Going back to the Nikon 200-500mm lens
Dec 27, 2022 18:51:11 #
I am a long-time Nikon shooter. I did purchase the Nikon 200-500mm lens and really liked it. Yes, it is a heavy lens. I started reading articles about having to lug that huge lens around ALL DAY LONG, and what a burden it was. So, I got rid of it. Lately I have been thinking, I don't go out shooting ALL DAY LONG, at most I am out shooting 4 hours (I am 79 years old). If I cannot carry that lens on my Nikon D7500 camera for 4 hours (at times with the use of monopod), then I need to resign myself to my recliner. I will be getting my Nikon 200-500mm lens this Thursday, can't wait. I need to stop listening to the "pros" and remember I am just a enthusiast!
Dec 27, 2022 19:31:56 #
As a 69-year old, I applaud you! Your attitude gives me something to live for!!!
Dec 27, 2022 19:38:26 #
I've had my 200-500 for several years, and yes, it's a bit heavy, but no more than my 80-400 when extended. I've gotten tack-sharp results. And to paraphrase another - "They'll get my 200-500 when they pry it from my cold, dead fingers."
Dec 27, 2022 19:38:58 #
I also am 79 and I call my 200-500 Goliath. I have a shoulder strap that attaches to the shoe as well as a monopod. The shoulder strap makes it easy to carry although I am having a harder time to hand hold it for any length of time.
Dec 27, 2022 19:53:40 #
Dec 27, 2022 20:21:26 #
With my D500 and Sigma 150-600mm, I just carry it like a suitcase, by the tripod mount...if it starts to get a bit heavy, I just swap hands... 
Dec 27, 2022 20:41:36 #
Dec 27, 2022 20:56:55 #
leftyD500 wrote:
I am a long-time Nikon shooter. I did purchase the... (show quote)
I bought my Nikkor 200-500 years ago when they first came out. It's not my largest or heaviest lens but it is one of my favorite lenses. It is usually mounted to either my D500 or D850, the only DSLR's I currently use on a regular basis. My everyday shooters are my Canon R5 and R7.
Dec 27, 2022 22:50:51 #
My wife and I own two D850's and two Nikon 200~500 zooms and a D500, usually with something a bit smaller attached. We man handle them several times a week out in the bush and come home with beautiful photos almost every day. In between photo shoots we use them like dumb-bells in workout routines at home. Yes, a bit heavy. But that's what the workout routines are for. And the pay-off is a computer full of great photos. Worth every ounce!!! I'm 68 and not going to say how old my wife is. I'm a bit slower these days, but not stupid yet!
Dec 27, 2022 22:52:24 #
SX2002 wrote:
With my D500 and Sigma 150-600mm, I just carry it like a suitcase, by the tripod mount...if it starts to get a bit heavy, I just swap hands...
Ron!!Dec 27, 2022 22:54:15 #
pendennis wrote:
I've had my 200-500 for several years, and yes, it's a bit heavy, but no more than my 80-400 when extended. I've gotten tack-sharp results. And to paraphrase another - "They'll get my 200-500 when they pry it from my cold, dead fingers."
Dec 28, 2022 07:47:26 #
I lug around a old [ film era ] 8oo F8 nikkor , talk about heavy / bulky . I made a shoulder strap out of a wide dog leash .that way i carry the lens / camera / tripod [ with legs extended ] for a couple hours .75 yrs old .
Dec 28, 2022 07:58:34 #
leftyD500 wrote:
I am a long-time Nikon shooter. I did purchase the... (show quote)
I'm79, I have this lens and after a 1/2 day shooting it feels heavier than it really is but I would not give it up and still shoot the "bugger" hand holding it when needed. It's a sharp and wonderful lens.
Dec 28, 2022 08:08:57 #
billnikon
Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont
leftyD500 wrote:
I am a long-time Nikon shooter. I did purchase the... (show quote)
The Nikon 200-500 is a very sharp lens, sharp throughout it's zoom range and the constant f5.6 makes it a great wildlife lens. I always shot that lens either wide open or stopped to just f6.3.
Yes, it is heavy, I used to put a carrying handle on it to make it a little easier to carry around, not sure where I got it, I have tried to find it again without success.
So, I will include an image of it, I always had the tripod collar turned up so I could more easily carry that lens. Again, if I had not moved to the Sony 200-600 (which in a 1/4 turn goes from 200-600) I would have stayed with the Nikon D500 and 200-500 mm Nikon lens.
Dec 28, 2022 08:40:40 #
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