Nikon Nikon 2208 SLR Lenses AF-S NIKKOR 80-400mm Review
The Nikon 80-400mm offers a massive zoom range for wildlife, but its optical performance and autofocus haven't aged well. It's hard to recommend at its current price.
Overview
The Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 80-400mm is a classic telephoto zoom. It gives you a ton of reach from 80mm all the way out to 400mm, which is perfect for wildlife or sports where you can't get close. It's a versatile workhorse lens, but it's definitely showing its age in a few key areas.
Performance
This lens is all about that long reach. The zoom range is its biggest strength, landing in the 95th percentile for versatility. The stabilization is also excellent, sitting in the 92nd percentile, which helps a lot at those long focal lengths. But the autofocus is just okay, ranking in the 48th percentile, so it might hunt a bit for fast-moving subjects. And the optical performance is a weak spot, only in the 34th percentile, so don't expect the sharpest images, especially wide open.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Huge 80-400mm zoom range is incredibly versatile. 96th
- Excellent vibration reduction stabilization. 93th
- Solid, durable build quality. 88th
- Useful for wildlife, sports, and distant scenes. 84th
Cons
- Optical sharpness is mediocre for the price. 11th
- Autofocus is slow and can hunt. 20th
- Not weather-sealed. 21th
- Large f/4.5 aperture limits low-light use.
Specifications
Full Specifications
Optics
| Type | Telephoto |
| Focal Length Min | 80 |
| Focal Length Max | 400 |
Aperture
| Max Aperture | f/4.5 |
| Constant | Yes |
Build
| Mount | Nikon F |
| Weight | 1.6 kg / 3.5 lbs |
| Filter Thread | 77 |
AF & Stabilization
| AF Type | Autofocus |
| Stabilization | Yes |
Focus
| Min Focus Distance | 35 |
Value & Pricing
At around $1645, this is a tough sell. You're paying a premium for the Nikon name and that specific zoom range. For that money, you can find newer lenses with better optics, faster autofocus, and weather sealing. It only makes sense if you absolutely need this exact focal length on a Nikon F-mount and find a killer used deal.
Price History
vs Competition
Compared to the Sony FE 24-240mm, you get more reach but worse overall image quality and no weather sealing. The Panasonic 14-140mm is a more modern, compact option for Micro Four Thirds, but it doesn't have the same reach. Against primes like the Viltrox 35mm f/1.7, you lose all the zoom versatility but gain much sharper optics and a brighter aperture for low light. This Nikon is a specialist tool, while many competitors are more well-rounded.
| Spec | Nikon Nikon 2208 SLR Lenses AF-S NIKKOR 80-400mm | Meike Meike 55mm F1.4 Standard Aperture APS-C Frame AF | Viltrox VILTROX 25mm F1.7 f/1.7 AF Lens for Fuji X Mount, | Canon Canon RF 24mm f/1.8 Macro IS STM Lens | Nikon Nikon S-Line Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S II Lens (Nikon Z) | Tamron Tamron Di III Tamron 17-70mm f/2.8 Di III-A VC RXD Lens for Sony |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Focal Length | 80-400mm | 55mm | 25mm | 24mm | 24-70mm | 17-70mm |
| Max Aperture | f/4.5 | f/1.4 | f/1.7 | f/1.8 | f/2.8 | f/2.8 |
| Mount | Nikon F | Nikon Z | Fujifilm X | Canon RF | Nikon Z | Sony E Mount |
| Stabilization | true | true | true | true | true | true |
| Weather Sealed | false | false | false | false | true | false |
| Weight (g) | 1569 | 281 | 400 | 269 | 676 | 544 |
| AF Type | Autofocus | STM | STM | Autofocus | Autofocus | Autofocus |
| Lens Type | Telephoto | - | - | Zoom | Zoom | Zoom |
Verdict
Only consider this lens if you're a Nikon DSLR shooter who needs a super-telephoto zoom on a budget and don't mind softer images. For everyone else, especially those looking for sharpness or fast autofocus, look at newer models or consider switching systems for better options.