FM is another great source to buy great camera gear if needed.
Just check out how long have they been members, how many posts,
seller rating and I like to know if they have a website to show they are a photographer like myself.
Ive bought and sold many high ticket items as Ive been a member since 2003.
Best of luck and Im sure you'll be in great hands if you just do a little bit of checking them out, but
really I have only heard of one or two problems with sellers since 2003 and thats not bad, unless its involves me or you.

Ive had both 70-200 versions and never had a soft issue with either one, so I dont know whats up with that one, I suppose there could have been some issues.
But, I just told you about the qualities about the FL version, so dont expect to find any short comings from this one.
I sold my 70-200 vr II for $1600 and bought the FL for $2200, to me the $600 was one of the best investments Ive ever made
as I have some very happy clients when they see my recent work. Its already paid for itself, so I can say its a worthy upgrade.

Well in that case you will be extremley shocked in trying out the 70-200FL as it is one of the fastest, sharpest, cleanest lens ever made.
The color retention is one of the best Ive ever seen in any lens and Ive had some of the best lens ever made by Canon and Nikon, ex. Canon 35L, 135L, 200 1.8 and Nikon 135mm DC, 85mm 1.4, 200 f/2 and the 400FL.
Actually, the 24-70 is a very sharp lens, but cheaply made for my taste.
The magnesium housing on the newer 70-200FL is actually pretty strong and it does not feel cheaply made.
I guess different strokes for different folks, but I hear ya.

Oh yes, the good ole Nikkor lens of yesteryear.
My point was that Im still surprised in what Nikon calls pro gear these days, when in fact some can break even if you stare at it too hard.
BTW, I've been call many things, but never a Preacher.. :)

I can never find those hummingbirds around here in the DFW area.
The only thing I can catch is the Hummingbird son by Seals & Crofts

The 300PF is an exceptional lens, I just love that lens.
It was fast enough when I used it for Worlds in Orlando last month.

And Im sure I will blind all the athletes coming my way as this will be a game changer, not to mention having the fans and players
chase my monkey ass all over the field.

From everything Ive read and watched this lens in action during major sporting events is just not in the same league as the larger primes by Nikon.
If using this lens for your personal purposes then by all means this will not only save you a ton of money but will be fun to shoot, but if you are trying
to make money from this lens via paid assignments then I pity the fool who thinks it is the right tool for the job.
I personally cannot see how the quality of the overall construction will ever hold up through the rain, snow, dust & extreme hot days.
IMO, I believe this lens will suffer the most when it is fully extended as you have to put down (sometimes drop from about 12" to 18") on the ground to
use your sidekick when the action is right on top of you. I can see that any bump or scrape on the housing will eventually keep the lens from smoothly
fully extending or retracting bc of the cheaply made plastic housing. I remember far too well of that happening to my 24-70 on a few occasions as I had
to send to nikon for a full replacement of the outer sleeves as those too are cheaply made.
I remember clearly that the 200-400 VR2 suffered closer to 400mm for evening sporting events as the images appeared to break up too much from tighter crops.
Finally, I believe this lens has a lot of bang for your buck and is truly an amazing and sharp lens, but the other issues like the cheesy collar, lens hood, focus speed
and shooting near the top end @ 500mm can and will eventually cost you dearly in the end when it counts.
Id rather stick to the primes for major sporting events as they have been tested and proven for the past 20 plus years.

How is it even possible for this lens to perform well at night at f/5.6?

I was thinking about buying two and adding them together so I can have a 400-1000, but I dont think its possible, right?

If you hold a sword you are a samurai or if you hold a gun then you are a soldier..

First of all, very well said.
I agree with just about everything stated about the D5 except the D500 does rival the D5 in some aspects like its focus engine, but it falls short at higher ISO, shutter life and IMO the crop factor can be a problem for some wanting a full frame sensor.

You might want to look into one of these, but they are a bit expensive.
I simply love mine with a ball head attached.

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/841511-REG/Kirk_PO_2PC_Low_Pod.html

You said, 'Nature, Travel & Cruise shots'
It appears to me you are describing the D810 or wait for its successor which is due out very soon.
The D5 is like an assault weapon, waiting to assassinate its prey.
The D810 is the ultimate in walk around camera body with or without battery grip.
I know its slow when compared to the D5, but Ive been able to capture many great shots of fast sporting
events such as football and volleyball when needed, but its about timing when using the D810, kind of like
using strobes for basketball, you just wait for the right peak moment for capture.
The D5 really is ok for studio work or portraits but is not even close when compared to the D810.
IMO, the D5 will be overkill for you as you probably will not ever benefit from its many wonderful advantages unless you
shoot many indoor and outdoor sporting events.
Save your money and buy extra quality lens for the difference saved in buying the D810.

Yeah I read that story, so sad for them.
I dont get it why I see so many people hanging around tracks these days.
Those tracks in Texas are used exclusively and they almost always seem to be in a hurry.
Ive seen those trains go through small towns between 60 and 70mph throughout the day, thats just crazy.