Yes I sold mine -- the Z lens is lighter, has more controls, has new Af motors and coatings, and yes is slightly longer - but it does not require an FTZ adapter. It also has a "new" foot mounts - the 400, 600 and 800 all have the same mount. AND a new design 46mm drop in filter fitting that does not require an optical element when not in use.
Since I sold my FL I did not get to run a side by side -- to be honest why would I -- after buying the new lens.
I own both the 400TC and 600TC, took both to Kenya together with 2 Z9 bodies and a Z7+100-400 -- I was primarily shooting big cats. AND I found that I used the 400 65% of the time, but 44% of these were at 560mm. Which means I was shooting at ~600mm or longer for 56% of the time. I used the 600mm at 840 56% of the time I used this lens. Often I used the TC to "zoom in" rather than swap cameras/lenses. As a result the 400/560 was the "most" useful lens on this trip. BUT - then it was the 600 at 840. etc...
Steve recently said that one should look at your historic shooting data to see what focal length you use most often natively -- I had and saw that historically 600mm was my most used Focal length on Safaris (I used to travel with both a 400 and 600). Since I also shoot big cats in very low light having a 400/4.8 is also an essential part of my kit.
I suggest you look for Steve's interview on
YouTube for more guidance. I have had none of the issues that Steve and others have faced with their Z9's -- in fact my "only issue" was the impact tall grass had on my AF when using AF-Area modes -- see my thread.
In relation to these new lenses -- I find that the lens control rings and function rings are "dangerous" for how I use the lens and as a result I have both disabled them and taped over the one where I most frequently hold the lens. See image.
One can buy both Roland Pro and Lens Coat covers for these lenses now AND a range of Replacement Feet (I use the Zenelli Carbon Fibre foot) AND Karl Zemlin makes replacement hood and lens caps -- All are GREAT. I use a panning plate on an over the door beanbag - I bought from a safari operator I travelled with in 2016.
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