GAS attack treated

[DrEntropy]

Went 'n done it. Hopped from one foot to the other over this for months, kept watching the E-bay ads. Finally, a used "E-bay Refurbished" 200~500mm ∱5.6 AF VR Nikkor from Roberts Camera came up at a semi-reasonable price, with a 1-year warranty... I've had dealings with them since "the film days" and never had a problem.

Should show up by next Monday.

 

[waltesefalcon]

I'm looking forward to seeing what you capture with it.

 

[Basil]

500mm 5.6 is going to be awesome. My 150-600 is only 5.6 up to 387mm. From 388 to 600 it's 6.3. You'll be able to get long shots in less than ideal light.

 

[DrEntropy]

If it's as advertised, it should be a good deal. That lens has had some good reviews. We'll see.

 

[DrEntropy]

First outing. Pulled detail with "curves" in GIMP and scaled it to post.


Just fledged! Full-frame, scaled. 1/2000 sec. ∱5.6 @ 500mm... ISO 4000(!):



Scaled, 1/1250 sec. ∱8 @ 500mm... ISO4000.

 

[DrEntropy]

So the brown pelican shot got run thru Darktable to sharpen, then GIMP for a run thru "curves" and size reduction. Good result, IMHO.

 

[DrEntropy]

The "downside" to the thing: It's BIG and it's HEAVY. I thought the 80~400 was a bit large. It's on the left. Then the 80~200mm ∱2.8. Those are both "yestertech" AF, relying on the motor in the camera to drive a shaft in the optic. The 200~500mm AF-S has the motor in the lens. Quick and quiet by comparison. Now I need to find a good storage/transport case for the 200~500.

 

[Basil]

That looks to be about the size of my Sigma 150-600 f6.3. That’s my main lens I’m using to shoot the eclipse.

 

[DrEntropy]

Your Sigma is tack-sharp! Should get great results!

 

[Basil]

Your Sigma is tack-sharp! Should get great results!

As long as I don't bump the focus ring (I'm planning to gaff tape the sucker!). Also, I'll be shooting at 500mm, not 600. That seems to be a sweet spot for sharpness.