Telezoom / prime

Hello,

I own a Nikon D850 and would like to buy a used telephoto zoom or prime lens.

For what? Bird and mammal photography. I don't have enough budget to get two different lenses, so I figured out the best possible option.

The Nikon AF-S Nikkor 500mm f/4G ED VR seems like a good choice. With that "kinda low" aperture lens, I could mount a TC 1.4 or even a 1.7 teleconverter for extra focal length.

Downsides: heavy.

This lens will go around 3k euros.

But, Are there any cheaper alternatives that are similar?

I know there is a PF version of the 500mm, but that's an f/5.6, which can be a bit challenging to use with a teleconverter in low-light conditions. However, it is lightweight and, for an f/5.6, it's a really good option.

Can you recommend any other options that might work well with a TC 1.4 or 1.7?

ticktack said:

Hello,

I own a Nikon D850 and would like to buy a used telephoto zoom or prime lens.

For what? Bird and mammal photography. I don't have enough budget to get two different lenses, so I figured out the best possible option.

The Nikon AF-S Nikkor 500mm f/4G ED VR seems like a good choice. With that "kinda low" aperture lens, I could mount a TC 1.4 or even a 1.7 teleconverter for extra focal length.

Downsides: heavy.

This lens will go around 3k euros.

But, Are there any cheaper alternatives that are similar?

I know there is a PF version of the 500mm, but that's an f/5.6, which can be a bit challenging to use with a teleconverter in low-light conditions. However, it is lightweight and, for an f/5.6, it's a really good option.

Can you recommend any other options that might work well with a TC 1.4 or 1.7?

Click to expand...

It's very big and heavy, but maybe consider one of the 400mm f/2.8 options?

With Tc's it gets you:

• 1.4x - 560mm f/4
• 1.7x - 680mm f/4.8
• 2.0x - 800mm f/5.6

fpapp said:

ticktack said:

Hello,

I own a Nikon D850 and would like to buy a used telephoto zoom or prime lens.

For what? Bird and mammal photography. I don't have enough budget to get two different lenses, so I figured out the best possible option.

The Nikon AF-S Nikkor 500mm f/4G ED VR seems like a good choice. With that "kinda low" aperture lens, I could mount a TC 1.4 or even a 1.7 teleconverter for extra focal length.

Downsides: heavy.

This lens will go around 3k euros.

But, Are there any cheaper alternatives that are similar?

I know there is a PF version of the 500mm, but that's an f/5.6, which can be a bit challenging to use with a teleconverter in low-light conditions. However, it is lightweight and, for an f/5.6, it's a really good option.

Can you recommend any other options that might work well with a TC 1.4 or 1.7?

Click to expand...

It's very big and heavy, but maybe consider one of the 400mm f/2.8 options?

With Tc's it gets you:

• 1.4x - 560mm f/4
• 1.7x - 680mm f/4.8
• 2.0x - 800mm f/5.6

Click to expand...

My recommendation would be:

If you do a lot of hiking/walking then 100% the 500mm PF f5.6. Even with the 1.4x it works fine and you can't beat the weight/size combo. This is now my go to wildlife lens over my 300/400 f2.8s just because I can hand hold it and carry it for hours on end.

If you can afford one/don't do a heap of hiking I would say either a 400mm f2.8, 500mm f4 or a 600mm f4. Exactly which one will depend on your budget + what you photograph.

You mentioned bird photography above so would more be leaning towards the 500 or 600 if you can find them, unless you really need the f2.8 of the 400mm. I wouldn't buy a 400 to consistently use a TC on it, would rather just go for the bigger primes.

Honorable mention will go to a 300 f2.8. Can usually be found cheaper than the primes above, takes the TCs super well and is actually pretty small for a super telephoto.

ticktack said:

Hello,

I own a Nikon D850 and would like to buy a used telephoto zoom or prime lens.

For what? Bird and mammal photography. I don't have enough budget to get two different lenses, so I figured out the best possible option.

The Nikon AF-S Nikkor 500mm f/4G ED VR seems like a good choice. With that "kinda low" aperture lens, I could mount a TC 1.4 or even a 1.7 teleconverter for extra focal length.

Downsides: heavy.

This lens will go around 3k euros.

But, Are there any cheaper alternatives that are similar?

I know there is a PF version of the 500mm, but that's an f/5.6, which can be a bit challenging to use with a teleconverter in low-light conditions. However, it is lightweight and, for an f/5.6, it's a really good option.

Can you recommend any other options that might work well with a TC 1.4 or 1.7?

Click to expand...

I have the 500 PF, the 300 PF and the 200-500.

The 500 PF is a great lens for birds. It is relatively lightweight, easily transportable and the quality is great. It’s f/5.6 speed is no great issue although pushing it to f/8 with a TC 1.4 can be problematic if the light isn’t good. At f/8, for me anyway, AF is impacted and the viewfinder becomes darker than I’d like it. A 500mm prime isn’t the most versatile lens, but it’s great for birds and if you want a lens you can hand hold and walk around with all day, the PF is ideal. It is also the most expensive of the three I’m discussing.

The 300 PF is equally good in terms of quality, and it’s a very useful size for more than just birds. It focuses close enough to be almost a macro lens and it is extremely light, small and portable. At f/4 it works very well with my TC14-EIII. Mine has become my go to travel lens, along with the TC. I bought mine at almost 50% of retail in “like new” condition from mob.com.

The 200-500 is the most versatile by far, and it’s the least expensive but it’s a beast. I can carry it all day without too much trouble thanks to a BlackRapid sling strap. IQ on a DX body is probably better than it is on an FX body as any slight issues are at the edges, but overall you’d have to really pixel peep to notice any issues with any of these lenses. I don’t like this lens at all with a TC.

The bottom line is that for me, they all have their place in my line up.

Blufftonian said:

ticktack said:

Hello,

I own a Nikon D850 and would like to buy a used telephoto zoom or prime lens.

For what? Bird and mammal photography. I don't have enough budget to get two different lenses, so I figured out the best possible option.

The Nikon AF-S Nikkor 500mm f/4G ED VR seems like a good choice. With that "kinda low" aperture lens, I could mount a TC 1.4 or even a 1.7 teleconverter for extra focal length.

Downsides: heavy.

This lens will go around 3k euros.

But, Are there any cheaper alternatives that are similar?

I know there is a PF version of the 500mm, but that's an f/5.6, which can be a bit challenging to use with a teleconverter in low-light conditions. However, it is lightweight and, for an f/5.6, it's a really good option.

Can you recommend any other options that might work well with a TC 1.4 or 1.7?

Click to expand...

I have the 500 PF, the 300 PF and the 200-500.

The 500 PF is a great lens for birds. It is relatively lightweight, easily transportable and the quality is great. It’s f/5.6 speed is no great issue although pushing it to f/8 with a TC 1.4 can be problematic if the light isn’t good. At f/8, for me anyway, AF is impacted and the viewfinder becomes darker than I’d like it. A 500mm prime isn’t the most versatile lens, but it’s great for birds and if you want a lens you can hand hold and walk around with all day, the PF is ideal. It is also the most expensive of the three I’m discussing.

The 300 PF is equally good in terms of quality, and it’s a very useful size for more than just birds. It focuses close enough to be almost a macro lens and it is extremely light, small and portable. At f/4 it works very well with my TC14-EIII. Mine has become my go to travel lens, along with the TC. I bought mine at almost 50% of retail in “like new” condition from mob.com.

The 200-500 is the most versatile by far, and it’s the least expensive but it’s a beast. I can carry it all day without too much trouble thanks to a BlackRapid sling strap. IQ on a DX body is probably better than it is on an FX body as any slight issues are at the edges, but overall you’d have to really pixel peep to notice any issues with any of these lenses. I don’t like this lens at all with a TC.

The bottom line is that for me, they all have their place in my line up.

Click to expand...

Another beast is the Sigma 150-600 Sports, with lightning-fast focusing, and very rubust. To balance well on its little foot you need a hefty camera (which I don't have), so I added a long rail.

This makes using it with tripods slightly tricky, as vibration becomes an issue.

So I mainly use it with my monopods, a hefty one from Gitzo. Works great!

cpt_spud said:

fpapp said:

ticktack said:

Hello,

I own a Nikon D850 and would like to buy a used telephoto zoom or prime lens.

For what? Bird and mammal photography. I don't have enough budget to get two different lenses, so I figured out the best possible option.

The Nikon AF-S Nikkor 500mm f/4G ED VR seems like a good choice. With that "kinda low" aperture lens, I could mount a TC 1.4 or even a 1.7 teleconverter for extra focal length.

Downsides: heavy.

This lens will go around 3k euros.

But, Are there any cheaper alternatives that are similar?

I know there is a PF version of the 500mm, but that's an f/5.6, which can be a bit challenging to use with a teleconverter in low-light conditions. However, it is lightweight and, for an f/5.6, it's a really good option.

Can you recommend any other options that might work well with a TC 1.4 or 1.7?

Click to expand...

It's very big and heavy, but maybe consider one of the 400mm f/2.8 options?

With Tc's it gets you:

• 1.4x - 560mm f/4
• 1.7x - 680mm f/4.8
• 2.0x - 800mm f/5.6

Click to expand...

My recommendation would be:

If you do a lot of hiking/walking then 100% the 500mm PF f5.6. Even with the 1.4x it works fine and you can't beat the weight/size combo. This is now my go to wildlife lens over my 300/400 f2.8s just because I can hand hold it and carry it for hours on end.

If you can afford one/don't do a heap of hiking I would say either a 400mm f2.8, 500mm f4 or a 600mm f4. Exactly which one will depend on your budget + what you photograph.

You mentioned bird photography above so would more be leaning towards the 500 or 600 if you can find them, unless you really need the f2.8 of the 400mm. I wouldn't buy a 400 to consistently use a TC on it, would rather just go for the bigger primes.

Honorable mention will go to a 300 f2.8. Can usually be found cheaper than the primes above, takes the TCs super well and is actually pretty small for a super telephoto.

Click to expand...

Thank you! Very useful information aswell.

Thanks for your advice!

Blufftonian said:

ticktack said:

Hello,

I own a Nikon D850 and would like to buy a used telephoto zoom or prime lens.

For what? Bird and mammal photography. I don't have enough budget to get two different lenses, so I figured out the best possible option.

The Nikon AF-S Nikkor 500mm f/4G ED VR seems like a good choice. With that "kinda low" aperture lens, I could mount a TC 1.4 or even a 1.7 teleconverter for extra focal length.

Downsides: heavy.

This lens will go around 3k euros.

But, Are there any cheaper alternatives that are similar?

I know there is a PF version of the 500mm, but that's an f/5.6, which can be a bit challenging to use with a teleconverter in low-light conditions. However, it is lightweight and, for an f/5.6, it's a really good option.

Can you recommend any other options that might work well with a TC 1.4 or 1.7?

Click to expand...

I have the 500 PF, the 300 PF and the 200-500.

The 500 PF is a great lens for birds. It is relatively lightweight, easily transportable and the quality is great. It’s f/5.6 speed is no great issue although pushing it to f/8 with a TC 1.4 can be problematic if the light isn’t good. At f/8, for me anyway, AF is impacted and the viewfinder becomes darker than I’d like it. A 500mm prime isn’t the most versatile lens, but it’s great for birds and if you want a lens you can hand hold and walk around with all day, the PF is ideal. It is also the most expensive of the three I’m discussing.

The 300 PF is equally good in terms of quality, and it’s a very useful size for more than just birds. It focuses close enough to be almost a macro lens and it is extremely light, small and portable. At f/4 it works very well with my TC14-EIII. Mine has become my go to travel lens, along with the TC. I bought mine at almost 50% of retail in “like new” condition from mob.com.

The 200-500 is the most versatile by far, and it’s the least expensive but it’s a beast. I can carry it all day without too much trouble thanks to a BlackRapid sling strap. IQ on a DX body is probably better than it is on an FX body as any slight issues are at the edges, but overall you’d have to really pixel peep to notice any issues with any of these lenses. I don’t like this lens at all with a TC.

The bottom line is that for me, they all have their place in my line up.

Click to expand...

300 PF + TC seems to be actually a good choice. I can get the 300 pf for around 1k euro. + I can have some macros instead. Thank you very much for this information.