600/f4 vs 180-400/f4

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Jeff

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I'll be heading out to Yellowstone next month to shoot wildlife. I will have the 180-400/4 with me. I have been debating whether to bring a 600/4 as well (would rent). I like the faster aperture and reach of the prime, but not crazy about the extra wt. I tell myself that the zoom stacks up very close and since I'll be using a D850, have room to crop to get some more reach. Would like to hear anyones thoughts about it, especially as related to the wildlife situation at YS, Thanks.
 
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I spend and have spent tons of time in YNP during the winter, this year all of Jan. and Feb. and I agree with Steve 100%. Actually, as we're driving around I have an 80-400mm on my D850 and that's on my lap ready to go. A 24-70mm is at my side. When we come to something requiring longer glass I keep a D500 on my 600mm f4 in the back of the snowcoach. I carry the 1.4TC as well. Depending on the situation I'll switch between the D850 and D500.

This year I'll be taking along my new Z7ii (just arrived today!) and am anxious to give that a workout.
 
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westlight said:
I spend and have spent tons of time in YNP during the winter, this year all of Jan. and Feb. and I agree with Steve 100%. Actually, as we're driving around I have an 80-400mm on my D850 and that's on my lap ready to go. A 24-70mm is at my side. When we come to something requiring longer glass I keep a D500 on my 600mm f4 in the back of the snowcoach. I carry the 1.4TC as well. Depending on the situation I'll switch between the D850 and D500.

This year I'll be taking along my new Z7ii (just arrived today!) and am anxious to give that a workout.
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Thanks for that info-much appreciated. Can you tell me why you have the 24-70?
 
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Jeff said:
Thanks for that info-much appreciated. Can you tell me why you have the 24-70?
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I'm as interested in the landscape possibilities as the wildlife in the Park better yet a combination of both. There are plenty of times where the bison are right up against the snowcoach and a 24mm is still too tight. The coach I charter has windows that you can roll down allowing us to shoot right from inside in cases like this. Also, walking around the geyser basins the 24-70 is great.
 
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westlight said:
I'm as interested in the landscape possibilities as the wildlife in the Park better yet a combination of both. There are plenty of times where the bison are right up against the snowcoach and a 24mm is still too tight. The coach I charter has windows that you can roll down allowing us to shoot right from inside in cases like this. Also, walking around the geyser basins the 24-70 is great.
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Good to know. I have wondered if it was possible to rent a snow coach privately with a couple of friends, rather than having to go on a tour or workshop. Is this what you have done?
 
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Jeff said:
Good to know. I have wondered if it was possible to rent a snow coach privately with a couple of friends, rather than having to go on a tour or workshop. Is this what you have done?
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That is exactly what I do. I offer tours each winter, 2 people plus me and the coach driver. 5 nights lodging and 4 full days in the Park shooting. I do hope this is okay with Steve that I give you this link?
 
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I had my first 2 weeks in YNP this January (Amazing!) and was booked to be there this January coming. (Which is not happening :cry: ) I was using a D850 with 500f4, + 1.4 converter permanently attached. (As well as D4 + Z6 with smaller lenses.) The whole time, I would have used more magnification, if I had it. Very envious🤢
 
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ingweDave said:
I had my first 2 weeks in YNP this January (Amazing!) and was booked to be there this January coming. (Which is not happening :cry: ) I was using a D850 with 500f4, + 1.4 converter permanently attached. (As well as D4 + Z6 with smaller lenses.) The whole time, I would have used more magnification, if I had it. Very envious🤢
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The nature of the beast! You'll always want more glass! 🔍 🔎
 
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westlight said:
That is exactly what I do. I offer tours each winter, 2 people plus me and the coach driver. 5 nights lodging and 4 full days in the Park shooting. I do hope this is okay with Steve that I give you this link?
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Don't know if it is allowed, but I'm glad you did. Great web page and I've got it saved for a future trip! I've always wanted to see Yellowstone with someone who knows the park, the nature, and where to go.
 
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My favorite combination for YNP is a 80-400mm and a 600mm f/4 as I can move quikly with the lightweigh zoom and have the added image magnification with the super telephoto. I can also use a 1.4x or 2x teleconverter with the 600mm f/4 lens which is a very big advantage. A 500mm with the TC-20 is the least lens I would want to have for the grizzlies and one is often photographing sows with young cubs and moms are very protective.

A 600mm lens will provide a 56% larger image size than a 400mm lens so YNP is one place where big glass is essential for the bears where you need and want to shoot from a safe distance. For the bison the 80-400mm is by far the best lens for the job. I have taken too many shots with focal lengths less than 200mm to find the 200-400mm lens to be a good choice. I sold my 200-400mm due to its weight and the 200-500mm due to the limitations of its being 200mm at the shortest zoom setting.
 
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Couldn't agree more with those that have recommended 600mm as must when visiting YNP. The 600mm plus a 100-400 have been my most used lenses when visiting the park. Yes I take some wide angle lenses as well but often I find I use the 100-400 at 100mm and shoot vertical panos for landscape.
 
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