Solo Overland - Nikon Nikkor 800mm 5.6 ED-IF AIS

Asia - Africa - South America - Middle East

All Images By Rick Hemi

Is The Nikon 800 5.6 ED-IF AIS Lens Worth It's 5.5 Kg Weight To Carry Around?

It's really a personal choice, and depends where one is based, that a lens of this caliber can outweigh the disadvantages of its weight and bulky length. A versatile pack to carry such a long heavy lens, is the sleek slimline Kani pack (L-300L). The Kani pack can accommodate an 800mm lens with any pro-body attached (images down the page). The 800 does show signs of slight CA fringing on wide apertures when capturing high contrast exposures. At times, the odd halo appears when pointed at certain angles towards sunlight. CA and halo are easily removed in post processing.

The 800 5.6 has never failed capturing random shots of any subject matter. Manual focusing with this lens is excellent.

The 800mm lens in DX mode (1200mm) captures distant subjects with ease. This saves wasted parts of image space not required. I also carry a 1.4x teleconverter, but is hardly used due to the powerful magnification of this lens. Overall, the Nikkor 800mm f/5.6 AI-S lens is still an impressive piece of glass to use for wildlife, astro, landscape, street photography, and random diverse street subjects in the 2020s

800 5.6 ED AIS in the wilderness — Long shots, closeup shots, cropped, enlarged images.

What are the downsides of the 1986 Nikkor 5.6 ED AIS? The lens for many will be heavy, really heavy weight, almost cumbersome for anyone used to using lightweight lenses. The 800 is manual focus only, and requires being used on tripods. The lens is also difficult to use for fast moving subjects, like birds in flight, even for experienced photographers. The drawback, is the lack of auto focus on fast moving subjects at certain angles when focus and DOF becomes an issue to retain sharp images. The lens when used in certain lighting can give lateral chromatic aberration (CA). Overall, the Nikkor 800 5.6 AIS produces good image captures for all kinds of still photography at any location. Those in a rush having limited time, or lacking patience i.e two minutes here, one hour there should avoid this lens.        

Above, offshore in the wilderness using the 800 5.6 ED AIS. The 5.5kg lens requires a stable tripod and reliable tripod head. Where do you get your hands on this rare manual focus lens in the 2020s?  KEH USA, Japanese eBay camera sellers. 

B&H photo, and KEH camera are still going strong, as they were in the 1980s.  Three years after the Nikkor 800 5.6 ED AIS was released the lens was selling for $4200 USD. The inflation calculator has that original dollar price in 2024 @ $10.389. As mentioned numerous times through this website, the 1980s was the best decade for work, travel, quality made products, most of — Total Freedom.

Length 670mm : Diameter 163mm : Weight 5.5Kg : Optics 8/6 (3ED) : f5.6 - f32 : Drop in Filter 52mm : Units Manufactured 3004 - 1986 2005 : Serial Sequence 200001 - 203004
DSLR full frame lenses today are just paperweights according to couch potato online photography reviewers. Well, they maybe correct on certain lens designs and brands, but one lens that still gets the shots, is the 1986-05 Nikon Nikkor 800 5.6 AIS prime. I've probably tested this particular lens in more different extreme climatic conditions than most photo-bloggers could ever dream of experiencing. The classic 800mm 5.6 AIS has certainly surpassed all rugged overland travel and transit journeys, and has never failed - not once above +50C to below -33C. No melted or seized womb thread grease, no fungus issues, and no front cracked element due to extreme subzero temps. This lens gets a 10/10 rating for reliability within extreme environments.

Slow moving subjects, landscapes, and stationary subjects using the 800 5,6 manual focus lens is not difficult. When having no required time limit to manually re-focus, or to quickly change settings makes this lens shine. Using a stable tripod is imperative to hold the 6.5 kilo weight (lens and body), including a reliable tripod head that's easy to work with. I've personally been using a Wimberley WH-200 head with this lens with positive results. All images on this page are low res only.

Sarus cranes captured in lowland wetlands Asia - Nikkor 800 5.6 ED AIS & D3S 12 MP 

The Nikkor 800 5.6 AIS is now 38 years old, still working perfectly in the 2020s — above capture DSLR D3S. 

The Nikkor 5.6 ED-IF AIS was manufactured from 1986-2005 with 3007 units produced. The 800 5.6 in 2020s is considered an old horse. The lens, like many other classic manual focus lenses can accommodate a dandelion chip if need be. This particular chip is designed to fit most manual focus lenses of makes and designs. I would personally recommend this lens to anyone who's thinking to upgrade from smaller prime lenses, and able to tolerate manual focusing. Mint condition Nikkor 800 5.6 AIS lenses can still be purchased online through Japanese eBay sellers, or KEH used camera gear USA. Images on this page (all low res) were taken with the 800 5.6 with D3 and D3S 12 MP bodies.

Lunar Captures

2020 Plandemic Moon — 19% waning crescent - Nikkor 800 5.6 ED AIS @ f/11 1/160 Sec ISO 100

Landscape long shots at different locations @15-20km — 800 5.6 ED AIS & D3S 12 MP 

Landscape long shot (15km)  800 5.6 ED AIS & D3S 12 MP 

The manual focus 800 5.6 AIS capturing action shots mounted on a tripod. This 5.5kg lens plus body is not hand-holdable.

Pond herons are mostly spotted in swamp wetlands - Nikkor 800 5.6 ED AIS  

Purple Moorhen - D3S, Nikkor 800 5.6 ED AIS  

Still motion captures taken with the Nikkor 800 5.6 ED AIS prime & 12MP D3S.

Snow Leopard - Himalaya

Fake news isn't only found in news media. It's also found in wildlife blog sites and social media. When reading anything on snow leopards found roaming above 4900M, or that these big cats avoid strolling through snow, it's probably 99.9% fake. Snow leopards have no food source past 4900M. All their food source remains below 4900M. Snow leopards, stroll, run, hunt and kill prey in snow. The only way of actually seeing this, is during midwinter. During summer, snow leopards do wander down to lower elevation levels below 3500M. The best time self-tracking, spotting and photographing snow leopards, is in midwinter.
Avoid the summer season no matter the region or location i.e. Mongolia, northern Pakistan, India. There are far to many one week tourists scaring snow leopards into hiding. Image captures of snow leopards captured in snow are more impressive, and worth the extra effort. 

Reaching Spiti Valley during midwinter can be a mission. Snow drift can block the only road route for days on end. I was held up for 3 days in Rekong Peo until the road track was driveable. 99% of "wildlife photographers" head directly to Kibber, or to Chicham, where open canyons are easily viewed from high location points spotting snow leopards. I decided to self-track self-spot at other locations well away from Kibber that yielded positive results. Traces of fresh snow leopard pug-marks and droppings were found at various particular points. Within an hour or so, a snow leopard was spotted slowly wading through virgin snow @4300-4400M elevation.

The chance, the possibilities of sighting this "grey ghost" is a rare event - call it shear luck. Leaving the Kibber region well away from other photographers was the right choice. Most snow leopard images taken in Kibber, or at Chicham bridge are captured at downward angles. By 4pm, this high elevated location was beginning to bite with subzero temps falling below minus -17C (windchill -25C). The sun was sinking fast, and the only way out was already looking like an ice skating track. Only experienced drivers who have driven on dangerous icy roads should risk driving up at these high altitude levels during midwinter.

 Jungle wood apple, Nikkor 800 5.6 ED AIS prime — wide open @5.6

Both images are cropped long shots from the same NEF file. The capture was taken from 70+ meters using the 800 5.6 AIS & D3S 

Example long shot snaps with the 800 5.6 ED AIS mounted on 12MP D3 and D3S bodies 

Purple heron, Spot billed ducks  - Nikkor 800 5.6 AIS ED.

Grubby open bill stork - D3s, Nikkor 800mm 5.6 ED.

Quick snap examples wide open - 800 5.6 AIS, below, a long shot cropped 80% of the original NEF file.

Middle of Nowhere - Bird & Wildlife

Egyptian Vultures  - D3s, Nikon 800 5.6 ED-IF AIS  - Manual Focus Lens.

Fox Glacier - D3s, Nikon 800 5.6 ED AIS  - Manual Focus Lens

+51C - D3s, Nikon 800 5.6 EDF AIS  - Manual Focus Lens

Nikkor 800 5.6 AIS - Isolated Locations

                            800 5.6 +51C temp arid desert region                                                                 800 5.6 minus -33C subzero @3800M 

In the 2020s, the 1986 800 5.6 ED AIS prime still gets a lot of usage, at times more than later model AFS lenses for distant long shots,

The 800 5.6 prime has been used in extreme subzero conditions. The lens operated in subzero temps to minus -33C with zero issues of womb thread grease freezing, lens glass elements cracking, or inner fogging. The 800 has proved itself as a reliable working lens in extreme +50c desert heat  and  double digit subzero temperatures.

One of coldest locations of any overland journeys since 1982, capturing subzero midwinter images using the 800 5.6 prime.  

Wilderness - Nikkor 800 5.6 AIS

As of late, no high res image stills have been added to this website due website image theft. The majority of high res images have been replaced with low res images instead. Examples of image website theft can be viewed on this page exposing image thieves.

At times, finding good locations to photograph in the wilderness is totally insane. These location snaps show there's no limitations whatsoever when it involves wildlife photography. Positioning tripods on the edge of high cliff top faces was required capturing random stills of Himalayan Griffon and eagles in their natural habitat. The elevation level @3700 meters, is the same altitude of the highest landmass in New Zealand - Mount Cook.

Long Shots - Nikkor 800 5.6 ED AIS

Early morning ship salvage and gas axe crew long shots. Since '82, I've traveled overland through countries and continents carting around some form of photo gear. In the 2020s, nothing much has changed. I still use some older classic Nikkor lenses capturing subject matter.

Long shot snaps, Nikkor 800mm 5.6 AIS prime from a distance of 400+ meters — DSLR D3S FX 6MP cropped.

DSLR FX 12MP DX 6MP - Nikkor 800 5.6 ED AIS

Snake bird, Seal Pups, Nikon 800 5.6 ED AIS prime.

Wetlands heron with a catch - 800 5.6 ED AIS. 75% cropped enlargement 6MP image (D3S 12MP DX mode).   

Wetlands heron with a catch - 800 5.6 ED AIS. 75% cropped enlarged 6MP image (D3S 12MP DX mode).   

Overland - Nikkor 800 5.6 ED AIS prime

Spotted Dove  - D3s, Nikon 800 f/5.6 ED AIS

Sarus cranes  - D3s, Nikon 800 f/5.6 ED AIS prime.

Travel Baggage - Nikkor 800 5.6 AIS

Tripod gear : Camera Gear : Accessories : Reliable Baggage Gear

​A set of stainless steel extended tripod foot spikes ensures stability when tripods are setup in soft ground. A solid stainless eye-lit can be purchased at almost any hardware store. Both accessories help to maintain tripods a firm non-movement grip reducing vibration, including safety using heavy photo gear. Anything available like rocks and bottles of water can be used to fill a bag, that's then attached to the eye-lit hookup keeping tripods more stable. Photo Gear Page : Tripod
Imagine arriving to any isolated location full of wildlife, but the lenses you have don't reach out far enough to capture distant subjects. This happens more often than most realize with some becoming very disappointed because of it. Moving up too close will usually cause wildlife to move even further away. Using 1.5, 2x, 3x tele-converters is optional. These should be avoided due to f-stop loss, increased ISO, slower shutter speeds in low light conditions.Page  

For the last 15+ years, we have been living in a consumer world full of cheap made junk. At times branded packaging has more value than the actual product itself. A lot of camera gear stuff is just as bad. The deception anything newer is better, isn't really any better. Glossy market advertising has the habit of casting spells on people. Good quality designed items and products are recognized, by where the product is made, and by the years the product has continually proved its worth and value. Anything brand new has zero recognition for reliability until put to the test claiming years of hassle free fame. The Manfrotto MBAG-80P tripod bag, gets full credit for what it was designed for — Protecting tripods and stuff within any environment. The above MBAG-80P, since 2010, has survived everything and anything over-landing through three entire continents. Even within extreme subzero temps in minus -33C — for weeks! The same MBAG-80P, is still being used in 2024 with zero issues — how about that? Avoid being hypnotized newer is better.                

Low light Snaps - Nikkor 800 5.6 AIS

The 800 5.6 AIS works well in low light. Remember, this is a 38+ year old manual focus lens having no auto focus weighing 5.5Kg + body. The three ED elements is what makes the 800 a good all round long range telephoto prime.

Roaming around freely on foot within marshy forest wetlands, one can suddenly bump into predators, like jackals. Normally, jackals stick together in groups. They aren't afraid of humans, and attack at will when necessary. Setting up the 800 5.6 grabbing this snap was more than risky, if other jackals were in the area. The only defense if approached by other jackals was a stick. The carcass was killed by other predators, either a leopard or panther.     

Night Sample - Nikkor 800 5.6 AIS

2km long shot crops from the below image showing no coma — 1986 Nikkor 800 5.6 ED AIS, DSLR D800

Nikon C-PL1L - Nikkor 800 5.6 AIS

Nikon C-PL1L brief history — Purchased brand new 2011 : Used multiple times : No coating separation issues. 

I've used many different Nikon lenses through the decades, some better than others. Nikon, like other camera brands have made some crappy lenses i.e. E series and plastic AF lenses. On the other hand, Nikon has designed some series lenses that just keep on keeping on. The Nikkor 800 5.6 AIS is one of them. Below, The 800 5.6 on location, still a great lens to use in the 2020s - Bird - Wildlife - Astro - Lunar 

Wilderness - Nikkor 800 5.6 ED AIS

Wilderness - Nikkor 800 5.6 AIS

Spotting salt water swamp tigers is difficult enough let alone capturing images of them. One has to be fortunate to capture closeup images of these particular big cats. Three separate sightings at three different locations in four days was more than expected. Forget about wasting time and energy at the various watchtowers located within the Sunderbans. The distance, and angle of view will not get horizontal captures like these image examples taken with the 800 5.6

Nikon 800 5.6 AIS - AFS - Lens Pack + Pro Body

Lens Pack that can accommodate an 800mm lens with body attached.

KANI PACK FOR LARGE 800 PRIME LENSES

The Kani pack and 800 5.6 lens has clocked up thousands of overland transit mileage using local transportation without damage or issues since 2016. Overland travel crossing through countries and continents using basic transport with an 800mm 5.6 lens without adequate protection will eventually destroy the lens within a short time period. The Kani L 300L is recommended if still available. The Kani harness system is non-swivel. The removal of the lens from the pack is quick and simple. The bulky lens front element and lens hood fits snugly into the bottom of the pack. The pack's center cushion is held by three velcro flaps, and can be adjusted up and down to hold the lens barrel firmly in place. The top flap protects the cameras backside and removed when required. The solid base ensures the pack to stand vertically. There's also enough pockets adequately placed around and inside the pack for small items like filters, SD and flash cards.