Following several reviews, including yours, numerous YouTube videos and speaking to Nikon trainers I finally purchased one today to go with my D850. I can’t comment on usage yet but I am looking forward to using it on some upcoming wildlife events (deer and squirrels). I currently have the 200-500 which is great and is complemented with my Sony RX10 iv. Thanks for the great review. It has helped me to choose.
You are welcome. The lens is great. I use it on my D500 and Z6 and I think you’ll love it. The D850 will work very well with it and another wildlife photographer I know used it with the D850 like you are. I’d love to see some shots you take!
Fred
July 28, 2023 5:38 am
Thanks for the review. We all know that the sharpness of this lens is excellent, but comparing to Nikkon 200-500 review @500mm, the lab test shows a margin of 50% better performance in favor of the 500 PF. Is there a difference in scale or method between these two tests? Or you have had a medium-poor batch of 200-500 (and mine is excellent, even paired with TC-1.4 III the quality is very good surprisingly). In frame center and at close-mid distance I never saw a difference between these two lenses (at mid-long distance, OK 500 PF is ahead) I’m waiting for your Z 400 4.5 review ;) thanks guys
The 200-500 is known to have significant sample variation. I too had a super-sharp example of it, and also did not notice a huge difference from the 500PF (other than weight, size and focussing speed!). It was so good, I was very reluctant to sell it. Its optical qualiies were superb.
Alan Hagberg
July 23, 2023 6:53 am
Thanks for the thoughtful and thorough review. It’s all too familiar for me, however, as I have also been using the 500mm for a few years, first on my D850 and then on my D6, and now on my Z9. It is a fabulous lens, a simply superb lens, and it is probably the sharpest prime lens I’ve ever owned with the possible exception of a Zeiss 150mm for my Hasselblad back in the day. I sometimes use it with the TC-14e III when the lighting is bright, and still get great results.
I would add one thing in the comparison column, however, when shooting with a Z body: the Z 70-200mm with the Z TC-2.0x. Since getting that lens combo I have used it extensively. It provides 400mm at f/5.6 and it is as sharp as shinola. Fast focusing, tracks birds in flight amazingly well. It also provides the ability to zoom out for closer subjects. Go into DX mode and you have the field of view of 600mm; on my Z9 it’s close to the equivalent of a 600mm lens on my D6.
That said, I will probably get the new Z 180-600mm when I can afford it. But for now, the 500mm PF and the Z 70-200mm are all I need.
Note: I have the Wimberly foot for the tripod collar, quite happy with it.
David Jenkins
July 22, 2023 8:07 pm
Hi Jason, Great review. I too have used this lens, got one of the first in the country, (Australia) after a long wait for stock to arrive. It’s my go to lens, and has not disappointed on any occassion. I tend to use those programmable buttons to work AF when needed. Mostly shoot on D500, D810, D850, I’m old school and loving it.
One comment about the lens foot. I have used the same foot on various 70-200 f/2.8 lenses and they travelled without ever once the foot coming lose. I also never had a single time where it was lose on the 500mm PF. I don’t think a design fault is the issue. I changed it eventually for the Henjar mount. Not only does it have Arca foot, but also has a QD ( Quick Detach ) socket and I use it with a Blackrapid strap. The Henjar mounts securely with a screw into the lens mounting.
Thanks so much! I use the RRS foot. Though I didn’t have any problem with the stock foot, the Arca-Swiss foot is much more handy than attaching an additional plate. Plus the RRS foot is larger so it’s easier to attach a Manfrotto video plate to it.
Dave
July 22, 2023 12:05 pm
Thank you for writing this article. I’ve been considering this lens for a long time. Are you using the Nikon AF-S Teleconverter TC-14E III in your tests, or an earlier version?
I use the Nikon Z7ii and now the Z8 and have been tempted by the Z super teles, but I actually bought a 500PF second hand at £1000 below retail price, and in as new condition. I am very pleased with it for daily river walk for birds! I do have a wonder about the 100-400 Z in addition for near macro and wider flexibility. I have also found specular highlights very easy to deal with in Photoshop, on the rare occasion when they occur. You can also customise the lens function button, eg to switch subject tracking on and off, with the Z8.
Francisco
July 21, 2023 11:48 am
Hello, excellent article. I used the Tamron 150-600 f5.6 G2 for 3 years mostly for bird photography and replaced it a few months ago with the Nikon 500 E PF. I use it on a D850 and a D500 and I am very happy with the results and with its weight. The lack of those 100mm is not so noticeable (from 600 to 500).
I went the exact same path: Tamron G2 to 500PF. Though I regret selling the Tamron now, if only because it was very useful for video with its zoom versatility. But the Nikon 180-600 is coming out so that will replace my old Tamron.
Same here. Tamron 150-600 Version one to 500 pf on a D850. I am going to get the 180-600 for when I need flexibility. In many situations, the 1.4 extender was not usable on the 500 PF due to the hesitation in acquiring focus. The 500 is not on my Z8.
Robert John
July 21, 2023 11:47 am
I bought a used 500PF for £2,200 for my D7500. By contrast, a new 400/4.5 and 1.4TC is around £3,500. Not that I’m remotely interested in the latter as Nikon doesn’t have an affordable (by which I mean £1,500 – the cost of a R7) Z mount camera to use it on. (I note the very interesting comment below about using it with a Fuji … could be a lost sale for Nikon.) Lovely lens. Although it does need a bit of contrast for the AF.
Jon Thaler
July 21, 2023 9:47 am
love the 500 PF. the only lens I carry for local bird photography. outshines the 200-500 in all areas. 99% of my 200-500 shots were at 500. sold it. wish the 500 was f/4 like the 300 I have that also rocks. great sports lens. bokeh can be a bit busy but fixable.
Judy Haran
July 21, 2023 7:45 am
I have had this lens since it came out. It works great for all my wildlife and ocean surfing shots. I have used it on the D500 and the D850. I just sold my 200-500 because of the weight. I will never sell this one.
Following several reviews, including yours, numerous YouTube videos and speaking to Nikon trainers I finally purchased one today to go with my D850. I can’t comment on usage yet but I am looking forward to using it on some upcoming wildlife events (deer and squirrels). I currently have the 200-500 which is great and is complemented with my Sony RX10 iv.
Thanks for the great review. It has helped me to choose.
You are welcome. The lens is great. I use it on my D500 and Z6 and I think you’ll love it. The D850 will work very well with it and another wildlife photographer I know used it with the D850 like you are. I’d love to see some shots you take!
Thanks for the review. We all know that the sharpness of this lens is excellent, but comparing to Nikkon 200-500 review @500mm, the lab test shows a margin of 50% better performance in favor of the 500 PF. Is there a difference in scale or method between these two tests? Or you have had a medium-poor batch of 200-500 (and mine is excellent, even paired with TC-1.4 III the quality is very good surprisingly). In frame center and at close-mid distance I never saw a difference between these two lenses (at mid-long distance, OK 500 PF is ahead)
I’m waiting for your Z 400 4.5 review ;) thanks guys
The 200-500 is known to have significant sample variation. I too had a super-sharp example of it, and also did not notice a huge difference from the 500PF (other than weight, size and focussing speed!). It was so good, I was very reluctant to sell it. Its optical qualiies were superb.
Thanks for the thoughtful and thorough review. It’s all too familiar for me, however, as I have also been using the 500mm for a few years, first on my D850 and then on my D6, and now on my Z9. It is a fabulous lens, a simply superb lens, and it is probably the sharpest prime lens I’ve ever owned with the possible exception of a Zeiss 150mm for my Hasselblad back in the day. I sometimes use it with the TC-14e III when the lighting is bright, and still get great results.
I would add one thing in the comparison column, however, when shooting with a Z body: the Z 70-200mm with the Z TC-2.0x. Since getting that lens combo I have used it extensively. It provides 400mm at f/5.6 and it is as sharp as shinola. Fast focusing, tracks birds in flight amazingly well. It also provides the ability to zoom out for closer subjects. Go into DX mode and you have the field of view of 600mm; on my Z9 it’s close to the equivalent of a 600mm lens on my D6.
That said, I will probably get the new Z 180-600mm when I can afford it. But for now, the 500mm PF and the Z 70-200mm are all I need.
Note: I have the Wimberly foot for the tripod collar, quite happy with it.
Hi Jason,
Great review. I too have used this lens, got one of the first in the country, (Australia) after a long wait for stock to arrive.
It’s my go to lens, and has not disappointed on any occassion. I tend to use those programmable buttons to work AF when needed. Mostly shoot on D500, D810, D850, I’m old school and loving it.
One comment about the lens foot. I have used the same foot on various 70-200 f/2.8 lenses and they travelled without ever once the foot coming lose. I also never had a single time where it was lose on the 500mm PF. I don’t think a design fault is the issue.
I changed it eventually for the Henjar mount. Not only does it have Arca foot, but also has a QD ( Quick Detach ) socket and I use it with a Blackrapid strap. The Henjar mounts securely with a screw into the lens mounting.
Thanks so much! I use the RRS foot. Though I didn’t have any problem with the stock foot, the Arca-Swiss foot is much more handy than attaching an additional plate. Plus the RRS foot is larger so it’s easier to attach a Manfrotto video plate to it.
Thank you for writing this article. I’ve been considering this lens for a long time. Are you using the Nikon AF-S Teleconverter TC-14E III in your tests, or an earlier version?
It’s the TC14III!
I use the Nikon Z7ii and now the Z8 and have been tempted by the Z super teles, but I actually bought a 500PF second hand at £1000 below retail price, and in as new condition. I am very pleased with it for daily river walk for birds! I do have a wonder about the 100-400 Z in addition for near macro and wider flexibility. I have also found specular highlights very easy to deal with in Photoshop, on the rare occasion when they occur. You can also customise the lens function button, eg to switch subject tracking on and off, with the Z8.
Hello, excellent article. I used the Tamron 150-600 f5.6 G2 for 3 years mostly for bird photography and replaced it a few months ago with the Nikon 500 E PF. I use it on a D850 and a D500 and I am very happy with the results and with its weight. The lack of those 100mm is not so noticeable (from 600 to 500).
I went the exact same path: Tamron G2 to 500PF. Though I regret selling the Tamron now, if only because it was very useful for video with its zoom versatility. But the Nikon 180-600 is coming out so that will replace my old Tamron.
Same here. Tamron 150-600 Version one to 500 pf on a D850. I am going to get the 180-600 for when I need flexibility. In many situations, the 1.4 extender was not usable on the 500 PF due to the hesitation in acquiring focus. The 500 is not on my Z8.
I bought a used 500PF for £2,200 for my D7500. By contrast, a new 400/4.5 and 1.4TC is around £3,500. Not that I’m remotely interested in the latter as Nikon doesn’t have an affordable (by which I mean £1,500 – the cost of a R7) Z mount camera to use it on.
(I note the very interesting comment below about using it with a Fuji … could be a lost sale for Nikon.)
Lovely lens. Although it does need a bit of contrast for the AF.
love the 500 PF. the only lens I carry for local bird photography. outshines the 200-500 in all areas. 99% of my 200-500 shots were at 500. sold it. wish the 500 was f/4 like the 300 I have that also rocks. great sports lens. bokeh can be a bit busy but fixable.
I have had this lens since it came out. It works great for all my wildlife and ocean surfing shots. I have used it on the D500 and the D850. I just sold my 200-500 because of the weight. I will never sell this one.