Approaching the Scene 058: Nikon's New 500mm PF
This video was shot during my recent Olympic National Park workshop. Once again hanging out with my buddy David Archer has cost me money. After spending some time shooting with his new ultra-light, razor-sharp 500mm PF lens, I had to order one. In this video I'll show you why. I'll also talk a bit about Nikon's Z6 and Z7 auto-focus performance after Firmware 2.0 as well as the new low-light AF mode they added.
00:40 500PF Lens
05:04 Z6 / Z7 AF tracking and new lowlight AF
Nikon 500PF Lens: bhpho.to/30HQ3LE (There is a wait-list)
Nikon 1.4 Teleconverter: bhpho.to/2C9kk9i
Links to all my gear: www.hudsonhenry.com/atslinks
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My Core Photography Course: www.hudsonhenry.com/ats
Thanks to everyone for the great questions you are sending in. Keep them coming either in the comments below or by emailing me directly.
Thanks for sharing! That does look like a sweet “little” lens. I say that because these days lighter sharper lenses are much more appealing to me than huge, heavy, fast but less-than-sharp lenses.
Hudson, thanks for this excellent video. Esp enjoyed your tips on Auto-Area focus. I've been shooting (in AF-C mode) either Dynamic Spot or Center (not Wide). I will try your suggestions, thanks!!
Fun stuff! David is from my hometown. And you're absolutely right! Every time I see him, he costs me money!!! :-)
LMAO!
Ive had mine for about 5 months here in n Australia, using it with my D500 and D750 ( even use my old D7200 sometimes) this lens is an absolute killer for the price. Razor sharp, superfast focus and light ......
Have you experienced any problem with the foot being loose for the tripod mount? I read that some people are replacing it.
Hope you're able to get yourself a 500 PF without too much of a wait! I've had mine for a couple of months now (took five months to get here in the UK) and it's absolutely awesome on the Z7. It's a perfect lightweight but sharp setup for carrying about on nature hikes 😀 Just watch out if you're using insect repellent when out shooting... mine has already lost the white lettering for the lens autofocus mode! Oops!
This seems like a great lens and I hope to try one out soon. However, I am still hoping for a 400 f/4 PF (Z mount would be awesome!)
Nice job, Hudson & David! Question: What shoulder strap/sling are you guys using?
I'm not sure about David's Ferris, but I'm using my favorite, the Lumalab Loop 3. They're working on some new designs and I don't think they have any stock right now. :-(
I was in Costa Rica this January/February and did a lot of animal photography in Corcovado and Manuel Antonio. Most animals stay in the quite high trees and I was happy to have a 150-600 (on DX camera) but it was quite big. My girlfriend used our 300mm VR on her DX body and did catch the same amout of good shots as she was quite more mobile (and had more Mpix for the reach ;) - I guess the 500 PF would have been perfect. Enjoy la Pura Vida Next time I hope I can rent one --- but since they are in short supply it will be difficult :D
great lens! One question: what is the AF-F Mode to capture BIF on the Z?
So you choose AF-C then Auto Area mode. You'll be blown away at how it knows what you want to pick up and track. It's like group without having to pick the group. I've been shocked how good it is.
Hudson Henry Photography Thank You very much Hudson! Will try it asap! Love your channel and especially such tips to the Z series. Keep it up!
Great Video. I can't wait to get one of these lenses. What is 105 1.4 lens that you were talking about?
You'll love it. It's Nikons legendary 105 prime portrait lens. You can see it in my list of links. www.hudsonhenry.com/atslinks
Hudson Henry Photography thank you!
Oh wow, I just realized that 105 wasn't in there. It is now. I adore that beast. It's not light or cheap, but it's worth it. It's also $300 off right now. Wish it's got mine with that discount. Haha.
So awesome! I've just managed to get my hands on the 500mm PF too and can't wait to test it out. Just posted a quick video of my initial impressions over on my channel! :D
Nice! It's so fun. :)
Tried the 300pf on ym z7ii today at the store, that lens is making it in my bag lol The 500 here is peaking my interest, i'll have to rent one and see how it goes. Looks like a perfect bird lens.
HUDSON-- I still use my D4 from 2012, Question is Hudson how well would the 500pf work on my D4? Thanks Hudson-- Randy B.
It will be amazing on it! It's an AF-S VR and the D4s will focus it laser fast. :)
Hi, great video, do you have some RAW files to play with, somewhere on line to download??
I'm on the road now, but email me and I'll dropbox you a couple when I get home.
Hi, i could not find your adres, maybe when i give you mine, it could succeed ? ka.5.akkermans@gmail.com I hope you can get ne some RAW files... Thank you for giving some information about the 500 PF, Greatings K
I ordered mine months ago, and I still do not have it. Can't wait.
:(
did you ever pick up the 500 PF? As a Z user, debating between waiting on the forthcoming 100-400 + 1.4TC vs the 500 PF. Thoughts?
I have so many videos using the 500PF. It's always with me. I adore it. It's in my links www.hudsonhenry.com/atslinks
Nikon PF lenses r becoming my favorite n this 500 f5.6 is on top of my wishlist ...
It's amazing.
@@HudsonHenryPhoto any comparison with Nikon 200-500 f5.6???
I'll be totally honest... It's in a much bigger league than the 200-500. Image quality is much higher, it focuses much faster, and then there's the fact that it's half the size and much lighter. I'm not a fan of the 200-500 after trying it. Too many compromises and too cumbersome.
I am getting closer and closer to pulling the trigger on that Z6
It's mighty sweet. Hit me up with any questions you have. :)
Hudson, the way you swing your camera around with the 500 PF on it, as if that lens is nothing, made me look up its weight: 1,460 grams. This contrasts with other 500mm lenses between 3,100 and 3,900. Also, it is much shorter, physically, than its optical/focal length. (where would its nodal point be?)
I'll tell you when I get mine. :) it's so light. It feels lighter than my 70-200
@@HudsonHenryPhoto- AF-S NIKKOR 70-200mm f/2.8E FL ED VR is 1,430 grams or marginally lighter. And I found that AF-S NIKKOR 70-200mm f/2.8G ED VR II is 1,540 gram or a couple ounces heavier.
Do you think this lens would pair well with the Z6 ii?
I use it all the time with my z cameras including the z6ii. It even pairs well with the Z50. I have more recent videos showcasing that : kzhead.info/sun/ebtxfLGfqmSLiHA/bejne.html My links are at www.hudsonhenry.com/atslinks thanks for considering using them.
Hudson you'd better get your order in quick, these lenses(500mmf5.6PF) are in very short supply everywhere, here in the UK people have been waiting up to six months!
Is in. I'm hoping my NPS priority helps a bit.
@@HudsonHenryPhoto Yeah mine has helped in the past but I'm holding out for the rumoured 600mm version! Good luck.
No stock available in Asia, Nikon dealer can’t quote as lead time is one year. Can you advise me where I can buy it?
You have to pick the best source for your area and get into line sadly. :(
Great video and great lens only problem is nobody has it in stock. I was on a waiting list at B&H for 3 months, finally canceled the order and put the money towards a Z6 and the 24-70 F2.8 lens, I’ll have to get back on the waiting list the 200-500mm I have is nice but way to heavy to walk around with, also have the 300pf which I love!
Check out Back Country Gallery - Steve Perry offers advice on how to beat the waiting lists.
I'm using my NPS status to get priority. We'll see how much it helps.
Not the ONLY problem 💰💰💰💰
Yeah it's not cheap, but no razor sharp 500 prime has ever been this close to affordable, let alone that it fits in the bag. :) I love how Nikon is making really high quality, lightweight, narrower aperture lenses to take advantage of our modern sensors' low light ability and noise reduction software. It's a fun time.
500PF's aren't that hard to find any more...just check some of the larger local brick and mortar stores. If you do your homework you can find one within a week...guaranteed.
I wish Canon had such a lens. I would make the switch just because of this lens, but it’s always out of stock. The problem is not that I can’t wait, but that I have to buy it soon to bring it home from the US. It’s too expensive here, and I’m just a student. I’m about to sell all my gear, but it has to be sold before 1 month or it’s too late, for now, at least. I don’t get why Canon haven’t made one. They made a 400mm f/5.6, which I currently use, but I need a bit more reach and I mainly shoot hand-held, so I would need IS/VR, especially with the weather in Denmark, hehe.
I wish they could keep up with demand too. I think they're getting closer, but it's still a wait.
I have used my 80-400 AF-S f/4.5-5.6 on my Z’s with excellent results, but focus can be slow at times. Trying to decide whether to trade in the zoom for the fixed 500PF. Anyone else done a comparison of these?
It's MUCH faster focusing.
Hudson Henry Photography Thanks for the info, Hudson. It looked like you had the sling attached to the foot mount on David’s lens. I would probably be mostly doing the same in hand-held mode, but was wondering if you would recommend ordering the Kirk replacement foot as well for using with the fluid head, especially with the custom system you helped design. Thanks
What are you using for a filter ? 95mm is bigger than 82mm. Lol.
But, I understood that if you put a VR lens on a Z body then the IBIS is automatically in off mode. Only if VR is turned off on lens then IBIS is on. But this is not true?
From Nikon: "For the first time, you can experience fast aperture NIKKOR primes like the AF-S NIKKOR 105mm f/1.4E ED or AF-S NIKKOR 24mm f/1.4G ED with up to 5 stops of 3-axis VR image stabilization. NIKKOR lenses that already have VR, like the AF-S NIKKOR 70-200mm f/2.8E FL ED VR, get the added benefit of roll axis for a total of 3-axis VR. Just add the optional Mount Adapter FTZ and you're good to go." at www.nikonusa.com/en/nikon-products/product/lens-mount-adapter/mount-adapter-ftz.html
These lens have a ten day waiting list and are 3.7k in the uk. Nice lens make good use of them at that price. :)
10 days is so short. I'm hoping my NPS priority gets it to me in a month. I know people who've been waiting months now. It's certainly much, much cheaper than any other 500mm prime with this level of image sharpness and AF speed. :)
I’ve been waiting since December in the US.
David Walsworth ordered mine in Australia in December and git it in mid march......its a killer and worth the wait!
LOL I waited 13 months!
dang 500 mm
And so small and light.
Take a drink every time he says razor sharp.
With that lens you'll be sloshed.
@@HudsonHenryPhoto Right on! I'm trying to decide between it and the Sigma 500mm f4 Sport. Have you tested the Sigma?
No. I've heard good things, but the pf is damn hard to beat. You'd have to pry it away from me. Maybe rent em both somewhere that will apply the fee to a sale?
Oh and look at the more recent video shooting kitesurfing in Southern Oregon with the new 200 nikon S zooms. kzhead.info/sun/ebtxfLGfqmSLiHA/bejne.html There's a section at 17:40 with this lens slaying it on the FTZ adapter with my z cameras.
I've had my 500 on order since April. Looks like Nikon can only make 1000 per month - so get your order in ASAP, then wait.
It's in and I'm hoping my NPS status helps, but I hear you man.
@@HudsonHenryPhoto I'm NPS too.....Not Particularly Special. :P
@@ronboe6325 well bummer. It's worked well for me in the past. I'll cross my fingers for both of us.
@@HudsonHenryPhoto I was being facetious, but good luck to you!
Just got my shipping notice from NPS! 10 days total wait. :)
David can do amazing Trump imitation 😜
A great lens. It makes up for with portability what it loses in ultimate sharpness. I think Ill wait for the Z version...
That could be a long wait. :-( I find the PF crazy sharp. As sharp as the top shelf 5 digit primes that require their own suitcase. What it sacrifices is light gathering with the 5.6 aperture.
The 300 is affordable but the 500 is not in my price range.
Well the 300 PF is an absolute gem too. I love mine. The 500 is not cheap it's true, but still a bargain compared with other 500 primes this quality. If you're getting the 300 check out my link to Kirk's collar system for it. It's essential for tripod work. www.hudsonhenry.com/atslinks
Hudson Henry Photography $6,000 in my country Australia. It’s a nice lens, no doubt, but that’s a lot of cash.
Again long primes this sharp are typically twice that cost albeit with faster apertures, but they are huge, not handholdable or easy to pack. I love that Nikon choose to build this cheaper, lighter 5.6 version now that we can bump iso up in lower light. Here in the US it's $3600, but it's made me stop coveting the $13,000 400 2.8 I shot with last year. This will be more versatile by far, focuses as fast and is just as razor sharp. It's not a lower tier lens like the 200-500 variable aperture zoom. It's an ultra high quality lightweight long prime. In other words a unicorn before they produced it. :)
Hudson Henry Photography At $3,600 it’s a steal. It’s just that in Australia we pay a premium on all camera gear. I do recognise that even $6,000 is comparative good but still a lot of money. Oh and I do have an older 300 f4. It’s not long enough so not sure I would upgrade to the 300pf. And not confident it’s VR will work ok with my D810.
@@aussie8114 If it's of any interest l've seen the 500mm f5.6 at between AUD $5K - $5.1K locally when on sale.
Your friend's voice is like that of Donald Trump.
Jeeeesus, who are these guys? None of them can hold the lens properly!!!