Nikon 600/4 AFS 2 still a good buy?

[Rene de Heer]

I recently moved from Canon to Nikon and use the 200-400 VR but as i am mainly a birdphotographer i do find i am at times mm short! I do not want to start a discussion about the 600VR. I cant get one overhere in the Uk anyway and it is too expesnive. However i have been offered a demo 600 AFS 2 for a good price and was wondering what the consensus is on this lens. I would use it with a D3 and a D300.
Many thanks for your help
Rene de Heer

[Larry Daniel]

I like the one I have. Requires good long lens technique. Works well with both the D3 and D300.

[Joe Colson]

The 600mm VR doesn't seem to be available here in the US either. I've had an order placed with Calumet since last fall. But the 600mm AF-S II is a great lens, and works well with the 1.4x and 1.7x TCs, especially in combination with a D3 or D300. You'll need a gimbal head, and/or a substantial ballhead, and a sturdy tripod. The added reach over the 200-400mm VR is particularly advantageous when photographing small birds.

[Alfred Forns]

I'm using the new VR and like it It is a significant improvement Not sure what the price difference would be? In the original purchase also consider you will be selling some day Would go for the VR !!!

btw might want to look at this thread Have a test image posted with the 600 VR taken at 1/25 sec Don't think it would have been possible with the non VR?

http://www.birdphotographers.net/forums/showthread.php?t=9235

[allanrube]

I came over from Canon with a 500 IS 2 years ago to Nikon with a 500 afs-1. I did have a learning adjustment. Without IS (VR) you do need to concentrate more on long lens technique.

[Art Peslak]

I switched to nikon several months ago. I didn't want to wait a year for the VR lens so I got a good deal on a new 600 AFS-II for about $1100 less than the vr version. I am very pleased with it on the D3 with either the 1.4 or 1.7 TC. It does require a little more careful technique especially when the wind is blowing across and catching the lens hood.

[Robert O'Toole]

Would recommend the VR version Rene. You dont mention the non VR discount, but I dont think it would be worth giving up VR (as you can tell I am a huge believer in VR and IS).
I have had clients travel to the US from the UK to buy a lens on holiday, the savings paid for the trip (the VR lenses are in short supply here also).

Here is an interesting related IS/VR thread :http://www.birdphotographers.net/forums/showthread.php?t=8094

Robert