Nikon AF-S Nikkor 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR Review

Sharpness at 400mm
The sharpness tests for this review were carried out using a real-world subject rather than a test chart. The Nikon AF-S Nikkor 80-400mm f/3.5-5.6G VR lens was attached to a Nikon Df body, which in turn was mounted on a sturdy tripod. We also used a release cable and mirror lock-up to prevent any blurring that may result from camera or mirror movement. The 100% crops represent about 1/400th of the total frame area.
The full frame at 400mm
Sharpness at the centre of the frame is very good from f/5.6 to f/22. Edge sharpness peaks at f/8 and also remains usable down to f/22.
Aperture | Centre Crop | Edge Crop |
f/5.6 | ![]() |
![]() |
f/8 | ![]() |
![]() |
f/11 | ![]() |
![]() |
f/16 | ![]() |
![]() |
f/22 |
![]() |
![]() |
f/32 | ![]() |
![]() |