Nikon 70-300mm VR vs Tokina 80-400mm AF-D

[BigRooster]

Am considering upgrading to Nikon D80 from my Canon S3. Before buying, weighing the future set up.

As I do quite some birding, and need the telephoto range, am considering between Nikon 70-300 VR and the new Tokina AT-X 80-400mm AF-D.

Nikon has VR, Tokina has the range. Though I may expect most people to vote for Nikon, would really appreciate feedback from users. Intend to start small, and hence not ready yet to pay more than $2000 for the telephoto zoom now.

Thanks x 2.

* Please excuse me if this has been discussed before *

[daydreamz]

The Tokina 80-400 costs more than $2K!!???

sorry can't help u here, used neither...but hear the nikon 70-300 VR (approx S$750-800 in b&s) is not really that great a glass. prefer the 70-200 or 80-200 both in 2.8 but then understand you might need the additional range beyond 200.

Cheers

[Umeiko]

Originally Posted by daydreamz The Tokina 80-400 costs more than $2K!!??? sorry can't help u here, used neither...but hear the nikon 70-300 VR (approx S$750-800 in b&s) is not really that great a glass. prefer the 70-200 or 80-200 both in 2.8 but then understand you might need the additional range beyond 200. Cheers

The IQ of 70-300 VR is definitely good. So far I have never come across anyone in forums saying that it is not good.

[ExplorerZ]

Originally Posted by daydreamz The Tokina 80-400 costs more than $2K!!??? sorry can't help u here, used neither...but hear the nikon 70-300 VR (approx S$750-800 in b&s) is not really that great a glass. prefer the 70-200 or 80-200 both in 2.8 but then understand you might need the additional range beyond 200. Cheers

I believe the tokina is going at 1k+.. the 1 going at 2k+ is nikon/sigma 80-400 with OS/VR

[fv18m]

That's right, and (OT a bit) if you're willing to settle for 2nd hand, it'll be even cheaper - for Tokina, maybe can get it for $500 - $700...

[BigRooster]

Have checked the prices at CP.

With current GST, the Tokina is at $1215, while the Nikon with VR @ $850.

Assuming 1.5x crop factor on D80, the Nikon will give max range (equivalent) approx 450mm ...

Heard many reviews on the Nikon 70-300 VR, with majority good comments, though heard someone saying that the VR mechanism makes a noise like running water and can feel its vibration when in action!

Not much review on the new Tokina lens though ...

[smalltiger]

If I were you I will get the Nikon 70mm-300mm VR ver. No bad review for this lens

[knpan]

the nikon VR to me is not much use to me actually, might as well get the 400mm. 300mm is really not enough for birds in my opinion. Unless the birds are quite close which i dont think so.

Anyway, u do need very fast shutter speed to stop the bird's motion and the VR wont help at all. Maybe only for stabilsing the viewfinder for easier composing.

[keatsoh]

I am using the Nikon 70-300mm VR and quite happy on its performance... I find the VR really useful at times..

[daydreamz]

Hi TS - just saw a tokina 80-400 selling in b&s at $450!! cheers.

[BigRooster]

Thanks for the feedback.

I'm bending towards the Tokina (may have to carry monopod/tripod more often) .... though I would like the VR. Need the range to shoot birds.

Unless I get the VR and add on later with 500mm mirror lens (aware of the shortcomings like fixed aperture and doughnut-effects at times). Nikon 80-400mmm VR outside my current budget.

Have fewer days to consider before GST increase

[ExplorerZ]

Originally Posted by BigRooster Thanks for the feedback. I'm bending towards the Tokina (may have to carry monopod/tripod more often) .... though I would like the VR. Need the range to shoot birds. Unless I get the VR and add on later with 500mm mirror lens (aware of the shortcomings like fixed aperture and doughnut-effects at times). Nikon 80-400mmm VR outside my current budget. Have fewer days to consider before GST increase

how about a 2nd hand Nikon AF-D 300mm f4 + 1.7 or 1.4/1.7/2x TC? probably less than 1.2k in BnS.

[Umeiko]

There is no shortage of good works from Nikon 70-300 VR. An inspiring one to share.

http://forums.clubsnap.org/showthrea...81#post3154681

[BigRooster]

Originally Posted by Umeiko There is no shortage of good works from Nikon 70-300 VR. An inspiring one to share. http://forums.clubsnap.org/showthrea...81#post3154681

Thanks Umeiko for pointing the link. The 70-300 VR sure captures very nice pics.

Only thing is not all birds (esp. smaller ones) can always be approached that near.

Oh yes, any one tried to use 1.4x teleconverter on the 70-300VR before? At the long end, it would add 1 more f/stop right? meaning stop down to f/6.3 or f/8? Any further experience with usage of teleconverter to share? The Nikon 1.4x teleconverter one better, or others like the Kenko one?

Thanks