What option to chose? (Camera/lens)

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Hi,

I have a Nikon D500 and a Nikkor 200-500/5.6

I now have the possibility to get my hand on some used equipment for a very good price!

Camera: D800 or D850

Lens: 300/2.8 VR

So what to do?

Option A) Keep the D500 and get the 300/2.8 (+TC 1.7)?

Option B) Get the D800 and keep the 200-500mm or get the 300/2.8

Option C) Get the D850 and keep the 200-500mm or get the 300/2.8

?

I know I go to FF and get LARGE files - I also know that the 300/2.8 is heavy, but I do not trek long distances so that is OK!

Thanks for any input - and have a nice day :)
 
It depends on what you shoot. If birds, I think you need the reach and flexibility of the 200-500. I assume that you have a good copy
C) You can get good money for the D500 and the D-850 will act like a D-500 if shot in DX mode except slightly less f/s.
 
a very good price!
That is an important part of the equation so even a ball park price on the two bodies and the lens might yield better advice.

Also relevant is how many actuations you have on the D500.

The 300mm + TC is going to be another kilo to carry and about the same length, if I read the specs correctly.
 
It will give a wrong picture to give you prices here in Denmark, but the prices are (estimated):

The D500 will sell at +/-7.000 DKK
The 200-500 at +/-7.000 DKK
The 300/2.8 will be +/-13.000 DKK
The D800 will be +/-4.000 DKK
The D850 will be +/-13.000 DKK

My D500 has app. 80.000 shutter count - the D800 and D850 has only app. 30.000

The 200-500 is 2.3 kg and the 300/2.8 is 2.9 kg

Putting the 300/2.8 + TC 17 on the D500 (DX) would actually give 765 mm focus lenght (crop factor)
 
My choice would be Option C to get the D850, the 300mm may not have enough reach for your subjects so I would pass on that.
 
If you use LR you can look at you catalog and seen what percent of the time you shoot at various focal length with the 200-500. If you shoot the majority of the time above 300mm then it probably makes no sense to go with the 300mm. Particularly if it is not the latest model(VRii). Planning to shoot all the time with a TC attached(and particularly the 1.7x) is not likely an improvement in IQ versus the 200-500. That's what my own testing revealed with the copies that I had. That was with the VRii version of the 300mm 2.8.

As others have mentioned the D850 shooting in DX mode yields virtually the same image as a D500. You're limited to 7fps unless you get the battery grip if you can live with that. And the shutter is very loud compared to the D500. The D850/200-500mm is a very versatile and very competent combination.
 
Thanks - do not use LR, but I shoot 98% at 500 mm
The 300/2.8 is the first generation VR (AF-S G ED VR) - I found some testing with the 300 + 1.7 with good result, but have to check if it was VR or VR II?
I normally do not need more than 4-5 fps.
 
Thanks - do not use LR, but I shoot 98% at 500 mm
The 300/2.8 is the first generation VR (AF-S G ED VR) - I found some testing with the 300 + 1.7 with good result, but have to check if it was VR or VR II?
I normally do not need more than 4-5 fps.
I don't think there is much difference optically between the two models of the 300mm. As I recall better VR and maybe coatings.
 
If you get a vertical grip your close to 10fps as was your D500. Just sold mine to https://www.mpb.com/en-us If interested I'll email you my serial number and I sent several batteries to them and may have several if I didn't ship them all to them. I'm for Option C, "Get the D850 and keep the 200-500mm" and use TC1.4, It's a combo I used before I received my Z9.
 
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I don't know what price you can get a used 500 PF for in your location, but I would go for that before going with a 300 f/2.8 with a TC.

Meanwhile, what do you find lacking with your current set up? I think with any of these options you are losing something that you have with your current kit.
 
I will offer that it also depends upon how good you are at getting close to your subjects (and if your geography allows). My favorite FL is 500ml, but I shoot with a 300 plenty, but...I spend a lot (and I mean a lot) of my effort and energy on techniques for getting close. Sometimes you just can't, but this and patience (IMO) are easily as important as gear. Modern stuff is so good that the benefits are more often than not incremental. Getting close...that'll get you waaaay more of a return. I shoot a D500, 850, and 750, and am very happy with what I am able to do. I think my most valuable pieces of gear are my kayaks!
 
I don't know what price you can get a used 500 PF for in your location, but I would go for that before going with a 300 f/2.8 with a TC.

Meanwhile, what do you find lacking with your current set up? I think with any of these options you are losing something that you have with your current kit.
The 500pf wasn't an option presented but a 500pf on a D-500 is one sweet setup.
 
When you shoot 98% at 500mm, you may also look for a a 500mm 5.6 PF lens and keep the D500.
There is actually no benefit of having a D850 over a D500, except that you are able to "widen" your field of view to full frame if needed, which gives you a bit more flexibility when you use a 500mm prime.

Oh, I just saw Tom Reynolds' and woodyg3's comments. So, +1
 
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I don't like tight crops, and pretty much only shoot smaller in frame stuff and 300mm is a little too short even for me. Sony recently announced a 300 2.8 ( I shoot Sony currently) and even though it's tempting, I doubt I'll get it once available due to lack of reach. On the other hand, uf you're typically able to get close to your subject due to your location, 300mm might be enough if you don't like tight crops.
 
Hi,

I have a Nikon D500 and a Nikkor 200-500/5.6

I now have the possibility to get my hand on some used equipment for a very good price!

Camera: D800 or D850

Lens: 300/2.8 VR

So what to do?

Option A) Keep the D500 and get the 300/2.8 (+TC 1.7)?

Option B) Get the D800 and keep the 200-500mm or get the 300/2.8

Option C) Get the D850 and keep the 200-500mm or get the 300/2.8

?

I know I go to FF and get LARGE files - I also know that the 300/2.8 is heavy, but I do not trek long distances so that is OK!

Thanks for any input - and have a nice day :)
I still have the D800e and one D850 body.
for wildlife I'd go for the D850 with a 200-500mm lens.
Nikons' 200-500mm isn't as fast AF as some of their expensive pro level lenses but its easily one of the best value for money ever.
The 300mm f2.8 is a great lens but I find I always need a TC with it and I really dont like TCs...🦘
 
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