Nikon 200-500 vs Nikon 500 f5.6 PF
Aug 11, 2020 10:37:35 #
olemikey
Loc: 6 mile creek, Spacecoast Florida
If anyone wants to orphan their 200-500 (or any other), I'm accepting poor, lost, disabled, wayward lenses at my "home for orphan lenses"..........
Aug 11, 2020 11:39:24 #
davesit
Loc: Lansing, New York
I had both and sold the 200-500 after getting the 500PF. There is no comparison in quality at the long end of the range.
Frankly, I find pretty much all of the times that even 500mm is not long enough for wildlife. I also have the Tamron 70-200 2.8 G2 if I am fortunate enough to be closer to my subject.
Frankly, I find pretty much all of the times that even 500mm is not long enough for wildlife. I also have the Tamron 70-200 2.8 G2 if I am fortunate enough to be closer to my subject.
Aug 11, 2020 11:55:25 #
Steve Perry is a well-respected Nikon guy. I read his articles often and enjoy his eBooks.
Aug 11, 2020 12:45:07 #
Based upon my ownership of the Nikon 300/4 PF, I can only imagine that the 500/5.6 PF would be just as good, if not better, and certainly longer. If/when I get more into BIF, I plan to purchase one. For sports, the f5.6 is a bummer! I did own the 200-500, but it did not suit my needs. My go-to lens is often my 400/2.8. Best of luck.
Aug 11, 2020 14:03:22 #
Drip Dry McFleye wrote:
I went for the 500PF because of weight and physical size. It's a great lens and I have no regrets. BUT zoom-ablitiy is also a huge benefit not to be ignored. Unless you are the Olympic gold medal winner in the lens changing event you just can't have it all. More seriously, if you can deal with the weight and bulk of the 200-500 I'd work on getting the best you can with what you already have. The 500PF will cost you 3 times what you have invested in your current lens.
I am disabled- arthritis- and needed something lighter. I now use my 500 PF mounted to my D500, battery grip and battery, and "L" bracket-HANDHELD! I rarely use my expensive tripod/gimbal head this time of year.
Aug 11, 2020 14:35:08 #
I have both. My draw for the 500pf was weight. Not only is it lighter and smaller but the image is higher quality.
The zoom has an advantage but I always gravitate to longer lenses.
Since I purchased it, I seldom use the zoom.
The zoom has an advantage but I always gravitate to longer lenses.
Since I purchased it, I seldom use the zoom.
Aug 11, 2020 15:16:14 #
Have the Nikon 200 - 500mm and used for two years. Purchased the 500 F/5.6 PF and have not used the 200 - 500 mm since. Can't compare sharpness and lighter weight of the 500mm and image quality. Albeit more expensive, but I have no regrets.
Aug 11, 2020 18:01:21 #
SunBeach1962
Loc: Syrscuse, NY
Festus wrote:
The biggest difference that I know of, can you find a 500 5.6 for sale any where?
I found one at Calagaz Photos in mobile Alabama 2 weeks ago.
I was on Facebook market and their ad popped up. I called Nikon USA to make sure they were authorized dealer.
Ordered on a Thursday it came Saturday to Syrscuse NY.
Love it very sharp, sometimes have to back up to get the right cropping.
I use the Nikon D5500 it is a dx cropped camera, light very easy to hand hold.
I have other lens for shorter shots.
Aug 11, 2020 22:03:26 #
runakid
Loc: Shelbyville, TN
Great replies. Really not sure what to do. Money will probably decide if I add the 500 pf.
Aug 11, 2020 22:11:56 #
You won't regret purchase. Take solace in that it is back ordered most everywhere, so you have time to save up.
Aug 12, 2020 09:22:31 #
runakid
Loc: Shelbyville, TN
Great advice. I will put me name on the list at B/H. Nothing happening on the calendar until November.
Aug 12, 2020 10:42:24 #
runakid wrote:
Great advice. I will put me name on the list at B/H. Nothing happening on the calendar until November.
Look around. Others may have the lens, including Nikon. It can be a long wait.
Aug 12, 2020 11:02:44 #
Aug 12, 2020 11:12:16 #
Steve Perry wrote:
ProCam in Livonia MI get the 500PFs on a. regular basis.
Aug 13, 2020 22:19:22 #
Steve Perry wrote:
ProCam in Livonia MI get the 500PFs on a. regular basis.
ProCam in Livonia, MI is where I got mine with one phone call and a two day wait. I had waited several months fruitlessly for one of the big New York houses to come through.
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