Nikon AF VR Zoom-NIKKOR 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6D ED Lens Imported
AF not supported by D40, D60, D3000 & D5000 cameras.
The Nikon AF VR Zoom-NIKKOR 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6D ED Lens is a high-powered zoom lens featuring an innovative Vibration Reduction (VR) system that allows handheld super-telephoto zoom shooting in poorly lit conditions. The VR system minimizes image blur caused by camera shake, and offers the equivalent of shooting at a shutter speed 3 stops (8 times) faster. The lens offers a natural viewfinder image even during VR operation and also detects automatically when the photographer pans. It is ideal for candid, portrait, sports photography and more.
Nikon D-type lenses transmit subject-to-camera distance information to the camera. The camera uses this distance information to refine its exposure calculations.
Note! AF not supported by D40, D60, D3000 & D5000 cameras.
-
Vibration Reduction (VR) minimizes image blur caused by camera shake (cancelable).
Two VR modes available:
1) Vibration Reduction for both the viewfinder image and the image on film. Moderate VR operation is executed to ensure viewing comfort for the viewfinder image.
2) VR for the image on the film only (conserves battery power).
- New optical design incorporates three ED glass elements for superior optical performance throughout the entire zoom range.
- Built-in A/M switch enables instant switching from autofocus to manual focus (lock mechanism provided).
- Focus range limiter for smooth focus operation.
- Detachable tripod mounting foot provided.
- Filter attachment does not rotate during focusing or zooming.
Go To
| Performance | |
|---|---|
| Focal Length | 80 - 400 mm |
| Aperture |
Maximum: f/4.5 - 5.6 Minimum: f/32 |
| Camera Mount Type | Nikon F |
| Format Compatibility |
Nikon FX/35mm Film Nikon DX |
| Angle of View |
30° - 6° DX Picture Angle: 20° - 4° |
| Minimum Focus Distance | 7.55' (2.3 m) |
| Magnification | 0.42x |
| Maximum Reproduction Ratio | 1:2.3 |
| Groups/Elements | 11/17 |
| Diaphragm Blades | 9 |
| Features | |
|---|---|
| Image Stabilization | Yes |
| Autofocus | Yes |
| Tripod Collar | Yes |
| Physical | |
|---|---|
| Filter Thread | 77 mm |
| Dimensions (DxL) | Approx. 3.6 x 6.7" (9.14 x 17.02 cm) |
| Weight | 2.99 lb (1.36 kg) |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviews(based on 151 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
95%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Pros
- Fast / accurate auto-focus (100)
- Strong construction (94)
- Durable (83)
- Consistent output (80)
- Easily interchangeable (78)
Cons
- Heavy (64)
- Slow focus (47)
- Poor in low light (15)
- Blurry focus (3)
- Lens creep (3)
Best Uses
- Sports/action (81)
- Wildlife (65)
- Wildlife photos (58)
- Landscape/scenery (43)
- General purpose (33)
- Reviewer Profile:
- Enthusiast (45), Photo enthusiast (34), Semi-professional (20), Semi-pro photographer (19), Pro photographer (9)
- Was this a gift?:
- No (38)
Most Liked Positive Review
A poor craftsman blames his tools.
I shoot for an International Race facility and my shots have to be right on. The 80-400 with a carbon monopod, and again I say with a monopod, unless your nerves are rock...Read complete review
I shoot for an International Race facility and my shots have to be right on. The 80-400 with a carbon monopod, and again I say with a monopod, unless your nerves are rock solid, prodces tack sharp images. All of my images get blown up huge and get a lot of scrutiny from some very discriminating critics, and I have had nothing but raves over the work I have produced with this lens. Everyone says it's heavy. Try shooting with a 400 or 600 fast-glass lens and you will see that this is a lightweight. The problem is that the longer you hold a lens the heavier it gets. VR is not a cure for fatigue at the end of a hard day of shooting, but it helps. Take my advice, use a mono or tripod. My only complaint is that Nikon builds some of the most fantastic lenses on the planet, then engineers (or lack of engineers) a 15 cent lens shade mount! In the fast lane of race photography I don't have time to keep picking the shade up from the ground everytime it gets bumped. It's such a shame to have to use tape on a new lens. (how I long for the days of metal, screw-in shades) Guess I'm showing my age.
VS
Most Liked Negative Review
Needs an upgrade
When the D300 came out I thought I'd finally switch entirely back to Nikon from Canon because I like the newer Nikon bodies so much. I also have a D3. One of my most ...Read complete review
When the D300 came out I thought I'd finally switch entirely back to Nikon from Canon because I like the newer Nikon bodies so much. I also have a D3. One of my most used Canon lenses is the 100-400mm L IS that I use largely for aircraft in flight. In order to have an equivalent Nikon lens I bought the Nikon 80-400 VR. The first sample was so soft at the edges at longer focal lengths that I returned it for another one. I don't mean just soft at the extreme edges but outright blurry within a third of the distance from edge to center. The second example although much improved was still way too soft near the edges at longer focal lengths. At shorter focal lengths it did quite well and I liked the build quality. The twist zoom control was very stiff and difficult for me to operate smoothly while panning. I finally sold this example and purchased the Nikon 200-400 f/4 VR. Needles to say this beast produces exceptional results but is obviously very heavy and expensive. As much as I like it I'm afraid it's not entirely practical for my needs. This calls into question the usability of my Nikon system without a suitable lens in the 80-400 range. I'm really hoping Nikon will produce an upgrade of equal or greater quality to the Canon 100-400mm L IS, itself a fairly old lens. I'm sure there are many photographers that have run into the same issue.
REVIEWS
Reviewed by 151 customers
Sort by
Displaying reviews 1-20
Previous | Next »
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Easily Interchangeable
- Fast Focus in Daylight
- Nice Bokeh
- Rugged
- Strong Construction
Cons
- Slow focus in low light
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Portraits
- Sports/Action
- Weddings/Events
- Wildlife Photos
Comments about Nikon AF VR Zoom-NIKKOR 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6D ED Lens:
We use this lense daily for portraits, wildlife images and daylight sporting events.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Easily Interchangeable
- Nice Bokeh
- Rugged
Cons
- Heavy
- Slow Focus
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Wildlife Photos
Comments about Nikon AF VR Zoom-NIKKOR 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6D ED Lens:
I use this lens for landscape and wildlife photography, and it shines for both. It's pretty amazing how well I can shoot hand-held with the vibration reduction on, as it sits solidly right down in my hand. I use it with my D700, and can crank up the ISO if I need a faster shutter, without getting excessive noise. On my D7000 it of course becomes a 120-600, and really reaches out there. I did take the tripod foot off, since it gets in the way of my handling the zoom ring, and I haven't really needed the hood, so that cuts down on size and weight. It isn't the "s" type auto-focus, so it's not as silent and fast as lenses with that feature, but it does the job.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Durable
- Easily Interchangeable
- Nice Bokeh
- Rugged
- Strong Construction
Cons
- Lens Creep
- Poor in Low Light
- Slow Focus
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Wildlife Photos
Comments about Nikon AF VR Zoom-NIKKOR 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6D ED Lens:
After reading all the reviews I made the leap & purchased the lens.
The focus is slow,it needs good light & you must use high shutter speeds to get Sharp handheld shots. On a tripod you must turn VR OFF. The focus limiter is good. I don't like the "
auto-Manual" control ring,all my other Nikkor lenses have a slide switch.
All in all, I like the lens & with practice it does the job very well.
It's a keeper.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Sports/Action
- Wildlife Photos
Comments about Nikon AF VR Zoom-NIKKOR 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6D ED Lens:
I've been researching this lens for almost a year now. I was reluctant to spend the money due to all the negative reviews I read about how slow this lens is to focus. I enjoy shooting wildlife, sports, and airshows. I went to the local camera store and tried this lens out on my D7000 and took some sample photographs. I did notice the focusing was slower compared to the AF-S lenses but I was impressed at the quality of the photographs. I got tired of waiting for Nikon to come out with the overdue upgrade of this lens to AF-S, so I took the plunge and purchased this lens for my D7000. I put the lens to the test at the San Francisco Fleet Week to photograph the Blue Angels flying. I read somewhere that this lens was too slow to be photographing jets and fast moving objects. I did notice that this lens is slower to focus compared to my AF-S lenses. However, this lens is equipped with a "focus limiting switch" to assist with the focusing. I found this lens to work very well with my D7000 and did not encounter problems with this lens hunting to focus on the jets. I was very pleased with how the lens captured numerous high speed flybys of the Blue Angels, tack sharp! I wished I wouldn't have been discouraged by the bad reviews and purchased this lens earlier for the previous airshows around the state. Very happy I got this lens!! Love it!!
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Easily Interchangeable
- Rugged
Cons
- AF too slow for sports
- Can't use modern extender
Best Uses
- Wildlife Photos
Comments about Nikon AF VR Zoom-NIKKOR 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6D ED Lens:
I use this lens mostly for birds and wildlife. I felt sharpness was okay for the money with my D80, but when I bought my D7K, I was disappointed...couldn't get the sharpness I expected no matter how hard I tried. Then I read about AF fine tuning by Thom Hogan. I worked through testing and adjusting the camera/lens combo AF and WOW, a whole new world. Wouldn't part with it now for anything. The dated AF speed works okay for me (latest AF is definitely faster, though). My only real gripe is that it won't work with modern tele-extenders. It will with the old TC1.4 and TC2 (if you can find them), but the quality loss is pretty high and it becomes a 'dumb' lens - as in brainless; no AF or AE. But all in all, after spending a long time getting used to it, and with the AF Fine Tune, I'm very comfortable with this lens. Plus it's a real bargain compared to the next step up, which is way out of my league financially.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
Cons
- Poor in Low Light
- Slow Focus
Best Uses
Comments about Nikon AF VR Zoom-NIKKOR 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6D ED Lens:
excellent focal legnth for the weight and size. Wish the auto focus was a little faster, and the apeture was a little larger. Put a polarizer on it and it really slows down the shutter. Sharpness is excellent. If you dont have 6K for the 200-400, this is money well spent.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Strong Construction
Cons
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Sports/Action
- Wildlife Photos
Comments about Nikon AF VR Zoom-NIKKOR 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6D ED Lens:
I love this lens. I use it on almost every outing. It travels well and is easy to handle. I use it on a tripod but it is also easy to hold and carry.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Strong Construction
Cons
- Heavy
Best Uses
- Sports/Action
- Weddings/Events
- Wildlife Photos
Comments about Nikon AF VR Zoom-NIKKOR 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6D ED Lens:
Great lens. Very consistant.
- Was this a gift?:
- Yes
Pros
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Rugged
- Strong Construction
Cons
- Heavy
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Sports/Action
- Wildlife Photos
Comments about Nikon AF VR Zoom-NIKKOR 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6D ED Lens:
I had an earlier version of this lens stolen, and couldn't wait to get the replacement in my hands. It's everything you would expect from Nikon.
Hand holding can be a challenge, but with practice (and the right shutter speed) it's doable.
I love the lens, and would definitely recommend it to others.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easily Interchangeable
Cons
- Heavy
- Poor in Low Light
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Wildlife Photos
Comments about Nikon AF VR Zoom-NIKKOR 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6D ED Lens:
I purchased the lens to augment a 10-20 mm Sigma lens and a 24-200mm Nikkor lens that I have had for a while. I anticipated doing some moderate hiking in the western US and wanted something with the 400 mm range for distant landscape and wildlife.
I was very pleased with the performance of the lens in my first trials. It does weigh more than my 24-200 and takes up more room in the backpack and that is to be expected. I found that I could get good shots of wildlife with no tripod, carefull support, higher ISOs, and higher shutter speeds on bright days. Those photos would otherwise have been landscape photos with wildlife in them instead of wildlife photos.
I would suggest a sturdy tripod if one is used with this lens for lower shutter speeds. The one I have for hiking is inadequate if any wind blows before or during the exposure rendering mirror lock-up or remote exposure useless.
I have no complaints with the focusing or noise even though it is more noticable than the 24-200. The lenses costing 3 times more may be better in those respects but their cost isn't.
One small perk was that the 77mm filters for my Sigma also fit the 80-400.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Easily Interchangeable
- Nice zoom range
- Strong Construction
Cons
- Heavy
- Poor in Low Light
Best Uses
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Nikon AF VR Zoom-NIKKOR 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6D ED Lens:
good cost benefit. used for coorp events. can close up sitting down on 400mm speech. you only carry 2 lenses and have it covered. not as sharp as fixed 300mm or 400mm.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
Cons
- Blurry Focus
- Slow Focus
Best Uses
- Sports/Action
- Wildlife Photos
Comments about Nikon AF VR Zoom-NIKKOR 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6D ED Lens:
I purchased this lens as an upgrade to another brand lens of the similar focal length. What a surprise! This lens did not measure up to what I have come to expect from Nikkor. I could not get the lens to focus very sharply no matter what I tried. After over seventy shots I got less than five satisfactory frames. I tried manual focus, VR both on and off, tripod and no tripod and nothing seemed to work. My trusty old off brand lens always out performed the Nikkor. A call to Nikon got me the suggestion to focus more carefully as the lens has a very narrow depth of field.I would have loved to keep this lens but I couldn't trust it to get the results I demand. I have been using Nikon products for a long time and have never seen such poor performance.Thinking the lens I received was faulty, I took one extra step and spoke with some peers and was surprised to find the lens did not have a very good reputation. Sorry Nikon, but you have lost some of the confidence I had in your products.I would like to report that B&H Photo took the lens back. Thank you B&H. I have another reason to deal with you exclusively.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Durable
- Easily Interchangeable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Rugged
- Strong Construction
Cons
Best Uses
- Sports/Action
- Wildlife Photos
Comments about Nikon AF VR Zoom-NIKKOR 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6D ED Lens:
I've been shooting sports for 2 weeks with this lens and I'm very impressed with its sharpness. Reviews have varied regarding sharpness, and while I may not have the most discerning eye, for practical purposes, this lens is excellent. Auto-focusing is good- it's never going to be perfect, but shooting with the D3S I've had wonderful results.
The only significant negative is that the zoom ring is very tight- a lens of this size/weight requires skillful maneuvering and the force needed to zoom in and out will slow you down and move your composition. I wish the fix was as easy as a simple spritz of WD-40...
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Easily Interchangeable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Strong Construction
Cons
- Heavy
Best Uses
- Sports/Action
- Weddings/Events
- Wildlife Photos
Comments about Nikon AF VR Zoom-NIKKOR 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6D ED Lens:
I just got my new 80-400 VR lens, but I love it so far. Took it out on a shoot and it handled beautifully. My only complaints so far are 1) that the VR makes a slight whirring noise when it engages, but it seems to work just fine and 2) it's heavy. If you have strong wrists and hands, this should not be an issue.
I have not tried this in low light, so I can't speak to that, but in bright light, it's good to go.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Durable
- Easily Interchangeable
- Rugged
- Strong Construction
Cons
- Heavy
- Poor in Low Light
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Wildlife Photos
Comments about Nikon AF VR Zoom-NIKKOR 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6D ED Lens:
If you want to put one telephoto zoom on, and get a lot of versatile zooming range, this is a good lens. Is it the sharpest lens for important shots? No. Still, there are times when you want a long lens, but don't want to deal with the bulk of an f 2.8 prime. It's good for those unpredictable situations when you know you'll need decent telephoto range, but don't know exactly how much.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easily Interchangeable
- Excellent zoom range for
- Lightweight
Cons
- Limite choices for f-stop
- Zoom ring I prefer slide
Best Uses
- Sports/Action
- Video
- Wildlife Photos
Comments about Nikon AF VR Zoom-NIKKOR 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6D ED Lens:
This lens with the Sony PMW EX3 has a crop factor of 5, thus acting like a 2000mm lens. Essential for wildlife.
This lens works well with the EX3. Images are sharp and colors well-rendered. No noticable aberration. Gets soft above f/11. It's best feature is the manual iris ring, obviating the need for one on the camcorder.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Easily Interchangeable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Strong Construction
Cons
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Sports/Action
- Weddings/Events
- Wildlife Photos
Comments about Nikon AF VR Zoom-NIKKOR 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6D ED Lens:
One of the first things I used this lens for was photographing the full moon. Exceptional clarity was achieved. I've since used it to photograph some flying birds and got some nice shots of a Roseate Spoonbill in mid flight. Taking it next week to the Canyon Lands and can't wait.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Easily Interchangeable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
Cons
- Heavy
- Poor in Low Light
- Weak Casing
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Weddings/Events
- Wildlife Photos
Comments about Nikon AF VR Zoom-NIKKOR 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6D ED Lens:
I use it on my D90 for nature & birding. Weight is worth the benefits. Up scale tripod is recommended. Read the manual! Protect it from physical abuse, the construction is delicate.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Easily Interchangeable
- Rugged
- Strong Construction
Cons
- Heavy
- Slow Focus
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Sports/Action
- Wildlife Photos
Comments about Nikon AF VR Zoom-NIKKOR 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6D ED Lens:
I originally bought it to mount on my new Manfrotto tripod thinking it would be too heavy and slow for hand held. I have used it both ways with great success. Although it is slower to autofocus than my 70 - 300 Nikkor I still manage to get some great action shots with it hand held. Any new lens take some time to get used to, but I got the handle on this one fairly rapidly. I have taken a lot of bird pictures with it and fine the quality of the shots really great. I only use the 70 -300 when kayaking now and this lens for all other long range pictures. Whether autofocus or manual the shots have been really fantastic. I shoot a lot of aperture preferred, so I can get the fast shutter speeds using large apertures. After a while it gets heavy and I transfer it to the tripod with a quick release head. I am extremely happy with the lens.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Extremely sharp images
- Solid
Cons
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Wildlife Photos
Comments about Nikon AF VR Zoom-NIKKOR 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6D ED Lens:
Extremely sharp. Wildlife photos are great. I could count the blades of grass hanging out of an elk's mouth from quarter of a mile away.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Displaying reviews 1-20
Previous | Next »
Filters & Filter Kits
- Price: $53.85
- Price: $47.20
Hoods & Covers
- Price: $13.75
- Price: $18.75
Cases & Wraps
-
- Original: $16.95
- Save: $1.69
- Price: $15.26
Protection/Camouflage
- Price: $79.95
- Price: $89.95
What's in the Box
- 77mm Snap-On Lens Cap
- LF-1 Rear Lens Cap for F Mount Lenses
- HB-24 Bayonet Lens Hood
- CL-M1 Lens Case (Black)
- Tripod Collar
- 1-Year B&H Warranty
Why Shop at B&H
Make your online shopping trip personal with our online Live Chat representatives. You can easily reach an in-house expert while browsing our site for your shopping needs. We have the most highly-trained staff in the industry who are pros in their fields, and their professional expertise will help you get the most from your purchase.
Place your domestic order with us for shipment via UPS, FedEx Economy, or FedEx Priority by 4 PM ET Monday through Thursday or 11 AM ET Friday and your order will be shipped that day. Visit our Shipping Delivery Times page for further details. Delivery times are subject to payment verification.
We appreciate your purchase from us, and we understand that sometimes the products you buy don’t turn out to be the right choice for you. We guarantee your peace of mind with our 30-day return policy. With no standard restocking fee and few restrictions, you’ll enjoy a return process as easy as shopping with us. Please visit our Return Policy page for further details.
We’ve made iPhone and Android mobile apps available for your service and shopping convenience. Use filtered search to find and purchase almost any item we sell and ship worldwide. Download product manuals and guides for many popular items. See high-resolution product images in close-up detail. Manage wishlists and view order history. Visit our Mobile Apps page to download.
See sample Newsletter
Help
Company Information
B&H Resources
