In article
>I am thinking of buying a second hand Nikon MF400mm/3.5. Is it a good lens
>to buy ? and can the Manfrotto 055 tripod (or Bogen 3021) carry that lens?
It is an excellent lens, as are all the big, fast EDIF Nikkors (they
even look good when used with Nikon 1.4X and 2X converters). A light
tripod, with the legs NOT extended, can work, if there is NO wind,
and the camera/lens combination is reasonably well balanced. (Mirror
lock up, and self timer or cable release, of course!) The length and
mass of the big lenses help to reduce vibration, helping to get a
sharper image (a monopod is useable with them, or if you are strong
enough, hand-holding [briefly!] works well - or try a large bean bag).
Strong, cross-braced tripods often vibrate badly, and may not be as
good as a more flexible, but better damped, tripod (assuming no wind)
or other support.
Hope This Helps