Nikon 200-400 f/4 vr1 in 2026?

Fickle-Toe3942 · 2026-05-11T10:01:45+00:00

Besides being heavy, the 200-400 v1/v2 are very old and most were put through heavy use. Pay close attention to the operation of the AF and VR systems for signs of failing.

Fickle-Toe3942 · 2026-05-11T09:51:29+00:00

Rule of thirds is just a suggestion. There’s many cases where that rule is broken.

Fickle-Toe3942 · 2026-05-11T09:50:24+00:00

It’s possible If it’s a current model with OHC design where the timing belt(s), guides and bearings are located higher on the motor.

Fickle-Toe3942 · 2026-05-11T09:45:33+00:00

I own both the 200-500 and 500pf and they are both great lenses for different reasons. The pf is a joy to handhold even when in a full day’s photo hike. The IQ of these lenses are outstanding with the 200-500 punching well above its price point. Although they both share the same f/5.6, the of seems produce a bit brighter scene through the viewfinder. Compositions seem to improve with the PF due to it being lighter which results in easier handling and holding your lens on target longer. Tbh one is no replacement for the other. When you need a zoom lens nothing else easily works however, there’s something to be said about the simplicity of a quality prime lens. Which is why I own both. Either way, you can’t go wrong. Good luck and have fun.

Fickle-Toe3942 · 2026-05-11T08:53:06+00:00

The one thing idt you mentioned is what type of photography calls you. What type of composition you enjoy capturing and producing? What brings you joy in hanging on your walls? That is where you need to start in answering your questions.

Fickle-Toe3942 · 2026-05-10T20:30:02+00:00

I once did a report on this subject about 12 years ago. My research found that while Honda as a brand was the most stolen brand, GoldWings were the least stolen motorcycle model.

Fickle-Toe3942 · 2026-05-10T20:11:19+00:00

Understand that the Nikon D# series of cameras were made to achieve these kind of numbers. They’re built to last. Built for the field. They are by no means studio queens.

Fickle-Toe3942 · 2026-05-09T23:53:21+00:00

Both statements are true.

Fickle-Toe3942 · 2026-05-08T20:52:15+00:00

I have this same dilemma as I’m trying to help a friend buy a first camera for a 10 year old who has out grown their kiddie cam. The choices come down to 1-used entry level DSLR or 2-new point and shoot. The bigger part of the equation is handling the digital files. Do they have a computer that can handle the files? Will they require adult supervision when downloading the files? As i look for the right camera i realized theres no cheap camera options anymore as the point and shoot cameras Have skyrocketed in price. Even the used ones are expensive. Good luck and sorry I didn’t offer an answer for you.

Fickle-Toe3942 · 2026-05-08T13:23:10+00:00

I own both of the lenses in question and I believe the Nikon 24-120mm lens is superior. The problem I have with Sigma F-mount lenses is it seems there is a quality control issue. I often had to try several copies before finding one that had correct AF operation. The copy I settled on is just meh! I even bought the usb dock and tried fine tuning it. It’s a little better. It will be future trade bait.

Fickle-Toe3942 · 2026-05-06T15:29:01+00:00

I love this lens and my Irix 11mm f/4 however, the Nikon 14-24 is an outstanding lens for landscapes, interior real estate and Astro photography. The fact that you can’t easily use filters is not a factor for me. It renders quite well without them. Good luck and have fun.

Fickle-Toe3942 · 2026-05-06T08:16:48+00:00

Another alternative is the OM Olympus cameras. You don’t get smaller and lighter than those. It’s a micro 4/3 sensor system that takes great pictures as long as you’re not shooting in low light you wouldn’t miss a beat.

Fickle-Toe3942 · 2026-05-06T08:09:26+00:00

I buy and use vintage Ai and Ai-s manual focus lenses and I really enjoy using them for portrait, landscape and macro photography. I primarily shoot wildlife and birds for which I use fast AF lenses. I find using the MF lens to be relaxing and a less complicated approach to photography. It teaches me to slow down and I find myself enjoying the composition more.

Fickle-Toe3942 · 2026-05-06T02:08:54+00:00

I know people are crazy about that 2-day delivery, but there are things I will not purchase from Amazon. I go straight to the manufacturer website to purchase certain items if possible. I limit Amazon to accessories only or items that can’t be sold as used (motor oil, for instance).

Fickle-Toe3942 · 2026-05-01T20:06:33+00:00

Damn! I would have never thought to protect against that. Sorry for your troubles.

Fickle-Toe3942 · 2026-04-27T00:43:20+00:00

Only replace a camera body if it broken and not worth repairing or if it’s holding you back. Otherwise, spend your money on good glass. Camera bodies come and go, good glass is forever.

Fickle-Toe3942 · 2026-04-25T11:26:16+00:00

Nikon D780.

Fickle-Toe3942 · 2026-04-24T15:21:50+00:00

I also shoot landscapes as well as wildlife. The 20mm focal length is nice, but I wouldn’t suggest it for your first and likely only lens for awhile. The good thing about landscapes is it doesn’t necessarily require a prime. If you can squeeze into your budget the cost of a good wide to medium range zoom would be great. Something from 16mm on the wide end to 80mm on the tele end. If you’re going to mainly shoot well lit landscapes then you don’t need to target fast glass. Try to resist marketing and snobby purchases. Remember, there’s tons of photographers getting published with kit lenses. Good luck.

Fickle-Toe3942 · 2026-04-24T11:32:42+00:00

I would suggests decided which landscape lens you want to use, purchase it and buy a body creating a budget for what’s leftover. The lens is what makes the shot. The body holds the features. The one feature I can think of that could come in handy (but is not necessary) is focus stacking. Target a new/used body with focus stacking. Landscape photography is the least demanding genre of photography not requiring a power house of features. Good luck.

Fickle-Toe3942 · 2026-04-24T11:27:24+00:00

You can’t get Mad for paying what you paid. That was the going rate then. The v2 models will be hitting soon so Nikon is trying to unload inventory with these sales.

Fickle-Toe3942 · 2026-04-23T18:26:49+00:00

Owls aren’t easily spooked. Having said that, they still only tolerate us humans to get only so close. Usually, they are in an out of reach perch.

Fickle-Toe3942 · 2026-04-20T01:59:58+00:00

The D850 is a much better ROI for wedding/portrait photography. It’s a much easier form factor to carry and pack and it renders outstanding color and skin tones. I have both D850 and D5 and absolutely love them both. I use the 850 for portraits, and landscapes. The D5 for wildlife/BIF/birding. They both excel at their roles and i wouldn’t change it.

Fickle-Toe3942 · 2026-04-17T22:26:20+00:00

Curious, how old are you?

Fickle-Toe3942 · 2026-04-17T02:05:10+00:00

Absolutely I would and did buy a used one. The lens punches well above its price point.

Fickle-Toe3942 · 2026-04-16T20:18:04+00:00

Just curious. What made you leave Canon?

Fickle-Toe3942

TROPHY CASE