Nikon 600 VR vs 600 AFSII ~ Possible Move from 500 VR

[Jim Fenton]

I'm half way contemplating selling my 500 VR and getting a 600 AFSII (can't afford the 600 VR)....
I know the differences in focus distance between the 600 AFSII and VR but if you've owned both and could comment on the differences in IQ (if any) and the differences in how TC's affect IQ (with specific reference to the TC17EII0, I'd really appreciate your input.

Thanks in advance,

Jim Fenton

[john crookes]

Hi Jim,

As you know I have the 600 afsII and have had the oppoutunity to photograph with the vr version.

besides the obviouse close focusing difference the vr is also lighter. and the nano crystal coating on the elements makes a big differense in quality.
I found the 1.7 to work on both with the D3 with the firmware at 2.2 so that is not the issue with me it is the price of the new lens aat this point and time

John

[Fabs Forns]

Non VR does not like converters, Jim.
I'm happier with the 500 than I was with the 600, mainly weight and portability.
As with everything else, you will gain in some and loose in others. There is such a thing as too much lens!

[Jim Fenton]

I's agree relative to "too much lens" if I lived in tame bird land (AKA FLORIDA) :)

While I've got ya, have you tried the 1.7 on the 500 VR or just the 1.4?

[Jim Fenton]

Completely spaced the fact that you have the AFSII....(don't take it personally!).

Thanks for the comparison info...it is appreciated.

[Fabs Forns]

I's agree relative to "too much lens" if I lived in tame bird land (AKA FLORIDA) :)

While I've got ya, have you tried the 1.7 on the 500 VR or just the 1.4?

Even used the 2X, here's one at last light. 500/4 VR

[Roy Priest]

I hope you don't mind me horning in on this discussion but I am getting a 500 VR lens. My buddy just phoned and warned me it might not work with the extenders. I see here that it seems to work just fine. Can anyone confirm that for me?

[Alfred Forns]

They work fine Roy and produce very sharp images. With the non VR lenses I'm not sure. Have tried one non VR 600 and was not impressed so would be unfair to speculate.

On the Nikon side the 2X with the 500/600 will slow the AF to a crawl but the Canon is faster focusing (not by much) They are good tools when used properly.

[Fabs Forns]

I hope you don't mind me horning in on this discussion but I am getting a 500 VR lens. My buddy just phoned and warned me it might not work with the extenders. I see here that it seems to work just fine. Can anyone confirm that for me?

I never heard of that. I use the three converters regularly. If you look in the Avian Gallery, I have posted a couple of flights done with the 500 and the 1.4X

Here's one:

http://birdphotographers.net/forums/...ad.php?t=34758

[Dave Mills]

I have a non VR 500 Nikon and I've used the 1.4 and 1.7. I haven't experienced a problem with sharpness!

[Desmond Chan]

As with everything else, you will gain in some and loose in others. There is such a thing as too much lens!

If I may ask, Fabs, do you mean the 500 is a more practical choice then a 600?

[Roy Priest]

Alfred, Fabs and Dave thanks for the replies and confirming the lens works with converters. I have the 1.7 at present. Not sure how long it will take to arrive as it's a special order here in Canada. Can't wait!
Love the grackle photo. We don't get grackles here I guess the closest would be a brewers blackbird.

[Fabs Forns]

If I may ask, Fabs, do you mean the 500 is a more practical choice then a 600?

For me it is. Of course, I'm considering the weight and bulk and the ability to occasionally hand hold the 500.
And it all depends how far your subjects are. If I were to live near Bosque, for instance, the 600 would be the way to go.

[Thonnaksar NOP]

I'm half way contemplating selling my 500 VR and getting a 600 AFSII (can't afford the 600 VR)....
I know the differences in focus distance between the 600 AFSII and VR but if you've owned both and could comment on the differences in IQ (if any) and the differences in how TC's affect IQ (with specific reference to the TC17EII0, I'd really appreciate your input.

Thanks in advance,

Jim Fenton

Hi Jim,
I have tried the 600/4 AI-S and the 600/4 AF-I before buying my 600/4 VR. I've never used the 600/4 AF-S II but I think optically it's quite similar to the AF-I version.

The 600 AF-I+TC-17EII IQ is quite far behind the 600 VR+TC-17EII, especially in contrast, sharpness and AF accuracy.

The 600 AI-S+TCx2 IQ is better than the 600 AF-I+TCx2 (the 600 VR still gives the best result with TCx2).

For TCs work, I would say :

1- 600 VR,
2- 600 AI-S,
3- 600 AF-I

With TC (and stacked TCs) on that focal length, the VR definitely makes a HUGE difference in IQ !!!

[Alfred Forns]

Desmond I would consider the 500 and 600 to be totally different in applications. If money was no object having both would be the way to go ... but now would substitute for the 800.

I find the lighter 500 along with its ability to focus closer a huge asset. When I had both the 600 didn't get all that much use except for specific situations. IMO if you are going to have one only would go for the 500.

[Jim Fenton]

You had to show me that 2X creation didn't ya? :)

[Jim Fenton]

My dealer received another the other day...so if you're looking, let me know and I'll be happy to give you their contact information.

I also know of a 500 AFSII (brand new) at another dealer.

[Thonnaksar NOP]

You had to show me that 2X creation didn't ya? :)

Here they are :

#1 : D2Hs, 600/4 AI-S+Kenko2x, 1/320", f/8, 1000 ISO, Tripod. Full frame.





#2 : D2Hs, 600/4 AF-I+Kenko2x, 1/250", f/8, 1000 ISO, Tripod. Full frame.





#3 : D2Hs, 600/4 VR+Kenko2x, 1/125", f/8, 200 ISO, Tripod. Full frame.