mikeroetex Loc: Lafayette, LA

I saw the link and this was from a retailer who was discontinuing the offer of a sports and wildlife kit. All the extra add-on junk they bundle with a camera. The kit, NOT the camera, was discontinued and only by that retailer.

Nickaroo

The Nikon D500 has not been discontinued. Nikon is simply not going to upgrade it. Plus I have one and was told by Nikon that they would be able to service it for years to come. The thing is a tank and is built like one. The processor, EXSPEED 5, is used in other Nikons such as the D7500 and rumor has it that the upgraded D750 to a D760 will have that processor as well. Shutters and Mirrors along with Sensors will most likely always be available. And if they did discontinue the D500, then the price would probably drop to under $1000.00, which then you could by an extra one just to have on hand. I currently own a D750, D850, D5300, and a relatively new D500 which I got a great price on just the body through B&H.

Retired CPO Loc: Travel full time in an RV

No it hasn't!

Bill_de Loc: US

Get off the band wagon!

Jerry has already acknowledged that the D500 is not discontinued!

If anyone had read the thread all the way to the top of page 2 ….

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Steve Perry Loc: Sylvania, Ohio

The D500 is an excellent camera and the AF fine tune capability is handy. However, as others have mentioned, PLEASE be sure that you actually have an AF Fine tune problem before you mess with it. I've seen far too many cameras on my workshops that weren't tuned properly (and didn't need tuning in the first place) and they consistently produce soft images. Tuning a setup that doesn't need it will usually make things worse, not better.

Personally, nowadays, I shoot with a setup for a few days before any tuning. If I see consistent front or back focus issues, then and only then do I recommend tuning. In too many cases, people have a poor copy of a lens or poor technique and try to skirt the real issue with AF Fine tuning.

So, my advice is to confirm you see wither consistent front or back focusing first, then turn to fine tuning.

neillaubenthal

The D500 is not discontinued according to Nikon.

E.L.. Shapiro Loc: Ottawa, Ontario Canada

I am not currently a Nikon user so I am not up to date on all the latest models or the scuttlebutt and rumors that surrounds all makes of equipment. So...I simply went to the OFFICIAL Nikon website. The d500 is alive and well and available here in Canada and I presume all through North America and internationally as well. The site has an option to order the camera and lists the price.
https://www.nikonusa.com/en/nikon-products/product/dslr-cameras/d500.html

moosus

Once again, thanks to all. And yes, my technique is probably the culprit. When I do get a keeper, it's the claws, not the eyes, that are sharp. Everyone has provided food for thought. I'll mull on it some more and take something for the GAS. Thank you. MM

Doc Barry Loc: Huntsville, Alabama USA

You don’t use LV to AF fine tune.

billnikon Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont

For auto fine tune you do.

Retired CPO Loc: Travel full time in an RV

Whose bandwagon? If you have something to say to someone specifically use Quote Reply! Jerry has been on his bandwagon for more than a week.

NikonJohn Loc: Indiana U.S.A.

I have fine tuned a number of lenses with my D500; it is fairly easy and works well. That said, if you fine tune a lens you should do it at the distance that you do most of your work with using that lens, because it may effect the auto focus accuracy at other distances (just the physics of it). I have found that to be the case for me and had to re-do a lens or two. For a simple "how to" video on the subject you could look at dpreview. It is the same for the D500 and the D5 as they have the same autofocus system. I have found that with my 105 micro if I am doing a locked down shot on the tripod (like micro work) I just use live view to get the focus spot on, otherwise my 105 is set for a portrait distance since it is such a high resolution lens. I don't often use that lens for landscapes.
I got my D500 in early 2017 and just recently sprung for the 200-500 f5.6 zoom. I can join many others in recommending that camera and lens combination. Works great for birds, butterflies, and other wildlife. I don't really intend to fine tune that lens because I work it's full focal range and don't really see any issues.
As a parting thought I have used the following Nikon DSLR's: D70, D300, D700 and the D500, and I would say the D500 is by far the best camera I have ever used. As you may know the D300 and D700 were darn good cameras in there time, and still are really. I can't imagine you will be disappointed with a D500. I don't even miss the pop-up flash for relatively close work, or fill-flash, which was an original concern I had. The only thing to get used to is the relative complexity of the auto focus system. Though if you change it often like I do you will quickly remember how the system works. It is a complex camera with a lot of features that if you use them well you will get great results. So there that is my take on the D500.

pila

Thanks Jerry.

B and H is sending their entire inventory back to Nikon.
Pila

tommyII Loc: Northern Illinois

Wrong. The "Sports and Wildlife kit" has been discontinued. The D500 is alive and well. I have both the D500 and the D850, and I actually prefer the D500 over the D850. They are both fine cameras, and I like them both, but I just enjoy shooting the D500 a little more than the D850.
I keep hearing the raves about the mirror-less, and while the weight and size sounds appealing, I've got way too much invested in my DX and FX to make Nikon any richer, by starting another collection of glass. They'll always be another fad around the corner.

Bill_de Loc: US

I was referring to everyone who keeps beating this dead horse, when Jerry already said he retracted his original statement. See top of page two. The expression 'listen before you speak' translates smoothly to 'read before you write'.

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