richandtd Loc: Virginia

Been thinking of the next lens to add for wildlife, moon photography and just to have some reach for my D810 I currently have AF-S Zoom-Nikkor 17-35mm f/2.8D IF-ED, AF-S NIKKOR 70-200mm f/2.8G ED VR II, NIKKOR 50mm f/1.4 and a Micro-NIKKOR 105mm f/2.8 so I’m leaning toward either a AF-S NIKKOR 300mm f/4E PF ED VR with a AF-S TELECONVERTER TC-14E III or AF-S NIKKOR 500mm f/5.6E PF ED VR

Toment Loc: FL, IL

Sounds like you are on the right track. A tripod and gimbal are next.
Have fun

delraypiper Loc: Delray Beach, FL

Good luck on getting the 500. I've had one on order since September.

JOhn D

ELNikkor

The 500! (300 is too close to the 70-200, which could easily be cropped in to the 300 effect)

Old44

The 300mm PF is a fantastic lens, very portable and extremely sharp.

larryepage Loc: North Texas area

These are all good lenses to consider. You might also want to consider the 200-500 f5.6. Even though it is not a Gold Ring top-of-the line lens like some of the others, it is very nice optically. I have used it even hand held for very serviceable photographs of the moon. (Some are posted here in discussions of lunar exposure and color rendition.)

The consideration is that unless you have a dedicated purpose for a really long lens, its proportion of usage may end up being pretty low after an initial period. I'm do use my 200-500 some, and I'm still glad to have it, but I'm also glad to have a more moderate amount of money tied up in it. (I use mine less than my 14-24mm f2.8.)

SusanFromVermont Loc: Southwest corner of Vermont

I recently purchased the 200-500mm, have not used it much yet because of how cold it has been, mixed with a fair amount of rain, this winter here in Vermont. But I am quite satisfied with the results! And, as you point out, the price is reasonable. Being aware of the build and not weatherproofed, I also purchased rain sleeves! Plus keep it well protected when not in use.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Some recommendations for the D810 -

https://www.dpreview.com/news/5585760175/nikon-releases-official-d850-lens-recommendation-list
http://www.dslrbodies.com/cameras/the-d850-blog/the-best-lenses-for-the.html
http://cameratimes.org/best-lenses-nikon-d850/

Mac Loc: Pittsburgh, Philadelphia now Hernando Co. Fl.

I use the Nikkor 300mm f/4E PF ED VR and the TC-14E III on both my Df and D7200. It's a nice, light weight combo.

NCMtnMan Loc: N. Fork New River, Ashe Co., NC

Check out the Sigma 150-600mm with 1.4 teleconverter. Excellent lens!

Largobob

Sorry NCMtnMan. I have to disagree with this recommendation for this OP. This OP has a great Nikon FX camera, and primarily owns "Gold Band" lenses.

Ya, if you want to save a few bucks you might consider Sigma, Tamron, etc. They make good lenses....but if you want a lens that will function as designed, auto focus quickly and accurately, and produce a superb image on a Nikon camera (without having to buy and use a 'tap-in' or USB Focus dock to bring it into acceptable standards) my suggestion to the OP is to stick with Nikon/Nikkor.

Dr.Nikon Loc: Honolulu Hawaii

For the price vs optical quality and performance ., you can’t beat the Nikon 200-500 , ..I have used my 200-500 on my D810 and D850 with total satisfaction ..
If I need a 600mm prime .. I rent one ...do the shots and return the lens to the shop ..! Stick with Nikon/Nikor lenses ..
If you have the $$$$ .., and want to stay with prime Nikon Glass ..let errr rip ..
You’ll answer your own question when you go out and rent the lenses you are considering as well as the Nikon 200-500 ...attach to the nice D810 and you will have your answer ...👍🏾

PixelStan77 Loc: Vermont/Chicago

I would go with the Nikon 200-500. Great for hand holding also or witha Monopod.

Largobob

Me too...

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

I took these with a Sigma Sport 150-600 and a D810 and one was in really crappy light - all hand held.

I looked at and borrowed the 200-500 F5.6, and the Tamron 150-600 G2 (but not before I bought the Sigma), and I still own a Nikkor 600mm F4 AF-S II - the images I get with the Sigma (and the Tamron) are as good as those that I get with the 600mmF4 - but the big lens requires a tripod and gimbal - which I find is quite limiting when trying to capture some subjects that move around a lot.

I am not saying the 200-500 is a bad lens by any means. But when it comes to pixel peeping, using it in bad weather, spontaneous situations etc, I much prefer to have the Sigma Sport. For me it is clearly as sharp as I am going to get in a portable lens, and after 6,000 images, I really am not missing the 600mmF4, except when I know I will need the extra 1 1/3 fstops and I know I will need to shoot wide open. I also love the fact that I don't NEED to use a tripod with it. I have hand held it at 1/25 second and gotten a series of really crisp images on several occasions. It's one of the most underrated lenses out there IMHO.

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