The Nikon AF-S Nikkor 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR ($2,299.95) is an appealing walkaround lens for nature photographers and sports shooters working in bright light who appreciate a long range of coverage, but don't need to shoot in the dim lighting that makes event photographers reach for a fixed f/2.8 lens. It covers nearly twice the range as the AF-S Nikkor 70-200mm f/2.8G ED VR II ($2,424.00 at Amazon) for about the same price, at the cost of a narrower maximum aperture that puts more limits on depth of field control and light-gathering capability. Image quality is strong through most of the zoom range, with a drop at 400mm that can be compensated for by stopping down, making it a solid option for Nikon photographers in want of a telezoom. It's not quite the equal of the less expensive Sigma 150-600mm DG OS HSM Contemporary ($899.00 at Amazon) , our Editors' Choice telezoom. But the Sigma trades some wide-angle coverage for telephoto reach, and is notably heavier, which will stee...

The Nikon AF-S Nikkor 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR lens offers the convenience of a long range and doesn't show a lot of distortion, but images lose some crispness when zoomed all the way in.

Strong sharpness through most of range; Long telephoto reach; Optical stabilization; Minimal distortion; Relatively lightweight; Includes tripod collar and hood

Sharpness dips at 400mm and toward edges of frame; Pricey

This lens takes excellent high resolution photographs throughout the zoom range and has a fast enough maximum aperture to work even on cloudy days beyond the flash range.

Excellent quality and fine detail images

Non that I can see

Great success for Nikon! This 80-400 G lens is among the very best lenses ever, and will be for long time! Cost every penny you spent on it!

Long story shortly - the best Nikon's long zoom, better or equal to best primes of its range; Absolutely sharp at any zoom positions, even wide open; There isn't any kind of CA or geometrical distortions significantly enough to speak about; Fast and reliable AF.

There is enough of space to make hood telescopic, always ready; Actually, this lens doesn't need so big hood; I am using short 1" third-party metal one, over the B+W filter

certainly a big step up from its predecessor, but with the D750 I had trouble getting sharp images utilising the VR. I've since learned this camera has issues with certain VR lenses, which eas allegedly fixed in a firmware update.

I've just completed my full field test of this lens. Here's the "Executive Summary": The AF-S 80-400mm f4.5-5.6 VR is a significant and worthwhile upgrade from its predecessor. It's an incredibly versatile lens that will meet most of the needs for many, many nature and wildlife photographers.

Solid optical quality throughout the entire focal range; very "hand-holdable&quot

Just acceptable build quality; horrendous tripod collar; poorly designed hood

This lens offers a both a considerable zoom and great image quality. The Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR lens is perfect for those wanting to upgrade who enjoy shooting subjects at long distances.

For a 5x zoom, the AF-S Nikkor 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR is an excellent performer. Centre sharpness is very good to excellent at all apertures throughout the zoom range, with the borders also being impressively sharp at most zoom settings.

Great lens for shooting sports and nature. Excellent focal length and speed for the price. Must use a mono or tripod for all day shooting- it gets a bit heavy after a while.

Crisp Fast For The Price

I just got the Nikon D7100 camera and wanted a telephoto lens to photograph wildlife. This new 80-400mm lens has been everything I wanted. Easy to use and focus providing super photos. Highly recommended.

Just got this lens for my Nikon D7000. A Coopers Hawk decided to have dinner in my yard so I grabbed this lens. The enclosed shots are handheld, with the ISO at 1250, 1/320 @ f6.3, with VR on. I'm happy and can't wait to see the performance once I can mount it on a tripod.

Fast focusing; Quality Glass

Tripod foot