Nikkor 200-500e

jcdeboever · May 23, 2020

Brand new. Just came in the mail this week. Big box with the lens in the box, probably 12" of free space on both sides, just free sliding in the box, all the way to my house (MI) from California. Ordered through Best Buy. Going back, this thing is not sharp at all. I busted out the Star Chart and it's decentered which isn't surprising based on how it was packed. I was thinking of getting back into birding a little but having second thoughts.

tirediron · May 23, 2020

That's a bummer! Sounds like rhey really dropped the ball on the packing it's a great lens. Try another copy from a real camera store.

480sparky · May 23, 2020

jcdeboever said:
........ Ordered through Best Buy..........

Well, there ya go.

jcdeboever · May 23, 2020

480sparky said:
jcdeboever said:

........ Ordered through Best Buy..........

Click to expand...

Well, there ya go.

I know, I was lured by the 18 months same as cash. At least the return will be easy enough.

jcdeboever · May 23, 2020

tirediron said:
That's a bummer! Sounds like rhey really dropped the ball on the packing it's a great lens. Try another copy from a real camera store.

I know. I wish I never sold my 100-400 fuji. I'm gonna try my 300 4.5 ai lens on the fuji as well as the 300 mamiya 300

pendennis · May 23, 2020

My 200-500e is tack sharp, and I couldn't be happier. If you're in the Detroit area (and things eventually open back up) you could try Woodward Camera in Birmingham (where I bought mine), or PhotoPro in Livonia. Both will price match B&H, and you can try out on the spot.

If you want to go mail order, then B&H or Adorama are the places to order. I bought lenses from both, and they were packed tighter than Dick's hat band.

As to Best Buy, I like them for batteries, memory cards, and TV's, but that's about all.

Braineack · May 23, 2020

You're probably at least second person to return this one...

Derrel · May 23, 2020

Too bad about it being decentered....

jcdeboever · May 24, 2020

pendennis said:
My 200-500e is tack sharp, and I couldn't be happier. If you're in the Detroit area (and things eventually open back up) you could try Woodward Camera in Birmingham (where I bought mine), or PhotoPro in Livonia. Both will price match B&H, and you can try out on the spot.

If you want to go mail order, then B&H or Adorama are the places to order. I bought lenses from both, and they were packed tighter than Dick's hat band.

As to Best Buy, I like them for batteries, memory cards, and TV's, but that's about all.

I have been to all those places in my travels. This is the first and last time I order camera gear from BB. The packaging was lazy and neglectful, almost seemed intentional. The lens box had no seal but the contents didn't appear to be opened.