200-500 or 300? (Page 2): More versatility, less expense. I'd keep the 200-500 and carry a monopod or tripod.

ELNikkor

More versatility, less expense. I'd keep the 200-500 and carry a monopod or tripod.

d3200prime

Thanks for all the great replies. So far it's about even. Please keep the comments coming. Thanks.

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

d3200prime wrote:

I have a Nikon 200-500mm and just purchased a Nikon 300mm f/4 PF ED. Also, have a TC-14E 1.4x converter. I shoot birds/wildlife with a Nikon D500. If you own both these lenses could you please post which one you would keep if you had to choose and the reasons. Thanks.

Birds/wildlife = the longer the BETTER .....IF, you can properly physically manage the size/weight.
.

LEWHITE7747 Loc: 33773

If you walk alot the 300 otherwise the 200-500. Heavy bulky lens. Alot of lens for walking.

LEWHITE7747 Loc: 33773

Try to find one , they are sold out.

photoman43

I have both the 300mm f4 PF and the 500mm f5.6 pf and the 1.4x tc. I use them on my D500 and D850.

Thomas902 Loc: Washington DC

like Odd44 said... "...Steve Perry did a wonderful analysis of the 300PF vs. 200-500..."
Here is Steve's take on those two excellent prosumer optics.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l1obqCxg52Q

Since I've used the 200-500mm for a myriad of soccer matches I can speak with some authority on this lens.
It has amazing VR, possibly the best I've ever used... better than my AF-S 70-200mm f/2.8 IF ED VRII (which is a workhorse in the studio and on location). And the 200-500 has epic acuity from 200 right up to 400 however it falls off a tad on the long end... The major issue with this lens is it's tripod collar... it's so bad that even Kirk came out with an after market replacement (see link below)
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1409636-REG/kirk_nc_200_500v2_replacement_lens_collar_for.html

btw, do not purchase the Really Right Stuff collar for the 200-500 (it has a design flaw that required it to be redesigned) but the flawed collar is still being sold on line... which speaks to RRS's integrity...

All in all, I'm loving my AF 300mm f/2.8 for soccer... it's epic!
All movement on this pro grade lens collar is silky smooth... an absolute joy to use on a monopod...
Once again hope this helps d3200prime...

Texas1833 Loc: Houston, Texas

d3200prime wrote:

I have a Nikon 200-500mm and just purchased a Nikon 300mm f/4 PF ED. Also, have a TC-14E 1.4x converter. I shoot birds/wildlife with a Nikon D500. If you own both these lenses could you please post which one you would keep if you had to choose and the reasons. Thanks.

If you decide to sell your Nikon 200-500mm.....I’m interested👍

chasgroh Loc: Buena Park, CA

Thomas902 wrote:

d3200prime I purchased the 200-500mm f/5.6E Nikkor... (show quote)

...recently got the 200-500 and the first thing I did was get a new collar! I'm a "flipper" and very spoiled by the 200-400 f4 that I own. So, Really Right Stuff model solved the problem.

SteveR Loc: Michigan

Everything you need to know is in Steve Perry's (BackCountry Gallery) review and comparison of Nikons 300mm PF vs. 200-500mm.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l1obqCxg52Q

via the lens Loc: Northern California, near Yosemite NP

I have the Nikon 500mm PF and the Nikon 200-500 and I'll just keep both and use each as I deem appropriate. I do like the bokeh on the 500PF much better though.

DavidPine Loc: Fredericksburg, TX

I have the 200-500 and the 300 f/2.8. I use the 200-500 for wildlife in the wild and the 300 f/2.8 for zoo animals.

rangel28

d3200prime wrote:

I have a Nikon 200-500mm and just purchased a Nikon 300mm f/4 PF ED. Also, have a TC-14E 1.4x converter. I shoot birds/wildlife with a Nikon D500. If you own both these lenses could you please post which one you would keep if you had to choose and the reasons. Thanks.

I have the 300mm PF and the 1.4 teleconverter and rented the 200mm-500mm. I found that the 200mm-500mm was not as sharp especially at the long end, and I love the size and portability of the 300mm PF, and the teleconverter. The combination works well on my D500. The 200mm-500mm lens is quite large but the size did not turn me off. Perhaps I just had a bad copy because it was a rental.

davidb1879

Re: billnikon: Two beautiful images! And thanks for the camera and lens information. Davidb1879.

Brucej67 Loc: Cary, NC

Sinewsworn wrote:

I would keep the 300 PF and sell the 200-500. Buy a 500 PF and enjoy!

I have both the 300mm and the 500mm PF and definitely concur with your remark, both are fantastic lenses.