ClarkJohnson Loc: Fort Myers, FL and Cohasset, MA

I hesitate to intrude on this all-nikon discussion, but if you were in the mood for considering third-party glass, the Tamron 100-400 is an excellent hand-holdable lens. It is also compatible with Tamron’s Tap-in Console for firmware updates and tweaking. I use this as the zoom alternative to the Nikon 300 PF/TC 14 combo, which is also excellent.

willy6419

Don’t forget the previous advice about a Cotton Carrier to move the weight to your shoulders

I love mine

camerapapi Loc: Miami, Fl.

I have no experience with any of those fancy lenses and the reason is that I do not shoot wildlife very often. A few years ago I bought the old version of the 80-400 VR lens which I still keep. My copy is very sharp, no hunting in good light and although I am sure the AF is not at a par with the new version of the lens it is more than adequate for me and has served me well. I use the lens mostly handheld.

The new version is super expensive. I heard it is sharp and the AF pretty fast and I guess that your best bet is to rent it or borrow it as you have stated and try it for yourself. It is the only way for you to know if indeed that is the lens you need. I have heard many good things about the 200-500 f5.6 VR but owners complain that the lens is too heavy and big.

Good luck!

Marilyng Loc: Lorain,Oh.

Wow,do u really think the 500mm lens is inexpensive,over $3,000.00?Lucky u!

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

I have shot with both versions of the 80-400, and after using them I bought the Nikon 200-500, I have been very pleased with it and IMHO out shoots both versions of the 80-400.
BUT, I am 70 and find the 200-500 easy to hand hold and carry around.
My suggestion, buy the Nikon 500 5.6 FL lens, it is very light, yes, I do use this lens also and love mounting it on the D850, wow, what images it produces. Below is an example of the D850 with the 500 5.6 FL lens attached (green heron chicks, one week old). And mounted on your D500 you would have a field of view of 750 mm. WOW.

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

The 80-400 is about $800.00 less. And for what you get, the 500 is 10 times better. SO, a bargain at any price.

cmcaroffino Loc: Sebring, FL

Both Tamron & Sigma make a 100-400. I have the Sigma and really like it. Very sharp. It doesn't have a collar or one available but I can live with it. The Tamron has good reviews and a collar is available at extra cost.

photoman43

The Nikon 500mm f5.6 PF lens is a wonderful choice for nature and bird photography. It weighs less that the Nikon 80-400mm, at 3.21 lbs compared to 3.45 lbs for the 80-400mm. However it costs more. The 500mm f4 costs more and weighs more. I use the 500mm f 5.6 on my D 500 all the time.

WDT52 Loc: Sarasota, FL

You mention a 300mm lens. I have the 300mm f/4 and use it in good light with a Nikon Teleconverter TC-17EII. That's a 510mm reach and I get great results about 85% of the time. Not sure which 300mm you have but try renting a teleconverter and see what you think. Or check out the Tamron 100-400mm. It has good reviews and costs less than half the Nikon 80-400.

rjandreoff Loc: Hawaii

I needed a "global travel friendly" zoom lens, that could double for wildlife. Nikon's 80-400 was a candidate, along with the Sigma and Tamron offerings @ 100-400. I was able to field test both the Nikon and Sigma (could not get a copy of the Tamron). After a couple of days, 2000 +/- shots, the Sigma won out with a slight edge in IQ, weight. Nothing wrong with the Nikon, but for $1200 more...?? Very happy with the decision.

HRBIEL Loc: Rapid City, SD

Yes, both Sigma and Tamron 100-400 are potential candidates. Good to know you’re happy with the Sigma. Thanks for that information!

CWGordon

I have both lenses. I am on my 3rd iteration of the 80-400 lens. The first one had the issues of which we are talking. It was sharp, but the focus took awhile and did some serious hunting. The second was better, by far. The more recent lens is awesome. I do find it is very sharp and there are no focusing issues. It is quick and decisive. It is at a weight I don’t mind carrying. I consider it a “go-to lens.”
I have the 500 and it is very sharp and focuses well. Very heavy to carry. While a great lens you really need to practice with it. I do not find it is nearly as easy to use as the 80-400. I get fewer keepers w/it. Breathing and shuttering gently are essential. This would be a great lens for a sniper! All in all, I value this lens, but prefer for most work the 80-400.
I have to say I have been extremely happy with the later model Tamron 150-600. It is also sharp, focuses quickly, and fairly easy to use. You might consider the later version. Price is excellent, too.
Both zooms offer far greater flexibility of use than the prime 500. It means a lot to me in the field. It may or may not to you. Good luck with whichever one you choose.

DavePDX

I've shot with the 200-500 for the past few years, and loved it! For the money, it is absolutely fantastic. However, I recently purchased the 500pf, and I can tell you, the difference for me is night and day. The pf dramatically smaller and lighter, and that translates into being able to shoot handheld for hours, and grab many shots that I would have otherwise missed. My keeper rate on flying birds has more than doubled. It's noticeably sharper and focuses faster. It's not cheap, but I consider it a bargain for the quality and results. One other point: Unlike the zoom lenses, this one is compatible with the teleconverters, and I've gotten very good results with the 1.4x, which gives you a whopping 700m in a lens you can handhold!

You can see the difference in my recent shots here: https://500px.com/davepdx

kb6kgx Loc: Simi Valley, CA

I'd like to BE in that position where $3600 is "inexpensive". Must be nice.

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

I think I would get the 500PF if I were you. This lens is one of the really GREAT reasons to be shooting Nikon ! Sell the 200-500 to help with the cost of the PF - if need be - and use the 70-300 as a zoom solution on either body. The Tamron 100-400 is also an excellent light weight zoom solution.
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