Nikon 200-500mm VS 80-400mm | Which Lens Should You Buy?

[@adrianalfordphotography]

If you have the money, then also look at the Nikon 500mm F5.6 PF lens. It is superb, but is also twice the price of the Nikon 200-500mm 📸🙏

[@sydneymyers1281]

My first 80-400 is having issues after a fall from my car seat to the floor. The Nikon service center gave me a quote of US $790. I found a used on in a camera shop here in California for US $339 with tax and shipping. I do a lot of airshows and airplane spotting and this saves my shoulder from running around with my Sigma 60-600. Thanks Adrian for the great reviews!

[@txphotography6637]

I recently purchased the 80-400 after owning the 200-500 for a number of years. (You were a great inspiration for this.) I am in total awe with the 80-400 for several reasons. It is faster focusing, which allows for more successful captures of moving subjects. A lot easier to maneuver and lighter in weight. Shorter focal distance for close objects. Overall, I find photos to be crisper and less grainy. With my Nikon D850, the crop factor compensates for long distance captures. I am about ready to sell my 200-500 which I seldom use anymore.

[@adrianalfordphotography]

You nailed it explaining the 80-400mm. Well done. I need you to write my scripts lol. Have a great weekend and thanks heaps for watching

[@txphotography6637]

@@adrianalfordphotography Thanks so much Adrian! You’re scripts are excellent, to the point and very informative. I look forward to each and every one. I’m just an ‘old guy’ at 73 and finally getting to enjoy the passion for photography that I’ve had for many years, but never enough time. Now I am out daily each early morning and enjoying every moment!

[@kirillov_art_photo]

Спасибо, я как раз думал поменять мой 200-500, который я использую с d850. Кадры откажутся не чёткими

[@samorayee420]

I feel like the 80 400mm is more pixels more colors. Maybe I'm mistaken. I have both of them but honestly when I come to Iceland 8 years ago until now maybe twice I went out for photography. It's so much difficult because it's too cold rainy cloudy very much wind . Love both these lens especially the 80 400mm absolutely amazing

[@tommynikon2283]

Just bought a copy/used 200-500mm. I don't shoot birds/nature....so speed wasn't an issue. At 67, I won't be hand-holding this beast much; this is monopod material. I also won't be hiking much w/ it at 5#. What shots I have taken= very impressive sharpness/wide-open. I considered the 80-400 but wanted more reach, and I had some lenses already covering the lower focal range. In a perfect Photo World, I would have both. I've used primarily zooms since the 1970's (when they were crap) to now....and just prefer the versatility for all the times that you can't zoom w/ your feet. That feature alone relegates primes to 2nd. class status for me....and I started out as a newspaper PJ, mag shooter, etc. Zooms were my standard. Still are.

[@paulconnors2078]

Hello from the USA Adrian. I have this lens and really like it. As a relatively new Z9 owner who just attended the B&H sponsored BILD Expo in NYC this past week, I was also very impressed with the new Z 180-600 lens. I am considering buying it, but also plan to wait a bit. Cheers, Paul Connors Randolph, New Jersey, USA

[@adrianalfordphotography]

Thanks so much for watching Paul. Really appreciated. Have a great day cheers 🙏📸

[@cliffsangelsphotography]

This is an excellent comparison. I've been thinking about purchasing a 200-500, but wasn't ready to pull the trigger. Hearing your perspective of the 80-400, I think I'm leaning into that lens instead. I like the prospect of faster auto-focus, light weight, and the 77mm lens so I can use my other filters (i also have the same 3 lens you have). Thank you

[@dah7772]

I recently sold both of these lens after owning them for several years and agree totally with your assessment of both. They are both great in their own way. Used market might be great way to purchase them. At least it is here in US.

[@adrianalfordphotography]

Totally agree. If you can pick these lenses up second hand at a decent price then yes they’re worth it 👍

[@chrisahern21]

Really struggled with this question lately Adrian. Thanks for this comparo, it’s really helped 🤝

[@NikonDave]

Thanks for the comparison. I never found the 200-500mm as sharp as the 80-400mm. Maybe I didn't have a good copy. I've had the 80-400mm for quite some time as well and probably will never sell it as it has been a warrior and has taken some of my favorite images. One thing you didn't mention is Nikon really cheaps out on you with the case and packaging with the bigger/cheaper lens so you'll need a 3rd party carry case if you go that route. The 100-400mm z lens is also great and look forward to taking the 180-600mm out for some trials soon. Cheers!

[@adrianalfordphotography]

Thanks heaps for watching. Have an awesome weekend 🙏

[@TomGodzik-z9p]

The 80-400mm lens will work great for the pictures that I want to capture. Great video. Thanks ❤❤❤

[@jsadiving]

Great video. Both great lens. I run the 80-400 and have a 500 PF for the stretch. Thanks for sharing

[@adrianalfordphotography]

That’s a nice combo of lenses you have. Thanks for watching 🙏

[@leod1671]

Good comparison Adrian. I have owned the 200-500 for @ 4 years now, I have never had an issue with it other than a cracked lens hood, but I love it. as you stated it is sharp and I am not sure that you mentioned it but the stabilization is also fantastic. Cheers and thanks again.

[@adrianalfordphotography]

Thanks heaps for watching. Hope you have an awesome weekend over there. Take care, cheers 📸🙏

[@lescobrandon3047]

I have both. 80-400mm is my favorite. And I don’t know why it produces better images and don’t care. Bodies are D3 and D700. I have not tried it on my Z7 so far.

[@mikebartow9415]

Thanks! I have the the 200-500 f5.6 lens. I used it on my D850 and now my Z9. I think on the Z9 it may focus slightly faster. Lens creeping is definitely an experience that exists. As far as weight it is heavy but I found when needing an arm break I can slip the foot between my belt and pants. I get a much needed rest that way.

[@adrianalfordphotography]

Thanks heaps for watching 🙏

[@michaelcarnes2087]

I just picked up the 80-400 because it is just more versatile

[@adrianalfordphotography]

Good call. Thanks for watching 🙏

[@christian.irmler]

a fantastic video, Adrian! in my experience it depends on the personal requirements. usually i prefer lenses with a smaller focal range to get better image quality, but we also come into situations when we have to bring weight down or when we don't have enough space in our hiking backpack. the lenses you showed in the video perform well. a great comparison, buddy 😊 nice greetings, christian

[@adrianalfordphotography]

Thanks so much Christian. Hope you have an awesome weekend buddy, take care 🙏

[@romy4593]

With where I live I have an open water view. Whales, Eagles, Gulls, Herons, Ravens and all kinds of small birds right out back! Trouble I have has is my 70mm to 300mm Nikkor needs an update. I did buy a 10mm to 20mm wide lens which is exceptional on my Nikon D5300 which was my late twins she gave me a few years before she died. I have two other lenses so this is the one I would choose due to what I already have! I paid to have the Nikon D5300 reconditioned and will continue to update lenses for it. I also have a Sony A73 which I will eventually add a big zoom lens to. Its cheaper for me to shop to buy the used 200mm to 500mm Nikon lens! I think my other lens that is up to 300mm is good enough not to have to get the up to 400mm one. So I am planning on getting the 200mm to 500mm lens. I really appreciate your comparisons! I have tweaked my settings to get really good long away shots with that other lens so I am looking forward to the reach this one will have! I can tripod outside and just have fun.. Yesterday 7 different birds I took pics of hand held with the 70mm to 300mm lens. I do have several lenses for the Sony and will be adding a zoom lens to that one later...I want the big 600. I may be 60 years old but I can carry 5 lbs for miles! I also have a photography back pack if needed.

[@anthonybacha2521]

Thanks for the video. Appreciate your time.

[@tectoramia-sz1lu]

I have the 200-500 lens and its absolutely brilliant. I have the 1.4TC but rarely use it. It may have to go when I get the 180-600 very soon.

[@adrianalfordphotography]

Thanks heaps for watching 🙏

[@johnmcnaughton6808]

Another great video, thank you. I totally agree with you, I do very little bird photography mainly sport Equestrian, Rugby and field hockey. I had the 200-500 and it was a good sharp lens but for my type of sport it was a pain having to turn the focus ring twice to extend from 200 to 500, it worked well with my D500 for cricket didn’t have to crop. I sold it for the 80-400 and on my D850 it’s great although I do find it slightly soft at 400. Thanks again and look forward to your next video.

[@adrianalfordphotography]

Thank you so much for watching. Have a great day, cheers 🙏

[@MurielLitchfield]

hi use 200-500 Nikon here in Spain, the amount of people that complain about the focus throw on this lens, this can be accomplished very quickly by holding the lens still and rotating the camera, and then allowing the lens to slide through your hand! this allows rapid movement of the lens, try it !!

[@coffeeaddictgaming2883]

I’ve used the 200-500 for 10 years. I have taken on huge hikes, waded through swamps with it, used in massive rain storms, carried while travelling overseas. I love it. But I’m over the weight.

[@BradPhoto24.7]

Hi Adrian, pretty spot on with your assessment. I’ve had the 200-500 for a few years now, works great on the D750, even better on my D500. Birds in flight is my main use with this combo, hand held and yes it does get heavy. I got it new on a great special for sub $1500 here in Tbar. The 80-400 is on my radar as a more of an all rounder like you said. Oh and my 200-500 hasn’t done any creeping, maybe the rental you used has had way more use. Cheers

[@adrianalfordphotography]

Thanks for watching. I love that 200-500mm. Great lens. Enjoy your weekend 🙏

[@SteakOSaurier]

Great comparison Adrian! Having used the Tamron 150-600 g2, what would you prefer to use as your always-on-lens: the Nikkor 200-500 or the Tamron? I'm using a Nikon D500 Body :)

[@adrianalfordphotography]

Both great lenses. The 200-500mm I found a tad better.

[@JohnHPettigrewFujishooter67]

Great review Adrian, both awesome pieces of kit, thanks for sharing and have a great week mate.

[@adrianalfordphotography]

Thanks John for watching. Both lenses are pretty amazing. Boils down to the type of photography you're doing. Have a great week mate, cheers 🙏

[@clivewilliams3661]

In UK the 200-500mm VR Lens is quoted by Nikon retail new at £1,199 and the 80-400mm at £2,299 i.e almost double the price. Its interesting that on the s/h market the two lenses are virtually the same price, meaning that users rate the two equally. I have 16-35mm, 24-120mm, 70-200mm and 200-500mm zooms, the top two being able to mount the 1.7x converter so that I have a continuous range available from 16mm to 850mm. However, had I not had the 70-200mm there is a strong economic argument that the 80-400mm G type, certainly on the s/h market makes a compelling choice. All of this is the financial only appraisal, the operational qualities of 80-400mm and 200-500mm are further considerations.

[@florineduardirimia]

Hi, Adrian! Thanks so much for your videos! I really like them! I own the Nikkor 80-400 mm myself which I use with a Nikon D500 and while indeed it's a very good lens, I always have the feeling when shooting birds that I need more reach. However, as you said, the 200-500 mm is quite bulky, much heavier and I hesitate whether to buy it or not. My question is, should I buy a 1.4 teleconverter istead? Have you used one yourself? What would you recommend? Thanks!

[@adrianalfordphotography]

Thanks for watching my videos I really appreciate it. Please don't waste your money on teleconverters. It's actually better image quality wise to just crop in post. Good call on not getting the 200-500mm. At the end of the day the 100mm focal length isn't really that great and you can just crop in to make up for the shortfall in focal length. Hope I've saved you some money.

[@tonytfuntek3262]

I was able to borrow both lens for a week from my local camera shop. Where I did like the extra 100mm reach of the 200-500mm lens I went with the 80-400mm. My reason was mostly due to the extra low end with the ability to go down to 80mm. I figured I could always crop in to gain the extra 100mm but there is no way to "crop-out" to get down to 80mm. Great comparison and review thank you.

[@adrianalfordphotography]

Thanks heaps for watching and commenting

[@Simon_PieMan]

I tend to leave the 200-500 at home due to weight and make do with a 70-200 unless a very specific composition makes it worthwhile. Great review.

[@adrianalfordphotography]

Thanks for watching 🙏

[@SaraWC72]

Great video, May I pls ask how would either of these go on the D750? I am thinking of getting the 200-500 for wildlife (I already have a 28-300, which I’m using for landscape) would love to know your thoughts & opinion on which is best?

[@adrianalfordphotography]

Both go well on my D750. But for wildlife definitely the 200-500

[@PhilThach]

Great review and comparison, Adrian! I've never considered the 80-400 lens but I've always enjoyed the images you make with it.

[@adrianalfordphotography]

Thanks os much Phil. Have a great weekend buddy, cheers

[@slimbirdy]

Yes it is the perfect location, it looks fantastic. Great run down of the two lenses and what they can do. Brilliant shots with both of them. The Sooty Oystercatchers is my favourite - that shot is just wow! The reach on the 200-500mm is awesome but you'd need a monopod for sure. Thanks for sharing.

[@adrianalfordphotography]

Thanks for watching. Do love that 200-500mm. I found it ok with a camera strap but still tended to miss shots cause I was too slow in getting the lens/D850 combo to my eye fast enough 🤷‍♂️ Enjoy your weekend 🙏📸

[@jbclski]

I'm considering one of these two lenses for a camping trip to Namibia, Botswana, and Zimbabwe .. I'm concerned about the weight of the 200-500mm. Do you think the 80-400mm on a DX camera will have sufficient reach for wildlife/bird photography? This is mainly shooting out of a vehicle (no hiking) so I won't have to carry it much but the 200-500mm seems awkward to handle esp the zoom ring. Just not sure how 'close' the birds/mammals will be? Any thoughts?

[@adrianalfordphotography]

Yes the 80-400mm would be fine on a DX camera like a D500. Because of the 1.5 crop you get 600mm equivalent reach. To give you an idea, here’s a video I made using the 80-400 on a Z50 via the FTZII adapter. The 1.5 crop gave me 600mm 👉 kzbin.info/www/bejne/j3m6knSIoL2hbZYsi=rm7l83QSlyE9OLg3

[@jbclski]

Thanks for that. Nice shots! I have heard some complaints re. sharpness at 400mm; perhaps some copies worse than others. I am going to look at a used lens. Do you have a video on how to check a used lens for sharpness?@@adrianalfordphotography

[@peterviragphoto]

Great in -depth comparison Adrian! I’m sure it’s gonna help a lot of Nikon users!😊 The 80-400mm is such an Awesome, versatile lens and with that 45mp you still get amazing details when cropped. Hope you enjoyed the beach😂

[@adrianalfordphotography]

Thanks for watching Peter. I bought the 80-400mm specifically for travel. I could do a lot of different photography with it. Have an awesome weekend buddy cheers 🍻 📸🙏

[@brianeibisch6025]

I was fortunate enough to get the 200-500 on “special” for $1820 AUD about 18 months ago. I have it on my old Nikon D5600 and therefore with 1.5 times crop it gives a hell of a lot of “reach”. I have found the images from this setup to be really wonderful. Whilst F1.8 on a 85mm lens is regarded as fast, then too, F5.6 at 500 to 750mm equivalent should be considered fast as well. I have only bought two filters for this camera, a UV as a lens protection device and a Cir-Pl that cost a near fortune. Everybody whinges about the cost of these filters but you either “put up” or “shut up”; it’s just the nature of the beast. Whilst I don’t use mine all the time, I love it when I do and it is certainly a conversation starter if you meet people whilst you’re out with it. Cheers

[@adrianalfordphotography]

Good price for 200-500mm you got.

Great review and compare of these two lenses Adrian. Way out my price range but good to know that you can hire them. Many thanks for sharing the info and have a great weekend :)

[@adrianalfordphotography]

Thanks for watching Shaun. They’re both great lenses. But it boils down to what ya need photography genre wise. Have an awesome weekend mate cheers 🍻 👍🙏

[@MMB.__]

The 80-400 is just a better lens. It comes out at a higher price because it renders more contrasty, saturated and richer images. IMO.

[@iggynor5007]

I got my 200-500 for $1490 a while ago from Camera Electronic in Perth, never saw it for that price again

[@adrianalfordphotography]

That's an amazing price. Well done.

[@st7331]

Got mine for 684.00

[@iggynor5007]

@@st7331 Brand new?

[@Suhailkhan53]

Great video

[@TheBursaOfFabricius]

So how do these lenses compare to a Nikon 70-200 E f/2.8 on a TC2.0 III teleconverter?

[@adrianalfordphotography]

Be interesting to see. I’ll run some tests with my 70-200mm

[@stuartseldon1737]

Your 80 - 400 is an older model I think isn't it? I picked one of those up used and returned it within a couple of days. I found the focus slow and noisy. In the two days I had the lens, the shop got a new/used 80 - 400 which was the current model, so I bought that one instead. The difference between the two was remarkable. If I'm right in my assumption about your 80 - 400, an updated comparison might be in order. I have used the 200 - 500 and found it rather sloppy in comparison. I also spoke with a guy who was using one that had duct tape around the barrel. Apparently the zoom function would wander all over the place when he moved his "very experienced" lens around. Since he generally used it at 500mm all the time, he just taped it in place. My overall impression of the two was the 80 - 400 was a pro lens and the 200 - 500 was more pro-sumer. Apologies if I'm wrong in my assumptions about your lens, but you mentioned it was 10 years old or more.

[@adrianalfordphotography]

Yes you are incorrect. My 80-400 is the “latest” yet older model in today’s standards. It’s the AF-S version which is the second version of the 80-400mm F mount. It was released around 2013, so even if you bought a new one today it would still be that model from 2013. Re the 200-500mm I stand by what I said in the video. Think your friend was a little heavy handed on his gear by the sounds of

[@robi4387]

Looks like the VR II - not at all like the older version.

[@adrianalfordphotography]

@@robi4387 correct

[@kgsoul]

Hi Adrian, great video by the way. I just came back from South Africa. And I found myself constantly using 400mm. And I wish I had 600mm+. Some animals can be quite far away. Now I'm thinking of getting a 200-500 to add a 1.4 TC. So it gives me 700mm @f8. Put the zoom ring and weight issue aside.The only thing worries me is the focus speed. How much slower it is compared to 80-400mm? Say if we are shooting a flying bird landing on a tree branch hand held. Does it always lost focus? Or it takes almost a second before locks in?

[@adrianalfordphotography]

Thanks for watching. If you use a 1.4 tele the focus will be even slower. Best to use the 200-500mm alone and just crop in post. You’ll find your images sharper that way too

[@audrybella6405]

Great video. Thanks for producing it for us. I have both lens. After several years of using both for nature and wildlife photography my position is I use the 80-400 when I am "on the move" and reserve the 200-500 when I can (almost) exclusively use my tripod in a stationary set-up (such as wildlife blinds). I've teamed my 80-400 up with my D500 and D850 and gotten great results with both bodies on that lens. My only dislike is not being able to use a tele-converter with the 80-400.

[@Snapshott1]

I've had the 80-400 since shortly after it first came out and the 200-500 for a year and a half. Your comparison is the same as mine. I've haven't used the 80-400 much since I got the 200-500 but I will be because i use the shorter range a lot. They do have different purposes and your description of it is spot on. VR is great on both, I wasn't expecting the VR on the 200-500 to be as good as it is. The stock lens collar on the 80-400 is a joke in my opinion and needs replayed while the 200-500 is very usable. I usually shoot the 200-500 on a monopod with a Wimberly monogimble and works splendid..

[@tommynikon2283]

I've had the 200-500mm for about a month; and I use it on a Dx body. Purposefully. The challenge w/ that application is that now it's a 300-750mm cannon...and that changes your stand-off distances quite a bit compared to a 80-400. And for me, hand -holding is ridiculous, so I'm on a monopod almost 100%; the damn thing weighs about 5#. Throw in a DSLR body/grip, it adds up. And hiking w/ it, be it the flats or in the mountains...IS a workout. WHEN the lens

[@arslansaeed4161]

Question about d850 viewfinder. I recently tried one and compared to my d810 OVF on d850 looked a bit dimmer. I was expecting a brighter and greater ovf on d850 but was a bit disappointed. Dimmer ovf on d850 was unpleasant to use specially iindoors. Has anyone else seen this issue on d850. Image quality on d850 otherwise is great. Thanks.

[@dominiclester3232]

Nice but it’s 2023, so you know the price of the Z 180-600 and Z7 prices are dropping! If you stick to DSLR and F lenses, the later you leave it, the less you will get in exchange...(because you will have more F gear to depreciate)

[@adrianalfordphotography]

So why are Nikon still selling a truck load of them? Or even selling them at all if they're not popular? Prices dropping on Z 180-60mm??? It hasn't even started shipping yet! Seriously, you need to do a little research before dropping comments like this. You seem to forget people use the FTZ adapters on their mirrorless cameras and if you look at my channel there are huge amounts of people still watch videos with the D850 and D750. Far more than those videos on the Z7 (which Nikon have discontinued production on). This video was made for those people who have stuck with their DSLRs and refused to go mirrorless or for those who can;'t afford brand new Z lenses and opt for cheaper F mount lenses (even second hand) to use in conjunction with the FTZ adaptor on their mirrorless Nikon cameras. Lastly a lot of people don't buy gear with the notion they're going to sell it in he future, they buy it because they want it for their specific photography needs. You'll see a lot of people aren't bothering upgrading their 200-500mm for the Z 180-600 because they're happy with the lens they have now and it's a $1000 cheaper if buying.

[@wingsofaustralia]

@@adrianalfordphotography My thoughts exactly Adrian! I'm sticking with my DSLRs no need to upgrade and found this video helpful.

[@geminisloha5878]

Gracias por el video. Muy interesante. Tengo una duda: está correcto la referencia de precio del 80-400? Saludos

[@adrianalfordphotography]

Gracias por ver. El precio es correcto aquí en Australia.

[@geminisloha5878]

Mayor precio 80-400 que el 200-500? Actualmente, acá en Chile, estoy vendiendo el mio por aproximadamente usd 500

[@geminisloha5878]

Independiente de todo, se agradece el tiempo invertido en el video. Ayuda mucho en la toma de la decisión de cuál objetivo adquirir.

[@barnaclewatcher4060]

Good review and comparison of two awesome lenses. I have no experience with the 80-400 but have owned the 200-500 (paired with the D850) for at least 5 years now. Bought it for birds and wildlife, but beyond that it's a great lens for much, much more. Macro, landscape and even portraiture, and as of late I'm using it for astrophotography. More and more, my Nikon 200-500 lens kinda just lives on my D850....

[@adrianalfordphotography]

Thanks for watching!