Nikkor 80-400 for birds

[John Wolaver]

I am considering the 80-400 and would like to hear from anyone who uses the newer version for birds. I will be using it on a D500. Thank you.

 

[Darrell C]

I have used the 80-400 "G" for birds that were being worked by bird handlers, worked excellent as the were in and far as they were being worked, but if I were out scouting for birds then my 500mm comes out, and may even put a TC on that.
my 2cts is best bang for the buck is Nikon 200-500, you can even find some good used ones.

 

[Randy]

It’s a great lens for anything
I’ll post a few bird shots when I get home from hospital latter today, YES

 

[Butlerkid]

Many answers to your earlier post HERE address this similar question.

 

[Cleanimage]

I've got one that I use on my D810. Mine is nice and sharp (given my own limitations) and the VR is a big help. On the D810 it doesn't have enough reach unless you can get pretty close to your subject. However, on the D500 you would get the benefit of the crop factor so it would probably work out well for you. If you have any doubts, you could alway rent one and give it a try.

 

[ITEPfoto]

I had the 80-400 and sold it and got the 300pf w/1.4tc. Better results every time. In my case a lot of that was due to the weight of the rig; the 300 is amazingly light and easily hand-holdable. Plus it is perfect for travel and you don't have the excuse "I would take it if it were lighter/smaller" you have with the 80-400 and the 200-500.

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Oops -- sorry -- good for turtles and birds.

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[Beagledog]

Hi John,

for me the 400 is too short for wild birds as I cannot get close enough. the 300PF with TC 1.4 is faster focusing, sharper and lighter, but does not zoom. The 200-500 is longer focal length, cheaper, heavier and sharper at 500.

You can do excellent bird photography with any if these lenses, it is the Photog not the Gear. Check out Randy's bird shots to see what a master can achieve with the 80-400mm

Cheers,
alexis and Georgie Beagle

" just wait, when I get my 500PF I will be the best photo-dog-rapher ever!!!" - Georgie Beagle

 

[drr1531]

I am considering the 80-400 and would like to hear from anyone who uses the newer version for birds. I will be using it on a D500. Thank you.

I use one for birds... and bears, and moose, and landscapes, and....
If you are asking whether it is a good choice to use exclusively on birds then there are better options. Some have already been mentioned. But if you have need for the entire zoom range, then it is quite adequate for also shooting birds. I have it in the kit for two reasons 1) travel when wildlife shooting is not the main purpose of the trip but there will likely be some opportunities and 2) using with a second body when shooting with a long prime from a fixed position. I always prefer shooting primes when possible but have no hesitation using the 80-400 on my most serious shoots.

 

[Randy]

we tend to not simply answer the question but add more info
there are some better choices than an 80-400 but way more not as good choices

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[Beagledog]

we tend to not simply answer the question but add more info
there are some better choices than an 80-400 but way more not as good choices

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Wow, Randy, these are awesome shots. I really love #2 mom and babies!

So can you use the 80-400 for birds? YES!!!

Cheers,
alexis and Georgie Beagle

" nice shooting Randy." - Georgie Beagle