Nikon 200-500 5.6 - Better than expected ?

[@tomgodzik8951]

I bought the 200-500mm 5.6 lens for $800. It works great for me and that’s all that I care about. Great video. Thanks for sharing your experience with us. ❤❤❤

[@richardwanbon3087]

It's a match made in heaven with the D500 for those who want fast and reliable cAF for wildlife but don't have the budget for a Z9 + a prime.....even better now that a D500 + 200-500 combo are found in the used markets for a good price with ease. Throw it on a Z7 for more stationary critters and you have a very sharp image without the crop factor. I've read that the weather sealing is not great, but I've had it out on the kayak in pouring rain committed to get the shots and it handled the conditions well. I did make a point of drying it out well afterwards with the external zoom however. Unless you go to a f4 telephoto, I don't think the image quality will get much better than this. The 500 pf will be slightly better and much lighter but that's a trade-off with a fixed focal length and at a higher cost. In fact, I believe the 500 pf sharpness advantage is more in the corners but a crop camera like the D500 will limit this advantage. The 200-500 is a winner for many. The weight and the throw are the two grumbles I have with it though.

[@russandloz]

Interesting. Thanks for your input Richard. It seems the 500 5.6 isn’t worth the money then in comparison

[@richardwanbon3087]

@@russandloz Well no, I wouldn't say that fully. If cost was a person't s main parameter, I think they can rest assured that a good copy of the 200-500 will get them images that are extremely close to a 500 pf......so not worth a 500 pf to those individuals. For those who would use these lenses a lot for birding and have more room in their budget, having a 500 pf which is 2 lbs lighter for handholding will certainly be worth the money.

[@laurelb8372]

Have this lens and love it, so good for bird photography or even landscapes. Yes it is very heavy, but even as a senior lady I can manage handheld for around 20-30 mins no problem.

[@russandloz]

Nice. On what camera body?

[@laurelb8372]

@@russandloz Z7II

[@russandloz]

@@laurelb8372 are you thinking of going z8 for better animal tracking?

[@roybixby6135]

A great lens - small and light enough to make me prefer it to my 200-400mm and 600mm Nikkors...

[@maze400]

I bought this lens for my D850, I've not tried it with my Z5 yet. Noise at high iso is almost irrelevant because of Topaz photo ai, something to consider.... Love all your videos, keep em coming....

[@csc-photo]

At its current sale price ($1060 US$, new, USA warranty), this is almost impossible to pass up. Thanks for the info!

[@keola36]

Thanks for the video, I have been eyeing this lens for my Z6ii. The sample pics and sharpness test were very helpful.

[@russandloz]

Yes I'm very pleased with it, with firmware updates the focus should improve too. The Sigma alternatives are even heavier and slower really

[@richardfink7666]

There is nothing better for the price. By the way, I have this Combo.

[@BlueBull2604]

I just bought my 200-500 f5.6 a few days ago. Amazing sharpness and handheld at 500mm.

[@russandloz]

Yes it’s a great lens especially in good light. I struggle with birds in flight though which is the camera bodies issue I think

[@markusbolliger1527]

The AF-S 200-500 F5.6 is still a good value for money and a good option for wildlife. But ATTENTION to the copy-variation, as we can learn from the experience Steve Perry made. He had to test five copies to get a good one! As for me I have chosen the new Z 100-400 F4.5-5.6 S: It's not a dedicated wildlife lens, but it's very versatile also for landscape and small animals like butterflies and dragonflies etc.

[@russandloz]

Yes thats why I got a new one, but how would you know if it wasn't a good copy?

[@markusbolliger1527]

@@russandloz You can test your copy for decentration, for example ...

[@scottcoles8838]

I have a D500. pondering the 200-500 or Tamron 150-600 g2. I shoot rugby in winter...lenses seem competitive but maybe the weather sealing is the factor which makes the decision. Any thoughts feedback appreciated. thanks

[@russandloz]

I’ve never used the Tamron but the 200-500 is solid. Apart from the zoom extension which isn’t weather sealed I don’t think

[@bbud8242]

Which did you choose?

[@scottcoles8838]

Tamron. got an amazingly cheap deal on a mint second hand version but really it was the weather sealing and being a bit lighter which helped the decision. I haven't been disappointed thus far but that being said i only used it a bit last year but soon will be using it a lot because rugby season is starting soonish @@bbud8242

[@lonnieclemens8028]

I am happy to see your review of the Nikkor 200-500mm lens. It is my favorite lens of all time. I would say that it's the perfect lens.

[@russandloz]

I’ve recently compared it to the 400 4.5 where is does very well. But the weight annoyed me and glad to move on from it. Worth seeing our video on that

[@lonnieclemens8028]

@@russandloz I will subscribe to your channel and watch the video. Thank you very much.

[@obedbrinkman]

i bought in a few years ago and love its quality and value for money ::: on a dx it gains cropped reach and sometimes i attach a nikon1 to it through a ft1 adapter for insain cropped reach haha

[@russandloz]

I'm impressed with it too, the mirrorless electronic live view is handy for a tripod use

[@paulriley323]

use this lens on D7200 & Z7 and very happy with the result, as are the people whom have purchased photos.

[@steveboys5369]

Hi Russ, do you still have this lens as of july 24 .. if not what did you get to do a similar role / why did you change?

[@russandloz]

@@steveboys5369 Hi. We have a video where I swapped for the 400 4.5. I didn’t like the weight of the 200-500 especially with the FTz. But both are good quality

[@steveboys5369]

@@russandloz thanks

[@russandloz]

@@steveboys5369 Recently got a heavier lens 400 2.8e. Ironic

[@Warrior_Resisting_Colonialism]

2015 and currently in production. This doesn't make it "vintage". It's literally a currently sold lens with no replacement.

[@bab008]

Those 2015 lenses are so "vintage" now. My great, great grandfather swore by them however.

[@russandloz]

In the world of technology it seems a long time ago lol

[@CaptVinny]

I have this lens and get great results. However it’s too long and too heavy for my tripod. Can you explain your exact tripod/head setup? I need to get a tripod kit can safely hold this especially when moving it about to find bird. Thx

[@russandloz]

So attach the tripod mount to the lens and not the camera body. I use two old video tripods that were cheap at the time. Could also consider a monopod to take the weight

[@sahilkhullar006]

Was just going through the comments, and will be buying this lens pretty soon(used). How do i check if its a good one as someone here mentioned that Steve had to go through 5 lenses to get himself a good one?

[@russandloz]

Yes it can be tricky. Test field curvature, focus accuracy would be a start

[@wildlifesnapper1]

I use the 200-500 professionally, it is my go to lens for wildlife along with my Nikon D500. Visit my channel to see results.

[@alanaperture]

I’m looking at the sigma 150-600mm lately. I have the 120-300 sigma on my Z6ii and used it for indoor sports and then plan to use the 150-600 for outdoor sports. I also got the z50 to get more reach out of it.

[@russandloz]

if you don't mind the slower f stop and the heavier weight i'm sure it'll be a good lens. But yes the z50 is a capable camera.

[@horstlauch453]

It would be great to also do a quick video mode auto focus test, like someone runs towards the camera. Does it track continuously? Cheers!!!

[@russandloz]

We’ve found that it’s more the body that makes the difference with focus. But yes some lenses are a bit better than others. I struggle with birds in flight but that’s not the lenses fault

[@csc-photo]

Mark Smith ran some tests with the Z6 (mark I) and the 200-500 on some birds, and birds in flight, about 3 years ago. Check it out!

[@dr.sandipmehta973]

I am saving to buy this one. hopefully soon

[@russandloz]

You could find some cheaper deals on used lenses, if you don't mind some cosmetic errors. But make sure its been tested.

[@bajajrajinder]

Pl add a video comparing this with 180-600mm Z lens please

[@russandloz]

Wish we could. But I recently compared it with the 400 4.5. Video on my channel 😀

[@Alfacentauri80]

is there a way to make it actually waterproof? or just a bit

[@russandloz]

Nope, the new upgrade 180-600 is a better choice now

[@mkmk1983]

I have my eyes on this lens and eagerly waiting for the Z 200-600. And I am sure, the day I buy this f-mount 200-500 lens, Nikon will announce the Z-mount 200-600. So just waiting.. who blinks first.. Nikon or I :D

[@russandloz]

I was in the same dilemma last xmas, I'm very happy with this lens but I'm sure the new one might be a bit better. Only as good as the Z body behind it though... You may also be waiting a long time as all brands have manufacturing delays. It'll also be very expensive no doubt

[@mkmk1983]

@@russandloz For sure the waiting times are testing the patience. But having invested in a Z body recently, I am looking forward to having the Z 200-600 as my first native Z lens. And about the price (what I read from what the rumors/speculations say), this lens being a non S line lens will not be very expensive. May be sub $2500/£2000 lens?

[@russandloz]

@@mkmk1983 I will be tempted too with the extra 100mm and probably sharper across the range. I see using the 200-500 as something to exchange once that comes out

[@joekelly9369]

Your welcome to mine its brand new boxed , i love my 200-400 . So the new lens is going ,

[@rodspov1915]

An used Tamron G2 is a much better deal. I have one on my Z7 for bird and Astro photography using MSM. Lightweight and amazing reach.

[@rjpg]

vr on 200-500 is better

[@markturriff994]

At around 2.5kg this proved to be far too heavy for me and I sold it

[@russandloz]

Yes I often say if a lens is too heavy it’s taken out less. I’d be happy with a 1.4 version if it’s much smaller and lighter like the 50 1.4g on f mount

[@jimwlouavl]

How interesting. Thanks for this video. I don’t use long lenses a lot but am now really interested in the Z 200-600 on Nikon’s roadmap. If it’s really pricey, I bet this lens will become sought after.

[@russandloz]

Yes you’re right. I do think new equipment is over priced though I am aware of inflation/covid/ brexit price increases. Will be interesting to see what f stop it will be and price

[@jimwlouavl]

@@russandloz I know you two aren't fans of the Z teleconverter, but other comparisons I've seen make me think the sharpness of the 2x and my 70-200 will be good enough for me for the occasional time I need that reach. But, if the 200-600 is below US $1,500, it'll be a close call. The price tag on the 100-400 was just too high for me as it's not a must have lens.

[@russandloz]

@@jimwlouavl Yeah, I have a feeling it'll be over 2000 at least, the 100-400 is very much over priced really

[@ianslingsby3415]

Good lens just heavy to hand hold for too long

[@russandloz]

Yes it is. The new 180-600 is lighter and pretty much better in every way

[@irajnaghash]

Use photo chart to compare?????

[@russandloz]

We don't always find photo charts to represent reality

[@johncooper9746]

lol 2015 is not vintage

[@russandloz]

I would say so considering how fast tech moves now?

[@johncooper9746]

@@russandloz How long have you been waiting for Nikon to fix the autofocus?

[@russandloz]

@@johncooper9746 Good point. The mark 2’s need a massive upgrade. I guess Nikons solution is the z9

[@Jimmy_Cavallo]

💥 Nature photographers using a lens that is not weather sealed.?? 💦💦📸❌

[@Jimmy_Cavallo]

And he doesn’t even know how to confirm if it’s weather sealed in 5 seconds.? A gear reviewer who doesn’t fully know the features of the gear in review and that’s so basic.

[@mccann82]

Well yeah, plenty use the 200-500.