600mm f/4 lens question

[Russ4750]

I had a Nikon 600mm f/4E and had to send it to Nikon for repair of focus problems three times during the five years that I owned it. The first time they were unable to diagnose the problem, so returned it to me without a repair. The second and third times they replaced the focus motor. The warranty had expired by the third time, so that repair cost me about $600, after which I sold it. I have been interested to hear in this thread and others that my experience was not unusual. It was an excellent lens when it worked, but I didn't feel that it was reliable.

 

[Ken Miracle]

I did hand hold my 600 f/4E but compared to my Z800 pf it was a logistical nightmare. I bought mine as a refurb from nikon. I only had it for about 18 months.

My 500 PF a very nice lens and logistically a lot better but 500 always not enough focal length for my bird ID photography addiction

As others have mentioned if your staying in the DSLR world for a while I would give serious thought to the 500 pf over the 600 G or D if you can deal with 100mm less reach and loss of a stop of light. It is a logistical dream compared to even the 600 f/4E.

5-1-22 my 800 PF met my Z9 and the last of my DSLR's and my f mount lenses were sold by the middle of May. I got out before used prices dropped a bunch so that paid for my move to Z.

Good luck on your journey.

 

[Shaggstone]

I'm fortunate to have the 600G in addition to the 800pf and 500pf shot on Z9s'.......they all have their strengths. I'd buy a G lens knowing it will show well shot from a sturdy tripod/gimbal set up with either dslr or mirrorless. It's a great time to buy the "older" exotics remembering it wasn't that long ago this lens used was $6000 and up. It's not like it's a piece of junk optically. Get it, shoot it, enjoy the images until it's time for your next gear decision and see where it fits in at that point. I think Ken Miracle's advice is dead on by the way. Good luck.

 

[arshuter]

Thanks for all the input.