Nikon 500mm f/4 VR or ?

I have the AF-S 500 f4 VR and both the D300 and D3 bodies and find it great for wildlife, in particular for shooting birds - i use it with both the 14 & 1.7 TC's and am more than happy with the results..

The lens is pretty heavy compared to the AF-S 300 f4 (which i also have) and 3rd party combo's such as the Sigma 50-500 etc.. I use an old Gitzo 1325 carbon tripod with Wimberley MkII head and also have a new Gitzo 5 series monopod and Kirk BH1 ball head for support - but have also used the lens handheld for aviation stuff at air shows.

Couple of recent pictures from this weekend using the AF-S 500 f4 VR, D300 & 1.7 TC

Kestrel - Just going into a dive for prey item

Perched Kestrel Portrait - Subject approx. 50 feet from the camera

Perched Lapland Bunting - Bird approx. 5 inches tall and roughly 30 feet from camera

Perched Short Eared Owl - Bird approx. 30 feet from camera

Flying Short Eared Owl - Focus and tracking fast enough when using 1.7 TC and D300 in average UK light

Good luck in your quest - but i must emphasise that the Nikon AF-S 500 f4 VR is a stellar lens

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Cheers Derek
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