Nikon 600mm f/4G ED VR Camera body choice ?

[fulltimewanderer]

Would appreciate your thoughts on camera body of choice with a Nikon 600mm f/4G ED VR ? Currently I have a choice of ; D4, D500, and a D850. Just read a current review (Oct 2020) that said “ if you mount it on the latest high-resolution cameras like the Nikon D850 (45 MP), that’s when it starts to show its limits in terms of resolving power”). Has anyone encountered this issue? I have used a 500mm f4G ED VR on the D850 with no issues.

 

[frdjohns]

I used to own this lens, before getting the E version. The only difference I could discern between the two was the weight of the lens, which is significant when you carry it around for a while. I could not see any difference in image quality when shot on the D5, D850 or D500. I may even have still used my D4 back when I switched lenses, but can't remember. I would not be concerned about the IQ of the 6oo f4 lens, regardless of which model.

Unless you shoot brick walls and IQ charts and then spend hours comparing them at 200% magnification...

 

[EricBowles]

The 600 f/4 will typically outresolve your skill level.

I've used it a lot on the D850. It's a terrific combination and works well with the 1.4 teleconverter. I've used it for both lunar and solar eclipses, wildlife of all types, and more.

If you start viewing at more than 100% on a high resolution camera, you probably will see softness, but it can be corrected with sharpening if the image is good.
I did not enjoy using it with a crop sensor camera. While it works, it's too much magnification for most situations. I'd much rather crop my D850 image later and have effectively the same image, but also have a larger frame for looser composition.

The 600 f/4 requires a good gimbal head and tripod. I like carrying it in a LowePro 600 AW which is a good backpack style bag.

 

[Demodave]

I have a 600G, and have used it with the D850, D500, Z6II and Z7II. I don't see much difference in the bodies other than I get a much better cropped view with the 850/z7II vs using a 1.4 TC. My 600G just doesn't play as well with the 1.4. Technique has to be absolutely perfect. Make sure to fine tune on a dslr. Haven't needed to afft on the z's...
When using the d500, make sure your steady. 900mm can bring out the vibes....but produces fantastic images when you do your part.

My favorite set up is the Z7II, monopod, Wimberly mono gimball. Mobile and super sharp. For mammals it's excellent. Same is true with the 850. Plus it has the mp's to crop as needed.

 

[Steve]

I've used the G and E versions. The E version is slightly sharper - I shoot it wide open all the time and usually stopped down at least 1/3rd to 1/2 stop with the G. Still, you're comparing Ferraris to Lamborghinis here. Both are fantastic optics and I would have ZERO fear of using a G version on my D850.

 

[Marcus Slade]

This lens is just so good...heavy but really good. As Eric says above, this lens will "outresolve your skill level". Assuming you have the lens, your choice of body should be fuelled by what you like to shoot. I've been using it with my D500, D850 and now D6. Along with my 200-500, I typically use it more than any of my other lenses for wildlife. I can only imagine being without it if I could have the E version and shed three pounds.

I will concur on the need for strong support. Mine typically sits on a Jobu Algonquin tripod and HD IV gimbal. I will be trying it soon on the Jobu Pelee monopod with Wimberley MH-100 monoGimbal. Handheld shots with it are few and far between.

FWIW this image, and a personal fave, was from 2017 with the 600 G strapped to my then D750, a few months before it morphed into the D850. 1/320, f4, ISO 140

You can only see EXIF info for this image if you are logged in.

 

[FB101]

Do you routinely need more reach than 600mm FF? D500 or D850
Do you need excellent low light capability? D4s or D5 or D6
Does that body need to serve other purposes than being on the 600mm, like landscape, portrait etc... D850

i got my D850 today and I have to say, one unspoken benefit of the D850 over the D500 is how much easier it is to find your subject in the viewfinder (broader field of view), in addition to a much brighter viewfinder, and that’s with a 500mm so I’d imagine it would be even more noticeable with 600mm. Time will tell but I “fear“ the D500 might find itself relegated to second fiddle as soon as the grip and en-el18 battery arrive.

 

[Whiskeyman]

... my then D750, a few months before it morphed into the D850. 1/320, f4, ISO 140

View attachment 12415

I wish I could get my D750 to morph into a D850! How'd that happen? I bet it involved money...

And nice shot of a subject made for long lenses.

For the OP's question, it really does depend upon what you want to do with the lens. While I don't have the 600mm G, I do have the 500mm G that I primarily use with my D500. I do find that I'm sometimes in need of a wider field of view, which the D850 would provide. Then again, there are the times that I wish I had a bit more reach and that the 500mm was a 600mm instead. It always seems that in photography, a situation always arises where you just do not have the right equipment at hand.

W

 

[fulltimewanderer]

To all. First I really do appreciate your feedback it’s Great to hear from people that actually have used this lens with different combinations. Was looking at trading my 500f4G. I did see that this lens was not on Nikon’s recommended list for the D850 then came across the above review. So I figured it was time to ask the ones that know. Support is Good, RRS tripod with a Wimberley gimbal head. Plans would be to shoot with the D500 when getting close is not an option, D4 when in low light, D850 the rest of the time. Dealer did also warn me of the learning curve. Marcus very nice image, motivation to do for me to do better.

 

[fulltimewanderer]

600mm will primarily be for wildlife and birds. Agree, what ever you have on is either too small or too big. Prefer FF and crop if necessary, cropped body only if there is a barrier that prevents you or subject getting closer.

 

[Marcus Slade]

I wish I could get my D750 to morph into a D850! How'd that happen? I bet it involved money...

Funny you should ask. Back in the autumn of 2017, I had sent my D750 back to Nikon Canada for a standard recall they'd issued concerning the shutter (my camera, however, had always worked flawlessly since day one and I never had an issue...but I sent it in anyway). While it was with Nikon it got damaged and they ended up replacing it with a brand new body. When I got it back I went to my local dealer and asked if he would take a trade on it (hadn't even taken it out of the box) toward a new D850 which had just been launched. He practically gave me what I had paid for it two years prior so it was a unique circumstance. I hadn't really been in the market for the new D850 at the time but it was an offer I couldn't pass up. So, yes money was involved but so was serendipity...and the camera has served me so well the past three years.