pros and cons of nikon 500 mm vr lens

[stuart wanuck]

beside the cost factor are there any real benefits to this lens.any used ones out there?

[Desmond Chan]

beside the cost factor are there any real benefits to this lens.any used ones out there?

Well, it gives longer reach than my 200-400 :)

What other benefits you're referring to?

[Sid Garige]

Stuart,

Each lens has a purpose. 500mm fits nice for anyone looking for a good hand holding and travel lens. You can use 1.4 and may be 1.7 and still retain auto focus and extend range to 700mm and 850mm. Very sharp and VR comes in handy in low light conditions.

[Scott Grant]

i doubt that you'll find to many used 500VR's out there.

the lens is fantastic. it's all about reach right?

its super sharp wide open and still sharp wide open with both the 1.4x and 1.7x converter when using good technique. and yes, you retain AF, even with 1.7X. the lens is also hand holdable.

cons - the price! and to be honest, even though its not as large as either the 400 f2.8 or 600 f4, at first it's size was a little overwhelming to me. it took a while to get the feel of how to use the lens. you also need good support. i also own a wimberly II head and gitzo tripod and a BLUBB beanbag, which by far gets the most use!

[Arlon Motsch]

I have the first generation 500mm F4 AF-S. It's a good bit cheaper than the VR version. I've had good luck with it hand held or on a monopod, assume the VR version would be even better. I carry it all over the place, it's a lot easier to handle than my old mf 600mm F4. Also have the 1.4x tc for when I need a little more reach. Haven't tried a 1.7x on it.

[john j. henderson]

Another slim advantage is it is usually in stock at the larger online stores, the 600mm is usually only available via special order

[Tony Whitehead]

Something not yet mentioned is the balance of the lens. Despite being slightly bigger and a bit heavier than the 200-400 it seems to balance better in the hand and seems no more challenging for handholding for BIF. The performance with the 1.4x is amazing in my experience - seems at least as good as the 200-400 without TC.