D800 with 400 2.8

[Markd3]

Hello all,

I have a D800 that I am attempting to use with a 400 2.8 VR. I have to say the results aren't stellar.
NPS cleaned and checked the lens and the camera is tack sharp with a 24-70 2.8.
I have a Jobu Mark IV head on a sturdy tripod.

So the question is, are there any technical reasons the D800 and 400 2.8 would not work well together.

TIA

Mark

[Ilkka Nissilä]

I would recommend placing the lens on tripod, and using live view to focus on the target, to make sure it is not due to focusing. Also, use a fast shutter speed (1/1000s or faster) and turn VR OFF. Use a low to moderate ISO setting (<= 400).  Use M-UP and a cable release or if not available, exposure delay mode (e.g. 2-3s). Take several shots to see if there is any variation between shots. If none of the shots seem sharp then there may be an issue with the lens. If the shots are sharp with LV AF and not with autofocus when using the viewfinder, then it could be a focus fine tuning issue.

[Bjørn Rørslett]

No, it should work just fine. In fact I have used that very combination myself and getting superb results.

However, this *is* a long lens, heavy, and thus requiring impeccable support.

[longzoom]

Set the combo on good heavy tripod, turn VR off, as well as AF. Choose a easy readable target, focus manually, use MUP and remote or cable release. Open the lens wide. Set shatter speed not less than 1/1000. Do not touch anything, remove the card, watch your target at 100% crop. If anything is wrong - say, more than 2-3 images, from 10, you need glasses - I am serious, even if Live View in use.
  If nothing is sharp, this is the lens fault. If everything is sharp, adjust the Fine Tune for your combo, nothing else you need. Good luck!  LZ 

[MFloyd]

If you want the ultimate sharpness, you should use the method as described.  But for objects in movement, I always leave the VR on; I'm using a monopod more to support the weight of the camera setup; but the monopod rarely touches the ground when I'm taking pictures during an air show, for example.

Hereunder, an illustration of the Nikon 400mm f/2.8 VR being handheld (Nikon D4s f/2.8 1/2000, ISO 100:

[Erik Lund]

If you go to the Lens section and use search, you will find several treads on the 400mm 2.8 with a lot of good information...

[Markd3]

Thanks everyone. I'll do some more tests. It's likely me but it's good to know the combo shouldn't be an issue. I prefer the D3s for nature but the 800 crop factor and dynamic range is so much better.