I am looking to buy a used Nikon 400mm f2.8, either the latest version of the AF-S lenses ("II," discontinued in 2007) or the current VR lens with Nano coating. I do not need VR as most of my use of this lens will be at high shutter speeds, and I will be using a sturdy tripod and gimbal head. I use a D800E.
Can anyone with experience using these two comment on the image quality, both natively and with the 1.4x converter. Most of my shooting will be without the TC.
Specifically:
1) Micro contrast wide open. I bought a 300mm 2.8 AF-S I and ended up returning it because there was a lot "haze" at 2.8 that looked like someone smeared Vaseline on the front element. This cleared up by f4. I'm not sure if I got a lemon but other Nikon big glass hasn't been as bad (I have rented a 200-400, a 400 2.8 AF-S II, and a 600 f4 AF-S I - all got better one stop down but were still great wide open).
2) Sharpness in general.
3) Color and contrast. I do love the color and contrast of my Nano lenses. Is this better with the VR lens?