My favorite photography is wildlife and birds. I had only gotten into digital photography as a hobby a few years ago and realized right away I needed some lens that would get me at least some reach what I was getting from an 80-200. I got a really good deal on my 80-400 used on E-bay. At first I was shooting a D80. I got some good shots, but after switching to a D300 I got a higher percentage of clearer shots. I really like the 80-400 as a walk around wildlife lens for hand held shots, it's not too heavy, has a good zoom range and allows me to be really mobile. Yes I do get some better shots in some circumstances with a 300 F4 and a 1.4 TC, but for mobility and clarity the 80-400 is right up there. It has been well worth the money for me.
Problems:
You really need the best light to keep your shutter speed as high as you can. Longer distance shots are not as clear (for me) as closer ones. I really wish Nikon would update a lens like this to the newer VRs.
Problems:
You really need the best light to keep your shutter speed as high as you can. Longer distance shots are not as clear (for me) as closer ones. I really wish Nikon would update a lens like this to the newer VRs.