A little late to the party on this video. About 5 years. However I appreciate what you said about the Nikkor 500mm Catadioptric lens. I have owned two different versions of that lens. The first was the one you showed in this video and the other I have owed and still do have is the older C version. It was manufactured that year before released the version you show here. The odd thing is when I researched it years ago, I read that the newer version like yours was optically superior so I hunted for that version. The copy I had was in good condition regarding the glass elements. It definitely had some wear on the barrel. Anyway, I took a lot of shots with it and was ok with its performance. I ended up selling it for what I paid and did not really look for another copy until this year. I decided to go with the C version. Granted its close focus distance is a football field but I’m not using it for that. I found that I get sharper and more contrast with the C version. I still have the same camera body I did back then so nothing has changed there. It could be that the copy I had was not that good. The C version is heavier and longer and lacks the macro, but I really like the results I get with it. Less post work. I even use it for night street photography of parked cars and whatnot. It takes work focusing but on a tripod and delayed release work great. Just wanted to say thanks for being honest about the lenses. I also have the 80-200mm 2.8 D. Always wanted it when I was in college but just could not afford $1100 back then. I finally got a pristine copy a good price. That lens is amazing. Glad I never went for the newer more expensive versions.
I have had the 70-300 VR G lens since 2010 and it is still great , I got a 180 2.8 af 1st generation in 2017 (about 30 years old) and the image quality is amazing and some day plan to get a 80-200 af D , all great lenses thanks for the video.
Ken you know I like your videos and recommendations but I have always thought one thing was missing being that you have access to more older glass then usual. Example overlays with actual pictures taken with the lens in question. Like I have the Tamron and that's fine but was curious about that older AI-S 300mm f/2.8 at the end. I don't wanna spend a nice used car on the new 300 2.8 but this seems like a doable option. However I have to admit that once you give a lens the nod it is an utter pain in the ass to get your hands on, I can't tell you how hard it was to get that Tokina 100mm. I was on a waiting list forever. lol
Hi ! I have a question. I am looking for a super tele photo lens which I am exclusively using for landscape images. (mostly mountains) This means i have no problem with f8 and no autofocus. Which would for my purposes be the best lens where I can get maximum focal length ( 400mm; 500mm; 600mm or best 800mm) relative to best possible image quality when I therefore take compromises in speed and missing auto focus in oder to save money? A good tele lens with good image quality for reasonable amount of money :-) There are so many newer and old lenses out there that i have difficulties to find the very best combination....... Many thanks in advance!
I just bought the Nikon-N 500 F8 today and will be getting it this Monday. Replacing the Nikon-C 500 F8 because it was too heavy and bulky but happy with everything else.. Giving it to a friend. Ken recommended the Nikon N mentioning how lightweight it us, 1 lb lighter to be accurate. Will post results..
I got some of these. Love the 80-200/2.8D & 180/2.8D got the classic 75-300/4.5-5.6 Af, 300/4D & even the 500/8c The Reflex is a bit to get used to but it’s unique. Focuses close as well
Ken, Thanks for a very informative video. I’m looking to replace my 55-200mm VR. The intention is to take candid shots of people at a distance, and sometimes use it for fast moving objects. - Would you say that the Nikkor 80-200 2.8 in this video would be the one for me? - Will it autofocus on my D5300? Yes, I am on a budget. 😉 ..Boris
@Boris Ekner: I use an AFS 50mm f1.8G on my D5100 for candid shots, it is less conspicuous than a telephoto lens would be. The 80-200 won't autofocus with your camera as its an AF-D lens. I am still looking for a decent telephoto for mine, tried to bid in two auctions on EBAY for the Tamron 70-200 G1 but was outbid on both-the lenses went for £500 pounds.
Which would you choose for wedding photography - the 180mm f2.8, or the 80-200mm f2.8? I'm having a hard time deciding between them. Price and image quality favor the 180mm, while flexibility and convenience (and maybe autofocus speed?) favors the 80-200mm.
A wedding it's something it happens once in a lifetime (or so most brides think). I 'd rather capture a special moment at a so-so image quality, that no moment at an excellent image quality.
Have the Nikon 300mm f4 and auto focus dead. Cleaned contacts and no change. Been in aerated cupboard and haven't been dropped. What is cost to get auto focus motor fixed?
Don't need autofocus and wanted to stay on the cheap so I went with the old Nikkor 200MM f4 and 300MM f4.5 for telephotos. Just picked up the TC201 and TC301 teleconverters on eBay for cheap so I'll have some fun this spring seeing what doubling out their focal lengths will catch me. I pretty much always use them during the day so the light loss from the teleconverters doesn't bother me. After you mentioned the teleconverter in the 500MM f8 review I started looking into those. There's always something new to learn in these lens review videos lol
I know you don't like the Nikon 70-200 f2.8s, but what do you think about the Nikon 70-200 f4 for travel when I don't want to lug around the Tamron 70-200 f2.8? Especially when compared to the Nikon 70-300VR? Thanks!
+jmehlers16 Also, I've read that you don't like the Nikon 200-500 f5.6, but can you elaborate as to why? Obviously it's not a prime and has compromises, but as far as telephoto zooms are concerned, it seems to get universally good reviews in terms of picture quality and (particularly) value.
Excellant video your logic is perfect. Insanley happy with the Nikon 500mm reflex I purchased on Ken's recommendation. My use of this lens is for artistic purposes, portraits, nature studies, to take advantage of the dougnut bokeh..Fine for me due to the fact I have no interest in pursuing wildlife shooting.
Thanks for the video, what´s your opinion on the Nikkor 70-300 VR you have there vs the Tamron 70-300 VC?, I´ve read in several places that the Tamron is better in sharpness, VC and autofocus but I´d like to hear your opinion on that please
+Eliza Chaves both are fine, but the 70 300 VR G nikkor is faster AF and made better. The tammy IS sharper, this is true however the VR/VC is the same on both
+Youssef Jouad I'm not sure how to share a pic, so here's the link to my fb facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10153658345082663&set=a.10153565912197663.1073741889.714432662&type=3&theater
Sajith Kumar agree with Ken but... 80 can be handy when shooting boats for example from a deck and you can't back up. But love my 200-500 for birding and GT car racing in Daytona and Sebring.
+Theoria Apophasis Thanks. I only tested it for a bit yesterday. I was about to head out to take the train into NYC, when I look down and saw the package-which I wasn't expecting til today. So, I took it with me to see what I could get with it doing street photography. Got this shot: www.dropbox.com/s/37uvfvk4nhq8z7d/_GDB9576.jpg?dl=0
Theoria Apophasis lol I have to say it's the easiest focusing manual focus lens I've ever used. That throw is silk sex and sugar as you like to say. I didn't get any super sharp shots but that's because I was shooting 2.8 at 160th and still adding two stops of exposure comp in post.
Theoria Apophasis are there any short hard rods as good as the tokina? I find myself rather backing up walls than to change focal length :p. tokina macro too good
Would you mind analyzing this image? I mounted the TC-14E III with the Nikon 300mm f/4E PF ED on a D7200. There is severe ghosting or CA (Halo effect around highlights) All images taken appeared much softer with TC even when viewed uncropped and fullscreen (not 1:1). I am happy with the performance of the lens itself but this combination isn't working for me. I haven't seen anything about this in fourms. Do I have a bad teleconverter or can the fresnel element or CPL I had on be the culprit? farm6.staticflickr.com/5689/29388341714_b874ca4842_o_d.jpg or flic.kr/p/LLWW7N
You know what get's my panties in a wad, Ken? Wangnobb photographers like this who've never heard of using BODY CAPS or LENS CAPS: ruclips.net/video/Osp3b4YwqPI/видео.html I wonder what his sensors look like (If he's still in business that is) Aaaaahhhh!!!
+Marckymarc71 Holy Moses look at this at 20:15 ruclips.net/video/AI0idsLpXm0/видео.html tell me what is (horribly) WRONG with the exposure on that picture
A little late to the party on this video. About 5 years. However I appreciate what you said about the Nikkor 500mm Catadioptric lens. I have owned two different versions of that lens. The first was the one you showed in this video and the other I have owed and still do have is the older C version. It was manufactured that year before released the version you show here. The odd thing is when I researched it years ago, I read that the newer version like yours was optically superior so I hunted for that version. The copy I had was in good condition regarding the glass elements. It definitely had some wear on the barrel. Anyway, I took a lot of shots with it and was ok with its performance. I ended up selling it for what I paid and did not really look for another copy until this year. I decided to go with the C version. Granted its close focus distance is a football field but I’m not using it for that. I found that I get sharper and more contrast with the C version. I still have the same camera body I did back then so nothing has changed there. It could be that the copy I had was not that good. The C version is heavier and longer and lacks the macro, but I really like the results I get with it. Less post work. I even use it for night street photography of parked cars and whatnot. It takes work focusing but on a tripod and delayed release work great. Just wanted to say thanks for being honest about the lenses. I also have the 80-200mm 2.8 D. Always wanted it when I was in college but just could not afford $1100 back then. I finally got a pristine copy a good price. That lens is amazing. Glad I never went for the newer more expensive versions.
I have had the 70-300 VR G lens since 2010 and it is still great , I got a 180 2.8 af 1st generation in 2017 (about 30 years old) and the image quality is amazing and some day plan to get a 80-200 af D , all great lenses thanks for the video.
Ken you know I like your videos and recommendations but I have always thought one thing was missing being that you have access to more older glass then usual. Example overlays with actual pictures taken with the lens in question. Like I have the Tamron and that's fine but was curious about that older AI-S 300mm f/2.8 at the end. I don't wanna spend a nice used car on the new 300 2.8 but this seems like a doable option. However I have to admit that once you give a lens the nod it is an utter pain in the ass to get your hands on, I can't tell you how hard it was to get that Tokina 100mm. I was on a waiting list forever. lol
180mm 2.8 is sick. Favorite for fashion photographers
Great video... those lenses on that shaky table... scaring that hell out of me 😲😂
Is the 80-200 compatible with tele converters from either Nikon or third party like kenko?
Hi !
I have a question. I am looking for a super tele photo lens which I am exclusively using for landscape images. (mostly mountains)
This means i have no problem with f8 and no autofocus.
Which would for my purposes be the best lens where I can get maximum focal length ( 400mm; 500mm; 600mm or best 800mm) relative to best possible image quality when I therefore take compromises in speed and missing auto focus in oder to save money?
A good tele lens with good image quality for reasonable amount of money :-)
There are so many newer and old lenses out there that i have difficulties to find the very best combination.......
Many thanks in advance!
I just bought the Nikon-N 500 F8 today and will be getting it this Monday. Replacing the Nikon-C 500 F8 because it was too heavy and bulky but happy with everything else.. Giving it to a friend. Ken recommended the Nikon N mentioning how lightweight it us, 1 lb lighter to be accurate. Will post results..
I got some of these. Love the 80-200/2.8D & 180/2.8D got the classic 75-300/4.5-5.6 Af, 300/4D & even the 500/8c The Reflex is a bit to get used to but it’s unique. Focuses close as well
Only a very brave man puts that amount of equipment on a wobbly table!
+Matt M or someone who with a lot of lens insurance.
Ken,
Thanks for a very informative video.
I’m looking to replace my 55-200mm VR. The intention is to take candid shots of people at a distance, and sometimes use it for fast moving objects.
- Would you say that the Nikkor 80-200 2.8 in this video would be the one for me?
- Will it autofocus on my D5300?
Yes, I am on a budget. 😉
..Boris
@Boris Ekner: I use an AFS 50mm f1.8G on my D5100 for candid shots, it is less conspicuous than a telephoto lens would be. The 80-200 won't autofocus with your camera as its an AF-D lens. I am still looking for a decent telephoto for mine, tried to bid in two auctions on EBAY for the Tamron 70-200 G1 but was outbid on both-the lenses went for £500 pounds.
Which would you choose for wedding photography - the 180mm f2.8, or the 80-200mm f2.8? I'm having a hard time deciding between them. Price and image quality favor the 180mm, while flexibility and convenience (and maybe autofocus speed?) favors the 80-200mm.
A wedding it's something it happens once in a lifetime (or so most brides think). I 'd rather capture a special moment at a so-so image quality, that no moment at an excellent image quality.
Have the Nikon 300mm f4 and auto focus dead. Cleaned contacts and no change. Been in aerated cupboard and haven't been dropped. What is cost to get auto focus motor fixed?
Snagged one of those 500 f/8s on ebay for 170, free shipping. Looking forward to trying it out in Shenandoah national park this fall
How did you like it?
Don't need autofocus and wanted to stay on the cheap so I went with the old Nikkor 200MM f4 and 300MM f4.5 for telephotos. Just picked up the TC201 and TC301 teleconverters on eBay for cheap so I'll have some fun this spring seeing what doubling out their focal lengths will catch me. I pretty much always use them during the day so the light loss from the teleconverters doesn't bother me. After you mentioned the teleconverter in the 500MM f8 review I started looking into those. There's always something new to learn in these lens review videos lol
ty, I was kinda going that way haha cheers for confirmation.
I would love to watch about K 30. Thanks
S.C.R.E.A.M. What you do when you see your credit card bill after buying one of these telephoto lenses.
I know you don't like the Nikon 70-200 f2.8s, but what do you think about the Nikon 70-200 f4 for travel when I don't want to lug around the Tamron 70-200 f2.8? Especially when compared to the Nikon 70-300VR? Thanks!
+jmehlers16 Also, I've read that you don't like the Nikon 200-500 f5.6, but can you elaborate as to why? Obviously it's not a prime and has compromises, but as far as telephoto zooms are concerned, it seems to get universally good reviews in terms of picture quality and (particularly) value.
That 300 really does look like the peeping tom special lol my goodness that front element though! and 2.8 that is amazing
Excellant video your logic is perfect. Insanley happy with the Nikon 500mm reflex I purchased on Ken's recommendation. My use of this lens is for artistic purposes, portraits, nature studies, to take advantage of the dougnut bokeh..Fine for me due to the fact I have no interest in pursuing wildlife shooting.
showcase your portfolio worldwide with www.srril.com and boost our passion or profession at zero cost :)
great video ken thank you
Thanks for the video, what´s your opinion on the Nikkor 70-300 VR you have there vs the Tamron 70-300 VC?, I´ve read in several places that the Tamron is better in sharpness, VC and autofocus but I´d like to hear your opinion on that please
+Eliza Chaves both are fine, but the 70 300 VR G nikkor is faster AF and made better. The tammy IS sharper, this is true however
the VR/VC is the same on both
+Theoria Apophasis Thanks for the fast response!
Here so fast the vid is only in 360p still :') Question. I just learnt my 80-200 is very soft at 200mm but sharp at like 195mm. Is this normal?
+Aaron Hiscock normal......video will be 720 in about 10 mins.......it was just uploaded
Theoria Apophasis I know I wasn't moaning :)
How do you feel about the 80-200 f2.8 old version with the push and pull zoom and slow af? is it worth getting at all if you are in a tight budget?
on a tight budget, HOW tight,....push pull is $350+ and well worth it
Exquisite !
that was obscene AP mouth was watering lol, I too was thinking that table was looking a bit wobbly
Does the AFS version of the 80 200 also have the backfocus issue at close range?
hi, thoughts on the 80-400 v 200-500 v tamron 150-600?
+Marcus Riley 200 500 nikkor
the others SUCK
What about the nikkor 70-200 f/2.8 vr ii vs the tamron?
+Aljaž Repnik tammy is better
+Theoria Apophasis Are you sure? Because some say that the nikon is sharper... And now i dont know which one to buy... Is tammy faster?
Nikkor 28-70 2.8 D ED? I see one locally thats cheap. Pros/cons?
+Frank White slow, overpriced :)
Hi
Would you recommend Tamron 150-600mm for wildlife?
+Theoria Apophasis have it, love it!
+Theoria Apophasis Thanks for response, I'll save for my next 200-500mm, Thx to you :)
I got unreal shots last week of an Eagle coupled with the d800.
+Lance J. Reha would you share please, I have the same camera :) , this would be the perfect example.
Thanks again Lance.
+Youssef Jouad I'm not sure how to share a pic, so here's the link to my fb facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10153658345082663&set=a.10153565912197663.1073741889.714432662&type=3&theater
what about 80-200 af-s?
it's just a bit more exp. and much harder to find, but it does focus faster and more silent; what's your thoughts on it??
the 80-200 2.8 afs your thoughts please
+Mark Reynolds bit overpriced, bit tougher, not worth the money, but always worth the resale price if buying cheap and later sell it.
+Theoria Apophasis thank you very much it was cheap it works a treat on my D7100, another purchase your guilty of once again my heart felt thanks
nikon 200-500 or 80-400 ,which is better choice ?
easssy 200 500
Sajith Kumar agree with Ken but... 80 can be handy when shooting boats for example from a deck and you can't back up. But love my 200-500 for birding and GT car racing in Daytona and Sebring.
How does the 180 Ai compare to the 180 D?
+Geoff Bosco both are the tits, but the 180D AF is bit sharper with better color sat and rendition, but not by a lot.
+Theoria Apophasis Thanks. I only tested it for a bit yesterday. I was about to head out to take the train into NYC, when I look down and saw the package-which I wasn't expecting til today. So, I took it with me to see what I could get with it doing street photography.
Got this shot: www.dropbox.com/s/37uvfvk4nhq8z7d/_GDB9576.jpg?dl=0
i see hotness with long nipples@!!!!!
YEAAHHHHHH BOOIIIII
Theoria Apophasis lol I have to say it's the easiest focusing manual focus lens I've ever used. That throw is silk sex and sugar as you like to say. I didn't get any super sharp shots but that's because I was shooting 2.8 at 160th and still adding two stops of exposure comp in post.
that lens is perfectly fine, id owned a few and wish i still did
Correction:
Long hard rod showdown: which is best? Why? Price? Resolution? Application ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)?
+Ben M MURICA 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸 ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)
Theoria Apophasis
are there any short hard rods as good as the tokina? I find myself rather backing up walls than to change focal length :p. tokina macro too good
noperz
BEST is the $1,400 200-500 VR3 period
Tamron 70-200 G2, is lousy in low light, not even close to the NIKON AF-S 70-200 F2.8E ED VR! Try shooting indoor basketball head to head
How do you feel about teleconverters?
hate em except for huge primes
Would you mind analyzing this image? I mounted the TC-14E III with the Nikon 300mm f/4E PF ED on a D7200. There is severe ghosting or CA (Halo effect around highlights) All images taken appeared much softer with TC even when viewed uncropped and fullscreen (not 1:1). I am happy with the performance of the lens itself but this combination isn't working for me. I haven't seen anything about this in fourms. Do I have a bad teleconverter or can the fresnel element or CPL I had on be the culprit? farm6.staticflickr.com/5689/29388341714_b874ca4842_o_d.jpg
or
flic.kr/p/LLWW7N
You know what get's my panties in a wad, Ken? Wangnobb photographers like this who've never heard of using BODY CAPS or LENS CAPS: ruclips.net/video/Osp3b4YwqPI/видео.html
I wonder what his sensors look like (If he's still in business that is) Aaaaahhhh!!!
+Marckymarc71
Holy Moses look at this at 20:15
ruclips.net/video/AI0idsLpXm0/видео.html
tell me what is (horribly) WRONG with the exposure on that picture