Not sure how/why but like most equipment related threads this one turned into a Sony discussion. But since we're there I have to point out that the above comparison doesn't take into account a real world/all in cost of ownership, particularly of switching systems. From a Nikon perspective in USD the economics are more like:
1) purchase Z9 = $5500
2) some months later purchase 800mm PF = $6500
All in cost = $12k spread over several months
Comparable Sony kit:
1) purchase Sony a1, 600mm f4, 1.4x TC = $20,550
2) some months later forfeit half of personal net worth
All in cost = half personal net worth plus $20.5k
It is true that the Sony kit does have the benefit of 5 percent more reach, 1/3 stop of light, and almost certainly quicker delivery.
This is absolutely true and probably why Sony comments popped up. If you went from Nikon to Sony recently and still own Nikon gear, like me, you probably owe it to yourself to consider options and what’s the right system for one’s needs going forward.
‘And that Nikon set-up at $12k makes a very compelling case since it’s the same price as the600 f:4 I am gearing up to buy. Should I run 2 systems (it would be the same price), go back to Nikon or go all-in Sony as I was planning to do before this announcement (well actually the announcement didn’t change my views but Steve’s rave comments had me stop and think).
So I have been pondering for the past few days, helped in that endeavor by catching Covid for the first time and being out of commission for 3 days (when I am not sleeping or coughing my chest out, re-watching all of Steve’s videos has been quite therapeutic too). So hopefully you’ll humor me as I share my fever-induced meandering.
I have decided (i think) to stay my course for now but this reasoning only applies to me - and it boils down to this : I really love the A1, the more I use it, the more right it feels. I started using it (minus the grip) for street photography 2 weeks ago with the baffling Tamron 28-75 f:2.8 G2 and it really has blown me away. The ability to see the effect of my b&w tweaked profile in real time in the viewfinder is truly game changing and being able to use zebras to expose faces right is truly liberating in that kind of use. And the body is as small and light as my Xpro1 while the Tamron zoom is as good as primes from 35mm to 75mm (and really close from 28 to 35mm).
‘I knew the A1 worked great for my wildlife needs but I am shocked by how versatile it is for all my other needs - something the Z9 unfortunately wouldn’t do as well (size, weight, no zebras and the rebranded Tamron zoom is a G1 which is not optically on par). The Z9 ergonomics didn’t work well for me when I tried it but I could live with them for wildlife photography if I had to - but for street photography, the A1 is amazing
I also like the 3rd party lens options for Sony but Nikon has done a great job with their affordable primes so although a factor, it’s not a major one.
My last reason is actually that I have never been comfortable with focal lengths 800mm and up - although Steve’s video makes a very compelling case about the VR performance, I have to wonder how much of his success comes from his being… well, Steve… as opposed to coming from the lens. Finding a small BIF in the sky with an 800mm lens remains a tall order for me, whether PF or not. And the more time goes, the more I like to include environmental elements in my shots. So I am not sure the 800mm lens would actually make me more successful for my type of shots. And in a pinch, the 600 f:4 turns into a handy 840 f:5.6 with hardly any loss.
Or maybe it’s the fever making me delirious and tomorrow I’ll wake up having placed orders for all Nikon gear and not remembering it at all (maybe I can use that excuse to order the 600GM right now…)
