One more of the Feruginous Pygmy Owls from Costa Rica, and a Black-headed Trogan. Both were taken in a the thickets of a dry tropical forest in the Guanacaste Province.
I just got my 500pf a week ago (a rare event for me, buying a new lens from a dealer!). I've been testing it out a bit this week, and I have to say there are no surprises with the lens that I have found. It is performing exactly as I would have expected, and I'm going to use it precisely as I was thinking I would. My point of comparison is my 500mm e fl vr lens. Relative to that big boy, I'd say the 500pf is very sharp...if not the same (at least in good light), then pretty darn close. Obviously the big benefit is the form factor, and that makes the lens really easy to use. I do a lot of hiking and mtn biking with camera gear, and while I doubt if I'll strap the 500pf onto my camelbak as I do my 300pf, I am going to be using it a lot on local hikes. The maneuverability of the lens is wonderful, and obviously it is easy to handhold for long periods of time (although I also handhold my 500e for long periods of time). The only real downside that I see, and this is expected, is af performance in less than perfect light. I struggled at times to find focus or to find it quickly in the shadows or late in the day. It's just physics, the focus system has a little less light to focus with.
So, I am going to keep both of the lenses for now. I think for day to day shooting or just about any hiking, I'll bring the pf a lot more than the e. But if I am going to be out when light isn't great (early/late, cloudy days, etc), I am likely still going to be favoring the e. Also if I think I need the extra range from my 1.4x tc, that almost forces my hand to use the bigger lens. I'm sure the pf is ok with a tc, but its already a compromise and I won't likely use the tc much with the pf if I can help it.
It's a great lens. No other camera company has real competitors to these light and small long lenses. Probably the single biggest reason I'm sticking with nikon.
Hi, this is my first post in FM. I mostly drive around and find eagles and hawks on the pole, and take some BIF shots. 500PF is so short, so I can take it out quickly, or shoot from inside my car.
Don't have time to enjoy the lens. Rarely get out these days. This is from a local pond. HH lying on my belly to get right angle. Glad everybody's enjoying the lens.
