Posted by Debbie Yarra on January 7, 2012 at 2:10 AM
I have some more questions for anyone out there with any big lens experience.
I'm looking to purchase the Nikkor 500mm/F4 lens and the Nikkor 1.4 teleconverter for wildlife photography. (Thank you Don Grail for clearing things up fore me and steering me in the right direction. I have never bought anything imported, but the prices are significantly lower on the imported lenses compared to the USA version. On a lens this costly, I am considering it...any thoughts? I will be purchasing a 5 year protection plan for the lens.
Also, wondering if the Wimberly head will fit on any sturdy tripod. I have the Manfrotto wilderness 3221WN. Thanks!
Posted by Bill Pelzmann on January 7, 2012 at 4:31 AM
When there is a significant difference in price, I have always bought "imported" from B&H.
Never had a problem, so I can only assume that the B&H is good for any warranty work.
I've never purchased an extended service warranty for any camera gear.
I do carry insurance that covers accidental damage.
I'll have a Wimberly head at the raptor shoot. You are welcome to try it on your Manfrotto. I can't see any reason why it should not work.
The Wimberly should work fine on the Manfrotto, although the total weight of lens, camera, tc, and wimberly head will be just under what your tripod lists as the max wt it supports. It would be better to have a tripod capable of handling about 20lbs total instead of 13lbs according to what I read. You want a little overkill when it comes to support.
The only downside to imported camera equipment is that the mfr may not be willing to repair it (eg. CanonUSA is the recommended repair facility for Canon cameras and lenses, however I have heard that they refuse to work on imported equipment). So you have to send imported stuff to generic repair facilities. Don't know if Nikon has a similar policy or not. Dave S. might know.
Posted by Debbie Yarra on January 8, 2012 at 2:28 AM
Thanks Don for doing that homework for me! I wasn't able to get around to doing that yet ! I guess I need a new tripod ...any suggestions.
BH photo says they warranty it for a year and if it needed repair you send it to them. I'm assuming they have some sort of set up with someone for repairing stuff. I will call them and find out more details.
One of the members is selling her 500 f4 without VR for a great price, but I was reading that the auto focusing is limited with the 1.4 teleconverter and autofocus not possible with the other teleconverters. I think the VR is a pretty important function with this size lens. I've hand held the 300 f2.8 VR with a 2x teleconverter on a rocking boat and was able to get sharp shots. The price difference between her used 500mm and the new VR one is huge, but I think I may be sorry I didn't get the VR..What are your thoughts? Thanks, Deb
Posted by Bill Pelzmann on January 8, 2012 at 10:06 AM
I wouldn't own a supertele without VR/IS.
However, I'm assuming the Nikon VR still functions while on a tripod?
If you plan to shoot primarily action at high shutter speeds, then VR won't make any difference.
Also, are there still parts and repair options available for this lens? Just something to consider for older lenses. I know it's a big issue for the long discontinued Canon 500 f4.5 non-IS.
Posted by Tom Stermitz on January 8, 2012 at 12:24 PM
BIF with such a big lens seems crazy to me. Even Bears in Flight would be hard! Yes, you'll need a tripod with margin to spare over the rated weight. I assume you have used "smaller" super-teles so you know where you are going.
I'm pretty sure you are not going to hold a 500mm lens by hand, so I don't think VR gets you very much. As I understand it, VR may turn off automatically on a tripod. Also, the speed of the VR mechanism is insufficient above a certain shutter speed. What speed do you need with 500x1.4 mm? Maybe VR is useful for football sidelines on a monopod? Ask someone like Thom Hogan.
Telephoto lens technology has been at a very high level for years, so for wildlife you may do fine with a 10+ year old lens.
Posted by Don Grall on January 8, 2012 at 12:29 PM
I totally agree with Bill on the VR or non-VR issue. VR will make a difference, the only question is how much the difference in price will be and will that be worthwhile. A non-VR lens is definitely a more repair-free option. Anytime you add more complex parts to anything, potential repair issues increase. If the non-VR lens focuses smoothly, then it might be a good option for someone looking to spend less. That said I've only had one Canon IS lens need servicing because of an IS failure. My 600/4 is non-IS (14 yrs old) and has been totally reliable and service free (and extremely sharp), however I've heard rumors that Canon no longer will service it as parts are no longer made, which is the same issue with the older 500/4.5 lens Bill mentioned. So if I ever sell it, I will have to discount it more to allow for that possible service problem, however unlikely.
Probably, the biggest reason for a super telephoto needing to be serviced is dropping it on the ground. Treat it like it is a baby, literally! After mounting it on your tripod, wiggle it by hand to make sure the attachment is sound and your tripod legs are tight and well-placed and not off balance.
The issue with the 1.4x and/or 2x autofocusing is based on which camera body you use. With Canon, my 1DsIII will autuofocus up to an f8 lens/tc combination which means even using a 2x on an f4 lens will allow for autofocus. The Canon consumer bodies like the T3i and possibly the 7D, will only go to f5.6 which limits you to a 1.4x with an f4 lens. Another reason against getting a 2xTC.
Posted by Bill Pelzmann on January 8, 2012 at 1:46 PM
As I understand it, VR may turn off automatically on a tripod.
SOME do. The Canon 500 IS f4 does not turn off on a tripod. I don't know about Nikon.
Unfortunately there is a lot of misinformation about which IS does what on a tripod.
In fact, the lens manual shipped by Canon with the 500 was wrong!
I'm pretty sure you are not going to hold a 500mm lens by hand, so I don't think VR gets you very much.
I consistently shoot wildlife in low light with slow shutter speeds from a tripod.
IS makes a BIG difference, and more so when you add a 1.4xTC.
But, yes, if you shutter speed is always high, don't worry about IS, handheld or tripod.
Posted by Debbie Yarra on January 8, 2012 at 3:22 PM
Thanks Bill, Tom and Don for all your great input, I'm loving it!
@ Tom.. never be sure of what I may do , I didn't work these biceps for nothing !
@ Bill and Don...I'm going with my gut and getting the VR. .Nikon, from what I've read has a tripod detection mode, which detects slight movement on the tripod, wind etc, so it doesn't shut off unless you shut it off . I will be shooting in all kinds of situations, low light being one of them, so I think the VR is necessary. I hadn't thought about repair... I have never had to repair a lens before...I've ruined one beyond a reasonable cost repair though. My tripod fell over on a slick rock in Arches on my way to shoot Delicate Arch. I though all that was damaged was my filter..whew...so after getting my filter off with a pocket knife, I shot my pictures at sunset without a hitch. What I didn't realize is the shutter was only closing down 1/3rd of the time (film days). so I only got every third shot in. Thank God I got some shots! Anyway, lesson learned "never let go of your tripod and camera until you know it's stable and secure" ! Speaking of tripods...I would love any suggestions on sturdy tripods for this monster lens. Thanks again. Blessings, Deb
Posted by Don Grall on January 10, 2012 at 11:59 AM
For tripods, I've only owned Gitzo for the past 20+ years and am not up on the other brands. In fact the models I use have all been replaced by newer models and nomenclature. I regularly use a Gitzo 1348CF - 4 leg section with a flat platform base ( no center column) with my 500 and full wimberly head. A must have accessory for most all Gitzos is a captive plate that is installed under that flat platform. This creates a compression fit preventing the top platform from loosening and falling off when carrying the tripod with lens/camera attached over your shoulder. It is accessible from here:
http://www.naturescapes.net/store/nsn-safety_plate-for-gitzo-tripods-gsp35.html . I've got them on both of my tripods and they work great and really give peace of mind. They are not made by Gitzo, it is an aftermarket product made by a bird photographer I met a couple of years ago. The tripod I use for my 600 is a Gitzo 410, an older aluminum one that weighs 9 lbs by itself.
Posted by Debbie Yarra on January 10, 2012 at 4:30 PM
Thanks again Don for your great information! I've been looking at the Induro tripods too they are a bit cheaper but I've heard they are a great alternative for the price. The Wimberly head seems to be the way to go and also getting a ball head too. I have a three way pan head with the Manfrotto, so I'm sure that will come in handy at times. I do appreciate all your help.
Discussion
10 repliesI'm looking to purchase the Nikkor 500mm/F4 lens and the Nikkor 1.4 teleconverter for wildlife photography. (Thank you Don Grail for clearing things up fore me and steering me in the right direction. I have never bought anything imported, but the prices are significantly lower on the imported lenses compared to the USA version. On a lens this costly, I am considering it...any thoughts? I will be purchasing a 5 year protection plan for the lens.
Also, wondering if the Wimberly head will fit on any sturdy tripod. I have the Manfrotto wilderness 3221WN. Thanks!
Never had a problem, so I can only assume that the B&H is good for any warranty work.
I've never purchased an extended service warranty for any camera gear.
I do carry insurance that covers accidental damage.
I'll have a Wimberly head at the raptor shoot. You are welcome to try it on your Manfrotto. I can't see any reason why it should not work.
The only downside to imported camera equipment is that the mfr may not be willing to repair it (eg. CanonUSA is the recommended repair facility for Canon cameras and lenses, however I have heard that they refuse to work on imported equipment). So you have to send imported stuff to generic repair facilities. Don't know if Nikon has a similar policy or not. Dave S. might know.
BH photo says they warranty it for a year and if it needed repair you send it to them. I'm assuming they have some sort of set up with someone for repairing stuff. I will call them and find out more details.
One of the members is selling her 500 f4 without VR for a great price, but I was reading that the auto focusing is limited with the 1.4 teleconverter and autofocus not possible with the other teleconverters. I think the VR is a pretty important function with this size lens. I've hand held the 300 f2.8 VR with a 2x teleconverter on a rocking boat and was able to get sharp shots. The price difference between her used 500mm and the new VR one is huge, but I think I may be sorry I didn't get the VR..What are your thoughts? Thanks, Deb
However, I'm assuming the Nikon VR still functions while on a tripod?
If you plan to shoot primarily action at high shutter speeds, then VR won't make any difference.
Also, are there still parts and repair options available for this lens? Just something to consider for older lenses. I know it's a big issue for the long discontinued Canon 500 f4.5 non-IS.
I'm pretty sure you are not going to hold a 500mm lens by hand, so I don't think VR gets you very much. As I understand it, VR may turn off automatically on a tripod. Also, the speed of the VR mechanism is insufficient above a certain shutter speed. What speed do you need with 500x1.4 mm? Maybe VR is useful for football sidelines on a monopod? Ask someone like Thom Hogan.
Telephoto lens technology has been at a very high level for years, so for wildlife you may do fine with a 10+ year old lens.
Probably, the biggest reason for a super telephoto needing to be serviced is dropping it on the ground. Treat it like it is a baby, literally! After mounting it on your tripod, wiggle it by hand to make sure the attachment is sound and your tripod legs are tight and well-placed and not off balance.
The issue with the 1.4x and/or 2x autofocusing is based on which camera body you use. With Canon, my 1DsIII will autuofocus up to an f8 lens/tc combination which means even using a 2x on an f4 lens will allow for autofocus. The Canon consumer bodies like the T3i and possibly the 7D, will only go to f5.6 which limits you to a 1.4x with an f4 lens. Another reason against getting a 2xTC.
SOME do. The Canon 500 IS f4 does not turn off on a tripod. I don't know about Nikon.
Unfortunately there is a lot of misinformation about which IS does what on a tripod.
In fact, the lens manual shipped by Canon with the 500 was wrong!
I consistently shoot wildlife in low light with slow shutter speeds from a tripod.
IS makes a BIG difference, and more so when you add a 1.4xTC.
But, yes, if you shutter speed is always high, don't worry about IS, handheld or tripod.
@ Tom.. never be sure of what I may do
@ Bill and Don...I'm going with my gut and getting the VR. .Nikon, from what I've read has a tripod detection mode, which detects slight movement on the tripod, wind etc, so it doesn't shut off unless you shut it off . I will be shooting in all kinds of situations, low light being one of them, so I think the VR is necessary. I hadn't thought about repair..
http://www.naturescapes.net/store/nsn-safety_plate-for-gitzo-tripods-gsp35.html . I've got them on both of my tripods and they work great and really give peace of mind. They are not made by Gitzo, it is an aftermarket product made by a bird photographer I met a couple of years ago. The tripod I use for my 600 is a Gitzo 410, an older aluminum one that weighs 9 lbs by itself.