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Nikon 500mm PF lens
May 25, 2020 14:30:54 #
Yes, they do exist, and this is the best photographic purchase I've made, outside of the D850 I pair it with. Sharp, light (for a 500mm), and focuses really fast! I had to search for quite awhile, and finally found mine at a small brick and mortar retailer in San Diego. The big mail order guys have been on backorder forever.
May 25, 2020 14:35:29 #
DonRPhoto
Loc: Oklahoma City
venkatesh_eng wrote:
Anyone know if the Nikon 500mm PF lens is available anywhere ? I am looking to buy a new one and all the stores online are sold out and backordered. Thanks
I've had mine for over a year. Like one of the other respondents, I got mine pretty fast because I'm a member of Nikon Professional Services.
HOWEVER, I have a friend who is not an NPS member, and he got his in 2 weeks -- because he ordered it through a small, local photo shop (Bedfords, as a matter of fact). Part of the trick is to pay for it fully when you order it. My friend did that, and it showed up just 2 weeks later.
My understanding is that Nikon is allotting 1 lens per month per store, and they don't care if it's B&H or a mom & pop store in the boonies. One per month, which is why they are still backordered at B&H -- they're still trying to fill all of their preorders from 2 years ago.
And it is definitely worth the wait. It's sharp and it's light. Easily handhold-able and I'm almost 70. I also pair it with a Nikon 1.4xTC, to give me 700mm @ f/8, and it's a joy. Just a wonderful lens.
I hope you get yours soon. And in this case, buying local really pays off.
May 25, 2020 14:39:58 #
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May 25, 2020 14:48:57 #
DonRPhoto
Loc: Oklahoma City
One more thing for anyone who is interested --
Unless Nikon has redesigned the foot on the 500PF in the last year, I'd replace it -- and not with one that is removable. The original Nikon foot can let go without warning, which will result in the camera and lens hitting the ground. And any foot that is easily removable in a manner similar to the original will do the same.
Guess how I know . . . Fortunately, the camera body took the brunt of the impact. It had to go to Nikon for repairs, but the lens was/is fine. And I know of at least 3 other photographers who have had the foot randomly disengage from the lens.
I replaced mine with this foot from Hejnar Photo. It's only $65.00, is Arca-Swiss compatible, and with a single drop of blue Loctite, it's not coming off unless you want it to come off.
http://www.hejnarphotostore.com/product-p/h129..htm
Unless Nikon has redesigned the foot on the 500PF in the last year, I'd replace it -- and not with one that is removable. The original Nikon foot can let go without warning, which will result in the camera and lens hitting the ground. And any foot that is easily removable in a manner similar to the original will do the same.
Guess how I know . . . Fortunately, the camera body took the brunt of the impact. It had to go to Nikon for repairs, but the lens was/is fine. And I know of at least 3 other photographers who have had the foot randomly disengage from the lens.
I replaced mine with this foot from Hejnar Photo. It's only $65.00, is Arca-Swiss compatible, and with a single drop of blue Loctite, it's not coming off unless you want it to come off.
http://www.hejnarphotostore.com/product-p/h129..htm
May 25, 2020 15:02:25 #
DonRPhoto wrote:
One more thing for anyone who is interested --
Unless Nikon has redesigned the foot on the 500PF in the last year, I'd replace it -- and not with one that is removable. The original Nikon foot can let go without warning, which will result in the camera and lens hitting the ground. And any foot that is easily removable in a manner similar to the original will do the same. http://www.hejnarphotostore.com/product-p/h129..htm
Unless Nikon has redesigned the foot on the 500PF in the last year, I'd replace it -- and not with one that is removable. The original Nikon foot can let go without warning, which will result in the camera and lens hitting the ground. And any foot that is easily removable in a manner similar to the original will do the same. http://www.hejnarphotostore.com/product-p/h129..htm
Good advice. It is about the only flaw with that lens (aside from the slight and occasional “halo” around backlit subjects). I went with a Wimberley version, the AP-500, which also fits my Wimberley gimbal. https://www.tripodhead.com/products/replacement-feet-main.cfm. Similar price. Very secure.
May 25, 2020 16:06:02 #
oregonfrank
Loc: Astoria, Oregon
SteveR wrote:
I can't decide if the D500 would be better or cropping from a D850.
The pixel density is slightly higher for the D500, but maybe not enough to make a difference.
May 25, 2020 16:20:00 #
DonRPhoto
Loc: Oklahoma City
oregonfrank wrote:
The pixel density is slightly higher for the D500, but maybe not enough to make a difference.
I have a good friend who shoots birds, especially small birds, and all sorts of birds in flight. He was shooting his 500PF on his D500, then tried it with his D850. After trying the 500PF on the D850, his keeper rate skyrocketed, and he sold the D500 . . .
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May 25, 2020 16:22:09 #
DonRPhoto
Loc: Oklahoma City
ColoPete wrote:
Good advice. It is about the only flaw with that lens (aside from the slight and occasional “halo” around backlit subjects). I went with a Wimberley version, the AP-500, which also fits my Wimberley gimbal. https://www.tripodhead.com/products/replacement-feet-main.cfm. Similar price. Very secure.
Very similar to my foot. The added security is welcome.
I can live with the halo around backlit subjects.
May 25, 2020 16:27:21 #
Try Allen's Camera in PA. Store is presently closed due the virus, but they may be taking call-in or internet orders. My Nikon 500mm F/5.6 was on B/O with B&H for nearly one year. Ordered from Allen and had the lens within a few days. May or may not happen again, but worth a try.
Michael
Michael
May 25, 2020 16:32:17 #
Cropping with the D850 -- you end with the same megapixels, but get a lot more camera. You do lose FPS, unless you get a battery grip. I had both options and much prefer the D850 with the 500mm PF. Fantastic resolution and capture speed. My keeper rate and image quality has gone up substantially.
Michael
Michael
May 25, 2020 16:44:30 #
I got mine from Photo Expert in Delta, BC. Great price with the exchange rate. I've had it for almost two years and love it. They ship.
May 25, 2020 16:56:50 #
I agree with those who recommend looking at smaller shops. After waiting 4 months for B&H I started looking on line at smaller retailers. That didn't really pan out but calling the smaller outfits on the phone did. The second place I called had one sent to the Michigan store from their Chicago store. I had it in two days. I use it on a D500. It even works well with a 1.4 TC if you have enough light to limit yourself to the max. opening of F/8.
May 25, 2020 17:00:12 #
May 25, 2020 17:12:31 #
The above sounds like me. Same experience. Sold the D500 and went with the D850 and 500mm PF combo. Fantastic combo. I get great results and much higher keeper rate.
May 25, 2020 17:18:25 #
I got tired of the New York mess after waiting months, reached out to procam.com based out of Chicago/Detroit area,had 3 in stock...one of which was OB..(open box..never used)...got it for healthy discount
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