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I use a 200-500 lens, was thinking of a prime. Any comparison done between 500 f4 FL VR ED vs 500pf,. 500pf is cheaper and weigh less, but still we need to put out money. Was thinking if matches heavier prime
You are definitely the most sane photography TH-camr out there and I am genuinely excited when you post a new video, knowing there will be objective insights and thoughts no-one else gives.
Definitely the best wildlife photography reviewer on TH-cam. I don’t shoot Nikon but love your videos for the technic that applies to photography in general.
To fix the subject isolation problem, you can put the photo in Lightroom and use the brush tool to individually edit the photo to isolate the subject more.... you can do this by lowering clarity, texture, and sharpness....
Interestingly, the most helpful part of the video for me was rethinking where the autofocus point actually is when using VR. Thanks for another thorough review, Steve!
Bought this Lens due to this Video, absolutely amazing, all insights and tips are so appreciated. Thank you so much Steve! I carry along many things you say into my photography.
400-600 lenses with 1x but especially 2x converters not only mess with iso but destroy AF notably when bumping up F-stop as I often do to create motion blur at a race track or birds
Hi Steve. Here is something you might want to share or add to your excellent vid on this lens. I just got my replacement 500 PF and found that it reacted the same way as the original one that I talked about below & returned last week. Some lengthy research has told me that the A/M focus adjust "lock / hesitation" only works if you have the camera set to continuous focus (AF-C), it does not do anything different that M/A if you are in AF-S, which is what I use most of the time. If you are interested in where I found that info, look at Ken Rockwell's review of the lens and setting. This should obviously be added to Nikon's instruction sheet. Keep up the great work! Cheers.
Like all his reviews, this one is clear, concise, and backed up by data. I appreciate how Steve cuts through marketing hype and psdeo-expertise flooding the internet photography space. You get essential information in a brilliantly summarized format. I'll get this lens based on this review as a companion to my Nikkor 200-500mm.
Thanks for the nice review. Regarding your comment on the faulty design of the collar, I think it is more faulty operation from your side. The collar has a screw to lock it in tightly. There is also a fail safe to prevent the lens from sliding out by accident when you are unscrewing it: after you unscrew the collar, it moves around loosely but is still held into place by a small lock that can be unlocked by pressing the button. What you did was walk around with the collar unscrewed, and then pressed the button by accident. Unlike what you say in the video, the screw just needs to be tightened normally and everything will be rock solid.
I agree that's how it's supposed to work, but since this video I have received multiple e-mails from people telling me they have experienced the same issue. And I did check the foot before heading out, since I was warned about it in advance. Regardless, it's a lousy foot and I have since replaced it with a different one that screws directly in and features an integrated dovetail.
One of the best reviews that I have ever seen on a lens. Actually in the field use and not just a lab review. My next lens and thanks for such a great job.
I have no problem waiting a while for his videos because every time there is a video of him, its pure gold. They are all filled with very useful information.
Steve, I have recently acquired the 500 PF and took it on a trip and I think I know what causes the soft images below 1/125 sec and also why with the Sport VR things are getting better. I think physics actually work against this lens due to its short physical length and low weight. Let me try and explain what I think really goes on here. First of, I noticed that the softness comes about during moving the lens while trying to follow the subject .Still subjects tend to render sharp. Because the lens physical length is so short, and the weight so low , the lens can actually be moved by the user very rapidly. In doing so the induced camera shake by the user is by far greater than say when using an f4 lens or even the zooms , which are significantly heavier. The action of trying to keep in the viewfinder a subject that goes from sitting still to taking to flight ,is effortless, but at the same time can be very jerky if I can use the term? Especially if you are winding up the shutter speed to freeze the action at the same time!! I went out testing it specifically for this after my first day with it revealed exactly what you described .Then I remembered your upload and went through your observations again . My findings are that even at higher shutter speeds , above 1/500sec it is quite possible to induce camera shake with it due to its low weight. Conversely, if the panning motion is done smoothly even at speeds of 1/125 or less it still is possible to get pin sharp images. The sport VR will actually handle these speeds better as it is designed to do exactly that......correct the erratic movement by the user much more efficiently than the normal mode. When handholding my 600 f4 I can never jerk it anywhere as close as the PF, since the extra weight acts as a dumper on my actions, therefore the shots are executed with less jerk leading to sharper images. I was wondering if you tried out the PF on a gimbal head with the VR switched off. I will try that next week since I haven't got my tripod with me right now but I am curious to see what goes on with the use of tripod and VR off.Thanks again for your uploads....simply the best!!
Hi Chris - You could be on to something. I think the smaller size coupled with the longer focal length and lack of overall mass may very well be making a difference. I too find the lens is better with VR when dealing with static subjects. I also agree wholeheartedly about the jerky initial movement - I simply think the VR group can't compensate for that massive amount of motion. I also wonder if, in addition to your observations, there is something about the size of the VR group itself with the lens. Not only is there less mass, but the VR group is relatively small compared to larger glass and may simply not have as much surface area to work with. However, I'm no optical engineer, so that's pure speculation. Also, I have not really played with it much on a gimbal - currently stuck at home (Ohio), so very little opportunity to shoot anything in my area. Most of the time though, I tend to use the 500PF hand-held.
Steve Perry The cure for it will be the D6 with the IBIS. Same here ,,,,, I didn’t even bother bringing a tripod along. I just remove the foot and screw a black Rapid strap onto the lens. This also bypasses the crappie foot syndrome!!
After watching Steve's and Mark Smith's review of the 500mm PF, I went to bed thinking the same Christos - that the lens due to being low in weight, can be moved around more which is why I prefer using the battery grip on my D500 as it adds a little more weight and I can control the hand held movement better. Mark Smith did say he used a friend's 500mm PF and didn't have the problem as he did with his own and thought it was down to his friends set up being calibrated. I think it's a bit of both and the issues have certainly not put me off from purchasing the lens soon.
Gary Barton oh yeah by no means you have to think about that, the lens is superb , it just takes a bit of getting used to, I can tell you right now that it is a tad sharper than my 600 f4 VR2 However the compromise will be its slower aperture. The number of keepers is also very good maybe 85 % of what I get from the F4 , but the more I use it the more I find out about its quirks and then I can control it better. It is my go to piece for my international photography trips, now the 600 is left behind as it is very heavy and I am not getting any younger neither!!
Christos Phillippou I've been experimenting with a Manfrotto table top tripod. It is quite small and when the legs are folded, it is designed to be used as a handle when attached to a vlogging camera. I've been screwing it to the forward hole of the lens foot to use it as a handle. Due to my arm being lower, it means I can tuck my elbow into my body for better hand held stabilisation. I was managing to get shots at 1/25 sec stood up hand held on static objects in the house and they were tack sharp. Not had a chance to have a go at panning using this method but I'm sure it will work if I use Steve's technique of panning from the hips.
Awesome review as per usual, Steve. I never used to be a fan of prime lenses (maybe I'm just lazy!) but I love my 300PF, and now I want Santa to bring me a 500PF! As you know, I have some difficulties with camera weight, and I think this would be an awesome addition to my lens collection (especially for RV travels!!)
Yeah that foot release defect is something that makes you wonder, "What were they thinking ?" It so easy to fix that I wonder about the complaint. Took my brannew 500mm PF over to the kitchen junk drawer, and what did I find ? The plastic top to a small tube of something. The perfect size to push into the space between the release and the foot - voila !! - the release can no longer be pushed ! It is forced tight, I have to push it out with a key, so it won't fall out. And besides, it is white and I can tell at a glance if it's still in place. Such a simple solution . . . I love this lens.
Your number of subscribers, views, and likes are an order of magnitude lower than what your quality of videos would suggest. This is phenomenal content; I've watched this video alone probably a dozen times and it was a major deciding factor in my upgrade from the 200-500 to the 500mm PF. Thank you for this content! Keep it up!
Steve Thank you so very much for going the extra mile man we all appreciate the labor that goes into these tests and the uploads all together, I finally opted to go with a mint condition 300 f 2.8 VR 2 instead + TC, also came in a hair cheaper, what tip the scale for me was the F5.6 aperture, I just can't live with it.PERIOD........ I so much wish it was an f4.!!!
I totally get it - I was using my D5 a lot more than I normally do to help with the ISOs. I was also a bit more conservative than I like with SS on some of the shots. However, the size and weight of the lens make it very "deployable" and fast to use in the field. It's nice to have both, but I'd pick fast glass over it if I could only have one or the other. No question.
Great honest and thorough review Steve! If I hadn’t already purchased the 200-500, I would consider saving up for the 500 but for the kind of shooting I do and my budget, it doesn’t make sense right now. Appreciate the time and effort spent on the comparisons. Very helpful.
I just bought this lens and there definitely is an issue with the VR between 1/60s and 1/160. While I get most of my images sharp at 1/50s, I get a kind of systematic double imaging, which has its maximum at 1/80s, meaning that at this speed practically every image shows a double image and it's always shiftet along a vertical line (on a D750). When in portrait mode, the shake blur also rotates its direction by 90°. It seems that the VR interferes with the shutter and/or the mirror, since switching to quiet mode reduces the problem somewhat (but doesn't completely eliminate it). It might also depend on the camera. I would be courious how the lens performs on a Z camera, especially the shutterless Z9. *Update:* There is no issue on my D7000 at all, so it really depends on the camera. Furthermore this supports my shutter/mirror-shock-theory, since the D7000 has a smaller shutter and mirror and therefore less vibration.
This is a great review. I've just ordered one of these lenses because although I love my 300 PF because of its weight, it is almost always mated to the TC1.4. Just hoping the new lens arrives sometime this year with Nikon's ongoing supply issues.
I was thinking of becoming a two cameras to lenses type of guy, Carry both PFs and a couple of D750s pretty light and great image quality. Clearly I am not a professional photographers so the long big primes are out of the question. I believe one can walk a lot and hand held a lot with this two.
Awesome review on this 500pf. We are headed to Yellowstone this Sept., I’m 71 and the weight is a major factor in hand holding. Your review pushed me towards this lens I think the pros out weigh the cons for me. Thanks again for the awesome and professional review Steve.
Former 200-500 junkie feedback here. I finally caved and found a mint condition 500pf used for $2,500. After a few days, and making sure it was fine tuned to my D500, I went right to work. So after a few days, the real test came when a heavy overcast day came at the tail end of duck migration. And this is where the PF confirmed my decision. Because the 200-500 could not have performed (5 year’s experience) is low light I was shooting (5.6 - 2500iso - 1600th) to get in flight of a pair of Blue-Winged Teals. The autofocus performed flawlessly in low light. The light weight allowed me to shoot handheld in any situation much easier that the 200-500, and it wasn’t close. 2 pounds is much more than you realize until it’s in your hands. Sharpness is close. Not the deciding factor. However. The overall image quality is better contrasted, bokeh is noticeably better! As a pixel peeper, it is just better. I love this lens. You’ll never look back. And I can even keep the hood lock on and stored in my bag ready to just switch on and focus. I love it.
Gran trabajo Steve! La capacidad cognitiva, conocimiento, experiencia, síntesis y facilidad del lenguaje para explicar el contenido hace que esta revisión sea muy completa y agradable de escuchar. Saludos desde Chile.
Great review Steve. I use 90% of the time my 500 f4 FL which I love. It is light enough for hand holding Imo and works with the teleconverter well. Only if I have to travel very light I use 300 PF with 1.4 TC but I not really enjoy it. I photograph birds and 99% of the time I need more reach, did not consider 200-500 for this reason.
I was soooooo excited when I got this video notification, but why o' why didn't you also test it on the D500?!?! THAT'S the camera, more than any other, that people have and will be looking hard at this lens for.
I just don't use the D500 anymore - the reason is that the D850 has about the same pixel density and performance (at least with grip). So, the results would be the same D500 Vs D850 at the pixel level. In fact, if it does good on the D850, it'll be good or better on the D500 since the D500 is only using the center area of the image circle.
I suspect the issue is that since a crop sensor only makes use of the centre area then there may be no discernible IQ difference between the 500PF and the 50% cheaper (and possibly lighter/more versatile) 200-500.
I'd really like to see some other companies make PF-style lenses. I've thought of making the switch to mirrorless, and Nikon's cameras just don't cut it. I would've left them already, but no one else makes PF lenses, and I'm not about to lug around a massive "regular" 500mm.
Great test Steve! Thanks a lot for doing this! I have been shooting with this lens for a week and are really happy with it and it replaced my 200-500 MM. As you point out, the great advance with this lens, is you are much more free to go handheld!
Thanks for this review! Just the right & accurate info I'm looking for (as usual). My only gripe with this lens is it uses the same rubberized material as the 200-500mm which over time gets "loose" and in my case it actually separates from the lens body itself. I'm not sure how many more years before it completely needs to be peeled off.
So I waited and waited and couldn't see to track down one of these bad boys in stores. So I turned to the second hand market and grabbed one from Ebay. A little pricier than MSRP, but damn is this lens exquisite. I don't have experience with the 500 f/4, but this certainly puts my 200-500 to shame, if not for eliminating the hand shake alone given the weight difference. Killer walk around lens! Thanks for your amazing reviews for pointing me in the direction!
Thanks for this thorough review Steve. I really liked how you pointed out out its strengths & weaknesses - especially the different shooters' needs in mind. My 500 F4 is heavy, and I honestly don't use it much because I hate all the gyrations I have to go through in order to use it. This lens could make the 300 PF and 500 F4 expendable.
Great review. However, I believe the f5.6 vs f4 glass argument is disingenuous. Of course there is a difference between ISO 400 and 800 or ISO 3200 and 6400. That will never change...ALL things equal. The point is, upgrading to the latest camera can improve ISO performance as much as 3 stops while one loses only 1 stop going from an F4 500mm to this f5.6 500mm i.e. My new rig, a D500 + 500mm f5.6 is 2 stops better than my old D300 + 500mm f4.
Buying one for my Z9. Thanks for the quality review which gives confidence to pull the trigger to buy. I am presuming some of the AF features of the Z9 will more than compensate with some of the issues you identified in this video over 3 years ago.
Another thorough, objective, practical and outstanding review, Steve. Thank you! If I might suggest, an interesting topic for a future video might be a discussion of, with all the available options (from consumer zooms to exotic primes) of long focal length lenses, what are the use cases where a wildlife photographer might be best served by one lens over another?
Thank you so much Steve, you've just answered a question that had me loosing sleep! 300PF + tele or 500PF for full frame. Looks like I'm adding a 500PF to the family.
Excellent piece of work 👏👏👏 just purchased two ebooks and two lightroom video tutorials as a thankyou for the info in this superb instructional video... I own the 200-500 and WAS undecided on the 600 F4 or the 500 pf... I will be going with the 600mm as after watching this I feel this will allow me more flexibility alongside my 200-500. Thanks so much 👍 money well spent Steve... thanks for the like btw
Nice to hear someone mention this 'jumping around' of the subject after taking a shot. I'm especially interested to hear that this is the VR causing this as I have been thinking it was my inability to hold steady even though I felt I was not moving at all. My experience with this is with the 200-500 and the D850/D810. Thank you for another great analysis Steve.
Great review and thanks for bringing the "foot quick-release defect" to our attention. Incidentally, I was birding in Colombia last week and I managed to drop the 500 mm + D850 onto a rock. Brand new and now both are marred :( Despite the drop, I am still a Nikon enthusiast. Best, Max
Steve, amazing content as usual. Your reviews are so rational, real & unbiased which looks quite simple thing to do but the fact is very few TH-cam reviewers come close to covering these aspects so simply & elaborately. Thanks for your efforts. Just to draw your attention that some reviews of Z7 suggest that AF capabilities of ML with TC at f8 & slower is much better than DSLR & it makes sense since AF sensors are on image sensor receiving full light through lens & not partial deflected through mirror. I guess all sensors would also function at f8 & slower. In that case, this focus & recompose issue with TC May vanish if used on Mirrorless with FTZ adapter. Such light optic also goes hand in hand with light & compact ML bodies. I am aware that 1st generation Nikon ML are not ready for prime time when it comes Wildlife, Sports & fast action but future is definitely bright & promising.
Steve, thanks for a great review and detailed information with fantastic samples. As usual your reviews are just at the very top for wildlife gear reviews. I plan to add this lens to my 300/4 PF as a light weight kit covering 300-420-500-700mm. Regarding the foot it has the same problem as the 70-200/2.8 FL foot, where a inside pin sometimes prevent it from been tightened enough with the tripod collar lock screw. If owners doesn't get a replacement foot from Kirk or RRS, they should check frequently, if the foot is locked down by pressing the tripod collar lock release knob in and check if the foot can move.
I don't bother with the TC 1.4iii on my D5, but instead use this lens on my D500 where it's wonderful and keep F5.6 and get the reach. And you are right about the OEM foot, I dumped it and bought a Kirk that's much more secure and longer.
I have both lenses the 300 pf and the 500 pf and i’m fully agree with your review. I had also the 200-500 f5,6 that i sold when receive the 300 pf with TC
Great review as always, Steve. Thank you. I'm a D500, 300PF and 200-500 owner with an itchy trigger finger for this upgrade. It looks as though this could finally be a good candidate for bridging the cost gulf between the 200-500 and the 500 f/4.
Hejnar photo has an arca foot which screws on to the collar thereby eliminating the problem you encountered and is the same foot used with the 70-200. Quality products and no I’m not in any way affiliated with them,just appreciate quality at a reasonable price.
Superb review. It answered the few remaining questions I had and then some. The acuity visuals were especially helpful. Thank you. I viewed this some time ago and returned before ordering. I will mount it on my D850. That image of you standing there with the lens collar foot in your hand made a lasting impression. I often use a shoulder sling with my zoom lens with a bolted footplate and tether. Still, I only rarely let go of it completely with my hand. :)
..and again a great review, Thanks Steve. Also the remarks between the lines about VR and its behavior are very welcome. And ofcourse the comparison between the Nikon optics is so valuable. Bought both books and the vids aswell… not only for the info but for support as well. Keep up the good work.
Wow Steve. First time watching a review by you. You have a new fan!! Really. Wow. Am soo tempted to switch to Nikon for this lens just based on your review..
At last! I have been waiting for this as I'm planning to have it. Thanks a bunch, Steve! Your work are always my inspirations in my wildlife photography journey.
Superb comparisons Steve. Exactly what I was hoping for since I plan to get my hands on a 500mm PF F5.6 ASAP to couple with my D850. Thank you for the video. Bill & Deb
Watching Steve’s video where he mentioned the foot came off his lens and he dropped it, I thought of a hack to prevent it. I took two small size cable ties and encircled the mechanism down the center of the foot, and fastened the two cable ties head fo foot of each other and tightened till I had the head of one of the cable ties was under the button that you press to release the foot, thereby preventing the button from being able to be pressed. Then I tightened the holding knob as tight as I could anyway just to be sure. Now the only way to get the foot off is to cut the cable ties out of there, probably with an X-acto knife. I never take my foot off anyway. FWIW
5 years later with mirrorless high iso performance this lens speed is less of a concern now. At f5.6 it seems fast compared to contemporary super zooms.
Would be interested in an updated opinion of this lens with the new Nikon mirrorless bodies, particularly the Z7 II. But then again, I have the lens coming and I have that body, so I guess I'll find out soon enough! Very thorough and detailed review. I think one key category that you might have glanced over for this lens is the one I think I fall into. I would love to have the 600 f/4, or even the 500 f/4... who wouldn't! But this lens, while costly, is still much cheaper than even a used f4.0 prime in very good condition. I'm also jazzed about the potential it will have with the Z9.
Excellent review Steve! Really, really well done (as usual)! The 500PF is one sweet lens, but as primarily a birder I'm leaning towards complimenting my 600E and with the 500E -- f4 is much better for BIF and with the TC14EIII deliver a super-sharp 700mm at a still-respectable @f5.6. I think the 500PF makes more sense for mammals.
LOL - I like how the video is up less than 5 minutes and gets a downvote. Can't please 'em all I guess... EDIT - For the record, don't worry, I'm not upset, I just thought it was funny that someone would automatically Down Vote a video without watching it :) No worries.
I guess some was born negative, but as for right now yog got 98% thumb ups which is pretty damn good, keep going Steve, many of us really appreciate it!
@@backcountrygallery Awesome video btw! Thanks ! I'm struggling a bit with low light, and I hate to increase my isos. I have a 300 PF+TC, and I really think about buying a 300 2.8 in addition. With a 1.4TC it will be only a F4 so pretty good... some people even add the x2 ! The 500 F5.6 seems a dream lens but as you said F5.6 is hard when you want to keep your isos down.
@@Thesoulviolonist Very true. With my 600 F/4, I tend to favor my D850 under most of the conditions you saw in the video, but as you saw, with the F/5.6 lens I was using my D5 most of the time. That stop hurts, no getting around it.
Good conclusion Steve I owned it for a year, just noticed Josh just bought one. In general it behaved like an f8 with my D500 and D850 ! Good review ! 👍🤔
Going to get the 500 PF, already have the 300 PF and it's been GREAT. Just need more reach with the D810, but cropping does work well for now as the IQ is so good with that setup. But then the 500 PF is on backorder everywhere so it's a wait.
Still relevant. I recently used the 200-500 5.6 to great effect during a wildlife trip. I came back home jonesing for a prime even though the results are spectacular. I find 500 not tight enough for my liking and the 600 too expensive for my bank account. I suppose I'm a happy camper with the zoom.
I really like your video's Steve. I have been watching them for quite some time. Your tips are very helpful and your good at teaching them. I especially liked over the years the one on the back focus button and the one on auto-iso in manual mode. Thanks buddy.
I think the 200-500 has a very good carry handle, although it has no second hole for the large bodies. This one apparently sucks, the 600 f4 and 400 2.8 are also very large and give you a good grip. So, a big ooops for Nikon here ;D
I agree to a point. They did screw it up, no doubt, however, for me personally it's a non-issue. I always get a replacement foot so in the end I don't really care about the quality of the ones that come with the lenses. I want that integrated area Swiss foot :)
I see that it is not an issue for most people, but I think that you should be able to expect those small details when you buy the professional glass. Your lens literally slipping through your fingers to the ground seems horrifying to me.
Thanks Steve for the review, I have just got mine and glad you pointed out the Tripod Foot release issue. I have fitted a arca swiss plate to the foot and noticed that one of the mounting screw holes is directly below the release latch, I have just ordered a longer mounting bolt and will cut it to the correct length so that it passes right through the foot and snugs upto the release latch thereby making it impossible to press down. This does mean the foot/collar can't be easily removed and will not be the answer for everyone but it is a quite acceptable 'fix' for me :-)
UPDATE - I received the longer bolt this morning, it was just a bit too long so used a spacing washer and it works perfectly and now I have a lens that will not accidentally part company from the foot so dont need to buy an alternative replacement foot - :-)
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!
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Hey Steve great review, could I have a link to the picture at 0:53 ? It is so beautiful and i'd love it as my wallpaper
@@jiki776 Thanks! This should get you there:
backcountrygallery.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/1/nggallery/north-america/posing-elk.jpg
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I use a 200-500 lens, was thinking of a prime. Any comparison done between 500 f4 FL VR ED vs 500pf,. 500pf is cheaper and weigh less, but still we need to put out money. Was thinking if matches heavier prime
You are definitely the most sane photography TH-camr out there and I am genuinely excited when you post a new video, knowing there will be objective insights and thoughts no-one else gives.
Exactly
Totally agree
Definitely the best wildlife photography reviewer on TH-cam. I don’t shoot Nikon but love your videos for the technic that applies to photography in general.
You'll never find more informative and real breakdowns than from Steve. Thanks for all you do Steve.
Steve's definitely the man for a no nonsense, clear and unbiased review. Thanks for all the work you do for the photo community.
To fix the subject isolation problem, you can put the photo in Lightroom and use the brush tool to individually edit the photo to isolate the subject more.... you can do this by lowering clarity, texture, and sharpness....
Your reviews are so thorough and at the same time not full of useless information.
Steve, you set the bar high with your reviews, thank you!
The images of the fox were absolutely stunning!
Interestingly, the most helpful part of the video for me was rethinking where the autofocus point actually is when using VR. Thanks for another thorough review, Steve!
Bought this Lens due to this Video, absolutely amazing, all insights and tips are so appreciated. Thank you so much Steve! I carry along many things you say into my photography.
400-600 lenses with 1x but especially 2x converters not only mess with iso but destroy AF notably when bumping up F-stop as I often do to create motion blur at a race track or birds
Hi Steve.
Here is something you might want to share or add to your excellent vid on this lens. I just got my replacement 500 PF and found that it reacted the same way as the original one that I talked about below & returned last week. Some lengthy research has told me that the A/M focus adjust "lock / hesitation" only works if you have the camera set to continuous focus (AF-C), it does not do anything different that M/A if you are in AF-S, which is what I use most of the time. If you are interested in where I found that info, look at Ken Rockwell's review of the lens and setting. This should obviously be added to Nikon's instruction sheet. Keep up the great work! Cheers.
Like all his reviews, this one is clear, concise, and backed up by data. I appreciate how Steve cuts through marketing hype and psdeo-expertise flooding the internet photography space. You get essential information in a brilliantly summarized format. I'll get this lens based on this review as a companion to my Nikkor 200-500mm.
Thanks for the nice review. Regarding your comment on the faulty design of the collar, I think it is more faulty operation from your side. The collar has a screw to lock it in tightly. There is also a fail safe to prevent the lens from sliding out by accident when you are unscrewing it: after you unscrew the collar, it moves around loosely but is still held into place by a small lock that can be unlocked by pressing the button. What you did was walk around with the collar unscrewed, and then pressed the button by accident. Unlike what you say in the video, the screw just needs to be tightened normally and everything will be rock solid.
I agree that's how it's supposed to work, but since this video I have received multiple e-mails from people telling me they have experienced the same issue. And I did check the foot before heading out, since I was warned about it in advance. Regardless, it's a lousy foot and I have since replaced it with a different one that screws directly in and features an integrated dovetail.
One of the best reviews that I have ever seen on a lens. Actually in the field use and not just a lab review. My next lens and thanks for such a great job.
I read your AF book and have used back button focus since. No more losing focus when I try to recompose, and no more headaches. Great advice,
I have no problem waiting a while for his videos because every time there is a video of him, its pure gold. They are all filled with very useful information.
This is the best online review I've yet found on this lens. Fantastic. Thanks for producing such an exhaustive review on it.
Believe it or not, I have had the 200-500mm for 5-6 years and the hood has never been a issue.
Steve,
I have recently acquired the 500 PF and took it on a trip and I think I know what causes the soft images below 1/125 sec and also why with the Sport VR things are getting better. I think physics actually work against this lens due to its short physical length and low weight. Let me try and explain what I think really goes on here. First of, I noticed that the softness comes about during moving the lens while trying to follow the subject .Still subjects tend to render sharp. Because the lens physical length is so short, and the weight so low , the lens can actually be moved by the user very rapidly. In doing so the induced camera shake by the user is by far greater than say when using an f4 lens or even the zooms , which are significantly heavier. The action of trying to keep in the viewfinder a subject that goes from sitting still to taking to flight ,is effortless, but at the same time can be very jerky if I can use the term? Especially if you are winding up the shutter speed to freeze the action at the same time!!
I went out testing it specifically for this after my first day with it revealed exactly what you described .Then I remembered your upload and went through your observations again . My findings are that even at higher shutter speeds , above 1/500sec it is quite possible to induce camera shake with it due to its low weight. Conversely, if the panning motion is done smoothly even at speeds of 1/125 or less it still is possible to get pin sharp images. The sport VR will actually handle these speeds better as it is designed to do exactly that......correct the erratic movement by the user much more efficiently than the normal mode. When handholding my 600 f4 I can never jerk it anywhere as close as the PF, since the extra weight acts as a dumper on my actions, therefore the shots are executed with less jerk leading to sharper images. I was wondering if you tried out the PF on a gimbal head with the VR switched off. I will try that next week since I haven't got my tripod with me right now but I am curious to see what goes on with the use of tripod and VR off.Thanks again for your uploads....simply the best!!
Hi Chris -
You could be on to something. I think the smaller size coupled with the longer focal length and lack of overall mass may very well be making a difference. I too find the lens is better with VR when dealing with static subjects. I also agree wholeheartedly about the jerky initial movement - I simply think the VR group can't compensate for that massive amount of motion.
I also wonder if, in addition to your observations, there is something about the size of the VR group itself with the lens. Not only is there less mass, but the VR group is relatively small compared to larger glass and may simply not have as much surface area to work with. However, I'm no optical engineer, so that's pure speculation.
Also, I have not really played with it much on a gimbal - currently stuck at home (Ohio), so very little opportunity to shoot anything in my area. Most of the time though, I tend to use the 500PF hand-held.
Steve Perry The cure for it will be the D6 with the IBIS. Same here ,,,,, I didn’t even bother bringing a tripod along. I just remove the foot and screw a black Rapid strap onto the lens. This also bypasses the crappie foot syndrome!!
After watching Steve's and Mark Smith's review of the 500mm PF, I went to bed thinking the same Christos - that the lens due to being low in weight, can be moved around more which is why I prefer using the battery grip on my D500 as it adds a little more weight and I can control the hand held movement better. Mark Smith did say he used a friend's 500mm PF and didn't have the problem as he did with his own and thought it was down to his friends set up being calibrated. I think it's a bit of both and the issues have certainly not put me off from purchasing the lens soon.
Gary Barton oh yeah by no means you have to think about that, the lens is superb , it just takes a bit of getting used to, I can tell you right now that it is a tad sharper than my 600 f4 VR2
However the compromise will be its slower aperture. The number of keepers is also very good maybe 85 % of what I get from the F4 , but the more I use it the more I find out about its quirks and then I can control it better. It is my go to piece for my international photography trips, now the 600 is left behind as it is very heavy and I am not getting any younger neither!!
Christos Phillippou I've been experimenting with a Manfrotto table top tripod. It is quite small and when the legs are folded, it is designed to be used as a handle when attached to a vlogging camera. I've been screwing it to the forward hole of the lens foot to use it as a handle. Due to my arm being lower, it means I can tuck my elbow into my body for better hand held stabilisation. I was managing to get shots at 1/25 sec stood up hand held on static objects in the house and they were tack sharp. Not had a chance to have a go at panning using this method but I'm sure it will work if I use Steve's technique of panning from the hips.
Awesome review as per usual, Steve. I never used to be a fan of prime lenses (maybe I'm just lazy!) but I love my 300PF, and now I want Santa to bring me a 500PF! As you know, I have some difficulties with camera weight, and I think this would be an awesome addition to my lens collection (especially for RV travels!!)
Yeah that foot release defect is something that makes you wonder, "What were they thinking ?" It so easy to fix that I wonder about the complaint.
Took my brannew 500mm PF over to the kitchen junk drawer, and what did I find ?
The plastic top to a small tube of something. The perfect size to push into the space between the release and the foot - voila !! - the release can no longer be pushed !
It is forced tight, I have to push it out with a key, so it won't fall out. And besides, it is white and I can tell at a glance if it's still in place. Such a simple solution . . .
I love this lens.
I just swapped it out for the Hejnar foot and all is well - and I have a dovetail for the rare times I stick it on a tripod.
Your number of subscribers, views, and likes are an order of magnitude lower than what your quality of videos would suggest. This is phenomenal content; I've watched this video alone probably a dozen times and it was a major deciding factor in my upgrade from the 200-500 to the 500mm PF. Thank you for this content! Keep it up!
Steve Thank you so very much for going the extra mile man we all appreciate the labor that goes into these tests and the uploads all together, I finally opted to go with a mint condition 300 f 2.8 VR 2 instead + TC, also came in a hair cheaper, what tip the scale for me was the F5.6 aperture, I just can't live with it.PERIOD........ I so much wish it was an f4.!!!
I totally get it - I was using my D5 a lot more than I normally do to help with the ISOs. I was also a bit more conservative than I like with SS on some of the shots. However, the size and weight of the lens make it very "deployable" and fast to use in the field. It's nice to have both, but I'd pick fast glass over it if I could only have one or the other. No question.
Great honest and thorough review Steve! If I hadn’t already purchased the 200-500, I would consider saving up for the 500 but for the kind of shooting I do and my budget, it doesn’t make sense right now. Appreciate the time and effort spent on the comparisons. Very helpful.
I just bought this lens and there definitely is an issue with the VR between 1/60s and 1/160.
While I get most of my images sharp at 1/50s, I get a kind of systematic double imaging, which has its maximum at 1/80s, meaning that at this speed practically every image shows a double image and it's always shiftet along a vertical line (on a D750). When in portrait mode, the shake blur also rotates its direction by 90°.
It seems that the VR interferes with the shutter and/or the mirror, since switching to quiet mode reduces the problem somewhat (but doesn't completely eliminate it).
It might also depend on the camera.
I would be courious how the lens performs on a Z camera, especially the shutterless Z9.
*Update:* There is no issue on my D7000 at all, so it really depends on the camera. Furthermore this supports my shutter/mirror-shock-theory, since the D7000 has a smaller shutter and mirror and therefore less vibration.
This is a great review. I've just ordered one of these lenses because although I love my 300 PF because of its weight, it is almost always mated to the TC1.4. Just hoping the new lens arrives sometime this year with Nikon's ongoing supply issues.
I was thinking of becoming a two cameras to lenses type of guy, Carry both PFs and a couple of D750s pretty light and great image quality. Clearly I am not a professional photographers so the long big primes are out of the question. I believe one can walk a lot and hand held a lot with this two.
Awesome review on this 500pf. We are headed to Yellowstone this Sept., I’m 71 and the weight is a major factor in hand holding. Your review pushed me towards this lens I think the pros out weigh the cons for me. Thanks again for the awesome and professional review Steve.
Former 200-500 junkie feedback here. I finally caved and found a mint condition 500pf used for $2,500. After a few days, and making sure it was fine tuned to my D500, I went right to work. So after a few days, the real test came when a heavy overcast day came at the tail end of duck migration. And this is where the PF confirmed my decision. Because the 200-500 could not have performed (5 year’s experience) is low light I was shooting (5.6 - 2500iso - 1600th) to get in flight of a pair of Blue-Winged Teals. The autofocus performed flawlessly in low light. The light weight allowed me to shoot handheld in any situation much easier that the 200-500, and it wasn’t close. 2 pounds is much more than you realize until it’s in your hands. Sharpness is close. Not the deciding factor. However. The overall image quality is better contrasted, bokeh is noticeably better! As a pixel peeper, it is just better. I love this lens. You’ll never look back. And I can even keep the hood lock on and stored in my bag ready to just switch on and focus. I love it.
It's a great lens, no question! Congrats!
Your site is my one stop shop for all photography information. Thank you
I found this review while looking for information on the 500pf. You literally answered every question I had. Thanks Steve. Well done!
This is by far the best review I have seen of the 500mm PF. Thanks Steve, for the "practical - in the field " approach. I hugely appreciate it.
I’m happy to see you also use manual with auto ISO! I discovered that I could do this and it’s been a game changer in the amount of keeper photos.
Gran trabajo Steve! La capacidad cognitiva, conocimiento, experiencia, síntesis y facilidad del lenguaje para explicar el contenido hace que esta revisión sea muy completa y agradable de escuchar. Saludos desde Chile.
Wow! Packed with good information and lots of experience and tests! There should be more youtubers like you!
Another excellent in-depth review with stunning imagery. That coyote portrait - wow 👏
Great review Steve. I use 90% of the time my 500 f4 FL which I love. It is light enough for hand holding Imo and works with the teleconverter well. Only if I have to travel very light I use 300 PF with 1.4 TC but I not really enjoy it. I photograph birds and 99% of the time I need more reach, did not consider 200-500 for this reason.
I was soooooo excited when I got this video notification, but why o' why didn't you also test it on the D500?!?! THAT'S the camera, more than any other, that people have and will be looking hard at this lens for.
Aw man, you're right. I wonder why he neglected to include such an obvious, expected, camera.
@@nikolagoethe7142 Maybe because on APSC the isos are insane with a 5.6 lens
It's just one stop. I guarantee everyone with a D500 is looking hard and lusting after this lens.
I just don't use the D500 anymore - the reason is that the D850 has about the same pixel density and performance (at least with grip). So, the results would be the same D500 Vs D850 at the pixel level. In fact, if it does good on the D850, it'll be good or better on the D500 since the D500 is only using the center area of the image circle.
I suspect the issue is that since a crop sensor only makes use of the centre area then there may be no discernible IQ difference between the 500PF and the 50% cheaper (and possibly lighter/more versatile) 200-500.
What an incredible and thorough review. So much work put into it!! I need to watch this more than once.
I'd really like to see some other companies make PF-style lenses. I've thought of making the switch to mirrorless, and Nikon's cameras just don't cut it. I would've left them already, but no one else makes PF lenses, and I'm not about to lug around a massive "regular" 500mm.
Canon did it first but don't beat the drums about it
Great test Steve! Thanks a lot for doing this! I have been shooting with this lens for a week and are really happy with it and it replaced my 200-500 MM. As you point out, the great advance with this lens, is you are much more free to go handheld!
Sir, how would you rate it against the 200-500 in terms of IQ and AF responsiveness? It's an extra $3000 and I'm not sure! Many thanks Matt
Great video. I just ordered one of these in mint condition for my slightly used D850. Can't wait to try this conbination out.
Thanks for this review! Just the right & accurate info I'm looking for (as usual). My only gripe with this lens is it uses the same rubberized material as the 200-500mm which over time gets "loose" and in my case it actually separates from the lens body itself. I'm not sure how many more years before it completely needs to be peeled off.
Elmer Deloso i miss lenses with knurled metal grips that are almost as grippy, never ever deteriorate, and look better.
So I waited and waited and couldn't see to track down one of these bad boys in stores. So I turned to the second hand market and grabbed one from Ebay. A little pricier than MSRP, but damn is this lens exquisite. I don't have experience with the 500 f/4, but this certainly puts my 200-500 to shame, if not for eliminating the hand shake alone given the weight difference. Killer walk around lens! Thanks for your amazing reviews for pointing me in the direction!
as always, one review(er) to rule them all. Super detailed and informative. Thanks Steve
I finally got this lens after being on a waitlist for 6 months. Not disappointed!
Thanks for this thorough review Steve. I really liked how you pointed out out its strengths & weaknesses - especially the different shooters' needs in mind. My 500 F4 is heavy, and I honestly don't use it much because I hate all the gyrations I have to go through in order to use it. This lens could make the 300 PF and 500 F4 expendable.
Thank you for the segment on VR. I also experience the VR focus point reset and consequently losing my focus point on my 200-500. This is so helpful.
Just picked up a used 500PF. Can't wait to give it a field test. Shared this with friends. Love your videos Steve!
Great review. However, I believe the f5.6 vs f4 glass argument is disingenuous. Of course there is a difference between ISO 400 and 800 or ISO 3200 and 6400. That will never change...ALL things equal. The point is, upgrading to the latest camera can improve ISO performance as much as 3 stops while one loses only 1 stop going from an F4 500mm to this f5.6 500mm
i.e. My new rig, a D500 + 500mm f5.6 is 2 stops better than my old D300 + 500mm f4.
Great review, I love the all details, real life shooting issues and including the construction.
Buying one for my Z9. Thanks for the quality review which gives confidence to pull the trigger to buy. I am presuming some of the AF features of the Z9 will more than compensate with some of the issues you identified in this video over 3 years ago.
Another thorough, objective, practical and outstanding review, Steve. Thank you!
If I might suggest, an interesting topic for a future video might be a discussion of, with all the available options (from consumer zooms to exotic primes) of long focal length lenses, what are the use cases where a wildlife photographer might be best served by one lens over another?
Good topic idea - thanks so much :) My default is to say just grab. 600 F/4 but it's not always perfect, that's for sure.
Thank you so much Steve, you've just answered a question that had me loosing sleep! 300PF + tele or 500PF for full frame. Looks like I'm adding a 500PF to the family.
Excellent video as always. Purchased your noise reduction video..... EXCELLENT, highly recommend. I'm a novice and learned a great deal.
Excellent piece of work 👏👏👏 just purchased two ebooks and two lightroom video tutorials as a thankyou for the info in this superb instructional video... I own the 200-500 and WAS undecided on the 600 F4 or the 500 pf... I will be going with the 600mm as after watching this I feel this will allow me more flexibility alongside my 200-500. Thanks so much 👍 money well spent Steve... thanks for the like btw
Nice to hear someone mention this 'jumping around' of the subject after taking a shot. I'm especially interested to hear that this is the VR causing this as I have been thinking it was my inability to hold steady even though I felt I was not moving at all. My experience with this is with the 200-500 and the D850/D810. Thank you for another great analysis Steve.
Great review and thanks for bringing the "foot quick-release defect" to our attention. Incidentally, I was birding in Colombia last week and I managed to drop the 500 mm + D850 onto a rock. Brand new and now both are marred :( Despite the drop, I am still a Nikon enthusiast. Best, Max
Steve, amazing content as usual. Your reviews are so rational, real & unbiased which looks quite simple thing to do but the fact is very few TH-cam reviewers come close to covering these aspects so simply & elaborately. Thanks for your efforts. Just to draw your attention that some reviews of Z7 suggest that AF capabilities of ML with TC at f8 & slower is much better than DSLR & it makes sense since AF sensors are on image sensor receiving full light through lens & not partial deflected through mirror. I guess all sensors would also function at f8 & slower. In that case, this focus & recompose issue with TC May vanish if used on Mirrorless with FTZ adapter. Such light optic also goes hand in hand with light & compact ML bodies. I am aware that 1st generation Nikon ML are not ready for prime time when it comes Wildlife, Sports & fast action but future is definitely bright & promising.
Yup, I don't think F/8 - or even slower - will be a bit problem for mirrorless. Just waiting for a higher-end Z series camera :)
Thanks so much for a well considered, detailed review with rational recommendations for several styles of shooting.
that's what i call a REVIEW !
I really appreciate the way you test it in the field !
Thanks Steve, take care.
Thank you Steve for this detailed video
Love your delivery style, making things so clear
Besides the quality of the images, I can't image how you manage to track down all these animals - wonderful!
Steve, thanks for a great review and detailed information with fantastic samples. As usual your reviews are just at the very top for wildlife gear reviews. I plan to add this lens to my 300/4 PF as a light weight kit covering 300-420-500-700mm.
Regarding the foot it has the same problem as the 70-200/2.8 FL foot, where a inside pin sometimes prevent it from been tightened enough with the tripod collar lock screw. If owners doesn't get a replacement foot from Kirk or RRS, they should check frequently, if the foot is locked down by pressing the tripod collar lock release knob in and check if the foot can move.
I ve 200-500 f/5,6 and walked about 1 hour in heavy rain . We were two and had the same lens . No Problem !
Oh god.. This will be the best review ever
I don't bother with the TC 1.4iii on my D5, but instead use this lens on my D500 where it's wonderful and keep F5.6 and get the reach. And you are right about the OEM foot, I dumped it and bought a Kirk that's much more secure and longer.
Excellent work Steve. Thank you for such a comprehensive review.
YOU ROCK, STEVE! I love your videos. Thank you for the time to make these videos!
I have both lenses the 300 pf and the 500 pf and i’m fully agree with your review. I had also the 200-500 f5,6 that i sold when receive the 300 pf with TC
Great review as always, Steve. Thank you. I'm a D500, 300PF and 200-500 owner with an itchy trigger finger for this upgrade. It looks as though this could finally be a good candidate for bridging the cost gulf between the 200-500 and the 500 f/4.
Really the most informative and honest reviews in the field 😂
Hejnar photo has an arca foot which screws on to the collar thereby eliminating the problem you encountered and is the same foot used with the 70-200.
Quality products and no I’m not in any way affiliated with them,just appreciate quality at a reasonable price.
I use Nikon p900 on auto mode. I wish I knew what language you were speaking in….🙈 so much to learn!
Superb review. It answered the few remaining questions I had and then some. The acuity visuals were especially helpful. Thank you. I viewed this some time ago and returned before ordering. I will mount it on my D850. That image of you standing there with the lens collar foot in your hand made a lasting impression. I often use a shoulder sling with my zoom lens with a bolted footplate and tether. Still, I only rarely let go of it completely with my hand. :)
I will leave this tab open with this video review unseen.I save it for my tomorrow morning coffee! But you can have your 👍 tonight, you always rock.
..and again a great review, Thanks Steve. Also the remarks between the lines about VR and its behavior are very welcome. And ofcourse the comparison between the Nikon optics is so valuable.
Bought both books and the vids aswell… not only for the info but for support as well.
Keep up the good work.
You deserve every view, follower and subscriber you have. Amazing review Steve, your hard work pays off and is greatly appreciated.
Wow Steve. First time watching a review by you. You have a new fan!! Really. Wow. Am soo tempted to switch to Nikon for this lens just based on your review..
At last! I have been waiting for this as I'm planning to have it. Thanks a bunch, Steve! Your work are always my inspirations in my wildlife photography journey.
Cheers Steve.... canon shooter...thinking about Nikon :-)) very helpful video !
Superb comparisons Steve. Exactly what I was hoping for since I plan to get my hands on a 500mm PF F5.6 ASAP to couple with my D850.
Thank you for the video. Bill & Deb
Intelligent, informative & above all impartial- gets my subscribe EVERY time! Congratulations on a fantastic review Steve!
Watching Steve’s video where he mentioned the foot came off his lens and he dropped it, I thought of a hack to prevent it. I took two small size cable ties and encircled the mechanism down the center of the foot, and fastened the two cable ties head fo foot of each other and tightened till I had the head of one of the cable ties was under the button that you press to release the foot, thereby preventing the button from being able to be pressed. Then I tightened the holding knob as tight as I could anyway just to be sure. Now the only way to get the foot off is to cut the cable ties out of there, probably with an X-acto knife. I never take my foot off anyway. FWIW
5 years later with mirrorless high iso performance this lens speed is less of a concern now. At f5.6 it seems fast compared to contemporary super zooms.
Would be interested in an updated opinion of this lens with the new Nikon mirrorless bodies, particularly the Z7 II. But then again, I have the lens coming and I have that body, so I guess I'll find out soon enough! Very thorough and detailed review. I think one key category that you might have glanced over for this lens is the one I think I fall into. I would love to have the 600 f/4, or even the 500 f/4... who wouldn't! But this lens, while costly, is still much cheaper than even a used f4.0 prime in very good condition. I'm also jazzed about the potential it will have with the Z9.
Excellent review Steve! Really, really well done (as usual)! The 500PF is one sweet lens, but as primarily a birder I'm leaning towards complimenting my 600E and with the 500E -- f4 is much better for BIF and with the TC14EIII deliver a super-sharp 700mm at a still-respectable @f5.6. I think the 500PF makes more sense for mammals.
LOL - I like how the video is up less than 5 minutes and gets a downvote. Can't please 'em all I guess...
EDIT - For the record, don't worry, I'm not upset, I just thought it was funny that someone would automatically Down Vote a video without watching it :) No worries.
Maybe it's your wife because you spent too much time doing the video XD
@@Thesoulviolonist LOL - could be!!
I guess some was born negative, but as for right now yog got 98% thumb ups which is pretty damn good, keep going Steve, many of us really appreciate it!
@@backcountrygallery Awesome video btw! Thanks ! I'm struggling a bit with low light, and I hate to increase my isos. I have a 300 PF+TC, and I really think about buying a 300 2.8 in addition. With a 1.4TC it will be only a F4 so pretty good... some people even add the x2 ! The 500 F5.6 seems a dream lens but as you said F5.6 is hard when you want to keep your isos down.
@@Thesoulviolonist Very true. With my 600 F/4, I tend to favor my D850 under most of the conditions you saw in the video, but as you saw, with the F/5.6 lens I was using my D5 most of the time. That stop hurts, no getting around it.
Hi, Just received my new 500 PF, your review is very useful and saves a lot of time getting used to the new lens.
Good conclusion Steve I owned it for a year, just noticed Josh just bought one. In general it behaved like an f8 with my D500 and D850 ! Good review ! 👍🤔
Finally got my copy after an 8 months preorder wait. Cant wait to use it.
Going to get the 500 PF, already have the 300 PF and it's been GREAT. Just need more reach with the D810, but cropping does work well for now as the IQ is so good with that setup. But then the 500 PF is on backorder everywhere so it's a wait.
Informative and practical review. Love the enthusiasm you have in all your reviews.
Still relevant. I recently used the 200-500 5.6 to great effect during a wildlife trip. I came back home jonesing for a prime even though the results are spectacular. I find 500 not tight enough for my liking and the 600 too expensive for my bank account. I suppose I'm a happy camper with the zoom.
The one review I was so impatient to see! From the most reliable source on youtube👌 Let’s get started👌
I really like your video's Steve. I have been watching them for quite some time. Your tips are very helpful and your good at teaching them. I especially liked over the years the one on the back focus button and the one on auto-iso in manual mode. Thanks buddy.
I think the 200-500 has a very good carry handle, although it has no second hole for the large bodies. This one apparently sucks, the 600 f4 and 400 2.8 are also very large and give you a good grip. So, a big ooops for Nikon here ;D
I agree to a point. They did screw it up, no doubt, however, for me personally it's a non-issue. I always get a replacement foot so in the end I don't really care about the quality of the ones that come with the lenses. I want that integrated area Swiss foot :)
I see that it is not an issue for most people, but I think that you should be able to expect those small details when you buy the professional glass. Your lens literally slipping through your fingers to the ground seems horrifying to me.
@@NarwaroLOL, it wasn't much fun for me either :)
Thanks for the update on this lens Steve!
Thanks Steve for the review, I have just got mine and glad you pointed out the Tripod Foot release issue. I have fitted a arca swiss plate to the foot and noticed that one of the mounting screw holes is directly below the release latch, I have just ordered a longer mounting bolt and will cut it to the correct length so that it passes right through the foot and snugs upto the release latch thereby making it impossible to press down. This does mean the foot/collar can't be easily removed and will not be the answer for everyone but it is a quite acceptable 'fix' for me :-)
UPDATE - I received the longer bolt this morning, it was just a bit too long so used a spacing washer and it works perfectly and now I have a lens that will not accidentally part company from the foot so dont need to buy an alternative replacement foot - :-)