[Camouflage] I usually have a lens coat on my super-tele lenses, however I went with this and the XX Large hoodie instead for my new 500mm f4E VR FL. I got tired of the way the lens cost fit on the lens, you either have to remove pieces or deal with it. Lenscoats, especially the new ones cover up too much of the lens, such as function buttons, the five main switches, the drop-in filter holder, the manual focus ring. So I slowly started removing pieces until I had barely any left. So I decided to buy this instead and I really like it, it’s thicker and offers more protection than the regular lens coat. It’s on the lens when the lens is in the bag, either my thinktank Airport Accelerator or long lens bag. It’s easy to remove and put on and it protects the lens from getting banged up or scratched, etc. Once I bring the lens out of the bag and out of this, I put it directly onto my monopod or tripod and I’m careful. So far so good, my lens looks like new almost a year later and I’m no longer messing with the lens coat being in my way. For me this is the best option. Maybe someday they will make lenscoats for actually using your lens, but for now I’ll just use this to protect the lens when it’s not on top of my tripod.

[Camouflage] Extraordinary lens. Very fast, lightweight and compact.  

I once posted a thread on FM Forum comparing images from the bare 500PF vs those from the 500PF/TC14. You cannot possibly see any difference between any of them.  

I question the validity of any review that gives this lens 1 star. Nope!

[0.225 lb] I have had this lens for over 4 years and have taken 10s of thousands of images with it. It was excellent on my older DSLR but is even better on my new mirrorless camera. It was originally mated to a D800 but now lives primarily on a Z9, via the FTZ II adapter. I'm an enthusiast who primarily uses the lens for bird, wildlife, and action photography. I am not qualified to speak about the video capabilities of this lens.

As for the 500mm PF, I appreciate its sharpness, VR capabilities, fast auto focus, relatively small size and, low weight. The lens easily handles the 45.7MP resolution of the Z9 sensor, producing sharp images from corner to corner even at its widest aperture, f5.6. Autofocus on the Z9 is fast and snappy and works much better than it did on my older DSLR. The lens VR couples with the in-body-stabilization of the Z9 to measurably improve image stabilization to the point that in extreme situations, I don't hesitate to hand hold the camera even at low shutter speeds of 1/60th of a second or less. I primarily use this lens hand held unless I know I will be pointing at a stationary object for an extended period, for example a nest, den, or pitcher's mound.

The lens works very well with the Nikon AF-S Teleconverter TC-14E III. I have not detected a perceivable impact on image quality or AF performance except in low light/low contrast conditions. But, as with all lenses, the only solutions I know for that is to get more light or a faster lens. VR with the TC is still excellent but I do try to keep shutter speeds reasonably high. When I'm photographing small birds I almost always use the 1.4 TC.

One drawback of this lens is that it is so easy to hand hold that I developed some sloppy habits with my long lens technique. These became quickly apparent when I recently had the opportunity to use a longer, heavier, less forgiving lens.

I absolutely love using this lens and have been very pleased with its results on the Z9.

[Camouflage] I've had this lens for a few weeks now and have been very happy with it. Focus is fast and size and weight make this easy to shoot handheld. Shooting birds in flight, my keeper rate has improved significantly over the Tamron 150-600. Images are sharp, even at f/5.6. Like many others, I quickly replaced the footer with one that is Arca-Swiss compatible.

[Camouflage] Upgraded from Nikon 200-500mm f/5.6 to 500mm PF for bird and wildlife photography and am really happy with the image quality improvement. Tack sharp on my D850 right from the box. Compared to the 200-500mm, it is MUCH easier to hand hold for birds in flight. VR works well.
Only complaint is the lens foot clip is the worst ever conceived by man or beast. A passing breeze is enough pressure to release the quick disconnect so your body and lens crashes to the ground. Three times in one day and I ordered an aftermarket replacement. Shame on you Nikon. I thought the lens hood connection on the 200-500mm was the worst thing you ever designed, but this tripod foot connection takes the prize.

[Camouflage] I have been using LensCoat covers on my lenses for a few years now and have not looked back. Lenses are expensive, and this helps provide protection for my investment. The camo pattern also helps a lot around wildlife.

[0.225 lb] Last year I purchased the Nikon 300mm PF and was very pleased with the quality of my photos; however, it did not have far enough reach for birding. This year before my annual trip the coast, I purchased the Nikon 500m PF. I had no time to the test the lens before I left. Straight out of the box it took some amazing shots. Auto Focus was amazingly fast. First the first time, I shot birds in flight which were tack sharp. I was able to grab photos of shore birds across the nature preserve pond and then immediately switch to shooting dragonflies 15 feet away. As I wildlife photographer, I have much to learn but I feel very confident using this lens as I hone my skills..

[0.225 lb] Tack sharp, no extra sharpening needed!

[0.225 lb] This lens is a delight for wildlife and bird photography as it is light enough not to be a Burdon while producing sharp images with lovely bokeh

[Camouflage] I bought this as an experiment to see if 'camo' covers actually improve wildlife photo opportunities. I have seen many photographers with them, so I am trying it. an added bonus is the bump protection of the neoprene. The install was very easy and straight forward. The fit was spot on for a Nikon lens.