Nikon 200-500 or Sony 200-600 for my needs?

[Amin Sabet]

Hi all,

I've been in a slump with my photography, Somehow just uninspired. But lately my 14 yo son has developed a love for fishing, and while I'm out hanging with him, I see lots of birds doing their thing out in the bay. For example, the day before yesterday I spotted these guys:







I didn't have my settings right or a long enough lens, but the opportunities were there, and I was only shooting for about 15-20 min.

So that has me thinking of picking up a long lens, and there are two potential candidates in my budget, the Nikon 200-500 to use on my D810 (I no longer have the D500) and the Sony 200-600 to use on my Sony A9.

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I know we have some here who shoot both Nikon and Sony here, so I thought it would be a good place to ask. The Sony hasn't been released yet, but I'm confident it will have comparable sharpness to the Nikon.

In terms of effective reach, I'm guessing they will be similar. The Sony is longer, but my Nikon camera has higher pixel density.

In terms of autofocus, both systems are superb, but my A9 seems to have more sophisticated AF plus a higher FPS than the Nikon.

For the times when I can fill the frame with my subject, the Nikon has a higher resolution sensor.

The intrinsic advantages of optical viewfinder (Nikon) are largely counterbalanced by the blackout-free nature of the Sony electronic viewfinder.

The Nikon lens costs far less than the Sony lens and offers 1/3 stop faster lens speed (f/5.6 vs f/6.3) throughout much of the zoom range. Lens weights are similar.

Seems both are great options. Any other factors I should consider?

 

[480sparky]

One thing to consider is it possible to mount the Sony onto the Nikon, or the Nikkor onto your Sony? And if so, would you be able to find an adapter capable of maintaining decent AF? If so, then you'd only need one lens, plus the cost of the adapter.

 

[tony-b]

Something to consider is the AF speed and FPS of each system. The D810 is definitely slower than the Sony. When shooting birds, that can make the difference. Do you have intentions of upgrading either camera in the future?

 

[Hylander]

That kind of photography is beyond my skill, and I have no recommendation to offer, but the photos of BIF with fish -- the osprey in particular -- are super!

 

[trenchmonkey]

The D810 is definitely slower than the Sony

If you're a well schooled BIF photographer, that won't matter.
I'll take my D810/200-500 or 60-600 any day of the week....
prefer the D500 for frame rate but no probs with the D810's AF.

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[Amin Sabet]

Something to consider is the AF speed and FPS of each system. The D810 is definitely slower than the Sony. When shooting birds, that can make the difference. Do you have intentions of upgrading either camera in the future?

I almost never have intentions of buying new cameras, but it seems to happen very often, anyway .

 

[Amin Sabet]

One other thing maybe worth considering is that I have a good 70-200 on the Sony already. If I buy the 200-500 for the Nikon and bring both cameras along, that may give me some extra opportunities without having to change lenses.

 

[nuclearjock]

I don't own any Sony gear Amin. I am very happy with my 200-500 on my D850 as well as my D500.

 

[Jonathan F/2]

I tried the 200-600 FE in Japan mounted on an A9. It's fast and locks on accurately on that body, while shooting in-store. If I was planning to get a telephoto zoom, I'd buy that lens.

Saying that if price is a consideration, you can't beat the prices of the 200-500mm VR. You could probably buy a minty one used on FM and sell it close to the same price once you get bored with it. Plus you have the option of using it on a DSLR or Z body for your mirrorless fix. You could purchase it on Paypal Credit and sell it before the 6 month interest kicks in!

 

[nuclearjock]

Saying that if price is a consideration, you can't beat the prices of the 200-500mm VR. You could probably buy a minty one used on FM and sell it close to the same price once you get bored with it. Plus you have the option of using it on a DSLR or Z body for your mirrorless fix. You could purchase it on Paypal Credit and sell it before the 6 month interest kicks in!

Wow. Complicated.

 

[Cslucas34]

Have you considered the 150-600 sigma for the Nikon? Similar price and comes with a 1.4 tele. Sharp lens and works well for me. Most of the time when a lens only has 1/3 stop difference for light I recommend the decision comes down to DOF (because most cameras now days can compensate 1/3 stop easily with ISO with little to no noise issue) which I think it’s a moot point for your subject intention here. So I’d focus on price and handling. Everything else can be mitigated in camera or post. Just my two cents.

 

[480sparky]

Although no one can predict the future, it's a fair bet the Nikkor will hold it's value more than the Sony or Siggy.

 

[Jonathan F/2]

Wow. Complicated.

Not too complicated. There are 5 active threads on FM with the 200-500mm VR on sale.

 

[nuclearjock]

Not too complicated. There are 5 active threads on FM with the 200-500mm VR on sale.

So?? People sell gear all the time. In this case, probably new 500PF owners.

 

[Jonathan F/2]

So?? People sell gear all the time. In this case, probably new 500PF owners.

I don't get what's so complicated with my previous suggestion? Most people buy and sell gear all the time to try new gear. Not sure what issue you might of had with my previous suggestion? Plus it was a reply for Amin whom I've had previous discussions about gear in the past.

 

[Amin Sabet]

I tried the 200-600 FE in Japan mounted on an A9. It's fast and locks on accurately on that body, while shooting in-store. If I was planning to get a telephoto zoom, I'd buy that lens.

Saying that if price is a consideration, you can't beat the prices of the 200-500mm VR. You could probably buy a minty one used on FM and sell it close to the same price once you get bored with it. Plus you have the option of using it on a DSLR or Z body for your mirrorless fix. You could purchase it on Paypal Credit and sell it before the 6 month interest kicks in!

I had a look at FM, and I think it's going to come down to price for me, for the reasons you mention. Thanks, Jonathan.

 

[acnomad]

@Amin Sabet if I were in your position, I'd be inclined to try the 200-600 over the 200-500.

Assuming the in-depth reviews are as good as the initial YouTubers have found it, the 200-600 looks to be a good bet. I think a Nikon 70-200 f/2.8 or f/4E on the 810 plus the 200-600 on the A9 would be a killer combo. I realize that would represent some churn (two purchases and one sale), but you probably wouldn't need to even think about buying a telephoto for a long time to come.

 

[andreasb]

Amin you are in Boston. F6.3 will be a hard pill to swallow in the winter.

 

[bsinc1962]

The Sony lens zooms internally which is nice when mounted on a tripod. The 200-500 Nikon gets pretty lengthy when fully extended.

I had the D810 and while it's possible to shoot BIF it's no D500.

 

[Jonathan F/2]

@Amin Sabet if I were in your position, I'd be inclined to try the 200-600 over the 200-500.

Assuming the in-depth reviews are as good as the initial YouTubers have found it, the 200-600 looks to be a good bet. I think a Nikon 70-200 f/2.8 or f/4E on the 810 plus the 200-600 on the A9 would be a killer combo. I realize that would represent some churn (two purchases and one sale), but you probably wouldn't need to even think about buying a telephoto for a long time to come.

Amin already has a 70-200mm 2.8 for Sony, plus Nikon 200-500mm VR lenses are cheaper. Though if I was buying a telephoto lens right now, the 200-600mm FE is the one I'd get. That non-extending barrel is nice and on an A9 probably makes for the best fast-action daytime telephoto setup. On the Nikon side, I'd prefer the 300mm/500mm PF lenses though for lighter weight and fixed aperture.

I played with the 200-600 FE in Japan. 20fps and fast C-AF on the A9. At 600mm, the combo had no problem locking onto subjects in-store. It's a nice lens, but Sony ergonomics are still terrible with no finger space between grip and lens mount and esthetically white lenses are so bleh!


2019 Summer Vacation Trip to Tokyo, Japan by Jonathan Friolo, on Flickr

Sony is really putting the heat on Nikon and Canon though. This might become the Sony'Cafe in the next few years!