Mick V & PicMan use this lens. Results I have seen look good.

Don

Having read your thread on Aviation Nostalgia then perhaps your requirement is for a lens longer than 300mm.

Don

Hi Don yes I am tempted to go for a 400 or poss 500 mm to help with the Aviation photo's. But may only get used in summer, and a bit concerned re handholding such a lrge lens.?

Had considered also taking some action photos say motorsports, quite fancy a trip to IOM TT next year (find a nice brick wall to hide behind!) So not sure how much use it would get.

Also I assume the cost for a larger lens would be somewaht more? I can always save a bit more and take my time and see if prices drop or if better glass appears.

Nogbad

My advice for airshows would be to go for the 300 F2.8 lens with vr and if needed add a tc. Stephan could comment more on the lens as he uses it.

I do use the 300 f2.8VR for airshows and aviation. I used to think 400mm was ideal for airshows but I then limited myself to 300. At 300 most subjects are still accessible but at a different point in the display. Sometimes I have to be patient and wait for the moment, other times leave something smaller altogether. A wide range zoom yields photo's all along a display whereas a 300mm prime offers to spots, one to the left and one to the right - that it!

The lens is very sharp and fast to focus and although large its fairly inconspicuous.

I went through the 400 or 500 phase but settled at 300, personal preference I guess.

Have you thought of the 80-400mm lens? Again i have never used it but i have herd it sounds a good lens. Its a bit more flexible as a zoom compared to a prime but the quality and speed will not be the same.

I have never owned any of these lenses but I always think images from the 80-400mm zoom lack the bite of images from the pro-grade lenses including the 200-400mm F4 AFS VR. To be honest my Sigma 400mm F5.6 APO Macro lacks the bite of my other lenses. I am sure owners will disagree.

Again Stephan did have the 200-400 but i was speeking to him about it recantly and he commented that it was rather heavy for airshow work.

I think that lets the 300 f2.8 out of the frame also the 200-400.

As for the 80-400 I would hang fire. This lens has been around a bit and must be in line for AFS upgrade that might include revised optics.

Don

Hi Don what kind of money am I looking at? If its worth waiting and saving I will wait if the glass is worth it.

As you say probably best to hang fire and save the funds.

Thanks

Nogbad