Nikkor 200-400/4.0 VR handheld

[otumay]

Tried this behemoth on my D700 during a boat trip to Buyukada, the largest of Prince's Islands, Istanbul. With a combined weight of nearly 5kgs, shooting proved to be a little demanding on the forearm muscles. Still, I think this lens is very good in terms of contrast, realistic color reproduction and depth.
Here are a few examples, with more on my flickr page. Thanks for looking.
Best,
Osman

In-camera jpeg:

 

[otumay]

...and the rest:

The most charming lady on the boat:

 

[Steen]

They look absolutely great, Osman :thumbup: - and she looks so sweet, the young musician.
Obviously a fabulous optic. If only it were a 4/400 prime (or even a 5.6/400) I would buy it in a heartbeat ... please, Nikon :angel:

 

[otumay]

I echo your sentiment about the 400mm prime, Steen. Thank you for your kind words. This weekend I'll try the 200/2.0, this time in Eminönü, one of the most crowded places in the city.

 

[Jason Muelver]

The 200-400 and 200 2.0 are a couple of my dream lenses, and these photos show why. Of course, the man behind the camera had a lot to do with it.

The gull shot is just a stunner! But I'm partial to dog pictures!

 

[otumay]

Thank you so much, Jason. The man behind the camera was only trying to aim at the subject, nothing more. And gulls... My favorite bird.

 

[ptomsu]

Absolutely gorgeous shots Oman!

I am just switching back to Nikon, one of the main reasons being the 4/200-400, which I will buy over time. Was not so happy with Sony A900 and especially the lens line up from Zeiss - nothing exciting coming.

 

[otumay]

Thank you Peter. I was on the verge of selling all of my Nikon gear, when the latest firmware for D700 did the trick.

 

[shtarka1]

Stunning Images Osman!

 

[Corlan F.]

Interesting, Osman.
Excellent shots, i particularly like tHe first three shots of your second posts. :thumbup:


Re your following week-end test, beware: that lens is devilish.


edit : btw, i second your remark about the D700 FW upgrade. Makes it a close to perfect all around 12Mp tool.

 

[Jorgen Udvang]

Great photos, Osman.

 

[otumay]

Thank you very much Corlan and Jorgen. It's so motivating to get praise from people whose works I constantly admire.

Corlan, I do not know what that last firmware update brought, but when I go back to shots before I made that upgrade to make comparisons, I'm always -now pleasantly- surprised. I agree that D700 is very close to perfection in its segment now.

 

[GrahamWelland]

Osman - nice job hand holding the 200-400VR. I particularly enjoyed the seagull shot.

I don't often shoot the 200-400VR off the tripod and I confess that I'm often guilty of using one of my fellow shooters as a 'shoulder-pod' - i.e. rest the lens on their shoulder if necessary

Btw, I'm visiting Istanbul myself for a week in May. I'll have to look through your galleries for some local photographic inspiration.

 

[otumay]

Thank you Graham. You certainly have 'reliable' fellow shooters
So glad to hear you're visiting Istanbul in May. You can contact me at [email protected]. I hope it doesn't rain.
Best,
Osman

 

[glenerrolrd]

Great stuff....but the lens is a "beast" . I use the 200-400/4 for baseball,surfing etc but always with a "5"series Gitzo monopod....it balances perfectly and can be easily carried on your shoulder . These are situations where I can get close but can not move much..so a zoom in the range of 200-400 is perfect.

You should try the 70-200/2.8 VRII ..it is step function better than the 200-400 and compares favorably when using the 1.4X extender. I also understand that the new 2x extender is getting great reviews with this lens. But ,of course ,its not a 400mm .

You will also see how the 200-400 is much stronger at near distances. This is where the lens really shines and your images show it . Very nice work thanks for sharing.

 

[otumay]

Thank you for your appreciation and tips, Roger. I do have the 70-200, albeit the VRI version. I'm very fond of this lens and it is obviously much easier to carry, compared to 200-400. I understand that the newer version is substantially better, but as the saying goes; "too many lenses, too little money"!
I do agree with you that 200-400's strong suit is shooting at closer distances, but in street photography, this is not very easy.

 

[Lloyd]

Really terrific stuff, Osman. Truly!

I too love the 200-400, and it remains one of the reasons I stayed with Nikon through some times when I really thought I'd had enough. Now, with the D3/D700 and beyond, I'm glad I stuck it out. Just wish I hadn't sold my 200/2, but to be honest, the new 70-200/2.8 is very close, so I'll muddle along.

 

[otumay]

Thank you very much, Lloyd. I tried in vain to sell my 200/2, but was unsuccessful. Now I consider myself lucky. I have shot nearly 300 photographs with this gem last Saturday and am thrilled by the results. I shall post a few examples soon.

 

[Lloyd]

I have shot nearly 300 photographs with this gem last Saturday and am thrilled by the results. I shall post a few examples soon.

I look forward to seeing more, my friend!

 

[Jorgen Udvang]

A bit late to the party here, but these are lovely photos, Osman. I particularly like the first one and how the haze in the background helps bringing out the foreground. Excellent composision.