Considering that this opticis only a tad slower than the Nikkor 200-400mm f/4, with a drop of a stop when you zoom out, has a 5x zoom range, is lighter, and costs about half of the near $7000 price tag of the 200-400mm f/4, it is certainly worthy of consideration for those who can appreciate what it...

The Nikon AF-S 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR is a versatile and feature-packed premium-quality telephoto zoom

5x zoom range; Sophisticated VR system; High MTF results; Fringe-free images; Reliable AF system; Focus limiter; Weatherproof design; Tripod mounting collar

Rather heavy; Costly

Of all the lenses in Nikon's range, their 80-400mm offering has been long overdue an update for quite some time. The old lens had a reputation for being slow slow and clunky. Thankfully this new lens couldn't easily be labelled as either of these thanks to the inclusion of a silent wave autofocus...

Back in 2000, Nikon introduced the original 80-400mm/f4.5-5.6 as their very first lens with vibration reduction (VR). While it was a technological break through for Nikon at the time, that lens does not have an internal auto-focus motor such that its AF speed is notoriously slow.

I have been using this lens for more than a year now and it stays on my camera all the time except for when I have special projects. I am mostly into birds and other wildlife. This lens is light enough for me to carry all day and sharp enough for great detail. Contrast and detail are very good.

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

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

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

A word of warning-this is absolutely a LAYMAN'S REVIEW. I am not a professional, and not even a serious amateur, but I have been dabbling in wild-life (particularly birds) photography for almost 5 years.

Used to see these kinds of lenses as sort of amateurish. Got one from NPS a few months to give it a try on a golf tournament. Wow! Loved it. So sharp, fast focusing and easy to carry. The fact that it's so lightweight compared to a 400 2.8 or 200-400 makes it so much easier on the body.

WOW ! I have been waiting YEARS for this lens.... Having owned the older "D" version 80-400mm for many years, this is what I have been waiting for. The older version was a great piece of glass except for the slow focus. Now that the lens has it`s own focus motor it is super fast and accurate.