Nikon long glass question...

[joe43]

There is a lot of good info and thoughts already posted.

I now have the Z9, Zmount 600mm pf (just got it) and the Z mount 100-400mm S. For me the 100-400mm is more flexible to use than the 70-200mm f2,.8 S that is heavy.

If I needed a 70-200mm I would use my F mount 70-200mm f4 with the FTZII adapter or consider getting the Z mount 70-180mm f2.8. The 70-180mm is much lighter than the 70-200mm f2.8. Some say it is just as sharp as the 70-200mm f2.8.

If you shoot a lot of images at 400mm, I would suggest you check out the Z mount 400mm f 4.5.

 

[Kjellis]

I think the 100-400 gets talked down as usual. I for my part love this lens and I use 90% at 400mm. I had both the 100-400 and 400/4.5 for about 9 months and I sold the 400/4.5 as in real world usage I didn’t feel any difference in sharpness was an issue.
But I had to sell one of them to finance the 600 TC and I sold the 400/4.5. I do miss the 400/4.5 as it’s a great and a little lighter than the 100-400. I may add it to my kit again at one point.

 

[Amy]

I did not read all the comments, but have all of the same lenses of you + the 400mm 2.8. The 2.8 has been a game changer for me. I can hand hold it, most of the time, and am embracing the tripod when needed for long periods of time. The low light difference is just incredible. I really loved the 400 4.5 before this, but havn't touched it since I got this one a year ago. I sold my 800mm because I like the 400 with the TC added better and still better aperture. I sold my 180-600mm. I seriously almost never use anything else. It's a beast, but you will never regret it. If you want to see my images my instagram is the best place. Most of the last year are taken with that. @pointamesandshoot

 

[Activert]

Hi all,

I am Frank, from Switzerland, and this is my first post here. Have been reading for a lot longer, but i like some feedback on a question i am pondering.

My current equipment for wildlife is:

Z9 + Zf + 135mm + 100-400mm + 800mm. Also own the TCs.

I had good results with this (no surprise here). But the 100-400 shows weakness in this chain. For one, i mostly use it at 400mm or 560mm (with the 1.4, i only use the 2x on a 70-200mm). The picture quality is fine, but the AF speed/tracking is noticeably not as good as the other lenses.

So i am thinking to replace this. If i need 0... 400mm i could use the 70-200mm with a converter.

Now I am thinking about 2 different approaches, both start with selling the 100-400mm.

a) get the 400 f4.5 and the 600 f6.3. Together with the 800mm i should have a decent setup.
b) sell also the 800mm and just get the 400mm 2.8 as the one and only.

What speaks in my mind against this b) is that, when on Safari, e.g., i always have a backup body (either a Z8 on loan or my Zf) with a lens. so i could mount 600 + 400 easily. Also, i don't look forward to the nearly 6 pounds with the 400 2.8.

Anyone else pondered this? Anyone (outside of Jared Polin) who can hand held the 400 2.8 for long periods of time (i notice the 800mm after a few hours, and i can not hold that for more than 10min in a row)? Or is this "get a tripod always with you" solution? Anyone has the 3 lighter lenses and how is that working out?

And, if you have the 400 f4.5, how would that compare to the 70-200mm with a 2x converter?

If there is a thread that already ponders this, i have not really found it (outside of some very old ones about a part of the problem). And note, I do not take the financial aspect into consideration - i assume if i go either route that this will last me a very long time, so it's worth it either way.

Frank

Welcome to our Forum.
Regarding the 400 f 4.5, I have this lens and it is really very light and very sharp. I have also the 70-200 f2.8, but I don’t use it anymore with tc. In the past before I got the 400, I used it with 1.4 tc and the result were good. Now I don’t use external tc at all. I use all my lenses in their focal lens, except my Z 600 Tc which most of the time I am at 840 mm (tc engaged) when I am shooting birds.
You mentioned in b) getting the 400 f 2.8 I believe TC. This is really amazing lens and with the 600 tc, they are the best lenses Nikon ever made. You will love it. For the weight, the more you practice, the better you become with handheld.
In the beginning I could only handheld my 600 tc for few minutes at a time and it is little heavier than the 400tc. Now I only shoot with it handheld and sometimes all day long. I only use it on tripod when I want to take videos.
Z9 +400 tc, is the best combination for wildlife photography.
Lina

 

[Phil Seu]

I had the 100-400 but never really grew to love it. Exchanged it for a 70-200 and am much happier. It is an astoundingly good lens. I have TC primes for longer reach.

 

[sinewsworn]

I'd dump the 100-400 for the 180-600. It's heavier, but better iq.

As for going for the 400 2.8, it's an amazing lens, but heavy, and unless you really need the extra light and thinner dof you can get 85%+ of the iq (especially downsized for web) other ways.

My ideal setup is the 180-600 and 800 pf, so you're ahead of me there.

You might wish to rethink 180-600 having better IQ than the 100-400.

 

[Cameron T]

You might wish to rethink 180-600 having better IQ than the 100-400.

No, I don't think I do. Based on testing, the 180-600 is better from 200 onward.

 

[nmerc_photos]

You might wish to rethink 180-600 having better IQ than the 100-400.

it's pretty common knowledge that the 180-600 has better IQ than the 100-400.

ESPECIALLY if you're at comparable long focal lengths (IE 100-400 + 1.4x)

 

[Roy]

Hi all,

I am Frank, from Switzerland, and this is my first post here. Have been reading for a lot longer, but i like some feedback on a question i am pondering.

My current equipment for wildlife is:

Z9 + Zf + 135mm + 100-400mm + 800mm. Also own the TCs.

I had good results with this (no surprise here). But the 100-400 shows weakness in this chain. For one, i mostly use it at 400mm or 560mm (with the 1.4, i only use the 2x on a 70-200mm). The picture quality is fine, but the AF speed/tracking is noticeably not as good as the other lenses.

So i am thinking to replace this. If i need 0... 400mm i could use the 70-200mm with a converter.

Now I am thinking about 2 different approaches, both start with selling the 100-400mm.

a) get the 400 f4.5 and the 600 f6.3. Together with the 800mm i should have a decent setup.
b) sell also the 800mm and just get the 400mm 2.8 as the one and only.

What speaks in my mind against this b) is that, when on Safari, e.g., i always have a backup body (either a Z8 on loan or my Zf) with a lens. so i could mount 600 + 400 easily. Also, i don't look forward to the nearly 6 pounds with the 400 2.8.

Anyone else pondered this? Anyone (outside of Jared Polin) who can hand held the 400 2.8 for long periods of time (i notice the 800mm after a few hours, and i can not hold that for more than 10min in a row)? Or is this "get a tripod always with you" solution? Anyone has the 3 lighter lenses and how is that working out?

And, if you have the 400 f4.5, how would that compare to the 70-200mm with a 2x converter?

If there is a thread that already ponders this, i have not really found it (outside of some very old ones about a part of the problem). And note, I do not take the financial aspect into consideration - i assume if i go either route that this will last me a very long time, so it's worth it either way.

Frank

I dont even try to handhold my 400mm f2.8.
Although slower the 400 f4.5 is much more practical.
If I didn't already gave the 600mm f4 and the 180-600mm then I'd love the 600 PF - its light and sharp.
On safari you may find the 70-200 the most appropriate lens ..

 

[Jadiehl]

Hi all,

I am Frank, from Switzerland, and this is my first post here. Have been reading for a lot longer, but i like some feedback on a question i am pondering.

My current equipment for wildlife is:

Z9 + Zf + 135mm + 100-400mm + 800mm. Also own the TCs.

I had good results with this (no surprise here). But the 100-400 shows weakness in this chain. For one, i mostly use it at 400mm or 560mm (with the 1.4, i only use the 2x on a 70-200mm). The picture quality is fine, but the AF speed/tracking is noticeably not as good as the other lenses.

So i am thinking to replace this. If i need 0... 400mm i could use the 70-200mm with a converter.

Now I am thinking about 2 different approaches, both start with selling the 100-400mm.

a) get the 400 f4.5 and the 600 f6.3. Together with the 800mm i should have a decent setup.
b) sell also the 800mm and just get the 400mm 2.8 as the one and only.

What speaks in my mind against this b) is that, when on Safari, e.g., i always have a backup body (either a Z8 on loan or my Zf) with a lens. so i could mount 600 + 400 easily. Also, i don't look forward to the nearly 6 pounds with the 400 2.8.

Anyone else pondered this? Anyone (outside of Jared Polin) who can hand held the 400 2.8 for long periods of time (i notice the 800mm after a few hours, and i can not hold that for more than 10min in a row)? Or is this "get a tripod always with you" solution? Anyone has the 3 lighter lenses and how is that working out?

And, if you have the 400 f4.5, how would that compare to the 70-200mm with a 2x converter?

If there is a thread that already ponders this, i have not really found it (outside of some very old ones about a part of the problem). And note, I do not take the financial aspect into consideration - i assume if i go either route that this will last me a very long time, so it's worth it either way.

Frank

Frank,
I have a Z8 with the 24-120mm f/4, 100-400mm and 600mm PF. I am considering adding some faster lenses to the mix, including the 400mm f4.5. I love the lightweight and sharp 600pf and am not willing to spend the money to get tc lenses. I am also looking at the 70-200mm f/2.8 and the 800mm PF, among others to add to my kit. There are times the 100-400 is perfect for sports and it is lighter than the 180-600mm, though I still go through that trade in my head… there are some interesting thoughts presented here. I will be interested to hear what you decide to do.

 

[Anjin San]

Frank,
I have a Z8 with the 24-120mm f/4, 100-400mm and 600mm PF. I am considering adding some faster lenses to the mix, including the 400mm f4.5. I love the lightweight and sharp 600pf and am not willing to spend the money to get tc lenses. I am also looking at the 70-200mm f/2.8 and the 800mm PF, among others to add to my kit. There are times the 100-400 is perfect for sports and it is lighter than the 180-600mm, though I still go through that trade in my head… there are some interesting thoughts presented here. I will be interested to hear what you decide to do.

I just sold my 400/4.5 because it wasn’t getting used. With the 600PF and the TC in my pocket I’m covered for long here in FL and also in Serengeti recently. I had the 100-400 t(ere but added the 180-600 as well…and sold the 400 and 70-200 as they never get used. The 70-200 would have been way too short in Serengeti…I used my 24-120 for a couple dozen but outside of that I probably shot about half with the 100-400 and rarely below 200 and the remainding half with the 600, about half of those with the TC.