If you could chose one BIG lens what would it be?
I am considering BIG glass and i am not sure which one to get. I have a Nikon D200, 70-200VR. I am looking at Nikon's new 600vr, 500vr and 200-400vr. I am 5,10 and 150lbs so weight is a little bit of a concern but i am in great shape and do a lot of backpacking.
Lens choice really depends on your subjects. Since you're here, I'll assume birds. Hands down the 600 is great for birds with it's extra range. That said, if you are going to be in bird heaven where you can walk right up to them, the 200-400 is nice. I have both and would recommend both eventually, but if I had to pick just one, it would be the 600.
I am with Jim, the 600 is really the ultimate but it really depends on your intended subjects. A 500F4 is a good all around long lens, the 200-400 is superb, and the 600 the best for small subjects, esp birds. I have owned all 3 and at one point a 500/4 and a 600/4. I sold the 500/4 once it got coated in dust and havent had one regret.
Robert
Also dont forget to consider the effective crop factor. A 200-400/4 on a D200 is really a 300-600 effectively. A 500/4 a 750/4 etc. I shot with a 1DS and later a 1DSMKII for years with my 600/4. This FF + 600/4 combo really had the same effective reach as a 200-400 at the long end on your D200.
Robert
Too much logic there ;) The 600 on the same camera is 900. . . I can hear Tim The Tool Man Taylor in the background . . .
Jim
Often I really have to explain focal length and crop factor sorry its old news to you. I cant tell you how many times, when discussing lens reach, I have heard "well if I had a 600/4 like you I could make great images too". Then when you ask you find out that they photograph with a 20D and a 100-400 outgunning my 600/4 and FF body by 40mm.
Robert
I can see the point. I was trying (not well agian :( ) to be humorous ;)Originally Posted by Robert O'Toole
Another consideration is whether you are going to use a tripod and/or if you go for longer hikes carrying the equipment. I tend to walk around a lot and photograph handheld. I use a 1.3x crop body and decided to get a 500, almost always together with a 1.4x TC.
And what about Canon 800 5,6 L IS? :)
I am waiting for UPS to deliver my Nikkor 300mm f/4 and Gitzo 3530 with RRS BH-55. This will be my biggest lens until I can swing the 200-400.
If you plan on a lot of backpacking then the 200-400 would probably be your best bet. However if you are out for mostly birds the 500 or 600 would be your best bet. It really depends on how and what you like to photograph.
No question from my side as I would always go for 600VR. On the other hand during travels I would have been happy with the 500 due to the weight differences.
Nevertheless I am fine with the 600 but when I am looking at Daniele's image or Matthew's flight shots taken by 500 IS it makes me think it over. :)
Szimi
Jesse in general the decision is between a 500 and 600 In that case I recommend the 500 unless you do mostly little birds The image in frame difference between these tow is 60% more magnification on the 600 My reason for recommending the smaller is weight and close focus distance
Now things a more difficult with the 200-400 being considered Ideally you can have a 200-400 along with the 600 Great pair Now if you only can get one.... difficult I used the zoom for a few months while the 600 was available and did very well With a crop factor camera becomes a 300-600 f 4.0 with a 1.7X becomes a 500-1000 (roughly)
Would think the intended use will determine your decision !!!!
Hi Jim
Fabs mentioned that you were going to be in FL soon? Are we going to get a chance to meet you at the GTG at least?
Robert
I'll be there for Wildlife Base Camp with Moose Peterson 10-14 March and the SW FL IPT 17-21 March with Artie.
I'm looking for a good way to burn the weekend in between too.
I think the GTG is out of that date window :(
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