New Toy goes to the zoo...

[StuartN]

I just picked the Nikon AF VR 80-400mm lens and took it the zoo to try it out.

Overall I think it's good lens, and have gotten very nice results. This is the first lens I've used with VR and it's an awesome feature. It really makes a huge difference and allowed me to take all the shots, sans tripod.

Even though it has the older AF focusing, not newer/faster AF-S, I didn't find it too slow. If the limiting switch is used, it reduces any hunting back and forth. I was also surprised that the battery life didn't suffer as much as I thought it would. I have the MB-D80 grip, and after shooting all those shots, with AF and VR on, one battery was at 50% and the other 100%.

The 400mm reach really made for some great shots I couldn't have gotten with my 55-200mm. I've attached some examples, with the rest up on Flickr (http://www.flickr.com/photos/stuartneil/).

Does anybody else have any experience with this lens or comments?

Thanks & enjoy,

Stuart

The Lens
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2134/2147880053_5856d70931_b.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2321/2170432537_f40e0543bd_b.jpg
Camera: Nikon D80
Exposure: 0.008 sec (1/125)
Aperture: f/10
Focal Length: 260 mm

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2365/2171255280_eeb7e3b319_b.jpg
Camera: Nikon D80
Exposure: 0.006 sec (1/160)
Aperture: f/8
Focal Length: 400 mm


http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2056/2170420229_8685fc8d5c_b.jpg
Camera: Nikon D80
Exposure: 0.013 sec (1/80)
Aperture: f/10
Focal Length: 400 mm

[Rooz]

yeah i have used that lens a bit on my d80 and found it to be quite slow unless you shoot in bright conditions, it's also a little soft fully extended, (as to be expected). the reach is certianly excellent and it handles great being quite compact for its range.

some of the other shots in your stream from the zoo are muh nicer than the ones you posted here btw. it's a nice set.

[longroad]

Beautiful tiger. Was that taken through bars? If so, how'd you get no bar blur in the photo?

And what the... you have Australian Rainbow Lorikeets in zoos there? They are gorgeous birds, try having 100 of them roosting in a tree outside your window in an afternoon though :p

Im heading to the zoo tomorrow too.. jealous of your lens!

[rawpaw18]

Looks like a welcome addition to the family.
I would love the reach of a 400mm.

[StuartN]

Rooz,
True it's a bit slow, which I why I didn't get any good indoor shots. It's a bit of a compromise to get the reach for the size and money. I see you have the 70-200 f/2.8 VR, I wouldn't mind picking up that lens as well. Thanks.

longroad,
Luckily the tiger enclosure has no bars, just a big, deep moat. Made it easier to get the shots without worrying about bar blur or trying to shoot through the windows.
They actually have a display called "Lorikeet Adventure" that houses about 50-75 birds. You can go inside and even feed them. Had never come across those birds before, but agree with you, they are gorgeoous. Thanks

rawpaw,
I really like your action shots on flickr with the 70-200 f/2.8 VR. Guess I gotta start saving back up...