p.20 #1 · Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 200-500mm f/5.6E ED VR
conrad2nr wrote:
Anyone experienced dust inside the lens or any build related issues?
Lacking tripod mount a la 300mm AF-S F/4D?
I've been following things pretty closely across multiple forums and I have yet to read of a build related issue. Rest assured you will hear about it if someone does haha. As always, just buy from somewhere with a reputable return policy if you are at all worried.
Tripod collar & foot are included, but like any lens you will need to get a lens plate for whatever tripod head system you are invested in.
p.20 #2 · Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 200-500mm f/5.6E ED VR
If it's built like the 80-400G there 100% will be more than average dust inside. But it's not bad by any means and it never affected any picture quality so it was never a concern.
p.20 #5 · Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 200-500mm f/5.6E ED VR
Oh boy,here we go again:
To users of the AF-S NIKKOR 200-500mm f/5.6E ED VR lens
Thank you for choosing Nikon for your photographic needs.
Nikon will implement a service for updating AF-S NIKKOR 200-500mm f/5.6E ED VR lens firmware. Details regarding implementation of this firmware service are as follows.
Firmware update details
We have confirmed that with autofocus shooting using the AF-S NIKKOR 200-500mm f/5.6E ED VR lens, autofocus may sometimes become disabled and focus operation switches to manual focus* when the zoom ring on the lens is rotated while the camera’s shutter-release button is pressed halfway, or the camera’s AF-ON button is held down.
*Autofocus operation can be restored by pressing the camera’s shutter-release button halfway again, or pressing the camera’s AF-ON button again.
To address the occurrence of this, we will implement a service for updating AF-S NIKKOR 200-500mm f/5.6E ED VR lens firmware.
Updating lens firmware
Those who would like to have their AF-S NIKKOR 200-500mm f/5.6E ED VR firmware updated may take or send their lens to a Nikon authorised service center, where the firmware will be updated free of charge.
Identifying lenses with which the firmware has already been updated
Firmware in lenses with a serial number of 2008365 or higher have already been updated.
Requesting service
Please direct inquiries regarding this matter to your nearest Nikon Service Centre or create a Free Service Returns Request.
p.20 #7 · Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 200-500mm f/5.6E ED VR
morris wrote:
Even if the IQ of the Nikon 200-500 were as good or even better, why would I want less reach and be limited to 200mm on the wide end? I already miss 80mm from my 80-400 VR
Morris
Well IF the 200-500 gives better IQ with a 1.4x TC than the Sigma with a 1.4x TC, then the Nikon would give you a 700mm f8 that is lighter, less expensive, and still gives you AF.
p.20 #8 · Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 200-500mm f/5.6E ED VR
Received mine on Thursday and took it to a local fly-in/airshow over the weekend to try it out. Comparing the 200-500mm to the 80-400mm on a D7200 my unscientific conclusions are:
There is no that much difference in image quality between the two lenses at 400mm @ F8.
With a small subject a crop from the 200-500mm @500mm is better than a heavier crop from the 80-400mm.
No noticeable difference in AF performance.
When hand-holding at 1/400 that extra 100mm makes it much more challenging to get a sharp shot, but the sharp shots were very good (need to work on my long lens technique).
It's a lot heavier and much more tiring to hand hold for long periods.
I missed the 'short end' of the 80-400mm, several times I was too close and didn't get the shot I wanted.
p.20 #9 · Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 200-500mm f/5.6E ED VR
This lens looks like a hit.I already have the 80-400 g and really happy with it and of course I would love the extra reach of the 200-500 or the sigma 150-600s.I hike ?walk around with a bag that I carry around a 24-70,80-400g and A 105 macro.
The size not the weight is the issue for me.But the prices are so good I am going to pick 1 up just for the times I shoot wildlife. Ain't competition grande.Love that nikon responded to Tamron and Sigma.Doug M
p.20 #11 · Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 200-500mm f/5.6E ED VR
I was supposed to go whale watching today but the weather was a bit rough in that part of the country so the trip was cancelled. Instead I went in the opposite direction and went to an open zoo instead just to try out 200-500 a bit more with my D810. All were handheld.
The pictures were uncropped, adjusted white balance, color, high light, shadow a bit.
p.20 #13 · Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 200-500mm f/5.6E ED VR
I think it is not bad at all! This is one of the best telephoto price/performance wize! A really cheap 500mm, that's for sure! Off course it is only a 5.6
p.20 #14 · Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 200-500mm f/5.6E ED VR
AvianScott wrote:
I understand that when the shutter button is pushed, the VR activates. I'm referring to when I push the shutter button all the way down to capture the image, the image shifts as the shutter is activated, not when the VR activates when the button is pushed halfway to start focusing.
From the Brad Hill review link Lance gave back on P17 :
Controls - Vibration Reduction (VR): 2 switches, each with two positions. Switch 1: On and Off. Switch 2: Normal and Sport. Perfect in my books. Normal gives you 4.5 stops of vibration reduction, but the image jumps a LOT between successive frames (good old herky-jerkiness). Sport gives you "somewhat" less vibration reduction, but FAR LESS jumping of the image between frames (very smooth - very low herky-jerkiness!). BOTH VR modes can be used for panning, and both can be used when on a tripod. I can already say that when I'm shooting on a tripod with a loose head (think loose gimbal for shooting moving animals and birds) I'll be using Sport mode (just like with my 400mm f2.8E VR).
Interesting comparison, the 4/300 PF with optional converter has a bit similar range and aperture, but it is much smaller/lighter for about double the cost (including one converter). At 300mm the PF should have the advantage in IQ and AF, at longer focal length (300PF with converter) maybe slight edge for the 200-500? Difficult choosing between these options ;-)
Interesting that the closeup quality isn't much different. My experience with Canon tele is that some lenses that are great at long range are not very good near their MFD - so performance at close range can vary a lot. Maybe Nikon is different?
p.20 #17 · Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 200-500mm f/5.6E ED VR
I placed my order on Sept 26th and it hasn't shipped. I spoke with B&H on Monday and they couldn't tell me what number I am on the list, but Sept 24th orders are at the top. They didn't have any info from Nikon as to when more would arrive though. I don't know if the firmware issue on the early lenses has impacted shipping.
p.20 #18 · Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 200-500mm f/5.6E ED VR
I went out today on a boat to see Bryde's whales. Most were shots with D7100, some also with TC-14e iii and a few with D810 as the whales were generally around 100 meters away. None of the pictures were cropped and only opened in PS to resize and convert to jpg.
p.20 #19 · Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 200-500mm f/5.6E ED VR
Basically the whales came up during feeding once in awhile. Each pass only lasted about 5-10 seconds at best, it seems. AF was ok without TC-14e iii and a bit slower but each pass I still managed to get a few shots in. d810 certainly AF quite a bit faster than d7100. Did not have much luck with birds though. Most birds pictures were not that sharp nor in good focus, could be the AF but most likely my technique as I never really tried any BIF in the past.
