Camera Labs

I am very new with dslr cameras and even newer to Nikon. I am looking into renting (before buying) a Nikon AF VR 80-400 f/4.5-5.6 D ED to test on my camera. Can someone tell me if it works on my 5100 and will auto focus and all with it? I dont have a lot of money so renting it for 150 for 10 days is s good idea for me to see if I like it. Will have to save for the purchase.....but renting for 150 and it dont work would be a waste of 150 that I cant waste.....any help on this would be great. I read the camera lab review of this lense and it seems like it will work and auto focus but there was a statement on it that scared me about it not auto focusing on some cameras

It will work and autofocus

I'd look at the 70-300mm VR II as well - far better bang for your buck and faster to focus too

I'll second Phil's idea with the 70-300. Great lens for the money.

If you do decide on the 80-400, don't be afraid to buy a used one from a reputable dealer. You should be able to save @30%. (it's WAAAAAY overdue an update too, so might be worth waiting?)

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Nikon D700 & D7100 bodies + Nikkor 300mm F2.8 VR11, 1.7TC, 50mm F1.4G, 16-35mm f/4G VR, 105 F2.8 VR macro, 70-300mm lenses. A couple of filters, Giotto tripod & ballhead. Lowepro Slingshot 302 AW

http://www.flickr.com/photos/oldcarlos/

I don't think the 80-400 will autofocus on a D5100. It's an AF-D lens, not SWM.

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I take pictures so quickly, my highschool was "Continuous High".

Agree with Citrus.

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Nikon D90, 18-105mm kit Lens
Nikon 10 mm - 24 mm - f/3.5-4.5 G ED AF-S DX
Nikon macro 105 mm - f/2.8 G ED-IF AF-S VR
Nikon 35mm f/1.8 DX
Nikon 50mm f/1.4G
Manfrotto Tripod + Ballring
B+W Pol Filter 67mm & B+W Käsemann MRC Pollfilter 77mm, Step up rings

I second recommendations for the 70-300 VR. You lose little from 400 at the long end, and the lens is not too big or heavy. It is certainly sharp enough.

And it is reasonably priced.

I certainly like mine - does an excellent job for all I need (though I'm not into serious sport or wildlife photography).

As others point out, an "AF" lens will not autofocus on the D5100, whereas an "AF-S" lens will.

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HCC
Nikon DSLRs, film cameras from Leica to Linhof

thank you all for the advice.......so far everyone I have spoke with has said the same......guess it will be the 70-300