Nikon 500 PF Review

[@backcountrygallery]

Have nature and wildlife photography questions? Check out the BCG Forums! Ask and answer gear and technique questions questions, post photos and more. Check it out and sign up today! bcgforums.com/index.php Bonus - I also post exclusive tips, tricks, and techniques to the forum you can't get anywhere else! Check it out!

[@jiki776]

Hey Steve great review, could I have a link to the picture at 0:53 ? It is so beautiful and i'd love it as my wallpaper

[@backcountrygallery]

@@jiki776 Thanks! This should get you there: backcountrygallery.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/1/nggallery/north-america/posing-elk.jpg

[@stevewidney627]

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[@johnvarghese785]

I use a 200-500 lens, was thinking of a prime. Any comparison done between 500 f4 FL VR ED vs 500pf,. 500pf is cheaper and weigh less, but still we need to put out money. Was thinking if matches heavier prime

[@Narwaro]

You are definitely the most sane photography KZbinr out there and I am genuinely excited when you post a new video, knowing there will be objective insights and thoughts no-one else gives.

[@peshrawable]

Exactly

[@imgamba]

Totally agree

[@Gman1044]

Steve's definitely the man for a no nonsense, clear and unbiased review. Thanks for all the work you do for the photo community.

[@JMHSPhoto]

You'll never find more informative and real breakdowns than from Steve. Thanks for all you do Steve.

[@kilohotel6750]

Definitely the best wildlife photography reviewer on KZbin. I don’t shoot Nikon but love your videos for the technic that applies to photography in general.

[@billmoyer3254]

Steve, you set the bar high with your reviews, thank you!

[@jamessingleton9159]

Your reviews are so thorough and at the same time not full of useless information.

[@DonAplas]

Bought this Lens due to this Video, absolutely amazing, all insights and tips are so appreciated. Thank you so much Steve! I carry along many things you say into my photography.

[@MrDjlavor]

This is the best online review I've yet found on this lens. Fantastic. Thanks for producing such an exhaustive review on it.

[@woodygreen6826]

Interestingly, the most helpful part of the video for me was rethinking where the autofocus point actually is when using VR. Thanks for another thorough review, Steve!

[@thedarkwolef]

The images of the fox were absolutely stunning!

[@desertrat1]

Like all his reviews, this one is clear, concise, and backed up by data. I appreciate how Steve cuts through marketing hype and psdeo-expertise flooding the internet photography space. You get essential information in a brilliantly summarized format. I'll get this lens based on this review as a companion to my Nikkor 200-500mm.

[@shaon_rahman_khan]

I have no problem waiting a while for his videos because every time there is a video of him, its pure gold. They are all filled with very useful information.

[@keithmacdonald4805]

One of the best reviews that I have ever seen on a lens. Actually in the field use and not just a lab review. My next lens and thanks for such a great job.

[@jordank1633]

To fix the subject isolation problem, you can put the photo in Lightroom and use the brush tool to individually edit the photo to isolate the subject more.... you can do this by lowering clarity, texture, and sharpness....

[@jayanta21sinha]

Your site is my one stop shop for all photography information. Thank you

[@loganhall5580]

Your number of subscribers, views, and likes are an order of magnitude lower than what your quality of videos would suggest. This is phenomenal content; I've watched this video alone probably a dozen times and it was a major deciding factor in my upgrade from the 200-500 to the 500mm PF. Thank you for this content! Keep it up!

[@estevangarcia9499]

What an incredible and thorough review. So much work put into it!! I need to watch this more than once.

[@andrewgaffney4881]

I read your AF book and have used back button focus since. No more losing focus when I try to recompose, and no more headaches. Great advice,

[@philliphendon4991]

I found this review while looking for information on the 500pf. You literally answered every question I had. Thanks Steve. Well done!

[@gordonmcintosh3159]

Hi Steve. Here is something you might want to share or add to your excellent vid on this lens. I just got my replacement 500 PF and found that it reacted the same way as the original one that I talked about below & returned last week. Some lengthy research has told me that the A/M focus adjust "lock / hesitation" only works if you have the camera set to continuous focus (AF-C), it does not do anything different that M/A if you are in AF-S, which is what I use most of the time. If you are interested in where I found that info, look at Ken Rockwell's review of the lens and setting. This should obviously be added to Nikon's instruction sheet. Keep up the great work! Cheers.

[@freddyacosta2358]

Believe it or not, I have had the 200-500mm for 5-6 years and the hood has never been a issue.

[@christosphillips3568]

Steve Thank you so very much for going the extra mile man we all appreciate the labor that goes into these tests and the uploads all together, I finally opted to go with a mint condition 300 f 2.8 VR 2 instead + TC, also came in a hair cheaper, what tip the scale for me was the F5.6 aperture, I just can't live with it.PERIOD........ I so much wish it was an f4.!!!

[@backcountrygallery]

I totally get it - I was using my D5 a lot more than I normally do to help with the ISOs. I was also a bit more conservative than I like with SS on some of the shots. However, the size and weight of the lens make it very "deployable" and fast to use in the field. It's nice to have both, but I'd pick fast glass over it if I could only have one or the other. No question.

[@EricHarmon67]

Awesome review as per usual, Steve. I never used to be a fan of prime lenses (maybe I'm just lazy!) but I love my 300PF, and now I want Santa to bring me a 500PF! As you know, I have some difficulties with camera weight, and I think this would be an awesome addition to my lens collection (especially for RV travels!!)

[@roberthennessey5702]

Awesome review on this 500pf. We are headed to Yellowstone this Sept., I’m 71 and the weight is a major factor in hand holding. Your review pushed me towards this lens I think the pros out weigh the cons for me. Thanks again for the awesome and professional review Steve.

[@johnsholian4318]

Great honest and thorough review Steve! If I hadn’t already purchased the 200-500, I would consider saving up for the 500 but for the kind of shooting I do and my budget, it doesn’t make sense right now. Appreciate the time and effort spent on the comparisons. Very helpful.

[@backcountrygallery]

LOL - I like how the video is up less than 5 minutes and gets a downvote. Can't please 'em all I guess... EDIT - For the record, don't worry, I'm not upset, I just thought it was funny that someone would automatically Down Vote a video without watching it :) No worries.

[@Thesoulviolonist]

Maybe it's your wife because you spent too much time doing the video XD

[@backcountrygallery]

@@Thesoulviolonist LOL - could be!!

[@karl-johanbratt9949]

I guess some was born negative, but as for right now yog got 98% thumb ups which is pretty damn good, keep going Steve, many of us really appreciate it!

[@Thesoulviolonist]

@@backcountrygallery Awesome video btw! Thanks ! I'm struggling a bit with low light, and I hate to increase my isos. I have a 300 PF+TC, and I really think about buying a 300 2.8 in addition. With a 1.4TC it will be only a F4 so pretty good... some people even add the x2 ! The 500 F5.6 seems a dream lens but as you said F5.6 is hard when you want to keep your isos down.

[@backcountrygallery]

@@Thesoulviolonist Very true. With my 600 F/4, I tend to favor my D850 under most of the conditions you saw in the video, but as you saw, with the F/5.6 lens I was using my D5 most of the time. That stop hurts, no getting around it.

[@NikonJax]

Just picked up a used 500PF. Can't wait to give it a field test. Shared this with friends. Love your videos Steve!

[@mrpedro170]

Thanks for the nice review. Regarding your comment on the faulty design of the collar, I think it is more faulty operation from your side. The collar has a screw to lock it in tightly. There is also a fail safe to prevent the lens from sliding out by accident when you are unscrewing it: after you unscrew the collar, it moves around loosely but is still held into place by a small lock that can be unlocked by pressing the button. What you did was walk around with the collar unscrewed, and then pressed the button by accident. Unlike what you say in the video, the screw just needs to be tightened normally and everything will be rock solid.

[@backcountrygallery]

I agree that's how it's supposed to work, but since this video I have received multiple e-mails from people telling me they have experienced the same issue. And I did check the foot before heading out, since I was warned about it in advance. Regardless, it's a lousy foot and I have since replaced it with a different one that screws directly in and features an integrated dovetail.

[@krishchandran4125]

This is by far the best review I have seen of the 500mm PF. Thanks Steve, for the "practical - in the field " approach. I hugely appreciate it.

[@frederikboving]

Wow! Packed with good information and lots of experience and tests! There should be more youtubers like you!

[@sebastienlecalvez4369]

You deserve every view, follower and subscriber you have. Amazing review Steve, your hard work pays off and is greatly appreciated.

[@TheBenjaminBrowning]

I’m happy to see you also use manual with auto ISO! I discovered that I could do this and it’s been a game changer in the amount of keeper photos.

[@freddyacosta2358]

YOU ROCK, STEVE! I love your videos. Thank you for the time to make these videos!

[@jacobl6572]

Great review, I love the all details, real life shooting issues and including the construction.

[@abhijnanchaturvedi8234]

Thank you Steve for this detailed video Love your delivery style, making things so clear

[@ibhelleswildlife]

Great test Steve! Thanks a lot for doing this! I have been shooting with this lens for a week and are really happy with it and it replaced my 200-500 MM. As you point out, the great advance with this lens, is you are much more free to go handheld!

[@matthewbell1968]

Sir, how would you rate it against the 200-500 in terms of IQ and AF responsiveness? It's an extra $3000 and I'm not sure! Many thanks Matt

[@GeorgeGiGi21]

as always, one review(er) to rule them all. Super detailed and informative. Thanks Steve

[@richperspective2999]

This is a great review. I've just ordered one of these lenses because although I love my 300 PF because of its weight, it is almost always mated to the TC1.4. Just hoping the new lens arrives sometime this year with Nikon's ongoing supply issues.

[@jaimeduncan6167]

I was thinking of becoming a two cameras to lenses type of guy, Carry both PFs and a couple of D750s pretty light and great image quality. Clearly I am not a professional photographers so the long big primes are out of the question. I believe one can walk a lot and hand held a lot with this two.

[@joshjspice]

Another excellent in-depth review with stunning imagery. That coyote portrait - wow 👏

[@russellmurphy7109]

Intelligent, informative & above all impartial- gets my subscribe EVERY time! Congratulations on a fantastic review Steve!

[@2012Rustan]

Gran trabajo Steve! La capacidad cognitiva, conocimiento, experiencia, síntesis y facilidad del lenguaje para explicar el contenido hace que esta revisión sea muy completa y agradable de escuchar. Saludos desde Chile.

[@JustinOpinionChannel]

Would be interested in an updated opinion of this lens with the new Nikon mirrorless bodies, particularly the Z7 II. But then again, I have the lens coming and I have that body, so I guess I'll find out soon enough! Very thorough and detailed review. I think one key category that you might have glanced over for this lens is the one I think I fall into. I would love to have the 600 f/4, or even the 500 f/4... who wouldn't! But this lens, while costly, is still much cheaper than even a used f4.0 prime in very good condition. I'm also jazzed about the potential it will have with the Z9.

[@BobG-eh5fc]

Excellent video as always. Purchased your noise reduction video..... EXCELLENT, highly recommend. I'm a novice and learned a great deal.

[@pjdilip]

Really the most informative and honest reviews in the field 😂

[@jerome.berthelemy_FR]

that's what i call a REVIEW ! I really appreciate the way you test it in the field ! Thanks Steve, take care.

[@julioperez3908]

Thanks so much for a well considered, detailed review with rational recommendations for several styles of shooting.

[@ushanastrivedi368]

Steve, amazing content as usual. Your reviews are so rational, real & unbiased which looks quite simple thing to do but the fact is very few KZbin reviewers come close to covering these aspects so simply & elaborately. Thanks for your efforts. Just to draw your attention that some reviews of Z7 suggest that AF capabilities of ML with TC at f8 & slower is much better than DSLR & it makes sense since AF sensors are on image sensor receiving full light through lens & not partial deflected through mirror. I guess all sensors would also function at f8 & slower. In that case, this focus & recompose issue with TC May vanish if used on Mirrorless with FTZ adapter. Such light optic also goes hand in hand with light & compact ML bodies. I am aware that 1st generation Nikon ML are not ready for prime time when it comes Wildlife, Sports & fast action but future is definitely bright & promising.

[@backcountrygallery]

Yup, I don't think F/8 - or even slower - will be a bit problem for mirrorless. Just waiting for a higher-end Z series camera :)

[@archkjgalvo]

At last! I have been waiting for this as I'm planning to have it. Thanks a bunch, Steve! Your work are always my inspirations in my wildlife photography journey.

[@bethanypatrick4286]

I finally got this lens after being on a waitlist for 6 months. Not disappointed!

[@richardkatz61]

Informative and practical review. Love the enthusiasm you have in all your reviews.

[@ShakyasomMajumder]

Awesome review as usual. Amazing photographs as well!!

[@2906rick]

Awesome Video Steve!! You always produce top notch video! Lots of good information and right to the point!! I can't see why someone would downvote!! A+++

[@alexwesterhof793]

..and again a great review, Thanks Steve. Also the remarks between the lines about VR and its behavior are very welcome. And ofcourse the comparison between the Nikon optics is so valuable. Bought both books and the vids aswell… not only for the info but for support as well. Keep up the good work.

[@paulhills1967]

Excellent work Steve. Thank you for such a comprehensive review.

[@x4g1706]

Buying one for my Z9. Thanks for the quality review which gives confidence to pull the trigger to buy. I am presuming some of the AF features of the Z9 will more than compensate with some of the issues you identified in this video over 3 years ago.

[@albert3316]

The one review I was so impatient to see! From the most reliable source on youtube👌 Let’s get started👌

[@JPS4inLA]

400-600 lenses with 1x but especially 2x converters not only mess with iso but destroy AF notably when bumping up F-stop as I often do to create motion blur at a race track or birds

[@paulpugh6178]

Excellent piece of work 👏👏👏 just purchased two ebooks and two lightroom video tutorials as a thankyou for the info in this superb instructional video... I own the 200-500 and WAS undecided on the 600 F4 or the 500 pf... I will be going with the 600mm as after watching this I feel this will allow me more flexibility alongside my 200-500. Thanks so much 👍 money well spent Steve... thanks for the like btw

[@ericcooper4925]

So I waited and waited and couldn't see to track down one of these bad boys in stores. So I turned to the second hand market and grabbed one from Ebay. A little pricier than MSRP, but damn is this lens exquisite. I don't have experience with the 500 f/4, but this certainly puts my 200-500 to shame, if not for eliminating the hand shake alone given the weight difference. Killer walk around lens! Thanks for your amazing reviews for pointing me in the direction!

[@georgk255]

Great review Steve. I use 90% of the time my 500 f4 FL which I love. It is light enough for hand holding Imo and works with the teleconverter well. Only if I have to travel very light I use 300 PF with 1.4 TC but I not really enjoy it. I photograph birds and 99% of the time I need more reach, did not consider 200-500 for this reason.

[@stanpiper8158]

Superb review. It answered the few remaining questions I had and then some. The acuity visuals were especially helpful. Thank you. I viewed this some time ago and returned before ordering. I will mount it on my D850. That image of you standing there with the lens collar foot in your hand made a lasting impression. I often use a shoulder sling with my zoom lens with a bolted footplate and tether. Still, I only rarely let go of it completely with my hand. :)

[@Thom_S]

I enjoy your reviews - thorough and informative. Top shelf review here once again.

[@MrBluesfly]

I will leave this tab open with this video review unseen.I save it for my tomorrow morning coffee! But you can have your 👍 tonight, you always rock.

[@sharadsridhar1460]

Wow Steve. First time watching a review by you. You have a new fan!! Really. Wow. Am soo tempted to switch to Nikon for this lens just based on your review..

[@timphillips3873]

Thank you for the segment on VR. I also experience the VR focus point reset and consequently losing my focus point on my 200-500. This is so helpful.

[@BermyBwoy]

LOVE YOU SO MUCH!! Thanks for taking the time to properly test this masterpiece.

[@2othor]

Steve, thanks for a great review and detailed information with fantastic samples. As usual your reviews are just at the very top for wildlife gear reviews. I plan to add this lens to my 300/4 PF as a light weight kit covering 300-420-500-700mm. Regarding the foot it has the same problem as the 70-200/2.8 FL foot, where a inside pin sometimes prevent it from been tightened enough with the tripod collar lock screw. If owners doesn't get a replacement foot from Kirk or RRS, they should check frequently, if the foot is locked down by pressing the tripod collar lock release knob in and check if the foot can move.

[@jazzdanne]

You're the best Steve! :) I can watch your videos over and over again.

[@tpzid]

Great video. I just ordered one of these in mint condition for my slightly used D850. Can't wait to try this conbination out.

[@phooesnax]

Great review Steve! Love the new noise tracking videos too. Excellent! Jim

[@SrikanthPRABHA7]

Love your channel Steve. Thanks for sharing the knowledge

[@alisonings9735]

Thank you so much Steve, you've just answered a question that had me loosing sleep! 300PF + tele or 500PF for full frame. Looks like I'm adding a 500PF to the family.

[@Capcity44]

Thanks for this thorough review Steve. I really liked how you pointed out out its strengths & weaknesses - especially the different shooters' needs in mind. My 500 F4 is heavy, and I honestly don't use it much because I hate all the gyrations I have to go through in order to use it. This lens could make the 300 PF and 500 F4 expendable.

[@dbhayesart331]

Superb comparisons Steve. Exactly what I was hoping for since I plan to get my hands on a 500mm PF F5.6 ASAP to couple with my D850. Thank you for the video. Bill & Deb

[@TheReillyDiefenbach]

Outstanding work as usual, Steve!

[@JohanSchmidt]

Besides the quality of the images, I can't image how you manage to track down all these animals - wonderful!

[@BillFerris]

Another thorough, objective, practical and outstanding review, Steve. Thank you! If I might suggest, an interesting topic for a future video might be a discussion of, with all the available options (from consumer zooms to exotic primes) of long focal length lenses, what are the use cases where a wildlife photographer might be best served by one lens over another?

[@backcountrygallery]

Good topic idea - thanks so much :) My default is to say just grab. 600 F/4 but it's not always perfect, that's for sure.

[@pierrederumine1295]

Hi, Just received my new 500 PF, your review is very useful and saves a lot of time getting used to the new lens.

[@garystarnes5178]

Great review and beautiful images Steve! Thanks!

[@MrChrisjharris]

Great review as always, Steve. Thank you. I'm a D500, 300PF and 200-500 owner with an itchy trigger finger for this upgrade. It looks as though this could finally be a good candidate for bridging the cost gulf between the 200-500 and the 500 f/4.

[@maxsanseb]

Great review and thanks for bringing the "foot quick-release defect" to our attention. Incidentally, I was birding in Colombia last week and I managed to drop the 500 mm + D850 onto a rock. Brand new and now both are marred :( Despite the drop, I am still a Nikon enthusiast. Best, Max

[@elmerdeloso594]

Thanks for this review! Just the right & accurate info I'm looking for (as usual). My only gripe with this lens is it uses the same rubberized material as the 200-500mm which over time gets "loose" and in my case it actually separates from the lens body itself. I'm not sure how many more years before it completely needs to be peeled off.

[@wiseguygazette]

Elmer Deloso i miss lenses with knurled metal grips that are almost as grippy, never ever deteriorate, and look better.

[@brianminkc]

I really like your video's Steve. I have been watching them for quite some time. Your tips are very helpful and your good at teaching them. I especially liked over the years the one on the back focus button and the one on auto-iso in manual mode. Thanks buddy.

[@richcower]

Great review Steve. Thanks for doing this work for us.

[@DanC]

Thanks for the update on this lens Steve!

[@quicktastic]

Nice to hear someone mention this 'jumping around' of the subject after taking a shot. I'm especially interested to hear that this is the VR causing this as I have been thinking it was my inability to hold steady even though I felt I was not moving at all. My experience with this is with the 200-500 and the D850/D810. Thank you for another great analysis Steve.

[@thomascampbell3223]

Great video Steve. I was considering this lens for wildlife. Love the noise reduction video course. Keep up the good work.

[@erikvdlooy6515]

Great video Steve, thank you very much for the valuable information! I was doubting between the 500PF and 300PF on my D850...but I'm convinced now to go for the 500mm, this takes me over that line. Many many thanks!! (great video just as all the other ones, I subscribed on backcountrygallery and bought me some books so I have reading material for the coming weeks (we're just in lockdown so plenty of time now). Again... many thanks for sharing your knowledge and experience!!

[@lizsouthworth6688]

Thanks Steve, your videos and books are first rate!

[@minusinfinity6974]

I'm hoping to get this as a Xmas present for my D500. Great work as usual Steve.

[@JimMontanus]

Excellent review, thank you. Best videos I've seen on KZbin to date.

[@philmtx3fr]

Hi Steve thîs is probably the best review for these 3 optics I ever seen and thx for that. Personnaly for wildlife I use the 200-500 on my d810 on a tripod and the 500pf on my d500´by hand. Like that I can cover from 200 to 750mm with to bodies. I also love the 300mm of but rather for mid distance portraits due to his weight. I use it at f4 on my d4 and I do love the handling. I tried the 200mm f2 which is an incredible lens but its weight makes it a pain for me to use ( sorry Matt Granger :)). Thx again.

[@newyorknewyork1649]

Hi Steve Great video as usual...simply the best sir! I would love to watch a video about your lenses collection.. Thanks 🙏

[@backcountrygallery]

You'd be disappointed, I really don't have that many - you saw most of them in the video!

[@newyorknewyork1649]

Steve Perry thanks for the quick reply sir.

[@jdsmphotography2144]

Best best best best camera gear reviewer there, period

[@kevinlohman707]

Steve - Awesome review. I can’t wait to get my 500 PF. Well, I guess I can since I have been waiting over 2 months already. Keep up the great work!

[@SaurabhBeedkar]

Very informative video, facts presented with great clarity! I'll look forward to other content created by you. Thanks

[@clawer2969]

Oh god.. This will be the best review ever

[@georgefourlaris7948]

Steve that was a great review.. thanks so much for the effort. Can't wait for my lens to arrive..

[@shekatagani]

Nice video Steve and great info I have a 600/4 a 200-500 and I want this one for a walk around lens. I often use the 200-500 for that but sometimes the slow AF just does not cut it! As you say it will be a great addition.