Lens Advice for Florida Bird Photography

[tegel]

I’m trying to decide which lenses to bring on a trip to Florida in April. Here are the Nikon Z lenses that I own:

1. 180-600
2. 400/2.5
3. 100-400
4. 70-200
5. TC1.4x and TC2.0x

If I decide to fly, I will need to limit choices. My carry on bag can fit only two of these lenses (especially if one is the 180-600). My initial thought is to bring the 180-600 for flexibility (and max reach without TCs) along with the 70-200 for low light situations (I’ll also bring the TC14 just in case). Before getting the 180-600, my choices would have been the 400/2.5 + the TCs for max reach and the 100-400 for flexibility.

The guide for the trip said we’ll mostly be shooting from boardwalks (Green Cay Wetlands, Wakodahatchee Wetlands and Loxahatchee Wildlife Refuge). He recommended a 100-400 + TC14 as the birds can get quite close at times. He also said that a tripod would not be practical due space constraints on the boardwalk. I have a monopod with the Wimberly head (recommended by Steve) for the 180-600.

My camera body is a Z8 (with a Zf or maybe the Zfc as a second body). I’m not a pro and am happy with all of the lenses listed here, just trying to decide on the best combo. Any thoughts are appreciated.

Thanks,
Tom

 

[Anjin San]

I’m trying to decide which lenses to bring on a trip to Florida in April. Here are the Nikon Z lenses that I own:

1. 180-600
2. 400/2.5
3. 100-400
4. 70-200
5. TC1.4x and TC2.0x

If I decide to fly, I will need to limit choices. My carry on bag can fit only two of these lenses (especially if one is the 180-600). My initial thought is to bring the 180-600 for flexibility (and max reach without TCs) along with the 70-200 for low light situations (I’ll also bring the TC14 just in case). Before getting the 180-600, my choices would have been the 400/2.5 + the TCs for max reach and the 100-400 for flexibility.

The guide for the trip said we’ll mostly be shooting from boardwalks (Green Cay Wetlands, Wakodahatchee Wetlands and Loxahatchee Wildlife Refuge). He recommended a 100-400 + TC14 as the birds can get quite close at times. He also said that a tripod would not be practical due space constraints on the boardwalk. I have a monopod with the Wimberly head (recommended by Steve) for the 180-600.

My camera body is a Z8 (with a Zf or maybe the Zfc as a second body). I’m not a pro and am happy with all of the lenses listed here, just trying to decide on the best combo. Any thoughts are appreciated.

Thanks,
Tom

I Live down here and have all of those except the 180-600…my go to 2 lens combo is the 100-400, 600PF and the TCs but about 90% of the TC use is just the 1.4 on the 600. With your lens bag…I would bring the 2 zooms and the TCs or maybe just the 1.4TC. I would personally bring my monopod…because there will be some instances when you’re standing around waiting on things to happen and that’s a lot easier weight wise. Tripods are gonna be a pain if the boardwalk is crowded and the monopod provides some stability and weight assist without too much blocking things. However…with the Is in the Z8 and today‘s NR software…I’m not using the monopod unless I’m going to be standing there awhile.

 

[tegel]

Thanks for your thoughts on this. I'm still going back and forth, but now leaning towards the 100-400 for close/unpredictable birds and the 400/2.5+TCs for far away subjects. The 180-600 is nice, but just seems a bit too large for fast moving birds (at least for me). I actually purchased it with large (slow) far away wildlife in mind. I've been doing some backyard bird low light comparisons in preparation for the trip and the f/4.5 makes a bit difference.

 

[RikWriter]

Thanks for your thoughts on this. I'm still going back and forth, but now leaning towards the 100-400 for close/unpredictable birds and the 400/2.5+TCs for far away subjects. The 180-600 is nice, but just seems a bit too large for fast moving birds (at least for me). I actually purchased it with large (slow) far away wildlife in mind. I've been doing some backyard bird low light comparisons in preparation for the trip and the f/4.5 makes a bit difference.

Are you meaning the 400 2.8?

 

[tegel]

Oops. I meant 400/4.5.

 

[abc123brian]

Sounds like you may have concerns about the weight, but I’d bring the 180-600mm, the 400mm 4.5, and the 1.4x TC. For me this would cover everything. I really like the photos from the 400mm 4.5 so it tends to be my preferred lens, it’s light and compact. The 180-600mm would get used when I want some flexibility or longer reach, such as the boardwalk you mentioned. I would use the 1.4x with it if needing more than 600mm. I have not been to those specific places so I cannot say whether the 100-180mm focal range would make much difference there. Maybe you could ask the guide specifically that.

 

[tegel]

The guide said last year he used the 100-400 + TC14 almost exclusively as the birds can get quite close, so it sounds like the 180-600 might not be necessary.

 

[DavidT]

600mm with TC’s.

 

[jcgamble]

I live in Florida too, and use the 600 f6.3 pf and 100-400 on a Z9. I would think #1 would be your best choice. I previously use D500 + TC14 III + 300 pf and later a 500 f5.6 pf with D500, Z6 and the Z9. If you're using a 400, I would have the 14 TC on it all the time. Low light on clear days is very short compared to up north. I would think about 30 minutes and you're up to 1/1000 for a shutter speed headed to 1/4000.

 

[tegel]

Thanks for the info on limited low light. Something to consider for sure.

 

[abc123brian]

The guide said last year he used the 100-400 + TC14 almost exclusively as the birds can get quite close, so it sounds like the 180-600 might not be necessary.

Does that mean he had the 1.4x on the 100-400mm? If so, the 180-600 is going to be better. If any doubts, bring the 100-400 and 180-600 and since it takes no room the 1.4x.

 

[Whiskeyman]

Thanks for your thoughts on this. I'm still going back and forth, but now leaning towards the 100-400 for close/unpredictable birds and the 400/2.5+TCs for far away subjects. The 180-600 is nice, but just seems a bit too large for fast moving birds (at least for me). I actually purchased it with large (slow) far away wildlife in mind. I've been doing some backyard bird low light comparisons in preparation for the trip and the f/4.5 makes a bit difference.

Oops. I meant 400/4.5.

Tom, I think the best lens options for you are the 70-200 and the 180-600. If you have to limit your gear, they would provide the best focal length coverage for you. However, if you are really more comfortable with any particular one of them, take it on the trip if able.

If you have difficulties picking up subjects at longer focal lengths, practice using the zoom at a shorter focal length for capture and then zoom in on the subject after acquisition. If you haven't done much of that, it is something that you'll need to remind yourself to do for a while, but after you do enough of it, it can become almost second nature.

When I read the above post, I didn't even notice that you typed 400/2.5, I just read it as a 400/2.8.

 

[Anjin San]

k

I live in Florida too, and use the 600 f6.3 pf and 100-400 on a Z9. I would think #1 would be your best choice....If you're using a 400, I would have the 14 TC on it all the time. Low light on clear days is very short compared to up north. I would think about 30 minutes and you're up to 1/1000 for a shutter speed headed to 1/4000.

My go to combo as well for the birds down here. And I agree on the relative s shortness of the low light conditions in the morning…I shoot slow but if it's moving ya gotta up the speed a bit and while that does raise ISO DxO or Topaz or LR works wonders these days.

 

[fulltimewanderer]

I’m trying to decide which lenses to bring on a trip to Florida in April. Here are the Nikon Z lenses that I own:

1. 180-600
2. 400/2.5
3. 100-400
4. 70-200
5. TC1.4x and TC2.0x

If I decide to fly, I will need to limit choices. My carry on bag can fit only two of these lenses (especially if one is the 180-600). My initial thought is to bring the 180-600 for flexibility (and max reach without TCs) along with the 70-200 for low light situations (I’ll also bring the TC14 just in case). Before getting the 180-600, my choices would have been the 400/2.5 + the TCs for max reach and the 100-400 for flexibility.

The guide for the trip said we’ll mostly be shooting from boardwalks (Green Cay Wetlands, Wakodahatchee Wetlands and Loxahatchee Wildlife Refuge). He recommended a 100-400 + TC14 as the birds can get quite close at times. He also said that a tripod would not be practical due space constraints on the boardwalk. I have a monopod with the Wimberly head (recommended by Steve) for the 180-600.

My camera body is a Z8 (with a Zf or maybe the Zfc as a second body). I’m not a pro and am happy with all of the lenses listed here, just trying to decide on the best combo. Any thoughts are appreciated.

Thanks,
Tom

Tom,

I pretty much agree with Whiskeyman. I’d take the 70-200 and the 180-600 as this would give you the best focal range for your lense selection. If you could sneak in the 100-400 to take that along too. The 100-400 could be easily carried and hand held.

 

[MatthewK]

I’ll be heading to FL in April too, and am also trying to decide on gear. This will be the first time I’ve actually gotten a chance to bird in FL, so I’m really excited to see what the fuss is about

I think the 180-600 is the right call. Can’t beat that versatility, especially if it’s somewhere you haven’t been and don’t know what to expect. I’d probably be content with bringing just this lens, but since you have room for another… 400 4.5 for lower light. This will probably be my combo for my trip, if I decide to get another 400 4.5.

 

[Anjin San]

Thanks for the info on limited low light. Something to consider for sure.

I’ve got the 70-200 as well…and can count the number of times I took it on 1 hand probably, perhaps a couple more. It’s excellent but just too short most of the time even with the TC and it does get bright quickly here. NR software today has significantly reduced the need for 2.8 for light although it’s still good for bokeh…but at the ranges where 200 is enough it’s pretty easy to get BG separation usually anyway.

 

[tegel]

Thanks for all of the great suggestions and insights! I'm thinking now the best two lens combo is the 180-600 on my main body (Z8) and the 100-400 on my second body (Zf). I'll also bring the TC14 if more reach is needed. In a brief moment of GAS, I thought about picking up the 600PF as I anticipate the 180-600 will be racked out near 600mm most of the time, but it will be nice to have the zoom to control the compositions (my bank account will also thank me ).

 

[tegel]

If you have difficulties picking up subjects at longer focal lengths, practice using the zoom at a shorter focal length for capture and then zoom in on the subject after acquisition. If you haven't done much of that, it is something that you'll need to remind yourself to do for a while, but after you do enough of it, it can become almost second nature.

Thanks for the tip! I haven't had the 180-600 for very long, so I'll certainly try this.

 

[tegel]

Does that mean he had the 1.4x on the 100-400mm? If so, the 180-600 is going to be better. If any doubts, bring the 100-400 and 180-600 and since it takes no room the 1.4x.

Yes, he recommended the 100-400+TC14 combo. His concern with the 180-600 was having not room for tripods on the boardwalks. I can handhold it for a period of time and have a monopod if needed. I agree that bringing both lenses with two camera bodies and the TC14 is probably the best combo.

 

[ltphoto]

I just had several days at both Wakodahatchee and Green Cay. Used the 180-600 on the Z8 and 800pF on the Z9. Although you are often very close to the birds, you are never too close for 180. And the 800 was used a lot, both for more distant subjects as well as detailed shots instead of showing the environment. Used the 800 on a monopod with the Wimberly monopod gimbal. Great combination. Agree that a tripod is not a good idea at either place, although you will see photographers using them.

 

[Steve]

If it were me and those were my choices, I'd grab the 180-600 and not give it another thought. It'll cover everything well.

 

[JAJohnson]

I’m trying to decide which lenses to bring on a trip to Florida in April. Here are the Nikon Z lenses that I own:

1. 180-600
2. 400/2.5
3. 100-400
4. 70-200
5. TC1.4x and TC2.0x

I’m thinking of a similar trip in April: Wako, Loxahatchee, and might make a drive out to the Keys. I’ll take my 180-600, 70-200, 1.4TC, and 24-70 2.8 for sunrise shots.

 

[ScubaChuck]

I’m trying to decide which lenses to bring on a trip to Florida in April. Here are the Nikon Z lenses that I own:

1. 180-600
2. 400/2.5
3. 100-400
4. 70-200
5. TC1.4x and TC2.0x

If I decide to fly, I will need to limit choices. My carry on bag can fit only two of these lenses (especially if one is the 180-600). My initial thought is to bring the 180-600 for flexibility (and max reach without TCs) along with the 70-200 for low light situations (I’ll also bring the TC14 just in case). Before getting the 180-600, my choices would have been the 400/2.5 + the TCs for max reach and the 100-400 for flexibility.

The guide for the trip said we’ll mostly be shooting from boardwalks (Green Cay Wetlands, Wakodahatchee Wetlands and Loxahatchee Wildlife Refuge). He recommended a 100-400 + TC14 as the birds can get quite close at times. He also said that a tripod would not be practical due space constraints on the boardwalk. I have a monopod with the Wimberly head (recommended by Steve) for the 180-600.

My camera body is a Z8 (with a Zf or maybe the Zfc as a second body). I’m not a pro and am happy with all of the lenses listed here, just trying to decide on the best combo. Any thoughts are appreciated.

Thanks,
Tom

I’ve taken a lot of good photos in the Wakodahatchee with a D85o and a 80-400.
Riverbend park in Jupiter is also a good place.

 

[MarkB]

I've been to Florida to photograph birds 4 times in the last three years and have been to all of the locations you mention. When I had my D850 I used mostly the 200-500 and my 800 f5.6. After I moved to mirrorless I am using mostly the 800 f6.3 and the 100-400. Except for times when I shot in rookeries, I used the 800 the most, so my opinion is that you go for reach, outside of a rookery I can't imaging using a 70-200 that much. Yes, there are some close subjects and thus the 100-400, but you will see many subjects where you wish you had more reach. From my last trip (Jan 2024) more than 3/4 of my shots were with the 800 f6.3, the remainder with the 100-400, and most from the 100-400 were at Wild Kingdom.

Orlando 2024 trip

 

[mslmdr]

I’m trying to decide which lenses to bring on a trip to Florida in April. Here are the Nikon Z lenses that I own:

1. 180-600
2. 400/2.5
3. 100-400
4. 70-200
5. TC1.4x and TC2.0x

If I decide to fly, I will need to limit choices. My carry on bag can fit only two of these lenses (especially if one is the 180-600). My initial thought is to bring the 180-600 for flexibility (and max reach without TCs) along with the 70-200 for low light situations (I’ll also bring the TC14 just in case). Before getting the 180-600, my choices would have been the 400/2.5 + the TCs for max reach and the 100-400 for flexibility.

The guide for the trip said we’ll mostly be shooting from boardwalks (Green Cay Wetlands, Wakodahatchee Wetlands and Loxahatchee Wildlife Refuge). He recommended a 100-400 + TC14 as the birds can get quite close at times. He also said that a tripod would not be practical due space constraints on the boardwalk. I have a monopod with the Wimberly head (recommended by Steve) for the 180-600.

My camera body is a Z8 (with a Zf or maybe the Zfc as a second body). I’m not a pro and am happy with all of the lenses listed here, just trying to decide on the best combo. Any thoughts are appreciated.

Thanks,
Tom

I live in Florida and have been to all three of the places within the past month and I’ve been going there for several years. It is amazing how many birds you will see there and often up close to them. I initially used my 100–400 Lens, but after receiving the 180–600 and the 800 PF, I use the latter two exclusively. My most recent trip was with the 800 and I did find that I had to step back a few feet to be able to focus, given the minimum focus distance of approximately 16 feet. I would definitely bring the 180–600 and bring your TC 1.4 X. You will be amazed of the variety of birds! I would also add that there is probably little need for a tripod given the fact that you can stabilize your camera in most places on a sturdy railing on the boardwalk.