New toy, new toy, new toy!!

[crimbfighter]

I've been lurking through Nikon's refurbished section, waiting for a sale, so I could pounce on a new 200-500. With their sale last week I pulled the trigger! I haven't had more than 20 min yet to take it for a test spin, but from what I already see, I'm confident I'll be VERY happy with the purchase. I bought it predominantly for wildlife, but I'm already seeing many uses. These were the first few snaps I got. The contrast and sharpness is great, even at f/5.6.

The VR on this thing is simply amazing! This was shot at 500mm, f/5.6, 1/60 sec, ISO 6400 handheld, SOOC, no sharpening, nothing


Same image, 100% crop


Finally started seeing the limits of the VR at 1/10 sec handheld! Again, SOOC


A few more samples with minor editing.








What really shocked me was the potential for macro-ish images. It doesn't match the sharpness and detail of a dedicated macro lens, but in a pinch, it does pretty darn good! All handheld with available light.

 

[dxqcanada]

Ohhhhh, that looks like very very nice.

 

[dascrow]

Congrats on the new toy! Excellent shots!

 

[dxqcanada]

Hmm, I just checked B&H for the price on that lens ... it is pretty reasonably priced, I wish Sony would make one of those.

 

[tirediron]

Pup-dog apparently doesn't think much of it! I really like mine; I bought it as a 'fun' lens, but I've used it for a lot of event work. A dynamite performer for the price!

 

[benhasajeep]

Congrats on the new "TOOL".

 

[baturn]

Congrats! By far my favorite lens.

 

[crimbfighter]

Ohhhhh, that looks like very very nice.

It is indeed!

Congrats on the new toy! Excellent shots!

Thanks, I'm excited to play with it some more.

Hmm, I just checked B&H for the price on that lens ... it is pretty reasonably priced, I wish Sony would make one of those.

For what you get, it is absolutely reasonably priced!

Pup-dog apparently doesn't think much of it! I really like mine; I bought it as a 'fun' lens, but I've used it for a lot of event work. A dynamite performer for the price!

Yeah, he has quite the sense of humor... I think it has quite a few application beyond wildlife, just need to start exploring!

Congrats on the new "TOOL".

Yes, yes. "Tool." Very important tool that I simply NEEDED for various important reasons.. At least that's what I told my wife...

Congrats! By far my favorite lens.

Thanks! I have a feeling it will be in my top 3, along with my 70-200 and 35 f/1.4.

 

[zulu42]

Just stopped in to say "thumbs up on the Macallan!"

 

[ac12]

(thumbs up)

I'm "trying" to justify this lens to myself.
But I am not shooting enough long range stuff ... yet.

 

[crimbfighter]

(thumbs up)

I'm "trying" to justify this lens to myself.
But I am not shooting enough long range stuff ... yet.

Give it time, you'll find an excuse!

 

[Cortian]

Nice!

 

[jcdeboever]

Awesome piece of glass. I have always admired that lens, it probably is the best long zoom out there. You got a sweet copy for sure.

 

[Peeb]

I love this lens as well. When I need it, there is no substitute!

 

[shadowlands]

very nice shots. congrats.