p.11 #1 · Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 200-500mm f/5.6E ED VR
architect7 wrote:
Agreed, I would have been perfectly happy with a 500mm f5.6 prime but a 200-500 zoom with equal IQ works for me
For the longest time, I wanted a cheap 500 f/5.6 prime, so when Nikon announced this 200-500 f/5.6, I knew I had to have it. This lens is only less than $200 more than Canon's 400 f/5.6 prime (I recently switched from Canon) and probably much sharper with better VR and the ability to zoom out to 200mm!
p.11 #5 · Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 200-500mm f/5.6E ED VR
Looks like it eats the third-party zooms for breakfast (unless you need 600 mm.) But if it's this good wide open it'll be just fine with the TC 1.4 III.
p.11 #8 · Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 200-500mm f/5.6E ED VR
These sample pics are much sharper than I expected...
I can't help but wonder where the compromise is. I wonder how the lens will track action (flying birds perpendicular or straight to the camera). Furthermore, I am curious how the lens will respond to regular use in varied weather conditions (I live in MN and shoot all seasons). Being a current owner of a very sharp (tuned to my camera) 200-400 f4, I'm now wondering what a stop of light is worth to me. Clearly I lose a stop with the 200-500VR, but I gain 100mm and a much lighter package.
At this point, I'm waiting for some wildlife images shot in uncontrolled conditions (no zoos) in varied light conditions before I get too (emphasis on too) excited. However, it honestly appears that Nikon is introducing a revolutionary optic here...
p.11 #9 · Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 200-500mm f/5.6E ED VR
^^ The compromises will be build quality/materials, aperture (F5.6 not F4 or less), lack of fancy coatings (Nano, Fluorine) and AF speed while likely perfectly adequate, will probably not be the same as the "pro" lenses for the most demanding situations. As far as I know there is no weather sealing beyond a gasket at the mount, so if you want to shoot in the rain you will still be better off with the "pro" variety.
So far it seems most new owners are so impressed with the sharpness that they haven't bothered to comment on AF speed, so I would venture a guess it's nicely in the middle of the "AF speed" spectrum.
I don't think you will see them alongside the 400/2.8's in the press boxes of sporting events, but I think the average hobbyist is going to be thrilled with it, especially for such a reasonable price.
As with most things in photography, an alternative costing many more times the money is probably not going to yield a proportionate advantage unless you have specific or professional requirements.
p.11 #10 · Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 200-500mm f/5.6E ED VR
CanadaMark wrote:
^^ The compromises will be build quality/materials, aperture (F5.6 not F4 or less), lack of fancy coatings (Nano, Fluorine) and AF speed while likely perfectly adequate, will probably not be the same as the "pro" lenses for the most demanding situations. As far as I know there is no weather sealing beyond a gasket at the mount, so if you want to shoot in the rain you will still be better off with the "pro" variety.
So far it seems most new owners are so impressed with the sharpness that they haven't bothered to comment on AF speed, so I would venture a guess it's nicely in the middle of the "AF speed" spectrum.
I don't think you will see them alongside the 400/2.8's in the press boxes of sporting events, but I think the average hobbyist is going to be thrilled with it, especially for such a reasonable price.
As with most things in photography, an alternative costing many more times the money is probably not going to yield a proportionate advantage unless you have specific or professional requirements. ...Show more →
The guy from the Dpreview link has commented on AF speed stating it's "ok", but implying it might not be fast enough to catch fast action. Not what birders or wildlife people want to hear. That would be strange to achieve what appears excellent IQ yet sacrificing AF speed to meet a certain price point. The market for this lens would not be for shooting primarily stationary or slow moving subjects.
I'll be waiting for "real" results
GL to those prayin' for goodness...
