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Actually, when I use the 600PF (and the 500PF before that) birds I was shooting were farther off, so the MFD doesn't matter to me. I have a Z100-400 and a Z24-120 for closer shots. So far, the few photos I've been able to get with the 600PF have been stellar.Nice shots...
You hit on the one area where I think the lens is a 'little weak' and that's MFD. But I'm not letting that be a debbie downer - there is a lot to like in this lens and it is fun to use.. Sharp as all get out.
As I mentioned, it's not a big deal for me either. It is 600 friggen mm after all....
It's an awesome lens.
I really like these shots that show parts of the habitat, like this dead limb. The “openness“ is perfect with a kaleidoscope of colors in the background!Despite the biting cold and snow flurries today, I was shocked to still see Yellow-rumps sticking around! They'll be the last migrant to leave before the long chasm of winter starts in earnest
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Thank you, Larry! I agree, that’s exactly why I think 600mm will be a natural choice over my 800PF. This just feels so easy to work with.
My AF-S 500 f4 had a long lens hood that had a round knob that screwed the hood to the lens. This acted a a front rifle/Pistol sight for me as it stuck up. This was especially helpful in locating the subject with the narrow field of view of the 500. That was many years ago and I do not think Nikon have used the screw down knob since (At least recently for sure).
I might be able to help you out here. I’ve seen this “issue” twice before. It’s might be the bird‘s tongue. It has poked through the neck. It seems to happen with egrets and herons when they are trying to swallow their catch…. I’ll send a picture of a heron with this problem if I can find it….
these birds get their pointy tongues tangled up with what they are eating and wind up poking them through their throat. This shot shows how pointed it actually is. I think they eventually wiggle it enough to get it back it their mouth…… just ….
… lovely!
) meant I didn't get around to it yet.
I am considering the switch to this 600mm also. The 500PF has served me well with the D850 & Z9 but the FTZ adapter is a “necessary annoyance ” add on. A 3rd part in what should be a two part system… Put a TC on and there’s 4 pieces..I was able to take the 600pf out for its first real outing today. I've had the lens since Monday, but a combination of work and just absolutely awful weather conditions (seems to be a recurring theme in this thread
Up until now, I'd been shooting the "old" 500pf as my main lens (on a Z9), so I'll use that as a baseline as I'm sure there'll be many people in a similar situation considering switching to the 600.
Some thoughts:
- Weight/balance/handling: unsurprisingly, this felt familiar straight away. The 600 feels like its weight is balanced towards the rear a bit more (although that might just be the absense of the FTZ adapter), which I prefer.
- Autofocus: very simply put, initial AF lock is very fast and probably a little faster than the 500pf. Maintaining the AF lock is obviously not an issue (as it never was with the 500 either), user error set aside.
- Sharpness: see the images in this thread and Steve's video. They speak for themselves.
- The f/6.3 "issue": for anyone who knows what they're doing and somewhat capable with modern post-processing software/techniques; this is a moot point in my opinion. I've included an image of a crow doing its morning yoga/gymnastics. This was shot in incredibly flat light, at iso 6400 and cropped to roughly DX size. Cleaned up nice enough for my taste. Being cognizant of your backgrounds is of course something to remember (but you should be doing that anyway).
If I have to mention something negative; it would be the stock lensfoot. This thing is just useless for both carrying and mounting the lens on a support mechanism. Replacing it with an aftermarket option is almost mandatory (as it is for most lenses really). Mine has been replaced with the Kirk LP-70.
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Your assessment of the foot is a no-brainer… What is Nikon thinking here? The crow?
20231028 Z9B, 600PF - Grackle-00208 by Phil McKinney
20231028 Z9B, 600PF - Night Heron, -00029 by Phil McKinney
20231028 Z9A, 600PF, Muscovy Duck-00009 by Phil McKinney
They also don't ship lenses with an integrated Arca Swiss lens foot. Some other vendors like: Tamron, Sigma and Olympus do but not the big three of Canon, Sony and Nikon.
Gone from where I live in MN... you must be just a touch warmer than your neighbor to the West.Despite the biting cold and snow flurries today, I was shocked to still see Yellow-rumps sticking around! They'll be the last migrant to leave before the long chasm of winter starts in earnest
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First snow today, on Halloween. YayTried to get some bird shots incorporating the remaining Autumn leaves + snow, but wasn't able to get those things to align like I wanted.
Had choice to take out 186, 600PF or 800PF, and chose the 600PF. It's just a fun lens to use, it really is the new 500PF, brings back some great memories of those lighter, airy days. My biggest concern is the MFD, but with the birds I'm working with, I've yet to run up against it. I will say, that the 600PF is BY FAR the sharpest, cleanest lens I've ever used.
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