Testing Nikon 500 PF Lens On Barn Owls (Detailed Review)

2022 ж. 10 Ақп.
24 751 Рет қаралды

Well after a short hiatus I'm back with a new piece of glass!! Due to issues with my older prime lenses and the new Z6ii, i decided to sell them and buy the much coveted Nikon 500mm PF prime lens. I'll be honest over the last few weeks I haven't had much luck with it but thats no fault of the lens, just the fella behind it !! I decided to take it down to one of my regular shoots to see if we could capture any images of one of my favourite species, the beautiful Barn Owl. Join me to see if we could break the hoodoo of the the new lens. Its good to be back.....
Tragopan 5% discount code: TragoSimon5
ETSY SHOP-
www.etsy.com/uk/shop/EardleyC...
CAMERA GEAR
Nikon Z6ii Mirrorless camera amzn.to/3HMKa5I
Nikon 500pf Prime lens amzn.to/3BdNIeA
Canon M50 vlogging kit amzn.to/3qR3lSU​
Sigma 16mm F1.4 Lens for Canon M50 amzn.to/3dOodGO
D500 DSLR amzn.to/2ZFLGTp​
Sigma 150-600mm for Nikon amzn.to/39gw5Nq​
Tokina 100mm f2.8 Macro amzn.to/3pp0YpW​
Tamron 70-200mm f2.8 Nikon amzn.to/3ot0DBD​
Novo Explorer T10 tripod amzn.to/2ZEssxl​
Mindshift Backlight 36L Camera Backpack amzn.to/32vR6C9​
Hahnel Modus 600 RT amzn.to/32u2kqY​
Hahnel Captur Remote Trigger amzn.to/2DXprQz​
Sandisk 64gb Micro SD card amzn.to/3rcQqM0​
VLOGGING SETUP
Canon M50 vlogging kit amzn.to/3qR3lSU​
DJI Osmo Action amzn.to/2U2uN1y​
Smatree Selfie Stick Tripod amzn.to/356yB8c​
PGY Tech Osmo Action Case amzn.to/355ddQT​
RODE WIRELESS GO amzn.to/2CqwSz5​
Joby Gorillapod amzn.to/3cldpPQ​
Neewer LED lights amzn.to/3tUV6ah
Ulanzi 6W LED light amzn.to/3dPpWLS
Imuto Powerbank amzn.to/3dRODr2
CLOTHING AND ACCESSORIES
Skeetex Field Boot amzn.to/3slWwwf
Prologic Thermal Suit (Large) amzn.to/3snUbkh
Sealskinz Waterproof Socks. amzn.to/38FGYdj​
Stanley Fatmax amzn.to/2WxzX7g​
Solognac Pouches www.solognac.co.uk/x-access-i​...
Deerhunter Sneaky 3D Suit amzn.to/2Wz4MbV​
Deerhunter gloves amzn.to/2WxdPtX​
Deerhunter gloves amzn.to/2WzTOCX​
Camo Scrim Scarf amzn.to/32wv2aP​
Ravpower Solar Charger amzn.to/2ZDtVEd​
Fjallraven Seat Pad amzn.to/30jU5Lo​
Stanley Flask 1.0 L amzn.to/38i9XSM​
Stanley Flask 1.9L amzn.to/3aui94L​
Swiss Army Knife amzn.to/39aMDq8​
Thermarest Prolite (Regular)amzn.to/3aqxfZ5​
Linpix Photography Mat www.speedgraphic.co.uk/trolle​..
Vallerrett Photography gloves. Skadi Zipper Mitt PSP

Пікірлер
  • Beautiful captures of the Barn owl. Thanks for sharing your adventures, and challenges of wildlife photography. Great work :)

    @WildWoodlandsSW@WildWoodlandsSW2 жыл бұрын
  • Awesome stuff look forward to the rest of your vlogs

    @deanseldon5640@deanseldon56402 жыл бұрын
    • Thanks Dean 👍

      @simoneardley@simoneardley2 жыл бұрын
  • Great content as usual Simon and I was glad to see the figgy rolls were back😄 great captures of the barnie with the new gear as well 👍

    @nigelmartin4510@nigelmartin45102 жыл бұрын
    • Cheers Nigel👍🏼

      @simoneardley@simoneardley2 жыл бұрын
  • Have shot the 500 PF since release, mostly with the D850 and now with the Z8. My all time favorite lens! Enjoy your for many years to come.

    @garydumas3148@garydumas31486 күн бұрын
  • Nice vlog Simon. Good to see you back out shooting. Stunning video and images 👌

    @aquaticcolledgefishing@aquaticcolledgefishing2 жыл бұрын
    • Thanks for watching 👍🏼👀

      @simoneardley@simoneardley2 жыл бұрын
  • thanks for making/sharing this video. Well done! Quite enjoyable! 💥

    @boblyons1785@boblyons17855 ай бұрын
    • Cheers Bob 👍🏼

      @simoneardley@simoneardley5 ай бұрын
  • Another great vlog Simon and pleased to see you've solved your equipment issues with the new glass. Good luck in the coming weeks with the photography.

    @leemanton3169@leemanton31692 жыл бұрын
    • Thanks Lee, great getting a new lens isn't it 👍🏼

      @simoneardley@simoneardley2 жыл бұрын
    • @@simoneardley most definitely 😁

      @leemanton3169@leemanton31692 жыл бұрын
  • Outstanding! Glad your new lens is a thrill and has already delivered great images.

    @kevins8575@kevins85752 жыл бұрын
    • Cheers Kevin 📷👍🏼

      @simoneardley@simoneardley2 жыл бұрын
  • Thank you so much for showing us this. My wife and I really enjoyed watching. Great vid. Wonderful pictures of the Barn Owl. Thank you.

    @andrewgilbertson5356@andrewgilbertson53562 жыл бұрын
    • Thanks Andrew, glad you and the missus are enjoying the channel. ATB, Si👍🏼

      @simoneardley@simoneardley2 жыл бұрын
  • Looks a nice lens !! Congrats

    @withvinayak@withvinayak2 жыл бұрын
  • Simon yet again another great video. Keep up the great work. One of my favourite channels. Your just a normal guy chasing the passion for wildlife photography. Upgrading to a d850 and the the 500pf is on the cards also. Keep the videos coming 👍 all the way from Sunday co,Galway ireland 🇮🇪

    @phynes6@phynes62 жыл бұрын
    • Cheers Peter, yep your right mate. Just doing what I love!! You'll love the 500 pf when you get it👍🏼📷

      @simoneardley@simoneardley2 жыл бұрын
  • Enjoyed your video! You got some pretty amazing shots of the Barn Owl.

    @junebug1553@junebug15532 ай бұрын
    • Thank you very much June. Glad you enjoyed it 👍🏼

      @simoneardley@simoneardley2 ай бұрын
  • Figgin brill video as always Simon, that 500 looks amazing.

    @marellacoyle6999@marellacoyle69992 жыл бұрын
    • Thanks Marella, glad you enjoyed it and yes its a lovely piece of glass.

      @simoneardley@simoneardley2 жыл бұрын
  • Hey Simon, love to see your videos and always appreciate your honest words, about equipment and wildlife photography. Even if I'm not a Nikon guy, we all sometimes struggle with our lenses independently of the brand ;-). Seems to be you have found your lens for this year and I stay tuned awaiting more videos to come. Cheers from Germany

    @picturafix@picturafix2 жыл бұрын
    • Thanks Picturafix, hopefully gonna get some great pics with this lens this year 👍 Thanks for watching 👀👊🏼

      @simoneardley@simoneardley2 жыл бұрын
  • First time watching your channel Simon. I really enjoyed that. I love photographing Barn owls, but am relatively new to it. It's interesting to note the effort you go to in order to get great shots. I learnt a lot from your video. I've been thinking of getting the 500pf for a while, I think you've just convinced me to go for it! 🙂

    @mikehobbs624@mikehobbs6242 жыл бұрын
    • Glad you enjoyed it Mike, you wont go far wrong with the 500pf👍🏼📷

      @simoneardley@simoneardley2 жыл бұрын
  • Really enjoyed your video and your sense of endeavour. I just got a Z9 and am in the market for a telephoto lens. Very tempted by the 500mm PF after watching this. Keen to see your fuller review!

    @indrajitadvani3742@indrajitadvani37422 жыл бұрын
    • Lucky man getting the Z9, i believe its superb with the 500pf. Thanks for watching👍🏼

      @simoneardley@simoneardley2 жыл бұрын
  • Made the same move, haven't looked back but certainly looking forward to the 400 2.8. Great location and beautiful images.

    @BayouJosh@BayouJosh2 жыл бұрын
  • HI Simon . really good to see you back with a new video glad you like the new lens I have the 400 2.8 too heavy for me now [ 74 ] just about lug it down the garden , I would love to buy that lens .keep up the great work. thanks.😀

    @jspbjmflyn1921@jspbjmflyn19212 жыл бұрын
    • Cheers Bryan, the 500 is a belter though I've seen the new 400 2.8 Z series lens. Its a beauty but eye wateringly expensive!!👀😆

      @simoneardley@simoneardley2 жыл бұрын
  • Class Simon, loved the footage on the post with the wind ruffling the feathers on the Barnies neck 👍 Atb Rick

    @RickTOutdoorAdventure1969@RickTOutdoorAdventure19692 жыл бұрын
    • Cheers Rick, never get tired of photographing Barn Owls!!👍🏼😀

      @simoneardley@simoneardley2 жыл бұрын
  • Really enjoyed this video Simon, I'm certain you are going to get loads of "Keepers" with your 500 pf, I look forward to seeing them, cheers.

    @Johnmell100@Johnmell1002 жыл бұрын
    • Hopefully John, thanks for watching 👊🏼

      @simoneardley@simoneardley2 жыл бұрын
  • great video and nice shots

    @adrianmoore4690@adrianmoore46902 жыл бұрын
    • Thanks a lot Adrian 👍🏼

      @simoneardley@simoneardley2 жыл бұрын
  • Great to see you back Simon... I recieved one of your bean bags for Xmas and I'm impressed, great build quality... Filled with rice it's very stable... 👍🇬🇧

    @smiffy5467@smiffy54672 жыл бұрын
    • Nice one Smiffy, glad youre putting the beanbag to good use and thanks for supporting the shop👍🏼👊🏼

      @simoneardley@simoneardley2 жыл бұрын
  • Nice to see you back Simon good luck with the new kit

    @andywhiteside16@andywhiteside162 жыл бұрын
    • Cheers Andy, fingers crossed eh👍🏼🤞🏼

      @simoneardley@simoneardley2 жыл бұрын
  • Very much enjoyed your post. I am stuck at home after surgery. I too own the 500PF. A super carry. I subscribed to your site. I'm primary a bird photographer in northern Virginia, looking forward to expanding my range, recent retired. You sure enough carry a large kit! Thanks for posting.

    @art435@art4358 ай бұрын
    • Haha, tell me about it💪🏽. Hope youre on the mend, I dont have it any more and I do miss the 500PF. Great lens 👍🏼

      @simoneardley@simoneardley8 ай бұрын
  • Congratulations 🎊 on your new Lens and will get more exciting photos 📸

    @NikCan66@NikCan662 жыл бұрын
    • Thanks NikCan 👊🏼📷

      @simoneardley@simoneardley2 жыл бұрын
    • @@simoneardley your welcome

      @NikCan66@NikCan662 жыл бұрын
  • Congrats on the lens Simon! And I've enjoyed watching the video as always. Looking forward to see more videos with the lens. I'd wish Canon had one of these ;-)!

    @gladysklip6984@gladysklip69842 жыл бұрын
    • Thanks Gladys 👍🏼📷 They'll probably have something in the pipeline but its a real winner for Nikon

      @simoneardley@simoneardley2 жыл бұрын
  • That's great news, super happy that you have found a system that's started working for you. The z6ii is such an underrated camera. I nicked the missus's and used it in Norway for the white-tailed eagles. Super happy with the results and it handles low light situations better than the Z9. Looking forward to seeing your latest material. Keep up the great work fella.

    @amnaturephotography@amnaturephotography2 жыл бұрын
    • Cheers Adam, still not 100% with the AF. BIF is where I'm not impressed really. Hopefully a firmware update could help🤞🏼 Bet you had a blast in Norway, amazing country👌🏼

      @simoneardley@simoneardley2 жыл бұрын
  • Great video mate good to see you back, happens to us all at some point new lens looks like it will hit the spot

    @chriswynne505@chriswynne5052 жыл бұрын
    • Hopefully Chris, good to be back 👍🏼📷

      @simoneardley@simoneardley2 жыл бұрын
  • great work Simon the new glass is impressive for its size !

    @pathogan4854@pathogan48542 жыл бұрын
    • Yeh, youre dead right there Pat. Seriously impressed that they can make a 500mm prime this small!!

      @simoneardley@simoneardley2 жыл бұрын
  • Cracking video. Very watchable. A great TV experience.

    @runtothehills04@runtothehills04 Жыл бұрын
    • Glad you enjoyed it

      @simoneardley@simoneardley Жыл бұрын
  • I really enjoy your honesty Simon and I’m also going through a bit of a famine. Not one decent shot since the rut last year 😩 but never regret trying. Next time out may just be the best ever 🤞🏻Keep up the good work fella.

    @manxjohn73@manxjohn732 жыл бұрын
    • Very true, you never know whats round the corner do you!!

      @simoneardley@simoneardley2 жыл бұрын
  • Nice hat. The video was absolutely magnificent. As always, Simon, I love it.

    @richardhutchings921@richardhutchings9212 жыл бұрын
    • Glad you enjoyed it Richard, the hat is a Buffy hat available from Ben Orford Knives. Theyre all unique.

      @simoneardley@simoneardley2 жыл бұрын
  • I've seen the animal portraiture paintings you do. Wow! They are stunning. 👍

    @Stalker-nv7gi@Stalker-nv7gi2 жыл бұрын
    • Thank you so much 😀

      @simoneardley@simoneardley2 жыл бұрын
  • Great Video, Beautiful Photos Of Barn Owl. Many thanks for sharing. 🐾

    @touchedbynature5445@touchedbynature54452 жыл бұрын
    • Glad you enjoyed it 👀👍🏼

      @simoneardley@simoneardley2 жыл бұрын
  • Great video! If someone's interested in finding a post looking along the lake shore is a good place to find driftwood posts when the water is down. I took one home and drilled 3/4 inch holes into it at angles that we put bird seed and suet into for a nice photography and feeding post. Best of luck to you and happy shooting!

    @ForrestWest@ForrestWest2 жыл бұрын
    • Cheers Forrest, yeh the shorelines can be a great place for foraging wooden props👍🏼👀 Thanks for watching

      @simoneardley@simoneardley2 жыл бұрын
  • Enjoyed your video, Simon, and your comments. Not only about the camera and lens but also about the birds, weather and what you experienced. Nice pair of warm boots. Hope they serve you well when the weather gets really cold. :)

    @cliftonwhittaker260@cliftonwhittaker2602 жыл бұрын
    • Thanks Clifton, they seem to be doing the job upto now though it would be nice to test them up in the Scottish snow!!👌🏼 Thanks for watching👀

      @simoneardley@simoneardley2 жыл бұрын
  • Wonderful Owl images and footage ,so tempted to get the PF ? Been using a 200-500 for a few years so not fazed by F5.6

    @richardmoult9781@richardmoult97812 жыл бұрын
    • Thanks Richard, you wont be disappointed if you go for the 500👍🏼

      @simoneardley@simoneardley2 жыл бұрын
  • Glad you're excited about the new lens. Looking forward to seeing some great photos from it. What you're describing was the reason I replaced my Canon gear with a micro 4/3 system (G9). I can carry my 400mm (800mm with the crop sensor) even if I'm out for a casual walk. Got some of my best shots that way. All the best.

    @cyclistham@cyclistham2 жыл бұрын
    • Thanks Paul, light gear is a godsend isn't it !!👍🏼📷

      @simoneardley@simoneardley2 жыл бұрын
  • Great shots n video ..👍👍

    @craigpalmer347@craigpalmer3472 жыл бұрын
    • Thanks Craig👍🏼

      @simoneardley@simoneardley2 жыл бұрын
  • Know the feeling of "will I ever take a decent shot again" Simon, since the autumn have managed to capture just a small handful of images I'm pleased with but when a successful trip comes off it just makes it all the more memorable. May have not been the right perch but lovely footage of the Barn Owl - success !

    @glennhunt2375@glennhunt23752 жыл бұрын
    • Cheers Glenn, it'll land on it eventually!!😆🤞🏼

      @simoneardley@simoneardley2 жыл бұрын
  • Nice one Simon, I’m glad I went with the 500 pf over a 500 f4 . I to have been going through a dour patch with Buzzards and Hares but always capture other subjects while waiting. Cracking Barn Owl shots and video. 👍

    @laurencearnold5822@laurencearnold58222 жыл бұрын
    • Thanks Laurence, I think we all go through lean spells dont we. Nature of the game eh!!

      @simoneardley@simoneardley2 жыл бұрын
  • Enjoying ya videos simon.keep em comin thanks.

    @scottlawrancephotography5938@scottlawrancephotography59382 жыл бұрын
    • Glad you like them!!Cheers 👍🏼

      @simoneardley@simoneardley2 жыл бұрын
  • Great vlog Simon and some cracking images, the new lens looks like a kids toy but obviously works a charm 👍👍

    @findus605@findus6052 жыл бұрын
    • Looks can be deceiving!! Just weighing up whether to get the 300mm PF to go with it🤔

      @simoneardley@simoneardley2 жыл бұрын
  • Well done on purchasing the new lens looks a great bit of kit,let us know how it performs over the course of the year great stuff😉😊

    @aneurinlloyd1964@aneurinlloyd19642 жыл бұрын
    • Will do Anuerin📷👊🏼

      @simoneardley@simoneardley2 жыл бұрын
  • Nice to have the modern Nikon gear now, in (older) Canon world we must just manage - welcome back!

    @aynsleycooper365@aynsleycooper3652 жыл бұрын
    • Cheers Aynsley, thanks for watching 👍🏼👀

      @simoneardley@simoneardley2 жыл бұрын
  • Well done Simon with 500pf. I've had one for nearly a year and paired up with the 1.4 teleconverter it works well. Rodders 👍

    @rodredhead2405@rodredhead24052 жыл бұрын
    • Nice one Rodders, well impressed with it so far👌🏼👀📷

      @simoneardley@simoneardley2 жыл бұрын
  • Well done Simon, I bought my 500mm pf a few years. I also bought the 300mm pf. I have the D850 and the combination is absolutely great. Like I said well done. I was out today and caught my first ever Siskin. What a blessing. All the best. Jason.

    @jasonlaughton7@jasonlaughton72 жыл бұрын
    • Nice one Jason, great when you capture a species that youve not had before 👌🏼👀📷

      @simoneardley@simoneardley2 жыл бұрын
  • Another great video!!! Whats your Hide like???

    @basha3738@basha37382 жыл бұрын
    • Cheers Dave, love the V6. Gonna do a full review soon.

      @simoneardley@simoneardley2 жыл бұрын
  • Great job. Great location for the owl. Wow. Footage was great and liked the piano. The 500pf is great. Love mine. It's great on the Z9, but I still use the lighter setup with the Z7II and the 500mm pf (depending on what I'm shooting...) .

    @TonyJohnsonPhotos@TonyJohnsonPhotos2 жыл бұрын
    • Cheers Tony, the Z9 is on my hit list. Struggling with the AF on the Z6ii, too many shots missed I'm afraid.

      @simoneardley@simoneardley2 жыл бұрын
    • @@simoneardley I have decent luck luck with the wide area large with eye detect for BIF on the Z7II. Of course I'm not using it for that much anymore since getting the Z9.

      @TonyJohnsonPhotos@TonyJohnsonPhotos2 жыл бұрын
  • Great video and shots. Just bought the 500pf and it’s shockingly light compared to the 200-500, as well as being faster focusing and sharper. Only thing I miss on my D500 is the 3 D tracking. Love everything else about the Z6ii and hardly use my D500. Hopefully they update the firmware with focus improvements soon. Managed to get the PF brand new for £2519 as well which is a bargain.

    @paulkirk5760@paulkirk57602 жыл бұрын
  • I’ve shared this with my brother-in-law who is a birder and amateur photographer. Thanks for posting your passion on the KZhead

    @DanielinLaTuna@DanielinLaTuna Жыл бұрын
    • Awesome, thank you!

      @simoneardley@simoneardley Жыл бұрын
  • Congrats on the new glass - the big primes are gorgeous of course, but the versatility of the 500mm PF is really hard to beat - it's easily my favourite lens for wildlife and I have a feeling it's going to be with me long after I've got rid of the rest of my f-mount stuff!

    @GeoffCooper@GeoffCooper2 жыл бұрын
    • Wish canon would bring a 500 5.6 lol

      @KevinNordstrom@KevinNordstrom2 жыл бұрын
    • Yeh, couldn't agree more Geoff. Ive started to get some really good results with the PF, love it!! Just need the Z9 now😆🤞🏼📷

      @simoneardley@simoneardley2 жыл бұрын
    • @@simoneardley well, if you're going that route I can confirm the Z9 with the 500PF together is nothing short of incredible 😉

      @GeoffCooper@GeoffCooper2 жыл бұрын
  • Hey Simon, Great to see you out again. I totally get skunked alot too lol. Normally the ducks just laugh at me and waddle away. Cheers mate.

    @KevinNordstrom@KevinNordstrom2 жыл бұрын
    • Haha, yeh great to be out again👊🏼 Everythings been having a laugh at me lately!!😆😆👀

      @simoneardley@simoneardley2 жыл бұрын
  • Love the videos. Have you do a review on this hide ??

    @shropshirewildlifehunter1882@shropshirewildlifehunter18822 жыл бұрын
    • Thanks, it's the one hide I haven't reviewed yet. Coming soon !!👍

      @simoneardley@simoneardley2 жыл бұрын
  • New sub - really helpful and entertaining video, thanks. Beautiful shots too!

    @benwilde4337@benwilde43372 жыл бұрын
    • Thanks for the sub Ben, welcome to the channel 👊🏼

      @simoneardley@simoneardley2 жыл бұрын
  • Nice review, I am in a similar boat with just selling my D5, but keeping the D6 to go with my Christmas present to myself the Z9, looking to get the 500 pf, thanks.

    @Johnd3s@Johnd3s2 жыл бұрын
    • Lucky man getting the Z9, looks a massive improvement on the earlier z series. Hopefully some firmware upgrades will trickle down to the Z6ii 🤞🏼 The 500 pf is well worth it 👌🏼

      @simoneardley@simoneardley2 жыл бұрын
  • Awesome footage. Looking forward to the next one. Just for interest sake, ever think about doing DSLR/mirrorless camera trapping? (foxes, badgers and so on)

    @scorpionsteve@scorpionsteve2 жыл бұрын
    • Cheers Stephen, ive thought about it for sure but just a bit nervous about leaving an expensive camera out in the woods. It would have to be a really private site!!📷👀

      @simoneardley@simoneardley2 жыл бұрын
  • Canon shooter here... I wish we had something like this 500 pf, too! Congrats on the new lens, what a cool little thing! Things have been very slow for me the last couple of weeks, too. No worries about not getting out a ton of new videos, we've all had that happen I suppose ^^ Thanks for doing them anyways, always enjoy watching. :) Looking forward to seeing what spring may bring, cheers, L

    @laku4412@laku44122 жыл бұрын
    • Apparently Canon used to do PF lenses but I don’t know when they stopped making them.

      @Gazzab6@Gazzab62 жыл бұрын
    • @@Gazzab6 thanks for the tip, definitely gotta look this up! From what I understood, their DO lenses work in a very similar way (diffractive optics). But none other than the 400 f4 DO comes to mind.

      @laku4412@laku44122 жыл бұрын
    • Cheers Laku, the 500 is an awesome lens. Thanks for following the channel, quality not quantity eh!! 😆😆The weather certainly isn't helping at the moment though.

      @simoneardley@simoneardley2 жыл бұрын
  • Hi Simon another great video👌 i also have the 500pf, simply awesome lens. I noticed your lens coat on the 500 looked as if it is neoprene but has stitched edges unlike some of the other neoprene coats which often tend to curl up. Can you tell me what make that lens coat is please? Thanks👍

    @royparkes6182@royparkes61827 ай бұрын
    • Thanks Roy, its one that I stitched myself from an old set of covers.

      @simoneardley@simoneardley3 ай бұрын
    • @@simoneardley oh right👍 the benefit of being a seamstriss too eh 👌

      @royparkes6182@royparkes61823 ай бұрын
  • “Zombie fig” 🤣😂😆 that made me chuckle for along time! 500pf looks like a champ, I have wanted to try that on my Fuji xt4 for a while now. But they are bringing out a 150-600 this year so will test that first. 👍 keep it up mate

    @anthonyhurren5613@anthonyhurren56132 жыл бұрын
    • Cheers Anthony, the 150-600 will be a great lens. Great focal length, so versatile.👍🏼

      @simoneardley@simoneardley2 жыл бұрын
  • I just knew you would end up with a 500pf lol. Had mine for just under 2 years now and I've had some great shots with it. One thing I found is the VR seems to work best on sport for birding. Finally my Z9 arrived and the 500pf works brilliantly with it. I can even use my 1.4x and 2x TC's with it and it snaps in so quick. Only really useful in good light as you're limited to f8 and f11 respectively. The bird eye autofocus is awesome, not perfect but then what in life is. I predict you'll end up with a Z9 in the not too distant future. Great pics of the owl btw. Have fun with that lens Simon and start saving for a Z9!

    @daveroberts1139@daveroberts11392 жыл бұрын
    • Nice one Dave, yeh youre right about the PF, its a belter. I need you to talk to my missus about the Z9. She's having none of it!!!😆📷🤞🏼

      @simoneardley@simoneardley2 жыл бұрын
  • Setup looks amazing and has made me question my choice of gear now as my DSLR setup is stupidly heavy, how I would love to hold camera and lens with two fingers. Cracking video, could watch those barnies all day. cheers

    @AndyJenkins999@AndyJenkins9992 жыл бұрын
    • Cheers Andy, yeh never get sick of photographing Barn Owls. They are a beautiful bird!!👍🏼📷

      @simoneardley@simoneardley2 жыл бұрын
  • Simon do you remember me mentioning Skee Tex. I have been using them mostly for beach fishing for over twenty years. Toasty. Keep up the good work. Jim

    @jamescardy7869@jamescardy78692 жыл бұрын
    • I remember Jim, yep theyre toasty alright. Thanks for the tip 👌🏼

      @simoneardley@simoneardley2 жыл бұрын
  • hi Simon love your work dont get fed up keep at it :) wish i could do what you do

    @eddiesvideos3016@eddiesvideos30162 жыл бұрын
    • Cheers Eddie, glad youre enjoying the channel.👍🏼

      @simoneardley@simoneardley2 жыл бұрын
  • Hide work and hard work Simon , very nice video 👏👏👏👏📷👌👍

    @martinfoy5167@martinfoy51672 жыл бұрын
    • Thanks Martin 👍

      @simoneardley@simoneardley2 жыл бұрын
  • Hey Simon, was checking description for the boots but could not find it, lots of your links are not working. Nice video, have fun with the 500pf

    @headshotke@headshotke2 жыл бұрын
    • Thanks Bart, i'll have a look

      @simoneardley@simoneardley2 жыл бұрын
  • Hi Simon Just a note on the new boots. I suffer with cold feet and bought a pair of the field boots and was quite disappointed with them. I got the skeetex wellies, They are far superior in keeping your feet warm as long as you dont need to walk far.I binned the field boots.

    @jeffreyheath2569@jeffreyheath25692 жыл бұрын
    • Hi Ruby, yeh i looked at the skeetex wellies but the only thing that put me off was the colour of the soles!!

      @simoneardley@simoneardley2 жыл бұрын
  • Nice. You are not alone getting stuffed on your outings. I’ve had a month of dark grey weather with pretty poor images if any. Glad you got some with the new lens. Cheers.

    @scooter5193@scooter51932 жыл бұрын
    • Cheers Scooter, its how it goes sometimes mate📷👍🏼

      @simoneardley@simoneardley2 жыл бұрын
  • Excellent .

    @colindalton7379@colindalton73792 жыл бұрын
    • Many thanks Colin 👍🏼

      @simoneardley@simoneardley2 жыл бұрын
  • Congratulations on your new lens. I have traded in my 500mm f4 for my pf, and never regretted it - yes, I do miss f4, but I take the pf everywhere while the old one was way too heavy for most trips. Still have to decide on the 300mm pf..

    @jacobjurg3746@jacobjurg37462 жыл бұрын
    • Thanks Jacob, the PF's are great aren't they. I believe there's an 800 on the horizon too👀

      @simoneardley@simoneardley2 жыл бұрын
  • Chin up Simon, we all been there..Keep at it, you,ll smash it..

    @satcat@satcat2 жыл бұрын
    • Thanks Dennis, we'll keep at it mate👍🏼👊🏼📷

      @simoneardley@simoneardley2 жыл бұрын
  • I guess you did get some nice shots, amazing is more like it.

    @andrewgaffney4881@andrewgaffney48812 жыл бұрын
    • Cheers Andrew 👍🏼

      @simoneardley@simoneardley2 жыл бұрын
  • Another great video and what a lens,my 50-500 Bigma weighs a ton. Graham

    @geordiegraham6117@geordiegraham61172 жыл бұрын
    • Thanks Graham👍🏼

      @simoneardley@simoneardley2 жыл бұрын
  • Great to see you back simon love the lens can't wait to see the buzzards with this👌Great video as usual do you recommend auto focus full time or single in aperture mode ? See you soon 👏👏👏

    @paulbaldwin2290@paulbaldwin22902 жыл бұрын
    • Cheers Paul, i tend to shoot manual really. But generally i would be using AF/C for the majority of my work when shooting stills. Only use AF/F for video.

      @simoneardley@simoneardley2 жыл бұрын
    • @@simoneardley Many thanks you good man👍👌

      @paulbaldwin2290@paulbaldwin22902 жыл бұрын
  • I’m on my second 500mm PF Simon as I regret selling my first. It truly is a fabulous lens and I do walk round taking wildlife shots with my Z9 (sorry) and it’s giving me fantastic results. The ability to track the birds is astonishing and a big leap up from my Z6.

    @porkster5924@porkster59242 жыл бұрын
    • Congratulations on getting the Z9. I'm hoping theres a new firmware around the corner for the Z6ii because its not quite cutting it at the moment especially for birds in flight and video AF

      @simoneardley@simoneardley2 жыл бұрын
  • Since getting the 500mm pf I hardly use my 500mm F4. The weight saving is so much better, I find I cover more ground to. Also with the Z6II, the 1.4 III teleconverter is great with the 500mm pf.

    @relichunter7984@relichunter79842 жыл бұрын
    • Yep, couldn't agree more. Great lens👌🏼📷

      @simoneardley@simoneardley2 жыл бұрын
  • Hey Simon, I figured you were waiting on a 500 PF to arrive, I love mine on the Z6ll. You might want to change all of those fence posts to some really nice old ones so your odds are better for the owl choosing at post ! Ha... Greg

    @gregwilsonnaturephotography@gregwilsonnaturephotography2 жыл бұрын
    • Cheers Greg, I cant find enough good 'uns!!👀😆😆

      @simoneardley@simoneardley2 жыл бұрын
  • I’ve felt like that for months, just couldn’t be bothered getting out but I’ll come good, don’t give up Simon it will be fine oh and the 500pf is a great lens, I love mine, I’m still D850 and D500 just can’t get to grips with these EVF’s

    @colvillebri196@colvillebri1962 жыл бұрын
    • Aye it gets like that sometimes, the EVF is one of the things I really like about the Z6ii. Great to be able to review images without looking at the screen.👀

      @simoneardley@simoneardley2 жыл бұрын
  • Hello Simon, I have had my 500mm PF for about 2 years and it is a great lens, I now use it with both my D850 and Z7ii, just a dream to use. If there is plenty of light it works well with the 1.4 teleconverter if you need that extra reach. With the Z7ii I can shoot in crop mode to, note sure how good the would mb on the Z6ii? Keep well, keep safe and stay warm.

    @johnhjic2@johnhjic22 жыл бұрын
    • Thanks John, loving the 500pf. Cheers for watching👍🏼👊🏼

      @simoneardley@simoneardley2 жыл бұрын
  • Been feeling the same for weeks, the advice I was given was get out and focus on things you enjoy. I’ve spent hours out with the camera and seen little if anything. (Following on from one of your previous videos took my self off to marsh side. The only activity was the blokes respiring the road)!! Stick at it, you make great videos which inspire a lot of people, for me your local and use the same camera so I can associate with what you do. As for left behind, I upgraded to the Z6ii last year, can’t justify a Z9 so fingers crossed for some firmware updates.

    @mickbryan8908@mickbryan89082 жыл бұрын
    • Wise words Mick, shame you didn't see anything at Marshside. Thats how it goes sometimes mate. Good luck with with the Z6ii, still getting to grips with the AF!!👍🏼

      @simoneardley@simoneardley2 жыл бұрын
    • @@simoneardley pick you’re brain. Currently use the 150 - 600 Sigma. Been waiting to part ex for the Z 200 - 600. Having seen this having second thoughts, appreciate your opinion. Cheers

      @mickbryan8908@mickbryan89082 жыл бұрын
  • Hi Simon, another great video thanks. I'm considering this lens for my Nikon D500 and wondered why you use it on a Z6ii mirrorless rather than the D500 ?

    @johnwood4801@johnwood48012 жыл бұрын
    • Its more down to the video capabilities of the Z6ii for KZhead John🎥🎥

      @simoneardley@simoneardley2 жыл бұрын
    • @@simoneardley makes sense Simon

      @johnwood4801@johnwood48012 жыл бұрын
  • Awesome cheers and subscribed

    @maggyfish@maggyfish2 жыл бұрын
    • Thanks Shaun, welcome to the channel👊🏼

      @simoneardley@simoneardley2 жыл бұрын
  • Make sure you tighten the locking knob on the quick release foot as I saw a KZheadr say the had pressed that while carrying the lens and the lens body fell to the ground! Good news is the lens was fine but it’s not a good way to test its robustness!

    @paulkirk5760@paulkirk57602 жыл бұрын
    • Cheers Paul, yeh ive heard theres a few issues in this department. Cheers foir the heads up.

      @simoneardley@simoneardley2 жыл бұрын
  • Cracking Video as per usual, If Wildlife photography here in the UK was easy everyone would be a expert,

    @9oldfingers349@9oldfingers3492 жыл бұрын
    • Very true, thanks for the watch👀👍🏼

      @simoneardley@simoneardley2 жыл бұрын
  • Simon, Youneed to wear some sort of hand protection like cotton gloves - to save your hand from getting scratched...excellent video!

    @subrotomitra@subrotomitra2 жыл бұрын
    • Good tip!

      @simoneardley@simoneardley2 жыл бұрын
  • Very enjoyable as usual. Don’t feel left behind with “just” a Z6ii. Over here on Anglesey I’m still using a D3s body. With a 600mm f4E FL ED lens and 400 mm f2.8. The last of the pre VR lenses. Considering getting a z6ii and wonder how fast the focus will be. Both fantastic quality lenses but will I lose on the focus? Any thoughts.

    @mobilestrike5182@mobilestrike51822 жыл бұрын
    • Steve Perry’s review of the 500mm PF reports that the 500mm PF on a Z6ii is half the speed compared to a D500 / D850. On the Z9 however it’s a tiny bit faster than on a DSLR due to the faster chip.

      @Gazzab6@Gazzab62 жыл бұрын
    • Cheers, if youre thinking of a Z6ii try and get hold of one before you commit. The AF is totally different and ultimately I dont think its on par with the DSLR, D500,D850 etc etc. For BIF its not as good but it has other advantages, silent shutter, EVF, full frame, etc etc. Dont jump in👍🏼

      @simoneardley@simoneardley2 жыл бұрын
  • Simon. Nice lens. Very compact for the prime and it doesnt cost fortune. I wish Canon had something like this.

    @thomasbednarowski1651@thomasbednarowski16512 жыл бұрын
    • I'm sure they'll see how successful this lens has been and bring out there own version🤔

      @simoneardley@simoneardley2 жыл бұрын
  • Glad you’ve got your gear sorted, unreliable kit is the worst. I’ve just bought an R6, the weather has been terrible since I’ve got it ☹️ Had a quick blast this evening, went out at 5pm as it was getting dark, the animal eye AF is phenomenal, tracking dark plumage even in such low light. Can’t wait for good light. I’m replacing my fence this year, there’ll be lots of naturally snapped 4” posts I can re-use 😎 Lovely Barn Owl pics at the end 👍

    @cerealkiller4248@cerealkiller42482 жыл бұрын
    • Thanks, yeh bad weathers a bummer. Good luck with the new gear👍🏼📷

      @simoneardley@simoneardley2 жыл бұрын
  • Love the my 500pf,only downside is the banding in image if your shooting at a subject that's a fair distance away. Love the video keep them coming

    @markk1873@markk18732 жыл бұрын
    • How does a lens cause banding ?

      @markrigg6623@markrigg66232 жыл бұрын
    • @@markrigg6623 Something to do with Phase Frezel I believe, its in the background bokeh.It looks like banding.

      @markk1873@markk18732 жыл бұрын
    • @@markk1873 Fair enough, but I'd check if other samples of the lens do it just in case you got a dud. I've not heard others complain of this ( but I haven't specifically researched it admittedly).

      @markrigg6623@markrigg66232 жыл бұрын
    • @@markrigg6623 Heard of many cases of it while research the lens before I bought it

      @markk1873@markk18732 жыл бұрын
    • @@markk1873 Fair enough. Hope it's not too problematic for you.

      @markrigg6623@markrigg66232 жыл бұрын
  • Nice video. What kind of eyecup do you use?

    @WildlifeVideography24@WildlifeVideography242 жыл бұрын
    • KIWIFOTOS Eyecup Eyepiece Fits for Nikon Z6 Z6 II Z7 Z7 II Replaces Nikon DK-29 Eye Cup Available on Amazon

      @simoneardley@simoneardley2 жыл бұрын
  • thanks for the video i am currently in the youtube research stage about buying the 500pf for my z7! Currently deciding to either buy it or wait for the z 200-600 to come out. Did you notice much of a different between 500mm to 600mm?

    @philipharborne1434@philipharborne14342 жыл бұрын
    • Yeh its a fair shout Philip, not a great deal of difference to be honest. Dont forget you'll get a bit more light only going to 500mm which can make a big difference and you can crop in with the Z7 as youve got the extra megapixels. Not sure of the weight on the z200-600 compared to the 500pf and also when its due out?

      @simoneardley@simoneardley2 жыл бұрын
    • @@simoneardley No confirmed date on release yet just some point this year. Its been on the roadmap since the start so i would hope its one of the first to be announced this year. It will be heavier than the 500pf, looking at the blanked out image i would say similar size to the sony 200-600

      @philipharborne1434@philipharborne14342 жыл бұрын
  • Great vid Simon ive been the same the past few weeks i dont know what it is the weather is just depressing so ive not took anything for weeks i must admit ive fancied one of them 500mm pf's instead of lugging the 500 f4 around but because ive got the 200-500mm 5.6 i cant justify getting it maybe if somthing happens to my 200-500 then yeh i'll get one like a shot, does it need an adaptor to mount to the z6ll or does it mount straight on?

    @andyheywoodsphotographya-h7913@andyheywoodsphotographya-h79132 жыл бұрын
    • Its a heap sharper than the 200- 500 which is a fair justification to buy one in my opinion.

      @markrigg6623@markrigg66232 жыл бұрын
    • Thanks Andy, i know what you mean if you have the 200-500 its hard to justify. Great to be able to hand hold the PF all day though. Those big primes are so awkward and yes you need the FTZ adaptor for the Z6ii. Atb, Si 👍🏼

      @simoneardley@simoneardley2 жыл бұрын
  • Hi mate what focus area mode do you use on birds inflight Wots best settings as I have z6ii and sigma 150/600 cheers

    @stephenholmes1735@stephenholmes17352 жыл бұрын
    • Ive tried pretty much every focus area there is and have had repeated difficulty with BIF, I've recently moved the z6ii on and I'm currently saving for the Z9. Missed too many shots unfortunately with the Z6ii AF😫

      @simoneardley@simoneardley2 жыл бұрын
  • Great review Simon of the Nikon 500 PF. You pretty much said it all. Lugging that 600 f4 around is very hard. I used it last yuear in Churchill, Manitoba, Canada 🇨🇦. I rested it on a bean bag and shot through the windows of the "Tundra Buggy". Hpowever; as you said, it's heavy and tough to manuever around with. Sharp as heck though. 👍 This will be a new experience for me owning the 500 PF lens. I rented the 600 f4, which was fine, but it was a lot to carry in the camera bag, through customs from the USA to Canada, then from Winnipeg to Churchill. I'm looking forward to the much lighter, and easier to handle 500 PF. I notice you replaced the Nikon foot, whoch one did you purchase? Have you tried the 500 PF with the 1.4 model III Nikon teleconverter? If so, how did the pictiures look? Thank you again, you did a terrific job on this blog. Stay warm, and keep the information coming. 👀 😜 📷

    @corrbox2@corrbox22 жыл бұрын
    • Best of luck with the new lens Joel, a great choice. 👍🏼

      @simoneardley@simoneardley Жыл бұрын
  • My Z6 can't drive my 300mm f2.8 VRII properly. The 300mm is painfully slow to focus on the original Z6. Now, on the 300mm f2.8 VRII seems to work very well on my Z9 in my experience. I want to try a 500pf!

    @kmulhall8233@kmulhall8233 Жыл бұрын
    • The 500 pf is an awesome piece of glass 👍🏼

      @simoneardley@simoneardley Жыл бұрын
  • Well you’ve actually gone and done it. I’m not surprised considering how many of us recommended it. Have a look at Steve Perry’s review on You Tube posted 8th Nov 2018. He explains about the VR where some people had reported issues using shutter speeds of 1/160 Sec in VR Normal mode but he recommends using Sport Mode. You may find some of your BIF shots a little blurred at first. Mark Smith reported this and sold it but has since bought another to go with his Z9. There is nothing wrong with the lens, many think it’s caused when panning because the lens is so easy to move quickly due to its light weight whereas a heavy lens is a easier to hold steady when panning until your arm gets tired of course. Practice is needed that’s all. I bought the same third party lens foot that you have for the same reasons as you and it seems to be great quality for the money. Give the lens a try on your D500 when you don’t need it for video. The AF will be about twice as fast as on your Z6ii. Great shots and beautiful video footage of the Bernie by the way. I bet you were chuffed with those.

    @Gazzab6@Gazzab62 жыл бұрын
    • Thanks Gary, great tips and advice. Cheers for that. Getting a little bit frustrated with the Z6ii, not up to scratch for BIF. D500 is so much snappier!! Thanks for watching 👍🏼📷

      @simoneardley@simoneardley2 жыл бұрын
  • I subscribed, but tentatively. Lots of chatting before the first image. But, I have a Z6ii, and am envious of that 500 PF.

    @EdwardKilner@EdwardKilner2 жыл бұрын
    • Thanks for the subscription Edward, welcome to the channel 👀📷👍🏼

      @simoneardley@simoneardley2 жыл бұрын
  • Make sure you update you FTZ adapter firmware if you haven't.

    @rodneyturnerphoto@rodneyturnerphoto2 жыл бұрын
    • All done, cheers Rodney

      @simoneardley@simoneardley2 жыл бұрын
  • Congratulations on your tool (toy 🤭). I wish there was an equivalent of the 500 of for canon! ☹ I've considered getting it and adapting it to canon 🤔🤷‍♂️🤔. We shall see!😁

    @henrybrylowski1332@henrybrylowski13322 жыл бұрын
    • Cheers Henry, yeh I'm surprised a big hitter like Canon haven't jumped on the same technology. Certainly great having such a compact sized big prime!!👍🏼😀👌🏼

      @simoneardley@simoneardley2 жыл бұрын
  • May I ask what you edit your videos in Simon?

    @richardmoult9781@richardmoult97812 жыл бұрын
    • I use 'Imovie' Richard.

      @simoneardley@simoneardley2 жыл бұрын
    • @@simoneardley Thankyou Simon

      @richardmoult9781@richardmoult97812 жыл бұрын
KZhead