Appropriate body for the situation

[O]

Christopher Frost reviewed it, too, with the other mount. He's also mentioning the optical limitations and qualities. No real concern, but it's indeed not an S lens, which is to be expected at that price.

My main issue when I tested it was the f/4.5 to 6.3, which can get quite slow when the sun isn't there, and the VR that didn't quite compensate, even though it's working in tandem with the impressive Z6III VR. But my hands have never been the steadiest. One of the features I liked was the 1:4 to 1:2 magnification ratio.

Thank you so much for the comments. The lens only was damaged and it's back on its way to Adorama.

I followed you perfectly and you have only missed one thing, perhaps, which is that I want to use the lens with my Z6III and only for travel. I currently use the Tamron 150-500 f 4.5-5.6 and am happy with it, but do not want to carry it on a plane with everything else.

Right now the 400mm f/4.5 is over budget.

I can wait until February, but will need something by then.

Other options are the tamron 50-400mm, though optically not as refined....

and about the same price as the 28-400mm z lens

.

The telephoto DX lens was also mentioned.

https://photographylife.com/reviews/nikon-z-dx-50-250mm-f4-5-6-3-vr

Or I try to find another copy of the 300mm PF f mount lens again but I doubt I can find the same deal (I used my Adorama points).

So there you are. Options exist, but bottom line is weight is primary....

Right now the 28-400mm for the money or the Tamron 50-400mm are my best options, I think.

The Z lens is only 1/2 pound less in weight and 1.5 stops slower. I'm leery of superzooms but it's gotten great reviews.

Things like distortion and vignetting do not bother me.

My only concern is f8 for the Nikon lens in low light, but in most cases when I travel, I'm not alone. I'm with my family and not there to do 100% wildlife shooting. They placate me by agreeing to hit a few spots but mostly, not.

Everything often seems to be in need of some compromise in some way LOL.

Your happy with the 150-500, why not stay with it and place it in your suitcase.

Nikon's 100-400 is good but overpriced for what it is, but hey if it does the job.

The Tamron 50-400 is nearly twice the weight of the Z 28-400 that should say something about the optics, do you feel either would meet your needs.

When you have been traveling and doing photography what does your gallery show the average focal range you have used.

ie: 90% between 28-50mm - or 50-250, 300-400 ???

If your traveling to do wild life or bird photography then its important to take the right focal length your happy with.

If its just holiday snaps etc then 28-400 is perfect.

I went to NZ to do a pro shoot with a co shooter mate, after the paid shoot, we took a week to be free, the third image was a pull to the kerb and take a quick holiday snap, the fourth hand held snap shot also the 28-300 on the Df was taken while sailing in Tasmania, hand held snap.

The 28-300 worked very well as usual, despite my knowing the Z 28-400 is sharper and better in the corners.

That said 98% of people viewing the outcomes couldn't or wouldn't pick the difference to which lens was used.
I stay with 45 mp for the reason of having extra cropping tolerance.

Only an opinion

 

[O]

Thanks @Unscript ... there's also this:

Sounds like a small sacrifice of an extra 1 pound over the 28-400mm with the advantage of more light gathering capabilities, plus what you mentioned regarding the magnification ratio.

However, my hands are not the steadiest either. Sunsets would be challenging and I don't want to take a tripod.

Lots to consider.

Bottom line: I need a lens that I can pack in the seat underneath the person in front of me on the plane and it needs to be one that I can capture the bird wildlife of Florida at various times of day, which is mainly where I'll use it.

Compromise and tolerate taking the 150-500 you love, like the Z6III, you wont regret taking it.

 

[Unscript]

Sounds like a small sacrifice of an extra 1 pound over the 28-400mm with the advantage of more light gathering capabilities, plus what you mentioned regarding the magnification ratio.

However, my hands are not the steadiest either. Sunsets would be challenging and I don't want to take a tripod.

Lots to consider.

Bottom line: I need a lens that I can pack in the seat underneath the person in front of me on the plane and it needs to be one that I can capture the bird wildlife of Florida at various times of day, which is mainly where I'll use it.

Nice comparison review!

Indeed, the 400 at f/8 must be pretty difficult unless you have a tripod. And if you want something better than 6.3, I think that'll require bigger lenses, so more weight (and likely more money). I'm no optic expert, though, so I may be wrong. So it may require a compromise somewhere, weight or aperture.

Just to throw in something else to consider: Nikkon has those TC, 1.4 and 2.0, but they can only be used with some of their lenses. The Tamron can't be used with them or any other TC. And 400 mm is nice, but is that enough if you want to catch birds?

 

[Juliette]

Compromise and tolerate taking the 150-500 you love, like the Z6III, you wont regret taking it.

problem is the weight. In my original post I mentioned my hand injury. I cannot tolerate over 2.5 lbs for more than a few minutes at a time, without re-injuring my hand, much less dragging it in a carry-on with all the other gear. That's why I need to go as light as possible. All other things considered, normally I'd agree to take the 150-500.

 

[Juliette]

Nice comparison review!

Indeed, the 400 at f/8 must be pretty difficult unless you have a tripod. And if you want something better than 6.3, I think that'll require bigger lenses, so more weight (and likely more money). I'm no optic expert, though, so I may be wrong. So it may require a compromise somewhere, weight or aperture.

Just to throw in something else to consider: Nikkon has those TC, 1.4 and 2.0, but they can only be used with some of their lenses. The Tamron can't be used with them or any other TC. And 400 mm is nice, but is that enough if you want to catch birds?

I think you're right and the compromise cannot be weight for me, unfortunately. The Tamron at 2.5 lbs is the heaviest I am willing to go...this is why I started with the question of going Z50II with DX lenses. Oy vey!

Thank you all for helping me figure this out. I'm going to land somewhere eventually before February!

 

[AlanB313]

Hi @Juliette , you could try posting a "want to buy" on this forums sell/buy section. I've seen very reasonably priced 300pf listed here. Maybe there's a member ready to part with a nice copy. Could be a win/win, as you'd maybe get a good price and the seller would get more than a reseller offers.
Just a thought. I'm still planning on using my 300pf with a z8 when I get one. I just love the versatility of that lens with the MFD and the weight. It's great for hiking with a 1.4 tc.
Good luck.

 

[Juliette]

Hi @Juliette , you could try posting a "want to buy" on this forums sell/buy section. I've seen very reasonably priced 300pf listed here. Maybe there's a member ready to part with a nice copy. Could be a win/win, as you'd maybe get a good price and the seller would get more than a reseller offers.
Just a thought. I'm still planning on using my 300pf with a z8 when I get one. I just love the versatility of that lens with the MFD and the weight. It's great for hiking with a 1.4 tc.
Good luck.

Yes @AlanB313 - that's an idea. It's a beautiful lens and I do have some nice shots that I took in the past with it.

You just reminded me....I should first go back and look at those shots and see if I remember what I liked about it....

 

[ricardo00]

Yes @AlanB313 - that's an idea. It's a beautiful lens and I do have some nice shots that I took in the past with it. You just reminded me....I should first go back and look at those shots and see how I feel about the focal length today!

I bought my 300mm PF lens almost 10 years ago (Feb. 2015) and have been fortunate not to have to sell it. Have used it since then, most recently with my Z8. When I want a lightweight lens at this focal length and f/4, it comes in handy (ie. for trips, etc). Often use it to take video when I want more "space" around the subject. And works great with the 1.4 TC. Would lend it to you for a trip if you were nearby but see you are in Georgia. Good luck buying a used one.
PS. Many of my pics/videos with this lens are on my Flickr album if interested:

Nikon 300mm F4 PF lens

Explore this photo album by ricardo00 on Flickr!

www.flickr.com

 

[Juliette]

Honestly, @ricardo00 - after looking through my collection I do remember now how beautifully it renders. I appreciate you sharing your perspective too. You really can't go wrong with that lens and it's not out of the running. I'll keep looking and evaluating!

 

[fcotterill]

Thank you so much for the comments. The lens only was damaged and it's back on its way to Adorama.
[Snipped]

Or I try to find another copy of the 300mm PF f mount lens again but I doubt I can find the same deal (I used my Adorama points).

Sorry for the disappointment

I bought from KEH when in UK - professional in a word. They have a good reputation judging from forum chatter

https://www.keh.com/shop/nikon-300mm-f-4-e-pf-ed-vr-n-af-s-autofocus-lens-77-681788.html

MPB is another option - MPB UK has several copies rated Excellent

So there you are. Options exist, but bottom line is weight is primary....

Right now the 28-400mm for the money or the Tamron 50-400mm are my best options, I think.

The Z lens is only 1/2 pound less in weight and 1.5 stops slower. I'm leery of superzooms but it's gotten great reviews.

Things like distortion and vignetting do not bother me.

My only concern is f8 for the Nikon lens in low light, but in most cases when I travel, I'm not alone. I'm with my family and not there to do 100% wildlife shooting. They placate me by agreeing to hit a few spots but mostly, not.

 

[Juliette]

Sorry for the disappointment

I bought from KEH when in UK - professional in a word. They have a good reputation judging from forum chatter

https://www.keh.com/shop/nikon-300mm-f-4-e-pf-ed-vr-n-af-s-autofocus-lens-77-681788.html

MPB is another option - MPB UK has several copies rated Excellent

Thank you. MPB had been wonderful until they ticked me off recently. I shipped them a lens which was in excellent shape but because it sat in their possession during a cold snap, they low balled me on an offer claiming condensation. I'll get over it eventually but that lens was checked out by my local shop who I trust implicitly and they showed me that it was in pristine shape before I sent it out. KEH is local to me so I had planned to drive up there and see the actual condition of their lenses.

 

[Juliette]

Good day all,

After almost analysis, I ended up going with the Nikon Z 28-400mm. The final decision came down to versatility - both in the fact that it's a zoom lens to the fact that I can also actually use this lens for some day time event work. With any other lens I was considering, it would either represent an overlap because I already have the Tamron 150-500mm or it would sit waiting for my next trip.

Yes, it's f/8 on the longer end but being it's for my personal needs only and only on family trips, I think I'll be happy with it.

Thank you for all who contributed your thoughts and opinions. This is an awesome group!!

 

[Replytoken]

Good day all,

After almost analysis, I ended up going with the Nikon Z 28-400mm. The final decision came down to versatility - both in the fact that it's a zoom lens to the fact that I can also actually use this lens for some day time event work. With any other lens I was considering, it would either represent an overlap because I already have the Tamron 150-500mm or it would sit waiting for my next trip.

Yes, it's f/8 on the longer end but being it's for my personal needs only and only on family trips, I think I'll be happy with it.

Thank you for all who contributed your thoughts and opinions. This is an awesome group!!

I will grant you that f/8 is not ideal, but from a practical point of view, most longer lenses are either f/5.6 or f/4 at the top end. Given the improvements in both sensor technology and post processing software, a one-stop gain in ISO can probably be addressed better than even a few years ago. I still have a hard time getting my brain to understand that with the Z6iii that I can shoot above 3200 and still get workable images if they are properly exposed. I hope it works out well for you.

--Ken

 

[Juliette]

I will grant you that f/8 is not ideal, but from a practical point of view, most longer lenses are either f/5.6 or f/4 at the top end. Given the improvements in both sensor technology and post processing software, a one-stop gain in ISO can probably be addressed better than even a few years ago. I still have a hard time getting my brain to understand that with the Z6iii that I can shoot above 3200 and still get workable images if they are properly exposed. I hope it works out well for you.

--Ken

Thank you @Replytoken (Ken). That actually DOES make me feel better! Plus, I really haven't heard a bad word about this lens except from Matt Granger (YouTube). I think I will be satisfied with it. Good news is, if I'm not, I still have options! Thank you.

 

[splatbass]

The only exception for me shooting MFT is doing street photography because the depth of field is most important. It's less about that full frame look and more about f/8 and be there. For wildlife and all other genres though, there's no going back from full-frame.

I’ve shot FF for years, and still have my Nikon FF cameras and lenses. But most of the time these days I shoot MFT, especially for wildlife. I’m perfectly happy “going back”. I also have a Z50. I can get great results in any kind of photography with any of them.

 

[Juliette]

Yes, @splatbass - didn't mean to imply that MFT is subpar. When I said, "going back", I just meant going back in my investment because I had a choice in buying the lenses to support wildlife for my EM bodies but in the end, it added the same, if not more weight to my situation. And because weight was key for me, I didn't think it made sense after spending so much on Nikon Z gear. So, that why "going back" on my Z trajectory didn't make sense for me.

 

[fcotterill]

Good day all,

After almost analysis, I ended up going with the Nikon Z 28-400mm. The final decision came down to versatility - both in the fact that it's a zoom lens to the fact that I can also actually use this lens for some day time event work. With any other lens I was considering, it would either represent an overlap because I already have the Tamron 150-500mm or it would sit waiting for my next trip.

Yes, it's f/8 on the longer end but being it's for my personal needs only and only on family trips, I think I'll be happy with it.

Thank you for all who contributed your thoughts and opinions. This is an awesome group!!

Great!
And the 28-400 is now on special <$1000

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1818948-REG/nikon_nikkor_z_28_400mm_f_4_8.html

 

[Juliette]

Great!
And the 28-400 is now on special <$1000

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1818948-REG/nikon_nikkor_z_28_400mm_f_4_8.html

Thank you for alerting me - I bought it before the sale! I'm asking B&H for a price adjustment.

UPDATE: They quite literally refunded me the difference the minute I hit save... I just adore B&H!

 

[Anjin San]

For my self wanting two cameras, i would consider going forward the Z7III and the back up Z6III as the utopian duo.
If i wanted one only camera it would be the Z7III, if it has the new features of the ZF Z6III WOW now 45mp and 20mp in DX mode, only need one camera and an i Phone 15.

The Z7III already exists…it’s named the Z8. Given the current price point of both…adding the extra newer stuff that the Z8 has to the Z7 body would push the price up and it would be a slightly cheaper Z8…not good for sales. I’m with Thom H who thinks the Z8II needs to be here before there’s a valid point in the product line for the Z7III. I’ve got 2 Z8s but of I had one and wanted a second body…the price savings and slight weight saving of the Z6III would make it valid competition for a second Z8. The identical body vs slight weight and price gain would be an interesting choice if budget is a concern.

 

[Juliette]

Hi, just wanted to say I got the discounted 28-400mm in the mail today. Took some backyard shots and it's a very fast lens even with f/8 at the longer end. I'm really glad I went this route. Yes, I will miss having a longer FL but as I said, when I travel, it's more about family vacation and not an intense wildlife situation.

For those interested in this lens, I know there are thousands of images out there, but here are a couple of shots with the z6III. No edits, 60% crop, just to get an idea.

You can only see EXIF info for this image if you are logged in.