ED glass: An essential element of Nikkor telephoto lenses
Nikon developed ED (Extra-low Dispersion) glass to enable the production of lenses that offer superior sharpness and color correction by minimizing chromatic aberration. Put simply, chromatic aberration is a type of image and color dispersion that occurs when light rays of varying wavelengths pass through optical glass. In the past, correcting this problem for telephoto lenses required special optical elements that offer anomalous dispersion characteristics--specifically calcium fluoride crystals. However, fluorite easily cracks and is sensitive to temperature changes that can adversely affect focusing by altering the lens' refractive index. So Nikon designers and engineers put their heads together and came up with ED glass, which offers all the benefits and none of the drawbacks of calcium fluorite-based glass. With this innovation, Nikon developed several types of ED glass suitable for various lenses. They deliver stunning sharpness and contrast even at their largest apertures. In this way, Nikkor's ED-series lenses exemplify Nikon's preeminence in lens innovation and performance.

Nikon Super Integrated Coating ensures exceptional performance
To enhance the performance of its optical lens elements, Nikon employs an exclusive multilayer lens coating that helps reduce ghost and flare to a negligible level. Nikon Super Integrated Coating achieves a number of objectives, including minimized reflection in the wider wavelength range and superior color balance and reproduction. Nikon Super Integrated Coating is especially effective for lenses with a large number of elements, like our Zoom-Nikkors. Also, Nikon's multilayer coating process is tailored to the design of each particular lens. The number of coatings applied to each lens element is carefully calculated to match the lens type and glass used, and also to assure the uniform color balance that characterizes Nikkor lenses. This results in lenses that meet much higher standards than the rest of the industry.

Distance information
D-type and G-type Nikkors relay subject-to-camera distance information to AF Nikon camera bodies. This then makes possible advances like 3D Matrix Metering and 3D Multi-Sensor Balanced Fill-Flash. Note: D-type and G-type Nikkors provide distance information to the following cameras: Auto exposure; F6, F5, F100, F90X, F80, F75, F70, F65, F60, F55, F50, Pronea S, Pronea 600i, D2 series, D1 series, D100 and D70s/D70. Flash control; F6, F5, F100, F90X, F80, F75, F70, D2 series, D1 series, D100, and D70s/D70 cameras.

Vibration Reduction (VR)
This innovative VR system minimizes image blur caused by camera shake and offers the equivalent of shooting at a shutter speed three stops (eight times) faster. It allows handheld shooting at dusk, at night, and even in poorly lit interiors. The lens' VR system also detects automatically when the photographer pans--no special mode is required.

VR operation works with the Nikon F6, F5, F100, F80, F75, F65, D2-series, D1-series, D100, D70-series, and D50 cameras.

What's in the Box:
Lens, 77mm snap-on front lens cap, rear lens cap LF-1, bayonet hood HB-26, soft pouch CL-M1.

Product Description
80-400mm f/4.5 to 5.6 ED Power Zoom Lens / Built-in vibration reduction / Uses 77mm Filters / Includes Hood & Case

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Product Reviews:

   
Nikon 80-400mm pictures, February 11, 2006
Reviewer: J. Mulero "travel enthusiast"

I give it five stars for its quality, versatility, VR and price range.
I sold my Nikon 80-200mm/f2.8 after comparing this lens to the 80-400mm. Although faster and superior under low light conditions, the 80-200mm had limited range. The VR feature in the 80-400mm is great and allows handholding in situations where the 80-200mm falls short. I ran some test and could not find any differences in sharpness (f5.6-f11)between both lenses when mounted on a tripod. As far as portability, it is all relative. If you want to travel really light this may not be the lens of choice (neither was the 80-200mm for that matter). My one complain is that the AF is slower than any of my other lenses and it sometimes has difficulty focusing under low light conditions (It is nice to be able to switch to manual focus on the lens itself). For me a prime 400mm lens is out of the question (>$4000) so this is a very good afordable alternative. I have used this lens at the Zoo, for portrait photography, macro photography or at local parks for birding as shown in here:
http://www.reneeandjulio.com/gallery/album11
I took a picture of the lion at the SF Zoo and made a gorgeous 13x19 picture. I could not believe how good the lens performed on my Nikon D70s.

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