First images with the 500/5.6 PF

[Bruno Schroder]

I finally received the 500/5.6 PF earlier this week. Between work and grey sky I had little opportunity to test it.

Parameters are very mixed.: AF-C, mostly with Group AF 9 but some with single, some hand held and some on the Sachtler 75 tripod some at ISO 100 and other at auto ISO. I don't have particularly steady hands so I tried various VR settings also.

WB AUTO, Neutral, everything on 0: no sharpness, contrast, … Conversion with ViewNX-i

[Bruno Schroder]

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[Bruno Schroder]

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[Birna Rørslett]

Looks decidedly like it is worth the financial outlay

[Jakov Minić]

Bruno, that first image i so warm and tender, just like you

[ArthurDent]

Your images look great. I think you made a very good purchase.

[Frank Fremerey]

Bruno: what did you have to "outlay"

[ArthurDent]

It is about $3600 here in the States. The 300mm f/4 PF is a relative bargain at ~$2000.

[Frank Fremerey]

It is about $3600 here in the States. The 300mm f/4 PF is a relative bargain at ~$2000.

The 5.6/200-500 is 1100€ only. But it is one kilogramm more weight to carry. is there also an advance in IQ?

[Akira]

Bruno, you are making a good use of the newcomer!

I couldn't manage it handheld, when I tried it at the showroom, even with VR.   

I like the last image.

[Bruno Schroder]

Thank you, everyone. Jakov, you're always so kind.

I've been waiting for a lens like that for decades: 500mm or above, good quality and handholdable. I've tried the 600/4 and the 500/4 but I'm often in woods and these are too long, bulky, heavy, etc ...  to get out of the path. I had a 200-500 on loan for 3 months last year and I found it not so easy to manoeuvre. I was frequently late on the action with birds. I'm often using the 600/5.6 AI on a monopod these days so when FNAC had the PF at less than 3500euro for a day, I jumped on it.

I think it is indeed worth it. I've only used it for a few hours but I definitely like the images and its rather low inertia hand held. The VR seems good enough for me, at least on the D750. Still need to use it on a DX though.

[Erik Lund]

Congratulations The first image is really nice and show the Bokeh is soft and gentle with very smooth color transitions

[chris dees]

Looking very good Bruno.
This lens is high on my list. Overhere it's €4000 and not available.

[Joost Bollens]

Nice examples , Bruno!

Do you still have your 500 mm f/4 ai-P? I am wondering how the two compare. Of course, as to the bulk and the weight I guess the new one is beyond comparison, but what about optics? Wide open performance?

Joost

[Bruno Schroder]

Hi Joost, yes I still have it and I'm eagerly waiting for the conjunction of available time with good light to test it. Unfortunately, the Belgian weather is not really cooperative at the moment ...