for itself. Frankly with the AF-S and no barrel movement it is going to make my life much better. Combined with the D4 and its stronger focus motor even the older 80-400 hunts less during focus so I expect this lens to be way more stable in that area. I do not need an exotic 400, the variable aperture is fine for what I do. 2013 dollars are not 2006 dollars so buy it or not it is your choice.

Apr 6, 2013permalink

Steve69

Great lookig lens. But someone could say using KR terminology, "It's the perfect model for gear masturbators".

Mar 18, 2013permalink

headlesspiderman

For 1,500 dollars what is the performance difference of buying a 70-300 mm and sticking a 2 or 3 times teleconverter to extend the lens? Do you think you will notice a big difference in the performance?

Mar 10, 2013permalink

yabokkie

70-300 is no good lens. people have to use it because there is little choice the 80-400D was too bad.

Mar 10, 2013permalink

nunatak

if the IQ of the new 80~400mm VR ii comes close to that of the 700~200mm f2.8 VR ii — the price point seems more than fair.

Mar 10, 2013permalink

yabokkie

in theory, 80-400/5.6 should be no cheaper than 70-200/2.8 if the performaces are comparable through the (different) zoom range.

but the current 70-200/2.8's from Canon and Nikon are almost twice as expensive as non-stabilized ones. Canon asked for a high premium for their infamous stagger and Nikon followed with virtual random, neither should cost more than 100 US.

Mar 10, 2013permalink

wildeye

After what seems an interminable wait for an AFS equivalent to Canon's well regarded 100-400 IS, Nikon users are now expected to pay more than twice the price of that lens, or more than 3 times the price of Sigma's 150-500 which in its latest incarnation is a very good lens at a very fair price. Come on Nikon, this price is just adding insult to injury!

Mar 9, 2013permalink

Nuno Souto

Any bets how long before the first complaints of bad QA come in?...

Mar 7, 2013permalink

Lawrence33

A real photographer blames "Self" first. And then the Grump, and if no one else is around the Equipment.
That's what a real "Pro" told me.

Mar 7, 2013permalink

Lawrence33

Why ? You crab about the latest, and greatest, it can't get here quick enough for most of you. ? And when the "New Wiz-Bang" gets here, it's too much of this and not enough of that. ?
Let me be the first to say, "Pay up sucker!"
My first camera 1940, was a Eastman Kodak box, #2A Brownie 116 film. 1965, I started as a 'Pro', whatever the hell that means, at a Chemical Company. My Portfolio was from walk around
Blk & Wh prints.
It's 'Luck' and hard work to get ahead in this field. Having the top of the line is a small thing in this game.
Thank God for the amateur. God must have love them, he made so many. And if he hadn't, I couldn't have afforded the gear I've work with all these years.
And 'Why' do we need the best thing-a-ma-BoB that comes down the pike.
Maybe it will help and maybe will just collect dust. I still work with a Nikon body from 1965 and a 85/250 f4 for walk around.
My cameras and work have taken we all over the globe. For that I'm very thankful.
"Keep shooting" 30

Mar 7, 2013*permalink

intro

I think camera and lens manufacturers live either on another planet or in the past. Things went wild with incomes after the crisis, in general people have less money for at least same amount of work.

Yet they keep showing more and more expensive products. Maybe professionals will buy these, but amateurs who do not earn (or very limited income) from photography will think twice....wrong in fact, at these prices there's nothing to think about, will just look on the second market or forget about it.

But in the end what do i know, maybe these are the fair prices...and they are if the market is willing to pay. If not...what can they do...increase even more? :)

Mar 6, 2013permalink

bossa

So the Elephant in the room right now must be the aging AF-S 300 F4 right? I bought mine a few months ago and I expect the bad news will arrive any day now of a 300 F4 VR.

Mar 6, 2013permalink

Chew488

Would love to pair this with the D7100. Saves my feminine hands from carrying heavy lenses, but dunno how good the tracking is .... agonizing wait!!

Mar 6, 2013permalink

Keithns

anybody wonder why it just says VR and not VR2

Mar 5, 2013permalink

khuon

Because Nikon's generational naming scheme is related to the lens as an overall package and not the individual component technologies. Nikon's primary distinguishers are the lens type. This is the first 80-400 to include AF-S and VR but more importantly it is a G-type whereas the older lens is a D-type. The next lens that will eventually replace this one will be named something like "AF-S NIKKOR 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR II" even though internally it may have VR-III technology or even VR-IV. The main factour as part of the naming scheme will be the fact that it will be the second generation version of the 80-400/4.5-5.6 G-type lens.

Mar 6, 2013*permalink

Patco

Khuon is correct. I don't believe Nikon ever includes the VR version in the official lens name, or on the markings on the lens.
As an example, the name of newer version of the 18-200mm ends in "...VR II", indicating the 2nd version of the lens, but both the 1st & current versions have VR2.

Mar 7, 2013permalink

yabokkie

there is no standard scale. each lens has its own design and performance though they may share some technologies.

Mar 11, 2013permalink

Wally626

Well at least the new Nikon makes the new Sony 70-400 f/4-5.6 G2 look like a comparable bargain at only $2198.

Mar 5, 2013permalink

Mescalamba

Lol, sad but true..

Mar 5, 2013permalink

rob asnong

Yes that is true and if the new Sony is as good or even better as the old one (maybe the best of all till now), then the new Sony 70-400 stays maybe even unbeaten.

Mar 6, 2013permalink

LarryK

I don't see any surprises here, pretty much every new Nikon Pro lens that comes out is twice the price of its predecessor. People always seem to be wishing for improvements in pre-2000 prices.

Hopefully it's better than the old model, but while the 80-400 was much maligned it was usually by people that didn't have one or didn't know how to use it. Mine has give me excellent service for close to a decade and I'll only replace it if there are real benefits from this. The old one packed a lot of firepower into a small (relatively speaking) package.

Mar 5, 2013permalink

yabokkie

Canon should be blamed, too, that Nikon cannot set unreasonable high prices without the cooperation from the competitor.

Mar 10, 2013permalink

ltabb

Well, I was waiting for this lens since I bought my D200 when it was first released. I finally got tired of waiting and six months ago bought a Sigma 50-500 VR and I love it (plus it's about $1000 cheaper).

I'm sure I'm not the only sale Nikon has lost because they've been too slow, not only with this but in other areas as well (e..g. a direct D300s upgrade). Also, this would have been an ideal lens to target for Dx so they could make it smaller and lighter.

This type of thing is making it clear why I see about four Canons for every Nikon DSLR.

Mar 5, 2013permalink

Retzius

I am sure it will be nice but the price is just ludicrous. The pre-order price at Adorama is full MSRP of $2700. I doubt they will move many at that price point.

Mar 5, 2013permalink

Osvaldo Cristo

Welcome, baby!

I bought my Nikkor 80-400 f/4.5-5.6 on 2002 to use with my (then) new Nikon D100 and today it is my oldest lens in my collection as previous lenses were replaced years back (the Sigma 15-30 by Nikkor 12-24, the Nikkor 24-120 AFD by Nikkor 24-120 f/4).

I am very happy with my older 80-400 even after so long years - of course improvements are always welcome. Let us see if in the field practice it worths so long waiting. Anyway I will not board at the first ship. I am not in a hurry.

Mar 5, 2013permalink

falconeyes

This lens has much in common with the Pentax DA* 60-200 F/4 ED (90-380 F/6 equivalent) which is tack-sharp at the long end even outperforming most fixed focal lengths.

This is one particular lens which makes the Pentax APS-C system quite attractive.

The new Nikkor 80-400 could do the same for Nikon FX if the optical performance is similiarly top notch and if the price comes down a bit.

Mar 5, 2013permalink

Guidenet

This lens has nothing in common with that Pentax 60-200 f/4. Nothing at all. The Pentax is half the focal length on the long side. If you want to apply crop factor, you have to apply that to both. Oh and it's a 60-250 f/4, if you check. It's about half the price and built for crop cameras only. The only thing it's equvalent to in this Full Frame lens is the angle of view. That's not a lot in common by my views.

That all said, that 60-250 f/4 is a superb lens for what it is. Also, it's unfortunate that Pentax doesn't yet make a full frame camera. Maybe soon in the future. I wish they'd catch up. I know they will, but when.

As for doing the same for Nikon, they aren't the same thing and Nikon has a plethora of lenses all around it, already top notch. I too hope it's excellent, but it won't make or break them. It just fits in a small nitch amongst all the others, some like the 200-400 f/4 being world class.

Mar 5, 2013permalink

viking79

It has a lot in common, they serve the same function if you shoot full frame vs APS-C. Both are medium to good light telephotos.

If I were to buy a Pentax K-5IIs I would get some standard range primes and the 60-250mm f/4. If I were to buy the D600, I would get this lens instead. If I had a D7000 and was getting the 80-400, well, Pentax has nothing similar (Sigma does).

Edit: I would never buy an 80-400mm on DX when what I really wanted was a 60-250mm. They are very different focal lengths at the wider end. Again, I see advantages to using an 80-400mm on DX, but it is a different lens altogether.

Mar 5, 2013*permalink

Plastek

"It has a lot in common, they serve the same function if you shoot full frame vs APS-C. " - and that's pretty much ALL.
Sorry, but these two lenses are completely different beasts.

Mar 5, 2013permalink

viking79

Incorrect, if I am coming from say Pentax K-5IIs to a Nikon D600, and I owned the 60-250mm on Pentax, I would want to get the 80-400mm to be fairly similar to what I had on Pentax. What are you failing to comprehend here?

The Pentax is a 1.5x crop, so the 60-250mm f/4 is equivalent to a 90-380mm f/6 lens. So the 80-400mm will have a bit shallower depth of field, etc, but these are very close in function if the 60-250 is used on APS-C and the 80-400mm on full frame.

Mar 5, 2013*permalink

ppastoris

viking79, +1.

Such mistakes as Plastek is making here are unfortunately very typical when people compare lenses on different size sensors :(.

Mar 5, 2013permalink

Guidenet

Ok, if you folks consider angle of view at one end of a zoom lens makes them common, that's fine. We're not talking equivalent focal length or reach, just angle of view here on one side of a zoom.

And you're right. Pentax doesn't really make anything really like it, do they? The fact you might want the 60-250 if you had a Pentax because Pentax doesn't make a full frame or this 80-400 is irrelavent. Field of view will never be the same as reach or focal length no matter how you slice the loaf. One is 400mm and one is 250mm on the long side regardless of how you wish to crop it.

Mar 5, 2013permalink

Mescalamba

I think original author meant more "similar sharpness at desired focal length of equiv. crop".

Can 80-400 deliver that? For that price it should..

Otherwise Sigma has nice 120-300mm f2.8 with VR for same price. And it works pretty good even with 1.4x TC. Worth thinking, eh?

Mar 5, 2013permalink

ppastoris

60-250 f/4 on APS-C and 90-375 f/6 on the same generation FF sensor will produce very similar images in terms of AoV, DoF, image noise, and diffraction. Nikon's 80-400 f/4.5-5.6 is indeed a bit brighter and more versatile than the above hypothetical 90-375 f/6, but close enough for people to compare and cross-shop Pentax 60-250 f/4 + K5II vs Nikon 80-400 + Nikon FF camera. It especially makes sense taking into account that Pentax 60-250 is a very good lens optically as well as mechanically and is lighter and, in combination with the corresponding camera, much-much cheaper than the Nikon's version.

Mar 6, 2013permalink

Osvaldo Cristo

Sorry, wrong comparison. One 20-200 at f/6 would be muuuch easier to design and manufacture than a 80-400 lens. It is Physics: 200mm is not the same focal length than 400.

You can use that lens with a FX camera but also the same lens can be used mounted on DX or even System 1 with adapter - but it is another story.

May 24, 2013permalink

G Davidson

Attractive lens maybe, but way too expensive for that slow aperture. It seems to be relying on-

A) The increased reach that newer crop cameras/ high MP sensors cropped offer, to give a really long reach (plus it's compatibility with tele-convertors) and

B) The better performance at high ISOs on today's sensors, along with the better VR. Presumably, this will only improve, making brighter lenses less important for capture speed.

... yet other lenses will share these benefits, including brighter ones presumably having better bokeh and faster AF due to letting in more light. It seems to me yet another opening for third parties like Sigma to offer similar ranges at a radically better price-point with only slightly worse optics, though that 'slightly worse' factor may push many to the Nikon.

Mar 5, 2013permalink

pureaxis

title is wrong, is 4.5-5.6 aperture not 4-5.6 aperture, I think you got it confused with a Sony

Mar 5, 2013permalink

Richard Shih

Thanks.

Mar 5, 2013permalink

map1273

For the money, I'd rather have the new Sigma 120-300mm 2.8 that's coming out in a few weeks and use a teleconverter if needed on that.

Mar 5, 2013*permalink

PatrickP

almost totally forgot about the Sigma.
$2700 for a 80-400 f/4.5-5.6 VR,
versus:
$3600 for a 120-300 f/2.8 OS
Given the recent improvement in quality from Sigma, the only downside is the size and weight.

Mar 5, 2013permalink

Mescalamba

Original "old" 120-300/2.8 costs same as this.. And if you take a look on reviews, its actually really good lens.

Mar 5, 2013permalink

bossa

Yes but the new Sigma 120-300 F2.8 has the same optical formula as the old one and according to Lens Rentals repair stat's the 'current' version of that lens degrades physically quite quickly (focus mechanism). I'd want to be sure of a few things before considering that lens.

Mar 6, 2013*permalink

Kabe Luna

Nearly double the cost of the outgoing lens? Fantasy pricing for this slow lens - unless, that is, build and optical quality are beyond reproach. We'll have to see.

Mar 5, 2013permalink

sandy b

Lets wait and see what Canon charges when they upgrade their version, probably soon.

Mar 7, 2013permalink

yabokkie

you can think the outgoing one as non-existence, nothing compared with Canon 100-400mm, while this lens looks much better on MTF at least.

would pay more for an EF100-500/4.5-5.6LIS.

Mar 7, 2013permalink

kewlguy

For the price it should be much better than the mediocre 70-300 VR!

Mar 5, 2013*permalink

Peter K Burian

You're comparing apples to oranges. This 80-400mm lens is a pro lens while the 70-300mm VR is a mass market lens.

Birders: MANY do use an 80-400mm or 100-400mm. That was the most common lens I saw last week at the Venice Rookery in Florida.

Mar 5, 2013*permalink

stevef1961

apparently you've never used a 70-300 vr or you're not using it properly. It's a great lens regardless of the price and produces amazing pictures. I've shown my photos to pro's who say don't bother with a 70-200 when the 70-300 produces results like I'm getting.

Mar 10, 2013permalink

gl2k

Odd focal length.
Nikon has already 2 very good 70-200 lenses. The 80-400 has some massive overlap to both of them. Additionally there is the quite good 70-300 consumer lens which is inexpensive and delivers a lot for the money.
I'm not confident if this is really the lens photogs are after except "birders".

Mar 5, 2013permalink

HiRez

Well yeah, that's who this lens is for, it's not a walking around/cover everything lens. It's not "odd" at all. The 70-300 is OK, but is very unlikely to match the performance of this lens. Nanocoat FTW.

Mar 5, 2013permalink

Julian

No - I don't think birders will be that interested - usually with this kind of optic the sharpness really suffers at the long end of the zoom the 70-300 certainly shows signs of this. I think most birders would be better of with the 300mm f/4 and a 1.4 tc, that combo should cost about the same too.

Mar 5, 2013*permalink

M Irwin

I think this is a much-favored general purpose (not professional) daylight sports range. It will be quite popular.

Mar 5, 2013permalink

emax

The "overlap" is not a bad thing. For sports / action shooting, I really like the 80-400 range (at least on DX).

Mar 5, 2013permalink

Peter K Burian

Birders: Yes, MANY do use an 80-400mm or 100-400mm. That was the most common lens I saw last week at the Venice Rookery in Florida.

This lens should be dramatically better than the 70-300mm VR which is really only so-so. The 70-200mm f/4 VR is SO much better even with the Nikon 1.4x converter. (I own both.)

Mar 5, 2013*permalink

Guidenet

Peter and the rest are right. If this lens performs, it will be your number one budget birder for Nikon cameras. As good as the 300 f/4 with converter is, most budget birders will buy a zoom.

The various Sigmas are not bad lenses but they just aren't quite good enough to show that fine detail we all want. This new lens will have to be able to do that. Feather and beak detail, eye glint and skin texture have to be there. i think it will be.

Canon's good 100-400 is probably the best budget birder for them. The problem is it's an old design and it push pull. I do not like push pull telephoto zooms and I think most others agree. When Canon updates, I bet the replacement will not be push pull.

If you can't figure out who'll buy it, just look how many Sigmas, Tanrons, Nikons and Canon lenses that zoom to 400 and 500 that are out there selling pretty well. This will sell off the shelves regardless of price if the optics are good.

Mar 5, 2013permalink

khuon

> I think most birders would be better of with the 300mm f/4 and a
> 1.4 tc, that combo should cost about the same too.

I believe the Nikon AF-S 300mm f/4 and a TC-14EII would be quite a bit cheaper... by almost $1000.

Mar 6, 2013permalink

stevef1961

70-300 is "so-so". Wrong - it's a great lens whether it cost 600.00 or 1800.00.

Mar 10, 2013permalink

Jack144

Eagerly awaiting Canon's response!

Mar 5, 2013permalink

LSE

eagerly awaiting canon's response to their 100-400 push pull zoom for the last 7 years!

Mar 5, 2013permalink

thomas2279f

Rumoured for 2013 announcement along with the 400 F5.6 L, expect upto date USM, IS and revamp optics and also employing Nikon's pricing strategy as well.

Will wait few months for this lens bit pricey at £2500 for few more ££/$$ could pick up a 200-400 second hand.

Mar 5, 2013permalink

Peter K Burian

Well Canon will be making the EF 200-400mm f/4L IS USM (with built-in 1.4x Extender) and apparently it will become available this summer. I'll bet it will cost $3500+. (Apparently one rumour says $13,000 ... I hope that is a crazy guess!)

http://www.cameraegg.org/video-ef-200-400mm-f4l-is-usm-extender-1-4x-hands-on-review/

Mar 5, 2013*permalink

harveysteeves

regarding the Canon, a friend of mine, down at CES, said that Canon didn't know when the 200-400 would be out as they were having problems so I wouldn't bet the farm. And the $13k ballpark price, not a guess.

Mar 5, 2013*permalink

dopsgp

Hopefully the new higher price means it comes with a decent tripod bracket this time.

Mar 5, 2013permalink

ThomasH_always

Well, yea, "shame about the price." I offer $1400. Want more? Nope, not from me, you keep the lens. I am endlessly patient. I will rather take my old 80-200 F/2.8 with extender.

Mar 5, 2013permalink

G Davidson

That's what I'm using, with beautiful results. The VR and fast AF are attractive, but not this price.

Mar 5, 2013permalink

thomas2279f

Agree quite good quality with my 70-200 f2.8 mk 2 and TC 2 III.

Mar 5, 2013permalink

G Davidson

My main problem is birds in flight. I'd like something with much faster AF and also the VR for this. The 5x zoom is attractive, too- with the 2x TC my 80-200 is always long. It's too bad this costs so much for the time being, but at least the IQ should be astounding.

Mar 8, 2013permalink

Mike Cialowicz

Finally! Shame about the price, but at least everything else looks great!

Mar 5, 2013permalink

G Davidson

Considering they recommend TCs, the detail you can capture with this should be astounding.

Mar 8, 2013permalink

Latest sample galleries

Sony ZV-1 sample gallery (DPReview TV)

Sony Xperia 1 Mark II sample gallery

Fujifilm X-T4 sample gallery

Tamron 70-180mm F2.8 Di III VXD sample gallery

See more galleries »

Latest in-depth reviews

The Fujifilm X-T4 brings image stabilization, faster shooting and a bigger battery to the X-T series. It's not without its shortcomings but we found it to be an excellent stills and video shooter.

Review: The Tourbox controller – can it speed up your editing?

With its unusual form factor can the Tourbox aid the editing process? Will its price and variety of tactile controls appeal to photo and video editors who would like to streamline their workflow?

Review: The Panasonic FZ1000 II combines versatility and value

The Panasonic FZ1000 II is a worthy successor to the company's first large-sensor, long-zoom bridge camera, and a value-conscious rival to the popular Sony RX10-series. It's just as fast as its predecessor but produces nicer JPEGs, has significantly improved controls and interface, and more.

Review: The DJI Mavic Air 2 is the best all-around drone for most people

The DJI Mavic Air 2 is a Goldilocks drone. It's not the biggest or the smallest model out there, but it delivers just the right balance of size and features.

Exposure X5 software review: blazing fast and subscription-free

Exposure Software's latest Exposure X5 app is a surprisingly fast, feature-packed and affordable alternative to Adobe's Lightroom – with no subscription required.

Latest buying guides

What's the best camera for shooting sports and action? Fast continuous shooting, reliable autofocus and great battery life are just three of the most important factors. In this buying guide we've rounded-up several great cameras for shooting sports and action, and recommended the best.

Believe it or not, there are still people that like to print out their photos and create photo books to send gifts to family members. We looked at five popular photo printing services and have chosen the best.

Video features have become an important factor to many photographers when choosing a new camera. Read on to find out which cameras we think are best for the videophile.

What’s the best camera for less than $1000? The best cameras for under $1000 should have good ergonomics and controls, great image quality and be capture high-quality video. In this buying guide we’ve rounded up all the current interchangeable lens cameras costing under $1000 and recommended the best.

If you want a camera that you can pick up and use without having to page through the manual first, then this guide is for you. We've selected seven cameras ranging from compacts to full-frame, all of which are easy to operate.

Check out more buying guides »

Latest articles

Samsung reported to be expanding its image sensor production line

Business Korea says Samsung is converting one of its DRAM production facilities into an image sensor production line, to the tune of roughly $815M.

Jun 1, 20207

Fujifilm X-T4 full-production sample gallery

Ever since we published our full X-T4 review last week, we just can't seem to put the camera down. It really is that nice to use. As for the image quality, we'll just let you be the judge of that!

Jun 1, 20203 sample gallery

Adobe updates logos, branding for easier navigation and consistency across platforms

Definitely a case of 'evolution rather than revolution', the new look is designed to help users recognize icons and logos more quickly in the different environments in which they appear

May 31, 202096

Fujifilm X-T4 vs X-H1: should you upgrade or hunt for a bargain?

What does two years of progress look like, for Fujifilm's most video-centric models? Is the X-T4 worth the upgrade from the X-H1, or is now the time to bag yourself a bargain?

May 31, 2020124

Adobe's new video series offers helpful Lightroom CC, Mobile tips in 60 seconds

Adobe has released a new video series titled In a Lightroom Minute that breaks down tips and tricks for Lightroom CC and Lightroom Mobile in 60 seconds (give or take a few).

May 30, 202037 video

DPReview TV: Sony ZV-1 review

The Sony ZV-1 is a modified version of Sony's RX100 series aimed at vloggers and video enthusiasts. Does Sony have a winner? Chris and Jordan vlog their way through an episode to find out.

May 30, 2020121 video

Photographers Unite educational conference hosts 60 top photographers from around the world

The live event is over, but the full replay is available until June 6 and they're still accepting donations — 100% of which go to Global Giving's Coronavirus Global Relief Fund and other regional charities.

May 29, 20205 video

Nikon's FY2020 financial results: ¥225.8B in revenue, ¥17.1B operating loss for Imaging Products Business

Nikon's financial results don't fall far from the updated forecast shared earlier this month and highlight just how unsure the entire industry is about the future due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

May 29, 2020276

12 Things Not To Do When Buying Your First Film Camera

Thinking about buying your first film camera? Great news, there's plenty of options out there! Here are 12 things to keep in mind when picking out your perfect analog companion.

May 29, 2020192

Tamron teases new zoom lens for full-frame Sony E-mount cameras

The teaser doesn't share much information but based on the visuals provided, it appears to be a mid-range zoom roughly the same size as its 28-75mm F2.8 lens.

May 28, 2020168 lens news

DJI scores a victory in the latest round of a patent battle with Autel

In early March, it was reported the ITC ruled in Autel's favor over a long-standing patent battle. DJI, and its legal team, have issued a response declaring victory on their end.

May 28, 202052

Samyang announces its AF 85mm F1.4 lens is now available for Canon RF mount

Aside from the RF mount, the lens is identical to its Sony FE predecessor and is expected to retail for $800 when it starts shipping in June.

May 28, 2020111 lens news

Sony ZV-1 sample gallery (DPReview TV)

Check out our first sample gallery from the Sony ZV-1, shot by our team at DPReview TV. Their full review of the ZV-1 is coming to a YouTube channel near you soon!

May 28, 202078 sample gallery

DJI's Mavic Air 2 shoots 8K Hyperlapse – but will you be able to view it?

A few sophisticated features were touted with the release of DJI's latest consumer-grade drone, the Mavic Air 2, including the ability to shoot 8K Hyperlapse video. But you may encounter problems trying to watch that footage on your computer.

May 28, 202021

Ricoh introduces HD Pentax-D FA* 85mm F1.4 lens

Ricoh has officially released the HD Pentax-D FA* 85mm F1.4 ED SDM AW lens for its full-frame DSLRs. This fast, weather-sealed portrait prime will ship in mid-June for $1899.

May 27, 2020410 lens news

Canon brings its EOS Webcam Utility Beta to macOS

A month after releasing the EOS Webcam Utility Beta for Windows, Canon has announced it is now available to download for macOS.

May 27, 202052

Shutterstock announces new earnings structure and contributors are anything but happy

The new structure pays a percentage of the sale price based on the level the contributor is at—a level that's based on the number of sales made, with that count resetting on the first day of the year.

May 27, 2020187

Fujifilm releases Windows-only app for turning your X series, GFX System cameras into a webcam

The Windows program works with nine of Fujifilm's X Series and GFX System medium format cameras and turns the video into a feed that can be used with video conferencing software.

May 27, 2020128

Panasonic announces Lumix S 20-60mm F3.5-5.6 lens for L-mount

Panasonic has announced the compact and versatile 20-60mm F3.5-5.6 lens for L-mount bodies.

May 27, 2020345 lens news

Interview: Dirk Dallas of 'From Where I Drone' shares what it takes to create excellent photos

If you're into aerial photography, you've likely heard of From Where I Drone. Dirk Dallas talks to us about what makes an exceptional photo along with his new book, Eyes Over the World.

May 27, 202054

Z-CAM's new E2-M4 is an affordable 4K Raw-shooting cinema camera with livestreaming

The E2-M4 features Raw video shooting (when attached to an external recorder), 13 stops of dynamic range and 4K 10-bit video at up to 160fps.

May 26, 202050

Hands-on with the Sony ZV-1

We got a chance to handle the Sony ZV-1 to take a look at its vlogger-focused features and see how it differs from the RX100-series compacts.

May 26, 2020440

DPReview TV: A quick hands-on look at the Sony ZV-1 vlogging camera

Sony just announced the ZV-1, a modified version of the RX100 series aimed specifically at vloggers. We take a look at six important features you may have missed from the announcement.

May 26, 2020107 video

Sony ZV-1 'content creator camera' focuses on making vlogging easy

Sony has announced the ZV-1, which it calls a 'content creator' camera. It's essentially the hardware of an RX100 VA redesigned to make vlogging and facing-the-camera shooting easier.

May 26, 2020179 camera news

Samyang releases updated 'MK2' versions of its popular 14mm F2.8, 85mm F1.4 lenses

The lenses feature the same optical design as their predecessors, but offer weather-sealing, an updated focus ring and 'de-click' mechanisms.

May 25, 202077 lens news

The one that got away: the gear we sold – and now regret letting go of

Misery loves company, so we're sharing stories of cameras and lenses we sold and now regret letting go of – and inviting you to do the same.

May 25, 2020380

Sony Xperia 1 Mark II sample gallery

We got our hands on Sony's new Xperia 1 Mark II smartphone which features impressive Eye AF tracking, super-fast burst shooting and a triple-camera array. Check out our initial samples.

May 25, 2020121 sample gallery

Sony confirms pricing, availability for its flagship Xperia 1 II camera-centric smartphone

The Xperia 1 II will be available to pre-order on June 1 for $1,200 with the first units set to ship out on July 24. If you get in early, Sony will even toss in an added bonus.

May 25, 2020151 mobile

Casio: the innovator that time forgot

When most people think of Casio, the first things that pop into their minds are calculator watches and keyboards. But, as we explore in this article, the company was well ahead of its time creating features that are standard on modern cameras.

May 24, 2020150

Video: Six DIY smartphone camera rigs made from household objects

Unconventional and unsightly? Very much so. Effective? Most certainly. These six DIY smartphone rigs won't win any design awards, but they get the job done.

May 24, 202026 mobile

Tips or suggestions? Contact us!

www.dpreview.com

Mobile site

About

Editorial content

Cameras & Lenses

Community

All content, design, and layout are Copyright © 1998 - 2020 Digital Photography Review All Rights Reserved.
Reproduction in whole or part in any form or medium without specific written permission is prohibited.


Wild Things: Marsel van Oosten's landscape and wildlife photography Jan 11, 2015	Nikon D810: A sport photographer's impressions Aug 12, 2014	Lens reviews update: DxOMark data for 400mm telezooms compared May 29, 2013	Nikon unveils AF-S Nikkor 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR telezoom Mar 5, 2013


Bianca B.-8128 by vbuhay from Alphabet soup. Letter S - Illustrate "Sports" (action shots only)	At the hotel by rodriguezPhoto from Faux Travel Shot	Toucan by Minas_Eye from Colorful birds	Joji & Ball by Phonzie from -Cats and Dogs - (in Full Colours Only)	Great Buddha within a Domy Space by mak_kawa from buddha	Wood duck takes off from water by kk2011 from A big year - birds 2020	Aurora Borealis by BodkinsBest from night challenge

Editor's opinion: Nikon's AF-S Nikkor 80-400mm F4.5-5.6G ED VR

Comments

You may also like

Latest sample galleries

Latest in-depth reviews

Latest buying guides