Next Nikkor lense

I read the thread discussing the 200-400 lense from February and that was helpful (perhaps there is another thread or article I missed). However, I am wondering if anyone has any other thoughts on the best value (or a must have) in a "next" lense short of the 500mm plus. I have a D200 body and an 80-400. I need a faster and sharper lense, including use with TC's, with VR that will hold me for a while until I can afford the really big lenses. I typical shoot animals but do occasionally shoot birds if that makes a difference. I have narrowed my search down to: a) 300 f/4 (no vr), b) 300f/2.8, c) 200-400, d) 200 f/2, not necessarily in that order. I realize that it is a substantial investment any way you shake it and would appreciate any thoughts or suggestions.

Thank you.

Tony Norton
San Diego

Personally I think that the 200-400mm VR is one of the sharpest and most versatile Nikon lenses available today. It travels well and the zoom is great for composition. Along with that lens I would consider the 70-200mm VR instead of the 80-400mm.

Tony,

for the money, the 300 f/4 is probably one of the best lens you can get for a Nikon body. I use it on my D200, with and without the 1.7 TC. As Charlie says, the 200-400 is a magnificent lens, so if you have the money, it would be a great addition.

Something that I really like about the 300 f/4 is its portability, as I do a lot of hiking. Compared to the other lenses you list, it is by far the lightest so in terms of not having VR, you should be able to hand-hold it more easily for longer. The only thing I would recommend on the 300 f/4 is to get a replacement foot for it from either Kirk or RRS.

HTH,

Andre

I too would like a longer lens. I am using the Nikkor 70-200 f2.8 VR lens on my D200 and I am very happy with the lens. It is crisp and sharp well balanced for hand holding. I add the 1.7TC which take it to about 340mm. Using a monopod or a tripod this works fine. The only concern is the weight of the lens. I seldom hand hold it. I demand sharpness where I want it in a larger print.
Stephen Wilson
Salt Lake City, Utah

Thank you Charlie, Andre, and Stephen. I appreciate your insight and experience. I tried the 300 f4 and was impressed with how quick and silent it was. Charlie I went to your gallery and have looked at some of your bear shots posted which are all really terrific. It appears you get a lot of use out of your 200-400. How does it do with TC's?

Thanks again gentlemen.

Tony Norton

Warning: I've never used any of those big guns (400/5.6 prime is my longest lens). So take my comments with a grain of salt.

If you read Thom Hogan's comments on the Nikkor line up, it becomes evident that (in his opinion) the 200-400 VR is excellent - for a zoom. As you seem particularly interested in performance at long focal lengths, and possibly with TCs, however, it may be worth noting that he thinks that the primes do better at long distances, and with TCs. Maybe somebody who has experience with those lenses combined with TCs can jump in here...

If I had the money, I'd probably go for either the 300/2.8 or the 500/4. In any case, I guess you'll be satisfied no matter which lens (from your list) you buy.

Basil

I use the 200-400 and keep a 1.4 TC on it nearly all the time. I have noticed to degradation in image quality. It is such a wonderful lens. Fast focusing, VR, F/4, versatile, it is a joy to use. I use it all the time and have no complaints (other than price of course :)

Well for me I’d opt for the 200-400mm f/4 VR which is a beautiful lens IMHO. It’s hand hold-able, sharp and very fast! I also like the zoom aspect about it too (really helps with the framing!). I’ve found it great with the 1.4x and 1.7x TC’s too!

I also love the 300mm f/4 as it’s sharp and light. It doubles very nicely with the 1.7x (500mm) for hand holding and coupled with a 20mm Kenko Extension Tube it makes an excellent macro lens.

For those who know me my first love is for the 600mm f/4 MKII (non-VR) (would love the VR version) but it takes a little time and patience to master this big piece of glass. It isn’t renowned for it’s sharpness like the 500mm is though (my copy for the 600mm is awesome though!).

The 500mm is a cracking lens whether it is the MKII or the VR version. Don’t buy the MKI as it’s just too slow.

It basically boils down to what you want to shoot and your own personal style! For small birds my preference is the 600mm, whereas the 300mm is preferred when I need a lightweight lens for roaming and hand-holding. The 200-400mm is a great all-round lens and is excellent for flight shots!

I have access to both the 200-400 and the 500 nikkors and both are wonderful. If you can afford them then go fo it. You say you do a lot of mammal work and some bird and that for me would boil it down to the 200-400 and get a 1.7 extender.