600mm AF-S ED vs ED II

Can anyone tell me the difference between the mid 90’s era 600mm f/4 AF-S D ED and the version 2 launched in the early 2000’s The price difference doesn’t seem to be that much even though the version 2 lenses are harder to find.

They are the same optically and I think the coatings are the same so the image quality should be the same.

 

The newer version focuses marginally closer and is significantly lighter due to different materials used in the lens barrel.

 

You can compare the specifications here: Nikon Lens Specifications

IIRC then the II focuses a bit closer and is quite a bit lighter; the outward appearance also changed. Wouldn't be surprised if Nikon also updated the lens coatings; both lenses seem to have the same optical construction of 10 elements in 7 groups with 3 ED glasses.

They are the same optically and I think the coatings are the same so the image quality should be the same.

 

The newer version focuses marginally closer and is significantly lighter due to different materials used in the lens barrel.

As far as I can remember, those are exactly the differences. That is, optically they are the same. Back in 1996, along with the F5, Nikon introduced their first three AF-S lenses for the Atlanta Olympics: 400mm/f2.8, 500mm/f4 and 600mm/f4. For many years I had the 500mm/f4 from that batch.

 

Besides the weight, the main issue is that the AF-S motor from that era are at "old age" now. The AF-S motors on both of my 17-35mm/f2.8 and 28-70mm/f2.8 have failed in the last few years. Even the AF-S II lenses are pretty old by now, but you are better off getting the newer model. I am not sure about AF-S motor parts availability should you need to replace that.

As far as I can remember, those are exactly the differences. That is, optically they are the same. Back in 1996, along with the F5, Nikon introduced their first three AF-S lenses for the Atlanta Olympics: 400mm/f2.8, 500mm/f4 and 600mm/f4. For many years I had the 500mm/f4 from that batch.

 

Besides the weight, the main issue is that the AF-S motor from that era are at "old age" now. The AF-S motors on both of my 17-35mm/f2.8 and 28-70mm/f2.8 have failed in the last few years. Even the AF-S II lenses are pretty old by now, but you are better off getting the newer model. I am not sure about AF-S motor parts availability should you need to replace that.

I’ve noticed many listings on eBay for the 17-35mm with a failing motor. My AF-S lenses are still working.

I can’t go too much newer because I still shoot film with an F4s and F100.

I currently have the 2007 version of the 600mm/f4 G AF-S VR. That lens works fine with your F100 and is usable in the S or P mode on your F4, but there will be no VR on the F4.

 

The main issue for that version is weight.

I currently have the 2007 version of the 600mm/f4 G AF-S VR. That lens works fine with your F100 and is usable in the S or P mode on your F4, but there will be no VR on the F4.

 

The main issue for that version is weight.

Thanks Shun, the G is nearly double the price of the D on the used market. That is why I wasn’t considering it.

The primary issue is whether you may need to replace the AF-S motor, and if so, whether parts are available at the time you need it. If parts are available. I understand the cost is around $500 or so. That is the main concert for the even-older AF-I lenses. When that motor fails, the lens will pretty much be manual focus.

Where's Mike Halliwell when you need him - doesn't he have two of these earlier AF-S long teles that are now manual focus because the AF-S motor failed and there's no replacement?

Since the OP is stilling using an F4s, fast AF speed is probably not a high priority.

 

I bought my F4 back in 1990, and its electronics died about 10 years after that. I am glad at least some F4 are still functional today.

Since the OP is stilling using an F4s, fast AF speed is probably not a high priority.

 

I bought my F4 back in 1990, and its electronics died about 10 years after that. I am glad at least some F4 are still functional today.

I have two and they both work fine. You are correct that fast AF is not a priority for me.

Sorry Dieter, i was in transit when this post came up

And yup, you're right i have 2 nice MF long toms. The 500mm and 600mm f4 AFS with dead AF motors with no available spares.

My 600mm f4 was very sad as they (Fixation in London) sourced the last afs motor from Japan, rebuilt the focus train with a new helical from the Netherlands only to find that the main chip was shot too (with NO spares) and it wouldn't talk to the body. They took all the new kit back out and returned it to me at no cost. Lovely non-functioning AF rebuild, kind of a CLA really.

It does very well as a MF astro lens with LV peak focussing.

I’ve been using my 300 f/4 with the TC-17e since 2001 so I’m focusing manually most of the time. I will cross my fingers and hope that the af-s motor holds out but it wouldn’t kill me if it died.

Nick,

Per Roland’s web site there were about 2400 of the Version I and 2300 of the Version II. Version II was about a kilogram lighter. If old age is a concern and it should be, paid $500 for new motors for my first gen 200-400 built in the same time frame as the 600mm version II lens being discussed just a couple of years ago using Photo Tech in New York. Some may feel that it is hard to make an argument for repairing a lens this old but in the waning light the 200-400 f4 has pretty quick autofocus compared to my other lenses with similar or overlapping focal lengths. Some of the more current glass may well be sharper at long distances but I am happy with my decision to repair the 200-400. It gets used more than the 600mm f4 vr that is the sharpest lens I have ever owned and I cant imagine that the slightly older version II is any less capable. For the time being the long DSLR telephotos will stay even as I blissfully begin my transition over to a Z mount system. I regret selling my first gen 500mm f4 AFS. It fit in my camera bag perfectly and was wicked sharp. I sold it only because it was getting older and I was concerned about future repairs but it was/is a great lens and 500mm may be the first telephoto lens I buy in a z mount when Nikon eventually builds one. That may be a while, who knows, mean while the D500/D850 get every ounce of goodness out of my current telephoto line up. Stay frosty.

Just for completeness sake, if anyone finds this thread in the future (!)

 

my irrepairable 600mm is AF-S NIKKOR 600mm1:4 D II 20143x

 

and

 

my irrepairable 500mm is AF-S NIKKOR 500mm1:4 D 20180x

 

But both are fully usable in MF and AE.

Sorry Dieter, i was in transit when this post came up

And yup, you're right i have 2 nice MF long toms. The 500mm and 600mm f4 AFS with dead AF motors with no available spares.

My 600mm f4 was very sad as they (Fixation in London) sourced the last afs motor from Japan, rebuilt the focus train with a new helical from the Netherlands only to find that the main chip was shot too (with NO spares) and it wouldn't talk to the body. They took all the new kit back out and returned it to me at no cost. Lovely non-functioning AF rebuild, kind of a CLA really.

It does very well as a MF astro lens with LV peak focussing.

 

Check with Midwest Camera Repair - Wyandotte, Michigan - 734.285.2220

They are able to rebuild AF-S motors when parts aren't available. They might be able to get your lenses working again!

They might be able to get your lenses working again!

That's interesting! The 600mm is terminal with a main CPU failure as-well with no AF spares, but the 500mm f4 is AF motor dead only as far as the Nikon report said.

 

I'm in the UK, so I guess freight charges might be the real issue.

So I took a chance on a first gen because I imported one from Japan for a good price. AF works great so far. Fingers are crossed that it will continue to work for a while. I still focus manually most of the time so I think I’ll be ok. I was surprised by the speed. It is faster (and quieter) than my 300mm f/4

I use to own the 600/4D AF-S version (purchased used for over $5K) and other than complaints of weight of 5,900g, I found it very sharp and fortunately no motor issues. Much later I sold it and purchased the current lighter E-FL version (3,810g). Unfortunately, over time I wasn't shooting as many bald eagles and birds so I sold it when the 500/5.6 PF came out and really love it's sharpness and portability. However, at the right price, I wouldn't mind having a 600/4 for the extra reach and better isolation not to mention use of my TC-17E II or TC-20E III on my DSLRS. That's where the 600/4D AF-S II comes in. It is the same size as the current E FL and the next lightest of their 600/4s at 4,750g. Granted it weighs almost 1kg more than the E-FL, balance is front heavy and no VR (not a huge issue since the lens would never be used handheld) but at a price of $4,250 for a lens having a recent complete overhaul including motor replacement by Nikon, I though it worthwhile to purchase. Edited September 17, 2021 by alan_wilder|1