Telephoto with SWM and VR system for serious sports photographers2005 ReleaseClick to view lens specs Click to enlargeMain FeaturesVR operation offers the equivalent of using a shutter speed 3 stops (eight times) faster*Two VR modes are available; Normal and ActiveED glass elements for a lower refractive index and reduced dispersionNano Crystal Coat deposited lenses ensure fine, clear images under any shooting conditionsSWM (Silent Wave Motor) for quiet high-speed autofocusM/A mode for quick switching between autofocus and manual focus operationMeniscus protective lens for reducing ghost reglectionDust and Waterproof rubber sealing mountExceptionally high optical performance with both 35mm and digital SLR models*As determined by Nikon performance tests. Note:VR operation works with the Nikon F6, F5, F100, F80, F75, F65, D2-series, D1-series, D100, D70-series and D50.
MTF ChartSpecial FrequenciesS: SagittalM: Meridional10 lines/mm30 lines/mm How to read the MTF chart Lens Construction: Nano Crystal Coat: Aspherical lens elements: Super ED glass elements: VR units: ED glass elements
I am blown away how fast the auto focus is on this lens. I knew this was going to be a great lens before I got it. I knew it's top pick by pros around the world. But the auto focus speed of this lens is just mindblowing.
Of course, as others have said, it has nice Bokeh (something to be expected with a 2.8), it's glass produces crisp and clear images at F5.6 through F16. It works great in low light and paired with a Nikon D3s, is an amazing setup.
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0 of 1 people found the following review helpful
Outstanding bokeh, strong colors, Monday, 20 April 2009
Overall rating (weighted)
5.0
Sharpness
5.0
Build Quality
5.0
AF Speed
5.0
Value for Money
5.0
My family just spent two weeks with this lens photographing wildlife, hand-holding it all day. It does get heavy after a few hours, but except for a sore shoulder or two we have nothing to complain about. My daughter, 15, held it better than her parents, so we gave her the bird work. For me, the value of the lens lies in the quality of the Blur it creates. Much like the similar Nikon 600mm, it will frame your subjects in an abstract setting of watercolor-like beauty. Also, no other lens I've used takes advantage of that "C" autofocus setting so well. For example, we were able to shoot grazing antelope from the back of bouncy, moving truck and get the fur in focus in every shot.
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0 of 0 people found the following review helpful
Outstanding bokeh, strong colors, Monday, 20 April 2009
Overall rating (weighted)
5.0
Sharpness
5.0
Build Quality
5.0
AF Speed
5.0
Value for Money
5.0
My family just spent two weeks with this lens photographing wildlife, hand-holding it all day. It does get heavy after a few hours, but except for a sore shoulder or two we have nothing to complain about. My daughter, 15, held it better than her parents, so we gave her the bird work. For me, the value of the lens lies in the quality of the blur it creates. Much like the similar Nikon 600mm, it will frame your subjects in an abstract setting that is as smooth as a watercolor painting. Also, no other lens I've used takes advantage of that "C" autofocus setting so well. For example, we were able to shoot grazing antelope from the back of bouncy, moving truck and get the fur in focus in every shot.
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0 of 0 people found the following review helpful
Awesome Lens, Friday, 08 August 2008
Overall rating (weighted)
5.0
Sharpness
5.0
Build Quality
5.0
AF Speed
5.0
Value for Money
5.0
An amazing lens by any standard. Sharp as a tack, Ultra quick AF, beautiful Bokeh wide open. Fabulous and expensive. Oh and don't buy it off Amazon, get it from B&H.
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0 of 0 people found the following review helpful
Amazing Lens!, Monday, 11 February 2008
Overall rating (weighted)
4.8
Sharpness
5.0
Build Quality
5.0
AF Speed
5.0
Value for Money
4.0
The price tag on this lens is steep, but I needed something that would track birds in flight during uncertain lighting conditions hand held, and still provide sharp images. This lens is about the largest Nikon prime that doesn't require the support of a monopod or tripod. I use it with a Nikon TC17eII, and have found perhaps a very slight softening wide open at f/4.8, but no noticeable degradation if stopped down at all. Even wide open it produces amazingly sharp images w/ the TC! This combo produces a 510mm f/4.8 for much less investment than a 500mm f/4, and it can be hand held.
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3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
You take it on every shoot, Sunday, 15 July 2007
Overall rating (weighted)
4.5
Sharpness
5.0
Build Quality
5.0
AF Speed
5.0
Value for Money
3.0
I love this lens, for me it is perfect, it is as sharp as any lens I have tried and it is not to big that it is a major task to move it or carry it. Plus I am just about capable or hand holding this for short periods as the VR works just right. I use to have the 300 AF-I version and this was a very nice lens as well, but with the VR it is just perfect, plus the AF-S is just slightly smaller that the older version. I find it works well with the 2.0X teleconverter and this then gives and a nice 600mm lens that is still light enough to carry any distance.
The AF is fast in most conditions and is tack sharp. I have found that this lens does work a lot better with my D2X than my D70, but that might be expected. I have had no issues with this lens and even the nice sort bag that come with the lens is a good idea. I can get the lens and a 2.0x teleconverter as well as my D2x and still close the lid, this is a great option for a shoot that need a long hike to get to.
Why should you care what I think?
My relationship with this item: I own it Where did you buy this item?: Ebay Price paid: 2,500 When did you buy this item?: August 2006