First test with the Nikon 400mm f/2,8 VR

[hristo19]

I bought myself the Nikon 400mm f/2.8 VR and last weekend I finally got the chance to test it on some soccer.
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[ariel777]

Excellent work, Peter.

 

[lupedelupe]

I'd say it works pretty darn well!

 

[ImageReflex]

You've just got to watch your focus. For better or worse, the lens will highlight when you're out of focus (if you look at #2, you'll see the point where the grass is sharpest, and that is not where the foot or ball is within the image).

 

[RickW]

Nice! You know how we chuckle when someone remarks that we must be good photographers since we have such fancy equipment? This lens is the only piece of equipment that I own where I can truly say that the equipment actually helps make me a better shooter.

I find it a remarkable tool. (Ok - the 300/2.8 ain't no slouch either, but for field sports, the 400 shines.)

 

[shaggy]

Outstanding shots.

 

[Russ_]

Great shots. Pity they have so much advertising on their shirts.

 

[AlJohnston]

It works

 

[Randy]

congrats

it may be the best lens ever made, only bested by the 200/2

 

[Jonathan F/2]

congrats

it may be the best lens ever made, only bested by the 200/2

+1

I miss mine!

 

[ImageReflex]

I find it a remarkable tool. (Ok - the 300/2.8 ain't no slouch either, but for field sports, the 400 shines.)

And if you've got the light, the 600/4 takes field sports to an entirely different level than even the 400.

 

[Randy]

And if you've got the light, the 600/4 takes field sports to an entirely different level than even the 400.

actually not because f/4, even on fx, will not blur the BG for high school sports the same as f/2.8
I shoot 4 different f/2.8 lenses for hs sports and they are all at f/2.8 all the time, light or no light

 

[cslx99]

Simply amazing! Brilliant colors and clarity. I love the capture of the flying dirt in #7, it's like stopping time.

 

[ImageReflex]

actually not because f/4, even on fx, will not blur the BG for high school sports the same as f/2.8
I shoot 4 different f/2.8 lenses for hs sports and they are all at f/2.8 all the time, light or no light

Not to be contrarian, but if you're using the 600/4 correctly, it has the ability to blow out the background as much or more than the 400 (and I often use both the 400/2.8 and 600/4 at events to take advantage of that effect at different distances). If covering athletes on a field at the same distance, the 600 at f/4 has less depth of field than the 400 at f/2.8.

 

[antonoat]

Congrats on the new lens Samuel, it is a marvellous tool.
The images on your website are a visual treat.

Cheers
Tony

 

[JohnD3]

Excellent images, this lens is amazing and its still my favourite lens that I have, can't wait to use mine hopefully over the weekend with my D4s.
Thanks for sharing, number 3 is my favourite capture

 

[horukuru]

Was it the latest 400 VR?

 

[Retief]

Yeah, these are sure nice, and the VR is nice as well. But, frankly, my old 400 f2.8 AFS-1, no stinkin' VR is a much more "manly" lens, it weighs a lot more

What I appreciate the most is how well the latest TC's work in conjunction with this lens. Gives one heck of a lot of options.

Enjoy it, not only will it work well photographically, but it does help build muscles ......

 

[Randy]

Yeah, these are sure nice, and the VR is nice as well. But, frankly, my old 400 f2.8 AFS-1, no stinkin' VR is a much more "manly" lens, it weighs a lot more

What I appreciate the most is how well the latest TC's work in conjunction with this lens. Gives one heck of a lot of options.

Enjoy it, not only will it work well photographically, but it does help build muscles ......

i have never used VR on mine, no even once, it might not even work

 

[Randy]

Not to be contrarian, but if you're using the 600/4 correctly, it has the ability to blow out the background as much or more than the 400 (and I often use both the 400/2.8 and 600/4 at events to take advantage of that effect at different distances). If covering athletes on a field at the same distance, the 600 at f/4 has less depth of field than the 400 at f/2.8.

i don't own a 600, came close, but after considering the MFD (for birds) I realized it was not a good idea and that's not even considering the size but I do know 600 is way too long for me for soccer or football which is why I stopped using a dx body for field sports unless I'm using the 120-300, my preference is the D4 + 400vr at f/2.8, does a nice job