johnr78735

An armed guard to keep you safe...

Hello Daniel, Let me first say that I previously owned the first generation Nikon 80-400 VR lens (now sold), now I own the new Nikon 80-400 VRII and also the Nikon 400 f2.8 VR. I shoot 2 Nikon D800 bodies. The first gen 80-400 performed well enough for me once I learned that my best photos above 200 mm were always at 1/1,000 sec or higher and at f8 or higher. To expect more from this lens is a prescription for heartburn. The new 80-400 is very, very good at 400mm...good enough that I am seriously considering selling my 400 mm f2.8 VR. I shoot mostly wildlife, particularly big game and my grand kids tennis, soccer and swimming with the 80-400 and love it. I am always after the image I want and shoot high iso's freely to get what I want...the D800 bodies allow me to shoot at iso's of 6400 regularly with very good results. My suggestion to you is to dial up your iso, shutter speed and f stop, get on a good tripod and shoot away. I hope your results will be much improved. Best regards, John Rogers Austin, Texas<div></div>

Jean, Just a little background.. I owned the 1st version of the Nikon 80-400, sold it and upgraded to the new one now, and also own the Nikon 400 f2.8 VR. I have shot Nikons for over 40 years and now use 2-D800 bodies. I am tremendously happy with my gear and results. My most important tip for you would be to start first always working to achieve the highest shutter speed possible with whichever lens you choose. Your keeper rate will be much better and you can glean probable causes for your imperfect shots by evaluating your shutter speed and comparing hits and misses. I have found nothing more important. After reaching some level of competence in shooting long lenses you can then begin to refine your shooting technique using all of your camera controls...but first shoot at 1/1000th sec and higher every chance you get to let your lens show you what it can do so you gain confidence in your equipment. John

Art...here's the first thing to do to determine if you have a lens sharpness or "other" problem. Get outside in bright daylight, pick a subject with contrast and shoot a couple of frames at 1/2,000 sec. at f4 and f5.6...if they are sharp, you have an issue other than lens sharpness.

<p>Kurt,<br> Welcome to the D8__ world. I bought 2 D800's to replace my 2 D300's the day the D800's were available. First off I listened to all the talk about " tripod required " for sharpness noise that initially erupted because of the 36MP file size. What a load of crap. I own some good Nikon glass..16-35 f4 - 24-70 f2.8 - 70-210 f2.8 - the astounding new 80-400 VRII and the amazing 400 2.8 VR. Although not a pro by a hundred miles I can truthfully say that the D800 has changed everything about how I feel about digital photography. It is simply astounding with the D800. I almost never miss a shot I want. I break EVERY rule and the camera consistently captures great shots. Shots at 5,000 ISO...no problem...shots handheld at 1/40th...no problem...<br> My only advice is shoot everything you want and shoot at any setting it takes to get the shot. <br> I'm not good a sharing or posting to photo sites but here are a few almost all shot with the D800.</p> <p>http://500px.com/johnr78735</p> <p>Best regards and get shooting.<br> John in Austin</p>