Tokina 80-400??

[inmotion]

HI Any one used this lens--Tokina AT-X 840 D AF 80-400mm F4.5-5.6 80-400 for Nikon
Still looking for a long sports lens--inmotion

[aim54x]

I had trouble getting this lens into Origin III last year, and in short it was not worth the effort. I took the Nikkor AF-S 70-300mm VR to Origin I and compared the pictures, and there was no comparison. Both lenses were used on the same D300 body with the same settings.

Compared to the 70-300mm VR
-less resolving power - I found that i could not crop as heavily as I could with the 70-300VR before losing detail
-cold colour cast - the Tokina had a colder, colour cast and that was no where near as punchy as the 70-300VR
-slow focus - the Nikkor is not exceedingly fast but it is still faster, for sports it is nice to have fast focus, but I did find myself prefocusing a bit so this may not be a HUGE problem
-no VR - at those distances, under stadium lights VR still helps (ISO is cranked up fairly high)
-great reach - this is where the Tokina beat the Nikkor, the reach is VERY nice to have

I would have a look at some of the alternatives:
-Nikkor AF-D 80-400mm VR - VR but still no fast focus
-Sigma 50-500mm HSM - more reach + fast focus, I have used this one a little bit and would love to take one out for a proper play.
-Tamron 200-500mm - more reach at the expense of shorter zoom range, I have used this at the zoo though and will say it is a nice lens, esp for the price, I would love to have a proper play.
-Nikkor AF-S 70-200mm VR + TC-17 - expensive as hell but it will do the job!

[V-man]

Dont bother with the Tokina, you'll just sell it and get the Nikon 80-400 anyway. If price is to High go and rent a Sigma 150-500mm USM for the weekend. But You can get a new Nikkor 80-400mm VR for about $1680 now days.

[gstark]

But You can get a new Nikkor 80-400mm VR for about $1680 now days.

Nikon Au RRP is around Au$2700. I'm waiting on new pricing from Poon, but the forum pricing should be somewhere around the Au$1750 mark, including shipping.

[inmotion]

Thanks for the input and at risk of sounding a knob current long lens I own are
nikon 80-400vr
sigma 50-500
sigma 120-300 f2.8
nikon 70-200f2.8 vr
evaluation-80-400 soft from 40m to infinity I have heard this from 2 other users an 1 who I have compared his copy and his was significantly better-I had nikon check it out and they recon its fine
sigma 50-500 great lens -fast-sharp-seems to not like my d300 body and gives about 10 fully stopped down images (almost black)in a full days shoot
sigma 120-300 f2.8 sharp-sharp-sharp but not quite long enough and auto focus plays up after about 3-400 shots
nikon 70-200 f2.8vr only had it a short time but keen to try it with a 1.7 or 2x converter
I really want to have 1 long lens and 1 medium f2.8 for indoor stadium work.
Remembering I am starting studio prtrait work which has another set of glass requirements
Sorry if this sounds confusing as it is for me sometimes too.All comments greatlt apprciated.
in motion

[gstark]

evaluation-80-400 soft from 40m to infinity

At what aperture?

This is typically a razor sharp lens but requires that the user learn how to make the most of it.

nikon 70-200 f2.8vr only had it a short time but keen to try it with a 1.7 or 2x converter

Forget the 2x converter. Get the Nikon 1.7. This will be, by far, the sharpest lens you have, followed by the 80-400VR.

I really want to have 1 long lens and 1 medium f2.8 for indoor stadium work.

Remember that you will lose light if you use any of the TCs. While I don't know the stadiums you're working within, nor your working distances, with a D300 I would run with the 70-200 and the 85 f/1.4. Add the 50mm AF-S f/1.4 or the 24-70 and you're set for studio work as well.

That's it.

[tntman]

But You can get a new Nikkor 80-400mm VR for about $1680 now days.

Nikon Au RRP is around Au$2700. I'm waiting on new pricing from Poon, but the forum pricing should be somewhere around the Au$1750 mark, including shipping.

Get Gstark,

Does Poon sell the Canon L series lens as well? I'm after a 100-400mm L to replace my Sigma 120-400mm OC...

[gstark]

But You can get a new Nikkor 80-400mm VR for about $1680 now days.

Nikon Au RRP is around Au$2700. I'm waiting on new pricing from Poon, but the forum pricing should be somewhere around the Au$1750 mark, including shipping.

Get Gstark,

Does Poon sell the Canon L series lens as well? I'm after a 100-400mm L to replace my Sigma 120-400mm OC...

he does, but please read the FAQ.