Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 180-400mm f/4E TC1.4 FL ED VR Lens - Refurbished by Nikon U.S.A.

2020-10-07T11:09:11

I don’t usually leave reviews on products, but an exception must be made here. This lens is amazing. In my opinion, it is the best piece of Nikon glass I currently own. This lens, used in conjunction with the Nikon D500 and another 1.4tc give an effective focal length of 1200mm. Even at f/8 with that aforementioned setup, photos are tack sharp. The photos I’ve attached are all taken at 800mm (effective focal length 1200mm) with the built in tc activated and another 1.4tc stacked using the D500. Fine tuning the focus to your camera bodies will just add to the sharpness of this already incredible lens.

BRIAN H.

2020-10-07T08:41:28

This is an amazing lens! Undoubtedly one of the best pieces of Nikon glass I own. The imagines produced with this lens are incredible. The bokeh is superb. Stack another 1.4tc in conjunction with the Nikon D500 and your effective focal length is 1200mm. I have no complaints concerning this lens

Brian H.

2020-03-25T09:43:57

This lens is very solid construction. While I've had limited opportunities to test with all the COVID-19 activities I do live in the woods and have had some opportunities to photograph some the resident birds for testing. I've been shooting mainly with the TC engaged and generally at, or near, the full range of 560 mm. What I'm seeing are very sharp photo's, yes you do get the vignetting, especially at 5.6. I also have a Sigma 150-600 Sport and from an auto focus perspective there's no comparison, the 180-400 is fast, accurate and so far I haven't had any of the hunting in low light like the Sigma. Sharpness wise once you get away from the center the 180-400 is way sharper, in the center I can't say I see that much difference, at least not with the TC engaged, but it's a limited sample size. The 180-400 I think is actually easier to hand hold than the Sigma as well, it's more balanced since the lens doesn't extend out. I only used my Sigma on an African safari a couple of years ago but when I go again I'll be taking the Nikon. The Sigma will go up for sale shortly.

Bob B.

2020-03-15T10:15:11

Awesome lens. Sharp wide open. New zoom style vastly improved. Only complaint is it’s weight.

JEFFREY S.

2020-02-26T13:49:53

I have used this lens now for about 6 months and it is INCREDIBLE. The flexibility it provides with the 1.4 teleconverter built in is amazing and low light performance @ f4 is great!! 560mm @ 5.6 performs great also. It's a big lens for sure but worth toting it around!!

Steve H.

2020-02-12T07:47:15

A premier example of an incredible piece of gear, This lens is truly amazing. Problem for me, at age 75, it’s just too heavy. Sad to let it go. Replaced with the 500mm PF. Would not have done if I was a little more spry.

RILEY B.

2019-11-21T11:33:04

So far, I have only used this lens for football games. It is beyond belief. You can stand behind the back end zone line and using auto focus and the built in teleconverter and keep the subject in perfect focus as he runs toward your location. I use a D5, the fastest continuous shutter action and I am blown away with the results. The tripod that comes with this bundle handles this lens very nicely and the other items are super additions to my camera bag.

RILEY B.

2019-06-12T12:24:18

I have only used this for a few days, but I am blown away by the sharpness at both edges. With the TC engaged, it is still wicked sharp, with some very slight and expected falloff. No more than my 500mm f4 FL ED with a 1.4 TC attached. I have not focus tuned it yet, and I will use it at factory settings for a bit longer. I am a 5’4” woman, and I can handhold this for a bit, the balance is VERY comfortable, but mostly this will be on a monopod or tripod. I had to sell alot of stuff to buy this, and I am NOT sorry!

MARLENE S.

2018-09-14T08:58:20

Took on safari to South Africa and Botswana and was amazed at the sharpness, and low light performance with a D850 and D500.

Michael M.

2018-09-06T09:21:35

This lens is everything it is reported to be and more. The resolution is mind boggling. On my D850 the photos are simply spectacular. Expensive - Yes. Heavy - Yes. Worth it - Yes, but you decide.

BRUCE J.

2018-07-12T10:49:24

Nikon's newest super zoom checks all the "photography" boxes. The 180-400 is noticeably better than the 200-400 VRII. Sharpness across the frame compares with the 500/600mm primes. AF is lightning quick with the D5 body. The integrated 1.4x TC which is the big selling point, is slick Operation of the TC is fast and seamless. Zooming is smooth, the lens balances well on a body with grip and the overall versatility is off the charts. if you consider FF and DX bodies this lens can deliver a FOV of 180mm to 840mm at f4/f5.6. The lens is heavy, but the fatigue factor is no greater than the big primes From photographer's standpoint, I couldn't be happier. There are a couple of unchecked boxes. The price borders on gouging, Pro's and Prosumers are very dedicated and heavily financially invested in the brand. Nikon knows this and they took advantage with pricing There is no reason for this lens to be priced higher than the 500mm FL and there is no reason it should be priced higher than the Canon equivalent As a side note all the other $10k+ Nikon glass includes a custom hard case. With the 180-400, Nikon simply threw in the same soft case they ship with the 200-400 VRII. Cheap solution for Nikon. Delivering a stellar lens to its dedicated customer base .... A+ Price gouging and including a cheap carry case ............ F

MICHAEL K.

2018-05-10T20:00:00

The 180-400mm works great where: 1) light is at at a premium, for example when you are shooting in the early morning or under a canopy of trees, and you need the extra stop 2) the subjects are large and/ or you are close enough to the subject that you do not need the extra reach of an 800mm lens (and/ or 600mm + 1.4 TC= 840mm) 3) it makes sense to use something more portable than a 600mm or 800mm lens with a tripod. The 180-400mm feels just-right and is well-balanced when used in combination with the right pivot-head & monopod. A tripod is not needed to get truly high resolution shots. For a walk-around shoot, the low polar moment and significantly smaller dimensions of this 180-400mm lens, in combination with a good monopod and specialized pivot-head, is a noticeably more practical, portable, user-friendly combination than a 600mm-800mm lens-and- tripod combination.

Takapunashooter

Originally posted at

2018-03-26T20:00:00

Nikon outdid themselves on this one!!! Super sharp!!!, Lightning quick focus. VR works great, internal teleconverter works great. worth every penny

critidoc

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