Nikon 200-400 G ED VRII

[elsa hoffmann]

Used: Nikon AF-S 200-400mm f/4 G ED VR II N Lens - Rating: 9/10 (S10704)

This lens has come up for sale (second hand) for the equivalent of $6000.
New the lens is $10 000 here in SA

Your thoughts?

[Bjørn Rørslett]

Probably OK from the level indicated by the new lens.

I used this lens on the 2009 Safari and got great results with it.

However, I was told on good authority that Cape Town neither have lions nor elephants? Your usual models don't see to be shy enough to require this kind of optic ... 

My point, apparently, is that this lens brings you into the domain of specialised tools. If you really need such a lens and have the money burning in your pocket, by all means get it.

(I do have the manual-focus 200-400/4 ED Nikkor, bought for landscape photography. It is too slow for animals in my opinion, but terrific for landscapes)

[elsa hoffmann]

Bjørn - I am torn.
It is a very good price - and might have already sold - so if I dont get this one  I can look out for another - but have seen them for $1200 more elsewhere.

I have used this lens before, (the older version) and it took me a while to get used to it.

While we don't have lions (not in the street anyway) It will be useful - but certainly not a every day lens.

I really have not much in the longer range - I only have a 300f4 (non VR)

SO my thinking is in terms of longer - and longer is also relative. Then there is a Nikon AF-S 400mm f/2.8 G ED VR N (new)  which no sane person can afford at $12000 

Perhaps just pass it for now..

[bobfriedman]

I am sure you have birds there 😀

[elsa hoffmann]

of course we do - the two legged kind   in my garden !

[antonoat]

Seems like a bargain Elsa, providing it is as described.
I owned the VR1 version for nearly six years, it is a fabulous lens.
Optically it is excellent, the relatively modest zoom ratio ensures it's not compromised in the same way that many
zoom lenses are.
If I could own just one telephoto lens this would be it, I can't emphasise enough the amount of extra(bonus) shots I was able to capture
because of the zoom function, some people will say don't be lazy zoom with your feet, in the real world most of us know
it's not always possible to move closer to or further away from our intended target.
A lot of people on the internet knock this lens saying it's ok up close but not for longer distances, I always wonder how many of those people have actually owned or even used this lens,
it is a fabulous performer.
On a DX body it gives equivalent view of 300-600mm@f4 pretty darn useful out in the field.
I honestly think it's one of the very best lenses nikon have ever produced.
Here's an old one

[Jakov Minić]

It is very simple, my dear, buy it if you are going to use it
I feel sorry for my 300/2.8 AF-I that I bought from Erik during our safari because I rarely use it...

[Anthony]

It is a great African safari lens.  I rented one for Sabi Sabi a few years ago and was delighted with the results.

It all depends on whether you will use it.

[Jan Anne]

The second hand value of these kind of lenses is very stable so theres very little risk in buying them, just make sure they're covered by the insurance.

I bought the MK1 for the NG Safari in 2009, took some amazing shots with a D700 & D300 combo and sold it afterwards with a nice profit

Here's a few pics from that safari:




Also very usable for the Dutch wildlife btw

[elsa hoffmann]

Sadly (or gladly ) I missed the lens..... the next one available is  a $1000 more... which is more in line with what they go for.

I also hear the new 80-400 is very good - and good value for money. I have never been interested in this lens - but it is a lot cheaper and lighter. Any thoughts? Keep in mind I will use it on occasion and its certainly not a regular lens for me. I do need a longer lens. I do not shoot birds and wildlife as much as others do, but when I want to - I have only the 70-200 VRII and 2 x TC

Thanks guys for posting the great pics - I am enjoying them!

[Bernard Delley]

The  AF-S 80-400 mm  made me loose interest in the 200-400mm !  It is sharp enough wide open at the long end, also when used with 24 mpix DX camera like the D7200.  Clearly better than the 70-200mm f/2.8 with TC-2.0 , which can be described as useable, stopped down at the long end. My use of the 70-200mm f/2.8  has dropped markedly since. It only comes on a trip when shooting at f/2.8 is expected.

[elsa hoffmann]

Interesting and thank you - the 80-400 is at least half of the 200-400 in SA, which makes it very attractive.

[Jan Anne]

My only gripe with the 80-400 is that it is a variable aperture zoom that doesn't zoom internally, thats currently one bridge too far for me after owning lenses like the Sigma 120-300/2.8, 70-200/2.8VR, 200-400/4VR, 200/2VR, etc.

So even though the 80-400mm is a very usable range I'm hoping for a 400/4VR PF to split the middle between the 80-400mm and the 400/2.8VR FL dreamlens, in optic quality, size for travel, aperture speed, price, etc.

But I'm not limited to Nikon, I can also use a Minolta 400/4.5 or a Canon 400/4IS DO on my Sony Trinitron (Jakovs nickname for my a7S).

[elsa hoffmann]

JA - I hear you - and obviously agree. I had a Sigma 150-600 for a week and didnt like the aperture also - but have to admit half my problems with that lens was IBTC (Idiot behind the camera) and not understand the limitations, nor did I have proper LLT.
But I am back to square one looking for a longer range. So I am interested in practical opinions as well as that which you gave - what to do....

[Bjørn Rørslett]

Having used both, I agree that the 200-400 handles better than the AFS 80-400 VR in particular hand held. This in part is caused by the elongation of the lens barrel when you zoom with the 80-400, which throws off its balance. Mounted on a decent tripod, however, the difference might be less pronounced bertween the two of them although I suspect the 80-400 is every so less fast in acquiring perfect focus.

The VR feature on both lenses can be a benefit and a liability. When I tested a sample of the AFS 80-400, I observed several incidents in which its VR did funny things to the captured image. The AFS 200-400 was used on a Safari ad the heat might have masked any VR oddities in this case.

Elsa, it's a pity you cannot get an NPS loaner in your area. Or get a local rental. These expensive, used-once-in-a-while lenses often are better rented or leased than owned, unless money burns a hole in your pocket and you have shelves to spare in your cupboards.