An ideal set for wildlife photographers, the Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 500mm f/4E FL ED VR Lens Wildlife Kit by B&H packages a telephoto lens with a sturdy tripod and gimbal head for stability. The kit also includes a SB-5000 AF Speedlight flash and flash extender for illuminating subjects at distance.
Optimized for fast shooting speeds and working in difficult conditions, the AF-S NIKKOR 500mm f/4E FL ED VR is an impressive telephoto designed for Nikon FX-format DSLRs. The sophisticated optical design incorporates two fluorite and three extra-low dispersion elements to control chromatic aberrations and distortions, as well as lessen the overall weight of the lens. Also contributing to improved image quality, both Nano Crystal and Super Integrated Coatings have been applied to lens elements to lessen flare and ghosting for improved contrast, clarity, and color fidelity. Protecting the advanced optical design is a front fluorine-coated meniscus glass element that, when paired with the weather-resistant magnesium-alloy barrel, supports working in inclement conditions.
A Silent Wave Motor AF system produces fast, near-silent focusing performance that suits both stills shooting and movie recording, which can instantly be manually overridden by simply turning the manual focus ring. Further contributing to photographing in fast-paced situations and difficult lighting, VR (Vibration Reduction) image stabilization compensates for the effects of camera shake by up to four shutter speed steps. Additionally, an electromagnetic aperture mechanism is integrated into the lens design to provide greater exposure control stability that is especially beneficial when working with faster continuous shooting rates.
This mechanism limits the compatibility of this lens to the following cameras: D5, D4, D3 series, Df, D850, D810, D810A, D800/E, D750, D700, D610, D600, D500, D300/S, D7500, D7200, D7100, D7000, D5600, D5500, D5300, D5200, D5100, D5000, D3400, D3300, D3200, D3100, Nikon 1 J1, J2, J3, J4 with FT-1, Nikon 1 V1, V2, V3 with FT-1, and Nikon 1 S1, S2 with FT-1.
The GT3543LS Systematic Series 3 Carbon Fiber Tripod from Gitzo is a high capacity carbon fiber tripod that represents the ultimate goals of the Systematic lineup—minimal weight, durability, and uncompromising stability. The Series 3 tripods are optimal for traveling light but with extremely sturdy support, especially for those who prefer to work without a center column or need enhanced modularity.
Within the Series 3 line the GT3543LS is given the "Long" designation as it can extend from a minimum height of 3.5", to a maximum height of 57.5", all while maintaining an impressive weight capacity of 55 lb. Incorporating Gitzo's patented carbon eXact tubing, the GT3543LS sports maximum rigidity while keeping its weight to an absolute minimum. Weighing just 4.5 lb allows the tripod it be easily carried or transported in the studio or out in the field. It's folded length of just 22.4" makes storing or travelling with the tripod easy and convenient.
The Systematic line also features an array of unique, patented, and useful features which set a standard for professional quality. The key design element of the series is the use of Gitzo's Carbon eXact tubes which are extremely rigid despite their lightweight design. The carbon tubing is complimented by Gitzo's G-Lock Ultra twist-locks which maintain stable, solid connections between leg sections and prevent joint damage by blocking out dirt, dust, and moisture. Each leg on the tripod features a 50mm rubber articulating foot, providing a stable and versatile base for setting the tripod on most surfaces. If required, the feet may be removed and replaced with optional metal spikes for increased stability in sand, dirt, mud, snow, and ice. The base of the tripod also features a 3/8"-16 Easy Link attachment thread, allowing the user to connect a variety of accessories to the tripod including magic arms, shoe adapters, LED lights, monitors, and more.
The Wimberley WH-200 Gimbal Tripod Head II with Quick Release Base is a gimbal-type tripod head that incorporates an elevated tilt mechanism and adjustable platform to make the camera/lens' center of gravity and tilt axis of the head be perfectly aligned.
Things once thought of as impossible with a ball head are nothing short of mundane with a Wimberley, because a weightless camera/lens combo (even a 600mm f/4 w/ large body) can literally be controlled with one finger. Point the rig where you want and take the hand away, and it stays exactly where you put it.
The Version II head is more compact and lightweight, features a redesigned panning base, "soft-touch" knobs, and includes a built-in Arca-type compatible quick release base. An Arca-type quick release plate is required and is available separately.
Distance from the mounting surface of the platform to the tilt axis: Adjustable from 1.1 to 4.8".
Nikon has reimagined both on- and off-camera lighting with the SB-5000 AF Speedlight, which brings revolutionary radio control to the Creative Lighting System with Advanced Wireless Lighting and comes equipped with a world's first shoe-mounted flash cooling system that enables up to 100 consecutive full-power flashes. These features alone are enough to put it at the top of the speedlight heap, but the SB-5000 doesn't rest and provides a powerful guide number of 113' at ISO 100 and 35mm while also shrinking in overall size compared to its predecessors.
Of course, the SB-5000 AF Speedlight is fully compatible with Nikon's i-TTL automatic exposure system found in a majority of their cameras for fast, accurate operation. The radio control implemented in the SB-5000 requires a compatible DSLR using the WR-A10 Wireless Remote Adapter and WR-R10 Wireless Remote Controller in order to fully realize the power of the system. This enables the camera and flash to wirelessly control up to six groups of flashes from up to 98' away, without requiring any line of sight. Also, the SB-5000 and the radio system are fully compatible with the existing optical triggering method of older units and can even be mixed and matched for maximum versatility.
Designed for reliability as well as versatility, the innovative built-in cooling system of the SB-5000 is a first for shoe-mounted flashes. It vents heat quickly and efficiently, allowing you to fire up to 100 consecutive full power flashes without issue. It also means that the flash can be made smaller without compromising performance. This new design also ensures speedy and intuitive operation, implementing an Info button for fast access to some of your most commonly used settings.
As a standard flash the SB-5000 will not disappoint, providing a wide ranging zoom head of 24-200mm which can be extended down to 14mm with use of the built-in diffusion panel. The head will also tilt from -7 to +90° and rotate left and right 180° for complete bounce capabilities. Full sync mode support is available with slow, high-speed, 1st and 2nd curtain options.
The flash has a quick recycle time of 1.8-2.6 seconds and runs on four AA batteries. It can be powered by select external battery packs. A PC terminal can be found on the SB-5000 for further triggering options and it comes with a stand, diffusion dome, fluorescent and incandescent filters, and a soft case.
The Visual Echos FX6 Better Beamer Flash Extender will help to increase the reach of the flash, and increases the flash output by about 2 to 3 f/stops. It focuses and concentrates the output of the flash into a narrow beam via the Fresnel screen that gets positioned in front of the flash. This allows shooting at greater distances and shooting with smaller apertures.
The Better Beamer is designed to be used with lenses 300mm and longer. Its rugged injection-molded plastic side supports are attached to the flash head by a sturdy elastic "hook-and-loop" band. The rigid supports hold the Fresnel screen in place in both horizontal and vertical formats. Just weighs 2.5 oz.
The FX6 version is designed to fit the Nikon SB-5000 AF, SB-910 AF, SB-900 AF Speedlights and the Canon Speedlite 600EX II-RT, without any need for use of additional "shims."