Nikon’s original
80-400mm VR lens had one of the slowest autofocus systems we’ve ever seen and ineffective VR. This AF-S revamp addresses those issues, with typically fast ring-type ultrasonic autofocus and later-generation stabilization.
The autofocus system has switchable modes for giving priority to either AF or manual override, as featured in the Sigma lenses. VR has Nikon’s more conventional Normal and Active modes, the latter designed to cope with severe vibrations. However, it lacks the Sport VR mode and electromagnetic aperture control, as featured in the newer Nikon 200-500mm VR.
Optical highlights include four ED (Extra-low Dispersion) elements and one Super ED element, along with Nano Crystal Coat. The construction feels solid with a rubber weather-seal on the mounting plate. At just over 1.5kg, it’s reasonably lightweight for a super-telephoto zoom but is still nearly 50 per cent heavier than the Sigma and Tamron 100-400mm lenses on test, and 135g heavier than the newer Z 100-400mm.