p.145 #1 · Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 200-500mm f/5.6E ED VR
squon wrote:
Well I found the lens heavy holding it for 5mins in the store. I was getting serious arm strain after a few mins of holding it up. I think this lens has to be used on a monopod or shoulder rig.
Compared to the long primes, it is relatively lightweight.
However, it is "heavy holding" for anything more than a BIF pass here and there; i.e. up, compose, acquire AF, fire the sequence, down.
So, the muscles only have to work this lens for short periods. And your muscles do get conditioned through use.
IMHO, nobody is going to hold this lens up for much longer than that, without increasing discomfort. I just tried it for upwards of 30 seconds. No fun.
p.145 #2 · Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 200-500mm f/5.6E ED VR
squon wrote:
I rented this lens over Christmas for a weekend but unfortunately it just wasn't enough time for me to fully test it. So I rented it again for a couple more days and I find that I am having difficulty trying to pan with this thing. I find I have a love hate relationship with this lens so far (mostly love so far). But it's freakin huge and heavy.
If I was to buy this lens I would be mostly panning with it very close to the ground to shoot fast action outdoors, with me laying on the ground.
I find it very hard to zoom in and out and pan with it because the zoom requires two full cranks with your wrist to go from 200-500 and vice versa. I did find that removing the collar does help though, it's one less thing in the way but then it really hinders your ability to comfortably set the camera and lens on any surface.
For those who have this lens and shoot fast action sports with it outdoors, can you give me tips on comfortably and smoothly panning with it?
Even when I am not on the ground panning with it, I find my arms get tired really quick. ...Show more → Imagemaster wrote:
For a 200-500 f5.6 zoom lens, it is NOT freakin huge and heavy. Don't know what you expect for the price. Want to try something bigger and heavier, try a Nikon 500 f4. If you want to comfortably and smoothly pan with it, do what most others do and use a tripod. Sit on something low and have your tripod set low. If you insist on shooting laying on the ground, that is your problem.
Why do you think MOST pro sports photographers that shoot with the big primes for extended periods of time use monopods or tripods?
squon wrote:
Well I found the lens heavy holding it for 5mins in the store. I was getting serious arm strain after a few mins of holding it up. I think this lens has to be used on a monopod or shoulder rig.
bs kite wrote:
Compared to the long primes, it is relatively lightweight.
However, it is "heavy holding" for anything more than a BIF pass here and there; i.e. up, compose, acquire AF, fire the sequence, down.
So, the muscles only have to work this lens for short periods. And your muscles do get conditioned through use.
IMHO, nobody is going to hold this lens up for much longer than that, without increasing discomfort. I just tried it for upwards of 30 seconds. No fun.
Robert
Try holding a gripped D500 with the 500 f4 VR for a few hours...
you'll think the 200-500's a 300 PF
p.145 #3 · Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 200-500mm f/5.6E ED VR
Your point well taken Will.
For example, I would love to get the 600 f4 FL .... before I am gone.
Just bought this Sigma Art (24-105 f4). Love it!
But now, the super build-quality, coupled with the increase in AF speed, is causing me to want the same in a super tele. So, after getting this Sigma, I am beginning to look down a little at my trusty 200-500. I do not like thinking that way. This 200-500 does what I want.
But I always wanted the image compression/isolation that the 600 f4 gives...the bokeh.
And now I find that I can order a 600 f4 FL this afternoon, and have it here Monday morning.
It is a good feeling. But I "ain'ta" gonna do it. First, I do not think I am going to want to regularly hoist a 600 to my head; and second, $12K is a lot of money to me.
So, I remain thankful for this 200-500.
Question: Don't you usually favor your 200-500 over your 500 f4? Just thinking you might like the versatility of the zoom and lighter weight
p.145 #4 · Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 200-500mm f/5.6E ED VR
Question: Don't you usually favor your 200-500 over your 500 f4? Just thinking you might like the versatility of the zoom and lighter weight
When I know I'm going to be FL challenged (100 yds or better)
I always want my best glass for the task at hand. Had an op of
a lifetime last week and was glad for the increased AF speed and
IQ of the prime. The 200-500's handy, no doubt...bought a 2nd copy
AFTER scoring my 500 VR.
p.145 #14 · Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 200-500mm f/5.6E ED VR
bs kite wrote:
Compared to the long primes, it is relatively lightweight.
However, it is "heavy holding" for anything more than a BIF pass here and there; i.e. up, compose, acquire AF, fire the sequence, down.
So, the muscles only have to work this lens for short periods. And your muscles do get conditioned through use.
IMHO, nobody is going to hold this lens up for much longer than that, without increasing discomfort. I just tried it for upwards of 30 seconds. No fun.
Robert
I agree, this lens is only good for BIF. I can't hold it up for any longer than 30secs at a time and even then it gets exhausting real quick. If you want to shoot sports with it, you for sure need to use it on a monopod....so again an extra piece of gear to use this lens comfortably. Otherwise expect to be visiting your chiropractor after each time you use this lens.
p.145 #17 · Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 200-500mm f/5.6E ED VR
Wow, that is some shot. I just got this lens with my D850. Both arrived today. Waiting for the DOA battery to charge is torture. But it's raining cats and dogs anyway.
p.145 #18 · Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 200-500mm f/5.6E ED VR
Another BNIF...from a boat...handheld and a close up of a black bellied bustard as it approached our vehicle
Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 500mm f/4E FL ED VR Lens
Eric
p.145 #20 · Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 200-500mm f/5.6E ED VR
MDJAK wrote:
Wow, that is some shot. I just got this lens with my D850. Both arrived today. Waiting for the DOA battery to charge is torture. But it's raining cats and dogs anyway.
Funny, I got my D750 kit in just before Christmas and thought I was going to die having to wait for the battery to charge...then remembered it came with a grip and AA battery tray, so I went on a mad tear through the house, stealing (charged) AA batteries, so I could (almost) instantly play with my new toy
Gee, I wonder if all the people that own this lens know that. 
