Let's talk Super Tele Lenses

I bought a used nikon 600mm f4.0 a couple years ago from KEH, and it is a beautiful lens. I am glad I bought the 600mm for reach, wouldn't have been happy for anything with less reach for birding. I have a 1.4 tele converter but don't use it, it does slow the focusing down. The lens is not a VR lens and is really too heavy to hand hold anyway, so I use it only on a tripod and wimberly head. I find that I have to be really careful with the 600mm to always use a cable release or delay timer on the camera. I have also found that by resting my hand on top of the lens ahead of my camera that it steadys the lens from viberations.

The Nikon is a very sharp lens if used properly.

Larry - smile

Totally awesome shots!

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O.Cristo - An Amateur Photographer

Opinions of men are almost as various as their faces - so many men so many minds . Franklin

I don't know how you feel about buying from Canadian Nikon dealers but they told me my 500mm Nikon will be here in about 3 weeks. Many prices are also lower in Canada than the US from authorized dealers and all come with a 5-year Nikon Canada warranty.

You can check out this Canadian price comparison service:
http://www.photoprice.ca/

This is also a large, fully authorized Nikon dealer with the 500 for ~$7500 US:
http://www.adencamera.com/prod-overview.asp?ProdID=2195&Category=7

Maybe I will see you in Florida next month with my 500 ;-)

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'There is only one success - to be able to spend your life your own way.' -- Christopher Morley

Another thing to consider - VR is predominantly a big mistake for moving subjects (the very thing you want the AF for). Be sure you really need/want VR before you shell out several thousand extra bucks for the latest greatest (with VR).

The used market actually does have a good flow of used AF tele lenses, I've been watching it often and consistently for five years now.

Good luck and think smart.

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