I can only mention a bit of the history of the Nikon 500mm f4. All a bit exotic so I have no user experience.
Nikkor 500 f4 IF-ED P : Introduced in 1988. Manual focus only. The P stands for integrated CPU for communication between lens and camera. Weight 3Kg
Nikkor 500 f4 IF-ED AF-I D : November 94 - July 97. AF-I stands for autofocus with internal coreless motor. Weight 4.2Kg
Nikkor 500 f4 IF-ED AFS : June 97 - April 01. AFS motor said to be significantly quieter than the AF-I version. Optical construction was also changed also the number of diaphragm blades increased. Lens better protected from adverse weather conditions. Weight 3.8Kg
Nikkor 500 f4 IF-ED AFS II : June 01 > Current model, but to be replaced by VR version later in the year. Weight 3.43Kg
I guess questions about how good it is and what its worth secondhand are probably better posted on the BirdForum as there are probably more potential users there.
Don
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