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Thread: Nikon 500mm

  1. #1
    Wendy Griffiths
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    Default Nikon 500mm

    Do many birders use a Nikon 500mm. I am wondering whether I get one or would be better off switching to Canon. From my limited experience thus far Canon seems to be more popular....comments welcomed

  2. #2
    Avian Moderator Randy Stout's Avatar
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    Wendy:

    I am a Nikon shooter, so biased, but the 500 VR, or the older AFS 500s are all very good lenses and can produce great results. I just switched to a 600VR, but only for the extra reach, not because of image quality issues with the 500.

    The VR versions are harder to come by than the equivalent Canon and more expensive, although I believe Canon just had a price increase.

    If you have other Nikon glass, probably doesn't make sense to switch at this point.

    Cheers

    Randy

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    Lots of birders use the Nikon 500! It's a terrific lens in any version although the VR version can enable you to get sharper images in some circumstances. I use an older Nikon 600mm for the reach however it's really heavy and a 500 may be my next choice. While Canon may seem more popular that gap has closed in recent years and popularity isn't a good reason to choose a system. Define your photographic needs and evaluate which system solves the most problems and would work best for you. I know Canon shooters who love their system and I know Nikon users who swear by theirs. I also know shooters who have switched from one to the other and some who have switched back. A good photographer will be able to take good photos with either system.

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    Allan said it right "Define your photographic needs and evaluate which system solves the most problems and would work best for you." Every system has compromises and the difference between Nikon and Canon is no different. I used to use Canon and switched to Nikon and have no regrets. I have lots of friends who use Canon and are very happy.

    Once you define your needs a decision will be easy

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    BPN Member Tony Whitehead's Avatar
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    Nikon 500 is a great birding lens and takes 1.4x well. 600 gives more reach but not handholdable IMO and makes airline travel a challenge due it's size.
    Tony Whitehead
    Visit my blog at WildLight Photography for latest news and images.

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    BPN Member jack williamson's Avatar
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    Wendy:

    I read your earlier post; you already have an excellent camera body in the D700, the much coveted

    70-200, and the new 2.0111 teleconverter. Personally I would save for the 500 if you can find one in

    stock. Cameta Camera has them for 8399.00, advertised as USA models. I don't know if you have a place

    to feed the birds but if you do they will quickly become accustomed to your presence. I shoot them in

    my yard with a D300, D700, 300f2.8, 1.4 tele from as close as ten feet away. Use slow movements.

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    Quote Originally Posted by Wendy Griffiths View Post
    Do many birders use a Nikon 500mm. I am wondering whether I get one or would be better off switching to Canon....

    Huh? :2:2:2

  8. #8
    Wendy Griffiths
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    Hi all

    Thanks for the comments. It may seem an odd question to many but in Australasia most people seem to use Canon. This may be due to price as Nikon lens at this end of the market appear to be dearer than Canon equivalents. I guess I was just seeking some reassurance that Nikon still meets the bar in the long lends market from those that do use Nikon gear. If I was to make the shift I would want to do it now and not in a years time.

    In NZ and Aus we have a lot of small flitty birds. The 600mm would be better reach wise but I couldn't carry the extra weight over the 500mm so the latter with a TC is my current thinking. Canon bodies also tend to have more pixels and many birders here say that affords more cropping but there is a canon bias, most definitely so hard to separate fact from fiction at times.
    Currently there are Nikon specials to help match grey import prices due to the dollar so as attractive as ever to buy with local warranty.

    Thanks everyone

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    And Nikon D3s or D700 gets sharper using Sigma 500mm f4.5 and Sigma 800mm f5.6. Nikon 500 and 600 VR are the sharpest lenses you can find. Canon, as you said, has better pixel counts for cropping and 1DMk4's 1.3 crop factor is also an advantage for reach.

    The new round Canon 500 and 600 are lighter in weight. But I still prefer a Sigma 500 f4.5 or 800 f5.6 on a D3s. It is a much cheaper option but with very close sharpness, especially when comparing to Canon long lenses.

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