gary8803

Just got a like new 600mm f4 its old but like new condition looking forward shooting bird pictures. It is a heavy lens so plan on using a heavy duty monopod for support. Has anyone used this lens any tips to get the best results. My camera is a nikon D500

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

900mm equiv. focal length on the 500 crop frame ......the size/weight/focal length warrants a tripod IMO, but a good monopod/technique CAN work if you are strong and serious !

gary8803

I also have a nice tripod but don't have a gimbal head yet that is coming soon. Got to buy stuff when I save up my money. Thanks for you input.

MT Shooter Loc: Montana

Its a very nice lens. I recently sold my 6 year old VR version in order to buy the Nikon 800mm PF. Don't miss the weight of the 600 at all, tripod and gimbal pretty much a necessity!

billnikon Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont

You minimum shutter speed should be at least 1/900 sec. or 1/1000 sec.
If it was me, and it's not, I would use a minimum shutter speed of 1/2000 sec. Since it does not have VR.
And the D500 does not have VR built into the camera.
And since the D500 is a cropped sensor camera, you now have a 900mm f4 lens.

Architect1776 Loc: In my mind

I haven't, but it sounds like a lot of fun.
I agree with the monopod direction for this and other heavier lenses as if you are doing BIF in addition to static shots it allows more motion flexibility.
As a follow-up please let us know your choice and how it works out. This will help others in future decisions and you will be a valuable resource of information.
Have fun.

Basil_O Loc: Minneapolis, MN

Congratulations on your new to you lens. There is nothing like using a fast, long prime. However, there are a few caveats that come with such a beast. (I use an old Minolta 600/4 and have learned a few things from it).

Rock steady support is a must...not just a suggestion. A sturdy monopod might suffice, but as has already been pointed out, a tripod is better. You don't need to break the bank on a gimbal head. Buy used it you can. Just avoid the cheapest ones. Save for a bit if you need to.

You tube is full of good videos. Google "long lens techniques" and watch the fun unfold. There are some monopod specific ones as well.

Use a cable release if at all possible. It takes a little while to get comfortable holding in in your hand while shooting, but the payoff in sharper images is well worth the effort. Any little vibration, such as ones caused by pressing the shutter button, gets magnified greatly with such a long lens.

Most important of all: PRACTICE! You will not be good right away. Be prepared for disappointment. But it is worth a little patience and persistence to get it down. The good thing about using a digital camera is it costs nothing to hit the delete button.

Machinedoc Loc: Yorktown Heights, NY

It is my understanding that the focal length is 600mm...the field of view on an APS-C camera body, however, looks as if a 900mm lens is being used. The magnification of the lens is still that of a 600 mme lens whether it;s on a full-frame or a crop sensor body.

SuperflyTNT Loc: Manassas VA

Pretty much meaningless. The effect of using the lens on a crop sensor makes it look like an image taken with a 900mm lens on full frame. It should be treated like a 900mm lens as far as minimum shutter speed and DOF.

SuperflyTNT Loc: Manassas VA

There are advantages to both. In this case it’s likely that the OP is looking for support more than stability. Usually the shutter speeds used with a long lens are fast enough that stability isn’t an issue. A tripod is great if you’re setting up in one location for a while. When I first got the 290-500mm to shoot on the D500 I found I preferred using a monopod with the Wimberly monogimbal. I soon discovered that the combo was easily shot handheld. Now that in shooting the 180-600 on a Z9 I shoot almost exclusively handheld. I might occasionally use the monopod if I’m at something like a rookery where I want to keep the lens trained on a nest for a while.

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

Yes, both of your quoted lenses are smaller/lighter than an old 600 f4 .....

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

SuperflyTNT Loc: Manassas VA

Yes, there’s no way I’d try to shoot that handheld, but the monopod would work fine in many situations.