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by Larry Shuman on Thu Sep 21, 2017 8:09 am
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I am going to buy the 200~500mm lens this November and I was wondering how my D800 works with the lens. Do any of you folks out there work with this combo and how do you like your results?

Thanks in advance
Larry
 

by Gary Irwin on Thu Sep 21, 2017 7:21 pm
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Hi Larry; 

I briefly tested the 200-500VR with a D810 a while back. Optically the results were quite excellent as you might expect given the reputation of this lens, even at longer distances.  VR is top notch...best of any Nikon lens I've ever used. However the AF was quite sluggish. When shooting static or relatively slow moving subjects or subjects that are moving perpedicular to your line of sight should be no problem, but subjects moving quickly towards or away from you, or when quickly going fro MFD to infinity and back can be problematic. I can't imagine it would be any better on the D800, and perhaps worse. Reports are that the 200-500VR AF is better with Nikons newest models (D500, D850, D5) -- in fact some believe Nikon designed to 200-500 specifically for newer models with the latest (D5) AF system. Even so though, the 200-500's AF falls well short of the "pro" level performance that you would expect to find in a prime, which shouldn't be a surprise.

You might want to check out the current 200-500 thread over at Nikon Cafe started by 'Randy'...he has both the D800 and 200-500 and could provide assistance.

BTW, if you ever decide to trade your D800 for a model without the AA filter (D500/D810/D850 etc.) I think you'll be very surprised at how much sharper your photos will look. 

Good luck!
Gary Likes Nature.
 

by akjackson1 on Wed Sep 27, 2017 4:26 pm
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I use the D810 and 200-500 extensively for birds. I love the combo - it can produce some really incredible results, amazingly sharp for a zoom and really good VR. It's true, the focus isn't the fastest, but I've learned to deal with it. When shooting birds in flight I will often get a decent number of off-focus shots, but for most everything else it works just fine. And I've still gotten some great shots of birds in flight.
Unless what you're shooting is really demanding, I think you'll find the AF adequate. 
RawComposition.com
D810 + 200-500
 

by Tim Zurowski on Wed Sep 27, 2017 5:56 pm
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I just borrowed a 200-500 for the past few days and shot birds with it here at my setups. All I will say is that my 500 f4 VR is now up for sale and I plan to get the 200-500 ASAP. It was even very acceptable with the TC-14E III on it. AF is definitely slower (even more so with the TC), but I really did not miss any shots during my test period. Just don't let Nikon read these reviews on it or they a will raise the price.  :shock:
 

by owlseye on Fri Sep 29, 2017 8:34 am
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I will echo all that is said here. I have the 200-500VR, 200-400mm f/VR and 300mm f/4 PF. I shoot these with D500's, but have also used them all on my D810 and long gone D800E. The 200-500VR is equal to my other lenses for the details it captures when compared at f/6.3. It is slightly less contrasty than my 200-400mm f/4, but has the best VR of any of my lenses. Were it not for the slower AF and lack of true weather sealing, I would sell my 200-400VR (in fact, I sold my 200-400 shortly after buying the 200-500 only to buy a newer one because of the snowy and rainy conditions that I find myself in).

If you find a well calibrated 200-500, it can't be beat for its price and capacity to capture details.
bruce
 

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