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well im think i am down to two lens choices,
70-200VR or 80-400 Vr

both have strong points. i like the fact that the 70-200 is fast glass

but i like the reach that the 400 offers especially for the price

i mainly take landscapes but like a nice zoom for some nice wildlife etc so the ill mainly be shooting in good light conditions, so the zoom range of the 80-400 is appealing

i have read the equipment reviews and both are great lenses just thought id pose the question before openning my wallet

Get the 70-200VR + TC1.7, you'll get the reach when you want it but lose a few fstops, and when you don't want the reach you can have a fast lens.

The 70-200 VR is a bit hard to get at the moment, maybe that will assist the decision making process.

200+1.7 is only 340 is that close enough u think ??? kipper ?

The extra 60mm imho doesn't really give you that much extra reach. Really depends on what you're going to use it for. I my opinion is purely bias because I have the 70-200VR with TC1.7. I've held Gary's 70-400VR or seen it in person. But I can't say what that extra 60MM does in terms of getting the shot you want. The only downside I've really noticed is trying to shoot small birds with the 70-200VR with a TC1.7. To me you seem to have to get too close, to the point they realise you're there and go.

I mean a 70-400VR might not even get you that shot either, and in lower light situations it won't be as good. Btw, if Small Bird Photography is your game then a Sigma 300-800MM probably is the way to go but that'll cost you as much as a small car

Greg B, I'm sure there will be a heap of them on the market as soon as Nikon announces a new betterer version

small birds arent really the game i am chasing
looking for a good general zoom

and i wouldnt mind doing a whale wathcing boat cruise so a zoom for the whales and dolphins kinda is what im looking for

kipper,
May I correct? it's the 80-400VR which Gary, PW, mudder, Nicole, BBJ and myself have.

Nikon release the new zoom in this range, I doubt it It's only 2.1/2 year old on Nikon board, lens won't much be changed as camera body and the 70-200VR is most sought with the Nikon fan.
Perhaps 70-300VR/ f.4 or something close by.

striking,
If you're after the 80-400VR for a good compact size zoom and handy in bright light then you're in the right track. Otherwise chasing small bird and fast subject or lowlight is not an ideal.
The 80-400VR is an ideal of travel light lens in comparison with the Bigma 50-500 where tripod or monopod is required.

what is better in terms of quality vs th 80-400vr and the 50-500 bigma ??

i dont mind have to use a tripod

striking wrote:what is better in terms of quality vs th 80-400vr and the 50-500 bigma ??

i dont mind have to use a tripod

Striking,
Go to the Equipment Review section and you'll find few thread of both lenses.

Yes, I don't mind to use tripod or monopod either but in some situation tripo or monopod is not permitted or slowly setting up then the 80-400VR get the first shot without tangle with the legs, if you neeed "to cut and run" the 80-400VR help you fast but the Bigma got caught with the legs

after i posted a checked the reviews section again and found the bigma...must have missed it reading all the 70-200 and 80-400 reviews

i am leaning towards the 80-400 atm and its range seems more versatile


birddog your 200-400 vr would have been the price of a small car wouldnt it ???

striking wrote:after i posted a checked the reviews section again and found the bigma...must have missed it reading all the 70-200 and 80-400 reviews

i am leaning towards the 80-400 atm and its range seems more versatile


birddog your 200-400 vr would have been the price of a small car wouldnt it ???

The 300VR is on its way to the "land of toys"

striking wrote:what is better in terms of quality vs th 80-400vr and the 50-500 bigma ??

That's a silly question.


Sorry ...

striking

In the reviews section there's Nikon 70-200mm VR AF-S ED (phew!) from cricketfan and Teleconverter 1.7 attached to 70-200 VR - comparison shots from Glen and 80 - 400 VR - put through its paces from me. Surprised you missed them.

And FWIW I ended up buying the 70-200 + TC 1.7. The slow focus of the 80-400 on fast moving birds nailed it for me, but I know Gary has had no problems with the 80-400 at the F1 GP