This is a bit of a geeky post but thought I’d share a few pictures taken on a pre-release version of the new Nikon 800mm f5.6 lens. I had the chance to use it in two sessions at the Aquatics Centre of the Olympic Park today and so far it’s held up well.
The light in the pool area isn’t great and as the lens is f5.6, I’m shooting at between 4000 and 6400ISO to get these shots at around 1250th/sec and 1600th/sec. While it isn’t the greatest of lighting conditions, it’s a pretty good “real world” test rather than outside in floods of bright sunshine on a tripod, as magazines will inevitably do when it’s released!
The shot above is an unsharpened 100% crop of the frame below with no noise reduction applied. As you can see, not only has the lens done a pretty good job of tracking but the D4 has provided good results at 4000ISO. Image stabilisation seemed subtle with no obvious “clunk” as it kicked in like some lenses. The only discernible giveaway was the soft purr of the IS motor disengaging after I took my finger off the trigger. Likewise, the effect of the stabilisation was equally subtle with only a barely noticeable delay when looking through the viewfinder at a subject.
On a monopod, the lens feels well balanced and not at all “front heavy”. This may well be due to being used to carrying the 400mm f2.8 that has a hell of a lump of glass on the front!
In a brief moment when I could enjoy some natural light, I managed to take a couple of shots outside the Aquatics Centre on more reasonable 640ISO at 1600th/sec and f5.6. The first shot is at 70mm on a Nikon 24-70mm f2.8 to give you perspective.
The second shot is the full frame, straight out of the camera with no sharpening.
The third shot is a 100% crop with a touch of sharpening.
As stated above, this is an un-badged pre-production model so results may differ in the retail version. Nikon have yet to announce a release date or price on the lens. I just need another royal wedding to shoot now!
Update – 12th August 2012
Following all of the requests for direct comparisons regarding the size of the 800mm, here’s a quick shot of the 800mm f5.6 (left), 600mm f4 (2nd left), 500mm f4 (2nd right) and 200-400mm f4 (right) ahead of this evening’s closing ceremony.
Nice post Leon. I’d never be in a position to use this lens but it’s interesting to read your impressions.
ps. It’s a shame the DP Review mob have turned up with their wit and wisdom..
@Sabyasachi Patra – Unfortunately, it’s forbidden to video with the venues at the Olympic site so I didn’t even try that aspect of it. TV companies pay WAY too much money for the rights to allow the photographers to start shooting HD video from interesting angles!
@Tim – Cheers bud. As for the trolls, I can happily ignore and delete it. I can recognise jealousy quite easily.
Hi Leon
Ive been in london throughout the olympics.
Would loved to been a pro togger so i could have got access to Olympians.
What would your opinion be of :
Nikon V1 + 300MM V1 lens (equivalent to 900mm).
V1 AF is Blazing.
300mm when released will be small & light.
V1 sensor verrry nice detailed.
If shallow dof is not needed
would you want to try V1 with V1 300mm.
Leon,
I understand that you’ve only had a chance to use it for a short while, but based on what you’ve seen how does this compare to the 400/2.8 with a 2.0X TC?
wow! the close up of the women in the audience is amazing and actually looks 3 dimentional!
nice work!
How much it weighs?
@dgd – I’m not much of a fan of the V1 and J1 series so I’m probably not the best person to ask but you can’t argue with 900mm for a relatively cheap price!
@owczi – As I’ve said above, I’ve never been keen on converters as I belive the less glass the light has to pass through, the better. Having said that, your option may be considerably cheaper without enough difference in quality to justify paying more.
@upnorthfar – According to the latest post from Nikonrumors, the official weight is 5060g which would match my opinion that it weighed around the same as a 600mm f4. When using it, it seemed lighter than the 600mm but that may be due to it feeling a better balance on a monopod.
Hi Leon
I hope the way tech is progressing AF tracking in smaller sensor cameras as V1
will have caught up with Dx.
Single shot AF of V1 is already best Nikon has and EVF tech, likewise will hopefully be jitter lag “free” in the near future.
300mm V1 lens if released will be soooo pocketable and light.
For non pro toggers as me it is like wooow
900mm equivalent reach in a jacket pocket.
@dgd: V1, J1….? Sorry but we are talking pro here. Interesting though the zoom performance of itsy-bitsy sensors is interesting, Lets keep this valuable discussion on the subject.
I do motor racing and sailing and the reach will be handy. Whats the focus speed like on the D4?
@Stephen – The focus was great. It had the sharp, snappy response rather than the slow glide that some pro lenses seem to have. It reacted like a 400mm f2.8.
Hi Leon,
Since you have used 400mm f/2.8, do you rate the AF performance of 800mm on par with 400mm 2.8?
I understand its a pre release model. However how did you personally feel about the overall build quality handling. Did you use manual focus by any chance?
I have gone through your preview but i thought of asking as you seems to have hurried through it
thanks in advance.
@Nikofanboy – Yeah, I’d say it was similiar in performance to the 400mm. A few of my colleagues have also been using it at other events such as the athletics and all of the feedback so far has been positive. The build quality was on par with other long glass from Nikon so long-term quality can’t really be judged in a single day but rest assured that it feels solid enough to me! Manual focus seemed quick from my few attempts but swimming isn’t really a manual focus kind of sport…
HI Leon,
Thanks for the update. I am quite intrigued to buy this lens. But i am bit worried about the weight and price. Do you have any rough idea how much it might cost? If they retail it under £10,000 then i might have a chance.
)
thanks once again.
Hi Leon,
Thanks for the size comparison. 800mm looks a bit taller then others. The build looks exactly identical to 500mm lens and even the mount and the hood is exactly similar. I hope you had good time photographing the event.
In the mean time did you manage to shoot any more pics with he lens? Any word on the official release date for this monster?
I wish I own one someday. great lens!
Hi Leon,
is there a noticable quality difference between the 800mm and the 600mm with TC 1.4 attached?
Regards,
Sven
800mm is sweet. However, in all practicality… wouldn’t a 400mm f2.8 with a 2x converter make more sense?
@Sven/Emit – That might work out the best for you if you like teleconverters and don’t have such a large amount of money spare. This lens is definitely a very exclusive item aimed at a relatively small customer base. In news work, there may be times that the 800mm may not be long enough as it is so a user may end up sticking a 1.4x onto it so if you already had a 2x on a 400mm, the results may end up less than perfect! As I’ve said many times already, I’m not a fan of converters but if I was wanting an 800mm focal length and had to spend my own money, I may be tempted with other options!
How much does it weight?
I didn’t weigh it myself but as I’ve already written above, nikonrumors have said 5060g.
Hi Leon,
Great blog. I had the opportunity to use the 800mm f/5.6 AIS shooting the OP Pro in Huntington Beach in 1991. That was definitely a beast. My question is this. Since Nikon is truly asking for feedback on pros and cons of the lens design by allowing you to use a pre-released version at the Olympics, what exactly would you tell Nikon about any changes that you would make in the design of the lens? Any quirks that kinda made you think, hmmm? Or do you think it may very-well be ready for prime-time and you can’t wait to drop your $10K on one upon it’s release?
@Jim – Thanks for your kind words, Jim. Much appreciated. Unlike an early prototype of a camera where there are lots of quirks to iron out, the 800mm seemed to be ready for a release as far as I could tell. The lens was sharp, fast, well balanced and a little lighter than I would have expected for an 800mm. Regarding things to improve, I couldn’t really see any other than to be aware of just how light Canon lenses are getting. As far as buying one goes, AFP provides my toys so I won’t be selling the kidney just yet!
Nice review and good to see the unedited samples. Thanks
Looks good , Do Nikon supply a Male/Female servant to carry it for you on location shots?
I paid a little extra and have Miranda Kerr to carry mine. Seemed expensive at the time but it’s proved worth it so far.
I would like to know how it compares with the 600mm f/4 which I use and it is outstanding. Any comments?
It seems so long ago since I got my hands on it now but if my memory serves correctly, it felt very similar in all aspects including weight and response. I’m sure there’ll be plenty of reviews out by now that feature pictures shot in better conditions that may give you more of an answer. My tests were far from ideal!
BTW don’t forget it’s Miranda’s 30th birthday on 20th April
She gets enough treats already with all of the equipment to carry.