Summing up several telephotos in one convenient zoom, the Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR Lensfrom Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR Lensis a versatile lens covering portrait-length to super-telephoto focal lengths. Characterized by an advanced optical design, this lens uses one super extra-low dispersion element and four extra-low dispersion elements to noticeably reduce chromatic aberrations and color fringing throughout the zoom range for improved clarity. Both Nano Crystal and Super Integrated Coatings have also been applied to control flare and ghosting in order to increase contrast and color accuracy in bright and backlit conditions. A Silent Wave Motor AF system produces fast, near-silent focusing performance that suits both stills shooting and movie recording, which can instantly be manually overridden by simply turning the manual focus ring. Further contributing to photographing in fast-paced situations and difficult lighting, Vibration Reduction image stabilization compensates for the effects of camera shake by up to four shutter speed stops.

F-Mount Lens/FX Format    Aperture Range: f/4.5 to f/40    Four ED Elements, One Super ED Element    Nano Crystal & Super Integrated Coatings    Silent Wave Motor AF System    VR Image Stabilization    Detachable, Rotatable Tripod Collar    Rounded 9-Blade Diaphragm

Portrait-length to super-telephoto zoom is designed for FX-format F-mount cameras, however can also be used with DX models where it will provide a 120-600mm equivalent focal length range.

One super extra-low dispersion element and four extra-low dispersion elements greatly reduce color fringing and chromatic aberrations in order to produce greater clarity and color accuracy.

Both a Nano Crystal Coat and a Super Integrated Coating have been applied to individual elements to suppress internal reflections, flare, and ghosting for improved contrast and color accuracy when working in strong lighting conditions.

Silent Wave Motor affords quick, quiet, and precise autofocus performance along with full-time manual focus override. An internal focusing design is also used, where only the internal lens groups are moved during focusing, to maintain the overall length of the lens during use and to promote faster focusing speeds.

Vibration Reduction image stabilization helps to minimize the appearance of camera shake by four stops to benefit shooting handheld in difficult lighting conditions.

Rotating tripod collar benefits working with the lens atop a tripod or monopod.

Rounded nine-blade diaphragm promotes a pleasing out of focus quality that benefits the use of shallow depth of field and selective focus techniques.

Compatible with optional AF-S Teleconverter TC-14, TC-17, and TC-20 teleconverters.

Related Questions and Answers

Q: 1. Can you tell me what the sweet spot is on this lens?

A: While it is recommended to test each lens personally to see what would be considered the sweet spot of your lens, for most lenses, the sweet spot for sharpness is typically 2-3 f-stops from maximum aperture. As such, that would make the sweet spot of the Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR Lens somewhere between f/9-11 to f/13-16.

Q: 2. I have a D3. Can I use this AF-S NIKKOR 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR Lens with the Nikon AF-S tele converter TC-17E II and retain autofocus?

A: Only in bright light. In dim light it will do a lot of hunting

Q: 3. What is the length of the this lens with the Hood attached and the lens at it's shortest length?

A: The Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR Lens at the widest zoom with the hood attached is approxemelty 12.2 inches long.

Q: 4. Will this lens fully function with a Z 6ii camera? Also, with a TC on the 6ii?

A: Yes. This lens is fully compatible with the Nikon Z Series cameras when using the FTZ adapter. F-Mount Teleconverters can be used with this as well.

Q: 5. Is the 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR lens weather sealed? I would be using it at the beach for shorebirds.

A: No, I don't think there is such as weather sealer lens, you can use a lens coat, but this lens is not an IF lens, so it would be difficult to fit very well. I have this lens, and I get some really good photos out of it from my daughter's soccer game and shoreline bird. This lens is a bargain, of cause, I wish I have 500mm f4, but talking about $10K.

Q: 6. what is a zoom , lock & focus switch do?

A: The Lock switch holds the lens at the minimum length, 80mm. This prevents the lens from extending itself if you point it at the ground. Handy if you are carrying the camera+lens on a strap,

Q: 7. Does this fit the D7500?

A: Yes :)

Q: 8. is this lens compatible with a Nikon D700 camera?

A: Yes

Q: 9. How does this lens compare to the new Nikkor 200-500mm in the overlap ranges? The short telephoto to long telephoto range is tempting over the 200-500, but is it worth the $1,000 increase and an extra few degrees of view angle loss? Or, does the AF performance make it all worth it combined with sharpness? Using a D7000.

A: Hi Gregory: Though the two lens have overlap range, and the 80-400 comes out shorter on the far end, if you dont have anything below 200mm or there about, of have but performance in adverse lighting condition left much to desire, consider the 80-400 instead. Here are a few pointers I think will help you in your consideration:1. Nano coating: is a must have if you tend to work in sunrise, sunset, high light contrast or night condition where the light source tends to be very strong and straight into the lens, nano coating cut glare and flare.2. On the D7000, you get a 750mm focal length in DX mode, and the 80-400 will yield equals to 600mm. The additional 150mm gain is a matter of personal preference. If you shoot consistently on the far end of the lens, the 2-500 has the advantage.3. Lens barrel width and weight, it maybe an issue if you try to handhold it, but if you use monopod either one work well.4. I would recommend if you go with the 2-500, owing to the front element of that lens is greater (together with the hood), acquire the battery pack for D7000 to create a more balance setup, it does add a little more weight.5. The 80-400 has a Super ED glass element and 4 steps of VR, take a look at the images taken by photographers posted on the website and compare those of 2-500. Hope this is helpful.

Q: 10. Does the accuracy of the focus at the long end (400mm) deteriorate over time? I'd be interested in hearing from someone who has owned the lens for at least a couple of years with heavy use.

A: After several years, there is no change in sharpness throughout the zoom range.