Nikon 70-300 AF-P DX shoots vultures on Full Frame D800

[WillRaro]

Hi, I hope that this totally non-scientific analysis of the Nikon 70-300 AF-P DX lens, shot on a Nikon D800, may be of some use.

I purchased this (for an absolute bargain price from e-infinity) as a lightweight wildlife lens for hikes in the French Pyrenees. I was very satisfied with the results.

Compatibility with the D800 is 'acceptable' with the latest firmware update. The one drawback is the inability to disengage VR. This became a bit of an issue as there appeared to be a double exposure at certain shutter speeds, which I believe to be due to the VR. The lens was happy at >1/250th and <1/100th (where the VR was very effective), but I noticed the phenomenon at the intervening shutter speeds.

Frame coverage was very good. Vignetting is present to varying degrees at all FLs and apertures. Switching to 5:4 mode gave good SOOC results almost all of the time. DX mode was obviously also very good. The samples below show the extent of vignetting, which may or may not be acceptable depending on subject matter. NB, when shooting in cropped modes, the crop also applies to the RAW files - I was hoping to shoot in a crop mode for review purposes before selecting my final crop from a full-frame RAW file in post-production, but this is not an option, which came as a bit of a surprise to me. I had tested this before traveling and ended up shooting in FX mode and applying crop afterwards.

In terms of handling, build quality is fine. I had no concerns about the plastic lens mount. It's weight was such a bonus when stomping around the mountain trails, and for the cheap price I paid, build quality is more than good enough.

Centre sharpness was really excellent. Bokeh is pretty nervous, so backgrounds have to be chosen with a bit of planning.

Something that may be of niche interest is that the lens is approximately the same length as an 18-35 af-s with hood attached. My working set up was to have one lens on camera on a sling strap, and to have the other lens in a lens pouch attached to my belt (I'm pretty sure I looked like Batman). This gave me options for ultra high-res wide-angles, and a wildlife-centric telephoto with a relatively lightweight and accessible set-up.

That's about it - I can absolutely confirm that this lens on FX is a very good option to get some nice holiday snaps of foreign flora and fauna.


17MP crop from a 36MP FX sensor - equivalent to DX


21MP crop from a 36MP FX sensor


18MP crop from a 36MP sensor. Panning shot.




29MP crop from a 36MP sensor - 5:4 mode




30MP crop - vignette is very present but acceptable for the subject matter.

 

[Ian Chapman]

Hello, just to confirm with you that this FX version works fine with a nikon D800?

Is it the D800 which requires a firmware upgrade, which number?

I have read all the different online retailer's listings and they all say 'not compatible'

would you kindly be able to elaborate further? I know in your review you say it's just the VR which stay on...no bad thing really? Any other issues?

many thanks if you can assist

Ian

 

[Cycletourer]

Hello, just to confirm with you that this FX version works fine with a nikon D800?

Is it the D800 which requires a firmware upgrade, which number?

I have read all the different online retailer's listings and they all say 'not compatible'

would you kindly be able to elaborate further? I know in your review you say it's just the VR which stay on...no bad thing really? Any other issues?

many thanks if you can assist

Ian

G'day Ian,

from the exif date it appears WillRaro is indeed utilising the DX version and not the FX.

 

[Ian Chapman]

Thanks for that, but it still leaves me confused as to how functional either version of this lens may be on a D800?

 

[Cycletourer]

Thanks for that, but it still leaves me confused as to how functional either version of this lens may be on a D800?

A typical Nikon conundrum alright.

They are a little light on clear communication with their customers.

 

[WillRaro]

Hi Ian,

Thanks for your interest. I can confirm that with the latest firmware (1.11) on the D800, the only incompatibility is the inability to disengage VR. Other than that, the lens is fully compatible and actually if you haven't used a lens with AF-P before, it's a real joy - so fast and absolutely silent. Thom Hogan's information on this page is entirely accurate... http://www.dslrbodies.com/lenses/lens-articles/general-nikon-lens-info/understanding-the-af-p.html

All the best,

Will

 

[Ian Chapman]

Thanks Will, is it definitely the DX version you use/ refer to? Not FX?

Many thanks

Ian

 

[WillRaro]

Hi Ian,

Yes, the DX version (with large zoom ring towards lens mount, and thin MF ring at the end). NB, in almost all cases cropping is essential, due to the reduced image circle.

Will

 

[FrankoManno]

I believe Thom Hogan pointed out, at 70mm there is no vignetting with the DX, and it's not bad at the far end. I picked up the DX version dirt cheap, and I do mean dirt cheap, on ebay (international version) and it is sharp, light and fast focusing. Using it sometimes with my D750 when in good light. Here's a quick sample I found, sized for fb, from a parade.




Xyla Foxlin - more about her at www.beautyandthebolt.com

 

[embie]

Hi,

Sorry but I'm not impressed at all regarding IQ of the BIF photos.

Not sharp due to too long aperture times.

If this was the result on my D7200 I wouldn't be happy.

This lens gives me quite sharp results when shooting BIF and wildlife in general.

Greetings,

eMBie







--
"Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness" (Mark Twain) - "The world...is our home" (eMBie)