Continue using Nikon 600mm f4 or trade it in for the new Z 800mm f6.3

[Ivan Rothman]

I have long depended on the Nikon 600mm f4, but I find it harder and harder to carry on the plane and carry in the field.
I have been quite happy with the Z 100-400mm used with the Z9, and with 1.4X and 2X TCs gets me out to 560mm at f8 and 800mm at f11. Good but not as good as using the 600mm f4
The new Z 800mm f6.3 is now strongly rumored to weigh 81 oz (compared to 134 oz for the 600mm). Will get to 800mm at f6.3 and and 1120mm at f9.5 with 1.4X TC
Cost of then Z 800 rumored to be about $6000. Could get close to this amount by trading in the 600mm f4.
So next week when Nikon formally announces the Z 800mm, I am strongly considering placing an order and then will trade in my 600mm f4.
Anyone have any thoughts on this - especially for shooting birds, sometimes in low light conditions like the trip to Costa Rica with Steve.

 

[Abinoone]

I have long depended on the Nikon 600mm f4, but I find it harder and harder to carry on the plane and carry in the field.
I have been quite happy with the Z 100-400mm used with the Z9, and with 1.4X and 2X TCs gets me out to 560mm at f8 and 800mm at f11. Good but not as good as using the 600mm f4
The new Z 800mm f6.3 is now strongly rumored to weigh 81 oz (compared to 134 oz for the 600mm). Will get to 800mm at f6.3 and and 1120mm at f9.5 with 1.4X TC
Cost of then Z 800 rumored to be about $6000. Could get close to this amount by trading in the 600mm f4.
So next week when Nikon formally announces the Z 800mm, I am strongly considering placing an order and then will trade in my 600mm f4.
Anyone have any thoughts on this - especially for shooting birds, sometimes in low light conditions like the trip to Costa Rica with Steve.

I strongly encourage you to buy the new Z800, and donate your 600 f4 to me! Seriously, I may be interested in it. Which model do you have?

 

[Ivan Rothman]

I strongly encourage you to buy the new Z800, and donate your 600 f4 to me! Seriously, I may be interested in it. Which model do you have?

The model I have is the 600mm f4E FL AF-S VR. I won't consider selling it until I have the Z800 in hand. And I also may have a friend who is interested in the lens. We'll see. But thanks for the interest.

 

[DavidT]

I wouldn’t do anything based on rumors. I also expect it to be a lot more than $6k. There is also a new 600F4 coming out which I suspect will be lighter than the F Mount E that you have now. I’d sit tight and see what happens.

 

[EricBowles]

I have long depended on the Nikon 600mm f4, but I find it harder and harder to carry on the plane and carry in the field.
I have been quite happy with the Z 100-400mm used with the Z9, and with 1.4X and 2X TCs gets me out to 560mm at f8 and 800mm at f11. Good but not as good as using the 600mm f4
The new Z 800mm f6.3 is now strongly rumored to weigh 81 oz (compared to 134 oz for the 600mm). Will get to 800mm at f6.3 and and 1120mm at f9.5 with 1.4X TC
Cost of then Z 800 rumored to be about $6000. Could get close to this amount by trading in the 600mm f4.
So next week when Nikon formally announces the Z 800mm, I am strongly considering placing an order and then will trade in my 600mm f4.
Anyone have any thoughts on this - especially for shooting birds, sometimes in low light conditions like the trip to Costa Rica with Steve.

I'm having similar thoughts. I really like the 600 f/4, but it is a heavy lens. The 800 PF is a good alternative, but it will still require a tripod and gimbal head. The 800mm is a lot more portable, so for hiking or extended walking to location, it probably is a good idea. Right now I'm leaning toward adding the 800mm but keeping the 600mm and the 500 PF. The 500 PF can be reasonably handheld while the 800mm is a bit long to get good results even if you can handle the weight. I chose not to get the 100-400. I would probably trade out the 500 PF for a 400mm PF for Z mount. That would give me a 70-200, 300 f/4 (might sell), 400 PF, 600 F/4 and 800 PF.

One of the big advantages of the 100-400 is the minimum focus distance of around 3 feet, but in my kit it has a lot of overlap.

 

[John Navitsky]

maybe not soon, but i can't help but wonder if they will have a 600pf at some point

 

[Ivan Rothman]

maybe not soon, but i can't help but wonder if they will have a 600pf at some point

I was hoping to see a 600 PF lens, but nothing to suggest it is coming anytime soon.
If the 800 PF really costs only $6000 as suggested by latest rumors, then I would consider it a great bargain. If it costs a lot more than that then I would pass on it for now.