8 replies to this topic

[tomthetank]

I have the nikon 17-55 2,8 and want a zoom lens. Looked at 200 to 500mm 5.6 vs 500 prime f4 both nikon.main purpose is for shooting trains. Using nikon d500.Thanks Tom

[Nikon Shooter]

When one can't "place" the subject in a scene, then one must find
a good scene and reach the proper vantage observation point. In
this, a zoom lens will offer better chances of success.

[Dogbytes]

I have the nikon 17-55 2,8 and want a zoom lens. Looked at 200 to 500mm 5.6 vs 500 prime f4 both nikon.main purpose is for shooting trains. Using nikon d500.Thanks Tom

Hi Tom, do you mean you want a telephoto lens? 17-55 is a zoom, ie it has variable focal length, whereas the 500/4 is a telephoto, in that it has a magnifying effect, but it’s not a zoom.

I don’t do train photography but I do a lot of dog racing photography and I imagine some of the issues are the same - the subject moving rapidly towards you being one. From that point of view a zoom is far handier, it being possible to zoom in whilst the subject is at a distance but zoom out to maintain a suitable image size as it gets closer.

[TBonz]

I am not a train photographer, however my thought would be to hit a bit closer to the range you have now unless you know you need that reach.  Perhaps renting each of those lenses or at least the 200-500 for a weekend might help.  Trains or even single train cars are not that small unless you are a long way away from the track.  I do think the zoom would be beneficial in giving you some flexibility in composing your images.  Overall my gut feeling is that a 70-200 or a similar range would provide you with a better tool for photographing trains. 

[Bengan]

+1 for renting if you're not sure. I would personaly think that a long telephoto lens like the 500mm would be a bit excessive. When I'm shooting trains I'm using a 24-70mm with a d810 wich comes down to what you have with your D500 and the 17-55.

[fallout666]

since i live in spot where trains go by all time and see how freight trains work to me renting lenses will be best thing. or do you have good camera store near by to test out lens or have lenses rental option will be best bet. since we can info but some times info give base on what we like or know. but might not be right thing. since each person have different size hands or ability hold stuff more front heavy or heavy then next person. also so not your shoot style since do you like stand straight up or want to use monopod or tripod. to me 24-70mm or 70-200mm best option do to low F/2.8 stop. also not sure but sigma is coming out with Sigma 60-600mm f/4.5-6.3 DG OS HSM Sports Lens for Nikon F for nikon another options. but do not know if need low F/stop. to me good mid range lens and  one best lens everyone should own is 70-200mm F/2.8 great all around lens 

[tomthetank]

Hi Tom, do you mean you want a telephoto lens? 17-55 is a zoom, ie it has variable focal length, whereas the 500/4 is a telephoto, in that it has a magnifying effect, but it’s not a zoom.

I don’t do train photography but I do a lot of dog racing photography and I imagine some of the issues are the same - the subject moving rapidly towards you being one. From that point of view a zoom is far handier, it being possible to zoom in whilst the subject is at a distance but zoom out to maintain a suitable image size as it gets closer.

Hi thanks for info probably the nikon 70 to 200 2.8 when I can afford it have the 17 to 55. Thanks
Thanks for all the info. Tom

[Dogbytes]

Hi thanks for info probably the nikon 70 to 200 2.8 when I can afford it have the 17 to 55. Thanks Thanks for all the info. Tom

Good choice. The 70-200/2.8 will be my next purchase too!

[Merco_61]

Tom, remember that you can save a lot of money by going for the first version of the 70-200. It was released before the FX sensors and vignettes quite a bit on a large sensor but works beautifully on DX. It has the second generation AF-S motor without the weaknesses of the first generation.

Unfortunately, they aren't as cheap as they were before the D500 was released but they are still lots cheaper than generation 2.