John Howard Loc: SW Florida and Blue Ridge Mountains of NC.

Thanks billnikon.

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

I have used it (200-500) with my bodypod ( has a tilt head) and facial stabilizer - works really well. For larger lenses on a monopod I like a video/fluid head for following action.

jackpinoh Loc: Kettering, OH 45419

Consider:
Nikon D810 with 200-500mm f/5.6: 7 lb (I have this combination)
Nikon D810 with Tamron 150-600mm f/5-6.3: 6.25 lb (I have this combination)
Nikon D810 with 300mm f/4 pf + 1.4TC (f/5.6): 4 lb (I have this combination) Effective focal length = 420mm.
Nikon D810 with 300mm f/4 pf + 2.0TC (f/8): 4.25 lb Effective focal length = 600mm.

The 1.4TC works on the 200-500mm as well as the 300mm, but the 300mm+1.4TC is a sharper combination. I haven't used the 2.0 TC, but I imagine that sharpness will suffer.

I actually use the 200-500mm, the 150-600mm and the 300mm pf on my D500 for sports and wildlife. The 200-500mm feels much heavier to carry and tires me out shooting handheld where the 300mm pf lens is much easier. On the D500, the 300mm pf + 1.4TC has an effective focal length of 640mm and weighs only 3.8 lb. That is what I take to shoot birds in flight or on hikes.

You may lose AF with the D300 at f/8. If light is good, you may be able to focus with the center AF point--slowly and sometimes with some difficulty.

Jerry Green Loc: Huntsville, AL

I use a tilt head on a monopod with the 200-500 mm and a D500 and it works fine.

lwerthe1mer Loc: Birmingham, Alabama

With weight being an issue, should you consider a lighter camera?

rmorrison1116 Loc: Near Valley Forge, Pennsylvania

I use the 200-500 on my D500 handheld most of the time, but then I'm still in my 60's. I find it easier to handhold my 5D IV with EF 100-400L II & 1.4X III teleconverter. I can understand how you feel with the camera being too heavy. When I use my Sigma 150-600 Sport, I can barely handhold it steady enough to get a good shot. A monopod or even better, a tripod is the answer when it comes to being too heavy.

jackpinoh Loc: Kettering, OH 45419

An Olympus E-M1 Mk 2 with a 100-400mm or 300mm lens will weigh 3.4 or 4 lbs respectively (EFOVs of 200-800mm and 600mm). A Fuji X-T2 with a 400mm lens will weigh 4 lb (EFOV of 600mm).

davids999 Loc: Edinburgh, UK

I am not familiar with the 200-400 other than seeing excellent shots produced by it. I have the 200-500 and it is a great lens for the money. Like any lens when used in less than optimum conditions it can be frustrating. My only two real bugbears with it is that the AF can be slow in poor or dappled lighting such as birds in trees and the tripod foot supplied by Nikon has a tendency to swivel out of true centre. VR is superb. It is heavy but reverse the tripod to carry it or better still attache a shoulder carry strap such as the Sun-Sniper to the lens foot. On a long day out I find a sturdy monopod gives a bit of relief or use a tripod. I doubt you would regret purchasing this lens but like them all it takes a bit of time to learn how to get the best from it.

davids999 Loc: Edinburgh, UK

Just thought of another minor thing. The lens hood attachment is really not secure if the lens is suspended from a carry strap. Very easy to lose it without realising it was gone. I have a Lenscoat neoprene camo set on the lens and use a set of little clip connectors on short cords to make sure I don't lose it. These issues would not deter me from buying this lens. It is a great product for the money.