AF-S Nikkor 500/5.6 PF ED VR

[MEPER]

How well does this lens work with Z-bodies?
If the choice was between the new 400/4.5 PF with 1.4x converter and the older 500/5.6 PF SLR lens which lens would you prefer?

Is about 2500 EUR an ok price for a 500/5.6 PF in excellent condition?

[Birna Rørslett]

A close friend uses the Z9 with his 500/5.6PF with great success. No personal experience however.

The quoted price seems OK. This is not a cheap item.

[Nasos Kosmas]

It depends what you shoot
I do mostly small birds and 500mm is the starting point, most of the times I use 1.4x to 700 mm or even 2x in good light
Auto focus is good with z50 and Z6 even with TCs  on static subjects, but not good for BIF
400/4.5 z seems an excellent lens but with 1.4x is a tad behind 500pf
If you compare prices the z 560mm is much more expensive if you consider the lower price for a used 500 pf
This is a good price for an excellent condition lens
Go for it it’s worth the money

[MEPER]

Thank you for the advices.
Will see if I give myself a Christmas present :-)
I like the compact size of the 500 PF and the VR.

[MFloyd]

I have over 30k retained pictures with this lens. I recommend without any reservation, except if very large apertures are needed.

[MEPER]

I can see that it is a quite good performer and good comparations with 400/4.5 Z lens:
https://www.cameralabs.com/nikon-500mm-f5-6e-pf-vr-review/2/

I have a 1.7x II converter and this combination is usable also and works very well on DX. On FX the corners are not that sharp.

400/4.5 Z performs well with x1.4 converter and will of course be the most compact solution and VR has improved since the 500 PF.

[Nasos Kosmas]

The performance with the 1.4x is even better than 1.7x and you get 700mm f8  comparable to 800 PF that  is one step further than 500 PF
By the way I made some testing on z50 with the Nikon 1,4x III , Nikon 1,4x E, Kenko 1,4x DG  and the differences was very minimal

Check here for images and discussion
https://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/1549025

[MEPER]

The only 1.4x converter I have is and old manuel TC-14.
If I need some "quality" images at about 500mm I have an old AI 400/5.6 IFED + 1.4x converter or I have the last screwdriver AF version of the 300/2.8 + 1.7x II (modified so it can mount on the old 300mm). But this is not a handholdable combination and I think the 500 PF will do much better.
I have often considered selling both 400/5.6 and 300/2.8 but resale value is so now so they just sit in the cabinet.

The new Z 200-600 mm zoom which is not yet on the market is probably bigger then 500 PF + adapter and the 200-600 is maybe also more than 2500 EUR.
But it could be nice to know its performance.

[Nasos Kosmas]

If you are in the 500mm focal length for static subjects its OK
But if you are in for wildlife 500pf is the most affordable and quality Nikon lens
As for the weight 500pf+ftz+ z50 is about 2kg, while my previous 200-500 was 2,3kg lens only

Before acquiring 500pf I was thinking for Canon R7, this lens kept me here
Let’s see 200-600 and never knows may be another change

[MFloyd]

An example of the 500 mm f/5.6E PF with a TC-20E II. Focus has to be manual.


_8525111.jpg

Nikon D850
Nikkor 500.0 mm f/5.6E PF
ƒ/11.0  1000.0 mm 1/50s ISO 64

[Wally]

Tom Hogan recently had an interesting article on best and worst choices for tele lenses in the Z system:
https://www.zsystemuser.com/z-mount-lenses/nikkor-lenses/z-mount-lens-articles/best-telephoto-options-in.html
The 500 PF did pretty well!

[Nasos Kosmas]

Tom Hogan recently had an interesting article on best and worst choices for tele lenses in the Z system:
https://www.zsystemuser.com/z-mount-lenses/nikkor-lenses/z-mount-lens-articles/best-telephoto-options-in.html
The 500 PF did pretty well!

Thank you for the link 
Yes I have got the same conclusion about 500pf it’s a very good option for 700mm
I also agree about 300pf  its a tad better than 500pf but 500 has the reach so stay on the self
I can’t comment for 400/4.5 but I see on the net excellent contrast and IQ

[MEPER]

The 500 pf seems to be a good compromise between weight/price/performance.
A high-res DX Z-body with at least same ISO performance as Z50 is also on my wish list.