p.3 #1 · D500 Shooters. What is your next upgrade?
Used a d500 4 years with nikon 400mm f/2.8, 300mm f/2.8, 200mm f/2 and 200-500mm f/5.6 /lens and did very well photographing mostly bird wildlife. Ended up selling the 400mm f/2.8 because I could not hand hold it very well and it was heavy to carry with a tripod. Picked up the D5, it was larger than I expected, the first time a pressed the shutter it was amazing, I did not expect such a difference with 12 fps. The focusing is faster than the D500 and it changed my perception of the 200-500mm f/5.6, which when used with the D5 the focusing now seemed very slow, needless to say I sold the 200-500mm f/5.6 and now looking for the 500mm pf 5.6 for the quicker focusing. The D5 is like a D500 on steroids, faster focusing, better tracking, noticeably better in low light and better weather protection.
But there is a new monster on the horizon, the upcoming Z9, and am planing on switching to mirrorless. But for now the D5 is amazing and is exciting to shoot. The low light images are a surprise, the D500 is very good, but not equal.
p.3 #2 · D500 Shooters. What is your next upgrade?
tobycat2 wrote:
a Z500 or additional lenses, preferably PF lenses (400mm, 600mm)?
I would not look to spend double the money for a 600mm f5.6 PF over the 500mm. The extra 100mm isn't worth $3.5k. Plus if they did make that, it will likely be a Z mount and even more expensive
p.3 #3 · D500 Shooters. What is your next upgrade?
Eric214 wrote:
I would not look to spend double the money for a 600mm f5.6 PF over the 500mm. The extra 100mm isn't worth $3.5k. Plus if they did make that, it will likely be a Z mount and even more expensive
I would, I would trade in the 500PF the day the 600PF hit the shelves and never look back. If I see the crop ratio on my D500 shots, 90% are cropped to at least 600mm F.O.V.
For web display this may not be all that crucial with todays software solutions, but for printing it makes a world of difference. It all depends on your reach requirements, but someone is going to get a very well cared for used copy of the 500PF if Nikon sees sense in releasing a 600PF, dslr or mirrorless.
p.3 #4 · D500 Shooters. What is your next upgrade?
With so much buzz going on with the Z9 coming out, I thought I'd post some D500 picks for those of us who can't / won't fork out the extra for the Z9 as a wildlife camera. It's been a while since I've rattled the mirror around with the D500. Conditions were poor with the D500 and 200-500mm getting drenched for hours while out in my kayak. Both are in great shape still and the cAF worked as well as I could have expected while contorting around in the cockpit of a kayak. Most of these images were shot on a dull day with poor lighting, so ISO 4500 to 10000 were more frequent than I would have liked but needed, but that's what the day served.
Anyway, a Z9 would be fantastic but these images reminded me that a D500 is pretty damn sweet and less risky in a kayak. Cheers!
p.3 #5 · D500 Shooters. What is your next upgrade?
urbanwild wrote:
With so much buzz going on with the Z9 coming out, I thought I'd post some D500 picks for those of us who can't / won't fork out the extra for the Z9 as a wildlife camera. It's been a while since I've rattled the mirror around with the D500. Conditions were poor with the D500 and 200-500mm getting drenched for hours while out in my kayak. Both are in great shape still and the cAF worked as well as I could have expected while contorting around in the cockpit of a kayak. Most of these images were shot on a dull day with poor lighting, so ISO 4500 to 10000 were more frequent than I would have liked but needed, but that's what the day served.
Anyway, a Z9 would be fantastic but these images reminded me that a D500 is pretty damn sweet and less risky in a kayak. Cheers!
p.3 #7 · D500 Shooters. What is your next upgrade?
Me with a z9…….sitting in front of a computer waiting for the images to download and then spending hours trying to cull while not wanting to throw good images away! 30 fps would have to shift my culling approach!
p.3 #8 · D500 Shooters. What is your next upgrade?
I see no real upgrade for the D500. The image quality won't be bested by the Z9 in crop mode, and AF is very good. The only reason to "upgrade" is to be able to make the switch to mirrorless, in which case I think the best candidates for staying in the realm of the D500 size and weight and maintain a similar resolution, are the Canon R5 and Sony A1 in crop mode.
That will mean new lenses, but Nikon mirrorless would ideally also mean new (Z) lenses.
p.3 #10 · D500 Shooters. What is your next upgrade?
The D500 was introduced almost 6 years ago with an MSRP of $1995 US. I realize we may never see a body this good at this price point again but until something comes along that's equal I won't be upgrading my main workhorse, the D500. As good as I'm sure the Z9 will be, I'm in no position to spend $6000 on a new camera body just to take pictures of wildlife. Honestly, the only time I feel the need to upgrade is when I spend time on these forums. When I'm out in the field it's the last thing I think about.
p.3 #12 · D500 Shooters. What is your next upgrade?
sum1sgrampa wrote:
The D500 was introduced almost 6 years ago with an MSRP of $1995 US. I realize we may never see a body this good at this price point again but until something comes along that's equal I won't be upgrading my main workhorse, the D500. As good as I'm sure the Z9 will be, I'm in no position to spend $6000 on a new camera body just to take pictures of wildlife. Honestly, the only time I feel the need to upgrade is when I spend time on these forums. When I'm out in the field it's the last thing I think about. ...Show more →
Yeah, the D500 will appear more and more special in the years ahead I think.
I'm also thinking the next one will come out next year.....likely a 24mp full frame with features of the Z9. It will be interesting to find out if they ever come out with a cropped sensor camera again.
p.3 #16 · D500 Shooters. What is your next upgrade?
sum1sgrampa wrote:
I've been shooting with a D500 for 4 years now and like everyone else I sometimes think of upgrading but then realize it's mostly just GAS. I go around in a circle, D4S, D5, D850, but eventually end up back to the D500 because that's the body that makes the most sense for me. I'm more interested in a Nikon 200-600 that rivals the Sony. I primarily use the Sigma 150-600 S but I hate the extended zoom, it's very awkward to handhold, the OS takes too long to disengage, and judging by work shown on these forums the Sony IQ may be better. I really don't want to switch systems although that's getting very tempting. If an internal zoom Nikon 200-600 hits the market that would be my next upgrade rather than a body.
Gary ...Show more →
Hi Gary, I have been shooting with D500s about as long as you have (2018), I use two. My primary subjects are event and sports photography work.
Short Answer - Z9.
Long Answer:
In the past two years I have added a D4S and D4 as I have some requirements where FF is better, mostly daylight events. Because I have to have backup body in case one fails, as I do paid assignments.
I find that the D500s have the edge in low-light AF speed and the flicker control (powerful for night sports lighting).
The D4/D4S work awesome in daylight, and it's almost a toss up.
I pre-ordered a Z9 and FTZII. I expect to use it as companion to D500 in low light and D4S in daylight. If all goes well with the Z9, I will get 2nd. Likely retires 1 each of D500 and D4/D4S at that point.
I have all the AF-S lenses I ever need until something needs to be replaced. I tested everything I have with a Z6II recently. My AFS 200-500 for daytime work, AFS 200-400 F4 VR and the 300 2.8 VR for night time. I tested those on Z6II found that it worked great with that body but will work with Z9.
p.3 #17 · D500 Shooters. What is your next upgrade?
I'm a Canon convert from a few years ago(1DMKIV) to the D500 and 500PF lens. For price, reach, and birding in general, the Nikon combo can't be touched. Thats all I have right now just the Nikon Combo.
I left the Canon 1DMKIV and 100-400 because it was just a bit heavy to lug around, but the Canon did nail focus more often, especially for Birds in Flight. But for what the Nikon lacks in AF accuracy it makes up for in pure reach.
Its also one heck of a lot lighter.
Right now I'll stick with the Nikon Combo. But I did try the Sony A9 and 200-600, and it was amazing, the proof alone, how many on this forum suddenly switched over to Sony.
I would say If you see a shot of a bird in flight here on this forum its usually going to be a Sony.
I might pickup a used A9 and 200-600 sometime, but I would rather find a good Nikon to match up with that 500PF, that has better AF than my D500, and doesn't cost a small fortune.
For me its a waiting game, but also a race to see which comes first.
p.3 #18 · D500 Shooters. What is your next upgrade?
My Upgrade is the Z9. Already Prepaid for it and 1st on the list from my shop. I have already sold 1 D500 and my 2nd one will likely be sold in January after my Yellowstone trip.
