Aug
27
Aug
08
Brand: Nikon
Model: 1996
Model: 1996
Product Description:
Kit includes:
♦ 1) Nikon 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6D VR AF ED Zoom-Nikkor Lens
♦ 2) Hoya 77mm HMC UV Digital Multi-Coated Filter
♦ 3) CapKeeper 2 Lens Cap Strap
♦ 4) Precision Design Deluxe 6-Piece Lens & Digital SLR Camera Cleaning Kit
The Nikon 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6D ED Autofocus VR Zoom-Nikkor lens boasts a 5X high-power zoom and an innovative Vibration Reduction (VR) system. It allows handheld super telephoto zoom shooting at dusk, at night, and even in poorly lit interiors. The lens' VR system minimizes image blur caused by camera shake, and offers the equivalent of shooting at a shutter speed three stops (eight times) faster. The lens offers a natural viewfinder image even during VR operation and also detects automatically when the photographer pans. This exciting new Nikkor is ideal for candid portrait, sports photography and more.
The Hoya HMC Ultraviolet UV Glass Filter is a multi-purpose, fine-weather filter that is designed to optimize the photography experience of the digital SLR user. UV filters, absorb ultraviolet rays that often make outdoor photographs hazy and indistinct, and should be constantly fitted to a lens to provide improved clarity and color balance, as well as to provide protection to your lens.
Keep your lens cap securely attached to your lens with the convenient, simple-to-use CapKeeper. Never lose a lens cap again!
This 6-piece cleaning kit contains everything you'll ever need to properly clean your lenses, including a Hurricane Air Blower, Lens Cleaning Tissues, Lens Cloth, Lens Cleaning Liquid, Brush and Cotton Swabs.
Features:
- KIT INCLUDES 4 PRODUCTS All Brand New Items with all Manufacturer-supplied Accessories + Full USA Warranties:
- <#1> Nikon 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6D VR AF ED Zoom-Nikkor LensPLUS+
- <#2> Hoya 77mm HMC UV Digital Multi-Coated Filter +
- <#3> CapKeeper 2 Lens Cap Strap +
- <#4> Precision Design Deluxe 6-Piece Lens & Digital SLR Camera Cleaning Kit
Available at Amazon
Lowest New Price: USD 1799.95
Lowest New Price: USD 1799.95
Jul
30
Brand: Nikon
Model: 1996
Model: 1996
Product Description:
Kit includes:
♦ 1) Nikon 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6D VR AF ED Zoom-Nikkor Lens
♦ 2) Hoya 77mm HMC UV Digital Multi-Coated Filter
♦ 3) CapKeeper 2 Lens Cap Strap
♦ 4) Precision Design Deluxe 6-Piece Lens & Digital SLR Camera Cleaning Kit
The Nikon 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6D ED Autofocus VR Zoom-Nikkor lens boasts a 5X high-power zoom and an innovative Vibration Reduction (VR) system. It allows handheld super telephoto zoom shooting at dusk, at night, and even in poorly lit interiors. The lens' VR system minimizes image blur caused by camera shake, and offers the equivalent of shooting at a shutter speed three stops (eight times) faster. The lens offers a natural viewfinder image even during VR operation and also detects automatically when the photographer pans. This exciting new Nikkor is ideal for candid portrait, sports photography and more.
The Hoya HMC Ultraviolet UV Glass Filter is a multi-purpose, fine-weather filter that is designed to optimize the photography experience of the digital SLR user. UV filters, absorb ultraviolet rays that often make outdoor photographs hazy and indistinct, and should be constantly fitted to a lens to provide improved clarity and color balance, as well as to provide protection to your lens.
Keep your lens cap securely attached to your lens with the convenient, simple-to-use CapKeeper. Never lose a lens cap again!
This 6-piece cleaning kit contains everything you'll ever need to properly clean your lenses, including a Hurricane Air Blower, Lens Cleaning Tissues, Lens Cloth, Lens Cleaning Liquid, Brush and Cotton Swabs.
Features:
- KIT INCLUDES 4 PRODUCTS All Brand New Items with all Manufacturer-supplied Accessories + Full USA Warranties:
- <#1> Nikon 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6D VR AF ED Zoom-Nikkor LensPLUS+
- <#2> Hoya 77mm HMC UV Digital Multi-Coated Filter +
- <#3> CapKeeper 2 Lens Cap Strap +
- <#4> Precision Design Deluxe 6-Piece Lens & Digital SLR Camera Cleaning Kit
Available at Amazon
Lowest New Price: USD 1799.95
Lowest New Price: USD 1799.95
Mar
22
Brand: Nikon
Model: 1996
Model: 1996
Product Description:
Kit includes:
♦ 1) Nikon 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6D VR AF ED Zoom-Nikkor Lens
♦ 2) Hoya 77mm HMC UV Digital Multi-Coated Filter
♦ 3) CapKeeper 2 Lens Cap Strap
♦ 4) Precision Design Deluxe 6-Piece Lens & Digital SLR Camera Cleaning Kit
The Nikon 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6D ED Autofocus VR Zoom-Nikkor lens boasts a 5X high-power zoom and an innovative Vibration Reduction (VR) system. It allows handheld super telephoto zoom shooting at dusk, at night, and even in poorly lit interiors. The lens' VR system minimizes image blur caused by camera shake, and offers the equivalent of shooting at a shutter speed three stops (eight times) faster. The lens offers a natural viewfinder image even during VR operation and also detects automatically when the photographer pans. This exciting new Nikkor is ideal for candid portrait, sports photography and more.
The Hoya HMC Ultraviolet UV Glass Filter is a multi-purpose, fine-weather filter that is designed to optimize the photography experience of the digital SLR user. UV filters, absorb ultraviolet rays that often make outdoor photographs hazy and indistinct, and should be constantly fitted to a lens to provide improved clarity and color balance, as well as to provide protection to your lens.
Keep your lens cap securely attached to your lens with the convenient, simple-to-use CapKeeper. Never lose a lens cap again!
This 6-piece cleaning kit contains everything you'll ever need to properly clean your lenses, including a Hurricane Air Blower, Lens Cleaning Tissues, Lens Cloth, Lens Cleaning Liquid, Brush and Cotton Swabs.
Features:
- KIT INCLUDES 4 PRODUCTS All Brand New Items with all Manufacturer-supplied Accessories + Full USA Warranties:
- <#1> Nikon 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6D VR AF ED Zoom-Nikkor LensPLUS+
- <#2> Hoya 77mm HMC UV Digital Multi-Coated Filter +
- <#3> CapKeeper 2 Lens Cap Strap +
- <#4> Precision Design Deluxe 6-Piece Lens & Digital SLR Camera Cleaning Kit
Available at Amazon
Lowest New Price: USD 1799.95
Lowest New Price: USD 1799.95
Jan
28
I disagree with the below user's review. He could of possibly gotten a bad one. I agree that out of the box the rings are a bit stiff but with time and use they became much smoother.
Also, this lens does not have Sigma's HSM motor but it DOES have a focusing motor which the Nikon 80-400 VR does not. Thusly it focuses a tad faster.
It took me a little while to get used to using this lens. At first most of my pictures would not come out as good as I would like them to. Lots of them were very blurry. As time went by and I improved my technique, my pictures are getting better and better. Many pictures are starting to come out excellently. They make you say - "Wow! Look at the color". I believe this to be true for the Nikon 80-400 VR also.
This lens is a bit heavier than the Nikon however, it was still designed to be hand-held (thusly the OS). It is also several hundred dollars cheaper.
Average Rating: 
Brand: Sigma
Model: B000CD6B80
Model: B000CD6B80
Product Description:
An ultra-telephoto zoom lens, which overcomes image blur caused by camera shake. A function that compensates for camera movement employing Sigma s own technology. Using Sigma s original OS (Optical Stabilizer) function, two types of sensors inside the lens detect vertical and horizontal movement of the camera. By moving a portion of the optical system to compensate for movement, this function delivers outstanding results in compensating for shaking of the camera. Two types of camera-shake compensation modes to handle all types of shooting conditions. In Mode 1, the system detects and compensates for vertical and horizontal movement of the camera ideal for still-image photography. And in Mode 2, the system detects and compensates for vertical movement of the camera ideal for motor sports and other situations where panning may be desired. And, with two SLD (Special Low Dispersion) glass elements in the front lens group and one in the rear lens group, the lens has excellent correction of chromatic aberration and delivers high-definition performance. Full-time manual focus is also available. Rear focus, zoom lock switch and other features. A circular polarizing filter can easily be used because of our rear-focusing system, in which the front lens group does not rotate during focusing. A zoom lock switch is built in to prevent the lens from extending due to its own weight, and the lens is easier to use. With the addition of an APO Teleconverter EX (sold separately), the lens becomes a 112-560mm F6.3-8 telephoto zoom lens with the 1.4x EX and a 160-800mm F9-11 telephoto zoom lens with the 2x EX This lens is not equipped with an aperture ring, therefore depending on the camera model some functions may not work.
Amazon.com Product Description:
The Sigma APO 80-400mm F4.5-5.6 EX DG OS Lens for Nikon Digital SLR Cameras is a telephoto zoom lens with an F4 aperture throughout the entire zoom range. It also has performance features that are perfect for digital and 35mm SLR cameras. Two SLD (Special Low Dispersion) glass elements are used in the front lens group and two in the rear lens group for superior correction of chromatic aberration. Because its length does not change during focusing or zooming, the lens is easy to hold and use. The Hyper Sonic Motor (HSM) makes fast AF speeds and quiet shooting a reality, and it is also capable of full-time manual focus.
An ultra-telephoto zoom lens, which overcomes image blur caused by camera shake. A function that compensates for camera movement employing Sigma s own technology. Using Sigma s original OS (Optical Stabilizer) function, two types of sensors inside the lens detect vertical and horizontal movement of the camera. By moving a portion of the optical system to compensate for movement, this function delivers outstanding results in compensating for shaking of the camera. Two types of camera-shake compensation modes to handle all types of shooting conditions. In Mode 1, the system detects and compensates for vertical and horizontal movement of the camera ideal for still-image photography. And in Mode 2, the system detects and compensates for vertical movement of the camera ideal for motor sports and other situations where panning may be desired. And, with two SLD (Special Low Dispersion) glass elements in the front lens group and one in the rear lens group, the lens has excellent correction of chromatic aberration and delivers high-definition performance. Full-time manual focus is also available. Rear focus, zoom lock switch and other features. A circular polarizing filter can easily be used because of our rear-focusing system, in which the front lens group does not rotate during focusing. A zoom lock switch is built in to prevent the lens from extending due to its own weight, and the lens is easier to use. With the addition of an APO Teleconverter EX (sold separately), the lens becomes a 112-560mm F6.3-8 telephoto zoom lens with the 1.4x EX and a 160-800mm F9-11 telephoto zoom lens with the 2x EX This lens is not equipped with an aperture ring, therefore depending on the camera model some functions may not work.
Amazon.com Product Description:
The Sigma APO 80-400mm F4.5-5.6 EX DG OS Lens for Nikon Digital SLR Cameras is a telephoto zoom lens with an F4 aperture throughout the entire zoom range. It also has performance features that are perfect for digital and 35mm SLR cameras. Two SLD (Special Low Dispersion) glass elements are used in the front lens group and two in the rear lens group for superior correction of chromatic aberration. Because its length does not change during focusing or zooming, the lens is easy to hold and use. The Hyper Sonic Motor (HSM) makes fast AF speeds and quiet shooting a reality, and it is also capable of full-time manual focus.
Features:
- Fixed F4 aperture throughout the entire zoom range
- Ideal for digital and 35mm SLR cameras
- Features SLD (Special Low Dispersion) glass elements for superior correction of chromatic aberration
- Capable of full-time manual focus
Available at Amazon
List Price: USD 1360.00
Lowest Used Price: USD 800.00
List Price: USD 1360.00
Lowest Used Price: USD 800.00
Customer Reviews
Sigma 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6 EX OS APO RF Telephoto Zoom lens, Nikon mount
I am very excited about this product. Originally, I was planning of getting the Nikon 80-400 AF DX zoom lens. But after reading reveiws on the internet and talking to my brother who bought one a couple of months earlier. I decided on the Sigma. I was more than willing to pay the 99. asking price from B&H Photo (OneWay Photo wanted 99), but I found it on Amazon through PhotoWorld for 9. The lens performed as promised, and would recomend this high quality lens to anyone in the market for a top quality super zoom. Aloha, Ted.
Great for capturing nature and moving subjects
I was really impressed while hand holding I was able to get every photo taken quickly of jumping horses. I also had the same success with tracking flying birds ( cranes, other water birds) . All the images were sharp at the widest f stops. It is an amazing lens, the OS is great- no need for a tripod. I also got some great flower photos. I highly recomend the innovative lens.
Jan
19
Opteka 77mm HD² 3 Piece (UV, PL, FL) Filter Kit for Nikon 18mm f/2.8, 85mm f/1.4, 17-35mm f/2.8, 18-35mm f/3.5-4.5, 28-70mm f/2.8, 70-200mm f/2.8, 80-200mm f/2.8, 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6, 12-24mm f/4, & 17-55mm f/2.8 Nikkor SLR Lenses
Tagged Under : 12-24mm, 17-35mm, 17-55mm, 18-35mm, 28-70mm, 70-200mm, 80-200mm, 80-400mm, f/1.4, f/2.8, f/3.5-4.5, f/4.5-5.6, Filter, Lenses, Nikkor, Opteka
Available at Amazon
Jan
12
Brand: Nikon
Model: 1996
Model: 1996
Product Description:
Kit includes:
♦ 1) Nikon 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6D VR AF ED Zoom-Nikkor Lens
♦ 2) Hoya 77mm HMC UV Digital Multi-Coated Filter
♦ 3) CapKeeper 2 Lens Cap Strap
♦ 4) Precision Design Deluxe 6-Piece Lens & Digital SLR Camera Cleaning Kit
The Nikon 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6D ED Autofocus VR Zoom-Nikkor lens boasts a 5X high-power zoom and an innovative Vibration Reduction (VR) system. It allows handheld super telephoto zoom shooting at dusk, at night, and even in poorly lit interiors. The lens' VR system minimizes image blur caused by camera shake, and offers the equivalent of shooting at a shutter speed three stops (eight times) faster. The lens offers a natural viewfinder image even during VR operation and also detects automatically when the photographer pans. This exciting new Nikkor is ideal for candid portrait, sports photography and more.
The Hoya HMC Ultraviolet UV Glass Filter is a multi-purpose, fine-weather filter that is designed to optimize the photography experience of the digital SLR user. UV filters, absorb ultraviolet rays that often make outdoor photographs hazy and indistinct, and should be constantly fitted to a lens to provide improved clarity and color balance, as well as to provide protection to your lens.
Keep your lens cap securely attached to your lens with the convenient, simple-to-use CapKeeper. Never lose a lens cap again!
This 6-piece cleaning kit contains everything you'll ever need to properly clean your lenses, including a Hurricane Air Blower, Lens Cleaning Tissues, Lens Cloth, Lens Cleaning Liquid, Brush and Cotton Swabs.
Features:
- KIT INCLUDES 4 PRODUCTS All Brand New Items with all Manufacturer-supplied Accessories + Full USA Warranties:
- <#1> Nikon 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6D VR AF ED Zoom-Nikkor LensPLUS+
- <#2> Hoya 77mm HMC UV Digital Multi-Coated Filter +
- <#3> CapKeeper 2 Lens Cap Strap +
- <#4> Precision Design Deluxe 6-Piece Lens & Digital SLR Camera Cleaning Kit
Available at Amazon
Lowest New Price: USD 1799.95
Lowest New Price: USD 1799.95
Dec
30
Brand: Nikon
Model: 1996
Model: 1996
Product Description:
Kit includes:
♦ 1) Nikon 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6D VR AF ED Zoom-Nikkor Lens
♦ 2) Hoya 77mm HMC UV Digital Multi-Coated Filter
♦ 3) CapKeeper 2 Lens Cap Strap
♦ 4) Precision Design Deluxe 6-Piece Lens & Digital SLR Camera Cleaning Kit
The Nikon 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6D ED Autofocus VR Zoom-Nikkor lens boasts a 5X high-power zoom and an innovative Vibration Reduction (VR) system. It allows handheld super telephoto zoom shooting at dusk, at night, and even in poorly lit interiors. The lens' VR system minimizes image blur caused by camera shake, and offers the equivalent of shooting at a shutter speed three stops (eight times) faster. The lens offers a natural viewfinder image even during VR operation and also detects automatically when the photographer pans. This exciting new Nikkor is ideal for candid portrait, sports photography and more.
The Hoya HMC Ultraviolet UV Glass Filter is a multi-purpose, fine-weather filter that is designed to optimize the photography experience of the digital SLR user. UV filters, absorb ultraviolet rays that often make outdoor photographs hazy and indistinct, and should be constantly fitted to a lens to provide improved clarity and color balance, as well as to provide protection to your lens.
Keep your lens cap securely attached to your lens with the convenient, simple-to-use CapKeeper. Never lose a lens cap again!
This 6-piece cleaning kit contains everything you'll ever need to properly clean your lenses, including a Hurricane Air Blower, Lens Cleaning Tissues, Lens Cloth, Lens Cleaning Liquid, Brush and Cotton Swabs.
Features:
- KIT INCLUDES 4 PRODUCTS All Brand New Items with all Manufacturer-supplied Accessories + Full USA Warranties:
- <#1> Nikon 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6D VR AF ED Zoom-Nikkor LensPLUS+
- <#2> Hoya 77mm HMC UV Digital Multi-Coated Filter +
- <#3> CapKeeper 2 Lens Cap Strap +
- <#4> Precision Design Deluxe 6-Piece Lens & Digital SLR Camera Cleaning Kit
Available at Amazon
Lowest New Price: USD 1799.95
Lowest New Price: USD 1799.95
Dec
27
I wanted a lens over 200mm for my arsenal and unfortunately, if you stick with the Nikon brand, there aren't too many options. I chose the 80-400, but I have to say that it's the one Nikon lens purchase I've had the most trouble getting excited over. Not that it isn't a great product - it is - it's just that it seemed like a step back in time since this lens hasn't kept up with the features of Nikon's phenomenally good pro lenses throughout the rest of the product line. In the end, I felt like the choice was to "settle" for this product, or spend several times more money on (say) the excellent 200-400 zoom instead. Or, I suppose you could wait for the next upgrade, but I've already been waiting a few years with no result.
The lens itself is large and heavy, somewhat "thicker" than say, a 70-200 2.8 - but not by a huge amount. It feels balanced on any of Nikon's larger cameras, but it is quite a handful. Unlike some, I find the tripod collar adequate, although I understand many recommend the Kirk collar as an important upgrade. Honestly, I tend to hand-hold the lens more often than not, so I usually have the tripod collar removed altogether. I find it's large enough to get in the way of where I'd naturally want to put my hands. The other comment on construction quality is that it really looks like a "legacy" product. Not being an AFS focusing system, it sports that old "M/A" focus control, and it also still has a manual aperture selector. Which isn't to say that it's not a high quality lens - it is, it's just showing its age. Otherwise, the controls operate smoothly and it does feel to be built to last.
From an optical point of view, I found the lens to perform better than I expected. At both extremes (80 and 400), I notice photos are a little soft in the corners with the lens wide open, but if you use f/8 or smaller, results are uniformly sharp corner to corner (this is only really noticeable on an FX sensor...DX cameras are very good even wide open). Contrast and color are also good, and images generally have that "pop" you get from any top quality lens. I have the latest 70-200 2.8 lens, and at 200mm, I'd say that images from the 80-400 are nearly - but not quite - as good overall. The 80-400 is slightly less contrasty, making some shots appear a little "flat", and the 80-400 also seems slightly more prone to flare when pointed in the direction of a bright light source.
I find the VR system works well, and with the lens zoomed out to 400mm, I can usually get sharp results with shutter speeds in the vicinity of 1/100 second, maybe a little less.
As everyone else points out, the autofocus system is somewhat slow and noisy if you're used to AFS lenses. At longer focal lengths in darker spots, it also tends to hunt. I've learned to simply switch off the autofocus and use the manual controls in these situations.
Overall, I guess I'm happy with this lens, but this is one of those lenses that I'll be looking to upgrade as soon as Nikon comes out with an AFS version that's hopefully about a stop faster and not triple the price.
Product Description:
RE)NIKON 80-400MM F4.5-5.6D VR(1996)
RE)NIKON 80-400MM F4.5-5.6D VR(1996)
Features:
- Compact, lightweight 5x telephoto zoom lens
- Vibration Reduction operation offers the equivalent of using a shutter speed three stops faster
- VR automatically detected during panning operation
- Three ED glass elements ensure superior optical performance
- Nine-blade rounded diaphragm achieves a natural blur for out-of-focus elements
Available at Amazon
List Price: USD .0
Lowest Used Price: USD 999.00
Lowest Refurbished Price: USD 1529.00
List Price: USD .0
Lowest Used Price: USD 999.00
Lowest Refurbished Price: USD 1529.00
Oct
30
This is not a technical review. Just my personal observations. I've been taking pictures since I was 21 -- Pentax Spotmatic and then Canon F-1. I'm not a professional but I think I know what a good image looks like.
I purchased this lens with some trepidation. First the price did not indicate a great lens and there were some iffy reviews. Also it doesn't have VR. I took a chance and bought it to replace a lens that didn't have enough range. Its mounted on my D300. Frankly, if Tokina made this with a mount for equipment that had in camera stabilization it would be just about perfect.
This lens is very compact, and the smallest available in this range. You can handhold this lens with most applications or use a monopod if walking around. While it doesn't have VR, the long lenses that do are bazookas compared to this so that more or less cancels things out. One simply could not handhold the Nikon 80-400 (I know -- I tried); the Sigma 120-400 or 150-500 are also much too large to handhold.
This lens if very sharp except at the extreme 400 range where it gets a little soft, and that doesn't make much difference because sharpening in processing fixes that (distinguish here between the fact that the lens is a little soft at this range as opposed to shaky hands).
This lens even works with the Kenko 2x converter, but you have to have a good tripod and use good tripod technique (effective 1200 mm with the 1.5 crop factor -- any lens will be difficult). By the way, there is some discussion that the AF and metering will not work with the converter. Mine works just fine -- you simply have to have bright sun and use spot metering (Matrix has a hard time). My understanding is that the Nikon does not work with a converter (unless maybe its the super expensive Nikon version).
It is a slow lens, so you have to have a lot of light (not a problem in Arizona). If you are at the lower end and your image is not too far away, the on camera flash will work for fill light. This may be because the lens itself is very compact so does not interfere with the flash. I did this today inside an aviary at the zoo.
At the zoo today, intermittent sun and clouds. Using the bracketing function resulted in many fine images.
The build quality is remarkable for a lens in this price range. I know Tokinas get pretty good reviews, but I think you could pound nails with this. And, because of its size (and resulting reduced weight), you can carry this all day. I know; I just did.
All in all, this is a great lens for the money. Its much more lens for the money. I gave it 5 stars because its better than advertised. It doesn't purport to be what it is not -- its not a ,000 lens. Its a good substantial lens. You would have to put down some serious bucks to get a better combination and versatility. It doesn't have VR. I think a VR in this range would be so much larger (and they seem to be) that you could not handhold it anyway.
Couple this lens with the 16-85 VR and the 50/1.8 (with some close up diopters) and you have a fine amateur kit without losing your entire inheritance.
Average Rating:
Brand: Tokina
Model: AF 80-400mm
Model: AF 80-400mm
Product Description:
Tokina 80-400/4.5-5.6 AT-X 840 D Telephoto Zoom Lens for NIkon D USA
Tokina 80-400/4.5-5.6 AT-X 840 D Telephoto Zoom Lens for NIkon D USA
Features: 80-400/4.5-5.6 AT-X 840 D Telephoto Zoom Lens for NIkon D USA
Available at Amazon
Lowest Used Price: USD 485.00
Lowest New Price: USD 499.00
Lowest Used Price: USD 485.00
Lowest New Price: USD 499.00
Customer Reviews
Good lens with some concerns.
I had this lens for a few months and tested it at different focal lengths. Here is the break down of things I find about this lens:
Pros:
1. It is the cheapest and lightest lens available for nikon lens at 400mm.
2. The build is solid.
3. The lens hood has a little wheel for you to rotate the filter when you have such as a cpl filter on the lens with the hood on.
4. There is a ring attached to the lens so that you can rotate the camera+lens on a tripod easily.
5. Sharpness is very good with any focal length shorter than or equal to 350mm.
Cons:
1. Sharpness at 400mm is soft. The pictures are almost unacceptable if taken by handheld. However, using a tripod will solve part of the problem, and stopping down to at least f8 will somewhat help as well. BTW, you should shoot with a tripod anyway with such a heavy lens. So my suggestion is to stop down to at least f8 and shoot on a tripod if you want to go to 400mm with this lens. (This statement is not totally true, see the P.S. section for more info)
2. Chromatic aberration is quite obvious with this lens up to 400mm. Compare to my Nikon 18-200mm vr lens, this lens produce significantly more chromatic aberration. I found significant longitudinal and lateral chromatic aberration at even f8 at 400mm. The pictures have mostly either "green fringing" or "blue fringing" instead of "purple fringing" which is usually associated with the camera sensor. I kind of look at the internal glasses design of this lens from Tokina's website. It seems that they use achromatic doublet to improve the color fringing, and it is claimed that the glasses are multi-coated. However, this is still my biggest concern.
One thing I have not tried is to shoot subjects in motion with this lens, so I can't say how fast this lens can be.
P.S.:
7/04/09, I will correct my previous statment that shooting handheld with this lens produce unacceptable images, even at the 400mm end. I think I used my 18-200mm VR lens so often that I can take most static or moving subjects at speed around 1/100 sec. (when the maximum focal length is 200mm) with no sharpness problem. The VR property kind of defys the old rule about the fact that you have to shoot at the speed of at least 1/focal length, and blinded me from following the old rules. I have been shooting again handheld with this lens today. After I came home to look at the images carefully, I realize that some of images look sharp and some don't even when they are taken at the same focal length. The only difference is that they are taken at different speeds. I did more testing and found that even at 400mm, you can get reasonably sharp images with static subjects when you set your shutter at 1/640 sec or faster at handheld. So, it was my technique, not the lens that produce poor results, and it reminds me again that THIS IS NOT A VR LENS and you have to apply the old rules on this lens, especially at 400mm. My final conclusion, you can get sharp picture with this lens even at 400mm if you use it properly.
Practical!
I bought this lens last year and I have been using it since then. I use it virtually indoors and outdoors preferably "sunny". I must admit, I am using my SB800 flash when I am indoor. This lens is a perfect match with the Nikon D300 you can play with the setting you like. Manual setting will give the best exposure in my own experience. For me the lens works very well with manual setting. Use a monopod when using it in events, your arm will get tired. The only downside is the lock that does'nt work. All in all I'm very satisfied with this lens. It's money's worth.
The most compact 80-400
I have had this lens for over a year and i shot some really good pictures with it. It is by far the most compact 80-400 in the market and the sharpness and the colors are lot better than what you would expect from a third party manufacturer. (I also have the tokina 12-24 and that is also really good)
The built Quality is Great it is solid, when you hold it you feel metal not some plastic. I also have the sigma 50-150 and it has HSM so one day while i was shooting some birds in flight i said to myself because tokina does not have an internal focus and focuses slower than a hsm sigma the sigma would be a better choice. man i was wrong. after shooting an hour with the sigma i decided to give tokina a try and it was much better. even though the focus was not as fast it was fast enough to catch birds and the 80-400 range was so much better than 50-150. on a D300
If you are looking for a budget 80-400 do not even hesitate and buy this lens.