First outing with Nikon Z 400mm f/ 4.5 and the Nikon Z 2.0 TC

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Here are a few shots I took using the Nikon Z9 and Z 400mm f/4.5 and the Nikon Z 2.0 TC . My primary goal was to see if it was as good as some have claimed and the results I think speak for themselves. Overall this is a good combo and performed quite well, even the VR was pretty stable, definitely better than the 2.0 TC on the 100-400mm.

Both of the photos were taken in the late afternoon , handheld and no sharpening added, first the rabbit was shot at 1/400 sec @ f/9 ISO 2000 and the GBH was shot at 1/500 sec @ f/10 ISO 500 and about a 50% crop. If you add a Topaz sharpening the results are very good.
Test Rabbit fullsize SOC 800mm 2x (1 of 1).jpg
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Test GBH 50 percent crop 800mm 2x (1 of 1).jpg
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These shots are really great.
I am very impressed with the 400 f/4.5 with the TC2x.

The only 2 f mounts I ever had any success with a @x TC were my 70-200mm f/2.8, and my 500mm f/4.

Some tests I did with the same combo here
 
Great shots, well captured and presented! Looks like a really nice lens combo. I am quite pleased with my results with the 100-400 and the 2x teleconverter. It works for what and how I shoot and it looks like this lens does a great job for you. Of course, finding, framing and capturing these shots is all you.
 
How much of an impact did you find the 2x TC had on focus speed and overall IQ?
The focus speed is definitely impacted but nothing that you can work around. As long you know what to expect you should get some descent results with this combo. Image quality IMO is very good but that is subjective. It's certainly not as good as the bare lens or with the 1.4x but I think the results are very useable especially if you do some PP.
 
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Great shots, well captured and presented! Looks like a really nice lens combo. I am quite pleased with my results with the 100-400 and the 2x teleconverter. It works for what and how I shoot and it looks like this lens does a great job for you. Of course, finding, framing and capturing these shots is all you.
I also have the 100-400mm and the 400mm f4.5 with the 2x is sharper but the 100-400mm continues to amaze me.
 
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To be honest, I’m not impressed with the 400/2XTC converter. It’s missing the fine details, it has that soft TC effect. It may be enough detail for some, but I’m gauging it against the 500 PF. I want/like/need/print razor sharp images. I have the 800, but when its me and my wife shooting together, the other lens has to be at least as good as the 500pf.
So far the 400+1.4TC is on par - according to the report here and images shared.
 
I have the 500PF and tried it with a 2X converter. it is so slow to AF that you have to have an animal in rigor mortis. Your images are sha
rp but the subjects are not moving. This combo is far from ideal if you are shooting fast moving subjects
 
I have the 500PF and tried it with a 2X converter. it is so slow to AF that you have to have an animal in rigor mortis. Your images are sha
rp but the subjects are not moving. This combo is far from ideal if you are shooting fast moving subjects
F mount TC’s are not as good as the Z. Even the Z 2XTC is missing the bite. I used to shoot water fowl with the Z 70-200+2XTC and I wasn’t happy until I got the 500pf.
For a Zoo to shoot memories, I’m using the 70-200+2XTC that’s it.
 
I have the 500PF and tried it with a 2X converter. it is so slow to AF that you have to have an animal in rigor mortis. Your images are sha
rp but the subjects are not moving. This combo is far from ideal if you are shooting fast moving subjects
Have you tried it with fast moving subjects? Clearly the lens is faster at finding focus when shot bare, but it is useable with the 2X TC even on fast moving subjects (though I am sure not as good as a 800mm PF but won't know until Nikon fills my order). This broad-billed hummer is just one example of a small fast moving bird I shot with the 400mm plus 2.0TC (others on my Flickr):
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Have you tried it with fast moving subjects? Clearly the lens is faster at finding focus when shot bare, but it is useable with the 2X TC even on fast moving subjects (though I am sure not as good as a 800mm PF but won't know until Nikon fills my order). This broad-billed hummer is just one example of a small fast moving bird I shot with the 400mm plus 2.0TC (others on my Flickr):
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Wow that is a great capture, I will have to give it a try.
 
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