Used Nikon AF 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6D ED VR

Condition & contents

At a glance: 80-400mm FX super-telephoto zoom with first-generation VR - wildlife reach, screw-drive AF, ED glass.

About this lens

The Nikon AF 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6D ED VR is the first-generation super-telephoto zoom from Nikon with VR, released in 2000. Covers a wide telephoto range useful for wildlife, sports and distant landscapes on full-frame (FX) DSLRs. Uses Nikon's earlier screw-drive AF, which requires a body with a built-in autofocus motor.

Build & handling

Works with

• Nikon F-mount full-frame DSLRs with built-in AF motor (D750, D780, D810, D850, D6 and older pro bodies)
• Nikon F-mount APS-C DSLRs with AF motor (D500, D7x00 series - acts as ~120-600mm equivalent)
• Nikon Z mirrorless via FTZ/FTZ II adapter - manual focus only (adapter does not drive screw-AF)
• Not autofocusing on entry-level Nikons (D3xxx / D5xxx) - no in-body AF motor

Best for

A long-reach FX telephoto zoom, broadly used for wildlife and sports where 400mm of reach is needed without the weight of a big prime. On DX bodies this becomes an effective 120-600mm equivalent - serious wildlife territory.

Frequently asked questions

Will it autofocus on entry-level Nikon DSLRs (D3xxx / D5xxx)?

No. This is a screw-drive AF lens and entry-level Nikon DSLRs don't have a built-in autofocus motor, so you'd be stuck with manual focus. For AF on those bodies you'd need an AF-S, AF-P or AF-I lens.

Does this lens have image stabilisation?

Yes - first-generation VR, roughly 3 stops. Not as effective as VR II or VR III on newer lenses, but still a real advantage at 400mm.