Steve and others have indicated that the center sharpness of the 200-500nn f/5.6 is very close or even equal to the 500 f/5.6 pf. After saving my pennies for quite a while, I found a used copy of the 500 pf at a price I could manage. I just took it outside and took a few test shots and already I see better sharpness than I was ever able to achieve with my 200-500. This is not to say that the 200-500 wasn't fairly sharp, but the 500 pf is clearly sharper. Maybe this is the typical variation between copies of the 200-500 that people talk about, I don't know, but it's got me wondering.
Also, of course, the 500 pf's AF is snapper, and the lighter weight makes it easier to handle. I think I'll be quite happy with this lens.
Anyway, are there others out there who have seen a significant improvement in center sharpness with the 500pf over the 200-500? Maybe my 200-500 is not quite as sharp as the average 200-500?
Also, of course, the 500 pf's AF is snapper, and the lighter weight makes it easier to handle. I think I'll be quite happy with this lens.
Anyway, are there others out there who have seen a significant improvement in center sharpness with the 500pf over the 200-500? Maybe my 200-500 is not quite as sharp as the average 200-500?