Your reviewing was just awesome and very detailed! 👌🏼 Your frankness in your review as well shows that you are only influenced by your experience with them. Thumbs up for it. God bless!👍🏼 I 'm looking to save and buy a Telescope lens for my D500 and I think I'll go with this 200-500mm, because of you
Great video Phil and awesome hat haha! I’d be very happy with either of those lenses, but for portability I’d have to go the 200-500. Amazing case that 500 comes in. Thanks for sharing the video 👍🙏
My 200-500 is as sharp as my Nikon 70-200 VR II on my D500 and D3s. Pin sharp even at 500mm. VR on mine is the best on any Nikon lens I’ve had and that’s a lot. I never move my collar and the first time I’ve heard about the knobs being cheap. Never noticed that, but then I don’t have the 500 f/4 to compare. Very good video.
Great informative video. Thank you! I have the same setup. Bought the 200-500 1st, then the 500f4, just had have a long prime Nikon. Cheers, Jim Johnston
thanks for the video. very helpful. I sold my 200-400 some months ago because it was too bulky to use and really I used it once every full moon although i need a long focal length, will try the 200-500 now.
Very good video and comparison. My choice would still be f5.6 200-500, it's good quality and more than enough, in addition to that, the zoom capability and lighter weight are more important to me than the better quality f4. You made it easy for me to choose what is better for me. Thank you.
Awesome review. Thanks! I've been using the 200-500 for a couple years. I just did some wild Mustang photography in Utah with a monopod and a lot of hiking involved. Loved the image quality and light weight. Great review. Thanks Phil !
Hello, Phil! Thank you for explicit review and detailed comparison! I haven't made up my mind yet about telephoto lens and want ask you for advice: have you had any experience with Sigma 60-600 mm "Sports" or 150-600 mm "Sports" lenses? Are they comparable in quality with the Nikon 200-500mm f/5.6 E? I compared a few reviews - according to them if the Sigma 60-600 is inferior, then not much. Although even from physics it's clear that an image at 200-500 with a constant aperture of f/5.6 should be better than f/4.5-6.3 at 60-600 mm. Which one is preferable, in your opinion?
So great lens 200-500 f/5.6 for wildlife, And with Add a 1.4x TC to reach ~1050mm ~ f/8 with AF and VR, wonderful video with so easy explain thanks so much to mr phil thach
Hey Phil , hope you are doing great . Can you tell me how the lens 200 500 performs on Nikon z6 ? Also can I use the 1.4 teleconverter in.combination of Nikon z6 and the 200 500 lens . If we use it then the effective focal length should be 700 right ? Abd then if I use the crop mode on top of that it should be 1050 mm ? Please let me know what you think
Debashish Dey All of those numbers are correct and it works fine with the Z6 but the Z6 is not good at focusing on birds in flight, stationary birds work very well. I don’t recommend using crop mode on the Z6 for still photography but it is fantastic for video where it doesn’t lose any resolution.
@@PhilThach .. hi Phil I clearly understand your concern about Z6. Not only birds in flight , I do not think z6 is the camera with the fastest focussing for non stationary birds. But I am already invested in this and I will have to work on what I have got. I also get your concern abt the crop mode which becomes 10 megapixel in Z6. Since my 70 300 5.6 isn't giving me the reach I always go for the crop mode. That is why I was thinking abt the 200 500 5.6
Thank you, Phil. I would like to purchase the consumer grade 200-500 zoom (I am a casual Z6 photog.) Do you have a web vendor's link, so that you get credit for selling the lens?
It's lighter, slower and longer. The 200-400 can be found for pretty low prices these days. I've never used one but I wouldn't mind trying one out someday.
Phil, thank you for your feedback on this lenses... Im wondering what to buy in near future? And i heard a lot about d500 but im thinking maybe z50 will be better choice today? Firsl of all because you ca use Z and F lenses. Yeh the apsc and fullframe definately not the same but still Or maybe i need to jump to fullframe Z series from the start?)
I don’t think I would buy a D500 right now unless you get a used one really cheap. If you’re looking to do bird photography, the Z50 is not all that great. Hopefully, Nikon will make a Z series APSC camera that is outstanding soon, but they haven’t made one yet. If you buy a full frame Nikon for birding, I don’t recommend any of them except for the Z8 and Z9, but those are very expensive.
I bought a used D500 together with a 200-500 about eight months ago and I think it's a n amazing combination. I have taken more than 30000 images since then and I don't think that there's a better birding combo for
Hi Phil, I am new to wild bird shooting and wanted to ask you, if you were going to buy a teleconverter for the 200/500, which one would you buy first, thanks in advance
Alan Clark The Nikon 1.4x is the only one that I would recommend on the 200 500. I use the version II, but the current version is version III and I would recommend the latest version. Avoid the 1.7x and 2.0x teleconverters with the 200 to 500 lands.
@@PhilThach just wanted to get your opinion regarding camera's, I have the D850 and a D810 and I use these all the time but now I am getting into some bird photography, I would like to ask you, if you were going to get 2 out of the three cameras that I fancy which would you go for, I am interested in the D500, Z6 and Z50, I know that I have plenty of MP in my two cameras but its not always about that, just wanted to hear your thoughts on them and what you would go for, I am a Nikon guy and have not had anything else and all my lenses are Nikon glass, thanks again in advance. Alan
I just bought the 500mm F4 and i can't wait to get it! I bought it off ebay from Japan and it's in Mint +++ condition. Very good price as well. I believe in fast primes as you cannot beat the image quality but yes of course they are big and heavy. I just bought the 80-400mm F4-5.6 and i've had that lens before and it's fantastic....it's just slow. But i cannot wait to open that box and hold that beast in my hands and take my first series of photos with it! Thanks for an excellent review mate!
@@PhilThach 6 months later mate and i absolutely LOVE this lens! Absolutely stunning image quality! And i'm now used to handholding it for several hours without needing a monopod. I have a Gitzo carbon fibre monopod for use in a stationary position. But seriously....i will NEVER sell this lens!! It is with me for life! If i have to replace the AF motor i will. It came with lens coat which i have fitted and feels great in the hand and adds extra protection and camouflage reducing the chance of spooking wildlife. It's my baby!
Superb reviews and very detailed... am also planning to buy z6 and 200-500.. but in one of the answers to questions, you had mentioned that for birding u would prefer D500 or D850 over Z6.. also a friend of mine has D810... should i buy that from him than the z6 if my interest in birding?? Thanks in advance for ur revert...
meandthepolice Z series cameras are not very good for birds in flight, they work perfectly fine for perched birds. D500 and a D850 are both outstanding for birds in flight so if it is in flight that you want to do I recommend them instead of the z series.
Phil Thach ok cool.. my thought was because 200-500 is a heavy lens and might be prone to camera shake, the z6 might help in stabilising lot of it.. plus it’s the future as we might get better glass going fwd..thanks for the input... I had initially thought of D500 only now a bit confused😆
I have heard good things about the Tamron but I have never used one. I have also heard from a photographer who has used both of them that the 200 - 500 is better. Opinions vary on this however.
I have the 200-500 and have had it for a year and I love it. However I am highly debating getting a used 500 f4g that is on B&H. I keep finding that here in Alaska low light and birds f5.6 just doesn't do it all the time
Great informative comparison. Thanks. I’ve been thinking about getting a used 500 f4 VR. I’ve got a D500 and a D850. I have a 200-500 and a 300 f2.8 and TC14 and TC17. I think the faster shutter and particularly faster focusing on the primes is very useful but agree that fir the money the 200-500 is also very good and versatile. Your comparison covered this very well. I also agree that the lens hood is terrible on the 200-500. Mine has fallen off so many times that I’ve taped it on permanently. I think the ability to use a TC14 and get 700mm f5.6 and still fast focus, tracking and quality is a big benefit. Thanks again.
I now own the 200-500 … it was my backup plan if something happens to my 600/4 … and then it got stolen. It still hurts but I can still shoot wildlife images. Thx for the review.
I bought a 200-500 used it on my D4 , it was terrible not sharp at all , I returned it to B&H , with that said some people have reported bad versions and many have gotten good copies , so if you buy one hopefully its a good one beware though . make your mind up in that return period
It could have been something as simple needing a focus fine-tune. That's something I did to every lens on every camera body whenever I bought a new lens or body back in the DSLR days. Now, with mirrorless cameras, the focus sensor and the image sensor are the same thing so no fine tune is needed.
lcador9 It’s certainly smaller and lighter! I’d love to have one but I think I have enough 500 mm Nikon’s so I probably will not be picking one up. I’d say the 200 to 500 is superior only because it has a zoom and the 500 f/4 is superior only because it is better in extremely low light but you can’t beat that 500 PF for portability. Now if they could make a 200 to 500 PF f/4!! 😆😂😎
Iv just got rid of my 200-400f4 been a beauty for years still in mint condition , just a heavy lump , i still have the 600f4 which il keep , i might buy the 200-500 to fill the gap between the 70 -200 and 600 , thanks
PHIL-- I get to use a friends 200-500 and really enjoy it ! Do you think it will work on my new Z50? I going to buy my own 200-500. Great video Phil!! Randy B.
You're being very kind with your description of how well the 1.4TC works on the 200-500. I found it to be basically unusable just shooting static test items with the D7200. Works great on the 300mm PF though! (And probably on most of the exotic long primes that don't use drop-in TCs.)
nicodimus2222 that’s interesting, I don’t know if I’ve ever used that combination on my D7200, but it works as described on my D500. Thank you for your input and for watching the video! Also, that 300 PF sure seems like an awesome lens!
nicodimus2222 I also have heard or read many people that say the 1.4x works good with the 200-500. I thinks it because it’s on your 7200 and not the D500. World of difference in focusing between the two. I even bought a D850 and ended up returning it since I realized I really didn’t need it since I had the D500.
My 200-500 5.6 works extremely well and easy with the 1.4x multiplier when coupled with my 800 and 810 Nikons. Have even used it handheld (on f 8.0) AT NIGHT, only illuminated with a flashlight(!) looking for nightlife in Madagascar. Needs a steady footing ,some breath control and an impromptu support (branch, vehicle, rock,..)
I'm interested in the 500mm f4, would i need to purchase a longer arca swiss plate (my benro tortoise tripod came with a small one that fits my Sigma 150-600mm contemporary). Also is the 500mm hand holderble?
Hi Phil, could you maybe help me? I want to know if I can use the Nikon 2x teleconverter on the 200-500mm and is there actually a diffirence between the 1.4x,1,7x and 2x teleconverters in quality and lose of stops of light?
1.4 will auto-focus on the 200-500, the others will not. Your minimum aperture increases by the same factor as your millimeters. 500 x 1.4 = 700 and also 5.6 x 1.4 = 8, if you get the 500 f/4, you can autofocus even with the 2.0 but there is a loss of quality. I mentioned all of this in the video I'm pretty sure.
The 200-500 tripod collar is tragic. Never carry the lens by the collar without a camera attached. That collar will detach without warning. The lens hood may be cheap, but it takes abuse well. I dropped my lens when the collar detached while standing behind my car and the lens hood absorbed the fall from trunk height and there was no damage. It landed at a 3/4 angle and bounced a little.
Good to know about the collar. I'm lucky that mine hasn't done that. And agreed about the hood being good for protection. That's the only reason I use mine. Thanks for watching!
@@geneduprey6938 Do you think they had some quality control issues when the lens was first released? because my recently purchased copy is perfectly sharp, and not slow? well its not stopping me from catching birds in flight etc and it has a stable collar also. although I would say the collar needed to be arca swiss.
Web Tutr No, mine is also very sharp. It is fast af, but not as fast as my 400/2.8. My only issue is the tripod collar never gets tight, I can still rotate it when at max tightness. Otherwise great lens. I do know some of the first ones had a firmware repair, but mine was not in that batch.
Better quality pictures and heavy sob or $2,000 cheaper with good enough quality? Hmm, decisions, decisions... Honestly with the price that the prime costs used I'd rather get a brand new Nikkor 500mm f/5.6E PF ED VR for the same price and take the hit on an extra stop of light.
Well, you might as well sell me your 500 f/4. It's tough buying used because you don't often know who owned it and if they took care of it.If buying from a store.
Thank you for your review. I too was looking for a quality 500mm zoom lens by Nikon. I was checking out the Sigma 150-600, the Sigma 60-600 and the Tamron 150-600. However, in watching many, many reviews of all the lenses, includiing yours, and the others of the Nikkor 200 - 500, f5.6, the Nikon lens came out on top. I am fascinated that you feel your 500 f4, is not much sharper at 500mm, than the 200-500 zoom at 500mm. That I find interesting. Unless the newer model is that much sharper. (I know it's lighter) I no longer think that Nikon supplies that "suitcase" to hold the 500 or 600 f4 lenses, however; I could be mistaken. I am not rushing out to buy either one. If I where to shoot with either of those two "prime lenses, I would rent them. (which I have done) Thank you for all your efforts in putting together this detailed review. You did a very fine job. You handle that 500 f4, like it is light like a feather, yet I am aware it is very heavy. Keep it up. 👍 📸 🙏 ⬆️ 🤩
From my research, Sigma and Tamron 150-600 aren't as sharp as Nikkor 200-500 and they can't use TCs, but they do have a better focal range. However, I'm still gonna get Nikkor 200-500, because I really can't get a 500mm F4 and still have enough money to complete my holy trinity and get a Z body(still using DSLRs). Therefore 200-500 seems like the best choice overall.
Thank you. I bought this lens before checking your review. I am debating weather to keep it or not because I already had Nikon 70-300 af-p 5.6mm F4 E. This 200-500 is so heavy. After I saw your review you have just confirmed for me to keep it. It works so well with my D500. I don't think I will get any extension.
The 200-500mm was the reason I bought a Nikon D500 for wildlife (although I shoot Fujifilm) and I really liked it...until I bought a second hand 300mm f4 AF-S ! Wow! The selller warned me I ´m not going to want to use the zoom after I try the 300mm prime...and it´s true! The image it produces is just so much nicer in every way. It´s subtle but I see it big time. That leaves me scratching my head when you say you cannot see much difference between the zoom and your 500mm f4 prime in image quality. Especially when the 500mm end of the zoom is it´s weakest part. This just goes to show everyone needs to try the gear for themselves to see if it fits them or not.
I'm glad you are happy with your 300! I made this video a long time ago. Since then I sold the 500 f/4 prime and I really haven't missed it. I do still love the 200-500 though. Maybe I just got an exceptional copy. Have a great week.
@@PhilThach Good for you! I´m still trying to love my 200-500mm. I especially bought it brand new to avoid problems with second hand copies, which I have also had. Anyway, happy shooting! :)
@@PhilThach Hi Phil, Yes it did take some time but I must or had one of the first it Yorkshire, England I remember when I got the call from the store them saying it had arrived (I do know them quit well) I got in to my car and drove an hour to get it. When I was going out of the store the own asked me if they could have a look as it was the first one they had seen, and as it was for me they had not opened it. So we all had a play at the shop. I am not very good but I have fun and enjoy watching your video (seem very honest) thank you. Here you are some images with the 500mm PF if your interested. www.flickr.com/photos/johnhjic/albums/72157709135253171
![I.N "HALLUCINATION" | [Stray Kids : SKZ-PLAYER]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/n5B5q1Hwt_U/mqdefault.jpg)
Nice detailed review. I’m thinking about the 200-500.
I don't care
I care buddy, great choice
Brilliant review! This has made up my mind as to whether or not I buy the 200-500mm..and I'm definitely buying it! Thank you.
Thank you! You will enjoy that lens!
Hello from Iran.
I must say that this video was the best and most unbiased review I had seen of the Nikon 200-500mm. Thank you very much .
Thank you!
Your reviewing was just awesome and very detailed! 👌🏼
Your frankness in your review as well shows that you are only influenced by your experience with them. Thumbs up for it. God bless!👍🏼
I 'm looking to save and buy a Telescope lens for my D500 and I think I'll go with this 200-500mm, because of you
Great video Phil and awesome hat haha! I’d be very happy with either of those lenses, but for portability I’d have to go the 200-500. Amazing case that 500 comes in. Thanks for sharing the video 👍🙏
The newer 500 PF is even smaller! Thank you Adrian!
My 200-500 is as sharp as my Nikon 70-200 VR II on my D500 and D3s. Pin sharp even at 500mm. VR on mine is the best on any Nikon lens I’ve had and that’s a lot. I never move my collar and the first time I’ve heard about the knobs being cheap. Never noticed that, but then I don’t have the 500 f/4 to compare. Very good video.
Thank you!
Great informative video. Thank you! I have the same setup. Bought the 200-500 1st, then the 500f4, just had have a long prime Nikon.
Cheers,
Jim Johnston
Thank You!
Excellent job. So much details. Accurate information. Like the way you present things so thanks very much for sharing !
@@ungavaproductions thank you!
One of the best review I ever seen. Good luck
Thank you!
Great review... very informative. Am using both as well, often with tc's and very pleased!
thanks for the video. very helpful. I sold my 200-400 some months ago because it was too bulky to use and really I used it once every full moon although i need a long focal length, will try the 200-500 now.
Love my 200-500 and right about hood...
Very good video and comparison. My choice would still be f5.6 200-500, it's good quality and more than enough, in addition to that, the zoom capability and lighter weight are more important to me than the better quality f4. You made it easy for me to choose what is better for me. Thank you.
Thank you!
Great to hear the review. Perfect
Awesome review. Thanks!
I've been using the 200-500 for a couple years. I just did some wild Mustang photography in Utah with a monopod and a lot of hiking involved. Loved the image quality and light weight. Great review. Thanks Phil !
Very cool! Thank you.
I really enjoyed your "long review". Thanks a lot. Which tripod and head would you recommend?
What is the model # of your backpack?
Thank you very much for the video, it really helped me choose another lens for my collection (:
Very informative, thank you
Good review! The 200-500mm is about the only lens I use
Thanks! I figured you would be the one to notice the address on my B&H order for the 500 f/4.
@@PhilThach that one went right by me ☺
Hello, Phil! Thank you for explicit review and detailed comparison! I haven't made up my mind yet about telephoto lens and want ask you for advice: have you had any experience with Sigma 60-600 mm "Sports" or 150-600 mm "Sports" lenses? Are they comparable in quality with the Nikon 200-500mm f/5.6 E? I compared a few reviews - according to them if the Sigma 60-600 is inferior, then not much. Although even from physics it's clear that an image at 200-500 with a constant aperture of f/5.6 should be better than f/4.5-6.3 at 60-600 mm. Which one is preferable, in your opinion?
So great lens 200-500 f/5.6 for wildlife, And with Add a 1.4x TC to reach ~1050mm ~ f/8 with AF and VR, wonderful video with so easy explain thanks so much to mr phil thach
Hey Phil , hope you are doing great . Can you tell me how the lens 200 500 performs on Nikon z6 ? Also can I use the 1.4 teleconverter in.combination of Nikon z6 and the 200 500 lens . If we use it then the effective focal length should be 700 right ? Abd then if I use the crop mode on top of that it should be 1050 mm ? Please let me know what you think
Debashish Dey All of those numbers are correct and it works fine with the Z6 but the Z6 is not good at focusing on birds in flight, stationary birds work very well. I don’t recommend using crop mode on the Z6 for still photography but it is fantastic for video where it doesn’t lose any resolution.
@@PhilThach .. hi Phil I clearly understand your concern about Z6. Not only birds in flight , I do not think z6 is the camera with the fastest focussing for non stationary birds. But I am already invested in this and I will have to work on what I have got. I also get your concern abt the crop mode which becomes 10 megapixel in Z6. Since my 70 300 5.6 isn't giving me the reach I always go for the crop mode. That is why I was thinking abt the 200 500 5.6
@@debashish68 They are supposed to be working on a 200-600 Z mount lens that might be worth waiting for.
@@PhilThach .. yes it would . But can you imagine how that price would be ? :D
@@debashish68 if the current trend of Z glass pricing continues, i expect it to touch $2000.
Thank you, Phil. I would like to purchase the consumer grade 200-500 zoom (I am a casual Z6 photog.) Do you have a web vendor's link, so that you get credit for selling the lens?
Unfortunately, I do not have any affiliate links at this time. You are going to enjoy that lens!
Great review of nikon's 200-500 & 500 f4 lenses... Thanks for sharing your experience on the field...
Nice video - Very informative - I have the 200-500mm, like it a lot and would agree with all the comments you make
Mark Turriff Thank you, Mark!
Substantial and funny, thanks!
Thank you!
I wonder how the 200-500 compares to the 200-400 f4
It's lighter, slower and longer. The 200-400 can be found for pretty low prices these days. I've never used one but I wouldn't mind trying one out someday.
great comparison. thank you
Thanks for watching!
Phil, thank you for your feedback on this lenses...
Im wondering what to buy in near future? And i heard a lot about d500 but im thinking maybe z50 will be better choice today? Firsl of all because you ca use Z and F lenses. Yeh the apsc and fullframe definately not the same but still
Or maybe i need to jump to fullframe Z series from the start?)
I don’t think I would buy a D500 right now unless you get a used one really cheap. If you’re looking to do bird photography, the Z50 is not all that great. Hopefully, Nikon will make a Z series APSC camera that is outstanding soon, but they haven’t made one yet. If you buy a full frame Nikon for birding, I don’t recommend any of them except for the Z8 and Z9, but those are very expensive.
@@PhilThach thank you very much for responding!
I bought a used D500 together with a 200-500 about eight months ago and I think it's a n amazing combination. I have taken more than 30000 images since then and I don't think that there's a better birding combo for
@@lukassinger_photo thanx for sharing!
Hi Phil, I am new to wild bird shooting and wanted to ask you,
if you were going to buy a teleconverter for the 200/500, which one would you buy first, thanks in advance
Alan Clark The Nikon 1.4x is the only one that I would recommend on the 200 500. I use the version II, but the current version is version III and I would recommend the latest version. Avoid the 1.7x and 2.0x teleconverters with the 200 to 500 lands.
@@PhilThach thanks very much for your reply appreciate it and yes, I will go with that one
@@PhilThach just wanted to get your opinion regarding camera's, I have the D850 and a D810 and I use these all the time but now I am getting into some bird photography, I would like to ask you, if you were going to get 2 out of the three cameras that I fancy which would you go for, I am interested in the D500, Z6 and Z50, I know that I have plenty of MP in my two cameras but its not always about that, just wanted to hear your thoughts on them and what you would go for, I am a Nikon guy and have not had anything else and all my lenses are Nikon glass, thanks again in advance.
Alan
@@Dial5159 The D500 or your D850 are the best for birds in flight. The Z6 and Z50 struggle in that area. For everything else, I'd get the Z6 and Z50.
@@PhilThach Thanks for all your help
I just bought the 500mm F4 and i can't wait to get it! I bought it off ebay from Japan and it's in Mint +++ condition. Very good price as well. I believe in fast primes as you cannot beat the image quality but yes of course they are big and heavy. I just bought the 80-400mm F4-5.6 and i've had that lens before and it's fantastic....it's just slow. But i cannot wait to open that box and hold that beast in my hands and take my first series of photos with it! Thanks for an excellent review mate!
Thank you, I hope you enjoy your new lens!
@@PhilThach thanks mate i'm sure i will!
@@PhilThach 6 months later mate and i absolutely LOVE this lens! Absolutely stunning image quality! And i'm now used to handholding it for several hours without needing a monopod. I have a Gitzo carbon fibre monopod for use in a stationary position. But seriously....i will NEVER sell this lens!! It is with me for life! If i have to replace the AF motor i will. It came with lens coat which i have fitted and feels great in the hand and adds extra protection and camouflage reducing the chance of spooking wildlife. It's my baby!
Superb reviews and very detailed... am also planning to buy z6 and 200-500.. but in one of the answers to questions, you had mentioned that for birding u would prefer D500 or D850 over Z6.. also a friend of mine has D810... should i buy that from him than the z6 if my interest in birding?? Thanks in advance for ur revert...
meandthepolice Z series cameras are not very good for birds in flight, they work perfectly fine for perched birds. D500 and a D850 are both outstanding for birds in flight so if it is in flight that you want to do I recommend them instead of the z series.
Phil Thach ok cool.. my thought was because 200-500 is a heavy lens and might be prone to camera shake, the z6 might help in stabilising lot of it.. plus it’s the future as we might get better glass going fwd..thanks for the input... I had initially thought of D500 only now a bit confused😆
@@meandthepoliceIBIS only really helps with short lenses for telephoto lenses the VR is much more important
Great review!
Thank you!
What’s the Lowepro backpack model? Thanks
I don't recall exactly. It's not the current version. It's pretty old.
Tamron G2 or Nikkor 200-500 which lens best for wildlife.( Specially fast and accurate autofocus ) ? My body - Nikon d5600 .
I have heard good things about the Tamron but I have never used one. I have also heard from a photographer who has used both of them that the 200 - 500 is better. Opinions vary on this however.
Thanks Phil, you may have just saved me a lot of money... :-) Great Vid.
Ted Shillitto Thank you!
I have the 200-500 and have had it for a year and I love it. However I am highly debating getting a used 500 f4g that is on B&H. I keep finding that here in Alaska low light and birds f5.6 just doesn't do it all the time
Great informative comparison. Thanks. I’ve been thinking about getting a used 500 f4 VR. I’ve got a D500 and a D850. I have a 200-500 and a 300 f2.8 and TC14 and TC17. I think the faster shutter and particularly faster focusing on the primes is very useful but agree that fir the money the 200-500 is also very good and versatile. Your comparison covered this very well. I also agree that the lens hood is terrible on the 200-500. Mine has fallen off so many times that I’ve taped it on permanently. I think the ability to use a TC14 and get 700mm f5.6 and still fast focus, tracking and quality is a big benefit. Thanks again.
Can I ask what you think if the FTZ and to what degree at all it affects focusing speed/tracking and VR on the 500 f4? Thanks
Thank you. The FTZ works well on the 500 f/4 and the 200-500.
third time to watch it! today i bought the f4g one.
Awesome!
Awesome! Enjoy it!
I now own the 200-500 … it was my backup plan if something happens to my 600/4 … and then it got stolen. It still hurts but I can still shoot wildlife images. Thx for the review.
Oh man! that made my chest hurt when I read that someone stole your 600 f/4!
@@PhilThach I still hurts. It was the complete photo bag. D800, D300s, 600/4, Teleconverters smaller lenses. Tripod just everything.
I bought a 200-500 used it on my D4 , it was terrible not sharp at all , I returned it to B&H , with that said some people have reported bad versions and many have gotten good copies , so if you buy one hopefully its a good one beware though . make your mind up in that return period
It could have been something as simple needing a focus fine-tune. That's something I did to every lens on every camera body whenever I bought a new lens or body back in the DSLR days. Now, with mirrorless cameras, the focus sensor and the image sensor are the same thing so no fine tune is needed.
@@PhilThach Interesting sensor fact thank you
Would have been nice to have the Nikon 500mm PF included in this comparison, a lens which I feel is superior to both of the lenses you reviewed.
lcador9 It’s certainly smaller and lighter! I’d love to have one but I think I have enough 500 mm Nikon’s so I probably will not be picking one up. I’d say the 200 to 500 is superior only because it has a zoom and the 500 f/4 is superior only because it is better in extremely low light but you can’t beat that 500 PF for portability.
Now if they could make a 200 to 500 PF f/4!! 😆😂😎
Great review
Thank you!
One more think I got this lens from BH and I think they did improved lens hood now. It's very tight on the new one that I got.
Iv just got rid of my 200-400f4 been a beauty for years still in mint condition , just a heavy lump , i still have the 600f4 which il keep , i might buy the 200-500 to fill the gap between the 70 -200 and 600 , thanks
What is the type /brand of the carrying back for the 500. Thnkzz. Great vid.
It's made by Lowepro. I forget the model.
@@PhilThach thank you Phil. i hope i can find it.
PHIL-- I get to use a friends 200-500 and really enjoy it ! Do you think it will work on my new Z50? I going to buy my own 200-500. Great video Phil!! Randy B.
I used mine on my Z 50 just the other day, it works!
Phil Thach Do you just use the FTZ Mount Adapter to use on the Z50? Great videos btw! Your other made me pull the trigger on a Z50, thanks!
@@krajacic21 Yes, the FTZ will make the Z50 work with both of the lenses featured in this video. Enjoy your Z50! Thanks for watching!
Man I need to get one 200-500mm
It’s a great lens especially for the price.
Heart in mouth when he jerked the zoom up and down with the collar😂😂😂
Been doing that with this lens for years. It still works just fine. No issues.
Can get it now for about 2 grand. What a time to be alive
The focus speed difference is due to the maximum aperture. Most Nikon cameras lose focus points at F/5.6.
That's probably a good portion of it but I believe faster focus motor/s in the 500 f/4 also contribute to the speed difference.
I would like to get the 500pf but I might need both kidneys at some time in the future.
I got my 200-500mm 2 years ago for 900 bucks and with a 3 year insurance included ($200 value)
That’s a bargain!
Not sure pulling and pushing the zoom is wise, but it’s your lens.
You are probably right, but I’ve been doing it for years with no issues. I actually own three Nikon lenses that are push pull only. 😂
........ LIKE VIDEO !!!!!!
Thans for such a nice Video for oldies Nikon user, I enjoyed a lot
Thank you!
You're being very kind with your description of how well the 1.4TC works on the 200-500. I found it to be basically unusable just shooting static test items with the D7200. Works great on the 300mm PF though! (And probably on most of the exotic long primes that don't use drop-in TCs.)
nicodimus2222 that’s interesting, I don’t know if I’ve ever used that combination on my D7200, but it works as described on my D500. Thank you for your input and for watching the video! Also, that 300 PF sure seems like an awesome lens!
nicodimus2222 I also have heard or read many people that say the 1.4x works good with the 200-500. I thinks it because it’s on your 7200 and not the D500. World of difference in focusing between the two. I even bought a D850 and ended up returning it since I realized I really didn’t need it since I had the D500.
My 200-500 5.6 works extremely well and easy with the 1.4x multiplier when coupled with my 800 and 810 Nikons. Have even used it handheld (on f 8.0) AT NIGHT, only illuminated with a flashlight(!) looking for nightlife in Madagascar. Needs a steady footing ,some breath control and an impromptu support (branch, vehicle, rock,..)
I'm interested in the 500mm f4, would i need to purchase a longer arca swiss plate (my benro tortoise tripod came with a small one that fits my Sigma 150-600mm contemporary).
Also is the 500mm hand holderble?
It is hand holdable but not for long periods. I usually use a monopod with this lens. A longer than standard plate is recommended.
Hi Phil, could you maybe help me? I want to know if I can use the Nikon 2x teleconverter on the 200-500mm and is there actually a diffirence between the 1.4x,1,7x and 2x teleconverters in quality and lose of stops of light?
1.4 will auto-focus on the 200-500, the others will not. Your minimum aperture increases by the same factor as your millimeters. 500 x 1.4 = 700 and also 5.6 x 1.4 = 8, if you get the 500 f/4, you can autofocus even with the 2.0 but there is a loss of quality. I mentioned all of this in the video I'm pretty sure.
Phil Thach oh k, thank you 😊
The 200-500 tripod collar is tragic. Never carry the lens by the collar without a camera attached. That collar will detach without warning. The lens hood may be cheap, but it takes abuse well. I dropped my lens when the collar detached while standing behind my car and the lens hood absorbed the fall from trunk height and there was no damage. It landed at a 3/4 angle and bounced a little.
Good to know about the collar. I'm lucky that mine hasn't done that. And agreed about the hood being good for protection. That's the only reason I use mine. Thanks for watching!
I have not had the collar detach. However mine will not tighten enough, it still rotates when fully tightened. I use Gaffers tape to hold the hood on.
@@geneduprey6938 Do you think they had some quality control issues when the lens was first released? because my recently purchased copy is perfectly sharp, and not slow? well its not stopping me from catching birds in flight etc and it has a stable collar also. although I would say the collar needed to be arca swiss.
Web Tutr No, mine is also very sharp. It is fast af, but not as fast as my 400/2.8. My only issue is the tripod collar never gets tight, I can still rotate it when at max tightness. Otherwise great lens. I do know some of the first ones had a firmware repair, but mine was not in that batch.
Better quality pictures and heavy sob or $2,000 cheaper with good enough quality? Hmm, decisions, decisions...
Honestly with the price that the prime costs used I'd rather get a brand new Nikkor 500mm f/5.6E PF ED VR for the same price and take the hit on an extra stop of light.
Are you gay or something?
Man, paying 8000 bucks for a lens. How did you convince your wife to not divorce you, when you got that lens at the front door?
I was single at the time. :)
Subbed for the hat
🤣 Thank you! 🎩
Well, you might as well sell me your 500 f/4. It's tough buying used because you don't often know who owned it and if they took care of it.If buying from a store.
Make me an offer! :)
@@PhilThach I have sent you an email.
I replied. 👍🏻
Thank you for your review. I too was looking for a quality 500mm zoom lens by Nikon. I was checking out the Sigma 150-600, the Sigma 60-600 and the Tamron 150-600. However, in watching many, many reviews of all the lenses, includiing yours, and the others of the Nikkor 200 - 500, f5.6, the Nikon lens came out on top. I am fascinated that you feel your 500 f4, is not much sharper at 500mm, than the 200-500 zoom at 500mm. That I find interesting. Unless the newer model is that much sharper. (I know it's lighter) I no longer think that Nikon supplies that "suitcase" to hold the 500 or 600 f4 lenses, however; I could be mistaken. I am not rushing out to buy either one. If I where to shoot with either of those two "prime lenses, I would rent them. (which I have done) Thank you for all your efforts in putting together this detailed review. You did a very fine job. You handle that 500 f4, like it is light like a feather, yet I am aware it is very heavy. Keep it up. 👍 📸 🙏 ⬆️ 🤩
From my research, Sigma and Tamron 150-600 aren't as sharp as Nikkor 200-500 and they can't use TCs, but they do have a better focal range. However, I'm still gonna get Nikkor 200-500, because I really can't get a 500mm F4 and still have enough money to complete my holy trinity and get a Z body(still using DSLRs). Therefore 200-500 seems like the best choice overall.
Thank you. I bought this lens before checking your review. I am debating weather to keep it or not because I already had Nikon 70-300 af-p 5.6mm F4 E. This 200-500 is so heavy. After I saw your review you have just confirmed for me to keep it. It works so well with my D500. I don't think I will get any extension.
Get a 300mm F4 PF + a 1.4 TC and weight problem is solved :)
The 200-500mm was the reason I bought a Nikon D500 for wildlife (although I shoot Fujifilm) and I really liked it...until I bought a second hand 300mm f4 AF-S ! Wow! The selller warned me I ´m not going to want to use the zoom after I try the 300mm prime...and it´s true! The image it produces is just so much nicer in every way. It´s subtle but I see it big time. That leaves me scratching my head when you say you cannot see much difference between the zoom and your 500mm f4 prime in image quality. Especially when the 500mm end of the zoom is it´s weakest part. This just goes to show everyone needs to try the gear for themselves to see if it fits them or not.
I'm glad you are happy with your 300! I made this video a long time ago. Since then I sold the 500 f/4 prime and I really haven't missed it. I do still love the 200-500 though. Maybe I just got an exceptional copy. Have a great week.
@@PhilThach Good for you! I´m still trying to love my 200-500mm. I especially bought it brand new to avoid problems with second hand copies, which I have also had. Anyway, happy shooting! :)
I would love for you test the Sigma & tamaron Their version of the 150-600 versus did nikon 200 to 500. Since you are an actual shooter.
I have numerous friends who use the Tamron, several of them get outstanding results.
Interesting to here your thoughts, I have the Nikon 500mm pf an I thing its one of my most used lenses on my D850.
I'd love to have the 500 PF!
@@PhilThach Hi Phil, Yes it did take some time but I must or had one of the first it Yorkshire, England I remember when I got the call from the store them saying it had arrived (I do know them quit well) I got in to my car and drove an hour to get it. When I was going out of the store the own asked me if they could have a look as it was the first one they had seen, and as it was for me they had not opened it. So we all had a play at the shop. I am not very good but I have fun and enjoy watching your video (seem very honest) thank you. Here you are some images with the 500mm PF if your interested. www.flickr.com/photos/johnhjic/albums/72157709135253171
and today can get lots broken 200/500
i love my 200--500 but i sell it when I've got my 500mm f4g..
Why btw, you can still use the 200-500 if you want to go somewhere on vacation and you dont want to take so much weight with you