Nikon's long lens strategy and the kits that will eventually be available

[RichF]

I hope that Nikon has spent considerable time working through which long lens to create. From what we are seeing on the lens road map (reading between the lines)


100-400 S
400 PF S
800 PF S
400 f2.8 w/ TC S
600 F4 w/ TC S

200-600 non-S

a short kit might be 70-200 w/ 1.4 makes the range 70-280 and couple this with a 400 PF for light weight shorter telephoto kit

Another possible kit would be 100-400 plus 600 F4 w/ TC (600 and 840 focal lengths) or 600 PF w/ external TC
light weight kit might be 400 PF and 800 PF (with TC 400, 560, large gap 800, and perhaps 1120)

If the 200-600 is workhorse, then 200-600 and 800 PF (with TC 1120)

The gap between 600 and 800 seems to be numerically large. Anyone else think this is a large gap? Or is the difference not that significant?

 

[ruley74]

I think they have thought about it by the looks of it to me... personally I wasn't worried about any new lenses but the 400 & 800PF has me rethinking that. I sold my 200-500 so I personally have a gap now between the 70-200 and the 600 prime which I considered filling with the 300PF, only due to the fact I can use on my D5 and Z9 vs Z glass only on Z9...

Regards kit options there is so many combos with what we're seeing.

• Budget or travel kit, 24-200 & 200-600... two lenses and 24-600 coverage... add a TC and go further.
• A PF/smaller form kit, 70-200S, 400PF or 100-400 & 800PF with TC's
• 400/2.8 & 800PF would make a good combo and one I would consider pending final info on the 800PF

I don't find the gap between 600-800 too large, if I've got my TC on my 600 and I need less taking the TC off and going back to 600 is fine... particularly with 45MP bodies.

 

[fcotterill]

I often have TC2 III on the 400 f2.8E FL, and this prime performs well as a 800 f5.6 but the 560 f4 is just superb for AF speed and image quality. Comparatively, less often I use TC14 III on the 500 f5.6E PF to get to 700 f8.

Judged subjectively, the difference between going from 500/560 to 700 or 800 does not seem to differ as much as the jump up from 400 > 560 (or to 600 f5.6 with a TC on 300 prime). As often as I need a 800 I still find I need 1000 and more for more distant subjects or to frame the subject tightly eg an oxpecker mining ectoparasites out of an ungulate's ear etc. I updated this schematic which I compiled to try and classify the framework of options for Nikkor telephotos. These being the models I've filtered out.

My current thinking is 100-400 S with faster 70-200 f2.8E (also with TC14 III) as backup; 500 f5.6E PF and continue with 400 f2.8E FL becuase I know it well and it gives exquisite images not only native but also with TCs. This may change as I will definitely get the 800 f6.3S PF.

I have built up a more minimal lighter hiking telephotos (ie 70-200 f2.8 and 500 PF with TC14 III) and the heavier system for hides / vehicle-based shooting and shorter walks etc

EDIT UPDATED GRAPHIC 16 X 2023

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[Steve W]

I hope that Nikon has spent considerable time working through which long lens to create. From what we are seeing on the lens road map (reading between the lines)


100-400 S
400 PF S
800 PF S
400 f2.8 w/ TC S
600 F4 w/ TC S

200-600 non-S

a short kit might be 70-200 w/ 1.4 makes the range 70-280 and couple this with a 400 PF for light weight shorter telephoto kit

Another possible kit would be 100-400 plus 600 F4 w/ TC (600 and 840 focal lengths) or 600 PF w/ external TC
light weight kit might be 400 PF and 800 PF (with TC 400, 560, large gap 800, and perhaps 1120)

If the 200-600 is workhorse, then 200-600 and 800 PF (with TC 1120)

The gap between 600 and 800 seems to be numerically large. Anyone else think this is a large gap? Or is the difference not that significant?

I don’t think the gap between 600 mm & 800 mm is significant. The 1.4 tc on shorter lenses can fix that. I reckon if you want a longer lens, mist want at least a couple of hundred mm more. With today’s high res cameras, the 700 mm can easily be achieved with a bit of a crop.

 

[RichF]

I don’t think the gap between 600 mm & 800 mm is significant. The 1.4 tc on shorter lenses can fix that. I reckon if you want a longer lens, mist want at least a couple of hundred mm more. With today’s high res cameras, the 700 mm can easily be achieved with a bit of a crop.

I always want a lens that is 100mm longer or 2 mm wider. Sort of boat, everyone wants a boat that is 2 feet longer