runakid wrote:
How do you compare the 500 PF to the 200-500? Wondering should I even buy the 500 PF as I like the 200-500 so much.
I have both, but honestly, unless I know for sure that I will need a zoom lens, will always take my 50pf. It is so much lighter, sharper, and quicker to focus than my 200-500. The lighter weight means I can handhold easily, which is a big plus on a walkabout.
runakid wrote:
How do you compare the 500 PF to the 200-500? Wondering should I even buy the 500 PF as I like the 200-500 so much.
I was thinking of selling the 500 PF when I got it as it was in a sale with a D850 with Nikon grip, battery and charger for $4500. Then I thought I'll keep it though the winter and sell it later. I also thought about selling the 200-500mm for about $900 to off set the PF price. I bought the kit for the D850 and grip.
That said, giving my though process. After 3 outings with the PF, my goodness. It's a bit sharper at further distances then the 200-500, especially if cropping. If you're filling the frame with the 200-500, it's pretty close to the PF. The weight and compactness of it makes it amazing for tracking fast birds like Kingfishers.
The 200-500 will be for walking in tight areas like dense woods as zoning out to 200mm would be beneficial.
Cost and the 200mm is your determining factor imo. Can you afford the PF and do you need the 200mm? Plus also a smaller camera bag is needed if traveling with the PF lens attached to a camera.
I haven't shot a lot but noticed I need to keep the shutter speed at least up to around 1/1600 to 1/2500 with my 500D and 500PF, otherwise the results are very sporadic.
Bsmooth wrote:
I haven't shot a lot but noticed I need to keep the shutter speed at least up to around 1/1600 to 1/2500 with my 500D and 500PF, otherwise the results are very sporadic.
That's strange, I've had many successful images in the 1/100 to 1/400 range with my D500. Are you using the VR?
By 1/750, I'll shut VR off and just go w/ good technique. Of course, if your subjects are moving and the wing beat is fast, you will get some motion blur.
I was just experimenting with a wire bundle on a lightpole across the street, that had lettering on it. I took about 20 shots of it with VR on and only got maybe 2 that were completely in focus. All the others were out of focus.
Bsmooth wrote:
I was just experimenting with a wire bundle on a lightpole across the street, that had lettering on it. I took about 20 shots of it with VR on and only got maybe 2 that were completely in focus. All the others were out of focus.
If you are not moving with the subject, and your shutter speed it 1/1000 of a second or faster, I would recommend shutting VR off. I have found that VR sport can remain on at fast shutter speeds if you are tracking a moving subject like flying birds or running/swimming animals. If, on the other hand, you are photographing something stationary, the movement of the VR elements will do more harm than good... This is fairly well documented...I suggest you try the same "test" with vR off.
Thanksgiving day outing in the fog/rain. What was nice is the weather and holiday kept the people away from the NWR which has become increasingly busy with the pandemic.
The unusually moderate conditions in MN this November inspired me to hike deep into the woods to get a look at the beaver pond I've been documenting since 2014. A treasure trove (cornucopia... given the season ) of photographic opportunity, I consider this my go to place when I just need to recharge.
With the goal of photographing the beaver lodge, I hoped that the beavers might be out and about, and possibly stocking up in preparation for their long winter "in doors." To my surprise, it appears that a river otter has decided to move into the lodge annex. While I believe I photographed this otter in early May, I assumed it was not a longterm resident of the pond.
I spent about an hour with this otter and hope to see it during the winter when the lake is covered by ice and snow...
Attached are a few that I've processed... w/ many more images to go.
) of photographic opportunity, I consider this my go to place when I just need to recharge.
