Nikon 500MM AF-S F/4

[kipper]

How does one determine a:

500MM F/4D AF-S I
from an
500MM F/4D AF-S II
from an
500MM F/4 AF-I?

I assume the gold plate will tell me?
What else should I look out for, isn't there a difference between the AF-S I and II in the casing?

[NikonUser]

I can't say anything for the other lenses but my 500 f4 AFS-I has "AF-S" written on the plate. I'm assuming the newer one would say something like AF-S II ??

Also I have heard (but can't confirum) that the older one has a silver band on the end of the lens (true) wheras the newer version has a gold one (unconfirmed)

Hope that helps a little

Paul

[redline]

serial no.?

[kipper]

If you don't have it, and won't see it until you're in person how will you know?

Also is there a way you can look up serial numbers to find out straight away?

[Glen]

Paul, I think maybe your gold has tarnished a little, all Nikon lenses with the magic ED glass have gold bands It is probably just been polished too much by the previous owner as he admires his lens. PS Kipper, just read the nameplate, it is a bit like cars, they like us consumers to feel proud of paying $1,000 more for the MK11 version Don't think they could charge that much extra and not give you a flash nameplate to impress your mates with?

Why do you ask, is someone trying to sell you a MK1 as a MK11?

[birddog114]

It could be re-badged same as cars! removed the old badge is not hard.

[kipper]

Nope, just want to know what to look out for if I buy this lens in Sydney
Fozzie and I might take a look at it on Sunday/Monday. I've contacted the guy's mobile but he's not answering and have left a message.

[Paul]

It could be re-badged same as cars! removed the old badge is not hard.

Hope it's not a "cut & shut" affair

[alex2k]

hi

the weight between the I and II and the gold plate indicate the version !

[Glen]

It could be re-badged same as cars! removed the old badge is not hard.

Hope it's not a "cut & shut" affair

Kipper, alex2k has the right idea, bring the scales, being mindful that drug dealing is still illegal in NSW

[kipper]

Yep, II is made of magnesium and there for is lighter. Plus I think there is a difference in the black coating.

[kipper]

Ok update of the lens that is in Sydney
It's actually in Brisbane, the guy in the trading post listed it in Sydney as there wasn't much of a call for it up there and he'd have a better chance of moving it in Sydney.

He's had it for 12months, he traded it with another bloke for camera gear. The previous owner had it for 5 years from new and used to photograph Motorcycle Events I think he said. It's AF-S Series I, not the II. It comes with Hood and the CT-502 case. He said the barrel and the hood are showing signs of good use. Glass is in very good condition. He seemed to didn't think it worked on a D70 when he tried it some time ago, or on an S3Pro. Said it works on a D2H and D2X. I pointed out that I know a guy who has one and uses it with a D70. He also said something interesting that the guy who previously owned it, had the CT-502 covered in gaffer tape to hide what it was when he shipped it around. Not sure if he had it in flight like that, I'm guessing he did. He also asked me how much NikonUser payed for his, I told him $4200.

When he told me that it was in Brisbane I said that was a bit disappointing because I was going to be in Sydney for the weekend. He said he could get it down for the weekend to a mate for me to inspect and test with my D70.

[Glen]

Kipper, that is almost certainly Tim's I told you about a while ago. Gosford Formula 1 is much closer to Qld

[kipper]

Yes, it's Tim Watsons.
Do you know him?
Have you seen the glass?

Can't remember you mentioning him actually......


edit: oh that one.

I remember now. It was funny, he said he's had it for 12months. I asked if the previous guy used it professionally and he said yes. Then I asked him what he used it for....response...."a bit of everything".

[birddog114]

kipper,
He's a trader as we known him very well, he registered as member here last year never seen him after few threads he tried to disguise him as a non trader and came back as a trader, it's funny and an odd story from him about the lens.
Actually, the 500/ AF-I or AF-S I/ II is working with the D70 as far as I have known, I don't know much about his story but it' kinda funs on that.

I think you may do more research on it, cos, with that lens if with that price someone might get off from him long ago. btw, staying at Formule 1, Gosford is more priviledges and fun to be out of Sydney for a weekend, you won't regret!

[Glen]

Kipper, cant beleive that you didn't remember, we exchanged 6 PM's only a week ago on this! Maybe send less PM and just read the ones you have? You can see the signs of use on this one, it has a bolt missing near the hood and replaced with a hardware bolt near the hood. From memory I think the motor has been replaced. Price is right.

[birddog114]

Price is right.

I'm wondering why it sits in his store too long if the price is right

[Glen]

Looks a little rough Birddy, but no problem for outdoors guy like Kipper. Just put camo paint over any scratches

[birddog114]

Looks a little rough Birddy, but no problem for outdoors guy like Kipper. Just put camo paint over any scratches

He better find a generous fiancee to fund him a good unit other than this.

[Glen]

Good plan Birddy

[kipper]

Glen, don't worry after I spoke to the bloke and he mentioned A) shipping from events in CT-502 B) pro motorbike shooter (what sort is what I smsed him today with - motorcross = dusty). So my limit of $5k has now dropped to about $4k

There was a girl from NSN selling a 500MM AFS-I in the states, she only used it as a serious amateur afaik shooting birds. She sold it for $3800AU (I was next in the line ), so if it was shipped over here it would of been about $4300AU. I saw the photos of it, and it was in very good condition.

[birddog114]

Kipper,
AU$4300.00 with GST + shipping?
Now you're looking for the replacement lens foot + Wimberley gimbal or sidekick or Black Widow Gimbal head.
Good venture you're!!!!!!!

[Glen]

Kipper that would have been a bargain. Yes, motocross sounds dusty

[kipper]

Bird, only the replacement foot. Most of the work will be handheld or with a monopod. Unless you're taking paning shots or want to quickly readjust your view through the lens, then a wimberley is the way to go. If you're doing shots where you have the time to set the lens position then what I have is fine.

There are plenty of people out there that use the 500MM with teleconvertor handheld.

Out of interest, what is the difference in weight between the AFS-I and AFS-II?

[kipper]

It was $3800AU ex gst, ex shipping. So you could probably get away with it being $4300-4400 inc gst + shipping if lucky.

Btw, I'd love to buy a brand new AFS-II but at $9000 inc gst, it's a bit too much On top of that I'd want to get a teleconvertor 1.4x so there goes $450, plus possibly the 2.0x at some stage so that IF I wanted to I could stack them. I'd also want to replace the body that I have with either a D2X or a D200 or whatever in a year or so. So that'd mean I'd really be strapped for cash for that. So I think the lens would be best if they were second hand.

[birddog114]

[quote="kipper"]Most of the work will be handheld or with a monopod.

There are plenty of people out there that use the 500MM with teleconvertor handheld.

[quote]

I wish you all luck on handholding this lens, pls. note the 500 AF-I or S is more bigger and heavier than my 200-400VR, I can only handholding my 200-400Vr in few minutes and that's!
Have you physically touch or handholding the 500 AF-I/ I/II?

[kipper]

Well about 99% of the people on NSN use the Canon 500MM F/4 with teleconvertor handheld. Some of them like to be real smartasses and do it standing from boats (not big boats either, ones that are subject to movement).

If you're telling me that you can't handhold Nikon 500MM F/4 lenses with teleconvertors, yet you can with Canon. Perhaps then Nikon isn't all that it's cracked up to be.

[birddog114]

Well about 99% of the people on NSN use the Canon 500MM F/4 with teleconvertor handheld. Some of them like to be real smartasses and do it standing from boats (not big boats either, ones that are subject to movement).

I don't know other but I invite you to try the 200-400Vr while you're in Sydney with your handholding techniques, even with TCs or without, I have 3 TCs (1.4/1.7/2.0) available, to see how long can you play handholding with it. If you can handle the 200-400VR then you may be can handholding the 500, but not real. IMHO.

[Glen]

Maybe the ten minute test Birddy, hold the 200-400 for ten minutes focussed on a subject, and only after passing that test the young grasshopper is ready to play with 500mm

[birddog114]

kipper,

If you're telling me that you can't handhold Nikon 500MM F/4 lenses with teleconvertors, yet you can with Canon. Perhaps then Nikon isn't all that it's cracked up to be.

I can't handholding the 500 AF-S II as I tried and sometime with panning too, it's quite big and heavy that what I'm telling you with my experiences, perhaps you can do it better cos your hand is solid and you have better skills in handholding.
I can shoot with my 200-400Vr handholding one shot or two shots but still prefer the tripod or monopod, monopod could not panning well, the only option is the tripod with the gimbal head or Sidekick.

[NikonUser]

kipper....

I'm not a big guy by any means but my arm literally starts to shake after about 1 minute of holding up the 500 f4.

On a side note....

Why are people talking about replacing the tripod foot? What's wrong with the one that's on there?

Paul

[birddog114]

Maybe the ten minute test Birddy, hold the 200-400 for ten minutes focussed on a subject, and only after passing that test the young grasshopper is ready to play with 500mm

Glen,
Exactly! I tried that way and failed! I need some pills

[Glen]

Paul, replacing the foot with an RRS one which is arca swiss compatable rather than screwing an arca swiss plate on.

Paul, you are right they are both heavy lenses, 3.275kg for the 200-400,
3.430kg for the 500

[birddog114]

kipper....

I'm not a big guy by any means but my arm literally starts to shake after about 1 minute of holding up the 500 f4.

On a side note....

Why are people talking about replacing the tripod foot? What's wrong with the one that's on there?

Paul

Paul,
The replacement foot is use with the ballhead which comes with Arca Swiss type and most of the good quality ballhead as RRS/ Kirk/ Markins with QRP comes with that, so just slide the foot into the QRP and lock.

[NikonUser]

[quote="Birddog114]
Paul,
The replacement foot is use with the ballhead which comes with Arca Swiss type and most of the good quality ballhead as RRS/ Kirk/ Markins with QRP comes with that, so just slide the foot into the QRP and lock.[/quote]

I see. Thanks

[kipper]

You won't necessarily be holding it to your face all the time anyway. Which is what tests your muscle strength.

[birddog114]

You won't necessarily be holding it to your face all the time anyway. Which is what tests your muscle strength.

Well at least you have to hold it for aiming the subject with in focus before you press the shutter release, don't you? how long will it take?

[kipper]

Oh, one of the NSN girls actually took the 600MM F4 out one day and lugged that around an island and got some impressive handhelds

Anyway, 1-2 minute is plenty of time for bird photography. Seeing as a bird usually sits and perches for less than 10sec.

[birddog114]

Oh, one of the NSN girls actually took the 600MM F4 out one day and lugged that around an island and got some impressive handhelds

Anyway, 1-2 minute is plenty of time for bird photography. Seeing as a bird usually sits and perches for less than 10sec.

That girl has lot energies and she won't suit me btw! perhaps young fellow like you.
Try out on the 200-400VR and you will see how handholding abilities you are!

[kipper]

Probably about 1minute Birddog and by then you might be able to rest for about 15minutes as they fly 10km down the road to hunt down there. Then they come back again. So you have a bit of resting time during the day

[kipper]

Birddog, hey don't get me wrong. I wouldn't be able to handhold it all day to my face. But you could do it in bursts.

[birddog114]

Probably about 1minute Birddog and by then you might be able to rest for about 15minutes as they fly 10km down the road to hunt down there. Then they come back again. So you have a bit of resting time during the day

1 minutes is long enough for hand shaking kipper!
On VR maybe I can cope with but not that beast 500/ or the girl's 600.
You're dreaming! hehehehehe

[kipper]

Birddog, hey don't get me wrong. I wouldn't be able to handhold it all day to my face. But you could do it in bursts.

Btw, just for your information I lugged the D70, 70-200VR, SB800, portable drive, bottle of water, jacket, book, food etc over the Brisbane Ranges for 4hours for a distance of 10km. Plus in my job I have to carry drums of cable around up stairs, so 3.5kg doesn't really seem like that much to me.

[kipper]

Maybe Birddog, however tripods aren't always pratical to lug around.

[Glen]

Birddy, maybe a competition for the AA? See who can hold the 200-400 up the longest and on focus. Easy maybe for young fit outdoorsman like Kipper, but interesting for us old guys too. I doubt, except maybe Kipper, anyone will get over 3 minutes.

[birddog114]

Btw, just for your information I lugged the D70, 70-200VR, SB800, portable drive, bottle of water, jacket, book, food etc over the Brisbane Ranges for 4hours for a distance of 10km. Plus in my job I have to carry drums of cable around up stairs, so 3.5kg doesn't really seem like that much to me.

That's difference and my backpack is 18kgs full load with few lenses, 2 bodies, 1 D2x on my neck and I can survive all day trekking.
The weight to put on the lens and camera is difference with what you're talking.

[birddog114]

Kipper,
Try it out first as my advise, see Nikonuser and ask him let you holding that beast for a while then come back to tell members overhere your feeling.

[Glen]

Last I checked you don't need to hold the backpack perfectly still. It is not the same thing, especially with leverage working against you.

[birddog114]

Birddy, maybe a competition for the AA? See who can hold the 200-400 up the longest and on focus. Easy maybe for young fit outdoorsman like Kipper, but interesting for us old guys too. I doubt, except maybe Kipper, anyone will get over 3 minutes.

Can we have another extra session on Saturday afternoon? I'm in for that.
But I won't win, I'm sure cos I'm old and no more energies to tag along that girl with 600/F4

[Glen]

That girl must be 100kg and go to the gym every day