Will I regret...

BackdoorArts

Senior Member
The only potential regret may be not getting the Sport version. That version is seriously heavy, but seriously great optically. The bokeh I get on my bird shots is soooo good compared to what I used to get from the 150-500mm. And I'm not talking distant stuff, I'm talking from scattered branches within the same tree. I managed to grab it at an amazing sale price at B&H a while back ($200 off, and the USB dock and a $250 UV filter were thrown in), so it was a no brainer (I'd been waiting for a year to buy it).

Whether or not it's worth $1000 more depends on how much and how you'll use it. But my love for the Sport does not discount how good the Contemporary is. For the hobbiest it's wonderful.
 

MaxBlake

Senior Member
I'm with Jake (BDH). The only thing that might make you regret getting the Contemporary version of the lens is not getting the Sport version. The quality of the photographs it produces is amazing.
 

Blacktop

Senior Member
I have never regretted the Nikon 200-500mm lens purchase. Yes, it's a 100mm shorter and more expensive than the Siggy C , but the IQ and the bokeh, soooooo good! (the images posted on this forum doesn't do it justice) Plus it's an f/5.6. (there are plenty shots on Flickr by now taken with a TC attached)
Having said that, you should go with your gut feeling. I'm sure you've done enough research by now. Good luck.
 

weebee

Senior Member
I've used my sons 150-600C a few times now. And all I can say is it takes very nice, sharp pictures. The sucker is heavy. If/when I get one of these beasts. It will be the sports model even though they are slightly larger and heavier I've yet to hear anything bad about them.
 

Elliot87

Senior Member
I have never regretted the Nikon 200-500mm lens purchase. Yes, it's a 100mm shorter and more expensive than the Siggy C , but the IQ and the bokeh, soooooo good! (the images posted on this forum doesn't do it justice) Plus it's an f/5.6. (there are plenty shots on Flickr by now taken with a TC attached)
Having said that, you should go with your gut feeling. I'm sure you've done enough research by now. Good luck.

I feel exactly the same way about the 200-500mm. If I'd bought the Siggy C I doubt I'd have regretted it but I think I'd always be wondering if I should have bought the Sport or Nikkor instead.
As for the images on the forum not doing the lens justice, I'm not sure if that is a compliment to the lens, an insult to those of us who shoot it or an acknowledgment that posting on a forum isn't going to show the photos at their best? I'm thinking/hoping it is more the former and latter, I know my shots show much more detail in lightroom before I post them here and that the lens is capable of producing far better results than I can, so in that sense it isn't being done justice. But i've seen a lot of good work with it on here from everyone using it.
 

BackdoorArts

Senior Member
I've shot with a lot of long telephoto lenses. With every other one I would have had to clone out the branch in the OOF area, and the bokeh would have been a mish-mosh of light and dark areas from the trees that are about 4-5 feet behind the bird. The Sport is just better. There's a price to be paid in weight and wallet, but I marvel at what I don't have to deal with in post any more.

20160531-MayFS(D50_1144).jpg
 

Blacktop

Senior Member
I feel exactly the same way about the 200-500mm. If I'd bought the Siggy C I doubt I'd have regretted it but I think I'd always be wondering if I should have bought the Sport or Nikkor instead.
As for the images on the forum not doing the lens justice, I'm not sure if that is a compliment to the lens, an insult to those of us who shoot it or an acknowledgment that posting on a forum isn't going to show the photos at their best? I'm thinking/hoping it is more the former and latter, I know my shots show much more detail in lightroom before I post them here and that the lens is capable of producing far better results than I can, so in that sense it isn't being done justice. But i've seen a lot of good work with it on here from everyone using it.

That is what I meant by it. No way I would ever insult any of my fellow Nikonites. (unless in self defense):)
 

Blacktop

Senior Member
So what are you trying to say Pete... hmmmm....:)

I'm saying that it's night and day between posting images here and reality when it comes to judging IQ on a piece of glass. When it comes to bokeh that's different. Bad bokeh is bad bad bokeh, and I can't stand it.:)
 

Danno

Senior Member
I'm saying that it's night and day between posting images here and reality when it comes to judging IQ on a piece of glass. When it comes to bokeh that's different. Bad bokeh is bad bad bokeh, and I can't stand it.:)

Actually I agree... and I THOUGHT i knew what you meant :)... I love the 200-500 and when I do my job right I am so happy with the results. But I had to give you just a little bit of a hard time :D
 

PapaST

Senior Member
I'm so glad we actually have this problem. The market has really stepped up in giving us, the consumer, choices on affordable long range lenses with terrific quality.
 

richnmib

Senior Member
Thank you all for your replies. I ordered the Sigma C. The sport was just too much. It will be here friday. I am sure there will be a learning curve with this lens but I am looking forward to learning it. I know a spot that has burrowing owls and then there is always the Circle B.
 

Danno

Senior Member
Thank you all for your replies. I ordered the Sigma C. The sport was just too much. It will be here friday. I am sure there will be a learning curve with this lens but I am looking forward to learning it. I know a spot that has burrowing owls and then there is always the Circle B.

Congrats on your purchase. It is so nice that these new lenses are in reach, and all of them produce such excellent results. Look forward to seeing your first shots.
 

Blacktop

Senior Member
Thank you all for your replies. I ordered the Sigma C. The sport was just too much. It will be here friday. I am sure there will be a learning curve with this lens but I am looking forward to learning it. I know a spot that has burrowing owls and then there is always the Circle B.

Looking forward to some Circle B shots with that lens.:encouragement:
 
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