NikonGear'23
Gear Talk => Lens Talk => Topic started by: rosko on August 08, 2021, 19:55:56
-
Got it few days ago and tried it to the New-forest for short stay there. Bought second-hand (minty)
from LCE (Camera London Exchange) a reputable UK multi-branches camera seller.
First feelings :
# very light lens! I like it.
# fast AF on my Df. I like it.
# sharp. Don't think fine tune autofocus is needed for the moment, however I'll find out in the near future about this set up as I know nothing about it.
What I like less, is the horizontal wobbling when the lens is mounted on a monopod, due to its lightweight (lateral movement), even if you try to stop the movement by holding the front lens.. I plan to make a ''bipod'' to cure this issue. I don't think such a gear exists in the market ?
Now, let's see about the lens collar foot : I would rate it as '' crippling design fault''...very weak piece of aluminium which hold the lens with a tiny dovetail joint, tied with a screw.
RSS and Kirk have made a replacement foot, a sturdier one, using a thicker aluminium part and more reliable tying screw, not the same system, though. But you have to disburse something like 140€/£120 if you want to make sure your lens won't fall down in the ground one day...
https://www.kirkphoto.com/lens-mounting/nikon-auto-focus/500mm-f-5-6e-afs-pf-ed-vr/replacement-lens-foot-for-nikon-500mm-f-5-6e-afs-pf-ed-vr-lens.html
https://www.reallyrightstuff.com/LCF-11-for-Nikon-70-200mm-f2-8E-FL-ED-VR-2016
That said, I like this lens.
Below, few pics with the Df :
-
All image are from NXi with one grade of sharpness, and neutral.
Some of them were reframed.
Egret 1 and 2 : normal frame.
Ducks 3 : normal frame
Duck 4 : normal frame + AF-I TC 1,4 E
-
5 and 6
Grey Wagtail.
-
7/ wagtail with the TC (700mm)
8/ Squirrel with TC 700mm slightly reframed.
-
9/ Squirrel 700mm
10/ Crow catching a fly 700mm
-
11/ Wagtail 500mm
and 12 slightly reframed.
-
13/ Young Danes.
-
As soon the weather improves, I will use this lens with the Z6.
I had to use the Df as the Z6 wasn't available.
I bought the 500mm to be used with the Z6 to :
# get high ISO with less degradation;
# get the extra IBIS blur reduction;
# get the total silent actuations. When you shoot a deer with reflex camera, you get a panic among deers, or danes, so you can get one shot only at the times... ::)
-
Many thanks, Birna, for moving this thread!
:D
-
Hejnar Photo (http://www.hejnarphotostore.com/default.asp) also makes Arca type replacement feet for the Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 500mm f/5.6E PF ED VR:
http://www.hejnarphotostore.com/product-p/h129..htm
http://www.hejnarphotostore.com/product-p/h129-500.htm
By all accounts these are on par with the RRS and Kirk replacement feet, are less expensive, and include QD sockets. Hejnar Photo will ship internationally. Just an idea--I haven't used any Hejnar products myself but I've only heard good things...
And congratulations on the lens...
-
Fine images, very neutral post processing
-
Hejnar Photo (http://www.hejnarphotostore.com/default.asp) also makes Arca type replacement feet for the Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 500mm f/5.6E PF ED VR:
http://www.hejnarphotostore.com/product-p/h129..htm
http://www.hejnarphotostore.com/product-p/h129-500.htm
By all accounts these are on par with the RRS and Kirk replacement feet, are less expensive, and include QD sockets. Hejnar Photo will ship internationally. Just an idea--I haven't used any Hejnar products myself but I've only heard good things...
And congratulations on the lens...
I have fitted Hejnar feet to a couple of Fuji lenses. I am very happy with their quality. A 500 PF is on my wish list and I will go for Hejnar again, subject to checking the prices.
-
By all accounts these are on par with the RRS and Kirk replacement feet, are less expensive, and include QD sockets. Hejnar Photo will ship internationally. Just an idea--I haven't used any Hejnar products myself but I've only heard good things...
And congratulations on the lens...
Thank you, Tim for the tip!
I tried to order one there, no possible. When I click on ''order'' there's is always something to fill missing. I fill it, and re-click and get again the same and so on.
Will try again later.
-
Fine images, very neutral post processing
Thanks, Eric!
Yes, a basic PP, just to compare pictures.
-
I have fitted Hejnar feet to a couple of Fuji lenses. I am very happy with their quality. A 500 PF is on my wish list and I will go for Hejnar again, subject to checking the prices.
Trying to order, without success... :o
-
I spoke with Krzysztof at Hejnar Photo Corp. He said that if there's trouble ordering it is usually ether the browser or the credit card and that changing one or the other usually resolves the issue but that if trouble persists to email him at info@hejnarphotostore.com. He said shipping the foot to France wouldn't be much more than $20.
-
Hi, Tim.
I could finally order it! :)
It's now on its way to UK, (where I am living at the moment).
Total cost : $96 USD (£72.25) which is a very decent price.
I am using the lens hand held until I get le foot. No nice pics so far, as birds of prey are flying very far (or very high). ;)
Thanks again.
Francis
-
Francis,
Glad you were able to order--looking forward to hearing how the replacement works out, and of course to more images :).
Tim
-
The 500 PF looks like a very capable lens! It must be a treat to use the lens for photographing wildlife.
Thank you for sharing these wonderful images.
I used to own the 300 PF which I liked very much. I still regret selling it.
-
Thanks, Peter!
Just coming back from the New Forest (South UK)
Used the Z6+FTZ adapter this time.
Took some little birds, but still can't control the AF, I have to find the right settings... ::)
Images will follow.
Francis.
-
Got the new foot from USA (more than 2 weeks ago...)
I wasn't charged for customs which was a good surprise !
It's really something different : longer, wider, sturdier with a screw to secure it instead a knob.
This Hejnar Photo item is similar to the Kirk one.
I advise any user to adopt it without worries : great accessory decently priced ( about £72 net)
I put a pic for comparison.
Francis.
-
More birds, with the Z6+FTZ.
first and second pics : juvenile Starling;
3, unknow
4, aigret
5, black Swan.
-
Really glad the Hejnar Photo foot is working out well.
Looks like you’re enjoying and putting that lens to good use :)
-
I do, but I have to find the right settings to catch birds in flight. So far nothing sharp, and the culprit isn't the lens... ::)
Next job to do : clean the sensor ! ;)
-
Rosko,
Glad to see you are enjoying the new setup. I've been working on birds as well (currently working with my backup camera D3). I haven't been really happy with most of my shots but it's fun and I get pretty happy when I catch something unique! So that keeps me going back for sure. I plan on some gear testing to eliminate some issues. I also picked up a monopod and already see improvements in photographs due to a decrease in motion blur and reduction in noise as I'm able to reduce the shutter speed. The consistency is nice for sure! I need way more practice and hopefully one day my D3x will arrive in the mail.
I have found a few new friends out birding as well. They have been extremely helpful in understanding bird habits, migration patterns and names for them... the names, there are so many! ;D Keep your photos coming, I enjoyed them and look forward to seeing more.
Regards,
Tom
-
Thanks for your kind words, Tom !
I use a monopod when I have to approach a subject like deer. I can eliminate some blur, mostly up/down motions, however, not the lateral ones. So I am planning to make a ''bipod'' to solve the problem, even if it will be more complicated to handle...
Otherwise, attaching the monopod just behind the hood instead the gravity center of the lens (where the foot is) would reduce the ''pivot effect'', but it would be less easy to carry in the field.
Have fun with your D3x. ;)