Question about Nik 500 f4 autofocus lens

[gll]

I have a manual focus 500 f4 and I'm thinking I really need autofocus, Cannot seem to focus quickly anymore and flying birds are something I would like to do more of. been watching Ebay and noticed there are several versions out there. AFs, AFs l and AFs ll. was wondering how much real world difference there may be to them. anyone used them to compare ?
thanks
Gary

[JRW]

I have the Nikon AFS-II version of the lens and am very happy with it. The Autofocus with the D2H and D2X is excellent.

As far as the differences between the versions, when I did my research a while back they were minimal. Here are two decent reviews: http://www.fredmiranda.com/reviews/s...php?product=83
http://www.popphoto.com/lensreview/n...ii_nikkor.html

This page has a pretty good history of the versions, but does not say much of the differences b/w I and II:
http://www.mir.com.my/rb/photography...otos/500mm.htm

[wapiti]

I have the AFS version. I bought it used from Allens Camera Shop in PA. Prior to this, I owned the P version like the one that you have. I think that if I had to do it again, I would keep the MF P version. However, the AFS allows me to use the lens w/o correction glasses. The switch cost me about $3500. They both are very sharp.
The AFS works fine for me, but so did the MF one. I really don't know the difference in the three AF versions. I'm guessing that it is the silent wave motor and lighter weight.
My 500f/4 AFS stays mounted on a D2hs and is a killer combination for wildlife, which is my passion as far as photography goes.
Give Allen's a call[888-547-9446]. They usually have a good supply of large used lenses.
I paid $5700 for mine in '02 and I think that it was actually a new one rather than used.
I would also recommend that you add a TC1.4, which is usually attached to my 500.
Regardless, the 500f/4 w/TC1.4 is a dynamite combination.
Bill

[SilverShooter]

Well, you've heard from the guy with two of the three or four choices. I wish I could give you a similar comparison, but the best I can do is say that my 500 AFS II focuses faster than my 300 AFS II VR. That may be a function of the VR. A friend of mine has the 200 -400 AFS VR and he though the 500 AFS II was very fast also. The 500 AFS II stays fast with the 1.4TC attached. I've used the lens on my D200 and my D2X and can't tell any speed difference between the cameras (pretty much as you would expect).

[gll]

Thanks, I emailed Allen's, sure is hard to decide. the manuels are selling around $2000 and I found a used AFs l for $4000 so I would have to come up with $2000. Yes I definatley want a 1.4tc. I have a 200 macro AF D and on the D2x it focuses great, I got better flying pheasants with it than with my 500, just missed the focus with the 500, the 200 D seemed to lock on.
thanks
Gary

[CorreCaminos]

I bought Bill's manual 500mm f4 P last year and tried using it with a digital SLR without much success; the viewfinders on the DSLRs are too dim and not designed for manual focus. But on the F3 (film/manual focus) it works like a dream.