p.18 #4 · Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 200-500mm f/5.6E ED VR
Lance B wrote:
Try again, it should now work.
Thanks,
It looks like the Sigma 150-600 was the winner. it costs more, but coming from Nikon 80-400, I would go for it instead of the new Nikon up to only 500.
Thanks for the link Lance. The combination of wide-open performance and the pleasing out-of-focus character might make this one a winner for my work.
I'll be getting a 200-500/5.6E from LensRentals for a trip to Hatteras in October. If I'm satisfied with the end product, I'll buy one when I get home.
p.18 #6 · Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 200-500mm f/5.6E ED VR
nugeny wrote:
Thanks,
It looks like the Sigma 150-600 was the winner. it costs more, but coming from Nikon 80-400, I would go for it instead of the new Nikon up to only 500.
He did say that:
"So...sharpest at both 400 and 500mm is the Sigma Sport. It's REAL sharp. BUT, the 200-500 again nips at its heels and is hardly any softer. The Sigma Contemporary comes in a little further back at 3rd sharpest, and the Tamron is noticeably softer again at both 400mm and 500mm."
So, the Nikon is right up there and is lighter and cheaper and has better OOF rendering, ie the bokeh is better. However, if you need 600 and weather sealing but don't mind the extra cost and weight then the Sigma is the lens to get most probably.
p.18 #7 · Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 200-500mm f/5.6E ED VR
Brad Hill's comparison and detailed testing of the four lenses, is by far the best, most comprehensive and objective review I've seen to date. Excellent job Brad!
Will look forward to your follow up after your photo assignment.
p.18 #8 · Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 200-500mm f/5.6E ED VR
Lance B wrote:
So, the Nikon is right up there and is lighter and cheaper and has better OOF rendering, ie the bokeh is better. However, if you need 600 and weather sealing but don't mind the extra cost and weight then the Sigma is the lens to get most probably.
The Sigma also has better coating, which should reduce veiling flare. For me, that's a major plus.
p.18 #10 · Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 200-500mm f/5.6E ED VR
nugeny wrote:
Thanks,
It looks like the Sigma 150-600 was the winner. it costs more, but coming from Nikon 80-400, I would go for it instead of the new Nikon up to only 500.
Coming from the 80-400G myself, I can say I'm a happy camper. The sport is a beast and front heavy, while the 80-400G was tiny and compact in comparison.
Overall happy with my choice. But for the price this 200-500 seems pretty awesome for the casual/zoo shooter.
p.18 #11 · Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 200-500mm f/5.6E ED VR
m.sommers00 wrote:
Coming from the 80-400G myself, I can say I'm a happy camper. The sport is a beast and front heavy, while the 80-400G was tiny and compact in comparison.
Overall happy with my choice. But for the price this 200-500 seems pretty awesome for the casual/zoo shooter.
I think that I respectfully disagree with the last statement here. Unless you need/want a two lens travel kit (like 24-70 f2.8 + 80-400mm f4-5.6 AFS) or hike and need to travel light, I would recommend either the Sigma Sport 150-600mm or new Nikon 200-500 f5.6 to anyone wanting to learn or get into wildlife photography on a budget. Historically, short of a 300mm f4 AFS or 80-400mm AFS the cost of entry into long lens wildlife photography was at least $3000. This price could get you an AFS 300mm f2.8 (v1) and a set of converters that allow for 600mm on an FX body. Add a bit of fill flash, and you can turn that combo into a decent wildlife kit to that compensates for the loss of contrast due to the converters. With the introduction of the 200-500mm f5.6 that is sharp at f5.6 and has better bokeh than the 300 f2.8 + 2x converter and you buy in price is now $1400!
As for Sigma v NIkon... the Sigma would have to be markedly better for me to choose that over the oem lens. The addition of weather sealing and a dock that allows one to match a camera to a body at multiple focal lengths is significant, but to my eyes thus far, the quality and colors I am seeing from the new Nikon are so close to the Sigma that I would likely choose to stay with the home brand.
bruce
p.18 #12 · Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 200-500mm f/5.6E ED VR
I just got my 200-500 from BH, ordered it last week Thursday, free 3-day ship it arrived today. Kinda surprised as I was expecting a long wait.
Anyway, I'm playing with it at home on the D810 and want to ask - with VR ON, it makes quite a noticeable click/clack sound when I use the back AF button or pressing the shutter button. Manual says this is when VR is engaged and active. It does appears to be working and stabilizing in the viewfinder.
p.18 #13 · Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 200-500mm f/5.6E ED VR
colddude wrote:
I just got my 200-500 from BH, ordered it last week Thursday, free 3-day ship it arrived today. Kinda surprised as I was expecting a long wait.
Anyway, I'm playing with it at home on the D810 and want to ask - with VR ON, it makes quite a noticeable click/clack sound when I use the back AF button or pressing the shutter button. Manual says this is when VR is engaged and active. It does appears to be working and stabilizing in the viewfinder.
Is the click/clack sound expected?
Thanks.
most lenses have tier specific sounds. After a while, you get used to it and don't hear it any longer.
p.18 #15 · Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 200-500mm f/5.6E ED VR
colddude wrote:
I just got my 200-500 from BH, ordered it last week Thursday, free 3-day ship it arrived today. Kinda surprised as I was expecting a long wait.
Anyway, I'm playing with it at home on the D810 and want to ask - with VR ON, it makes quite a noticeable click/clack sound when I use the back AF button or pressing the shutter button. Manual says this is when VR is engaged and active. It does appears to be working and stabilizing in the viewfinder.
Is the click/clack sound expected?
Thanks.
Mine is dead quiet on my D810. Quietest lens I've ever used, regardless of VR/IS/OS. It is pretty astounding!
I had a chance to test a little more with the TC-14E III. AF is actually almost the same as w/o any TC. I was easily tracking BIF, even backlit birds. I think it felt slow before because I was trying to photograph erratic subjects which even the bare lens had trouble with. Will report back after more testing this weekend
p.18 #16 · Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 200-500mm f/5.6E ED VR
colddude wrote:
Anyway, I'm playing with it at home on the D810 and want to ask - with VR ON, it makes quite a noticeable click/clack sound when I use the back AF button or pressing the shutter button. Manual says this is when VR is engaged and active. It does appears to be working and stabilizing in the viewfinder. Is the click/clack expected?
The 200-500 on my D810 is whisper quiet.
However, my original version of 80-400 made the same noise as you describe and worked perfectly fine while my new 80-400 is also whisper quiet.
The new 200-500 "snaps" into VR instantly and really steadies the viewfinder image better than any other lens I've had.
p.18 #17 · Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 200-500mm f/5.6E ED VR
Mine is dead quiet on my D810. Quietest lens I've ever used, regardless of VR/IS/OS. It is pretty astounding!
I had a chance to test a little more with the TC-14E III. AF is actually almost the same as w/o any TC. I was easily tracking BIF, even backlit birds. I think it felt slow before because I was trying to photograph erratic subjects which even the bare lens had trouble with. Will report back after more testing this weekend
This is great news! Would it be possible to ask what the image quality is like with the 1.4TC now you're used to using it? Is there any loss in quality?
I've taken the plunge and ordered from Amazon UK as they ended up having a pre-order deal, so got it for £200 cheaper! :-) The lens should be here tomorrow.
p.18 #18 · Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 200-500mm f/5.6E ED VR
ChurchGreen wrote:
This is great news! Would it be possible to ask what the image quality is like with the 1.4TC now you're used to using it? Is there any loss in quality?
p.18 #20 · Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 200-500mm f/5.6E ED VR
ChurchGreen wrote:
This is great news! Would it be possible to ask what the image quality is like with the 1.4TC now you're used to using it? Is there any loss in quality?
I've taken the plunge and ordered from Amazon UK as they ended up having a pre-order deal, so got it for £200 cheaper! :-) The lens should be here tomorrow.
Cheers
Simon
Looks decent so far but I didn't get much of anything last night. Also had to dial in my AF fine tune with the TC, +10 on my D810. Will try again tonight, just found a Peregrine Falcon lives next to my office
