Nikon 80-400 VR lens

After much consideration I decided to purchase a Nikon 80-400 VR lens for kayak photography. I think this offers the best package of size, range, and weight for my budget. Has anyone had any experience with this lens for such a purpose? I tried a Sigma 80-400 OS lens and returned it due to a faulty autofocus and a very tempermental stabilizer system. I'm hoping the Nikon will bring better results. Thanks in advance for any advice or feedback.

This is Nikon's first AF VR zoom. It is pretty slow and searches quiet a bit, but it covers a very nice range. Canons similar lens is much better, the 100-400 IS. Many of us are hoping that Nikon upgrades the 80-400 to AFS-VRII. When/if they do, there will be a lot of lens traded or sold. In good light this lens will do well, but I use the 70-300 for the same purposes.

Hope this helps.

Slow focus, hunts like crazy when photographing flying birds thus some folks do not recommend it for this reason.
Very good with static subjects. Email me at diveroscar@aol.com
if you need more info.

Hi Michael. I use the 70-300VR lens for the kayak. While it is a bit of a stretch for something farther away, I can generally paddle up to the bird etc. I have tried the 80-400 twice and returned it twice. I find it hunts too long - especially for avian fly bys, and the focus rings just did not feel great for the money. The other reason I like the 70-300 is that it is light, fits in a bike pannier for the kayak, and is VR which compensates for waves. I have a 70-200 but that one is way too heavy/expensive for kayaking around here. Hope this helps
Lindy

I also had the 80-400 VR and sold it after 6 months and got the 70-300 VR. I had the same experience as others, very slow focusing, seems to hunt forever and I missed so many shots that it became very frustrating using this lens. I like the 70-300 VR much better, a great light lens that can deliver some wonderful sharp images. I use both the 70-300 VR along with the f4 300 prime, however since you stated photographing from a kayak I would be inclined to go with the 70-300 VR.
Jim

Many thanks for all of your comments. I will receive my 80-400 VR on Thursday and I have a long weekend to field test the lens. Since my primary use of the lens will be on the kayak, that will be my first concern. Since I purchased from KEH I can return it within 2 weeks if I'm not satisfied. I will definitely consider the 70-300 VR if the 80-400 disappoints. I should also mention that I own the Tamron 200-500. I really like this lens when shooting from a tripod and a beanbag from my vehicle but it's a little bulky in the kayak and too long to fit into my Ortlieb dry bag. I'm really hoping the 80-400 will fill a niche in my lens lineup even with its limitiations. It is Nikon glass at least. I had real fits with the Sigma 80-400 OS lens and shipped it back promptly.

Mike: I bought the 70-300 VR from KEH to use on my AK cruise. Used it tripod mounted from my ship balcony, handheld from a couple excursion boats, and hand held from the White Pass Railroad train. I cannot say enough good things about the results. Fast AF, no hunding whatsoever. I had an old Tokina 80-400 and it hunted like crazy, even tripod mounted. I know technology has come a long way, but it sounds like even Nikon is having issues with the current lens.

BTW, your "Swift Run" shot on your site is wonderful! LOVE the textures against the soft water. Are all those shots in PA? I need to get there one day. I drive the PA tpke at least once a year and always think I'll take a couple extra days and stop along the way.

I echo what all the others have said - the 80-400 vr is very slow and slow to focus. I've had both, and the 70-300 VR is far surperior, and much less expensive. KEH has a good used selection of them right now, if you're interested.
Have fun with whatever you choose!

Sandy r