Nikon 800PF Review For Wildlife Photographers (Official Discussion Thread)
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accessdenied
New member
Oh I've been dreaming of a Z600 f/5.6 pf lens! It would almost guaranteed replace both the 800 and 500 for me... Maybe that's why they don't make it though? They know people like me will now buy two lenses instead hahah
I hadn't looked at these DOF comparisons until now. Most people will shoot wide open with both the 800pf and 500pf. Wide open, the 800pf has less than half the DOF as the 500pf; 13cm vs 30cm, respectively, 15m from the subject.
Garfield
Well-known member
This just in from Photography Life...
Nikon Z 800mm f/6.3 VR S review
Excellent value and light weight but comes up a little short against the IQ of the 800 FL E. Spencer muses this appears to be the first 'S' lens that falls short of it's F-mount sibling in terms of IQ performance. But the value is unarguable.
Nikon Z 800mm f/6.3 VR S review
Excellent value and light weight but comes up a little short against the IQ of the 800 FL E. Spencer muses this appears to be the first 'S' lens that falls short of it's F-mount sibling in terms of IQ performance. But the value is unarguable.
A bit heavier than my 500 PF but still very hand holdable--just not for as long. I'm trying out monopod use.
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fcotterill
Well-known member
Thanks for your alert to this. It's certainly a unique review in directly comparing both of the 800 Nikkors (which I'd hoped they would tackle).
Nasim reviewed the 800 f5.6E some years ago, and it still stands out as a thoroughly done exercise. He described in some detail the challenges he had to overcome measuring representative MTF data. These stands as no mean feat. They include comparative data with the bespoke TC125 and TC14.
Nikon 800mm f/5.6E FL ED VR Review - Page 2 of 7
photographylife.com
However, I disagree with several aspects of Spencer's review of the 800 PF. The overall impression I get is the young man is out of his depth testing these fickle primes, which have a tendency to show up undisciplined usage.
I would have thought twice before showing several of the example photos to the public. They are that bad, particularly the images he's selected purporting to demonstrate the quality of the ZTC14 with the 800 PF.
It's clear (and no surprise) the 800 f5.6E FL is the superior prime, but my own extensive tests reveal the results are often challenging to tell the two 800's apart. I've been comparing both telephotos since mid 2022 (And with respective Teleconverters).
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DGettisNC
Well-known member
Yep, I agree. Basically the same as the 500pf but closer. Still handhold (was shooting a lot for about 4 hours saturday and was fine...though I did feel it on the drive home lol as I havent been out much the last few months).
I never expected the image quality to match the $17,600 800f5.6, but I'm not disappointed either. Its pretty much exactly what I expected, but focuses a little quicker IMO.
Some frames from Saturday:
I never expected the image quality to match the $17,600 800f5.6, but I'm not disappointed either. Its pretty much exactly what I expected, but focuses a little quicker IMO.
Some frames from Saturday:
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Maljo
Well-known member
Nikon’s MTF curves for the 5.6 and 6.3 look nearly identical.
Garfield
Well-known member
Thanks for your alert to this. It's certainly a unique review in directly comparing both of the 800 Nikkors (which I'd hoped they would tackle).
Nasim reviewed the 800 f5.6E some years ago, and it still stands out as a thoroughly done exercise. He described in some detail the challenges he had to overcome measuring representative MTF data. These stands as no mean feat. They include comparative data with the bespoke TC125 and TC14.
Nikon 800mm f/5.6E FL ED VR Review - Page 2 of 7
However, I disagree with several aspects of Spencer's review of the 800 PF. The overall impression I get is the young man is out of his depth testing these fickle primes, which have a tendency to show up undisciplined usage.
I would have thought twice before showing several of the example photos to the public. They are that bad, particularly the images he's selected purporting to demonstrate the quality of the ZTC14 with the 800 PF.
It's clear (and no surprise) the 800 f5.6E FL is the superior prime, but my own extensive tests reveal the results are often challenging to tell the two 800's apart. I've been comparing both telephotos since mid 2022 (And with respective Teleconverters).
FWIW Spencer mentions that three different people tested three different 800pf lenses with no discernable differences in performance.
I've never tried the 800/5.6 however after using the 800pf I really don't feel I need to as this is a killer lens. It's light (relatively), it's fast, it's as sharp as most everything I've ever had (600vr, 500pf) and the price is great for an 800mm lens and 10k less than the prior Nikon 800. The rendering is also awesome as is the VR. The more I use it the better it is! I have the 400TC also for stuff up to 800mm and it's an awesome combo to have! One other thing is this 800mm lens is about the same weight as the Nikkor 200-500 and I can hand hold it all day, with a few breaks now and then LOL. Here's a few images from the past couple weeks with the 800pf.
Waxwings
Awesome lens!!
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Waxwings
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Awesome lens!!
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Beautiful example, thanks!
Thank you! The kudos go to the Z9, 800pf combo!
RoyC
Active member
Regarding the article, image comparison are always subjective and lab testing is not.
I am waiting to see some lab testing on the 600/4 TC as it has the potential to be the 800 E equal or better.
I am waiting to see some lab testing on the 600/4 TC as it has the potential to be the 800 E equal or better.
From my limited use of a 800 f6.3 PF, lent to me for a week, it has been at least as sharp as the 500 PF. I would have liked to see them make a comparo with the 500 PF + 1.4x TCIII but I guess that will come when they actually do a review with measurements of the 500 PF.
Z9 + 800 pf, 1/250s f/6.3 at 800.0mm iso1800
Z9 + 800 pf, 1/400s f/6.3 at 800.0mm iso6400
Z9 + 800 pf, 1/400s f/6.3 at 800.0mm iso3600
Z9 + 800 pf, 1/250s f/6.3 at 800.0mm iso280
Z9 + 800 pf, 1/100s f/6.3 at 800.0mm iso64
Z9 + 800 pf, 1/400s f/6.3 at 800.0mm iso160
Z9 + 800 pf, 1/250s f/6.3 at 800.0mm iso1100
Z9 + 800 pf, 1/200s f/6.3 at 800.0mm iso1000
Z9 + 800 pf, 1/250s f/6.3 at 800.0mm iso1800
Z9 + 800 pf, 1/400s f/6.3 at 800.0mm iso6400
Z9 + 800 pf, 1/400s f/6.3 at 800.0mm iso3600
Z9 + 800 pf, 1/250s f/6.3 at 800.0mm iso280
Z9 + 800 pf, 1/100s f/6.3 at 800.0mm iso64
Z9 + 800 pf, 1/400s f/6.3 at 800.0mm iso160
Z9 + 800 pf, 1/250s f/6.3 at 800.0mm iso1100
Z9 + 800 pf, 1/200s f/6.3 at 800.0mm iso1000
Garfield
Well-known member
Just for fun...
From Bosque. I am very pleased
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eft
Well-known member
Thanks for sharing. Although shot in the NE it could have been shot in my neighbourhood in the Pacific NW, it's so similar. I only spotted a few seconds of 800PF footage starting at ~3:25, but it looked great.
MatthewK
Well-known member
Insane detail, clarity and sharpness. Puts to rest any doubts I'd have! Can't wait for Spring time so I can get out and shoot with this thing!From my limited use of a 800 f6.3 PF, lent to me for a week, it has been at least as sharp as the 500 PF. I would have liked to see them make a comparo with the 500 PF + 1.4x TCIII but I guess that will come when they actually do a review with measurements of the 500 PF.
Z9 + 800 pf, 1/250s f/6.3 at 800.0mm iso1800
Z9 + 800 pf, 1/400s f/6.3 at 800.0mm iso6400
Z9 + 800 pf, 1/400s f/6.3 at 800.0mm iso3600
Z9 + 800 pf, 1/250s f/6.3 at 800.0mm iso280
Z9 + 800 pf, 1/100s f/6.3 at 800.0mm iso64
Z9 + 800 pf, 1/400s f/6.3 at 800.0mm iso160
Z9 + 800 pf, 1/250s f/6.3 at 800.0mm iso1100
Z9 + 800 pf, 1/200s f/6.3 at 800.0mm iso1000
MatthewK
Well-known member
For anyone wondering, the 800PF will NOT fit in the Mindshift Backlight 18L, the hood diameter prevents it. If the bag were a few inches deeper, it'd be able to fit the lens w/ hood reversed, and still have space alongside for the Z9. Ah well, I have the 36L on order, and will keep the 18L around for 500PF duties.
Hi Matthew - there are third party hoods available from Zemlin Photo that may work. I also added a collapsible hood that will fit.
Lassep
Member
Thank you very much, Matthew. Much appreciated!
I bought the Ruggard Alpine. The 800 fits with room to spare. The only drawback is its not light but I use it for transport only.
George, I’m enjoying your Cedar Waxwing images again!! I have been looking but haven’t found them yet. When I do I’m hoping I can get shots like yours.
Hey that's really nice of you thanks very much! I hope you find some!!
MatthewK
Well-known member
Took my inaugural photos with the 800PF today, in some balmy 5 degree F weather. Nothing worth sharing, as I was just wanting to get a feel for how the lens handled (def heavier than the 500PF, but not too bad), see how its AF performance differed from the 500PF (felt a little more direct and confidant, less juddering as AF-C did it’s thing). The focal length is perfect for me and my preferred bird clientele,
500PF is feeling like Woody did, right after Buzz Lightyear showed up.
500PF is feeling like Woody did, right after Buzz Lightyear showed up.