Warning

 

Close

Confirm Action

Are you sure you wish to do this?

Confirm Cancel
BCM
User Panel

Posted: 2/14/2017 2:39:43 AM EDT
Link Posted: 2/14/2017 9:20:04 AM EDT
[#1]
I picked up a used 600 f/4G for a decent price this last November.

It is incredible and has really been a huge step up from the Nikon 200-500 (with the Kirk long lens support) that I was using for wildlife.  The 200-500 will probably still get used for kids sports.

I have the 1.4III, 1.7II and 2.0III teleconverters.  The quality loss with the 1.4 isn't too bad, the 1.7 and 2.0 are each progressively worse by about the same amount.

I am using them on a D810 and a D7200.

As the magnification is increased the stability of the mount, etc becomes more and more important to remove the motion blur and the focal plane can be very thin even at pretty good distances so it can be really hard to nail focus on something like a duck on a choppy body of water a few hundred yards away.

I am using the Induro GIT404KL tripod and Wimberley WH-200 II gimbal head.  I also use the Really Right Stuff long lens support (goes "backwards" on the Nikon since the foot on the G is towards the front of the lens).

I decided that I was going to get a large prime after a trip to Japan where the guide loaned me his 300 f/2.8G to take pictures of a rare owl at night.  The lens so far outperformed everything I had known before (as a former Canon user and current Nikon user) that I knew I had to get me something for myself.  Since with the birds always seem to need more magnification I got the 600g since it was the most affordable.  I would have gotten the 800, but the price is just way too out there.

The 600 has totally changed my wildlife photography.  When people say that the equipment doesn't matter they are correct to a point, but there is a reason this equipment exists.  It makes a difference at the high end.

300 f/2.8G


600 f/4G
Link Posted: 2/14/2017 7:03:33 PM EDT
[#2]
I've used the 300mm f/2.8 and that lens is godly.  Downside is the price tag. 
Link Posted: 2/14/2017 7:57:05 PM EDT
[#3]
I bought a 300 f/2.8 VR, new, back in 2008.  It was easily the best lens I've ever owned.  I'm sure the other Nikon exotic lenses are just as good.  Unfortunately, the large size made taking it out and using it, feel like  a major expedition. Sold it about four years ago to finance my plunge into the amateur radio hobby. I just wasn't using very much.

If you do use them, I think you will find they are worth every penny. The image quality is second to none.

But be warned, they will make every other lens you own seem like junk.



Link Posted: 2/14/2017 9:27:27 PM EDT
[#4]
Now, why do you guys have to go talking about this stuff?  Here I am, pretty happy with my Tamron 150-600, and now the beginnings of long prime envy are starting to set in.
Link Posted: 2/14/2017 10:12:11 PM EDT
[#5]
Link Posted: 2/15/2017 10:51:48 AM EDT
[#6]
You know me, any reason is a good reason for new primo glass.
Link Posted: 2/15/2017 11:57:26 AM EDT
[#7]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:
Also, if I'm not happy with it, I can probably sell it for what I paid for it.
View Quote

Seems like someone (ilikelegs?) on this forum used to do something similar every year.  He would buy a used, big telephoto lens (400, 600,...can't remember exactly), before he went on a photo trip, and then sell it when he got home.  He said it was cheaper than renting.
Link Posted: 2/15/2017 4:32:50 PM EDT
[#8]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:
Here's my thinking on this.

...

It's a prime, meaning even with the TC it should outperform any zoom quality wise.

...

Yes?
View Quote


The quality with the Nikon 2x version 3 teleconverter will probably be no better than a decent zoom like the 200-500 Nikon or 150-600s from Sigma or Tamron.

I only use it as a last resort when I really need the 1200mm on the D7200.
Link Posted: 2/15/2017 5:07:52 PM EDT
[#9]
Link Posted: 2/15/2017 6:18:05 PM EDT
[#10]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:
The quality with the Nikon 2x version 3 teleconverter will probably be no better than a decent zoom like the 200-500 Nikon or 150-600s from Sigma or Tamron.

I only use it as a last resort when I really need the 1200mm on the D7200.
View Quote

Nikon did a good job with improving the image quality of the TC20e3 over the TC20e2.
Whether or not it is good enough for your purposes, only you can say.
Link Posted: 2/15/2017 6:33:51 PM EDT
[#11]
I periodically use my Nikon 500mm mirror lens with my D600.
Link Posted: 2/15/2017 7:11:21 PM EDT
[#12]
Link Posted: 2/15/2017 7:32:33 PM EDT
[#13]
Just picked up a Nikon 55-300mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR AF-S DX lens for $200 on ebay brand new.

Probably will be my daily driver.

Link Posted: 2/15/2017 7:39:16 PM EDT
[#14]
Link Posted: 2/15/2017 9:34:40 PM EDT
[#15]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:
I have pulled the trigger on a 400mm f/2.8 VR
View Quote

Congrats!  I'm sure you will like it.

Now, it's time to start shopping for a new camera bag.
Link Posted: 2/15/2017 9:44:29 PM EDT
[#16]
Link Posted: 2/15/2017 10:06:48 PM EDT
[#17]
Looks like a well made bag.  The one thing I see about it, that might make me hesitant, is it looks like the big lens has to be loaded on one side of the bag.  The problem with that, is it makes for an uneven load unless you fill up the other side of the bag.  That 400 f/2.8 is heavy, and an asymmetrical load in a backpack is uncomfortable.  I might be inclined to look for a bag that will allow you to keep the lens centered better.  

I ended up going with a ThinkTank bag.  It is also well made, and you can move the dividers around so you can distribute the load evenly.  It's well made, but just "OK" as an actual backpack.  I mean, it's fine for carrying your gear from the car to the stadium to shoot a ball game, but I don't think I would want to hike the Appalachian Trail with it.  

It's just really hard to tell what works, without actually trying it out.  I think that's why we end up with a closet full of camera bags.
Link Posted: 2/15/2017 10:23:27 PM EDT
[#18]
Link Posted: 2/17/2017 1:39:38 PM EDT
[#19]
Link Posted: 2/24/2017 10:47:08 PM EDT
[#20]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:
The lens arrives tomorrow. Unfortunately the replacement foot that will let it mount to my tripod will not arrive until Tuesday.

I can screw it onto my monopod without a head though so at least I can test it out some.
View Quote


Waiting and a tag...
Link Posted: 2/24/2017 11:36:00 PM EDT
[#21]
Link Posted: 2/25/2017 3:34:55 AM EDT
[#22]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:


That's actually been on the list for a while.

I'm giving serious consideration to this:

http://www.mindshiftgear.com/products/moose-peterson-mp-3-v2
View Quote


Interesting design. Going to have to look deeper.
Link Posted: 2/25/2017 7:54:53 PM EDT
[#23]
Link Posted: 3/7/2017 1:49:51 AM EDT
[#24]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:
Just picked up a Nikon 55-300mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR AF-S DX lens for $200 on ebay brand new.

Probably will be my daily driver.

http://cdn-4.nikon-cdn.com/e/Q5NM96RZZo-fTYlSZPBjlMhlFa1VHARsAMnUXbUr6pUxahsG_jgXkoIjDJFyA70zCIGREispJ9YcFwlXe7y5u3bTvW_kbkwj/Views/2197_AFS-55-300-f4.5-5.6GEDVR_front.png
View Quote


Hey, I have that one.  We are in the wrong thread.
Link Posted: 3/7/2017 2:34:28 AM EDT
[#25]
is 50mm  F1:1.4 big?
Link Posted: 3/7/2017 2:36:42 AM EDT
[#26]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:
is 50mm  F1:1.4 big?
View Quote

Close Join Our Mail List to Stay Up To Date! Win a FREE Membership!

Sign up for the ARFCOM weekly newsletter and be entered to win a free ARFCOM membership. One new winner* is announced every week!

You will receive an email every Friday morning featuring the latest chatter from the hottest topics, breaking news surrounding legislation, as well as exclusive deals only available to ARFCOM email subscribers.


By signing up you agree to our User Agreement. *Must have a registered ARFCOM account to win.
Top Top