Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 400mm f/2.8G ED VR AF Lens (Black) USA

Comments about Nikon AF-S Nikkor 400mm f/2.8G ED VR Autofocus Lens (Black):

I have been using Nikon cameras and lens for 30 years. I have to say that the Nikon 400mm f/2.8G ED VR lens is the best lens that I have ever used for nature and sports photography. It is tack sharp from edge to edge with outstanding contrast and detail. For such a large lens it focuses extremely fast. It is a heavy lens and will wear you down quickly if you use it without a tripod. I took a picture of a jet airliner that was at approximately 20,000 feet while hand-holding the camera. The VR II was flawless and the image was amazingly sharp. I do use this lens on a gitzo tripod with a RRS BH-55 ball head and a Wimberly Side Kick. I would recommend using a Wimberly
Head version II instead of the Sidekick. It will place the camera and lens over the center of the tripod and will not allow the lens to shift or move when you lock the unit down for a still shot. The sidekick unit is not strong enough to prevent movement when using a heavy lens like this one.
The shots I have taken of animals and people are awesome. I can't say enough about how nice this lens is.

Comments about Nikon AF-S Nikkor 400mm f/2.8G ED VR Autofocus Lens (Black):

Fast moving cars are easily followed and the focus is very quick. Remarkably crisp image.

Comments about Nikon AF-S Nikkor 400mm f/2.8G ED VR Autofocus Lens (Black):

I havent had the chance to use it very much, but it´s fast and sharp

Comments about Nikon AF-S Nikkor 400mm f/2.8G ED VR Autofocus Lens (Black):

Get over the guilt and enjoy this exceptional lens. I have been using it for rugby games and it achieves an effect I could not duplicate with other fine equipment. The Bokeh gets peoples' attention. It has a fast lens, excellent auto focus, and performs like the pro it is. This lens is big and heavy, so take a look before you buy.

Comments about Nikon AF-S Nikkor 400mm f/2.8G ED VR Autofocus Lens (Black):

Wow what a lens (Big) did I mention big? But this lens is wonderful, crisp, fast focus, a must for outdoor sports. It will focus faster than players can move, so tracking is no problem. This is a light gathering monster. You can shoot in light so low they can't play the game. No more grainy pic's because of high ISO setings needed by higher F stop lens. I feel like I'm cheating but I'm not. I paid the price $ and bought it. I use fast shutter speeds in low light and stop action for great shots. We recently went to Yellowstone what an opportunity to test this lens. Equipment, Nikon D-3 body, 2.0 Teleconveter,mono pod, and Nikkor 400mm F/2.8 lens. Subject Mother Grisley with cub's adout 300 yards out at dusk in the rain. Pic's look great like we were standing in front of her face. But we were at a safe distance This is what the 400 is made for, capturing the impossible. We spent a week in the back country doing just that, capturing 7 Grizley bears total.

Comments about Nikon AF-S Nikkor 400mm f/2.8G ED VR Autofocus Lens (Black):

Works as promissed - fast focus and clear optics. You really want to hold it your hands to feel its possibilities.

Comments about Nikon AF-S Nikkor 400mm f/2.8G ED VR Autofocus Lens (Black):

I am not a proffessional photographer.
I bought the lens mainly to take action pictures of my 9 years old son. We took a ski trip to Kirkwood,California. On day one I took about 500 shots. I took the shots starting from niddle of the run all the way to the bottom without nissing an action. I caught every fall, every mistake and every smile he made.
At that night when I looked through my commputer all the pictures I took that day. I can't beleive my eyes. I loved enery picture I took. they are sharp, crisp from corner to corner. For me it worth every penny I spent on this lens.I thought I was in a dream.
By the way my camer is a Nikon D3S

Comments about Nikon AF-S Nikkor 400mm f/2.8G ED VR Autofocus Lens (Black):

very sharp lens, easy to use

Comments about Nikon AF-S Nikkor 400mm f/2.8G ED VR Autofocus Lens (Black):

This is not a hand hold job. It even showed flaws in my old monopod. My best advice would be to invest in a sturdy mono like the RSS offerings with a matching foot. It has transformed my shooting.
Focus is fast and accurate, not as fast as the 200 f/2.0 but fast all the same.
Colour saturation is excellent.
Used it with a D300 and 1.7TC and has produced great results.
The weight to me is a non-issue, it's very well built and that is reflected in the feel and controls layout. I mostly have VR off so can't comment on the VR performance, but I assume it works well.
If you are after more reach when the sun is not out this lens is a light thief, you won't be disappointed.

Comments about Nikon AF-S Nikkor 400mm f/2.8G ED VR Autofocus Lens (Black):

This is the worst lens I've ever owned. The images are soft at best. The quality of the images is less that that of images I've taken with a 500mm reflex I bought 30 years ago. I'm not sure if I got a lemon or if other reviewers have lower expectations.
I've tried the lens on multiple camera with the same results. My evaluation shots were taken using a tripod with shutter speeds arouns 1/1000 sec. to eliminate camera shake as a possible problem.
I'm going to try to get Nikon to replace/repair this lens. At this point I would recommend not buying until Nikon figures out how this lemon got through.
I gave the lens one star because there was no zero star option.

Comments about Nikon AF-S Nikkor 400mm f/2.8G ED VR Autofocus Lens (Black):

After nine months using this lens on a D3s, I note the following:

1. The AF sharpness, speed & accuracy perhaps the best I've ever experienced - from any lens. It's noticeably quicker than the 200-400 I used before, and that lens is no slouch. It's hard to believe something this bulky can perform so fluidly & instantaneously. This amounts to more keepers & a lot less frustration. Also, this lens a great improvement at distance vs. the 200-400; the difference is pronounced & consistent.

2. Though this is the lightest 400 2.8 available, it's still heavy & larger than most lenses, period - only the 600/4 will present more burden. it requires an adjustment period; there's no getting around it. Also, it really requires the largest load-bearing monopod/tripod, and more patience and experience. This is not a lens for beginners.

3. The subject isolation available at 2.8-3.5 helps create an artistic edge/"trademark" when using this lens. It will help set apart your work, and affords professional results. It's a life saver in poorly lit outdoor venues, and most are just that - even at ISO 5000. This is a great lens for the new generation of DX, which means you can save $ versus the pricy FX alternative.

4. My concern in acquiring this lens & this focal length has been acquitted by the shear performance and eminent appropriateness of this lens for so many situations. The super-bright viewfinder provided by 2.8 - little affected by adding a TC-1.4 - one of the paramount improvements of this lens over slower optics. It makes an exponential difference when using a lens of this focal length on FX, or DX.

After using the Nikkor 300 2.8 & the 200-400 4, this lens represents my "final stop" in super-telephoto investment & compromise. It's the "mamma bear" of long lenses. The 2.8 creates more opportunities, even in the stratospheric ISO universe of digital. With DX and the new TC-20III, the 400 provides more useful focal length configuration options than any other choice. It can be both a Jack & master for many uses.

Recommended accessories:
1. Really Right Stuff (RRS) MC-34 monopod: Similar loading to the Gitzo 5541, but better made, costs less, and adjusts easier.
2. Think Tank Glass Taxi; it's a perfect fit, and a very well-made bag.
3. RRS low-profile replacement foot. Yes, there are others, but RRS makes the best parts and systems. This is a MUST, especially if you intend to use a gimbal support.
4. For tripod use, a RRS BH-55 and/or Wimberly sidekick gimbal accessory. I've never found any need for a full-blown Wimberly gimbal.
5. Gitzo 5531/41 tripod, or the RRS TVC-33. You can go smaller, but you'll regret it.

Comments about Nikon AF-S Nikkor 400mm f/2.8G ED VR Autofocus Lens (Black):

I've waited one year to submit a review for this lens. Bottom line is ~ it was worth the price and the output beats the weight issue hands down. We shoot a myriad of different sporting events from ACC football to NASCAR, I could not work without this lens. Our revenue stream from these events has gone up 4 fold from last year and we owe that to the 400. Shot at 2.8 it turns tackles and touchdowns to art. No we can't shoot the whole line of scrimmage but that's why we carry the other body and a "short lens". Yes this lens is heavy but really what else would you expect from a tool that will pull light out of nowhere, think about shooting high school football with the venerable 70-200 2.8, can you hold ISO 5000 with a shutter speed of 1/1000 or higher? Not as easily as you can with the 400. Color snaps, images are crisp and you can see the guy or gal behind the face mask as they run toward the end zone. Put this baby on a good strong monopod and you'll be one happy shooter. All of this makes the Nikon 400 a perfect sports lens for all applications. I do recommend the Tenba LL-400 for transporting the lens with a body attached, regardless of the advertisements be wary of the other claims that state they will do the same, some are measured using Canon equipment which is about 1½" shorter.

Comments about Nikon AF-S Nikkor 400mm f/2.8G ED VR Autofocus Lens (Black):

Absolutely incredible lens performance, the Nikon 400mm AF-S VR F/2.8 lens is a benchmark standard for the sports or wild life photographer. I bought this lens for field sports especially for the fast aperture due to low light on Friday nights. This lens delivers phenomenal photos each and every time. Auto focus is dead accurate and super fast, my perception is this is one of the fastest focusing Nikon lenses available and I've got numerous experience with the Nikon line to compare it against.

Highly recommended!

Comments about Nikon AF-S Nikkor 400mm f/2.8G ED VR Autofocus Lens (Black):

Living in Alaska, I was looking for a lens to shoot the wide variety of wildlife. The 400mm f/2.8 is a excellent lens. Combined with the 1.4 teleconverter, this lens affords me the opportunity to get tight, clear photos.

A little heavy for long hikes but the results can't be compared.

Comments about Nikon AF-S Nikkor 400mm f/2.8G ED VR Autofocus Lens (Black):

The 400VR arrived last week and my experience is fairly limited so I will post briefly some first impressions. If you konw the 400/2,8 Nikkors, then you're aware of their dimensions and weight: the new 400VR is fairly heavy but well proportioned and balanced. Just to make a quick comparison, my previous 200-400/4VR, while lighter, was somewhat "uncomfortable" due to its center of gravity shifted to the front of the lens. On the contrary the 400VR is "fatter" and its mass is better distributed over the entire lenght. As a matter of fact, I'm able to shoot handheld most of the time with good results but I would suggest a monopod to support this monster, especially for prolonged shooting sessions; a gimball head / tripod would be ideal for shooting from a fixed position.Another aspect to consider is the double-pieced lens hood: it could seem a cumbersome design but I came to a compromise using only the first part while leaving the second one into the closet. In very bright environments I have both mounted on the lens.One of the things I've appreciated immediately is the VR ON/OFF ring switch: it's the same as the 200VR and I always found its design to be better than the 200-400/4VR's button one.As for the tripod foot, it's prone to vibrations when mounted on tripod but for hand-held shooting it's very good because its "L" shape allows for a perfect grab: I use a pair of SetWear leather fingerless gloves with extra padding into the palm.Now for the optical performance of this puppy, I can say that its top-level under any condition. Using regularly some razors (200/2VR, Leica 90APO Asph for Nikon F, Voigtlander 125/2,5 not to mention the 14-24/2. I can say the 400VR is quite as sharp from wide open and draws micro-contrast beautifully, emulating the 3Dness of Zeiss glass. Bokeh rendering is absolutely among the best my eyes had the pleasure to see: at F2,8 the subject seems to be "glued" onto a background painted by an artist. Regarding CA, it's remarkably well corrected.PROsThe unique behaviour in rendering images ensures photographs with a "special" signature; sharpness; max. aperture; ideal focal lenght for a broad range of applications; superb build qualityCONsNikon does not sell an anti-gravity device. GrinPrice. Acceptable for this kind of tool.A perfect lens? Well, I don't know but it's my "dream lens" for sure.Some quick images shot during my early testing.[@]

Comments about Nikon AF-S Nikkor 400mm f/2.8G ED VR Autofocus Lens (Black):

Superb lens that really "delivers" superb images when used on my D3. It definitely matches my hopes/expectations.
However, the Nikon supplied foot is ludicrously high, for no obvious reason. It is SO high that it's impossible to achieve proper balance with typical gimbals. The solution is to replace the foot with the Kirk LP-46, which eliminates all problems - but this should be unnecessary! Nikon needs to take heed of the comments from MANY reviewers who have criticised theie standard foot!

I'd like to recommend what I consider to be a perfect carrying case for the lens, but unfortunately one that seems not to be offered by B&H. I refer to ThinkTank's "Glass Taxi" backpack. This provides a superb fit to the lens (with the hood in its parked position), along with a CB Gimbal (B&H # CUCBGB), Nikon TC14E-II and TC20E-III teleconverters, and a Gitzo 3540 tripod which is strapped on the outside. Let's face it, the "trunk" case supplied by Nikon with the lens might well withstand a small nuclear blast, but surely isn't a suitable case for carrying this magnificent lens into the field... The Glass Taxi couldn't be more appropriate. I'm also a fan of ThinkTank's belt and harness products, which integrate well with the backpack.

Comments about Nikon AF-S Nikkor 400mm f/2.8G ED VR Autofocus Lens (Black):

I bought this lens for sports coverage - baseball, football, soccer, etc. But when the lens arrived it was evening and I wanted to try it out right away. Just fooling around, I handheld the lens at 1/15 sec. @ f2.8 in my living room and shot a portrait of our Yorkie from across the room. I couldn't believe it - the picture was razor sharp! The VR on this lens is something else. Sure its heavy, but worth every pound if you want the best. [...]

Comments about Nikon AF-S Nikkor 400mm f/2.8G ED VR Autofocus Lens (Black):

Great lens for both Sports photography as well as Wildlife photography. Works great with the Nikon TC-17E-II if you want a little more reach for wildlife shots.

Comments about Nikon AF-S Nikkor 400mm f/2.8G ED VR Autofocus Lens (Black):

This lens produces fabulous results. It focuses quickly, the viewfinder is bright and easy to track your subject with, and it produces very sharp images. I tried to work around not having this lens for a long time with some lower priced options, but now I don't know how I did without it. For low light, it's a must. For normal light, the images and shallow depth of field look stunning.

Comments about Nikon AF-S Nikkor 400mm f/2.8G ED VR Autofocus Lens (Black):

Big and heavy! But I knew it would be! Great lens for everything, but sports and birding are what I use it for! Not for everyone, given its cost, but a lens that will allow images not posible before!