If you would like to post, you'll need to register. Note that if you have a BCG store account, you'll need a new, separate account here (we keep the two sites separate for security purposes).
Regardless if you are on a budget or have no finanacial restrictions, the Tamaron is a very much worth considering.
If I was starting over…I would get 2 Z8s or one and a Zf but more likely 2 Z8s. 600PF, both TCs, 180-600, and 2-120. Next would be the 14-30 and the 40/.5 after that for days when light was more important than flexibility. For me, the 800 would get used little enough that I would use the much lighter 600 and TC combo. The expensive exotics aren’t for me…partially for budget because I could afford them but the bang for the buck isn’t there…but the size and weight are bigger reasons for me. I might consider a Z6IIi or Z7III for the second body but only if the AF was up to most of what the Z8 does. While I have a Z8 and Z9 now…I would go with the lighter and cheaper Z8 because I don’t care about the grip and I’ve never had a battery capacity issue with my Z8 or the earlier models using t(r same battery.
Despite what I said in the other reply…I could live with that combo easily as well. Heavier than what I would opt for…but not too much and ya never know when a little extra reach will be good.
Yes, it is a difficult choice. The Tamron is not THAT light TBH. It is quite small but chunky. In its favour is it's price, size and the AF is good too. Optically it is quite good but probably not at the level of the Nikons, it needs to be stopped down to be excellent. It's BIG weakness though is its VR. If you are used to Nikon VR and rely on it for video or slower handheld shutter speeds then you are going to be very disappointed. It simply is not in the same league as Nikon in this regard. The Nikon 100-400 is lighter, better VR and optics, 100mm shorter and nearly twice the price. The 180-600 is heavier, larger, sharper wide open, 100mm longer, slightly more expensive and has much better VR. All these things weighed up, I would still choose the Tamron. I don't use zooms that often and it's set of compromises I can live with, but I wish the VR was a lot better. YMM (will almost certainly) V.
Wildlife was the listed thing
I run Fuji as well for everything besides birding, and have the same incredulity when I think back to when I lugged around massive Canon EF full frame gear for casual trips and walk-around.
What I want to understand is how folks take all these large lenses and multiple bodies on the plane? Do they all use large hard cases and check the gear?
Don't forget that you can use F mount lenses on your Z body with one of Nikon's adapters. I picked up a 200-400 VRii f4 for much less than a new Z mount lens. It work great on my Z9 with fast AF. It's also tack sharp.
How much do you want for the Z9?
I love this explanation, a pragmatical overview that gets to the point. I'm also considering getting new glass, especially a zoom. I am very spoiled with my 500 f4 FL ED, but it would be nice to have something smaller to pack when traveling and without having to use the FTZ adapter. Do you think the IQ will be similar with the 100-400 or the 600?
U need to PM me.
I like the 100-400mm lens, it has been with me numerous of times to Africa. It is compact and give me the pictures I am after.
. I do not own the 600mm PF but the persons that do own one are very happy with it. A friend of mine has also the 600mm TC but will purchase the PF version as well and will use it when he is guiding people in either the Arctics or Antarctica when he is the zodiac “driver” as it is lightweight and super sharp.I like this alignment. 1-4 + 600PF for lighter weight or closer/bigger subjects, and 186 + 800PF for those long reaches and/or smaller targets.
You know, if I have unlimited funds I would pretty much choose the same thing except I am not sure exactly which zoom I would take. I kind of like the 70-200mm f2.8 quite a sharp lens and with a 1.4x tc that would carry me up to 400 if I throw in DX or crop. Then that wonderful 400 4.5 kicks in. And EVERYONE needs the 600mm f4 tc vr s.
