I have chosen to use this to avoid the fiddly nature of the removable feet and prevent me from carelessly flipping the foot removal lever. When shooting hand held, I flip the foot up. I like this method because the combination makes for a steady handle in the field. Here's a short Instagram video (58 sec) of me using the lens in the field to shoot busy little hermit thrush. https://www.instagram.com/p/BwnuPY2lebT/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
I have chosen to use this to avoid the fiddly nature of the removable feet and prevent me from carelessly flipping the foot removal lever. When shooting hand held, I flip the foot up. I like this method because the combination makes for a steady handle in the field. Here's a short Instagram video (58 sec) of me using the lens in the field to shoot busy little hermit thrush. https://www.instagram.com/p/BwnuPY2lebT/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
regards, bruce
I think it was you that suggested the Hejnar foot a while back and so I got one. It's perfect for my use, thank you!
Like you, I was a little scared of accidently flipping the removable foot off. The Hejnar is good and solid.
I have to say, I have been looking at this thread and the fantastic photos. Very impressive images, granted a lot of that is owed to the particular photographers. As I have said before I am trying to restrict myself to Birds in Flight, and this lens just seems perfect for it, especially since I like to handhold my lenses.
This one lens may in the end be the one deciding factor for changing from Canon to Nikon. Well that and the D500 is calling as well
Bsmooth wrote:
I have to say, I have been looking at this thread and the fantastic photos. Very impressive images, granted a lot of that is owed to the particular photographers. As I have said before I am trying to restrict myself to Birds in Flight, and this lens just seems perfect for it, especially since I like to handhold my lenses.
This one lens may in the end be the one deciding factor for changing from Canon to Nikon. Well that and the D500 is calling as well
Agree, even if the PF lenses are possibly just a notch behind the most expensive tele primes in IQ this thread shows how capable they are in the right hands. And probably they get a lot of shots that would be missed otherwise because those big primes would be left at home due to size/weight.
I'm also considering the move from Canon to Nikon because of the PF lenses and D500; hopefully we get the US discounts in Europe as well later this month, currently especially D500 is still awfully expensive. Canon has nothing to compete and I don't expect any competitive body or lens either in the near future. The only potential competition for D500 might be Sony A7000 / mini-A9, but that might take longer than initially expected (and they still don't have the right lean&mean lenses to match).
arbitrage wrote:
Right now I'm just using the included (tiny) foot. I do hold it from that foot sometimes but it is not great being so short. I have attached a plate to the foot for a better carrying experience but recently have taken that off to reduce weight.
I've considered buying the Hejnar foot (http://www.hejnarphotostore.com/product-p/h129-asterisk-.htm) as it screws directly in and there have been reports of stock foot loosening and the release button being inadvertently pushed causing the lens to drop to the ground (notably Steve Perry had this happen).
Although my stock foot has been rock solid and every time I think to check the tightness it has remained as tight as I can make it.
The Hejnar is the most reasonably priced replacement foot that I've found and is one of the longest....Show more →
I bought the Hejnar, and it is VERY nice. In fact I have one on both my 500PF and my wife's.
I've used Wimberly feet on several big lenses and like the Hejnar just as well. It's well made, looks very nice, and works perfectly in my Wimberly GH and on my Kirk monopod head.
Also, delivery is quite fast. I had them both within a couple days of ordering, w/o any expedited shipping.
Thanks to many of you that helped me decide the 500PF was a lens I needed to have. Now that wifey & I have had our lenses for just over a month, I may as well join in...
These are a few from lunch time walks at the park, "feeling out" the new lens. Shot w/ D500.
With the 500PF's finally "in hand", we had a visit to southern FL in early April. This time, I left my 600 F4 at home. Man, does that ever make flying easier!
Most of our vacation shots were with D500's too. I had an 850 with me, but rarely used it. Light was usually pretty good, so reach was king. Even on rainy days, the 500PF was A-OK.
I have a question. How do ya'll get the EXIF data to display below your images on this site? Can I do it if I'm using Flickr to host images? Thanks in advance!!!
I have a question. How do ya'll get the EXIF data to display below your images on this site? Can I do it if I'm using Flickr to host images? Thanks in advance!!!
EXIF doesn't show from Flickr embeds. You have to use the forum's upload feature (available to paying members) to have the EXIF show under the photos.
Lance B wrote:
I think it was you that suggested the Hejnar foot a while back and so I got one. It's perfect for my use, thank you!
Like you, I was a little scared of accidently flipping the removable foot off. The Hejnar is good and solid.
I remember his suggestion back then Lance.
And I also use a foot (on my 200-500) in the same manner Bruce...in the upright and as a handle.
The foot does not look as long in its advertisement link as it does when Bruce holds it up in the video. In his video it looks to be an ample length and clearance to make a real nice handle.
I have chosen to use this to avoid the fiddly nature of the removable feet and prevent me from carelessly flipping the foot removal lever. When shooting hand held, I flip the foot up. I like this method because the combination makes for a steady handle in the field. Here's a short Instagram video (58 sec) of me using the lens in the field to shoot busy little hermit thrush. https://www.instagram.com/p/BwnuPY2lebT/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
regards, bruce
I really like your clip of the thrush Bruce. I've also been doing short clips, with my D850’s focus peaking, of little birds out the window here.
A serious illness throughout this last winter took all my energy. That, combined with the dreary winters we have in our northern climes, have worked to keep me out of the loop.
But hope to be getting out for my work soon. A spring has never been more welcome in my life.
Also, I met a fellow and his wife down to Bosque del Apache last November who are retired photojournalists and recommended Instagram as a medium for posting work.
