Re: "Official" Nikon 500 f/5.6E PF Discussion and Image Thread
Christian H wrote:
Lots of GAS thinking here. Before you blow 4K for no GOOD reason, keep in mind that the 200-500 delivers the same thing, plus you get a zoom! (Okay, so I live in the US where subject distances rarely exceed 30 m.)
...
I do find it interesting that you are making the economic argument here. If I recall, you have a 500mm f/4G and 200-400mm f/G as well as the 200-500E.
Since your 200-500E performs so well, why keep your other two overlapping optics. Is it really worth the extra $10,000 (+) for one extra stop of light?
I would argue that your success with the 200-500 is more related to your skill as a photographer than anything else. Your pictures are great, but like you, others might want to own a premium quality prime telephoto that offers some advantages over the three optics mentioned. First, the PF is extremely light and portable. For an older person or someone with skeletal / muscular issues, this lens can keep them in the "game." Alternatively, for someone like me, the PF is small and light enough that it is very suitable for long hikes, backpacking, and flights on smaller regional aircraft.
Finally, whether you choose to acknowledge it or not, the 500mm PF is a sharper and faster focusing lens than the 200-500VR. It's capabilities approach Nikon's newest super FLE series telephoto lenses. I am not the only one who as made these assertions, though I do acknowledge that I likely have "ownership bias." This, of course, is something we all tend to experience from time to time, and is the reason why I tried to run and share my relatively controlled test comparing the 500PF to the 200-500 and 200-400mm lenses.
Finally, were one to have a limited budget and could afford only one good lens with a good wildlife camera, I would recommend the 200-500 over the 500mm PF for its cost savings and flexibility... fortunately, I can afford to own both as well as other lenses.
cheers,
bruce
Oct 30, 2018 at 05:54 AM
Previous versions of OwlsEyes's message #14646969 « "Official" Nikon 500 f/5.6E PF Discussion and Image Thread »
