Nikon is a brand with a long, proud history of producing quality optics so expectations are high. The 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6D ED VR AF is not a new lens, being launched in 2001.
However, with its impressive 5x zoom range and compact design, it remains popular among enthusiasts and professionals alike. Used with an APS-C-sized sensor, its effective focal length is 120-600mm! Whilst its versatile focal range will immediately interest nature, sports and action photographers, its one obvious drawback is its relatively slow maximum aperture. At the telephoto end, the lens is reduced to f/5.6, which isn’t fast enough to capture movement or shoot in low light without the need to up ISO sensetivity. However, in fairness to Nikon, compromises have to be made when producing a lens of this magnification and size.

Despite its (removable) tripod collar, Nikon have clearly designed the lens with handholding in mind. Although it feels a little bulky, it weighs a relatively modest 1340g and boasts Vibration Reduction (VR) technology. The VR uses a ‘tilting’ element to correct vibration, so framing can change slightly when VR is active. It has two different VR modes. In Mode 1, 
VR runs while the shutter is semi-depressed and also when the shutter is released so that you can see the effect (if any) of the tilting lens element through the viewfinder.
In Mode 2, VR only works when the shutter is fully depressed – to conserve battery life. Therefore, you can’t view what the VR is actually doing and can mis-frame slightly as a result. Nikon claim it can be used at three stops slower than a non-VR version and, generally speaking, it works very well. I was able to capture acceptably sharp results at 300mm using just 1/60sec when shooting handheld. However, at its longest end, I would recommend using a shutter speed upwards of 1/200sec.

The VR is excellent at detecting direction so is a good ‘panning’ lens. This is not an AF-S lens, and quite simply – by today’s standards – it is slow. The AF is also relatively noisy and I found it had a tendency to ‘hunt’ for the subject. Its 2.3m minimum focusing distance is also disappointing and restrictive for nearby subjects. This is a key consideration for wildlife snappers who regularly work from a hide and might deter some photographers from buying it. But it’s not all bad news, though. Optically, the lens is excellent. I found images to be very sharp between 80-300mm, and whilst image quality softened slightly at its longest end, overall I was impressed with the results. Build quality is also good, feeling like a solid bit of kit when handled.       

SPECIFICATIONS:
Lens construction: 17 elements in 11 groups; Closest focusing: 2.3m; Filter thread: 77mm; 
5x zoom range; Vibration Reduction (VR); Two VR modes; Three ED glass elements for superior performance throughout the zoom range; Rounded diaphragm opening (nine blades) is especially well suited to close-ups and portraits; High-performance Super Integrated Coating offers superior colour reproduction and minimizes ghosting and flare; Detachable tripod mount; Weight: 1340g; Dia x Length: 91x171 mm

Pro Verdict
Costing around £1,000, this lens isn’t cheap, but it does have an impressive zoom range and maximum magnification. Its relatively slow maximum aperture and sluggish AF means it is not best suited to action and sports. It is beginning to show its age and is in need of an upgrade, especially as it lacks an Silent Wave Motor (AF-S).
However, optical quality is good and VR makes it a versatile lens for photographers on the move.  However,   shaving a couple of hundred pounds off the price would make it better value.
Nikon: 0800 230220 Web: www.nikon.co.uk