bs kite wrote:
I’ll start this post now, to grab a position, just below Philip and Gary... and then edit as needed.
I have had the 500PF and 200-500 for years now.
Philip’s comment on the 500PF focusing is right.
My 500PF’s huge advantage is its lightweight. It’s a “walk-about” 500. However, I sometimes have fits trying to focus the 500PF, but that may be partly due to my daltonism. Literally, I am blind to the red or green boxes against foliage.
After reading the 2 above posts, I compared the AF of the 500PF to the 200-500. The 500PF AF is “snappy” while the 2-5 is smooth and slower but usually sufficient in speed.
Gary’s post is very informative. I remember when all zooms were too soft. As I look back on my loon work, the 200-500 has been the most valuable of the two above lenses. All my captures of loons "taking to flight" were done with the 2-5 (and it's considered slow to AF?) But its weight is too much. Yes, I can still heft it. No, I do not want to. But I will continue to deal with the weight.... simply because I need the versatility of a super telephoto zoom. In loon work both the watercraft and the loons are always moving.
I’ve combined Gary’s assessment of the 180-600, with Terry Vander Heiden's “deep dive” into it. I’ve been putting off buying this lens. While editing this post, I ordered it. I hope I become as excited about it as everyone is
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Here’s an edit after shooting it a few days: Reasons I love it! - I can zoom the entire 200-600 range with just one sweep of my thumb. I shoot long lenses at f8; this lens is very sharp. It has the smoothest VR I've ever experienced. Thanks Nikon for such a great lens at a great price.
Hey Robert. Congrats on the new lens ! I was going to mention to you before, you probably aren't going to see a major difference in sharpness but you should notice a major difference in usability. It seems you've already discovered that I agree, the internal zoom is a huge plus and the VR is also excellent. I also think the out of focus transitions on this lens are very, very nice. I'm looking forward to seeing your results and hearing your impressions going forward.
