80-400 g series vs 200-500 for birding

[rwa757]

Taking $$$ out of the equation, any recommendations out there on what lens might be the better choice for shooting birds in flight?

[Sandy Vongries]

Don't have the 200-500, have the older 80-400 vr. Except for close in birds, I find it a little short. I use an old 600 5.6 for distant birds, large & heavy, generally requires monopod or tripod, though I have caught an occasional eagle in flight during setup. Lots seem to like the 200-500.

[ShunCheung]

I have both lenses. For birds, usually you want more focal length especially when the birds are small. However, the 200-500mm/f5.6 has relatively slow AF since its lens elements are larger, and it is a consumer lens so that its AF motor isn't that powerful. If you are dealing with larger birds and especially if they can approach you, the 80-400mm AF-S VR maybe the better choice.

 

Keep in mind that AF on the 80-400 AF-S VR can be slow also under dim light, since it is also f5.6, but under good light, its AF is noticeably faster than that on the 200-500mm.

 

There are definitely some trade off. That is why I have both lenses.