Nikon 200-500 F5.6 to 600mm F4 or…?

[BC_Grizzly]

BC, I’d be hard pressed to try and give more info or advice than what’s been on here so far. I can speak from real world experience about your situation, since I had a 200-500mm, 500mmPF, 600mm f/4, and an 800mm f/5.6. My cameras are the D5 and Z7 that I have used all lenses on with fantastic results.
I loved my 200-500mm and shot with it at 500mm at least 90% of the time. Super sharp , locked on fast, and the versatility of a zoom. Only bad thing is they aren’t weather resistant. A 500mmPF came around at a good price and I bought it. Sold the 209-500mm to a friend and it’s his “go to” lens. While I, at times, misc the zoom versatility, I’m extremely happy with my 500PF.
About 1-1/2 years ago, I bought a 600mm f/4 and I have never minded lugging it thru the woods on my shoulder because the results were worth the effort. Most of the time I had my TC-14eIII attached, giving me 840mm at f/5.6.
I recently purchased an 800mm f/5.6 and now it accompanies me everywhere. I sold the 600mm yesterday, but I should add that had I not purchased the 800mm, I would not have sold the 600mm.
So, just my two cents worth, but I don’t have a little one either…LOl! Just remember that you won’t be able to resell it for what you buy it for. Every time a new Z lens come out, the F lenses go down in value. My results are sharper than my eyes can differentiate anyway, so I’ll just stick with the lenses that work for me. Good luck!

Thanks for the feedback! Can I ask what you sold the 600mm for?

One thing I’m realizing now is I should have mentioned I don’t mind the weight. I go backcountry camping 100+ kms with 80-100 pounds on my back. I’ve ran an ultra marathon (took me forever but still lol) and I can deadlift >400 pounds. I get tired handholding the 200-500mm and it can affect my shots but there’s a quick solution to this. Just lay on the ground and rest it on a log, rock or tree branch. I do this often and I would look to repeat the process with a 600mm f4

 

[Roy]

Hello, I have been getting some solid shots with my D850 200-500mm f5.6. I am having all these incredible encounters and getting photos that look great on Instagram and even on my monitor, but I have this lingering feeling I won’t be able to appreciate these photos one day once I’ve upgraded to a professional lens.

What I’m debating is picking up a second hand version of the latest 600mm f mount f4. These are going for around $8000–$12,000 CAD from what I can see.

Before doing this, I was hoping to hear from people here who’ve made this upgrade. How big is the difference?

Next, people who’ve upgraded to the z mount 400mm f2.8 TC, or the z mount 600mm f4 TC. I’m guessing most of you have gone from equivalent f mount lenses. How significant is the difference?

Lastly, is there any issue using f mount 600mm f4 on a mirrorless body? Eventually I’ll switch to the Z9 or whichever version is out down the line, and I don’t want a 600mm f4 to be made redundant if I should go that route.

If your me, how do you play this out and why? Thanks for your time.

My 600mm f4 works even better on my Z9 than it did on my D850 and D5.
The extra stop of light is more useful than any extra sharpness from the 600mm at the edges.
The extra weight and size of the 600mm can sometimes be off-putting though.
Although a little slow to AF the 200-500mm f5.6 is a fantastic lens for the money...

 

[Ken Miracle]

I had 200-500 (my particular copy had issues) it went back to Nikon 3 times under warranty and they got it right the 3 rd time. It went to Africa with me because it weighed less than the Sigma 150-600 Sport that arrived a couple of days before I left and had weight limit issues. It took plenty of wall hangers as the saying goes in Africa. After I got back and had the Sigma and the Tamron 150-600 G2 came out I liked both better so sold the 200-500.

My last long f mount lens to be sold was a 600f/4E and I hand held it and it worked well on the Z9. But being a birder out here in Idaho 600mm was not enough reach much of the time. When my Z800PF was on the way I sold the 600f/4E and the Z800pf has so far been my dream birding lens. 800mm and a minimum focal disgtance of 16.5 feet is not a good match for a lot of peoples needs but fits mine perfectly.

 

[O]

Hello, I have been getting some solid shots with my D850 200-500mm f5.6. I am having all these incredible encounters and getting photos that look great on Instagram and even on my monitor, but I have this lingering feeling I won’t be able to appreciate these photos one day once I’ve upgraded to a professional lens.

What I’m debating is picking up a second hand version of the latest 600mm f mount f4. These are going for around $8000–$12,000 CAD from what I can see.

Before doing this, I was hoping to hear from people here who’ve made this upgrade. How big is the difference?

Next, people who’ve upgraded to the z mount 400mm f2.8 TC, or the z mount 600mm f4 TC. I’m guessing most of you have gone from equivalent f mount lenses. How significant is the difference?

Lastly, is there any issue using f mount 600mm f4 on a mirrorless body? Eventually I’ll switch to the Z9 or whichever version is out down the line, and I don’t want a 600mm f4 to be made redundant if I should go that route.

If your me, how do you play this out and why? Thanks for your time.

Simple answer, rent a 600 f4, just use it on its own for a time, don't compare lenses side by side, just use it.
Then return it, then go an use your 200-500 again.
The answer will be clear.
By doing it this way you will feel the difference noticeably and its measure.
Northern Focus made a good point be careful. If your happy why change.

I sold my 600 f4 nearly 2 years ago, no regrets as i hardly used it, i now hire if its critical, or if its ideal conditions i use the 200-500, i know the difference very well, but you need to experience it, carry it, travel with it.

I like a bit of flexibility hence i use the 200-500, i use my 200-500 as a pull push lens after modification (not recommending it) makes it unique for composition and minimal editing as i can keep my frame full constantly at high speed.

I have always been a 300 F2.8 600 F4 lover for serious work, period. I still own a 300 2.8VR II i have had for years and am keeping, because its a F2.8.

Many of my pro mates use the Z9 on a 600 F4 FL (light version) and they love it, even working full time they are not forking out $27,000 AUD for the new 600 with builtin Tc, its a spectacular lens but unaffordable in many cases, they are more than happy with what they have got.

I love the results i get out of my basic kit that includes the 200-500, love my D850 like the Z9 and still growing into it, i have the 3.10 update now, just need time to use it.
Mirror less is great but its not the end all, a D850 D6 D5 300 400 600 DSLR prime lenses this gear is all spectacular, mirror less is just different, 90% of what you get comes from you.
Only an opinion

 

[Ken Miracle]

Simple answer, rent a 600 f4, just use it on its own for a time, don't compare lenses side by side, just use it.
Then return it, then go an use your 200-500 again.
The answer will be clear.
By doing it this way you will feel the difference noticeably and its measure.
Northern Focus made a good point be careful. If your happy why change.

I sold my 600 f4 nearly 2 years ago, no regrets as i hardly used it, i now hire if its critical, or if its ideal conditions i use the 200-500, i know the difference very well, but you need to experience it, carry it, travel with it.

I like a bit of flexibility hence i use the 200-500, i use my 200-500 as a pull push lens after modification (not recommending it) makes it unique for composition and minimal editing as i can keep my frame full constantly at high speed.

I have always been a 300 F2.8 600 F4 lover for serious work, period. I still own a 300 2.8VR II i have had for years and am keeping, because its a F2.8.

Many of my pro mates use the Z9 on a 600 F4 FL (light version) and they love it, even working full time they are not forking out $27,000 AUD for the new 600 with builtin Tc, its a spectacular lens but unaffordable in many cases, they are more than happy with what they have got.

I love the results i get out of my basic kit that includes the 200-500, love my D850 like the Z9 and still growing into it, i have the 3.10 update now, just need time to use it.
Mirror less is great but its not the end all, a D850 D6 D5 300 400 600 DSLR prime lenses this gear is all spectacular, mirror less is just different, 90% of what you get comes from you.
Only an opinion

I did like the push pull option of my Sigma Sports but they had creep and could only be locked at few focal lenths. The Tamron 150-600 G2 could be locked at any position with a a push on the lens focal length adjustment control ring ... very easy to use. Those 2 lenses got me to sell my Nikon 200-500.

 

[Calson]

One may not mind the weight of a 600mm f/4 lens but it still requires the use of a tripod. The 500mm PF and the 800mm PF lenses can be used without need for a tripod and that makes the photographer far more mobile.

When I had the 500mm PF lens and visited Yellowstone in May there were the usual gaggles of photographers with 600mm f/4 and 800mm f/5.6 lens on tripods. They would form a line perpendicular to the bears and never move. With the 500mm PF I could quickly move around and change the lighting on the bears and change the backgrounds and shoot on one knee for an eye level shot.

 

[Ken Miracle]

One may not mind the weight of a 600mm f/4 lens but it still requires the use of a tripod. The 500mm PF and the 800mm PF lenses can be used without need for a tripod and that makes the photographer far more mobile.

When I had the 500mm PF lens and visited Yellowstone in May there were the usual gaggles of photographers with 600mm f/4 and 800mm f/5.6 lens on tripods. They would form a line perpendicular to the bears and never move. With the 500mm PF I could quickly move around and change the lighting on the bears and change the backgrounds and shoot on one knee for an eye level shot.

I avoid Yellowstone whenever I can but I have seen those bear line ups. In May of 2022 on my only day in the park it was snowing off and on and challenging light and the Z9 and Z800 as you noted got me to places angles and shots others in the tripod lineup could not. I did have to answer a lot of questions and show and tell about the Z800 after the bears left since the line up had never seen a Z800 before.

For me 600f/4E was only on a tripod the day I got it, tested it and balanced it on the Gimbal. I ended up never having it on a tripod again. In the field always hand held and the tripod sat in the vehicle for the 18 months I owned it before selling it when the Z800 came along.

I only used the 500PF in Yellowstone the afternoon after I picked it up in West Yellowstone at Yellowstone Camera. It worked well I have some cool shots taken with it on my wall but more with other lenses and over the 2 years I had it it was mostly a back up to my 60-600 and 150-600 and then the 600 F/4E since my bird addiction always found the 500pf lacking focal length. My 500pf was sold when I got the Z100-400 with 1.4TC much more versatile and still ergonomically great.

 

[Karl Gillard]

Thanks for the feedback! Can I ask what you sold the 600mm for?

One thing I’m realizing now is I should have mentioned I don’t mind the weight. I go backcountry camping 100+ kms with 80-100 pounds on my back. I’ve ran an ultra marathon (took me forever but still lol) and I can deadlift >400 pounds. I get tired handholding the 200-500mm and it can affect my shots but there’s a quick solution to this. Just lay on the ground and rest it on a log, rock or tree branch. I do this often and I would look to repeat the process with a 600mm f4

BC, when I originally bought the 200-500mm, I thought it was the heaviest lens made…hahaha! Yes, I handheld often, but didn’t keep it at eye level for long periods. That is….until I purchased the 600mm f/4. The lens alone is 12-1/2 lbs. Attached to my D5, almost 18lbs, and just slightly heavier with a teleconverter.

I used a monopod or RRS carbon fiber tripod/Benro GH-2 gimbal head. I simply padded my right shoulder and carried like that wherever I was going, which allow me to set up fast. Same way I carry the 800mm.

Sold it two days ago for $3,600.

 

[O]

I did like the push pull option of my Sigma Sports but they had creep and could only be locked at few focal lenths. The Tamron 150-600 G2 could be locked at any position with a a push on the lens focal length adjustment control ring ... very easy to use. Those 2 lenses got me to sell my Nikon 200-500.

That's great Ken, i like the Sigma and Tamron 150-600 zooms. I don't know if the manufactures recommend push pulling them, do they?

To make my 200-500 push pull effortlessly i needed to modify the lens internally or it would damage things very quickly, hence i don't recommend anyone push pulling any zoom lens unless they are designed to work this way.

Creep isn't an issue for me, if i am going to move or walk a ways i usually lock the lens at 200mm.

Re you riffle position shooting, i do the same, only with the mini mono pod tucked under my arm pit like a riffle stock that works a treat giving me the effect of a tripod.
Most of the time i use the mono pod standing.

However for walking around it seems the 100-400 or 400 F4.5 seems to be the ticket. I mean i only paid around $1350 AUD for my 200-500 years ago.

 

[Ken Miracle]

Sigma just noted you could do it either way on the sport. Tamron no. Creep issues I had was when shooting on steep angles up or down.

You told me about that mini mono pod method and I used it and a similar method you mentioned with a salt water fishing belt socket with the 600 f/4E and it both worked but just cumbersome in the habitat I wander around in all the time.

 

[BC_Grizzly]

BC, when I originally bought the 200-500mm, I thought it was the heaviest lens made…hahaha! Yes, I handheld often, but didn’t keep it at eye level for long periods. That is….until I purchased the 600mm f/4. The lens alone is 12-1/2 lbs. Attached to my D5, almost 18lbs, and just slightly heavier with a teleconverter.

I used a monopod or RRS carbon fiber tripod/Benro GH-2 gimbal head. I simply padded my right shoulder and carried like that wherever I was going, which allow me to set up fast. Same way I carry the 800mm.

Sold it two days ago for $3,600.

That’s pretty heavy! Sounds like you’ve got a good system. I appreciate the great feedback in this thread. I’m really happy to be a part of these forums

 

[Ken Miracle]

BC, when I originally bought the 200-500mm, I thought it was the heaviest lens made…hahaha! Yes, I handheld often, but didn’t keep it at eye level for long periods. That is….until I purchased the 600mm f/4. The lens alone is 12-1/2 lbs. Attached to my D5, almost 18lbs, and just slightly heavier with a teleconverter.

I used a monopod or RRS carbon fiber tripod/Benro GH-2 gimbal head. I simply padded my right shoulder and carried like that wherever I was going, which allow me to set up fast. Same way I carry the 800mm.

Sold it two days ago for $3,600.

@BC_Grizzly at that weight his 600 f/4 was a G model not the latest E model which is 8.4 lbs.. I sold mine, which I bought as a refurbished lens from Nikon USA for $9,000, late April of 2022 just before I my 800pf arrived 5-1-22, for $7,300 to MPB.

 

[Karl Gillard]

That’s pretty heavy! Sounds like you’ve got a good system. I appreciate the great feedback in this thread. I’m really happy to be a part of these forums

Glad to have you here!