Agonising over 80-400 ED VR

billsstills · #22 12-30-2007, 03:51 PM

you certainly couldn't catch a fleeting moment with that lens... I reckon I'd hit three people while panning.

Roger_Martin · #23 02-03-2008, 12:18 PM

In reviewing this thread, I noticed something about holding the shutter release half down.You should try using the AF-ON button instead.

Lock on the Dragster before the start and keep it pressed as you take shots going down the track. Then, there will be no hunting or shutter lag at all. I've used the 80-400 lense with great success at Sears Point and Firebird taking pictures series of high speed motorcycles coming at, across, and away from me.

As for using the 80-400 with the D3. This lense really comes to life. It seems to focus twice as fast as on a D200 or D300. And, it does quite well at ISO 6400 too.

billsstills · #24 02-04-2008, 03:01 AM

to be really honest Roger I've never tried it that way but I will give it a go,
Thanks.

Bill.

Richard_Coyle · #25 02-07-2008, 08:00 PM

Roger and Bill
With my "good" D300 body, I've experienced the same thing as you have with the D3. This lens is really much more responsive with my D300 than with any other body I've used. Not only is the AF much better, but the VR seems to be more effective, and it seems to make the optics really shine! New life for a previously sluggish, but always optically excellent, lens

billsstills · #26 02-16-2008, 11:03 PM

you know what?... ... I can't beleive what a difference holding down the AF-ON button makes to to my success rate; I feel like an idiot not ever trying it after so many articles read.
I'm often guilty of thinking I'm smarter than the others... just goes to show

But I've got some better action coming up now with my new found knowledge.
Thanks Roger.

And... I only just took out the 80-400 for a test drive this last weekend "Summer Nationals"

I got some great shots with my standard lenses but after some experimenting the 80-400 seems to be a goer.

Bill.

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