Birds with my new Z600 TC

[Lance B]

Just received my Z600 TC late last week and have not had too much of a chance to shoot with it however, I did manage to go out very late the afternoon I got it - first two images below. A few days ago, I did manage a couple of hours at the zoo to become more familiar with the lens and how it operated - the zoo is a great place to test a lens's performance and IQ. I then did get out yesterday afternoon for a few more. This lens rocks! The IQ is amazing, whether bare or with the TC engaged. I had to sell off my 400 f2.8E FL VR and Z800 PF as well as the rest of my F mount lenses in order to afford it! I now do not have any F mount gear anymore, totally Z mount.

Most shot at very low shutter speeds to keep ISO as low as possible. Most shot with TC engaged.

1) Cormorant - wild. This was one of the first photos taken, shot across a river and was about 40mts away and hence the use of the 1.4x TC.

Z8 + Z 600 TC, 1/125s f/5.6 at 840.0mm iso1000

2) Eastern Yellow Robin - wild. It was getting very late and quite dim by this stage.

Z8 + Z 600 TC, 1/80s f/5.6 at 840.0mm iso1400

3) White-rumped Shama - zoo

Z8 + Z 600 TC, 1/160s f/4.0 at 600.0mm iso64

4) Regent Bowerbird - zoo

Z8 + Z 600 TC, 1/60s f/4.0 at 600.0mm iso1250

5) Forest Kingfisher - zoo

Z8 + Z 600 TC, 1/60s f/4.0 at 600.0mm iso1100

6) Forest Kingfisher - zoo

Z8 + Z 600 TC, 1/60s f/4.0 at 600.0mm iso320

7) Eastern Yellow Robin - wild

Z8 + Z 600 TC, 1/160s f/5.6 at 840.0mm iso320

8) Spotted Pardalote - wild

Z8 + Z 600 TC, 1/250s f/5.6 at 840.0mm iso1400

9) Variegated Wren - wild. A particularly fine specimen of a male, one of the best I have seen in full breeding plumage.

Z8 + Z 600 TC, 1/400s f/5.6 at 840.0mm iso720

 

[ButlerKid]

Congrats! I simply LOVE my 600mm TC! Wow! Such a joy to use.

Keep posting your images and thoughts on this lens!

 

[Lance B]

Congrats! I simply LOVE my 600mm TC! Wow! Such a joy to use.

Keep posting your images and thoughts on this lens!

Thank you very much, Karen. Much appreciated!

I can see why you love your 600 TC, as I love mine also. An amazing lens!

I wasn't going to get it as I couldn't justify the cost here in Oz - AU$25,000 - ouch! My 400 f2.8E FL VR "only" cost me $12,000 9 years ago and this lens is over twice the price now. Unfortunately, the AU$ had depreciated quite a bit over that time due to many factors - from about US$1 to AU$1 and now US$1 to AU$0.66! However, I managed to get a deal that I couldn't refuse on the 400 f2.8E FL VR and my Z800 PF which took me most of the way to the Z600 TC. Add the rest of my F mount glass and I virtually paid nothing. I was also concerned with the weight of the Z600 TC- 3,250gms compared to my 400 f2.8E which was 3800gms so, "only" a saving of 550gms. However, I decided to actually weigh the 400 f2.8 with all things attached and after I added the carbon fibre lens hood, the FTZ and the 1.4x TCII to the 400 f2.8 (to match the Z600 TC focal length) the 400 f2.8 ended up at 4,450gms! The Z 600 TC with hood is 3,450gms (a much lighter hood) so, a 1kg saving!! No wonder I was finding it difficult to use the 400 in the field! Lifting up to shoot higher than shoulder height became tiresome. The new Z600 TC is almost like a feather compared to that and to add, the weight is way better balanced more toward the back of the lens making it feel even lighter. I now can easily wave it around with aplomb. Very happy!!

 

[Robert S]

You did a good job on the Regent. Very difficult to get feather definition in the yellows. I spent a couple of days at O'Reily's baiting them with grapes. Took a lot of photos and disposed of a lot of grapes to get a few photos that showed texture in the yellows.

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

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

 

[Rixpx]

Thank you very much, Karen. Much appreciated!

I can see why you love your 600 TC, as I love mine also. An amazing lens!

I wasn't going to get it as I couldn't justify the cost here in Oz - AU$25,000 - ouch! My 400 f2.8E FL VR "only" cost me $12,000 9 years ago and this lens is over twice the price now. Unfortunately, the AU$ had depreciated quite a bit over that time due to many factors - from about US$1 to AU$1 and now US$1 to AU$0.66! However, I managed to get a deal that I couldn't refuse on the 400 f2.8E FL VR and my Z800 PF which took me most of the way to the Z600 TC. Add the rest of my F mount glass and I virtually paid nothing. I was also concerned with the weight of the Z600 TC- 3,250gms compared to my 400 f2.8E which was 3800gms so, "only" a saving of 550gms. However, I decided to actually weigh the 400 f2.8 with all things attached and after I added the carbon fibre lens hood, the FTZ and the 1.4x TCII to the 400 f2.8 (to match the Z600 TC focal length) the 400 f2.8 ended up at 4,450gms! The Z 600 TC with hood is 3,450gms (a much lighter hood) so, a 1kg saving!! No wonder I was finding it difficult to use the 400 in the field! Lifting up to shoot higher than shoulder height became tiresome. The new Z600 TC is almost like a feather compared to that and to add, the weight is way better balanced more toward the back of the lens making it feel even lighter. I now can easily wave it around with aplomb. Very happy!!

Looking at the sharpness and contrast, it's easy to understand the price. Great pictures.

 

[Lance B]

You did a good job on the Regent. Very difficult to get feather definition in the yellows. I spent a couple of days at O'Reily's baiting them with grapes. Took a lot of photos and disposed of a lot of grapes to get a few photos that showed texture in the yellows.

View attachment 96801

View attachment 96802

Thank you very much, Robert. Much appreciated!

As you rightly state, the Regent Bowerbird is one of the most difficult to photograph due to the yellow and black being at opposite ends of the exposure. I have always had difficulty getting feather detail in both the yellow and black feathers and it isn't helped by the fast that they are almost always in dark places meaning high ISO and thus lower dynamic range! You have some fine examples shown.

 

[Lance B]

Looking at the sharpness and contrast, it's easy to understand the price. Great pictures.

Thank you very much, Rick. Much appreciated!

 

[Whiskeyman]

Wow! This thread may cost me a bundle!

 

[Lance B]

Wow! This thread may cost me a bundle!

Thank you very much, Wayne. Much appreciated!

I take no responsibility.

 

[Ralph]

Just received my Z600 TC late last week and have not had too much of a chance to shoot with it however, I did manage to go out very late the afternoon I got it - first two images below. A few days ago, I did manage a couple of hours at the zoo to become more familiar with the lens and how it operated - the zoo is a great place to test a lens's performance and IQ. I then did get out yesterday afternoon for a few more. This lens rocks! The IQ is amazing, whether bare or with the TC engaged. I had to sell off my 400 f2.8E FL VR and Z800 PF as well as the rest of my F mount lenses in order to afford it! I now do not have any F mount gear anymore, totally Z mount.

Most shot at very low shutter speeds to keep ISO as low as possible. Most shot with TC engaged.

1) Cormorant - wild. This was one of the first photos taken, shot across a river and was about 40mts away and hence the use of the 1.4x TC.

Z8 + Z 600 TC, 1/125s f/5.6 at 840.0mm iso1000

2) Eastern Yellow Robin - wild. It was getting very late and quite dim by this stage.

Z8 + Z 600 TC, 1/80s f/5.6 at 840.0mm iso1400

3) White-rumped Shama - zoo

Z8 + Z 600 TC, 1/160s f/4.0 at 600.0mm iso64

4) Regent Bowerbird - zoo

Z8 + Z 600 TC, 1/60s f/4.0 at 600.0mm iso1250

5) Forest Kingfisher - zoo

Z8 + Z 600 TC, 1/60s f/4.0 at 600.0mm iso1100

6) Forest Kingfisher - zoo

Z8 + Z 600 TC, 1/60s f/4.0 at 600.0mm iso320

7) Eastern Yellow Robin - wild

Z8 + Z 600 TC, 1/160s f/5.6 at 840.0mm iso320

8) Spotted Pardalote - wild

Z8 + Z 600 TC, 1/250s f/5.6 at 840.0mm iso1400

9) Variegated Wren - wild. A particularly fine specimen of a male, one of the best I have seen in full breeding plumage.

Z8 + Z 600 TC, 1/400s f/5.6 at 840.0mm iso720

Wow Lance! Incredible sharpness and color at such a low shutter speed.

 

[Lance B]

Wow Lance! Incredible sharpness and color at such a low shutter speed.

Thank you very much, Ralph. Much appreciated!

 

[IainD]

Excellent series. Your bird shots are simply amazing. I don't know how you manage to find so many beautiful subjects. Also amazing!!
I

 

[Rick S]

You definitely have a winning combination Lance. Great set.

 

[Irap]

Beautiful Shots Lance, good luck with the lens!

 

[Lance B]

Excellent series. Your bird shots are simply amazing. I don't know how you manage to find so many beautiful subjects. Also amazing!!
I

Thank you very much, Iain. Much appreciated!

 

[Lance B]

You definitely have a winning combination Lance. Great set.

Thank you very much, Rick. Much appreciated!

 

[Lance B]

Beautiful Shots Lance, good luck with the lens!

Thank you very much, Ira. Much appreciated!

 

[Imago]

Just received my Z600 TC late last week and have not had too much of a chance to shoot with it however, I did manage to go out very late the afternoon I got it - first two images below. A few days ago, I did manage a couple of hours at the zoo to become more familiar with the lens and how it operated - the zoo is a great place to test a lens's performance and IQ. I then did get out yesterday afternoon for a few more. This lens rocks! The IQ is amazing, whether bare or with the TC engaged. I had to sell off my 400 f2.8E FL VR and Z800 PF as well as the rest of my F mount lenses in order to afford it! I now do not have any F mount gear anymore, totally Z mount.

Most shot at very low shutter speeds to keep ISO as low as possible. Most shot with TC engaged.

1) Cormorant - wild. This was one of the first photos taken, shot across a river and was about 40mts away and hence the use of the 1.4x TC.

Z8 + Z 600 TC, 1/125s f/5.6 at 840.0mm iso1000

2) Eastern Yellow Robin - wild. It was getting very late and quite dim by this stage.

Z8 + Z 600 TC, 1/80s f/5.6 at 840.0mm iso1400

3) White-rumped Shama - zoo

Z8 + Z 600 TC, 1/160s f/4.0 at 600.0mm iso64

4) Regent Bowerbird - zoo

Z8 + Z 600 TC, 1/60s f/4.0 at 600.0mm iso1250

5) Forest Kingfisher - zoo

Z8 + Z 600 TC, 1/60s f/4.0 at 600.0mm iso1100

6) Forest Kingfisher - zoo

Z8 + Z 600 TC, 1/60s f/4.0 at 600.0mm iso320

7) Eastern Yellow Robin - wild

Z8 + Z 600 TC, 1/160s f/5.6 at 840.0mm iso320

8) Spotted Pardalote - wild

Z8 + Z 600 TC, 1/250s f/5.6 at 840.0mm iso1400

9) Variegated Wren - wild. A particularly fine specimen of a male, one of the best I have seen in full breeding plumage.

Z8 + Z 600 TC, 1/400s f/5.6 at 840.0mm iso720

Your photographs are all beautiful

Would you mind giving a brief comparison between the z 800mm pf and the 600mm TC, thank you

 

[Lance B]

Your photographs are all beautiful

Would you mind giving a brief comparison between the z 800mm pf and the 600mm TC, thank you

Thank you very much, Imago. Much appreciated!

It is early days yet and at this stage it is hard to pick between them IQ-wise when the 600TC is at 840mm. The 600 TC does have better AF ability. The 800 is lighter and is a little easier to maneuver but not a big deal. I didn't sell the 800PF for any other reason other than I needed to help fund the 600TC but I really didn't need the 800PF once I had the 600TC. In other words, I didn't get rid of it due to any IQ issues, it was purely financial and would have been a double up with the 600TC. I loved the 800PF whilst I had it but now I have the 600TC I won't miss it.

The reason for getting the 600TC were a number of factors: I wanted a pro lens to replace my 400 f2.8E FL VR but I had to sell it to fund either a 400TC or the 600TC. I couldn't justify the $25,000 asking price when I would only get $8-9,000 at best for my 400 f2.8E FL VR as a private sale. I would have to advertise it in the second hand columns and deal with buyers and cash and all that rigmarole - I just kept putting it off. A special deal came up where I was able to snag $10,000 for the 400 f2.8E FL VR and a great deal on my 800PF as well. The decision was between the 400TC and 600TC. I found I was mostly shooting at 600mm+ and I mostly used the 800PF and thus I would just about always be using a 400TC with at least the internal TC and also with the other 1.4x TC or a 2x TC for 800mm. Thus the 600TC it was. When I had the 800PF I needed a shorter lens as well and I used the 500PF - this meant swapping lenses. I may even take a 70-200 f2.8 or 100-400 but an 800PF, 500PF and either the 70-200 or 100-400 would all take up much space in a backpack. The 600TC alleviates that, I can just use it by itself or I can add the 100-400 or 70-200.

 

[Marcelo_R]

Congrats Lance for the new lens! It is an outstanding lens, and as versatile as it can be with the TC incorporated.

Nikon did a great job adding the TC14 to the "old" 180-400 TC FL first and now with the new Z line on both the 400 and the 600.

Enjoy every bit of it! Krgds, Marcelo

 

[Lance B]

Congrats Lance for the new lens! It is an outstanding lens, and as versatile as it can be with the TC incorporated.

Nikon did a great job adding the TC14 to the "old" 180-400 TC FL first and now with the new Z line on both the 400 and the 600.

Enjoy every bit of it! Krgds, Marcelo

Thank you very much, Marcelo. Much appreciated!

 

[Jmaes]

Enjoy the new toy (no doubt you'll put it to good use). Those first images look very nice already!

 

[Hooligans Imagery]

Congratulations on your Let's Make a Deal win and I am sure we will see many more great images.

 

[DanG]

Lance, as always excellence. In your estimation is there something you can do to get some of the bird tails sharper? Is it the lower shutter speed or a lack of depth? Great series.

 

[gdecamp]

Awesome shots Lance and best of luck with the new 600TC!!!