New Lens! Nikon 500mm PF. First impressions.

[@frankanderson5012]

People told you to buy the camera, so you did???? Probably not the best of reasons

[@BayouJosh]

No better place to get advice than to reach out to the thousands of viewers/photographers on this channel that have years of experience with gear that I may be interested in. Plus I follow many of the viewers/photographers on Instagram and other platforms, I've been out in the field with a lot of the guys that watch this channel. I trust them. So...Yes. people suggested I go for it and I did. Thanks for your concern.

[@petersuvara]

I don't think that this was the only reason :)

[@peterwolf3001]

this is you tube at its best. people with the same interests all over the world communicating with a shared love and helping each other out.

[@BayouJosh]

Indeed.

[@gyozakeynsianism]

A 5-minute commute is the greatest gift you can give yourself ever. Congrats! I am very much looking forward to your Z9 videos. I suspect you'll love it. And thanks for your comments on the 500mm PF, and thanks for putting the slowish max aperture of the lens in some context. And great photos!

[@BayouJosh]

really loving the close proximity to work. Game changer.

[@DanC]

Been shooting this lens for two years now. Absolutely love it. It pairs excellently with Z bodies. I was looking at a 500 f4 (not the FL version) the other day but the idea of a lens that weighs three times as much is not appealing. So I'm keeping the PF and going for the z9 with the idea of a compact high powered package.

[@BayouJosh]

Yeah man. I am with you. I am curious as to how much I will use my 600f/4 now.

[@longrider9551]

@@BayouJosh Just my 2 cents but with the higher megapixel body you will need that F4 more than with the Z6. The tighter pixel pitch will give you noise issues which get magnified when you crop. I have an A9 and A7R4, the A9 can cleanly go to 6400 which helps with the fast shutter speeds, the A7R4 I wont shoot over 1600. The Z9 may be clean to 2000 but I will bet at 3200 when you crop an image you will see it. You can run Topaz(robs a little sharpness) which helps but the Z6 and F4 will still have a big advantage

[@gewglesux]

Really? it will work with the Z9 ok great!

[@stephentaylor6328]

@@longrider9551 Or you could just put the Z9 into crop mode, giving app 21 m pixels at 750mm with the 500pf when in low light situations , yes there is an initial greater expence with a higher megapixel camera but you end up esentially with 2 cameras in one.

[@longrider9551]

@@stephentaylor6328 Yes, that is true but it still doesn't change the fact that you comparing a 5.6 verse and F4 lens and losing that stop alight. Maybe critical if you're shooting early in the morning or late in the afternoon. In those situations the z6 will give you a cleaner file because of the pixel pitch. When you try to shoot in bad light with a crop camera or a high megapixel full frame camera, the noise can get magnified really badly there is a website called photons to photos and the fella is a Harvard professor. He analyzes just about every camera for noise levels first ISO. It's a very good reference to it

[@A2ZPhotography2012]

Looking forward to watching this and hearing your impressions! I love my 500pf!

[@BayouJosh]

the first few shots were soooo good. I think I am going to love it.

[@A2ZPhotography2012]

@@BayouJosh it’s surprisingly impressive !

[@yvonnerichard6099]

WoW congrats on the new purchases! Really happy for you and looking forward to seeing what you do with them!

[@mzeeshanch]

Getting a Nikon z9 will have another advantage... An awesome creator like yourself will share his experience with us... Helping us with our decisions as well... Stay blessed...

[@cliftonwhittaker260]

I have a Nikon 500mm f 4 G lens that weighs 8.6 POUNDS. It is super sharp with unbelievably good contrast for little warblers. I use it exclusively during spring migration when I am mostly shooting from my truck window or on a tripod in a blind. I also have an 80-400 f4.5/5.6 lens that I use for EVERYTHING else. It is so handy and so versatile. I'll be 80 years old in a couple of months and I can't walk around with a monster lens, regardless of it's qualities and advantages. But I can walk around quite well and shoot handheld with the 80-400. The advantages outweigh the disadvantages by far and the image quality is quite good for flowers, birds and insects.

[@francisschweitzer8431]

8.6 lbs?? Holy smokes

[@fmgypsy333]

Congratulations- I’m so happy you made the decision to get the z9 - excited to watch you use it!

[@marcusslade9804]

I think someone once said, “there’s no free lunch”…never a truer phrase when it comes to photography. However, that one-stop loss of light I think is an acceptable trade-off for what the 500 mm PF otherwise gives us. I recently added one too and have been thrilled with it in my limited shooting with it so far. Congrats on adding to your kit. Methinks you’re gonna have some fun when that Z9 arrives. Thanks as always, Josh.

[@BayouJosh]

Thanks Marcus. Now if I could just get more time out in the field. Have a great weekend.

[@felm.974]

Awesome! Thanks for sharing and congrats on the move, lens and Z9, wooo hoo!!!

[@BayouJosh]

Thanks as always. I sure do appreciate it.

[@PhotographybyTimWMoore]

I can hike all day with my D500 paired with the 500 PF lens. I also own the 300 f/4 PF which is even lighter and able to capture subjects in lower light situations. But the 500 PF is the best option for photographing smaller birds.

[@BayouJosh]

Loving it thus far. I just need more time off. 😃

[@ruley74]

Awesome Josh, congrats on the Z9... exciting stuff and can't wait for the phone call from the store for both of us!

[@sb4photos]

You ll love the new flagship feeels and the z9 will blow u away. Z9 and DX mode combo

[@cystopus]

Great shots of the small birds.

[@BayouJosh]

thanks James. much appreciated.

[@danielschmaderer]

Ahhh good for you! So glad you went with the Z9 and the 500mm lens. Well deserved.

[@BayouJosh]

Thanks Daniel. I’m not sure I deserve anything but it’s nice to be able to get it.

[@danielschmaderer]

@@BayouJosh you deserve it if you believe you do. The way I see it, you seem to be a hard working person who will do what it takes to provide for the family. Achieving that is worth more than its weight in gold. You definitely do deserve it. Keep up the great work good sir.

[@CrispImage5]

So glad to hear you took the plunge and ordered up the Z9- It's going to pair up beautifully with that 500PF. I look forward to comparing notes whenever my Z9 finally arrives in my hands. As for that PF, I'm sure your shoulders and back are thanking you for the purchase. I look forward to your upcoming videos with the new gear. Take care, Josh!

[@BayouJosh]

thanks Kevin. fun times.

[@johannesschroeder5117]

Hello Josh, congrats for the Z9 and the 500PF. You will love this combo! Thank you for your videos, they are inspiring. Take care and be safe. Best regards Johannes

[@BayouJosh]

thanks Johannes. have a great weekend.

[@leod1671]

Congratulations on the purchase of the 500PF and excited to see your review of the Z9 when you get it.

[@sipuebla]

Congratulations in your decision... Look forward to seeing you with your new Z9.

[@BayouJosh]

Thank you! exciting times.

[@axelmertens7762]

Josh super happy that you bought the 500 pf lens ! Great video....and music! I use the same camera and lens setup plus the 300 pf f4. Congratulations!

[@BayouJosh]

I love it! thank you Axel

[@ralffroberg1322]

Nice! Good luck with the new gear. Have fun and come back with your oppinions.

[@EtzionHadassy]

congratulations, this is a great lens. I use it on my nikon d500. i love it. you are going to enjoy it for the great quality and the freedom of mooving around with it.

[@BayouJosh]

Thank you my friend. I can’t wait to spend some more time with it.

[@getoutsidewithmiguel]

Congrats on the new lens and new camera body. Like you I took the plunge on both lens and body. Great review. With these new systems, you can make up for that lost stop of light in post-processing. Keep up the great content.

[@BayouJosh]

Indeed. I a very happy thus far. this weekend i'll get to spend some more time with it.

[@DeeDeeDIY]

Yay, I am so happy for you! I cannot wait to see your pretty images and videos with the new lens and the z9. You deserve to have the best to match your awesome photography. Oh yes, a 5 minute commute over a 35 minute commute! Happy for ya!

[@BayouJosh]

I don’t know if I deserve anything but definitely excited to test things out. 😃

[@DeeDeeDIY]

@@BayouJosh you do deserve it! Talent deserves the best equipment to achieve higher highs. Bring on the highs!

[@sharanm5622]

Wow Josh, huge congratulations. am excited as just as u are buddy

[@BayouJosh]

thank you my friend.

[@Tees463]

Wow Congrats looking forward to more great images !!

[@BayouJosh]

Thanks so much!

[@Interbeing_CDN]

Congrats on the new lens and on the decision to go ahead and order the Z9. I have thought about getting the 500mm PF numerous times to replace my 400mm f2.8 but always come back to the reason I bought the 400mm in the first place, shooting at dusk. When shooting with my 150-600 f6.3 I missed a lot of shots when birds were coming in to roost just after sunset. With the faster lens I can capture them almost to dark with the f2.8 prime. It is a hassle to haul around though and best suited for blind shooting rather than carrying around on hikes. Enjoy the new lens, and hopefully we will all see our Z9 orders come in soon!

[@BayouJosh]

so true Todd. There is no replacement for fast glass.

[@KungPowEnterFist]

Every single person that has bought the Canon 600 or 800 f11 disagrees with you. They, Toneh and Lady Toneh says your a fool for spending the extra coin on your short reach f2.8 GAS lens. LMAO. I am not one of them.

[@Interbeing_CDN]

@@KungPowEnterFist hmmm, it really depends on what you are shooting, for some light is not as important as for others. F11 is pretty stopped down.

[@KungPowEnterFist]

@@Interbeing_CDN I am sure the Canon 600 and 800 f11 are great for landscapes at noon in full sun.

[@cookietheswede]

I love my 500pf. My favorite lens currently . You can handhold it and hike for miles. It Works well with the 1.4 iii teleconverter also. I also have the 300pf and it is excellent too. Enjoy your new kit!

[@erichramone7812]

Ive wanted that lens for a while now. I’m so happy for you that your gonna get that camera!!!!

[@BPaparazzi]

Congrats Josh, That new combo will be excellent. Looking forward to seeing them in action.

[@grossidm]

Over the past few years my standard set-up has been the 600+TC on the tripod over my shoulder, and a second camera + 500PF on a black rapid strap. It's nice because you can walk away from your tripod without removing your camera when you see something else happening and still have a lot of reach.

[@BayouJosh]

You are the 10th person that mentioned the rapid strep. I need to grab one of those.

[@grossidm]

@@BayouJosh 3 days after I received my D6 it fell off the black rapid strap and had to be repaired. For the record, it still worked fine, but the upper panel had cracked. I was not using the safety tether like I should have. Moral of the story - use the safety tether if you get a black rapid strap.

[@KevinNordstrom]

Bro i am super excited for you. Ive always said upgrade only when you're being limited. I hope the unpacking goes well and the new home is a blessing. Cheers, man.

[@BayouJosh]

Thanks Kevin! We’re excited to be closer to town.

[@KevinNordstrom]

@@BayouJosh yeah that is definitely helpful in commuting. The less you're traveling for work and more you're home with family and.....birds....the better. 😃

[@paul-webster]

Yup!! You'll love Josh!!!

[@BayouJosh]

thanks Paul. I am sure I will.

[@DarrenW1]

I'm already looking forward to your 800mm f6.3 PF video :)

[@BayouJosh]

Me too. 😄

[@JeremyNeipp]

Congrats on the new stuff! Love the new “office” setup too! Looks good! ☺️🙌🏻

[@BayouJosh]

Thanks brother. I can't wait for our trip!

[@JeremyNeipp]

@@BayouJosh It's gonna be exciting! Thanks for the shoutout!

[@SoothingNatureByaamir]

absolutly brilliant choice, I am sure you will love the combo :)

[@BayouJosh]

Loving it so far.

[@SoothingNatureByaamir]

I have been using this since last year with D850 and its just amazing light weight everything you need for a walk around combo , looking forward to get my Z9 :)

[@lindakarlin2980]

You will love this lens. It is tack sharp. Use it with my Z72.

[@BayouJosh]

Awesome Linda. excited to have it. thank you,

[@tonyclark1504]

Congratulations on your purchases. I have also ordered the z9 which will be my first flagship camera. Certainly looking forward to it and moving into the mirrorless environment. Really enjoy your videos as they have a "down to earth approach". Thanks and Cheers fro Australia.

[@BayouJosh]

thank you Tony. I am exited to get it.

[@brandon1941]

I have had this lens since its introduction and it is by far my favorite lens. Now get yourself a Black Rapid strap, really great for this camera. Makes this a great walk in the wood lens.

[@bigboi36]

Done Well. I hope the Z 500 PF comes soon

[@gotophotoarchive9131]

Congrats on your new house and yes getting dark at 16:30 it's a bummer 😪

[@MuphovieArts]

Can't wait to see your next video with the nikon z9

[@toddleech1055]

i bought that lens when it first came out 2 years ago, and love it ....the compact size, and sharpness were the selling point for me

[@Wild_Ekin]

You better check your invoice. It's already been three years! :D Late 2018 was possible to (pre)order, but the availabilty was bad and getting one of these lenses was like winning in lottery. :)

[@toddleech1055]

@@Wild_Ekin ordered it when it was first released, it took about 9 months for me to get it in my hands

[@uvaiskomath]

Ifootage has an a150s monopod that can be adjusted with a single knob. Good for lenses like these

[@Wild_Ekin]

I think (imo) whatever pod you use, would be counterproductive. You buy this lens to loose weight for travelling around, gain mobility and flexibility. A mono-/tripod would take away all these benefits. The VR makes a pod almost unneccessary.

[@uvaiskomath]

@@Wild_Ekin VR doesnt help for videos thats why video monopods exists. The one i mentioned is a very convenient one, your grip allows you to adjust position Also, its not really true that monopods dont help if there is VR. With a monopod support you can go crazy low shutter speeds.

[@Wild_Ekin]

@@uvaiskomath I did not say that VR makes a monopod useless, just kind of dispensable and that you don't need one at all cost. You are right if we are talking about videos a monopod can be very helpful and you should decide before the trip whatever your priority is... photo or video. And if you know your session gonna be stationary a tripod would be the better option anyway.

[@ronnyolsson2802]

Congrats Josh to the new gear and enjoy when you get them :) Ronny

[@shekatagani]

I have a 600/4 which i use on a tripod. I also have the 200-500 /5.6 and the 500/5'6 PF and as you found these lens are the perfect "Walk around Lens" I especially like them when I walk on the beaches. I live on Long Island NY so I do a lot of my shooting at the beach.

[@shekatagani]

I have one and I also use an AFS 600 F4 on a tripod like you, when using a lens like this it is as you found a great “Walk around Lens”

[@BayouJosh]

that is what I am hoping for.

[@sbphotography3751]

Enjoy the 500mm PF - it's a great lens - look forward to seeing the Z9 in your hands!

[@porkster5924]

I’ve just bought my second PF lens having sold my first lens to help fund the purchase of a 400mm f/2.8 VR but I knew I’d regret it, having such a small, tack sharp super telephoto to walk round with. So with my Z9 on order, I’ve basically gone fully mirrorless (apart from keeping the 400mm and my 300mm f/2.8 lenses) and purchased my new 500mm PF. Looking forward to reacquainting myself with it this weekend on my Z7 ii.

[@BayouJosh]

Good choice! but that 400 2.8 is sweet right?

[@porkster5924]

@@BayouJosh the 400mm is superb, very fast focus and razor sharp.

[@LouisaLee63]

Looking forward to your impressions on the Z9!

[@BayouJosh]

Me too. 😆

[@brianlemke6017]

Great lens. I use it on my D850. Love the freedom of handholding everywhere. Have fun. PS. You’re absolutely right about the limitations at max 5.6. It can struggle in early morning, late evening light.

[@adiapte9575]

You won’t regret with the 500 MM PF lens .. it has incredible image quality. D500/D850 with this lens is super awesome combo for wildlife .. and now with Z9 it will be out of the park. Congratulations 🎉🍾

[@terilapetino6337]

What a great lens for bird photographers!! Getting that lens changed my photography for sure. Can’t wait to see your results!

[@Endgame392]

I hope your an NPS member and you ordered it priority, otherwise I doubt you’ll see the Z9 this year. Congrats on the kit upgrades, looking forward to the content.

[@saadahmad5282]

I used the older manual 150 - 600 mm nikon with my nikon camera d800 and the results are verey good. Thanks for u chanal.hope u are doing well with very good nikon lens.

[@BayouJosh]

Thank you my friend

[@keithmacdonald4805]

WTG Josh, you are going to love the 500 PF it is an incredible lens and works well with a 1.4X teleconverter. I would recommend that you replace the tripod foot, there has been some incidents where it has come loose and the lens lands on the ground. Steve Perry actually made note of it when he did his review of the 500PF. I replaced mine with one made by Hejnar Photo and I highly recommend their product, it comes with the QR socket as well. I also recommend the 300mm PF, it is also an incredible lens and also takes the 1.4 and 1.7 teleconverters really well. Enjoy your new kit and I look forward to seeing the results.

[@BayouJosh]

thanks Keith. I'll check out that Hejnar product. have a great weekend.

[@malcolmstephens9999]

Yes get the hejnar foot for the 500pf.

[@rejeanpitre423]

Another great Video Josh. funny you did this after recommending this lens to me. glad you did at least makes it easier to know what it's like. Thanks Again and keep it up

[@SwanSycorax]

Hi Josh, This video just popped up in my "Recommended to watch" list. Been so long since i saw one of your videos. I used to really enjoy your videos on bird photography. I hope you and your wife are both well and it would be great to see you back here on KZbin.

[@felixifloresrodriquez3306]

Awesome glad you like it.

[@adammutolo5800]

Just read an article that Boise recently shot to number one in the country for home prices! New house, new body, new lens… you’re pocketbook must be crying, lol. Kidding aside, love the channel and congrats on everything! And great choice… I switched brands and the 500PF was the one thing that really hard to part with 😢

[@BayouJosh]

those home prices is why I sold. senseless to let the bank hold on to all that equity.

[@miticsmilos]

Can't wait to see Z9 in your hands! :)

[@loriharringtonphotography]

What mono-pod and fluid head are you using? I just got the 500 for the z6ii. I really like it.

[@BayouJosh]

Benro monopod and the s6 fluid drive head. I have cannibalized the set up and moved the Fluid drive head to a tripod and the monopod now has the wimberly monopod mount on it.

[@loriharringtonphotography]

@@BayouJosh I prefer hand holding rather than dragging a tripod about but your mono-pod cought by eye as a compromise. I might just give that a try.

[@davidcommon6710]

Hey Josh, I always enjoy the calm pace of your videos. I'm not a fan of 'review' or 'unboxing' vids, but when I'm at that point of deliberating whether or not to splash out on a new camera or lens, I invariably find yourself watching as many as possible! I've been using the 200-500 on my D500 for a few years now, and I've been mostly very happy with it. But I'm getting itchy for the 500pf. Anyway, after watching a number of review videos from all of those I trust most in these instances (Steve Perry, Mark Smith and yourself), I reckon you've helped me decide. Thanks!

[@anaphylaxis2548]

Thank you for confirming what I have been thinking about this lens. I will be buying one soon to go with my pre-ordered Z9.

[@BayouJosh]

Glad I could help!

[@todbice]

Hey Josh glad to see you picked up the Nikon 500 mm PF. I just want to warn you about the sensitivity of the tripod mount release on the tripod mount. I items 26, 27, and 28 in the user’s information document. I do not use a camera strap and have been caring my cameras using the tripod collar mount on the 500. The third day after receiving my Z9, I was out testing it with a 2X teleconverter mounted to my 500 using an FTX II adapter. I was carrying my camera and lens by the tripod collar, because I was using the 2X teleconverter the additional length and/or weight caused an imbalance, which caused my hand to make contact with the tripod release which resulted in the both camera and body hitting the ground. Broke the FTZ II adapter but camera, lens, and teleconverter seem to have survived. Good luck I really enjoy your videos. Thank you for sharing your adventures.

[@BayouJosh]

Thank you for the warning. I replaced the foot within a week with the wimberly model.

[@cesarm8811]

Excellent Bayou, hope to see your next video with the Z9 and your new 500mm lens. What are you doing with the 600mm lens?

[@BayouJosh]

600 stays with me for now. hard to replace that lens unless it is with another 600f/4

[@Santamike212]

Congratulations

[@brucegraner5901]

Portability has a quality all its own. Given the high ISO performance of the Z9 and Z6II cameras I think you made a good choice that will help compensate for the loss of the f-stop. I'm looking forward to hearing what you think of your new gear when you've had a chance to use it for awhile.

[@BayouJosh]

I’m excited to be able to test things out. You were absolutely right. Portability definitely has a huge value.

[@Tipton_Wildlife]

the canon 100-500mm changed my life!

[@h3h3eot]

I have this lens and love it. It’s my go to lens

[@BayouJosh]

I have a feeling it’s going to get a lot of action.

[@h3h3eot]

@@BayouJosh I also hight recommend the 300 PF

[@ThePinoyAggie]

Wow, Josh! Splurging, huh? A new house, Z9, and 500 PF. I pre-ordered the Z9 as well. I have the Z6 II and Z7 II. I believe, the Z9 is what all Nikon shooters are waiting for a Nikon mirrorless. Looking forward to the next generation of non-flagship Nikon mirrorless so that enthusiasts and prosumers with no deep pockets could experience most of the Z9 tech. Cheers!

[@BayouJosh]

Yeah, a little crazy. I had to get closer to work and I couldn't pass on the opportunity to sell our other house. 😀

[@macmyers1610]

Kind of off topic but I also live in boise and was wondering where you shot cedar waxwings they are beautiful birds and would love to have the opportunity to find some I saw that most of the video was done and Albertsons park correct?

[@BayouJosh]

Plenty in Katherine Albertsons right now. Just look for trees with berries on them.

[@kevinhinesphoto]

That 500 pf on the Z6II is my favorite setup right now. Also looking forward to the Z400 2.8 and the Z9.

[@garytemor7566]

I hope you’re gonna like the PF 500 I love mine I hope you’re enjoying it good luck

[@BayouJosh]

It’s been fantastic

[@relichunter7984]

I have just made similar a move with my 500mm F4. As much as I loved the lens, I didnt enjoy using it anymore. On my walks I had to lug a tripod and gimbal, plus the lens and my D500. Now when I go out, its just the camera and 500mm pf lens. The difference is huge and I find I walk further and take more images. I have yet to try it on my Z6II, that will be on the next outing.

[@BayouJosh]

So far it performs quite well on the Z6ii

[@jakeysforkphoto]

I've had this lens since the end of 2018. Amazing lens. My only gripe is that you get odd flaring if you shoot at certain angles into direct sunlight. I feel like it's a condition related to the PF design as it also occurs with the 300pf.

[@andrewlamberson539]

Have you tried your 500Pf on the Z6II with the 1.4 or 2.0 Teleconverters??? Excellent performance on the Z6II !!!

[@BayouJosh]

I have not. I really struggle with the camera at 5.6. I have been shooting the super primes for several years and I light having light more than anything else. I have the 400 2.8 TC coming and I have the 2.0 TC z mount in my bag. I am sure I'll use it with that. 800mm 5.6

[@edwardgrice841]

Josh, love your videos. Also a birder. Wondered what microphone you are using. Thanks for doing these videos. ted

[@BayouJosh]

I am glad to hear you are enjoying the videos. the microphones I use are in the description. On camera is the Rode NTG.

[@kaminobatto]

Congrats on the new gear, Josh! And looking forward to seeing your experience with flying birds using a Z9! Hopefully, it'll help you never miss a shot again!

[@Fivetogoable]

Very informative video, looking forward to all the exciting things to come! Can you put a link in for the monopod sometime? Thanks!

[@BayouJosh]

Thank you my friend. I’ll definitely put a link to that mono pod. Not exactly recommending it yet. I have to put it through its paces. Kind of cumbersome so far.

[@edgerat]

I prefer a fluid head over a gimbal, for whatever that is worth. You can still get it balanced on the fluid head and it makes for a great great platform.

[@myf0c4ld1st4nc3]

Good luck with your new lens and camera. Happy for you. I am also a Benro user, can you share the monopod and head model? Thanks in advance. Regards.

[@BayouJosh]

www.adorama.com/bea48fds6pro.html?gclid=Cj0KCQiAnaeNBhCUARIsABEee8WdtSO-HsOPVidC-nWa7-jTKbln8-XrPT_oQ0QD1EQA4FHfzpI8fygaAiNFEALw_wcB&gclid=Cj0KCQiAnaeNBhCUARIsABEee8WdtSO-HsOPVidC-nWa7-jTKbln8-XrPT_oQ0QD1EQA4FHfzpI8fygaAiNFEALw_wcB& Here ya go. 😉

[@spokolokofly]

I own this lens and it is awesome piece of equipment. Packed it already few times to my carry on lugage. It is also great option if you want to use portable hide and you have lot of gear to transport for a longer time in the difficult terrain. I'm sure you will love it!

[@BayouJosh]

I am excited to have it in my arsenal.

[@sebastienhebert6794]

I had a nikon 300mm f2.8, the 200-400mm f4, 500mm F4 and a 200-500mm f5.6. I sold everything once I got the 500mm 5.6 Pf. It's all I need and want for wildlife. My PF is sharper then my 500mm F4.

[@BayouJosh]

Damn man that’s saying a lot.

[@janinymanwildlife4563]

Congrats for the new gear upgrade👍

[@BayouJosh]

thank you my friend.

[@brianaikens7282]

Glad to hear you bought the lens. I have been shooting with it since it came out. The light weight and maneuverability really allow for more opportunities out in the field. The extra stop is not a hinderance with modern high end bodies, in fact I use it almost exclusively with the the 1.4x TC.....shooting F8...! The autofocus still locks in fast and reliably. Looking forward to marrying it up with the Z9.....mine is on order as well. Have fun out there....!

[@BayouJosh]

that is awesome to hear. It is built well and I am sure I will get many years of enjoyment out of it.

[@RobJorg]

4:30 yeah tell us about your feelings while i go make coffee. HAHAHAHA. 8:20 you can fix most of it in post processing, just shoot a bit wider. i am happy that you have the new kit and bought it from a local store. was wondering how much better it is or if it is then the old F4. 20 year old lens versus newer F5.6 lens. Z9, you are going to be so happy.

[@BayouJosh]

I gotta say Rob. nothing is quite like the look of an F/4 image but I am really impressed with the sharpness. I think it will definitely steal some time from the 600f/4.

[@EdwardKilner]

Good for you! I’m envious. Also, I’d like to know more about the monopod and fluid head, especially after you have had a chance to shoot with it.

[@Wim-Minnaard]

Great to hear that you pre-ordered the Z9 and got a lighter lens. Hope and trust you’ll enjoy them. I just got my first monopod gimbal combo this week. Today I left it in the trunk just to find I really needed it😏

[@BayouJosh]

that's the way it works right?

[@gunny2044]

Congratulations on the 500PF, I've had one for about two years now. Absolutely love it. Amazing image quality. The only issue with the copy that I have is that dang cheaply made lens hood. So hard to twist off it's frustrating. Other folks I know who have it, their's works fine. First world problem I know. The 500PF saved the day for me on a recent trip to Grand teton National Park when my tripod leg twist lock broke. I can't handhold my 600mm f/4 long enough to make properly exposed images... basically it's a spay and pray situation. Enjoy your knew kit!

[@BayouJosh]

gotta love equipment failures while on expedition.

[@berniestang2616]

Love the Nikon 500 Pf on the 850 and Z7ii…. Love Nikon , love the lenses portability!!! Sharp glass , sharp cameras ! Love Nikon ❤️❤️

[@patricianadarajah6833]

I love this lens ! I have it on my D850, perfect combo !

[@BayouJosh]

It really is!

[@patricianadarajah6833]

@@BayouJosh I look forward to your videos with that lens and the Z9, magic in the making.. but no pressure 😉

[@brianw6645]

Can't wait to see what you can do with the Z9.

[@BayouJosh]

exciting times.

[@robinc-k7162]

I LOVE my 500mm PF! Can you link the monopod with feet and fluid head? thx!

[@BayouJosh]

Yes. great lens. BTW. the monopod is great but I do not recommend it with the fluid drive head. the fluid drive head is now on my Suriu tripod. But it is a wonderful monopod and a fantastic fluid drive head that comes at a discount when purchased together. Link below. amzn.to/3FcF00F

[@_twistedmountain_]

Congrats on the new setup and the shorter drive to work. This dark at 4:30 stuff is bull!!

[@BayouJosh]

Right!!!

[@_twistedmountain_]

@@BayouJosh really puts a damper on things

[@joebecker3107]

I meant to comment on that other video and suggest a few things but got distracted and forgot. One was to just get the Z9 if budget isn't an issue... I would've pre ordered it but I didn't think it was actually coming before the end of the year and winter is my prime time to be out photographing because Im on my seasonal layoff..., and I can't handle having only one body so I got the Z7ii to go with my Z6ii. The other thing I was gonna suggest, was to do what I did last year and get the 500PF and a monopod... and I did it for the exact reasons you mentioned in this video and it was a game changer.. I spend most of my winter in northern MN living out of a homemade tiny home/camper... and Im out snowshoeing deep in the woods almost every day all day (unless I find something worth sit in a blind for.. and it was just too hard on my body to be trudging through deep snow all day with the 500 f4 and heavy duty tripod lugged over my shoulder along with a pack on my back... I ended up selling my old 500 f4 AF-S DII (Non VR) to fund other equipment because I barely used it after getting the PF. I don't lug my big tripod around anymore either unless I'm going to be sitting in a blind... I carry a 100-400 on one body and the 500 PF on the other with the Z 20 1.8 and Z 24-70 in my pack and a monopod with a fluid head. The other thing is getting the cotton carrier. I got the 2 camera one and an extra holster so I have my bins on my chest and a body on each side. So awesome! But, as you mentioned, I miss the light gathering of the F4 quite a bit... I actually shot the f4 and PF side by side for a few months and found that its actually about 1-2/3 stops of light you actually lose... You lose the one stop from the aperture but shooting them, literally side by side, I was losing an additional 2/3 stop of light. Im thinking maybe because of the size of the front element allowing less light in... much like binoculars where the bigger diameter is, the brighter they are, idk.. My plan for next year is to sell the Z7ii, and the 500PF and get the Z 400 2.8 and Z9.. I already have a 100-400 and with the Z 400 2.8 with built in TC, you have two lenses in one... a light vacuum 2.8 at 400mm and a 560 F4.

[@BayouJosh]

I am certainly drooling over the idea of owning the 400mm 2.8 with the TC

[@joebecker3107]

@@BayouJosh yeah if I can't affird both Z9 and 400 2.8, I'm torn on what id choose.. probably go for the 400 and wait for Nikon to put out a D850/D500 version of the Z9. Idk... Ill probably change my mind 1000 times before I do anything 🤣 you know the drill we go through.

[@Johnmell100]

You got some really nice images with your 500pf. As others have commented on I also am looking forward to see how you get on with the Z9, hope you don't have too long to wait for it.

[@pianoman6639]

Stumbled on your channel Josh live your style .. many thanks

[@malcolmstephens9999]

I’m ordering the Z9 too! Can’t wait!! I have the 500pf and 600 f/4 e. I currently shoot with the D850 body and the 500pf more because of flexibility. I’m surprised you made the change but since you sold the home that extra cash had to go somewhere!! LOL! Glad you’ did it!! Awesome!!

[@charlesmcfarren6489]

I bought a 500PF not long ago, and I love it. I use it a lot with a monopod and Wimberley Sidekick. You mentioned shooting at 1/100s in low light. Don't forget that you now have a fantastic VR system that was not on your 600F4. I've also had good experience using a 1.4x teleconverter on the Z6 II.

[@BayouJosh]

I noticed the VR capabilities immediately. Yes!