The "Safari Dream Lens" of the '80s, a 200-400 mm f/4 Nikkor ED, here on its designated position atop the Sachtler ENG 2 CF HD tripod with the Video 20 Fluid Head. CPU-modified of course like virtually all my manual lenses. For once Nikon managed to make a sturdy cantilevered tripod foot. Thus proving this feat *can* be done.
Less than 500 units were made, so it is a quite elusive lens to track down. Took me nearly 15 years to find a pristine sample at a reasonable price. Despite its vintage, the lens is super sharp and an ideal companion for working with landscapes and details. Would prefer one of its modern sibling for safaris though, as the focusing of the 200-400 AIS is on the slow side thanks to its bulk and massive weight. I used the 200-400 AFS VR (1) on my trip to South Africa in 2009. While the modern lens was perfect for wildlife, it cannot hold a candle to the old 200-400 when it comes to landscapes.
