Hello Roy,
> You wrote: I'm about to make a once in a lifetime purchase of a long Nikkor
> telephoto. Before making the wrong choice I would like some
> opinions from experienced members of this group.
>
> I have narrowed my choices down to the 400 f2.8 AF-S and 500 f4
> AF-S. The primary use will be for wildlife, from birds up to
> large mammals.
I wrestled with this decision as well, and finally ended up with the 500 f/4
AF-S. The weight was a consideration (it's difficult enough hauling around the
500 along with other gear!) as was the focal length. I asked for input from the
readers of photo.net's nature forum, and the general consensus was to go with
the longest lens I could afford for wildlife. Most, including Bob Atkins and
Don Baccus who really know their stuff, recommended the 500 as the *shortest*
lens to use for wildlife! Another consideration was that I already had the 300
f/4 and TC 14-B, so I had the capability of going to 400mm, albeit at a slower
speed. I haven't tried the lens with the TC 14-E, but with the TC 14-B the
results are pretty good. Alone, without the TC, the lens is outstanding. The
main problem with long lonses is vibration and "heat waves" that can often
degrade image quality. Be sure your tripod and ball head can support the weight!
Good luck in your decision,
Sandy
