Thanks, Dan. I'll re-check my settings -I thought I did indicate Raw, but still got JPG. I have a lot to learn yet!
Nikon 600PF - Share Photos & Discuss!!!
- Thread starter MatthewK
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Great images in this thread. I wonder why there’s no th like this for the Z 800 PF?
I would love to participate in that thread.
I would love to participate in that thread.
Start one and ask people to share their images. I'm sure there's many users who who love to share their photos.
MatthewK
Well-known member
Here you go
800PF - share photos and discuss!
Don't think a dedicated photo/discuss thread has been done yet for the 800PF, so here we go. The newness and buzz have worn off, especially now that most everyone has hopefully received their copies after the standard Nikon new release hype waiting period :rolleyes: I've had my copy for a year...
bcgforums.com
Thanks Matthew, I searched but couldn't find the thread.Here you go
800PF - share photos and discuss!
Don't think a dedicated photo/discuss thread has been done yet for the 800PF, so here we go. The newness and buzz have worn off, especially now that most everyone has hopefully received their copies after the standard Nikon new release hype waiting period :rolleyes: I've had my copy for a year...
Clearly we are spoiled for choice, as modern cameras and lenses are universally excellent. You could start a thread for just about any mirrorless lens, even a cheap third party, and post amazing photos that would convince everyone they need it. Of course the lens discussed here truly is outstanding, as the $4800 price tag would suggest. I started with the also excellent (and more affordable) 180-600 which has the same aperture, is almost the same size (slightly longer), and has the added convenience of a zoom. I sold it and got a used 600PF on this site, so the obvious question is why choose this over the zoom.
For me the only reason is weight. The 180-600 is still handholdable and is a bit lighter than the Sony equivalent 200-600. However, I found it got a bit heavy after walking around for an hour or so. Some people will not mind, but for me it was just a litte too heavy. The 600 is the ideal weight, being the same as the 70-200 f2.8 (which I also own). The fixed lens also presumably takes teleconverters better. People say it is sharper as well, but the zoom was plenty sharp to me so I don't think this is a major factor.
Post processing can do wonders for photos, but in reviewing a lens (as we are in this thread) I think it is helpful to post images straight out of camera. So here are a few recent shots I grabbed, downsized for internet (and watermark added), but otherwise uncropped out of camera JPEG files.
For me the only reason is weight. The 180-600 is still handholdable and is a bit lighter than the Sony equivalent 200-600. However, I found it got a bit heavy after walking around for an hour or so. Some people will not mind, but for me it was just a litte too heavy. The 600 is the ideal weight, being the same as the 70-200 f2.8 (which I also own). The fixed lens also presumably takes teleconverters better. People say it is sharper as well, but the zoom was plenty sharp to me so I don't think this is a major factor.
Post processing can do wonders for photos, but in reviewing a lens (as we are in this thread) I think it is helpful to post images straight out of camera. So here are a few recent shots I grabbed, downsized for internet (and watermark added), but otherwise uncropped out of camera JPEG files.
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MatthewK
Well-known member
So, my year ends with the 600PF back at Nikon service for the 3rd time for same damn issue: grit under the manual focus ring. Another $600 repair 
Happened during my trip to Sedona a couple weeks back, and while it's obviously a desert environment, the lens never once touched the ground or was exposed to sand with dirty hands. After the first time this happened back in April during my trip to Ft. Desoto beach I've been super cognizant about not letting anything touch the lens, and it's quite upsetting that the claimed weather resistance is so easily compromised. The rep I spoke with at Nikon Service says he's seen more than a few of these lenses come in with the same problem. Anyways, I just hope my 600PF comes back perfect and I can continue shooting with it for years to come, because it is my all-time favorite.
Some shots taken with it in Sedona:
Woodhouse's Scrub-Jay by M K, on Flickr
Canyon Wren by M K, on Flickr
Gambel's Quail by M K, on Flickr
Hermit Thrush by M K, on Flickr
Happened during my trip to Sedona a couple weeks back, and while it's obviously a desert environment, the lens never once touched the ground or was exposed to sand with dirty hands. After the first time this happened back in April during my trip to Ft. Desoto beach I've been super cognizant about not letting anything touch the lens, and it's quite upsetting that the claimed weather resistance is so easily compromised. The rep I spoke with at Nikon Service says he's seen more than a few of these lenses come in with the same problem. Anyways, I just hope my 600PF comes back perfect and I can continue shooting with it for years to come, because it is my all-time favorite.Some shots taken with it in Sedona:
Woodhouse's Scrub-Jay by M K, on FlickrCanyon Wren by M K, on FlickrGambel's Quail by M K, on FlickrHermit Thrush by M K, on Flickr
I'm so sorry about the problems you're having with the lens, but wow, your shots are gorgeous.
Have to ask…. Have you had this sand/grit issue with any other lens? It seems odd that it is specific to your 600PF. I’ve been reluctant to take mine to coastal beach locations over concerns of the same issue occurring.So, my year ends with the 600PF back at Nikon service for the 3rd time for same damn issue: grit under the manual focus ring. Another $600 repair
Some shots taken with it in Sedona:
Gorgeous shots! I have had my 600pF out in sand, dirt, dust, high pollen and have had no problems.So, my year ends with the 600PF back at Nikon service for the 3rd time for same damn issue: grit under the manual focus ring. Another $600 repair
Some shots taken with it in Sedona:
MatthewK
Well-known member
I’ve never had an issue like this with any other lens in my entire photographic experience (since ~2008), and I’ve been to numerous beaches and dirty places. On this trip, I also had my 100-400, external zoom in all its glory, and it has zero problems.
Yeah, this is really upsetting. I’m going to speak with someone at Nikon and see what options I have. Probably none, but it’s worth a try.
Love these especially the quail. Next time you come to AZ let me know, we can 600 PF together.So, my year ends with the 600PF back at Nikon service for the 3rd time for same damn issue: grit under the manual focus ring. Another $600 repair
Some shots taken with it in Sedona:
I think you have make a claim it's defective in some respect based on your experience and that of others and press hard on it.
Just occurred to me that you have had this issue repaired (maintenanced) before. That in itself should carry some guaranty or warranty that the problem has been corrected. I would definitely have a ”come to jesus” meeting (or call) with the Nikon rep in your area. The last thing they want is a dissatisfied customer out there trashing their quality control…
I have two weeks of photos almost all using the 600mm f6.3 HERE....... Images are much sharper on my website.
Below are a sampling....all were cropped in post.
Heavy overcast skies and constant rain during the 2 weeks -
600mm f6.3, 1/2500, ISO 20,000!
DX mode 900mm, f6.3, 1/125, ISO 1,600
600mm, f6.3, 1/500, ISO 3,200
Below are a sampling....all were cropped in post.
Heavy overcast skies and constant rain during the 2 weeks -
600mm f6.3, 1/2500, ISO 20,000!
DX mode 900mm, f6.3, 1/125, ISO 1,600
600mm, f6.3, 1/500, ISO 3,200
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MatthewK
Well-known member
Had a talk with a service manager a bit ago, and they're going to recommend a replacement for my lens since it's the 3rd time being repaired for the same issue. It'll be for a refurb unit, and that's fine with me, I just don't want to have to worry about my lens being fragile. Fingers crossed it gets approved
MatthewK
Well-known member
Karen, these are sensational. The level of quality is through the roof. When I go to Costa Rica someday, I can only hope to come away with shots this good.I have two weeks of photos almost all using the 600mm f6.3 HERE....... Images are much sharper on my website.
Below are a sampling....all were cropped in post.
Heavy overcast skies and constant rain during the 2 weeks -
600mm f6.3, 1/2500, ISO 20,000!
DX mode 900mm, f6.3, 1/125, ISO 1,600
600mm, f6.3, 1/500, ISO 3,200
Garsch......aw shucks! THANKS!
I bought the lens right before the trip. I need rotator cuff surgery and was concerned about carrying my 600mm TC + tripod + gimbal all over Panama for 2 weeks. Due to the constant rains and low light forcing really high ISO 's at f6.3, I sometimes wished I had taken my 600mm TC f4. However, I have to tell you, the fine details and hand holding ability of that 3.1 lb 600 mm f6.3 blew me away! It was a joy to use! That's the reason I decided to post on this thread.
I'll be taking the 600mm TC on my last-ever trip to Africa in March......but the 600mm f6.3 is going to Antarctica with me!
Gorgeous shots!!!
maxxus46
Well-known member
Please let us know how you make out with the replacement lens. Good luck
Had a talk with a service manager a bit ago, and they're going to recommend a replacement for my lens since it's the 3rd time being repaired for the same issue. It'll be for a refurb unit, and that's fine with me, I just don't want to have to worry about my lens being fragile. Fingers crossed it gets approved
Here are a few shots that I have taken over the last couple of months and one since I last posted in this thread. There are also a couple of images from a Texas Tech football game against Colorado. One shot is of the Masked Rider for Texas Tech and the other is of Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter. Finally, I added a sunset picture of Sandhill Cranes fly against a backdrop of a West Texas Sunset.
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Great shots! I am impressed with the use of high ISO-did you de-noise anything?
Thank you.Yes, full edits and cropping in these. Most of the time my sports pics are only seen on social media. So night games and late evening games I always use denoise when shots are over 1000 ISO. With that said I have printed up to 12x18 on denoised and heavily cropped photos and they came out very good. In the photo with the horse, there were bad shadows and she had just came out of them. I was surprised the ISO didn’t come down some. I did have to use a higher SS as the horse was running.
Webbie!
Active member
Had a ton of fun Friday afternoon shooting multitudes of Ibis as they flew by from one small pond to another at St. Marks NWR … love my Z8
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Wonderful shots- a great bird for contrast against the backgrounds.