[chuckles]

Originally Posted by DJW

Quick query, with the 70-200 being so fast, could you not adopt a 2x convertor when you want the 400 range ?

At the time I got the 80-400 the 70-200 was not available. My colleague has got the 70-200 plus teleconverter. I'm not quite sure is as hot as the single unit option. It is good though, and well worth consideration.

Steady hands..? No, I think I got lucky!

[Dave]

Choices choices Rog.....I change my mind on a daily basis . I think I made the mistake of reading too many reviews, then I start to doubt if I will ever be good enough to justify spending that much on one piece of glass etc. As 98% of my shots stay on the PC to be viewed, if I was sensible I would just get the 18-200 & keep the 50 f/1.8 for portrait shots.

I'll see what side of the bed I get out of tomorrow & which way the wind is blowing

[Dave]

Originally Posted by chuckles

At the time I got the 80-400 the 70-200 was not available. My colleague has got the 70-200 plus teleconverter. I'm not quite sure is as hot as the single unit option. It is good though, and well worth consideration.

Steady hands..? No, I think I got lucky!

See another option So in theory getting the 18-55, plus 70-200 plus 2x convertor would cover everything & mean I wouldn't have to upgrade again £2k

[Venomator]

Originally Posted by DJW

Choices choices Rog.....I change my mind on a daily basis

Don't I know that feeling ??? Benefits to others ... if you know what I mean !

[chuckles]

You think that's a problem. Try having lenses disappearing in the house with the words, "Ooh, I like this one"!

My only protection is to make sure the optics are very heavy!

[Marianne]

oh the truth is coming out now.....

[Dave]

Just hide them in the toolbox....they'll never get found

[Arkady]

Images from 17-55 Nikkor in the Malawi folder here:

http://www.thephotographyforums.com/gallery/Malawi

1st impressions are good - I'm taking it to Afghanistan next week for more testing. Keep you posted.

[Dave]

Cheers Rob....good to have you back. I'll have a scan of those later

[Arkady]

Only one niggle with my test lens. Twice it has failed to auto-focus after switching on the camera - the lens 'hunts' through it's entire range and then defaults to minimum focus.
The only way to cure it was to switch off, remove the lens, blow on the contacts, replace it and try again.
I'm thinking the very high humidity, coupled with the sudden change from very cold (UK) to very hot (Malawi) was the cause.
I'll keep an eye on that one, because it could mean losing a shot while you curse the AF and frantically switch to M/F...

Optically it's very good and the range is absolutely ideal for me - I'll be gutted to hand it back if the replacements aren't due for a while.