First shots with the 500mm f/5.6 ED PF.

[rosko]

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 :

[rosko]

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

[rosko]

5 and 6
Grey Wagtail.

[rosko]

7/ wagtail with the TC (700mm) 
8/ Squirrel with TC    700mm slightly reframed.

[rosko]

9/ Squirrel 700mm
10/ Crow catching a fly 700mm

[rosko]

11/ Wagtail 500mm
and 12 slightly reframed.

[rosko]

13/ Young Danes.

[rosko]

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...

[rosko]

Many thanks, Birna, for moving this thread!
 

[Ashlandish]

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...

[Erik Lund]

Fine images, very neutral post processing

[Anthony]

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.

[rosko]

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.

[rosko]

Fine images, very neutral post processing

Thanks, Eric!
Yes, a basic PP, just to compare pictures.

[rosko]

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...