What 3-4 lenses would you purchase for Wildlife photography on the Nikon Z system

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john1970

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Dear Everyone,

I recently purchased into the Nikon Z system for wildlife photography using lighter lenses with the following:

1) Nikon Z9
2) Nikon Z 400 mm f4.5 + 1.4 x TC (for flexibility to get to 560 mm f6.3)
3) Nikon Z 800 mm f6.3

I also have the 180-600 mm f5.6 to f6.3 on order, but this might take a while to arrive (e.g. several months).

I will eventually get a smaller second body, but am waiting to see what the Z6III brings and to see if the Z8 gets the bird detection in the firmware.

Are there any other combinations that people think I should consider?

One alternative, albeit more expensive would be an all prime setup of the 400 mm f4.5, 600 mm f6.3 and 800 mm f6.3.

Thank you in advance for constructive feedback.
 
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john1970 said:
Dear Everyone,

I recently purchased into the Nikon Z system for wildlife photography using lighter lenses with the following:

1) Nikon Z9
2) Nikon Z 400 mm f4.5 + 1.4 x TC (for flexibility to get to 560 mm f6.3)
3) Nikon Z 800 mm f6.3

I also have the 180-600 mm f5.6 to f6.3 on order, but this might take a while to arrive (e.g. several months).

I will eventually get a smaller second body, but am waiting to see what the Z6III brings and to see if the Z8 gets the bird detection in the firmware.

Are there any other combinations that people think I should consider?

One alternative, albeit more expensive would be an all prime setup of the 400 mm f4.5, 600 mm f6.3 and 800 mm f6.3.

Thank you in advance for constructive feedback.
Click to expand...
That is pretty much the setup I’d go with, though my preference would be a Z8 or over the Z9 (have both now). The 400mm 4.5 is fantastic with and without the 1.4x tc. The 180-600 is a really nice zoom. I don’t have the 800mm yet, but I’d like to get it. $500 off right now makes it even more tempting. I like the idea of the 600mm PF too but I think it’s less versatile for me.
 
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It really depends on your definition of wildlife and how exclusively wildlife you want to become.
It seems with the lenses you have and/or have on order you have the telephoto end covered. in fact, perhaps a bit overkill as there is overlap in the lenses you have.
If insects and spiders fall into your range of wildlife, or if you want to explore flowers, water drops, textures in ice, etc. then a 105mm macro would be in order.
Also, don't overlook landscape opportunities with something on the wide angle end. 24-70 or wider would be a good choice.

As for the typical wildlife kit, I think your telephoto needs are being met.
 
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If I think wildlife I think Z8 or Z9 for bodies and none of the other Z mount bodies out there.
There are so many routes to take on the lenses and depending on the subject, style of shooting, ... can you consider these:
70-200mm f/2.8 --> great for the mammals close-by and have your animals in the scene rather than closeup shots
100-400mm --> a relatively light versatile lens for the mammals out there. Also great for close-up shots of flowers, insects, ....
400mm f/4.5 --> beautiful lens that gives insane sharp photos and nicely rendered background
180-600mm --> absolutely very versatile, nicely prices but a bit heavy to be fair. It is also not an S-line lens
600mm PF --> what is there not to like about this lens, sharp, small and light but is "only" f/6.3
800mm PF --> same as the 600mm PF
400mm f2.8 & 600mm f/4 --> well, the best in class, period.

Macro is such a specific field but if you are into that then the 105mm MC is the one to have.
When I travel to Africa for a safari do I take the 100-400 or 180-600 with me along with the 600mm TC. When a buddy travels with me will he take my 24-120mm f/4 lens with my old Z7.
 
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First I ordered the 180-600, got it quickly through Nikon and found I was not happy with how heavy and long it was. I sold it to someone on this forum right away. Then I got the Nikon 600PF, and I love the lens, and the Nikon 100-400 so I'm covered all around. I also have the 24-120 and an 85mm. I do have a Z TC if I need it. Two Z8 bodies, the Z9 is boxed as I want to sell it. This set of lens has worked out very well so far. I also still have the non-Z Nikon 500PF if I want to use it and a 70-200 f/2.8 that I never actually use as it is so heavy.
 
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Thank you to everyone for their input.

I have decided on the following four S lenses:

1) Nikon 24-120 mm f4
1) Nikon 100-400 mm 4.5-5.6
2) Nikon 600 mm 6.3
3) Nikon 800 mm 6.3

Those four lenses have me covered for wildlife/outdoor photography and I do not see a need for any TCs.

The 180-600 mm is a great internal zoom and very competitive in price. It is significantly heavier, which one expects with a zoom. A good all-in-one lens for a safari when paired with 24-120 mm zoom.


The purpose of this kit is to be light and nimble.
 
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I have the 400 f/4.5, 600mm pf and 800mm pf. I ended up with all three through a combination of circumstances and timing but now that I am here I would be reluctant to let any of them go, They are all three superb lenses. I can carry all 3 to a shoot and select between them as needed. I usually don't need to use a TC unless I want to go super long with the 800. With this combination I am using the best IQ lenses available in these ranges short of the super expensive big boys.

Your current combination will work fine for most purposes. I do think the 400mm runs out of range after 560mm and having something substantial at 600mm improves options.

That being said I would speak up for two lenses, the 105 macro and the 14-24mm f2.8. The 105 is an excellent and super sharp macro lens and is relatively inexpensive among this group. I also think the 14-24mm F2.8 is an incredible landscape lens. Super sharp and the perspective it offers makes for some really interesting and creative options. One of my favorite lenses.
 
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Z8 (Z7ii backup/spare, because I owned it), 100-400, 800 pf, 500 pf, and 105 Macro is all I need and, frankly, more than I can carry. Each trip requires some decisions about what stays home and what I carry. There are several lenses I might want to add but as a practical matter there are only so many I can use at any one time.

If I had a camera Sherpa the 400, 600, 800 combination would be my choice.
 
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My core Z kit fits well into my hiking system (aka Commando Kit) as I also continue to use several heavier F Nikkors (in vehicle also hides). The Greater Nikon Ecosystem provides unmatched diversity across a range of prices particularly for Used lenses

It is also vital to have redundancy, particularly if one is operating far from repair facilities, rentals etc.

14-30 f4S
24-120 mm f4
70-180 f2.8
100-400 mm f4.5-5.6 (video mostly)
400 mm f4.5S
800 f6.3S
 
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john1970 said:
Thank you to everyone for their input.

I have decided on the following four S lenses:

1) Nikon 24-120 mm f4
1) Nikon 100-400 mm 4.5-5.6
2) Nikon 600 mm 6.3
3) Nikon 800 mm 6.3

Those four lenses have me covered for wildlife/outdoor photography and I do not see a need for any TCs.

The 180-600 mm is a great internal zoom and very competitive in price. It is significantly heavier, which one expects with a zoom. A good all-in-one lens for a safari when paired with 24-120 mm zoom.


The purpose of this kit is to be light and nimble.
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This is a fine choice for a kit. Well spaced focal ranges, low weight, great IQ, and quite versatile. I’m sorta close to your setup, except I have the 180-600 instead of the 100-400.

Now you just need to figure out which bag(s) to get for this shiny new kit 😉
 
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john1970 said:
Dear Everyone,

I recently purchased into the Nikon Z system for wildlife photography using lighter lenses with the following:

1) Nikon Z9
2) Nikon Z 400 mm f4.5 + 1.4 x TC (for flexibility to get to 560 mm f6.3)
3) Nikon Z 800 mm f6.3

I also have the 180-600 mm f5.6 to f6.3 on order, but this might take a while to arrive (e.g. several months).

I will eventually get a smaller second body, but am waiting to see what the Z6III brings and to see if the Z8 gets the bird detection in the firmware.

Are there any other combinations that people think I should consider?

One alternative, albeit more expensive would be an all prime setup of the 400 mm f4.5, 600 mm f6.3 and 800 mm f6.3.

Thank you in advance for constructive feedback.
Click to expand...
My very good friend just completed his "refresh" into the Z-system. He has been a long-time F-mount shooter and shot professional wildlife for the better part of the 80's, 90's, and 2000's. My buddy Dom is extremely well published, but was slow to adopt digital in the 2000's and with the collapse of the photo stock market, most of his work dried up. Anyway, up until yesterday he had a mix of F-mount and Z-mount gear. If you were to look at his gear 18 months ago, it would have included: 2xD850, D500, 14-24 2.8, 24-70 f2.8VR, 70-200 f2.8 FLE, 200-400 f4, 500PF, 600 f4 AFSII... plus the 200 f4.0 micro.
After spending 6 months with the Z8 and 24-120 w/ FTZs, he decided to liquidate the F-mount stuff (slowly), pool his cash, and build a new system. My buddy is now in his late 60's and decided a long and heavy lens was not the way to go...
The following is the kit I suggested, and he followed my advice: 2xZ8, 24-120, 100-400S, 600 f6.3PF. He is keeping his F-mount 14-24 f2.8 for Astro and 200 micro, because this is not available in Z glass.
Needless to say, he is happy as a clam.

As for me, I have a key criteria for nature photography... be able to carry all the gear in one bag, have a level of redundancy, and be able to travel locally and internationally with my gear. My current kit is: Z9/Zf/Z6 (I'd recommend a Z8 instead of my Zf/Z6, but money doesn't grow on trees ;) ) 24-120 f4S, 180-600, 400mm f2.8S, 1.4x converter.
Had I not decided to go with the 400 f2.8S, I would have followed my advice from above. Having owned and shot the 800PF for the better part of a year, I found it too long for the way I like to compose my images. Small bird photography is not my jam, so the 400 f2.8 w/ built in converter seemed to make sense to me.
For the record, If I could find someone who would trade their 100-400S for my 180-600, I think I'd take the trade. It's not that I don't like the 180-600... I actually think it has one of the best price to performance ratios in the Z line-up, it just doesn't allow me to mount all 3 bodies to my 3 lenses and pack it all in the bag. Furthermore, I think the 100-400 would be a better lens for my Nikon Zf.

cheers,
bruce
 
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john1970 said:
I doubt I would travel with the 800 mm hence the decision on the 600 mm.
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Define “travel” and that’s one of the reasons, I purchased the 800 PF. It fits easily in my carry on bag (with a collapsible hood) and so far, it’s been to FL, MD Cali, Mexico, Europe, and I’m planning to bring it to Africa and South America. No TC’s, great AF, VR, hand holdable, and great IQ.
 
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For wildlife I have 400/4.5, 800/6.3 and Tamron 150-500. The primes are a no-brainer IMO, but the choice between zooms 100-400, 180-600 and Tamron 150-500 is quite difficult. Each has its strengths and weaknesses. The 600/6.3 could be added later if the need arises (and the price comes down a bit).
 
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My transition to the Z system led me to Z9, Z8, 800PF, 180-600 and 24-120, all of which fits in my Kiboko 30L 2.0 and weights about 24 pounds. I plan to take this kit to Mexico for birds and whales and to Yellowstone in April for wolves, other mammals, and birds. I held on to my 600 f4 (can't sell it for what it's worth to me) and my 500PF. I have my eye on the 600 f6.3 as a one lens (or maybe two with the 28-120) lightweight kit.
 
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john1970 said:
Thank you to everyone for their input.

I have decided on the following four S lenses:

1) Nikon 24-120 mm f4
1) Nikon 100-400 mm 4.5-5.6
2) Nikon 600 mm 6.3
3) Nikon 800 mm 6.3

Those four lenses have me covered for wildlife/outdoor photography and I do not see a need for any TCs.

The 180-600 mm is a great internal zoom and very competitive in price. It is significantly heavier, which one expects with a zoom. A good all-in-one lens for a safari when paired with 24-120 mm zoom.


The purpose of this kit is to be light and nimble.
Click to expand...
Great set. Very versatile and optically very good to excellent. You'll enjoy it.

I know you said you do not see a need for TCs. And if you have all of your kit with you, that is probably right. But the Z 1.4x TC might still give you a few things. I have used it with each of the Z 100-400 mm, Z 600 mm PF and Z 800 mm PF lenses and it works nicely, albeit at the cost of a stop of aperture/light.

For example, if you do not want to bring the Z 800 mm PF on a given trip or outing, the 1.4x TC will get you to 840 mm f9 on the lighter weight and smaller Z 600 mm PF. Very usable in my experience.

If you want more than 800 mm (and I have a couple of locations that I regularly go to where that is true, including a large GBH rookery), the 1.4x TC gets you to 1120 f9 on the Z 800 mm PF. I tend to use a tripod with this combo, but have also handheld it in good light.

If you want a bit more length with zoom flexibility (and don't want the larger size/weight of the Z 180-600), the 1.4x TC will get you 140-560 mm (f8 at the long end) on the Z 100-400 mm.
 
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Alistair said:
For wildlife I have 400/4.5, 800/6.3 and Tamron 150-500. The primes are a no-brainer IMO, but the choice between zooms 100-400, 180-600 and Tamron 150-500 is quite difficult. Each has its strengths and weaknesses. The 600/6.3 could be added later if the need arises (and the price comes down a bit).
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I am just starting to decide what lens to purchase for wildlife photography for my Z8, like yourself the 400/4.5 is a lock, but deciding between the Tamaron 150-500, Nikon 100-400 or the Nikon 180-600. Leaning heavily toward the Tamaron 150-500. Currently own the Nikon 24-120. I hike and travel so compactness and weight are big factors.
 
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I have found the view angle to be a problem at 400mm and so use the 100-400mm zoom lens a great deal of the time. The zoom allows me to adjust the amount of the environment around the bird in the image. An alternative would be the 70-200mm f/2.8 along with the two Z teleconverters.
 
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this is my setup currently

2x Z9
Z 70-200 F2.8
Z 400 F2.8 TC
Z 800 F6.3

I'm thinking I need to pick up just one more lens... 100-400, 180-600, 400 4.5, or 600 6.3.. in my own country and day to day I almost exclusively use primes, but when I travel a few times a year I tend to get usage out of zooms. 70-200 is fantastic for Alaska/Africa. 100-400 has been great in the past for Hawaii/Iceland for whale watching, eagles, etc. More focal length is always nice, which is the appeal of the 180-600, but I don't love a zoom that weighs almost as much as the 800 prime... the 400 4.5/600 6.3 look awesome and lightweight, and would be great for day to day walks with the family, but I think the 100-400 may make more sense overall for that task.

I think my final 4 lens setup will ultimately end up as:

Z 70-200 F2.8
Z 100-400 F4.5 - F5.6
Z 400 F2.8 TC
Z 800 F6.3

If I couldn't or didn't want to handle the bigger 5lb/6.5lb lenses, I'd definitely go:

Z 70-200 F2.8
Z 100-400 F4.5 - F5.6
Z 600 F6.3

If I was budget constrained I'd go:

Z 180-600 F5.6 - F6.3
Z 400 F4.5
Z 800 F6.3

also FWIW, I have both Z TC's however I have yet to use them! when I was a Canon shooter, I used the TC's all the time on all of my lenses (zoom/prime). I was so excited to switch to Nikon and have a 70-200 that could take a TC (Canon's cannot) and a 100-400 that can use it throughout the whole range (Canon's cannot) - and yet, I have never used them!

not sure if my photography style has changed or what
 
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nmerc_photos said:
this is my setup currently

2x Z9
Z 70-200 F2.8
Z 400 F2.8 TC
Z 800 F6.3

I'm thinking I need to pick up just one more lens... 100-400, 180-600, 400 4.5, or 600 6.3.. in my own country and day to day I almost exclusively use primes, but when I travel a few times a year I tend to get usage out of zooms. 70-200 is fantastic for Alaska/Africa. 100-400 has been great in the past for Hawaii/Iceland for whale watching, eagles, etc. More focal length is always nice, which is the appeal of the 180-600, but I don't love a zoom that weighs almost as much as the 800 prime...

I think my ultimate 4 lens setup will ultimately end up as:

Z 70-200 F2.8
Z 100-400 F4.5 - F5.6
Z 400 F2.8 TC
Z 800 F6.3

If I couldn't or didn't want to handle the bigger 5lb/6.5lb lenses, I'd definitely go:

Z 70-200 F2.8
Z 100-400 F4.5 - F5.6
Z 600 F6.3

If I was budget constrained I'd go:

Z 180-600 F5.6 - F6.3
Z 400 F4.5
Z 800 F6.3
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The 100-400 is a great lens, and was looking to purchase it until the Tamaron 150-500 became available, from some reviews( Adrian Alford and Brad Hill) the optical performance of the Tamaron at 400mm is comparable to the Nikon 100-400 and an extra 100mm reach at $1300 less than the Nikon.
 
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MLB01 said:
The 100-400 is a great lens, and was looking to purchase it until the Tamaron 150-500 became available, from some reviews( Adrian Alford and Brad Hill) the optical performance of the Tamaron at 400mm is comparable to the Nikon 100-400 and an extra 100mm reach at $1300 less than the Nikon.
Click to expand...

I've been watching some reviews on the 150-500 and agree completely. At 4lbs it's pretty much between the 100-400 and 180-600 in terms of both weight and focal range.. definitely a contender

I prefer native lenses, but on a budget the Tamron makes a lot of sense
 
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