Is there a list somewhere of the various versions of the Nikon 600mm auto focus lenses? I am relatively new Nikon user and interested in buying a used Nikon 600mm lens with fairly fast auto focus. I notice all different versions of the lens, different letters G, N and different VR versions. VR is not critical for me since I will use it on a tripod. However fast focus and ability to use with a 1.4 TC is important to me. Thanks for your help. Bob
Thank you for the link. I currently use the Sigma 150-600 Sport at 600 without VR / stabilization turned on and have not had an image stability issue in the viewfinder.
gdsf2 wrote:
You want VR with the 600mm lens even on a tripod. It keeps the image stable in the viewfinder. Everybody uses a tripod with a 600mm lens.
I don't understand this answer. I use the Sigma S extensively at 600mm and never use the OS. Same with my 500 F4. Full Wimberly head and Gitzo CF tripod. Not sure why I would care if the image is stable in the viewfinder as long as the rig is stable. From my experience using VR gives inconsistent results during bursts.
Cannot talk about the 600mm as I have never had the pleasure to use own. But I have some experience with various 500mm f/4 versions from the manual focus 'P', the AF-S II, and now the AF-S VR G.
Regarding AF the oldest version you want is the AF-S or AF-S II. Forget about the AF-I which was the first AF units shipped by Nikon. AF-I motors are slower and parts are no longer available from Nikon. I think both AF-S and AF-S II (newer versions are lighter) use the same motor so speed will be dependent of the camera body you are using. I would highly recommend the latest bodies such as D500, D850, and D5. The previous generation is also fine but not as fast and accurate except for the D4.
To me the moved to the VR model made a huge difference even on a tripod. I also allows me to shoot handhold and still get fantastic shots. I just wish the VR units were as light as the AF-S II models.
The best are the latest FL units which offer improved AF and VR in a much lighter package.
If you plan on doing any sort of handheld shooting, you'll want VR because it eliminates the need for tripods (that being its point.) If you are for some reason attached to tripods, it doesn't matter. 600 mm is 600 mm and image quality is about the same for all of these lenses.
gdsf2 wrote:
You want VR with the 600mm lens even on a tripod. It keeps the image stable in the viewfinder. Everybody uses a tripod with a 600mm lens.
VR should be off when you're on a tripod.
If you're having a jerky viewfinder on a tripod, you need a better tripod. Or a better head. Or better long lens technique.
I recommend something with some serious legs, and a wimberley gimbal for a lens like that. Mount the lens opposite how the instructions tell you to (gimbal on the right, not on the left) and just lay your left hand on the lens while pressing your eye to the camera as you use it.
Thanks Christian. I have the Sigma Sport 150-600 which I really feel is a very good lens and has stabilization. I am looking for something that will offer f4 and also allow 840 for BIF. For birds in flight I use a tripod.
I appreciate everyone's help. Thanks again for your comments.
p.1 #10 · Versions of 600mm Nikon autofocus lenses
Photozack81 wrote:
VR should be off when you're on a tripod.
If you're having a jerky viewfinder on a tripod, you need a better tripod. Or a better head. Or better long lens technique.
Really? I guess that is why Nikon says: Vibration Reduction image stabilization helps to reduce the appearance of camera shake for up to four shutter speed stops, benefiting this lens' use in low-light conditions. Additionally, a designated Sport Mode is well-suited to working in fast-paced conditions and a Tripod Mode helps to suppress subtle ground vibrations when working atop a support system.
p.1 #15 · Versions of 600mm Nikon autofocus lenses
Photozack81 wrote:
VR should be off when you're on a tripod.
If you're having a jerky viewfinder on a tripod, you need a better tripod. Or a better head. Or better long lens technique.
I recommend something with some serious legs, and a wimberley gimbal for a lens like that. Mount the lens opposite how the instructions tell you to (gimbal on the right, not on the left) and just lay your left hand on the lens while pressing your eye to the camera as you use it.
Presto, smooth stable shots.
From user manual for Nikon 600mm G lens: Set the vibration reduction mode switch to “TRIPOD“ to reduce camera shake and image shake in the viewfinder while using a tripod.
p.1 #16 · Versions of 600mm Nikon autofocus lenses
gdsf2 wrote:
From user manual for Nikon 600mm G lens: Set the vibration reduction mode switch to “TRIPOD“ to reduce camera shake and image shake in the viewfinder while using a tripod.
p.1 #17 · Versions of 600mm Nikon autofocus lenses
Photozack81 wrote:
VR should be off when you're on a tripod.
This was true with the first VR lenses.
On Nikon product, VR can be kept on since the second version of VR. VRII lenses even have a 'tripod' mode. The newer versions don't have a 'tripod' mode but instead have 'normal' and 'sport' mode depending of the subject movements but VR can still be kept on when the lens is tripod mounted.
p.1 #18 · Versions of 600mm Nikon autofocus lenses
VR interfers with the autofocus system and delays its response in locking onto a subject. This is why Nikon recommends turning VR off when using shutter speeds faster than 1/500s.
Even on a tripod I will use VR with slower shutter speeds as the large telephoto lenses provide a lot of surface area and are easily buffeted by wind and the longer the lens (with or without teleconverters) and the higher the resolution of the camera's sensor, the more any movement is going to be apparent in images.
The 600mm f/4 VR at 11+ lbs. was long enough and heavy enough that a tripod that worked with my 8+ lbs. 500mm f/4 lens was not adequate. There was not so much a problem with the legs flexing as with torsional horizontal movement at the top of the tripod where the legs are attached.
