p.16 #2 · Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 800mm f/5.6E FL ED VR Official thread.
IF everything aligns I’m expecting to receive my copy of this incredible lens in the coming week or so.
I don’t anticipate using it handheld much/if at all, but plan to use on very robust System 5 Gitzo with Gimbal, and perhaps on robust Monopod/Promedia Tomahawk setup when more mobile, paired with Z9.
Wondered if might pool the group for some recommendations - consensus even?
1: VR or not? Any kind of consensus for VR requirement or settings, above say 1/1200 SS? I read that it ‘detects tripod usage’ [?] Trying to extract maximum pixel peeping pleasure without unnecessary VR ‘compromising’ my 400% zoom in
2: After market footer for Arca Swiss /gimbal ? Big fan of QD socket , and wanting to use safety tether. Am thinking of Kirk LP63N, else Promedia PX6 [latest version] . Some great other brands out there [RRS, Hejnar etc] , but not all have QD and or space to splice or screw in safety tether via additional QD or 3/8 etc QD adapter. I believe the ‘updated’ Kirk 63N has better balance [and QD] vs the original ’63’.
3: Rolanpro Cover - Have had great experience with their other Nikon tele covers, anything I should know about their ‘800 version vs alternatives?
4: Pelican 1535 & ‘800 - will this truly fit with the large lens hood or will be too cramped ? Have mine setup for Z600 f4 and it works fine.
Lastly, I’d love to connect with any local [SF Bay Area] shooters using this lens, please PM me if you’re open to a meetup sometime.
Am sure I could learn something from the skill levels I’m seeing on this thread.
Many thanks in advance for the wisdom of the crowd
p.16 #3 · Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 800mm f/5.6E FL ED VR Official thread.
Hi jb,
I took delivery of what I will affectionately call my “beautiful monster” recently. I plan to use it on a tripod with gimbal head and on a stout monopod with the Wimberley Monogimbal for my “run and gun” scenarios. “Walk/hike and gun” is more like it though. I’ll be using a Z8 and a D750 on it.
All I know about VR is that it is supposedly not to be used on a tripod. I plan to do experimentation with all that.
I have a Kirk LP-63NSG replacement foot coming soon and will definitely have some safety mechanism in place in case the rig somehow comes off the monopod head while I’m walking with it over my shoulders.
I’m looking at LensCoat neoprene covers but will check out Rolanpros too.
I’ll most likely be storing and transporting it for photo sessions in a Lowepro Lens Trekker 600 AW III, which I got years ago for a 1980s Nikkor 800mm f/5.6 that I have since sold. It just wasn’t any fun to use except for lunar and other relatively stationary subject matter. I have major respect for the photographers back then who took such great action and wildlife shots with that beast!
Good luck with yours and maybe we can meetup sometime in the future, after I get my rig all squared away. Cheers!
