Hope this isn't too stupid of a question, but I have a Nikon D3100 (with the kit lenses 18-55 mm and 55-200 mm) and would like to get into wildlife and bird photography. B & H has a NIKKOR 80-400 mm lens on sale in their used dept. for $719.00. Used Nikon AF VR Zoom-NIKKOR 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6D ED Lens 1996 My only concern is that the lens was manufactured in 1996. The condition of the lens is an 8+ on B & H's site. Are their any concerns anyone has purchasing a 19 year old lens? Thank you in advance for your responses.
Used NIKKOR 80-400 mm telephoto
- Thread starter BobB
- Start date
Fred Kingston_RIP
Senior Member
Well...something burped... I thought I answered this once...
Bob...That lens is a D-series lens. It doesn't have a focus motor and neither does your D3100... That lens won't autofocus with that camera...
Bob...That lens is a D-series lens. It doesn't have a focus motor and neither does your D3100... That lens won't autofocus with that camera...
I think it is a screw-drive lens, and so will not auto focus on the D3100. D3100 needs a AF-S lens for auto focus.
It is an older lens, but it is not 19 years old. It has VR, which is a fairly recent innovation. 1996 is just the Nikon model number.
Here is an Amazon description of it
Amazon.com : Nikon 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6D ED Autofocus VR Zoom Nikkor Lens (OLD MODEL) : Camera Lenses : Camera & Photo
Note that it says Item Number 1996, and says first listed on Amazon in 2002. And it says screw-drive, which means it will not auto focus on a D3100.
It is an older lens, but it is not 19 years old. It has VR, which is a fairly recent innovation. 1996 is just the Nikon model number.
Here is an Amazon description of it
Amazon.com : Nikon 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6D ED Autofocus VR Zoom Nikkor Lens (OLD MODEL) : Camera Lenses : Camera & Photo
Note that it says Item Number 1996, and says first listed on Amazon in 2002. And it says screw-drive, which means it will not auto focus on a D3100.
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Thank you Wayne, learned something new today. What lens would you recommend as a good Nikon lens for wildlife and birds? I don't have unlimited funds, but around $$800-$1000 range.
It is a personal choice, but I bought the Tamron 150-600mm zoom, $1069 price new. It has "Ultrasonic Silent Drive Autofocus Motor" which is AF-S (not screw-drive).
See the Tamron 150-600mm thread in this forum
http://nikonites.com/telephoto/24828-post-your-150-600-tamron-shots.html#axzz3esTUnXuB
Yes, you can use the 80-400 as manual focus, but I doubt manual focus is a popular choice. The camera models D7000 and up can use either type of lens.
See the Tamron 150-600mm thread in this forum
http://nikonites.com/telephoto/24828-post-your-150-600-tamron-shots.html#axzz3esTUnXuB
Yes, you can use the 80-400 as manual focus, but I doubt manual focus is a popular choice. The camera models D7000 and up can use either type of lens.
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The D version of the 80-400 has a reputation for not being all that sharp at 400mm,some users on here prove that is not always the case with the samples they post but i used one for a few weeks and have to say it was not that sharp at 400mm,so its probaly a case of good and not so good versions.
The Tamron or Sigma 150-600 would be a better option.
The Tamron or Sigma 150-600 would be a better option.
adityasoman
Senior Member
For bird photography Autofocus will help a lot.So better to get a lens that will autofocus on your camera.
For your budget as already suggested 150-600 Tamron/Sigma will be amazing choices.The reach that they offer
In the mean while practise with the 55-200 the other techniques of Bird photography like bbf
Sent from my GT-I9070 using Tapatalk 2
For your budget as already suggested 150-600 Tamron/Sigma will be amazing choices.The reach that they offer
In the mean while practise with the 55-200 the other techniques of Bird photography like bbf
Sent from my GT-I9070 using Tapatalk 2
For bird photography Autofocus will help a lot.So better to get a lens that will autofocus on your camera.
For your budget as already suggested 150-600 Tamron/Sigma will be amazing choices.The reach that they offer
In the mean while practise with the 55-200 the other techniques of Bird photography like bbf
Sent from my GT-I9070 using Tapatalk 2
Thank you for the suggestions. Your help is greatly appreciated. Did not realize that a lens selection would turn out to be such a daunting task.
benjamin.ho.395017
Senior Member
Personally, that is my goto wildlife lens for the fact its easy to lug around when hiking. Its compact and i like the portability
Thank you Benjamin for the reply. I went with the Sigma 150-500 mm telephoto lens. As a matter of fact, I'm expecting delivery by FedEx tonight. I'll let everyone know the results an I'll post some pics here.
Not tried this lens but from what i have seen on flickr ect you should be happy with it,if its your first long lens dont be disappointed if you first results are not that good,long lenses take getting used to.
Good advice, Mike. The first thing I have to get used to is the weight. This is a relatively heavy lens at 4.3 lbs. (almost 2 kilos), but it just takes getting used to. Practicing around the back yard shooting anything I can, trees, flowers, birds in the bird bath, I know I'm going to love this lens.
I really like the BBF option. Have been practicing with it for a while using the kit lenses. As you say, practice, practice, practice. I've been practicing in my back yard as a controlled environment. About to venture into the outside world and take the tele to some area parks to practice there. BTW Roy, I really like your Avatar, avatar. It's one of my favorite movies. The thought of Mr. Bean as an Avatar character cracks me up. :joyous:
I too am anxiously awaiting the next in the series. I just hope the sequels are as good as the first one. And, yes I loved the Black Adder series. I have the collection on DVD.