200-500f5.6 Priced Under $1,400: Are You Excited?

CEBlueclouds

Can you tweak the bottom cushion in the Lowepro case? I did that many years ago to a Nikon black leather case. Removed the cushion and installed my own custom made thinner cushion.

Would check it out photobug

Photobug

@haroldp - nice DSLR and long lens case. Looking for a case just to hold that long lens.

shootnikonfx

The Lowepro is a little smug but fits just right...padding is also excellent...I suspect better than the kinesis if reviews can be relied on...

Would it be too tight with a LensCoat in place on the 200-500?

CEBlueclouds

The Lowepro is a little smug but fits just right...padding is also excellent...I suspect better than the kinesis if reviews can be relied on...

Would it be too tight with a LensCoat in place on the 200-500?

Yes it also fits well with the lens coat on.. Thats how i did mine..

Photobug

Today I walked into my local camera dealer and he had the 200-500mm lens in stock. He had three beautiful lens laid next to each other on the shelf - The Sigma 150-600mm, the Tamron 150-600mm, and the new Nikon 200-500mm.

So I did a side-by-side comparison and then put the Nikon 200-500 on a D7200. All I can say is I am sold. This is a very very nice lens. Love the larger diameter and the feel and the longer tripod leg. Nice hand grip.

Even played with cases and the LowePro fits the Tamron and Nikon lens beautifully. The diameter is a little tight with the lens hood but it will work.

I feel NAS coming on and am now plotting how to fund this in 2016.

Photobug

The Regional Nikon representative walked into the store while I was examining and shooting the D7200 and 200-500 lens and he called out asking how do you like the len? Later we were talking and when this lens was introduced to the regional representatives they were asked what price point the lens was at. Ranged from middle $2K to $3,200. They all jaw dropped when they were told the price. Then they got excited. He said lots of smiles.

I get to see him in 9 days and will talk more about the 200-500 and the D5 DSLR.

Snowleopard

I haven't been following this much are the focus problems fixed ? and are there any other issues other than the fact that it is a slow lens?

BVS

I haven't been following this much are the focus problems fixed ? and are there any other issues other than the fact that it is a slow lens?

There were focus problems?

Ironheart

That was my first thought, are you thinking of the VR issue with the 300/f4?

Photobug

I haven't been following this much are the focus problems fixed ? and are there any other issues other than the fact that it is a slow lens?

Are you sure you have the correct lens? I have not heard of any focusing problems.

PB_PM

I believe there was a recall from Nikon, to update the firmware to fix a focusing issue which occurred if you tried to zoom and focus at the same time.

shootnikonfx

There was in fact a Nikon recall on the 200-500 dealing with focus. Sent mine in and returned in a week. I actually never saw the issue but sent it anyway

Snowleopard

So, now that this lens has been out and put through the paces, is it still a good value.... I see the other threads with sample photo's and I am seeing allot of "high ISO noise" or little speck's if you will that look like modern noise, basically the images are not that clean when looking at the 100% zooms.

Are all the focus issues resolved, are there any other issues?

haroldp

My only complaint is that Nikon did not have this lens 5 years ago.

It is my go to lens for hand held birding.

PB_PM

I ran into a few photographers yesterday who were shooting this this lens, they seemed satisfied. I'm thinking about it, but paying off my new car comes first!

manhattanboy

So, now that this lens has been out and put through the paces, is it still a good value.... I see the other threads with sample photo's and I am seeing allot of "high ISO noise" or little speck's if you will that look like modern noise, basically the images are not that clean when looking at the 100% zooms.

Are all the focus issues resolved, are there any other issues?

High ISO noise is likely from the sensor and not the lens. The best way to tell lens performance is at ISO 100 shots. Zoom in past 125% on a DX shot or past 200% on an FX shot. Loss of sharpness at those magnifications are lens related assuming the photag shot with a high enough shutter speed.

pictureted

I've been consistently pleased with mine. It hand-holds better than my old 300/4 AF-S and is very sharp at all focal lengths at f5.6 with beautiful bokeh. I've gotten decent hand held shots at 1/45 and 500mm because of it's VR. The old 300 seemed to need a tripod.

spraynpray

Question moved over from another thread that can be answered here:

I'm currently using a 300mm f4 with a TCE14E-II on a D800 for bird photography.
I'm severely tempted to get a 200-500mm f5.6 for the extra reach (and the VR, given UK weather).
But I'm worried about the image quality difference. I used to use a Sigma 170-500 f5.6, and you can see the image soften before your eyes as you zoom in.
Obviously if I had any sense I'd trade in the 300mm in p/x for the 200-500, but would I regret it?
I need a 600mm f4 - but that's not gonna happen unless I get divorced

haroldp

@trolley:

I ran some test charts on these combo's

The 300/4 pf vr with tc-14eIII (420mm f5.6) and the 200-500 at 500 f5.6 are very close. Resolution seems equal, 300 pf combo has very slightly better contrast.

300pf alone is very slightly sharper wide open than the 200-500 5.6, but if you crop to same FOV, than the 200-500 5.6 is slightly better.

The 200-500 5.6 is also very acceptable with tc-14eII as a 700mm f8, but better stopped down 1/2 stop.

There is not enough difference between the tc-14eII and tc-14eIII to matter except in the corners, which are irrelevant for wildlife work.

If your primary interest is birding than the 200-500 has some real advantages.

For theater or general 'walking around', the 300/4 pf is outstanding. It also works well with the tc-20eIII as a 600/f8.

If I am 'birding' from a fixed location, and my main kit is 400/2.8 with tc-20eII on a tripod, then my 'closer in' camera will mount the 300/4.

If I am 'birding' walking around with one camera hand held (or monopod), then I will
mount the 200-500.

Regards ... H

dissent

nice way to describe the comparisons haroldp. Thanks for posting it.

trolley

@haroldp..Thanks for that.
Looks like I'm going to be spending money in the next couple of months

proudgeek

I'm going to throw another POV out there (while apologizing for taking this off topic). Like you I'd love the 600 f/4 but can't justify it. What I did do a few years back is buy a used 300 f/2.8, which I pair with a TC20. Call it a poor man's 600 f/5.6. The fact that I shoot it on a D810 gives me a little extra cropping ability. Used 300s in decent shape can be had if you're willing to do some leg work. While it's not as sharp as a true 600, I think it's pretty good (see my picture on today's PAD for an example). And yes, I know it's not as cheap as the 200-500. So while it may not get you divorced, it may result in your spending a few weeks sleeping on the couch, if you're willing to do that.

Edit: I would add that another benefit is that for those times you don't need that kind of reach, you have a 300 f/2.8 to shoot with, which is a pretty awesome piece of glass. Great for sports where you can get close enough.

manhattanboy

@haroldp..Thanks for that.
Looks like I'm going to be spending money in the next couple of months

I think you are using the old 300 f4 for which the 200-500 will be easier to adjust to given that it is also big/heavy like the old 300f4. My recommendation is just do yourself a favor and do not touch or look at the new 300f4 PF as once you realize how tiny it is, you might prefer that over other options )

Photobug

+1 manhattanboy on the 300F4. It's a terrific lens.

trolley

I have no intention of looking at the 300mm f4 PF - I'm not that stupid