Nikon 200-500 vs Nikon 300 PF - A Review And Comparison
So, which is the best choice for wildlife photography - the Nikon 200-500 or the Nikon 300 PF?
I get this question all the time and the choice is never an easy one. I own both the 200-500 and the 300PF and have put together a comprehensive review and comparison of the two optics in this video.
From size and build quality to AF speed, VR, and sharpness it’s all covered and more. Plus, I toss in lots of my own discoveries that might help you get even more from these two lenses.
So, which it the best choice - the Nikon 200-500 or the Nikon 300PF? Well, press play and see for yourself :)
Companion page:
www.backcountrygallery.com/?p=...
(note - I updated the page with more info on how I knew I had poor copies of the lens)
Heat Distortion Video:
• Long Lens Heat Distortion
Secrets To Stunning Wildlife Photography:
backcountrygallery.com/secrets...
Secrets To The Nikon Autofocus System:
backcountrygallery.com/secrets...
Have nature and wildlife photography questions? Check out the BCG Forums! Ask and answer gear and technique questions questions, post photos and more. Check it out and sign up today! bcgforums.com/index.php Bonus - I also post exclusive tips, tricks, and techniques to the forum you can't get anywhere else! Check it out!
Another great video, Steve is a superb wildlife photographer and his opinions are supported by real world images. Honest and comprehensive review, one of the best reviewers on the web.
This is the best lens review I have seen on youtube. You talk fast and don't waste anytime and get to the point. Consider me a subscriber.
yes! he talks fast, but, delivers smoothly.
@@patricksmith2553 My 200-500 f5.6 bought yesterday has Normal and Sport VR modes!
@@antonoat Yeah your correct lol, I don't know what I was thinking when I said that haha.
What gimbal is recommended for the 200-500?
@Matt you can adjust the speed of vids under settings. As fast or sow as you want, Mate.
Forget the reviews. Steve, your wildlife and bird photos are beautiful and very inspiring, and after I get my first dslr, I will try my best to get pictures like u.
Excellent video. This is my first time watching one of your video's and I'm hooked. The reason is that you offer extremely valuable information - very useful - AND you do it quickly, concisely. No long stories about your trip to this forest or that lake. No long stretches telling us the obvious. You cut to the chase and you bottom line it. Awesome! This is not so common on KZhead and it makes you a keeper!!!
Thanks :)
Definitely agreed. Top notch review.
Could not possibly agree more!
Excellent comparison. The way you differentiate the topics is very very well. Thanks, it helps me a lot!
3 years on and this video is still relevant. I'm looking at switching from Canon to Nikon and I have the D500 and 200-500mm lens on my radar. As I'm in Australia, the heat distortion test was of great value. Cheers Steve ... subscribed.
You've become my favourite source of photography information on KZhead. You're just too good. Looking forward to more videos.
Incredibly well presented and laid out video. Thanks so much for covering topics I didn't even think of!
Thank you, Steve, for an informative video. You definitely had my attention for the entire review. Interesting information about the heat distortion. Never thought you would see differences among lenses at equal circumstances.
Found this extremely helpful thank you for spending so much time sharing!
Great review and based on your findings, I have just ordered the 300 PF and a TC 1.4. I also love your style of presentation and have just subscribed. Thank you 😁
This is a fantastic piece of work you put together. Thanks a lot. You are becoming (you already are actually) one of the most reliable source of information for wildlife photographers.
Well said!
Fro disagrees!
yes great work
Another great tube Steve. As always the most informativeI Photo tube around. I have the old 300 AFS F4, & was wondering which way to go. Thanks for all your hard work.
Thanks for another down to earth, honest and to the point review! Always a pleasure watching your videos with fast, honest real world advise and insights.
Steve, Thank you for this. You are an excellent teacher and your Wildlife Photography book is great!
I'm totally sold! Just had to buy your e-book after this. Thank you for publishing it and your channel!
Love the way you review things...You're doing an excellent job and have the kindness to share. Thanks, you are a fantastic reference.
Your videos are great!! Thank you for all the information and i'am really learning a lot with your book! very well detailed and easy to understand. Thanks again!
ALWAYS great information Steve, and Thank you!
You do a great job on your videos. I am researching for a camera and lens for wildlife photography. I just ordered your e-book. Looks like it will be a big help for my upcoming Alaska trip.
I'm not currently in the market for either of these (yet), but I always learn from your videos. I really like your practical approach to things. Thanks! BTW, it would be interesting to hear your evaluation of the competing Tamron and Sigma lens in this price/focal length category.
I have to say Steve, you speak loud and clear. You approach your review in a very mithodical and organized manner. This is very appreciated as I go through the review and think about my questions of my newly received, "pre-owned", Nikkor 200 - 500 lens. All my best and thanks you very much. 👍😎📸🤩
Excellent Video! Great Job! So hard to decide the best lens for my D7200 (DX body) but the versatility of the 200-500mm is a big plus!
Seriously, thank you so much. What a wonderful video, and person. So rare to see reviews not influenced by manufacturers or bias. Well done Steve you've got a fan for life 8). Im gonna go with 300f4 + 1.4x TC simply for backpacking weight. Really these two seem so close it's just size vs reach at the end of the day.
Oh, got your ebook, and it was greatly informative, with some fantastic shots!!
Thanks :)
Very nuanced and practical discussion of the pros and cons of both lenses. Found this intriguing enough to watch till the end. I am saying this as a generalist-approach Pentax shooter, who would feel more confident now to make an informed pick between offerings even in the competing system, given that the selection criteria are pretty universal. Did I mention that your wildlife photography rocks big time, Steve?
nails it . time and again. Steve is simply the best for wildlife shooters. Keep it up!
Beautiful review Steve .. you have made me rethink my plans to buy the 200-500 😀 now I am looking the 300pf too hehehe
As usual Steve your videos are superb. I bought the 200-500 vr a couple of months ago. I have practice with it around the house, etc. Now next week since high school sports (Maxpreps) is starting I will really put it through it's paces. Everybody at Ugly Hedgehog likes your videos too. Keep up the good work, you have made me a better photographer.
So glad I found you! I thoght there was something wrong with my new 300 f4 PF, since I tried the sport VR and images were horribly blurred!
Awesome VDO! Thank you Steeve for what you do!
Love your videos Steve - the 300 PF + tc 1.4 + D500 is perfect for me - I have the Tamron 150-600 as it came out before the 200-500 - but still always go for the 300 as its so easy to hand hold and walk around with
Great Review! Love it. Your pictures are amazing!!
Great video! I'm getting ready to purchase the 200-500 and was curious to see if you could recommend a good way to test the lense for sharpness when it arrives?
Thanks for this - I chose the 300 PF a year ago and added a 1.4 TC (based on your review, I maybe should take the TC off a little more often). It was a no brainer for me, all of the big lenses were simply too heavy for me and too big for my hands to operate, but you have made me feel even better about my choice. I take it out (literally) every single day shooting wildlife handheld - I can't remember ever putting it on a tripod. I've been incredibly happy with it. I'm hoping one day they make a PF 200-500 or 150-600. :) I've never seen any of the halo problems you mentioned. I have no problem handholding the 300 PF with the 1.4 TC at 1/60 on either my original D3300 or my new D500. I do shoot between 1/250 and 1/1000 most of the time because birds are moving, but I haven't had problems between 1/60 and 1/250 when a bird decides to sit still. Thanks for the reviews. I just found your channel. I shoot wildlife on Nikon and I am finding all kinds of great information on your site!
Great video! Watched your entire library of videos. Really appreciate it! Thank you. Anders from Denmark
Steve gets A+ for mentioning PRIME LENS superior rendering and "pop" (meaning microcontrast)
Fantastic review & comparison of these lenses Steve. I'm lucky enough to have both & tend to use the 200-500 on my D500 for the additional reach, and the 300 PF on my D5, often with the TC1.4 iii. As you mentioned, the D500 / 300 PF combo is a great walk around option. I also have the Sigma 150-600 sport lens, which is considerably heavier than the 200-500, although I find it sharper at the long end. That said, I tend to grab the 200-500 in preference to the Sigma because of the weight saving and its constant f5.6. I've had one or two issues with the 209-500 lens hood falling off. I love the sigmas push/pull zoom option as opposed to the lengthy zoom process of the Nikon. Keep up the great work.
Steve, Great review, thanks. I have experienced the same VR issues you mentioned but also generally shoot at 1/250 or higher so it's not a problem. Generally the VR works well even in the 1/60 to 1/200 range but not always and I only use it with one camera (D7100). That said, I LOVE my 300mm f4 PF. However, I also almost always stop it down 2/3rds of a stop whether I'm using a TC (I use the Kenko Pro 300 1.4 and am very happy with it) or not. It makes a BIG difference in sharpness. Thanks again.
What a great video - you’ve put a lot of work into it and it shows. New sub here!
Another excellent presentation! Thank you!
Thank you so very much! This really helped me decide which lens I will purchase!!!
Hi Steve, Thank you for the hard work. Tal
You are awesome. Humble yet outspoken.
Full of great information I have the 200-500 lens , I’ve always wondered about the 300 pf but currently have a tamron 210 f4 which is great.
Thanks for all the wonderful reviews.
Top drawer video this Steve thank you for uploading. I've got an xt3 a great camera but one that is hamstrung by its lens choice and its AF performance isn't at the level of the DSLRs in my opinion. I'll change to the 200-500/d500 combination but will tread warily as 200-500 sample variation has been a factor here in the uk just like you saw as well. Thanks again. Matt PS A quick question - would you take a nikon 200-500 over a Sigma 150-600 Sport? I'd be really interested to hear your expert opinion! !
Great review as always Steve. I agree with all of you points. I have both plus the big glass f4's. I love them all. But the big glass costs thousands for a reason.
Wow! such a great info/content. thank you for this comparison in REAL WORLD situations!
I loved this so much I saved my money to buy one and it is as sharp as everyone says and well worth the money. I had a 150-500 Sigma 5.6-6.3 and it cannot hold a candle to this nikki 200-500 5.6. I do appreciate all your hard work!
You're a great reviewer Steve, keep up the good work ;)
I've been using my 200-500 since it was launched and as an amateur, I'm more than satisfied. If I had been making my living off shooting, I would probably have ended up with the 200 f/2, 400 f/2.8 and the 600 f/4 primes but for my needs, the 200-500 is perfect. Great review, Steve - absolutely love your videos. No, shouting, no gimmicks, just informative and pleasant videos. Keep up the good work!
The best videos on these two nikon lenses. Thank you
Always love your content!
thanx for the great videos and info. my wife just bought me the 200-500 and i bought the D500 earlier this year. love the combo and have good success so far. thanx for all the info you give on everything nikon!!
Thanks for another fantastic video. Now as someone who never questioned my lenses (in the sense I never thought there were bad copies!) I'd be interested to know how you test your new lenses to figure that out!
In this case, it was easy because I was comparing the 200-500 to my 300 PF. Everything's on a tripod, carefully focused in Live View, mirror up, EFC, cable release, etc. The first two copies were so far off it was obvious something wasn't right. I also saw it in the field - I'm used to shooting long glass and for the life of me I couldn't get a sharp image with the first copy and only marginally sharp images with the second. The third has been fantastic and I like to think that most of the lenses are like my third copy. :)
Hi Steve, I recently discovered your channel and find your videos very interesting and educational. Thanks for sharing your insights! One question about the 200-500: I don't know if you've ever had or know the AF-S NIKKOR 200-400 MM 1:4G ED VR I personally. I would be interested in your opinion in comparison to the 200-500 in terms of AF speed and image quality. Thank you very much in advance and best regards from Austria!
You review better than Better Photography or Nikon Does. Thanks, It gave me a thought & recommendation for my next lense that is 200-500 @ $1180
Hey, great vid! Was wondering, is there any chance you can get hold of an Arsenal Camera Assistant and do a video review? Im sure it's not your thing but would be useful to have a proper review (from a trusted source) if you can do it! Keep up the good work!
Hi Steve, Thank you for your video. I have been using the 200-500mm for 2 years. I learned something new about it from your video. I think it's the best zoom lens at this price. I'll keep using it until I get a new mirrorless camera.
Excellent and helpful review. I've used both of these lenses and couldn't see any cases where I'd disagree with your assessment. Happy to be the 100th like with zero dislikes. Well deserved.
Thanks!! ... but that dislike is coming, it always does LOL :)
Haha... That's the internet, but to get to 100 without someone jumping in is pretty impressive. Thank you for all the great content.
Great review...and some excellent wildlife photos.
Thanks for making the video. For the copies of the 200-500mm that weren't sharp, did you take test shots of the boxes? Would be interested to see the differences.
A really great review that's thorough and entertaining. You're a good teacher. Please consider having yourself cloned and having your clone create equally informative reviews for the Lumix MFT cameras.
Thanks for a great vid Steve. I'm a pro shooter and educator wanting to shoot more wildlife for personal goals. Up till a few weeks ago I owned the 300 f4 ED-IF AF-S with TC 14 E ii combo. An unfortunate River trip left my Nikon gear fairly soaked (everyone lived). I was torn between upping to the 300 PF, repurchasing the ED-IF I had...or making the leap to this beast. After chatting with a former photojay colleague and getting to handle this lens I did it. So far I'm blown away by this lens. I'm definitely using lens correction in Lightroom and any lack of "microcontrast" is handled with a dash of dehaze. Definitely enjoying your channel as I explore a new area and finding you to be a solid reference for my private and college photo students.
Thank you so much - and enjoy the lens, it's one of my all-time favorites!
Fantastic review! I have the big zoom, use it usually on the D500, will use it on the D810 to compare. I don't have the 300mm PF (yet). Thanks
Good review, have the 200 - 500 we do commercial construction / demolition work with it but we are about to get the 300PF, horses for courses.
Couldnt agree more with several comments already made about how very well made and reliable your reviews are; one more excellent video. I have to come to watch your videos the moment I get a notification..and thanks for posting these... One request I have is to hear your views on the Nikon 80-400 Lens and how it compares with the 300 and 200-500 both. Thanks in advance!
Thanks! I don't have any current comparisons, but I did do one a while back with the 300 AF-S and the 80-400: www.backcountrygallery.com/photography_tips/nikon-under-3k-tele-comparison/
This page is no longer available Steve. Do you have another link?
Very well done, Steve...THANKS! I use the 300 PF on my Fujifilm X-H1 with a Fringer adapter with stunning results and I can use the Fuji 1.4 TC between the adapter and body! I compared using the 300 PF on a D7200 and while the focus acquisition and tracking is a little better, the IQ on the Fuji body is remarkably better. I had to do the test twice to confirm what I was seeing and without any post processing, cropping or pixel peeping, the clarity and sharpness difference just jumps out.
Really appreciate this detailed review!!
Great work mate!!! Keep it up!
About the VR sport mode, I've also heard it is used for when you and the camera are moving, like in a vehicle, etc.
Hi! First of all thanks for all your great videos. So useful ! I am really interested in buying the 200-500 mm. You said that the first 2 that you bought were not sharp. I would like to know how can i chek if the one I will buy is actually sharp. I'm a beginner and i have only use a 300mm f4 afs lenses for the past year so I d'ont have many reference to compare the sharpeness. Is there a way I can test my lense to see if its as sharp as it should be ? thanks a lot and sorry for my english, i'm from quebec!
Great review - cheers !
great channel you have here. Do you have any tips on getting images sold or entering competitions?
Steve, great review. I can confirm what you say here and thank you for presenting your judgements in context (wildlife). Notably for me, the PF's 'keeper rate' is higher than the 300/2.8 (& far better than the old 300/4 -- there is no bargain there) simply because it handles like a big 85mm. You just grab and shoot. (The first thought picking up the 2.8 and old f4 is, "crap, where did I leave the 88mm gun carriage?"). I love the 300 PF. Of course, Nikon found a way to put a bug in the ointment - I experience the low-mid-speed VR issue. But, It's sharpness is 'down low', so it's nearly always shot wide open so speeds are usually high. You do need to mind aperture priority because of it. 1/60 and below, VR is great. The goodness of the lens far outweighs this defect (But, why does VR work fine on all other Nikons?). I've been considering a jump to Canon and in comparison of each line's glass, the PF is the only lens I see between the two that is a unique advantage for Nikon.
I’ve tried the 300 f/4 VR on my new Z7 and had problems focusing. A few days later, I tried shutting the lens VR off and got much better focusing because the camera VR was not interfering with the lens VR on. The combination of a light lens and light mirrorless has made my DSLRs rest in back of my equipment closet. Hey, it’s a bit easier on my body since I am now 78 years old. Coff coff coff. By the way, your video was very well done and I have subscribed.
Were the images still sharp handheld with just the ibis on and vr off?
Steve love your approach to reviews , I have recently acquired a D500, and find I am carrying around my 70-300Afp DX 5.6/6.3 most of the time, I usually use it at 300mm, I have tucked away the sigma 150-600 C, so don’t really need another big zoom, would the 300pf be a good replacement for the 70-300 cheers
Hi steve this a very informative video but which one would you recommend if i am just a wildlife photographer who only takes pictures on holiday or when on safari i like the 300PF but which one would you recommend
Just bought your book. Thank you for your awsome job!
Thank you!!
This covers everything, very good review !
Great comparison Steve! I have a question regarding the 200-500: Can I mount the lenses on a tripod directly out of the box? I don't see an arca swiss compatible plate, so I assume I have to buy one? Thanks!
Excellent review Steve. I agree with all your findings having had this lens myself since April. Sorry to hear you had two bad copies to start with. I must have been lucky first time then I guess. I use mine with a D7200, and for me, I get great results with it. As you say, focusing not the fastest, but you work with what you've got and for the money it's certainly well worth it. It's down to me now to become a better photographer! ;-)
Beautifully explained to the beginners. I use 500mm f4 VR II and 1.4 & 1.7 TC on D610. Surprisingly the 1.7 TC on this Fx gives better and sharper results in 850 mm than 1.4TC on 700 mm. I also use 300 mm non VR full metal old scale lens but it does not track moving objects easily with 1.4 and 1.7 TC II. Did you test the 1.7 TC on 300 f4 VR? If yes how was the AF and sharpness on FX? Need your practical experience of this small prime for the purchase of D850/D760 in near future.
Excellent video, very concise. Thank you!
thanks alot for these information mr Steve
I have the 200-500mm and love it. A zoom of that range shouldn't even be close to the prime telephotos and the fact that it is, is remarkable. I don't regret my choice, although when I'm packing my camera bag for a trip or at the end of a long hike, I do start wishing I had the 300mm PF as a compact lightweight option.
Good review . Thx for all the work
Great review Steve. Thanks
Great work Steve, I have both of these lenses and have pretty much decided that I am keeping both to support D500 and D810. Just curious on the heat distortion tests whether you used live view for focus or phase detect. I would speculate that on a subject with a moderate distance from the camera the AF method itself could be involved in the variation in sharpness and not just the optics.
Hi Jerry - Both lenses were focused via Live View, so the testing method was the same. Additionally, one of the reasons I did the test was I noticed a drop in acuity in the 200-500 under these conditions in the field using phase detect. Both AF systems can actually be fooled by heat distortion, however, all the tests for both lenses were under the same conditions and the 300 PF was more consistent time and again. Even in the second test where the sharpest 200-500 image was on par with the 300 PF, the rest of the 200-500 images were not as close and the 300 PF was still more consistent. I don't think it's a huge issue or deal breaker, just something to be aware of :)
Love your videos, Steve! I have a 200-500mm question: Which do you think gives the best image quality (regardless of crop factor): the 200-500mm on a D750, on a D500, or on a Z 7II w/FTZII?
Fabulous review.
Hello Steve. Really enjoyed the video. I’m just starting out I have a d500 and wanted your opinion on getting Nikon 200-500 with a 1.4 converter or sigma 150-600. Wanting to start photographing birds. Thank you.
Living in the UK I guess there's not too much concern about heat distortion as much as rain distortion, especially at the moment. A great video and review of each lens. My decision is between the older 300mm AF-S + 1.4TC 2 and the 200-500mm. I kinda wanna go for both, but I don't think that will be an option.
Love your videos... I have a question about the processor behind you in the videos....
Great Video Steve, Thank you very much!
The one thing I have to say about the 200-500 tripod collar is that it's nice for carrying the lens. I've had the canon 400mm 5.6L and the sigma 150-600c and there wasn't a comfortable way to grip it for a suitcase carry type of position which makes carrying that large lens a lot more convenient when hiking around.
Thanks Steve. I am new to your channel. I was wondering if you have any experience with the Tamron 150-600 as an alternative to the 200-500. I have none and wondered if you had any insight. Thanks.
Thank you for sharing your insights!