I've checked past posts and haven't seen this comparison. I've seen photos from posters on both lenses and all the photos are simply outstanding. My current long lens is the 80-400 VR, which is attached to my D2X probably 90% of the time. In addition to it's reach (400mm) I use it for close-up(7.5 foot distance) shots also.
Wish I could buy both lenses, then I wouldn't have this dilema. Weight difference is negligible, 200-400 7.2 lbs., 500 7.6 lbs. The 200-400 has VR the 500 doesn't. Minimum focusing distance, now here's a biggie...200-400 6.5 feet, 500 16 feet. Even bigger is the cost difference 200-400 $5K, 500 $7K. Has anyone ever purchased a used 500 f4. AF-S II?
The 200-400 would still allow me to do close-ups of flowers, etc. and still get excellent bird photos. JFenton's photos of birds with the 500 are simply breathtaking, however, that's all I'd be able to use the lens for, I think.
How easy or hard are each of these lenses to handhold? I've heard the 200-400 is front heavy, don't know about the 500. Just think, in HSC mode the 500 f4.0 becomes a 1000 f4.0, the 200-400 becomes an 800 f4.0.
I don't know which to purchase, which is still a few months off. I think I need to hit the lottery, big time. I've got some realllyyy bad lens lust going on here
Wish I could buy both lenses, then I wouldn't have this dilema. Weight difference is negligible, 200-400 7.2 lbs., 500 7.6 lbs. The 200-400 has VR the 500 doesn't. Minimum focusing distance, now here's a biggie...200-400 6.5 feet, 500 16 feet. Even bigger is the cost difference 200-400 $5K, 500 $7K. Has anyone ever purchased a used 500 f4. AF-S II?
The 200-400 would still allow me to do close-ups of flowers, etc. and still get excellent bird photos. JFenton's photos of birds with the 500 are simply breathtaking, however, that's all I'd be able to use the lens for, I think.
How easy or hard are each of these lenses to handhold? I've heard the 200-400 is front heavy, don't know about the 500. Just think, in HSC mode the 500 f4.0 becomes a 1000 f4.0, the 200-400 becomes an 800 f4.0.
I don't know which to purchase, which is still a few months off. I think I need to hit the lottery, big time. I've got some realllyyy bad lens lust going on here