Topic: Nikon 400mm f2.8 FL tested by DxO (Read 7968 times)

jduncan · « **on:** July 31, 2015, 12:38:00 pm »

Hi people,

So it seems that Nikon introduced a lens that is equal or less to the old one on each single parameter but one (maybe two):

It has:
1. equal or less resolution (sample variation will be more significant, this may change when new higher resolution bodies appear, or in dx)
2. Less transmission
3. More distorsion
4. More vignetting
5. Higer chromatic averration.
6. Far more expensive.
7. Better weight 3.8 kg vs 4.6 kg,

The ED was very good, so for many the fact that the new one is only a little bit less, and maybe the same with digital corrections it's very good news.
In my case it's too much of a price hike, to justify a product that is equal or lesser to the previews one as far as we can see now.

Best regards,

BernardLanguillier · « **Reply #1 on:** July 31, 2015, 04:22:45 pm »

The weight reductions changes everything though. Even being a bit behind it's predecessor in this test, it's extremely close.

I own the new kens and it is optically nothing short of stellar. On the D810 it is clearly in Otus territory.

Cheers,
Bernard

jduncan · « **Reply #2 on:** August 01, 2015, 12:06:22 am »

Quote from: BernardLanguillier on July 31, 2015, 04:22:45 pm

The weight reductions changes everything though. Even being a bit behind it's predecessor in this test, it's extremely close.

I own the new kens and it is optically nothing short of stellar. On the D810 it is clearly in Otus territory.

Cheers,
Bernard

Great to hear this. Did you move from the old one, or is this your first 400mm f2.8 (or maybe you are coming from the old non VR)
If you come from the VR could you comment on the autofocus performance ?

Thanks in advance for sharing your experience.

BernardLanguillier · « **Reply #3 on:** August 01, 2015, 06:28:11 am »

I am coming from the 300mm f2.8 VR I on the D800.

AFwise, I find somehow the new 400mm f2.8 slightly superior on the D750 and slighty inferior on the D810.

Cheers,
Bernard

E.J. Peiker · « **Reply #4 on:** August 02, 2015, 12:17:54 pm »

One thing that a DXO review doesn't cover is effectiveness of the VR. The VR on the new lens is dramatically more effective than the old.

jduncan · « **Reply #5 on:** August 06, 2015, 11:35:54 am »

Quote from: BernardLanguillier on August 01, 2015, 06:28:11 am

I am coming from the 300mm f2.8 VR I on the D800.

AFwise, I find somehow the new 400mm f2.8 slightly superior on the D750 and slighty inferior on the D810.

Cheers,
Bernard

Funny how the current cameras have become so complex that this complex interactions are possible. The fact that you move from the 300mm f2.8 VR is a testament to the importance of weight. The change don't seem like a lot "on paper" but it clearly does impact many workflows.

Best regards,

BernardLanguillier · « **Reply #6 on:** August 06, 2015, 06:29:06 pm »

Quote from: jduncan on August 06, 2015, 11:35:54 am

Funny how the current cameras have become so complex that this complex interactions are possible. The fact that you move from the 300mm f2.8 VR is a testament to the importance of weight. The change don't seem like a lot "on paper" but it clearly does impact many workflows.

Absolutely. I never considered the previous 400mm f2.8 due to weight.

Even if we believe the DxO results over those at at lenscore.org, loosing 1-2% of image quality down from the best super tele on earth is totally irrelevant compared to the reduction in weight and improvements in VR and AF.

Cheers,
Bernard