Nikon2014 Loc: Sterling Heights - MI

I normally use my D500 for sports but forced myself to use my D810. I find it to be too slow to acquire and hold focus but when I did get it I was quite happy with the results.

Any and all comments are welcome, I'm always trying to improve.

Thanks in advance.

Richard

70-200mm, F2.8, ISO 72, SS 1000

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70-200mm, F2.8, ISO 64, SS1000

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70-200mm, F2.8, ISO 64, SS1000

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300pf, F4, ISO 250, SS1000

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300pf, F4, ISO 90, SS1000

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300pf, F4, ISO 180, SS1000

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500pf, F5.6, ISO 220, SS1000

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500pf, F5.6, ISO 220, SS1000

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500pf, F5.6, ISO 560, SS1000

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tramsey Loc: Texas

As you have found out the 500 will do better in fast action than the 810 even though it's a dx.
I have a 850 and it is very close to a 500 for sports
Stick with your 500 for fast action and 810 for everything else

You have a really great series of action shots Keep shooting

david vt Loc: Vermont

Really nice

cjc2 Loc: Hellertown PA

IMHO, the D810 is just not suited for sports for many reasons. The D850 is better but the D500 is even better. THE best sports cameras in the Nikon lineup have only one number, such as the D4, D4s, D5 and D6. Best of luck.

Jules Karney Loc: Las Vegas, Nevada

I love the D500 for sports, focus is great. Stay with it.

joecichjr Loc: Chicago S. Suburbs, Illinois, USA

Awesome shooting ❤️💢💞💢❤️

Chicago312 Loc: Western suburb, Chicago

Very nice captures!

I have shot sports with both a D800 and D810. While they are not sports cameras (4-5 fps), I have not noticed an issue with focus speed or accuracy. I usually shoot short (3-5) bursts of action. I notice focusing issues more so with different lenses. The 70-200 f2.8 and the 300 f2.8 are extremely quick to focus whereas my 50 f1.4 or 85 f1.8 or 16-35 f4 are not as quick.

I have not used a D500 or D850, so I defer to those who have, but I will say I’ve been happy with the D800-810. I have had some focus issues with my Z6 while shooting sports with my F-Mount lenses, but that would another topic...

Thomas902 Loc: Washington DC

Like Chicago312 said: "...I have shot sports with both a D800 and D810. While they are not sports cameras (4-5 fps), I have not noticed an issue with focus speed or accuracy..." Totally agree… My experience with the D810 has been fabulous!

While I'm not a sports photographer I have had absolutely no issues shooting League Soccer commercially with a D810... It has a much deeper dynamic range than the D500, far better color depth and considerably higher resolution... Yes I actually compared them both very carefully in real-time and finally sent the D500 back since it fell far short of my expectations. However if you are into spray and pray then the D500 could be an ideal choice...

"...D810...I find it to be too slow to acquire and hold focus..". Really? Perhaps you might send your copy of this epic camera back to Nikon to have them service it. Mine copy locks focus instantly albeit that is more likely a function of the professional grade optic I pair it with. And I have invested many hours “tweaking” my D810’s AF settings to optimize for my needs thus it tracks flawlessly.

My experience with a "Not a sports camera"... The image below which would have been virtually impossible with a D500 since the dynamic range of this capture would have either blown out the pure white jersey or plugged the shadows. I enjoy capturing imagery with a high dynamic range since it increases the “drama” latent within…

The other posted image is actual test data from both Nikon bodies, not uncorroborated opinions.

Hope this offers some insight or at least food for thought…
Please stay safe all… intubated on a ventilator is a horrific way to go…
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Nikon D810 with an AF-S 200mm - 400mm IF ED VR at 1/2000; f/4

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Nikon D500 head to head with a Nikon D810

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