NikonGear'23

Images => Nature, Flora, Fauna & Landscapes => Topic started by: Bruno Schroder on March 07, 2018, 22:46:48

Title: Grey heron and 600/5.6 AIS
Post by: Bruno Schroder on March 07, 2018, 22:46:48

I found recently a 600/5.6 AIS in very good shape. The week of frost provided a good opportunity to get closer than usual with otherwise shy birds at a nearby lake so I took it for a first test. It is not the sharpest lens but I'm quite pleased with the rendition. Minimal processing applied.

Title: Re: Grey heron and 600/5.6 AIS
Post by: elsid on March 07, 2018, 23:09:10

For the age of the lens and its (low I assume) cost, the photos are very good.

Title: Re: Grey heron and 600/5.6 AIS
Post by: Randy Stout on March 08, 2018, 01:10:42

Bruno:

Nice to have the reach!  Will look forward to seeing some additional images with slightly brighter light, so that the contrast will be a bit higher.  Should help with the apparent sharpness. 

Are you able to hand hold this lens comfortably?

Cheers

Randy

Title: Re: Grey heron and 600/5.6 AIS
Post by: Bruno Schroder on March 08, 2018, 17:28:25

Thank you, Elsid. The lens is from 84 and is indeed way below a current price point for this focal lenght :)

Randy, the lens is on the limit of handoldability. The photos above are with a monopod but I took it bare for a water bird counting session and was surprised by the result. I did not need sharpness for counting and identification so did not pay a lot of attention but I had much more keepers than expected.

I'll post more pictures when we have light and I can take it out.

Title: Re: Grey heron and 600/5.6 AIS
Post by: John Geerts on March 08, 2018, 18:11:43

Great results Bruno.   Nearly 3 kg the lens?

Title: Re: Grey heron and 600/5.6 AIS
Post by: Bruno Schroder on March 08, 2018, 23:21:45

Thanks, John. The lens is 2.7kg, according to Roland's data. A bit better than the 500/4 AIP, at 3kg, and less than half the 600/4 AIS which does 5.65kg and I only use now if I can park the car at proximity.

Fully loaded though, with camera, hood, Arca Swiss plate, lanyard... I'm almost at 3.9kg, without the monopod. That I can carry for a day but I dream of the 600/5.6 PF :)

Title: Re: Grey heron and 600/5.6 AIS
Post by: Akira on March 09, 2018, 03:09:13

Looks like you've had a nice start, Bruno.  Am looking forward to seeing how you are going to enjoy your lens!