need help before I buy

[mongo]

Hi all
I am seriously thinking of buying a Nikon 500mm f4 AIs model. Its in ex condition but not cheap so I can not afford to make a mistake if I can help it.

I have a D200 it is intended for.

However, all the write-ups talk about different camera bodies and the difference in IQ you get depending on which body you use the lens on. There is no information I know of that tells me how these two would go together.:

Can anyone tell me good things (or even bad things ) about this proposed combination.

all comments very needed and welcomed.

[ricktas]

First question. What are you going to shoot with it?

[mongo]

Rick,
mainly birds, some surfing, and wildlife

[I @ M]

I am envious have a quick read of one mans views on that lens at ---- http://www.naturfotograf.com/lens_tele.html ---- his marks are out of 5 so giving that one a 4.5 on a D2x or D200 indicates that he likes it.

[TOM]

Andrew beat me to it. Bjorn (naturfotograf) is a highly regarded reviewer. Also Thom Hogan but I am not sure if he has looked at that lens.

Wow, that is a 750mm effective focal length. I hope you have a very good trip$d and head.

[ricktas]

Sounds like the lens will deliver! Go for it, and show us the photos!!!!

[mongo]

thanks I@M

had a quick read of the article and it seems pretty positive.

much appreciated.

[mongo]

thanks Rick

they will be slow moving aminals.

[mongo]

Tom

the lens is only 3 kg. - my play-lunch weighs more than that !!

Maybe carrying it will not be a bad thing , you know, to work off my play-lunch

[bigdazzler]

mongo i think tom might have been getting at the potential for camera shake at 750 rather than the weight of the lens .. you will be needing that tripod mate

[mongo]

sorry Paul, I did not notice that you had asked this question until today!!! The answer may not matter to you now (1.5 years later) but better late than never.
Short answer - No. However, Mongo did buy a new 200 -400 f4 a couple of months later for an unbeatable low price.

thanks for asking.

[James Axford]

wish I could help Mongo, but i'm not a Nikon shooter.
But i wish you luck in your purchase and am looking forward to those photos that come from it

[ving]

james, read the post above yours

[James Axford]

whoops didn't realise how old this post was...
ave enjoyed the shots from the bigger and badder 200-400 though

[Duane Pipe]

Some people live in the past

[James Axford]

you study the past to know the future my friend

[mongo]

It was nice of you guys to have read and shown enough interest to have answered - Mongo appreciates the intent.

BTW , MOngo has been posting them for over a year now.