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

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...

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

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

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.

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.

If you're looking for a compact, versatile telephoto zoom lens that handles portraiture as well as it handles long-distance wildlife and action photography, look no further than the AF-S NIKKOR 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR.

After reading previous reviews giving it a 10, it was a great disappointment. Bad copy Maybe, but I am not going to try another one to find out. Sent it back for a refund.My Nikon 200-500 was sharper and had better AF. My 300 f4 PF with a 1.4x TC on it is sharper and has better AF.

Solid build; 80-100mm is handy

Not that sharp and AF not impressive And even though it is supposed to be normal; the obvious chattering sound it makes when changing focus is annoying and stupid that Nikon can't make this zoom lens without the chattering

I love this lens. I used to own a Sony A7R when they first came out. Great camera and ideal for my situation... I could take it climbing with me as it was so light....Due to a house burglary I lost it and my wife replaced it with a Nikon D5300. I know; fairly low end.

Consistent Output; Durable; Quick Focus; Sharp Focus; Strong Construction

Heavy