A Tank of A Lens That Needs Its Own Mode of Transportation

The Nikkor 200-400 mm F4/G ED-IF AF-S VR lens is one of the many I have borrowed from Nikon representatives at various outings I have attended. Most recently, I borrowed one of these lenses on a Nikon sponsored trip to THE BRONX ZOO in NYC and it is that trip, as well as this lens that I will write about here.

To be sure, this lens, which costs $5,000 is neither a small one and it isn't light. I should know, I had to carry one for the more than EIGHT hours we spent trekking from exhibit to exhibit and I can tell you, that this is NOT a lens you want to carry all day, especially if you have other gear with you. On the day of the trip, I had a photo back pack with two of my cameras, one a D200 and the second an F100 (both with their respective vertical grips attached), an SB-800 strobe, extra batteries, lens filters, several additional lenses and more than 20 rolls of film (print and slide) for the F100.

Incredible as it may sound, I FORGOT my lightweight travel tripod and had to borrow a less than stable monopod to use with this lens. It was a much less than satisfactory set-up. I would later borrow this lens again, use it with a tripod, get sterling results and be able to come to a different set of conclusions and it is that usage that allows me to recommend this lens to those with deep pockets.

I mention the Bronx Zoo trip because it served as a counterpoint to my later, better experiences and provided me with additional environmental experience with this lens so that I believe I can make certain recommendations that will prevent other users from suffering, as I did from having to lug a huge lens around that I wasn't able to employ effectively due to my own poor planning.

All of the above having been said, here are the particulars on this lens, what I liked, didn't like, some real-life experiences under both good and bad conditions and why, ultimately I still endorse this lens without reservation.

THE BASICS

FOCAL LENGTH: 200-400 mm

MAX. APERTURE: f/4

PICTURE ANGLE: 12 degrees, 20 minutes by 6 degrees 10 minutes

LENS CONSTRUCTION: 24 elements in 17 groups with 4 of those elements utilizing Nikon's ED (Extra Low Dispersion) glass.

FOCUSING TYPE: Internal

FILTER TYPE: 52 mm (drop-in or gelatin type via slot in rear of lens barrel)

CARRYING CASE: CL-L2 (OPTIONAL! - can you believe that Nikon charges EXTRA for a carrying case for a lens costing FIVE GRAND? I can, because that's the Nikon way).

LENS DRIVE: Silent Wave Motor (SWM)

MINIMUM SHOOTING DISTANCE: 6.6 Feet at all focal lengths.

APERTURE BLADES: 9 element rounded blades.

LENS HOOD: HK-30 (included at time of purchase and is removable for storage).

EXTERIOR MEASUREMENTS: 4.9" x 14.1"


WEIGHT: 7.2 lbs. May not look like much weight on paper, but try carrying it all day WITH two cameras, a back pack, other gear, WET, ACHING FEET for 8+ hours and all you'll want to do is put it down and sit down for about a year..... (From the Bronx Zoo expedition).


MY IN-USE OBSERVATIONS

As I mentioned above, having to lug this TANK around over my shoulder all day at the BRONX ZOO in the rain and after my feet got soaked was not something I'd wish on anyone. It reminded me of some of my worst experiences in the infantry or when deployed overseas when I was in the field with a lot of gear and I had to march long distances. It was not an event enhancing experience.

My later usage, where I had a vehicle to carry my gear and only had to move my gear from vehicle to shooting location and back again left me with much better impressions. Those observations are why I recommend the lens for those who can afford it.

What is really exceptional about this lens is its very long reach, the fact that Nikon manufactured it with VIBRATION REDUCTION (VR), a SILENT WAVE MOTOR and a highly usable maximum aperture of f/4.

The VIBRATION REDUCTION feature means you can use this lens in conditions where you'd otherwise be unable to get the shot (due to lens length and the need to shoot with very low shutter speeds). Using this lens with VR turned on will allow you to capture images you've only dreamed of, but due to limitations in your other lenses were unable to do so.

The SWM is a hydro-sonically driven "in-the-lens" motor that is blisteringly fast AND very, very quiet. Gone is the high pitched whine of the motor in the camera body, which could be distracting, especially for wildlife photographers. This is another really, really nice feature that will enhance your usage and enjoyment of this lens in action.

The INTERNAL FOCUSING method employed by Nikon in this and other lenses that contain the feature means that the focusing process, be it on full auto or manual is much smoother. It allows for a better balanced lens and when combined with the M/A mode (manual/auto), the photographer will be able to switch between the two with little or no lag time between manual and AF servo operation.

When using full manual focusing, there is ZERO drain on the camera's batteries. Another nice capability that will provide additional longevity for the fresh set of batteries you started out your day with.

TWO VR MODES: There are two separate modes for VR operation. One is NORMAL MODE and the second is ACTIVE MODE. The NORMAL MODE is for stationary subjects and the second, ACTIVE is for subjects with significant movement as in sports or that running impala you want to capture during your photo safari in Kenya.

These two modes also detect when the photographer pans the camera while shooting and compensates accordingly.

This lens was not designed specifically for digital and as a result is rather conventional. It can be used on both film and digital SLRs and is compatible with the following Nikon bodies:

Film: N65, N75, N80, F100, F5, F6

Digital: D2Xs, D2X, D2Hs, D2H, D200, D100, D80, D70s/D70, D50, D40.


Because this lens is also "D" rated, it provides distance information for ambient light exposure, an ideal capability for those times when you are using multiple or single flash units or in studios that are well lit.

MY SHOOTING EXPERIENCES WITH THIS LENS

At the Bronx Zoo, I used this lens (with some difficulty on a monopod) in the butterfly exhibit. Another shooter assisted me by holding the pod while I shot my images with my D200 and this lens. Without him, I would not have been able to obtain sharp images due to my failure to bring along my travel tripod. When I had the assistance of a 'human brace' I received excellent images, even when zoomed out to 400 mm (which on the D200 is the equivalent of 600 mm). These tiny, beautiful butterflies were incredibly sharp with only minor softness at the outer edges of the frame. Color accuracy was PHENOMENAL, as was contrast.

At 400 mm settings, I shot the butterflies at ISO 320 and noticed almost ZERO light fall off on the captured image. Of course, the VR was turned on, so this allowed faster shutter speeds than would have otherwise been available to me, but I was still able to do what I set out to do, so I can't complain.

On my next outing with this lens and a proper, heavy duty Manfrotto tripod, I attended a renaissance festival where the participants all dressed in Medieval costumes, many of them quite colorful and detailed. When I set up to photograph the jousts between the knights on horseback, this lens tracked PERFECTLY. For those images where I wanted to deliberately blur the background to make the subjects stand out, this lens, with its rounded 9 bladed diaphragm provided the ideal degree of blur. The subjects however, were carried in all their detailed finery, with complete color fidelity.

Having a sturdy tripod saved the day in those rapidly moving and swirling jousts and the camera/lens combo had no trouble staying locked in on the action. For the distance shots where one knight charged at another, I was able to get incredibly clear, sharp and detailed facial shots, shots of their weapons and the details of the coats of arms embroidered on the fronts of their costumes. Because I had ample sunlight, this lens 'gobbled up' every bit of light available and focused it exactly where it was supposed to. My images were the beneficiary of the outstanding design of the Nikkor optics when combined with the Vibration Reduction capability of the lens.

And on this occasion, due to proper preparation, I was able to make FULL use of every bit of technological advantage provided by the design of this lens and use it to the maximum. My former somewhat negative outlook, created by the sheer weight of this lens was mitigated by the EXCEPTIONAL IMAGES I got back from the lab.


FINAL THOUGHTS

1) This is NOT an inexpensive lens. In most U.S. markets, you'll be $5,000.00 poorer if you should decide to buy one.

2) It is NOT a lightweight lens, neither is it small. When mounted on a tripod, it'll be stable, but it will also draw attention. In a city environment, it could mark you for thieves and muggers, so be careful of where you use this lens.

3) It is NOT suitable for back-packing, unless it is the only lens you'll be using and then, YOU HAD BETTER HAVE A sturdy tripod along.

4) RECOMMENDED USES: Sideline sports, wildlife (both tripod mounted), hyper-focal landscapes, air shows, water sports, car-racing and just about any venue where you are a considerable distance away from your subject. BUT REMEMBER, TAKE A TRIPOD!!!!!!

At this moment in time, I cannot afford to purchase this lens. If I could, I MOST DEFINITELY WOULD. But I'd never take it where I didn't have some means of transportation so that this lens would not be on my back and contributing to the continued agony in my poor feet after so many years as a paratrooper and ground-pounder.