D500 - Worth It the used price?

B&H is showing an 8+ one with "moderate wear", whatever that means, for $1100.

I got one from B&H last year with rating of 9 and shutter count of 2085.  It's practically new, and it's US serial #.

They are out there... it just takes a bit of luck or persistence.  On B&H, low shutter count D500 usually don't last for more than a few days before someone pick it up.  Occasionally, there is re-furb on Nikon website also.  If you are looking for one, good luck!   For me, with luck, this camera probably will easily out last me.

PTMcH wrote:

B&H is showing an 8+ one with "moderate wear", whatever that means, for $1100.

I got one from B&H last year with rating of 9 and shutter count of 2085. It's practically new, and it's US serial #.

They are out there... it just takes a bit of luck or persistence. On B&H, low shutter count D500 usually don't last for more than a few days before someone pick it up. Occasionally, there is re-furb on Nikon website also. If you are looking for one, good luck! For me, with luck, this camera probably will easily out last me.

You should have bought a Lotto ticket when you found out the shutter count was 2,085. I didn't think B&H published the shutter count on their used gear although I did get a used D7500 from them a while back that only had 149 shutter actuations.

FWIW, I've had both good and bad luck concerning the shutter count when buying used or refurbished bodies. Most recently, I bought a D500 during one of Nikon's periodic refurbished gear sales. It turned out to have almost 230,000 shutter actuations, well over the 200,000 Nikon publishes as the MTBF for a D500 shutter. To Nikon's credit, I was able to return it at their expense and receive a full refund, no questions asked.

Anyway, that's why I prefer MPB. I got my D500 from them knowing up front that the shutter count was 4,723.

bluzman wrote:

PTMcH wrote:

B&H is showing an 8+ one with "moderate wear", whatever that means, for $1100.

I got one from B&H last year with rating of 9 and shutter count of 2085. It's practically new, and it's US serial #.

They are out there... it just takes a bit of luck or persistence. On B&H, low shutter count D500 usually don't last for more than a few days before someone pick it up. Occasionally, there is re-furb on Nikon website also. If you are looking for one, good luck! For me, with luck, this camera probably will easily out last me.

You should have bought a Lotto ticket when you found out the shutter count was 2,085. I didn't think B&H published the shutter count on their used gear although I did get a used D7500 from them a while back that only had 149 shutter actuations.

B&H does not consistently publish what the shutter count of the camera is. However, my understanding from others is that if you call them, they actually will tell you.  MPB is almost always show the shutter count for given camera is. And as much as I like the service from KEH (where I get a few of my lenses from), they definitely do not publish shutter count.

The D500 I got, B&H did publish the shutter count.  It was a bit of luck plus a lot of persistence.  I was checking on MPB and B&H for about a year... perhaps, one of those side effects of working from home.....  ;-D

PTMcH wrote:

I was checking on MPB and B&H for about a year... perhaps, one of those side effects of working from home..... ;-D

😁 Indeed. I did the same, but my stroke of luck was that for a few days Nikon US put on sale the D500 new on their website in February of 2022. I was barely able to snatch one before it went back to "backordered" status.

PTMcH wrote:

bluzman wrote:

PTMcH wrote:

B&H is showing an 8+ one with "moderate wear", whatever that means, for $1100.

I got one from B&H last year with rating of 9 and shutter count of 2085. It's practically new, and it's US serial #.

They are out there... it just takes a bit of luck or persistence. On B&H, low shutter count D500 usually don't last for more than a few days before someone pick it up. Occasionally, there is re-furb on Nikon website also. If you are looking for one, good luck! For me, with luck, this camera probably will easily out last me.

You should have bought a Lotto ticket when you found out the shutter count was 2,085. I didn't think B&H published the shutter count on their used gear although I did get a used D7500 from them a while back that only had 149 shutter actuations.

B&H does not consistently publish what the shutter count of the camera is. However, my understanding from others is that if you call them, they actually will tell you. MPB is almost always show the shutter count for given camera is. And as much as I like the service from KEH (where I get a few of my lenses from), they definitely do not publish shutter count.

The D500 I got, B&H did publish the shutter count. It was a bit of luck plus a lot of persistence. I was checking on MPB and B&H for about a year... perhaps, one of those side effects of working from home..... ;-D

I would not be buying a DSLR without knowing the shutter count. I can't believe there are online sites that do not show the shutter count! Even people on eBay declare the shutter count.

Paddler213 wrote:

LtColDavenport wrote:

Paddler213 wrote:

I should probably also mention that the AF-S 300mm f/4 D lens is a very nice option for a wildlife lens. Less expensive than the 300PF, sharper across the frame, works very well with the TC14E II. 35mm equivalent is 450mm bare, 630mm w/ TC:

A little bit out of topic, but I take the occasion to ask a question I am asking since forever. How does a crop body handle TC? Even just the smaller TC14 would be interesting.

I mean, sure, bulkier lens, slower AF, higher F-stops, etc... but what about IQ? It seems a topic that really divides people. Basically every video that I watch, the subsequent state the opposite basically.

On an FX camera, on a prime lens, to me, it seems worth it, from what I have gathered.

But what about on DX? Given that the camera it is already cropping the lens by 1.5x, is the additional 1.4x already too much? Are there some circumstance where it would be useful, are the images are hands down worst?

The swan in my post above was taken with the TC14E II, so you can judge for yourself about sharpness. DX just sees a smaller portion of the image circle, there is no decrease in IQ.

Here is the PL review, including comments about how the lens performs with TCs:

https://photographylife.com/reviews/nikon-300mm-f4d/2

Well, yeah. They seems quite alright to me at a first look! I always thought that TC on an APS-C camera would "crop too much", if that make sense.

redhed17 wrote:

I think the most effect of a tele-convertor on the image quality would be what lens is it used with, rather than the DX sensor.

Yeah, I mean, obviously, the better the lens, the better the end result, regardless.

But my point was that sometimes, FX lenses doesn't look as good on a DX body, probably because they are not design to resolve such high information on a small area. A personal example it is the 50mm 1.8, on the D750 it looks alright while on my D7200 I can't look at it wide open, only from 2.8 it looks good.

TC just emphasize even more the lens, you are looking at a really low portion of the lens and any imperfection it is magnified way more.

DSLRandFilm wrote:

LtColDavenport wrote:

A little bit out of topic, but I take the occasion to ask a question I am asking since forever. How does a crop body handle TC? Even just the smaller TC14 would be interesting.

...

But what about on DX? Given that the camera it is already cropping the lens by 1.5x, is the additional 1.4x already too much? Are there some circumstance where it would be useful, are the images are hands down worst?

I think autofocus sensors on DX having to cover smaller area will focus slightly faster and slightly more precise than on full frame, assuming that there is enough light coming in to them.

Honestly, I don't know, but it seems that FX cameras always end up with better AF. Maybe because of Nikon putting more effort on FX rather than DX or what not but that's my take. The more Apple to Apple comparison we can make, it is the D500 vs D5, and the D5 it seems faster (speaking purely by information gathered as I don't own any).

So a D500 with 300 + 1.5X TC converter should focus faster and more precise than the same lens on a full-frame DSLR with same focusing module (where autofocusing is done through the sensor).

I am not sure to understanding the comparison. I would compare a FX camera with a 300mm + 1.4TC and a D500 without the TC, or both with just the lens. Why comparing the two, both with the TC? Maybe I am missing a point.

This is just a conjecture at this point, I have no real tests to back that up.

Additionally, if you intend to take pictures in low light, using infrared autofocus assist from an on-camera flash, research this specific scenario and how well (or not well) it works on mirrorless cameras.

I have no clue on what this mean. I may look at it.

LtColDavenport wrote:

redhed17 wrote:

I think the most effect of a tele-convertor on the image quality would be what lens is it used with, rather than the DX sensor.

Yeah, I mean, obviously, the better the lens, the better the end result, regardless.

But my point was that sometimes, FX lenses doesn't look as good on a DX body

Perhaps but I would not assume that to be the case. I have used numerous fx lenses on my various dx bodies (D90, D7100, D500) with no significant loss of iq (in my perception) compared to their performance on my D610.

, probably because they are not design to resolve such high information on a small area. A personal example it is the 50mm 1.8, on the D750 it looks alright while on my D7200 I can't look at it wide open, only from 2.8 it looks good.

I think lenses may perform better on fx as opposed to dx because the larger sensor size means less enlargement when viewing at the same size. Given same mp I guess.  But, then you may have to deal with vignetting and lesser corner performance.  That depends on the lens.  If you then crop then we are on an equal footing.

TC just emphasize even more the lens, you are looking at a really low portion of the lens and any imperfection it is magnified way more.

I have never used a tc so don't know. What I did when I had only my D610 was buy a D500. Get the 1.5 crop factor without much if any iq loss.

Avian2016 wrote:

My answer is Yes. In Europe almost all good used copies have been sold. Actually, they are still in demand.

Some buyers even buy Z stuff but they also keep D500 as a worthy backup.

I believe Nikon has missed the opportunity to go out both with Z9 and Z DX flagship. Similarly they did with D5/D500 duo.

Thanks for your opinion.

Brev00 wrote:

I have never used a tc so don't know. What I did when I had only my D610 was buy a D500. Get the 1.5 crop factor without much if any iq loss.

Well, my interest was to try TC on a DX body in order to get even more reach.

If with a 300mm 2.8 on the D7200 (or D500 if I will) + 1.4 TC, that's an equivalent of 630mm f4. If the IQ would still be good, even if I would need to stop it down to 5.6 or maybe even f8, it would be cool, at least to have that option.

Unfortunately, I see little to no information about people using TC on APS-C Camera. Some post here and there but that's it.

In the past two weeks there have been several D500's offered on ebay with shutter counts at 6K, 26K and 60K (selling for about $1000 each). This is a camera that should be good for half a million shots, so I would not be worried about any of these thresholds. However, having read about the failure rates of this camera due to weird hardware causes, I purchased a 1-year warranty from Allstate, for 10% of the cost of the camera. Should the need for warranty repair happen, I expect the insurer to return 100% of the original used price, as they will likely have no idea about how to repair it. I expect to beat my used D500 to death with over 100k clicks. It was ordered from Japan. Wish me luck.

It was a good thing I did not choose to order a D500 from ebay last December. Prices were hovering at $1500.

Alright, I did it.

I think I found a great deal from a private seller and decided to pull the trigger.

• D500 in excellent aesthetic condition and 25K shutter count
• Original MB-D17
• 2 Original batteries
• Both with box and all
• 1 XQD + Sony Reader
• 1 SD

For €1.100 + shipping and service fee. Let's say a total of €1.150.

It looked good. It just arrived this weekend.

Congratulations!

JC
Some cameras, some lenses, some computers

LtColDavenport wrote:

Alright, I did it.

I think I found a great deal from a private seller and decided to pull the trigger.

• D500 in excellent aesthetic condition and 25K shutter count
• Original MB-D17
• 2 Original batteries
• Both with box and all
• 1 XQD + Sony Reader
• 1 SD

For €1.100 + shipping and service fee. Let's say a total of €1.150.

It looked good. It just arrived this weekend.

Congratulations, I'd say half-price or less than if all that stuff had been new.

Happy shooting!!

n057 wrote:

Congratulations!

JC
Some cameras, some lenses, some computers

Thanks

Now I just need some time, the hardest think to buy...

CaptainAmerica wrote:

LtColDavenport wrote:

Alright, I did it.

I think I found a great deal from a private seller and decided to pull the trigger.

• D500 in excellent aesthetic condition and 25K shutter count
• Original MB-D17
• 2 Original batteries
• Both with box and all
• 1 XQD + Sony Reader
• 1 SD

For €1.100 + shipping and service fee. Let's say a total of €1.150.

It looked good. It just arrived this weekend.

Congratulations, I'd say half-price or less than if all that stuff had been new.

Happy shooting!!

Comparing new prices of all? Way less. The guy was kind enought to leave inside the original bill.

The D500 was paid €2.200 while the MB-D17 €350-ish. For the other stuff, a battery back then was €50, the reader €100 and the XQD not sure, but I would say another €50 being only 32Gb.

It would all sum up to €2800, or something close, so I paid it almost a third. If anything would not turn out to be faulty, I think it was a pretty good price.

LtColDavenport wrote:

CaptainAmerica wrote:

LtColDavenport wrote:

Alright, I did it.

I think I found a great deal from a private seller and decided to pull the trigger.

• D500 in excellent aesthetic condition and 25K shutter count
• Original MB-D17
• 2 Original batteries
• Both with box and all
• 1 XQD + Sony Reader
• 1 SD

For €1.100 + shipping and service fee. Let's say a total of €1.150.

It looked good. It just arrived this weekend.

Congratulations, I'd say half-price or less than if all that stuff had been new.

Happy shooting!!

Comparing new prices of all? Way less. The guy was kind enought to leave inside the original bill.

The D500 was paid €2.200 while the MB-D17 €350-ish. For the other stuff, a battery back then was €50, the reader €100 and the XQD not sure, but I would say another €50 being only 32Gb.

It would all sum up to €2800, or something close, so I paid it almost a third. If anything would not turn out to be faulty, I think it was a pretty good price.

Wow, €2,200 for the camera seems high, unless it was the bundle with the 16-80mm lens? Here in US I got the body only new last year (directly from Nikon) for $1,600 (plus sales taxes, so basically $1,700 total). I believe the bundle with the 16-80mm lens was priced around $2,200.

The original grip from Nikon is very expensive new, around $360, I got that used from MPB.com, for $119.

Nonetheless, a very good deal indeed!