Nikon AF-S 800mm f/5.6E FL ED VR Review

The Nikon AF-S 800mm f/5.6E FL ED VR lens is a fantastic piece of engineering that was developed primarily for wildlife lovers and professional photographers who demand extreme telephoto capabilities.

This lens is a powerhouse for shooting distant subjects with incredible accuracy and clarity because of its remarkable performance, powerful autofocus system, vibration reduction technology, and superior image quality. It also features a built-in image stabilization system.

Key Specs

  • Mount Type: Nikon F-Bayonet
  • Focal Length: 800mm
  • Maximum Aperture: f/5.6
  • Minimum Aperture: f/32
  • Format: FX/35mm
  • VR (Vibration Reduction) Image Stabilization: Yes
  • Lens Elements: 20
  • Lens Groups: 13
  • Diaphragm Blades: 9
  • Nano Crystal Coat: Yes
  • ED Glass Elements: 2
  • Super Integrated Coating: Yes
  • Autofocus: Yes
  • AF-S (Silent Wave Motor): Yes
  • Internal Focusing: Yes
  • Minimum Focus Distance: 19.36 ft. (5.9m)
  • Focus Mode: Auto, Manual, Manual/Auto, Auto/Manual
  • Filter Size: 52mm
  • Accepts Filter Type: Slip-in
  • Compatible with Nikon AF-S Teleconverters: Yes (refer to the product manual for details)
  • Approx. Dimensions (Diameter x Length): 6.3 in. (160 mm) x 18.2 in. (461 mm)
  • Approx. Weight: 161.6 oz. (4590 g)

Performance

The Nikon AF-S 800mm f/5.6E FL ED VR lens delivers an experience that can only be described as nothing short of amazing. Its ultra-telephoto focal length of 800 millimeters enables photographers to bring distant things closer, which makes it great for photographing animals, sports, and astrophotography.

The lens has a maximum aperture of f/5.6, making it extremely bright and allowing for great light transmission as well as the ability to separate subjects from their backgrounds with lovely bokeh. Extra-Low Dispersion (ED) glass components are incorporated into the optical design of the device. These elements efficiently eliminate chromatic aberrations and give exceptional sharpness and contrast.

Autofocus System

Because it utilizes Silent Wave Motor (SWM) technology, the autofocus system of the Nikon AF-S 800mm f/5.6E FL ED VR lens is blazingly fast and extremely accurate. Because of the SWM’s ability to provide precise and nearly quiet focusing performance, photographers are able to follow subjects that are moving quickly and easily.

Additionally, the lens is equipped with a programmable autofocus limiter switch that enables users to fine-tune the autofocus speed in accordance with the requirements of the particular shooting scenario. The focusing technology of this lens guarantees that crucial moments are never lost, whether the subject being photographed is a flock of birds in flight or a group of athletes in motion.

Vibration Reduction

When it comes to shooting handheld, the Vibration Reduction (VR) technology featured in the Nikon AF-S 800mm f/5.6E FL ED VR lens is a game-changer. It does an excellent job of reducing camera shaking, which enables photographers to capture shots that are clear and steady even when using longer lens lengths.

This lens’ built-in VR technology gives an outstanding 4-stop advantage, which compensates for natural hand motions and produces images that are particularly sharp. Whether you are shooting in low light or making use of the lens’s maximum telephoto reach, the VR system will ensure that your images are stabilized and that you have an improved shooting experience.

Build Quality

The Nikon AF-S 800mm f/5.6E FL ED VR lens has an amazing build quality that was built to resist the rigors of professional use in difficult settings. The lens has a structure that is both sturdy and long-lasting, with components made of magnesium alloy, which possesses the qualities of both strength and lightness. Because it is also fitted with weather-sealing to guard against dust and moisture, it enables photographers to shoot with confidence in challenging environments.

Incorporated inside the barrel of the lens is a manual focus ring that is both smooth and accurate, allowing for seamless changes whenever they are required. The overall build quality instills confidence and reliability, which are crucial attributes for professionals that insist on the very finest.

Handling and Ergonomics

The Nikon AF-S 800mm f/5.6E FL ED VR lens is remarkably reasonable in terms of both its weight and its handling, which is unexpected given the lens’s outstanding focal length. With a weight of about 4.6 kilos (10.1 pounds), it offers a satisfactory compromise between mobility and telephoto reach. The lens has a comfortable and well-positioned tripod collar that enables uncomplicated attachment on tripods and monopods in addition to allowing for smooth movement of the lens.

The addition of a cowl that can be removed offers supplemental protection against stray light and contributes to a reduction in a flare. The overall ergonomics of the lens have been thoughtfully developed to ensure that it is simple to use and can be operated comfortably even during extended periods of photography.

Image Stabilization

Advanced technology for image stabilization is included in the Nikon AF-S 800mm f/5.6E FL ED VR lens. This allows the lens to compensate for camera shake and provide clear photos under a variety of lighting and shooting circumstances. When shooting handheld or in other circumstances when using a tripod is impractical or impossible, the VR system is very useful.

Because the stabilization feature of the lens can successfully correct for both minor and big motions, it is now much simpler to capture sharp details and reduce the amount of picture blur. The image stabilization qualities of this lens substantially boost the photographer’s ability to get precise and clear images, whether they are photographing moving wildlife or filming fast-paced sporting events.

Shooting Experience

Photographers who are looking for long-range capabilities and uncompromised image quality will find great satisfaction in using the Nikon AF-S 800mm f/5.6E FL ED VR lens. The lens offers a one-of-a-kind photography experience, making it possible for users to take photographs of topics that would normally be difficult to approach. Photographers are able to reliably track and catch subjects that are moving quickly because of the camera’s outstanding focusing speed.

This helps to ensure that important moments are not lost. The remarkable optical performance and picture quality of the lens produce photographs that are stunningly clear and detailed. These photographs are able to expose delicate textures and subtle subtleties, even when the subject is seen from a distance. Whether you’re interested in photographing distant landscapes, animals, or sports, the Nikon AF-S 800mm f/5.6E FL ED VR lens provides a photography experience that is both gratifying and engaging.

Image Quality

The image quality provided by the Nikon AF-S 800mm f/5.6E FL ED VR lens is exceptional and more than adequate to satisfy the requirements of professional photographers. The lens makes use of cutting-edge optics, such as elements of Extra-Low Dispersion (ED) glass and a Nano Crystal Coat, in order to reduce chromatic aberrations, ghosting, and flare. Because of this, the image has remarkable resolution all over the frame, as well as superb color fidelity and strong contrast.

The lens creates photos that are very crisp and detailed, enabling photographers to capture the essence of their subjects with a level of clarity that is otherwise unattainable. The photographs have a more three-dimensional appearance because to the wide maximum aperture of f/5.6, which also permits exquisite background separation and appealing bokeh. Whether you’re photographing wildlife, sports, or any other telephoto topic, the Nikon AF-S 800mm f/5.6E FL ED VR lens provides dependably outstanding picture quality no matter what you’re shooting.

Teleconverter Compatibility

Because it is compatible with Nikon’s teleconverters, the Nikon AF-S 800mm f/5.6E FL ED VR lens may have its reach and adaptability increased to an even greater extent. The lens may be converted into a super-telephoto lens with a focal length of 1120 millimeters and an aperture of f/8 by using the AF-S Teleconverter TC-14E III. This conversion does not affect the autofocus capabilities of camera bodies that are compatible with the lens.

With the use of teleconverters, photographers are able to go even closer to the subjects of their photographs without compromising the image quality. This compatibility expands the lens’s versatility, making it appropriate for a larger variety of photographic applications, ranging from photographing animals and sports to taking pictures of the night sky.

Comparison with Competitors

When compared to other lenses in the same class, the Nikon AF-S 800mm f/5.6E FL ED VR lens stands out as a top performer, making it one of the best options available for ultra-telephoto photography. Its superb build quality, highly developed focusing mechanism, and picture stabilization features make it a trustworthy instrument for professional photographers who demand extreme telephoto reach.

The optical performance of the lens, which includes its ability to limit chromatic aberrations and give superb sharpness, guarantees that the picture quality produced by the lens is superior to that of other lenses in its category. The Nikon AF-S 800mm f/5.6E FL ED VR lens excels in its ability to combine performance, dependability, and picture quality, making it an appealing choice for professionals who are looking for the best. While there may be other alternatives on the market, this lens is great in its ability to combine these three aspects.

Specifications

Mount TypeNikon F-Bayonet
Focal Length800mm
Maximum Aperturef/5.6
Minimum Aperturef/32
FormatFX/35mm
Maximum Angle of View (DX)2°
Minimum Angle of View (DX)2°
Maximum Angle of View (FX)3°10′
Minimum Angle of View (FX)3°10′
Maximum Reproduction Ratio0.151x
Lens Elements20
Lens Groups13
VR (Vibration Reduction)Yes
Diaphragm Blades9
Nano Crystal CoatYes
ED Glass Elements2
Super Integrated CoatingYes
AutofocusYes
AF-S (Silent Wave Motor)Yes
Internal FocusingYes
Minimum Focus Distance19.36 ft. (5.9m)
Focus ModeAuto, Manual, Manual/Auto, Auto/Manual
Filter Size52mm
Accepts Filter TypeSlip-in
Compatible with TeleconvertersYes (refer to the product manual for details)
Approx. Dimensions6.3 in. (160 mm) x 18.2 in. (461 mm) (Diameter x Length)
Approx. Weight161.6 oz. (4590 g)

Pros and Cons

Because of its many useful features and capabilities, the Nikon AF-S 800mm f/5.6E FL ED VR lens stands out as an excellent option for professional photographers. great optical performance, a superior autofocus mechanism, and innovative vibration reduction technology combine to provide great image quality and the ability to catch subjects in motion with pinpoint accuracy. The lens’s compatibility with teleconverters expands its reach and increases its versatility. The lens’s build quality and handling features instill trust and reliability.

However, it is crucial to note that the lens’s huge focal length and weight may present challenges for some users, and its premium price tag may make it less accessible to a wider audience. Both of these characteristics should be considered before purchasing the lens. In spite of this, the Nikon AF-S 800mm f/5.6E FL ED VR lens is a strong and dependable piece of equipment that can meet the needs of professionals that require the highest possible level of telephoto capabilities as well as picture quality.

Price and Availability

As of the time this article was written, the Nikon AF-S 800mm f/5.6E FL ED VR lens is available for purchase from a variety of merchants, including those that are authorized to sell Nikon products. The lens is positioned in the higher price category of the market as a result of its outstanding performance as well as its features that are of a professional grade.

The price reflects the sophisticated technology, greater picture quality, and specialized character of the lens, which is designed to primarily appeal to experts and hobbyists who want very powerful telephoto capabilities. Although the lens might not be within the price range of every photographer’s budget, the fact that it is readily available and reasonably priced makes it a worthwhile purchase for telephoto photographers who insist on uncompromised performance and the highest possible picture quality.

Conclusion

The Nikon AF-S 800mm f/5.6E FL ED VR lens is a fantastic piece of equipment that was developed specifically for wildlife lovers and professional photographers who have a need for extreme telephoto capabilities. It is a powerhouse for shooting distant subjects with remarkable accuracy and clarity because of its excellent performance, powerful autofocus system, vibration reduction technology, and great image quality.

Further enhancing the shooting experience, the lens’s solid build quality, easy handling, and image stabilization capabilities help photographers to take great shots with confidence regardless of the conditions they are shooting in. The lens may come with a higher price tag and be heavier than other options, but professional photographers who are looking for the finest in ultra-telephoto photography will find that its capabilities and image quality make it a worthwhile instrument.

Nikon AF-S 800mm f/5.6E FL ED VR FAQs

Q. Is the Nikon AF-S 800mm f/5.6E FL ED VR lens compatible with all Nikon camera bodies?
A. Yes, the Nikon AF-S 800mm f/5.6E FL ED VR lens is compatible with all Nikon camera bodies that utilize the Nikon F-Bayonet mount. It can be used with both full-frame (FX) and APS-C (DX) format cameras.
Q. Does the lens come with image stabilization?
A. Yes, the Nikon AF-S 800mm f/5.6E FL ED VR lens features Vibration Reduction (VR) image stabilization technology. This helps to minimize camera shake and allows for sharper handheld shots, especially at longer focal lengths.
Q. Can the lens be used with teleconverters?
A. Yes, the Nikon AF-S 800mm f/5.6E FL ED VR lens is compatible with Nikon AF-S teleconverters. This allows you to extend the lens’s reach and achieve even greater telephoto magnification, although it may result in a reduction in the maximum aperture and autofocus capabilities.
Q. What is the minimum focusing distance of the lens?
A. The minimum focusing distance of the Nikon AF-S 800mm f/5.6E FL ED VR lens is 19.36 ft. (5.9m). This means that you can focus on subjects that are at least 19.36 feet away from the lens.
Q. Is the lens weather-sealed?
A. Yes, the Nikon AF-S 800mm f/5.6E FL ED VR lens is weather-sealed to provide protection against dust and moisture. This makes it suitable for shooting in various outdoor conditions, including challenging environments commonly encountered in wildlife and sports photography.

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Peter
Peter

Peter is an accomplished and passionate photographer whose captivating images have garnered global recognition. With a remarkable ability to capture fleeting moments and convey profound emotions, his work transcends boundaries and tells compelling visual stories. From stunning landscapes to intimate portraits, Peter's expertise in various genres of photography showcases his artistic vision and technical mastery.

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