thoughts on a lens

[SDRivers]

hey gents, any idea on this one?

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000VDCT14/ref=s9_simh_gw_p421_d0_g421_i5?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0D ER&pf_rd_s=center-2&pf_rd_r=0E7HHJRBJ6K5TX2JB84V&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=470938631&pf_rd_i=507846

[heeshung]

I think Manny has that one.

[gonzalu]

No I have a 200-400mm f/4. I dream (and have been saving up for) the 500mm f/4 VRII but every time I get some way near it, something else comes up that takes a bite out of the pot (D800, Nodal Ninja Ultimate R1, OverXposed plates... etc. etc. :tongue:)

Anyhow, the 500mm f/4 is one of those rare brilliant designs, some would say better than 600mm f/4 (it isn;t but some say lol) Paired with the 1.4x TC it is almost just as sharp as naked.

Mark "Zee71" S. just picked one up... he will give you a good review of it.

BTW the one you linked is the VRI model, no Nano Coating and no new VR system so be aware!

[threeholerglory]

Nikon....it's rubbage :tongue:.


That said, Manny and Mark S are the (in my opinion) authorities on Nikon gear. My guess is that it's stellar.

[SDRivers]

all i need to to sell a couple of my sculptures and ill be set lol

[Zee71]

I finally pulled the trigger a few weeks ago and decided it was time to acquire this lens. This lens does not disappoint. The focus is fast, accurate and the VRII is expectional to say the least. This glass isn't light by any means, you'll need a little muscule to hold it for a long time. Sharpness and focus using the 1.4 TC isn't an issue (image quality in my view remains unchanged), but with the 1.7 TC and 2.0 TC it does slow down. When using the 1.7x and 2.0x teleconverters I highly recommend using a solid tripod to acquire crisp photos. YES.............this lens is expensive, but I have no regrets purchasing this lens, it is a top notch lens. Here are a few shots.

http://mbsphotography.smugmug.com/Aviation/Airplanes-and-Spotting/Kennedy-JFK/i-BP6ZSGX/0/L/Qantas01JFK11May201231L500mm-L.jpg

http://mbsphotography.smugmug.com/Aviation/Airplanes-and-Spotting/Kennedy-JFK/i-cS4LKjC/0/L/LOT01JFK11May201231L500mm-L.jpg

http://mbsphotography.smugmug.com/Aviation/Airplanes-and-Spotting/Kennedy-JFK/i-XPs2kWq/0/L/AirFrance01JFK11May201231L500m-L.jpg

http://mbsphotography.smugmug.com/Aviation/Airplanes-and-Spotting/Kennedy-JFK/i-RvPqDjZ/0/L/VirginAmerica01JFK11May201231L-L.jpg

Shot taken with the 1.4x teleconverter
http://mbsphotography.smugmug.com/Aviation/Airplanes-and-Spotting/Kennedy-JFK/i-9JJxnJz/0/L/UPS02JFK11May201231L500mm-L.jpg

[gonzalu]

Mark, you don't purchase fast glass, you MARRY it :smile: It is an investment... and they hold their value for a very long time. Some exotic glass even gains value when it is no longer manufactured (24mm f/1.4D)

[Zee71]

Thanks for that anology Manny........so I won't be getting de-glassed anytime soon! It's a beautiful relationship and only getting better. You are absolutely right about it being an investment......additionally I have a 105mm f/2.8 macro lens that was manufactured in Japan, and one of my relatives keeps asking me to sell it (because of the quality of that glass). My reply...........NO way (it's one of the finest pieces of glass that I have). You never give up good glass! :p

[megatop412]

Mark did you have teleconverters attached to the lens for these shots?

[Zee71]

Only the last shot of the UPS had a 1.4x teleconverter. Also, remember that I am not too far from JFK. These were all taken from the backyard as they departed off of RWY 31L.

[gonzalu]

He lies William. That UPS plane was departing KSDF :tongue:

[SDRivers]

ok guys so after some research i happened upon this lens, thoughts?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Nikon-Nikkor-80-mm-400-mm-F-4-5-5-6-AF-D-ED-VR-Lens-/230797484396