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Just read in my favorite mag a comparison of 80-400's for Canon Nikon and Sigma VR's (actually Canon's was a 100-400 IS)

The results were that they all worked nicely, however the nikon consistantly saved them 2 1/2 stops, where the Canon and Sigma saved them 2 stops only.

In the same mag there was a review of the new Manfrotto Neotec Tripod. Anyone heard of this. Legs slide out and lock automatically without flipping levers or turning anything like magic. Anyone heard of it? Sounds pretty cool.

Article about the tripod here...

http://www.shutterbug.net/news/080304tripods/

Dooda, i was thinking of the Neotec monopod, as I liked the design for a monopod and weight isn't such an issue. Matt K said he had seen trouble with the pistol grip manfrottoo monopods (which is the neotec) so I got a Feisol CF instead.

Glen wrote:Dooda, i was thinking of the Neotec monopod, as I liked the design for a monopod and weight isn't such an issue. Matt K said he had seen trouble with the pistol grip manfrottoo monopods (which is the neotec) so I got a Feisol CF instead.

And Matt.K is going to manufacture the tripod with own brand and trademark

80-400 is the first VR lens released by Nikon. Subsequent iterations of VR technology in later lenses have substantially improved its performance (the current best being 200/2 and 300/2.. The results of the mag comparo I believe is a standing testament to Nikon's superior engineering skills versus that other company's superior marketting skills.

This is reflected in the Google search entry for "Canon Lenses" the official Canon USA site: http://www.usa.canon.com/html/eflenses/ has the following description -

"EF Lenses Home... Canon is recognized around the world for innovations and advancements in the field of ... Nothing"

Edit: screenshot -