Testing my "new" Nikon 500mm F/4 E FL

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Wade Abadie

Wade Abadie

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Recently I discovered just how much the Nikon F-mount E series lenses had dropped in price (both new and used). So I decided to upgrade from my current 500mm "G" lens to the newer E FL version. I found a used copy at B&H in “like new” condition for $3,400 so I jumped on it. After receiving the lens and giving it a test run yesterday morning at a local park, I feel like I robbed a bank getting a lens like this for such a low price. It is a substantial improvement over my "G" version in every way.....nearly 2 pounds lighter, faster AF, quieter/better VR, better contrast, and better rendering of out-of-focus areas. I honestly didn't expect to enjoy hand holding a 6.5 pound lens, but the balance is so good that it's very hand-holdable! I can't wait to take it out again!

Here are a few highlights from yesterday morning all taken with my Z8 from a monopod.

Cw8jOFI.jpeg


sliTeeN.jpeg


jd72u5N.jpeg


HUPkx2K.jpeg


xSf6tVD.jpeg


cbl0c5a.jpeg


rZbswel.jpeg
 
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Congrats for the lens and the photos!
these f4 are all excellent no mater Z or F
As you already said the overall rendering is exceptional , I use 500 pf and 180-600 with Z8 that are very good lens, but the rendering of an F4 supertele is a step above!
 
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Damn you.;):D

I have the 500f4 G and love it. Heavy, but works well for my swift fox and grouse stuff. Now you have me contemplating.

What did you do with your old lens? Any worth?
 
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mtmiller said:
Damn you.;):D

I have the 500f4 G and love it. Heavy, but works well for my swift fox and grouse stuff. Now you have me contemplating.

What did you do with your old lens? Any worth?
Click to expand...

I plan on selling it to either B&H or Adorama. Unfortunately the G lens is only bringing $1,000-$1,200 trade in these days. But I guess that’s understandable when the E lens can be had for such a good price.
 
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I've been debating the same with my 600mm f4G, upgrading to the E version. I'd love to go new, but even with the current $3600 savings, I have a hard time justifying $8700 when this is only a hobby (and I have two other expensive hobbies). I did submit a quote to MPB, they offered me $2100. Unfortunately they don't account for extras like the A-S foot, Zemlin hood, LensCoat cover, etc. Just not sure if I want to take the hit, or go through the hassle of trying to sell privately.

Edit: those are some fantastic images, Wade! You're putting that new lens to good use!
 
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Wade Abadie said:
Recently I discovered just how much the Nikon F-mount E series lenses had dropped in price (both new and used). So I decided to upgrade from my current 500mm "G" lens to the newer E FL version. I found a used copy at B&H in 9/10 condition for $3,400 so I jumped on it. After receiving the lens and giving it a test run yesterday morning at a local park, I feel like I robbed a bank getting a lens like this for such a low price. It is a substantial improvement over my "G" version in every way.....nearly 2 pounds lighter, faster AF, better VR, better contrast, and better rendering of out of focus areas. I honestly didn't expect to enjoy hand holding a 6.5 pound lens, but the balance is so good that it's very hand-holdable! I can't wait to take it out again!

Here are a few highlights from yesterday morning all taken with my Z8 from a monopod.

Cw8jOFI.jpeg


sliTeeN.jpeg


jd72u5N.jpeg


HUPkx2K.jpeg


xSf6tVD.jpeg


cbl0c5a.jpeg


rZbswel.jpeg
Click to expand...
Beautiful! Congratulations 👍👍👍
 
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Fantastic shots! I know the feeling. Picked up my own copy of the 500 f4E FL about 4 months ago, used (same sort of condition - like new), and have loved it ever since. And yes, the price even then was insanely good (touch over $4k). Great performance not only on my D6 but amazing on my more recently acquired Z9. It is staying in the mix for a while.
 
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MikeJ said:
I've been debating the same with my 600mm f4G, upgrading to the E version. I'd love to go new, but even with the current $3600 savings, I have a hard time justifying $8700 when this is only a hobby (and I have two other expensive hobbies). I did submit a quote to MPB, they offered me $2100. Unfortunately they don't account for extras like the A-S foot, Zemlin hood, LensCoat cover, etc. Just not sure if I want to take the hit, or go through the hassle of trying to sell privately.

Edit: those are some fantastic images, Wade! You're putting that new lens to good use!
Click to expand...
I understand the hesitation…I was hesitant at first but I’m so glad I did it. I hope to own a 600 TC someday, but that just isn’t in the cards right now. Until then, I’m going to enjoy the heck out of this lens!

And thank you for the kind words!
 
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Andy A. said:
Nice set of images Wade (y)

I've never understood why they have dropped the 500f4 focal length in Z mount.
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I'm confident that eventually (sooner rather than later - fingers crossed) Nikon will fill the slots that, amongst others, are still missing in the Z line up that we enjoy(ed) in the F series. Big ones for me personally are the 500 f/4E FL and the 300 f/2.8G VR II equivalents. Until then I'm still enjoying my F-mount variants.
 
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I think if Nikon does eventually release a Z 500mm F/4….it will be expected to either have an internal TC, or be extremely lightweight.

Since we are speculating….just for fun I calculated how much weight the new Z lenses shaved off from their predecessors:

F-mount weights
400mm f/2.8 E - 8.36 lbs
500mm f/4 E - 6.81 lbs
600mm f/4 E - 8.4 lbs

Z-mount weights
400mm f/2.8 TC - 6.5 lbs
500mm f/4 (TC?) - unknown
600mm f/4 TC - 7.2 lbs

Weight reductions
400mm - 22.25%
500mm - unknown
600mm - 14.29%

If we split the difference in the percentages between the 400 & 600….that would be a theoretical reduction of 18.27% for a 500 TC, which would put it at approximately 5.57 lbs.

If they opted not to include the internal TC, I assume they could get it down to around 5 lbs…which is pretty wild!

Might not actually happen, but it’s fun to think about 😁
 
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Wade Abadie said:
I think if Nikon does eventually release a Z 500mm F/4….it will be expected to either have an internal TC, or be extremely lightweight.

Since we are speculating….just for fun I calculated how much weight the new Z lenses shaved off from their predecessors:

F-mount weights
400mm f/2.8 E - 8.36 lbs
500mm f/4 E - 6.81 lbs
600mm f/4 E - 8.4 lbs

Z-mount weights
400mm f/2.8 TC - 6.5 lbs
500mm f/4 (TC?) - unknown
600mm f/4 TC - 7.2 lbs

Weight reductions
400mm - 22.25%
500mm - unknown
600mm - 14.29%

If we split the difference in the percentages between the 400 & 600….that would be a theoretical reduction of 18.27% for a 500 TC, which would put it at approximately 5.57 lbs.

If they opted not to include the internal TC, I assume they could get it down to around 5 lbs…which is pretty wild!

Might not actually happen, but it’s fun to think about 😁
Click to expand...
Thanks for that info. I certainly would be fine if the Z 400 f/2.8E TC turned out to be the only lens that Nikon decided to have to cover the 500 range, just a pricey option though when you need it, I think the cost is justified. But as you said, a dedicated 500 f/4 sans TC could be cray light for what it could do.

Two that I really hope show up is an equivalent to the AF-S 300 f/2.8G ED VR II and similarly, one for the 120-300 f/2.8E FL. Those are getting short for most of us here regarding BIF/Wildlife but they would be a great addition to the Z lineup.
 
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Yes, you did rob the bank! When I bought my 500 f4 in 2019 it was $10,999 (12,000 with tax). it is in perfect condition and always kept in an electronic atmosphere cabinet. I toyed with the idea of trading it in and received 3 online quotes (B&H, Adorama, and one other) as well as an in-person visit to Sammy’s camera (a large camera shop in Southern California). All of the quotes were between $3000 and $3300. I actually laughed out loud- derisively, and will only appreciate this lens more than ever.
 
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