Maddigan2

I've been a reader on your site for about a month. It has been so helpful, so thanks to all who contribute. I recently retired and rewarded myself with a Nikon D500. I'm hoping to buy a zoom lens so that I can photograph sporting events, inside (track meets, basketball games) and outside (baseball and track meets). I was advised to buy the Nikon 70-200m f/2.8E, as it would be best for the indoor photography. I'm in no hurry to buy this, as I'm still learning so much about the D500. Will that 70-20mm lens ever go on sale? I've followed B & H and Adorama, but their prices have remained constant. I notice that 42nd St Photo is selling it for $200 less, but I'm unsure of their track record.
Any advice that the readers can provide would be appreciated.

DaveO Loc: Northeast CT

Welcome and enjoy!

I have been using my 70-200 for kids basketball and generally it is very good unless the action get to close to me. I also use a 24-70. The D500 has a lot of capabilities and it is taking me a lot of time to learn them. There are many videos available from some reliable sources. The following link is quite popular and you will find others. The autofocus system is worth spending a lot of time on. http://backcountrygallery.com/nikon-d500-review/

Not a whole lot of super sales,occasional $100 or so off or a package deal. When you see prices cheaper than the so called ABC's,Adorama,B&H, or Cameta,beware of no US warranties or grey market sales,etc. Also,the search function on this site can often provide info on many different vendors. Be cautious and don't hesitate to query our members. Many would not use 42nd St Photo. It is good to see that you are in no hurry to buy any particular lens as there are several great options.

jackpi Loc: Southwest Ohio

On the D500, the 70-200mm f/2.8 will have the efov and aperture of a 105-300mm f/4. Since you are concerned about price, consider the Tamron 70-200 f2.8. Stick with B&H or Adorama. If 42nd St Photo is selling a lens for $200 less, it is probably a gray market lens and Nikon will not honor the warrantee.

Jim Bob

It is an exceptional lens.

PaulR01 Loc: West Texas

Its an exceptional lens for sure. But don't forget that Sigma and Tamron both have quality fast 70-200 lens as well.

crazydaddio Loc: Toronto Ontario Canada

Do your research on the 3rd party lenses. The AF algorithms from Nikon and Canon are not shared with the 3rd party lense mfgs. I am a Canon shooter and the 70-2002.8 sigma and tamron are no match for the AF target lock speed of the Canon on a Canon body. If you are shooting portraits ... save money and buy the 3rd party lenses as the optics are still excellent. If you want sub-second focus lock on a moving target...especially in low light sports...make sure you know what you may or may not be missing from native lens....rent or research. I tested the Tamron and Sigma lenses before I bought the Canon. Grudgingly reached deeper into my pocket and shelled out the 2x for the Canon. (I own 2 sigma lenses and 1 use for sports. The sports lens is a f5-6.3 and i only use it outdoors and in sunshine for sports. It focuses well under those conditions....in lower light, its relegated to "bird on branch" photography :-) Good luck with your decision process ...its half the fun anyway....

DaveO Loc: Northeast CT

There are several different comparisons of the various manufactures and the verdict would be quite close as to which is better and then the cost factor plays its personal part. I don't recall ever seeing where "target lock" is a factor,but for some it might be. Check DXO and other sources. Nikon and Canon no longer rule the roost for having the only quality consumer lenses. There are viable alternatives to their 70-200 and 24-70 2.8's,etc. Don't forget the Art lenses and several others as well.

DavidPine Loc: Fredericksburg, TX

Stay clear of 42nd. Street Photo. B&H is my first choice. The 70-200 is a great lens and coupled with the D500 you'll love it especially for sports.

Gene51 Loc: Yonkers, NY, now in LSD (LowerSlowerDelaware)

Aperture will remain F2.8, not F4, but you are correct, the field of view will be similar to a 105-300. The depth of field on the crop sensor at F2.8 will look like F4 on the full frame, though. Tony Northrup has that completely backwards. Nikon will not fix gray market goods, in or out of warranty, and they do not allow their repair network to do the work either, and they limit the availability of parts, training and support to just their repair people, which has a terrible impact on resale later. I almost always buy used, and the first question I ask is "is this USA product?" - If the seller doesn't know or says no, I will always pass on it, regardless of how good a deal it is.

rgrenaderphoto Loc: Hollywood, CA

The D500 is a Dx format camera, so please look at the Sigma 18-300.

DirtFarmer Loc: Escaped from the NYC area, back to MA

The Nikkor 70-200 comes in 4 flavors these days. The old version, 70-200 f/2.8G VR was pretty good and I used mine for about 8 years. A few years ago the 70-200 f/2.8G VRII came out, then the 70-200 f/4 (a smaller lighter lens), and most recently the 70-200 f/2.8E VR. I got the E version last year and I like it a lot. However, it's quite pricey.

I would agree that f/2.8 would help with indoor sports. There are probably a few non-Nikon 70-200 lenses out there but I have no experience with them. However, about a year ago I got the Nikkon 200-500 f/5.6E VR and it does very nicely indoors with a camera that's capable of high ISO performance. I believe the D500 falls into that category. The 200-500 is about $1000 cheaper than the new 70-200 and gives you much better reach for sports. I don't have a problem with f/5.6 with my D5 using ISO 6400-12800. My photos are used online or in newsletters so the noise at that level is not an issue, however, the noise is really not that bad anyway (in my opinion). You may not actually need the 500mm end of the lens depending on where you are sitting, but I find it useful for isolating an individual (of course I'm using an FX body).

Give both a try if you can: you can rent one or both of the lenses for a few days and try them out on an event. While I'm not suggesting you can do without the 70-200 range, I think for the uses listed the 200-500 might be more useful. Be advised, however, that it's heavy. Having said that, I've been able to use it handheld at concerts down to 1/30 second and below with the newer VR. For sports you will probably need faster shutter speeds. Next time you're at one of your sporting events just set your existing lens to f/5.6 and see what you can do at high ISO. You can just use those pictures to evaluate the noise levels up there.

OddJobber Loc: Portland, OR

RUN AWAY FROM 42ND STREET PHOTO! Their ratings are among the worst.

As for the D500 with Nikon 70-200mm, that's the dream team for low light action. Spendy but worth it. For longer reach, I add a NIKON 1.4X TC, getting equivalent view of 420mm.

MtnMan Loc: ID

Nikon usually puts lenses on sale in March. Wait and see if they include what you want.

They also have some refurb lenses. Check.

Used from KEH is another option.

CO

Nikon has their instant rebate periods from time to time. Look out for that.

I have a D500 and have a tip. The video record button to the left and behind the shutter button can be re-programmed to activate Mode. Do that if you don't shoot video. You can switch between program, aperture priority, shutter priority, and manual mode quickly. Also program the Fn1 and Fn2 buttons.

OnDSnap Loc: NE New Jersey