Flyerace Loc: Mt Pleasant, WI

I've wanted this lens from the moment it was first offered. I figured it would bring the other world (birds and far off objects to me). I was hoping to bring it on an animal photography safari with me. I'm not sure, now. I need to work with heavy duty weights to get this to be easy to carry. I'm not even sure my camera would appreciate having this hanging on a neck strap. I knew that it weighed a bit more than a "standard" zoom lens, but really was surprised how heavy it really is.

The lens itself is beautiful to behold. I know I absolutely must have it on a tripod. I'm not at all reluctant to use one. I've already attached the adapter to the bracket on the lens.

Now I will tell you. Today is a very windy day with showers then sunshine, then downpour, then who knows what. Nothing outside is standing still. I've taken about 20 shots and I think today is not the day to try to nail down this lens.

I would love to know how long it took you to learn how to maximize this lens. I know I will love it once I get the hang of making beautiful distance shots with it, but WOW, I'm overwhelmed by it right now

PHRubin Loc: Nashville TN USA

I have a Tamron 150-600 G2 and expect the learning curve is similar. It took about an hour to get good results, but I was looking at stationary targets, not BIF.

Quixdraw Loc: x

I have had it for better than a year, excellent lens and value. I have used it almost entirely hand held, and I am neither young nor Charles Atlas. Just takes some getting used to - I do not hike . I keep it mounted on my D7200 most of the time, and have fitted a Tundra hard case to hold it with accessories and a smaller zoom, usually a 24-85. I would never use a neck strap with a lens of this size and weight unless the tripod shoe was the attachment point. I use a wrist strap only in case of terminal klutziness. Note: Speaking of Klutzy spelling - I also use the tripod shoe as a handle with a Manfrotto plate mounted. One thing I just saw yesterday was a photographer who uses the lens with the tripod shoe rotated to the top - might be useful as it gives easy access to both rings, also allow a suitcase style of carry.

Flyerace Loc: Mt Pleasant, WI

Thanks for the good advice. So far, I have held this by the "shoe" attached to the lens. It is nicely balanced this way, but will take a bit of practice. I tried shooting some pretty leaves on a tree in the next yard. The wind is making stuff fly around and it isn't a possibility to make it stop moving. I'm really not a BIF person, but would like to shoot a bird in a tree, not limiting my option to birds at the feeder. Continued success with your lens and I'll work on mine. Maybe the weather will cooperate tomorrow.

Flyerace Loc: Mt Pleasant, WI

I'll make sure I give it plenty of time. Just need to do a little muscle building. Thanks!

PHRubin Loc: Nashville TN USA

I carry my G2 that way. For bird in tree, I use manual focus, live view with 10X digital magnification. (Not relevant if you have a mirrorless).

Quixdraw Loc: x

You have an opportunity with the leaves - ramp up the iso a bit, crank the F stop to 5.6 and give it a try in Aperture. Bet you can stop the motion! Made a small addition to my initial post.

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

It gets lighter the more you use it. Have you tried to hand-hold it? I use a Sigma Sport 150-600 and have yet to mount it on a tripod. I go out into the field with the tripod attached to a Black Rapid strap. When I see something worth shooting, I swing it up and snap a few shots. It beat the 600mmF4 in portability, and for me, it matched the image and build quality. What was important to me was full dust and moisture sealing, fingerprint and oil proof hard coatings on front and rear elements, portability and good handling. Oh, and it's as sharp as my big lens.

Too heavy and cumbersome


Much better

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nice and light

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definitely hand-holdable

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shot at 1/25 second hand held, around 16 ft from the cat

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crop from above

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Flyerace Loc: Mt Pleasant, WI

Thanks. I feel better about this every minute. I just expected, like my other lenses, it would be put it on and go. Needs a little bit of TLC. By the time I've made it work like I want, I'll be entering in weight lifting competitions.

AndoverBob

I find the balance a bit awkward with my D7500; the CG of the lens is towards the front. What works for me is to get the shutter speed no less than 1/2500 at 500 mm and hold the lens with your hand way out towards the front. I use a blackrapid strap tied to the tripod mount.

Optically, this is an outstanding lens. You just need to find the technique that works for you.

Larryshuman

I use the 200-500 on a monopod so it takes the weight not me. But at lock and dam 14 I use a black rapid like strap also.

ClarkJohnson Loc: Fort Myers, FL and Cohasset, MA

Like many others, when I carry this lens, i attach a Black Rapid strap to the tripod foot. But I also find it much easier to use on a tripod with a gimbal head. Since Nikon tripod collars do not accommodate Arca clamps, i replaced the Nikon collar with the one made by Kirk. Other vendors make similar substitute collars. That way, you can choose whether to carry or use a tripod.

JerseyBob Loc: New Jersey

It is a heavy lens but what great pictures it takes. I use a Black Rapid Strap when outside with the Lens. You do not feel the weight at all on your shoulder. When inside I have it mounted on a gimbal head on a Tripod. I use that setup for taking pictures of birds in my yard through an open window. Once you get used to the lens weight you will enjoy the results !

doclrb

Great story. Good lens. But it is NOT fully weather sealed.

doclrb

tcthome Loc: NJ

Try not to carry this hand held without supporting the lens. On the bottom of the Arca Swiss Rail mounted (my lens)to the foot of the lens is recessed & the mounting screw has a combo socket head / hinged half circle that lays down into the recess. It allows for attaching your camera strap. B&H sells them. Have fun with your new lens.