 Pro Photo HOME |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Nikon 400mm f/2.8D ED-IF AF-S II
|
|
|
|
Reviews
|
Views
|
Date of last review
|
|
1
|
2839
|
Sun May 27, 2007
|
|
 |
|
Recommended By
|
Average Price
|
Average Rating
|
|
100% of reviewers
|
$5,500.00
|
9.0
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
>
|
|
|
Author
|
|
RESQ4U
Basic Member
Registered: May 2007
Location: Charleston, WV
Posts: 43
|
|
Review Date: Sun May 27, 2007
|
Would you recommend the product? Yes |
Price you paid?: $5,500.00
| Rating: 9
|
|
Pros:
|
Sharp! Fast! Lighter than earlier models.
|
|
Cons:
|
Cost. Size & Weight (it's still pretty heavy)
|
|
Another workhorse, another favorite of mine. Any assignment that calls for a "reach out and touch somebody" lens (short of the extreme super telephotos) this is your baby. If a 400mm 2.8 AF is in your future - get the AF-S II model if at all possible.
Nikon learned a few lessons as they developed the 400mm 2.8 AF versions. I have owned the AF-I, AF-S and now the AF-S II versions and, while the optics are wonderful across the board, ergonomics came slowly.
Weight is a big issue between the three with the AF-I weighing in at 13.9 lbs, the AF-S at 10.6 lbs and the AF-S II at 9.7 lbs. Secondly, handling was likewise improved. The AF-I was just too heavy, the AF-S was poorly balanced (very frontheavy) but the AF-S II was "just right" (my appologies to Goldilocks).
Even with the weight loss, this is not a lens anyone smaller than Gov. Schwarzenegger should plan on hand holding. Get a GOOD tripod or monopod and check it between gigs for wear. I use the Gitzo G-1588 Mountaineer Mk2 Tele Studex Carbon Fiber Monopod (the BIG ONE which supports 26.50 lbs) and yet, after a couple years of heavy use, the attaching screw broke off in the 400mm's tripod socket. Amazingly, it broke just as I was laying the rig on a table - imagine if it broke as I was toodling along with the rig slung over my shoulder. EGAD.
I also own the 300mm 2.8 AF-I & 500mm 4 AF-I. Great lenses and I haven't noticed the extreme differences between models as I do with the 400mm 2.8 AF series. Still, the 400mm AF-S II 2.8 is number one is my first choice between the 300, 400 & 500s.
I do have one complaint with the 400mm AF's. The 2-piece hoods SUCK. I salvaged a hood from another piece of long glass and it works fine (but is snug).
|
|
|
|
|
Powered by: ReviewPost PHP vB3 Enhanced
Copyright 2006 All Enthusiast, Inc.
|
All times are GMT -4. The time now is 05:27 PM. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
