Mark: The combination of the Z9 and the 100 to 400 mm plus your expertise produces incredible images and video and it is perfect for these huge birds. I enjoy photographing birds out in the SF Bay area with my low tech D500 and 500mm pf. Of course occasionally it would be nice to be able to zoom out for that close shot of a large bird. However, that seems the exception not the rule. Most birds are disturbed by approaching to a couple of meters and most birds aren't as large as the Roseate Spoonbills. About 90% of my good shots are at 500 mm, equivalent to 750 mm in a full frame. I suspect that the new 100 to 400 focuses faster and more is more reliable than earlier Nikon lens. With my D500, the number of quality, great focus shots improved significantly when I went from the 200-500 mm to the 500 pf. The focusing speed of the 500 pf is roughly twice as quick as the 200 to 500 mm. Still your comparison is confined to a very narrow test of large birds at close range and may confuse some viewers who will need a longer lens for birding. Maybe the title should be "Which Lens Is Best for Big Bird Photography." The Z9/100 to 400 wins that hands down.

I went through the same evaluation after I got the 100-400 earlier this year. After a lot of testing and comparison I sold the 500pf . Your video reinforced the validity of that decision. Thanks!

Excellent Tutorial Video Mark. Amazing Photography. Thank You.

Another insightful, straightforward review along with some fabulous photography. Thanks Mark

Really enjoying your style Mark - and as much as I enjoyed the birds finding nesting material - your focus issues were on point. Yep - going to put the 100-400 ahead of the 500 on my shopping list. TY for the work you put into this. Glad I found your channel.

Great video, Mark! I’ve kept my 500 PF on my D500 (only DSLR I still have) and have the 100-400 on the Z9, so your test is really valuable, as I was going to go out with the 500. My D500/500 PF was a little too much reach for Seabeck, but I still got some great shots with your setup guidance. Really looking forward to your videos with the Z 400mm f/2.8 TC for BIF!

Wonderful video and thx for the insight on the 500mm PF.

Thanks for sharing, Matt. Tug of war and beautiful shades of pinks!

Mark, as usual great video. To your question, I prefer a bit of the environment in the pictures. I have the Z9 and the 100-400mm lens and I have been getting great shots without the focus issues you noted with the 500PF in this video. I look forward to attending your fall workshop on Ospreys. Thanks again for all of the great work you do!

Gorgeous birds! Amazing colors! Great to see them in action! 👌👍

I've been lucky. I am never an early innovator. But I took a chance on the Z100-400 and ordered it from BH back before Christmas of last year. When it came up that I was getting it in February, I almost sent it back while in transit. Because there were very few reviews out there. I glad I kept it as you can expect now.

Muito boa essa comparação! Imagens perfeitas, parabéns!

Top work as always Mark. Thank you. Nice to see you are trying two systems. Everyone can't help but wonder if the grass is green on the other side

Beautiful. My younger sister took a tour with you a couple of year's ago in Florida near Vero Beach to photograph the Spoonbills. She got some great photos 😊

Thanks for sharing your experience.

Great work Mark! Everything I've researched from various photographers is pointing to the adapter. If that 500 works great with the D500 / D850, it's not the lens. Best off going Z from here, expensive to re-up but the results going forward is worth it.

I have the 500mm PF on my D500 and when photographing similar shots to yours in the video Mark, I use 25 point AF and it never misses so it could either be your copy or the FTZ adapter is causing issues.

Thank you for making these beautiful videos. I love your work and story telling. I am grateful for you.

Quality video as always. Never thought I'll hear a bird photographer say they had too much lens. 🤔😁 My preference would be towards having out-of-focus grass in front as long as it wasn't distracting.

Interesting video Mark. Always good to hear the observations of a seasoned user. I prefer the images with some of the environment in the image. It gives it more context.

Wonderful captures as always Mark! Thank you for sharing them with us!👍💖😎JP

Thank you for your time Mark, I followed your setting for the D500 and the D850 and never been disappointed. love to see your setting on the Z9, are you planning to share your settings on the Z9 in the future? keep up the good work.

Phenomenal work & commentary as usual! I definitely prefer a bit of background besides just a sky

Great video. My wife and I were out birding today with her Z9 with the 500 PF ( She can't use the 100-400 due to a medical issue ). While she did get some good shots, the 500 did seem to struggle occasionally in situations that it used to nail on the D850. It's still a great lens but I can't help but to think that something native would have done better. Really hoping that Nikon gets moving on the 200-600 for Z soon.

Your comments echo thoughts I have had for quite some time - native lenses work best. I have used adapted F-mount telephoto zooms on Nikon 1 cameras (V1, V2) for years. They could never ever focus as well as the little 30-110mm native 1 Nikkor lens I used on those cameras. Sadly, the 70-300mm equivalent field of view of that lens was too often too short for photographing birds. I recently picked up a D500 to use with my F-mount Sigma 100-400. Great combo, but still a little short at times! I certainly understand why you went out and bought a Z-mount 100-400 S for your Z9. I think you will be very very happy with that combo. I look forward to seeing images that you make with it.

Thanks, Mark. Great review.

Mark, great series of comparison. I think your analysis is spot on. I don't have either lens but have watched a lot of review and comparison videos here on KZfaq. I chose the 100-400 and a 1.4 teleconverter over the 500 PF. Both seem to be excellent glass, but I favor the native mount and have come to the conclusion that it's just a bit better with what I'm looking for. I have it on backorder from Nikon USA. Hopefully the supply issues are resolved sooner so I can get the lens. I ordered the Z24-120 f4 before Christmas, and it finally shipped yesterday. I'll see it on Friday. I hope the 100-400 gets here a bit faster. Thanks for the compare and contrast. Your work affirms and reenforces that I made the right choice for me! I too like the elements of the surroundings to peek into the shot. Seems to make the photo more alive.

Oh God! So beautiful pictures!

Great video and review Mark. I mainly use the 300mm lens because as you mentioned the birds are landing close and also the hill gets in the way of the landing shots. I have noticed some shots with the 500mm PF lens where the focus is on the neck instead of the head/eyes. Especially when the bird is landing head on. I have been contemplating the 100-400mm lens but think it is too short for most of the bird photography I shoot. Waiting for the Nikon to release the 200-600mm lens to purchase a Z lens. Thanks again!

Great video! And you are an expert and very entertaining narrator. I really envy your casual, entertaining narrative all along. It is very hard to do in a way that is acceptable and even entertaining, as when you do it. As regards "back focus" of the 500PF: I would reserve that term for consistent back focusing in AF modes that are predictive in nature. I had front focusing on my 500PF on the z7. I doubt very much that it is reasonable to say that "face recognition" is "predictive" either, when we know the Z9 focuses and recognizes faces 120 times/second (near real time). Consequently I think it is generally NOT possible to have front or back focus on the z9 especially with face detection modes unless birds are moving reallly fast like your diving raptors. If you notice the image of the spoonbill, there is only a sliver of an eye visible in the shot that focused on its shoulder. I would call that failure of the z9: "no face identified" assuming you had switched on "animal face" detection. The best contrast was obviously found on the shoulder as a "plan B". What I notice with the 500PF on Z9 watching birds and a squirrel on the bird feeder: a green outline square pops up over one eye, even if the animal's face is half a square distance outside the square in "wide angle small". I see no front or back focus on a bunch of branches around 20m away. I am looking forward to see what you can do with the 200-600 whenever Nikon launches it.

I discovered the 500 was also “too much lens” the last time I went there. I look forward to shooting the 100-400 there in the next few days. Thanks for the good video and info!

another excellent video and informative

Very very beautiful pictures!👍👍👍

Excellent vid lens comparison. I like spoonbill image with grass foreground

If you look at what Sony is doing they are upgrading all of their GM lenses to version 2 with faster focusing motors to keep up with the newer and faster sensors. The 500 PF which I owened I had similar situations where I had to fall way back to shoot the right shot. It also must be that the focusing motors in the 500 PF can’t keep up with the Z9. Great shots as usual Mark. Keep up the good work, loved your book.

excellent job Mark.

Beautiful photos and videos! I am glad to have seen this video. I own the 100-400z lens and I was thinking that maybe a 500 PF would be a nice addition due to the additional reach. You just saved me some money! I don't even know if a 400 4.5Z lens would be worth the cost if I already own the 100-400z. Thanks!

Great info, Mark. I've not had problems with the D850 and the 500 PF. Now I have the Z9 and the 800 PF and am waiting to use it in the field. By the way, I used to band young spoonbills still in the nest off Galveston. They would bite you with that spoon bill and you had to laugh at how ineffective it was!

Great review Mark. I have had some troubling issues with the 300mm pf on my Z9 as well. Not sure its related to the speed of focus either as sometimes it was static subjects. Anyway I pretty much also have come to the conclusion that I need native lenses to get the best use out of the Z9. At least all my lenses are compatible and I don't need to change ASAP so it gives me a time buffer to switch.

Great photos! I actually like the natural elements. They give me a better feel of the environment the bird is in, I feel like I'm right there, watching from the grass or a tree or something. It brings another layer of depth to the image, which makes it almost seem more real? Birds against the sky are beautiful, but even those photos I prefer if there's a blurry mountain or tree in the background to give me some context and depth.

Hi Mark, valuable info here, thanks. This is Ted, I live near you, just beyond Publix off 512. We've met at the inlet occasionally. I'm a high school sport photographer, provide team, banner and senior portraits and just got my Z9 two weeks ago, now working a plan to transition to Z lenses. I only have the 24-70 f4 that came with my Z6 but love it. I am interested in the 100-400 but I will have to keep my 120-300 2.8 for night games. Sebastian and Vero have old ball field lighting. So sell my D5 and 200-400 f4 nikon lens and go from there. Would love the Nikon 400 2.8 Z lens with built in TC but way too expensive. I love listening to your narrations !!

Very interesting results and conclusion. For me, it's not really a one-or-the-other choice, I think they both have their appropriate place. I have the 100-400 on order via NPS but not sure when I'll get it. I am encouraged by the results I've seen. I'm also wondering if the FTZ could possibly be playing any part in this? You can't beat a native mount combo. I have the new Z 800 PF and have had only two short outings with it, but the results have been jaw dropping. I have videos about that if interested, with more to come. I really enjoy your work! Oh, and regarding your question - I generally prefer to have some environmental elements in the frame, as long as they don't obscure key parts of the subject.

interesting, I have both lenses and have used them extensively on the Z7ii and Z6ii for BIF and wildlife. Also had discussions with Thom Hogan on the 500pf. Not an ideal lens for video but the AF performance is outstanding, not the same speed as the f4 or f2.8 lenses but fantastic. Steve Perry's new video on understanding the strength and capabilities of the respective AF systems and lenses also play a big role. I do not question your abilities, in fact, I think it is way more advanced than anyone in the top of this industry. It could be copy variation as well. But agree the 100-400 is a stunning lens and the flexibility is fantastic. Thanks for testing and your great advice on equipment,

Great video Martk, thank you very much. Could you also please compare PF 800 mm f6.3.

Mark, as always, you are the very best wildlife photographer on YT. I think there are still a lot of folks in denial with the 500PF via FTZ concerning the AF performance. This has been reported over and over again, and clearly it was an issue for you. It's a wonderful lens and it is still amazingly sharp vs newer lenses. But a lens is more than just how sharp it is. I think this two part series is a testament to just how good is the Z 100-400. I have shot the 500PF on a D500, and now have the Z 100-400 on the Z6II. Overall, its really not that close. The Z 100-400 and Z6II combo blows away the 500PF and D500 combo for captive animals, wildlife, and many other uses in both stills and video. Its also very good with the 1.4X TC. The overall performance with the 1.4X TC is at least as good as lenses such as the Sigma 150-600, Tamron 150-600 G2, Nikon 200-500, or Sony 200-600, all of which I have shot with. It is usable with the 2.0X TC, but AF performance does suffer and IQ can be hit or miss. I have not had the lens long enough to know what does it and does not do it in terms of sharpness. I have gotten some images with the 2.0X TC that were amazingly sharp and others not sharp at all. Definitely a learning curve with the 2.0X TC.

Would love to see a thorough detailed comparison of the z 100-400 vs z 180-600 for wildlife/bird photography.

Hi Mark, great video! I’m wondering if you need to adjust the diopter on your z9’s viewfinder. It’s not the highest resolution viewfinder in the world but you should be able to check sharpness

Concerning 500PF and sharpness: You Mark recommended Topaz denoise some time back and it is even better today. It tends to play nicely with the 500PF and edited raw files, first having switched off denoise in lightroom. I have no idea whether denoising the raw files in Topaz is preferable to denoising 16 bit tiff files exported from LR after editing. Maybe somebody here has an idea?

Did you use teleconverter with the 100-400?

The adapted 500PF on the Z9 can only use the lens VR, whereas the 100 - 400 uses the cameras IBIS. They're two completed different systems and not apples to apples.

Great video Mark. I agonized over going to the Z 100-400mm over the AF-S 500 PF, and ultimately chose the 100-400, mainly because I want to eventually transition completely from the F mount to Z mount lenses. One bonus, if you have enough light, is that the Z TC-1.4 works brilliantly with the 100-400, and gives the extra focal length without a noticeable IQ loss. At 140-560mm it still allows for those tighter shots.

I hope you continue to use Nikon cameras and lenses for your future videos, including photos and videos on birds and Nikon equipment reviews.

First, your video is always stunning! I guess there weren't any issues focusing. Second, glad you have enough faith in the Z9 and 100-400 to plop down $3k. I hear a lot of of people think the 600mm is the sweet spot, but in your case that would have been too long. As far as your focusing issues, you don't think it was the Z9, but the lens?? It seems Nikon didn't make any dramatic changes to autofocusing in the last release, but mainly video. Will you be testing 8k?

I've never seen birds fight for sticks like that before. Pretty cool. The 500pf works amazingly well on my D500, so I'm sorry to hear that it can't quite keep up with the Z9s demands. Anyway, I'm looking forward to the Spoonbill workshop next year, I've already put down the deposit!

My intent was to go with the 100-400 but it's so hard to find so I picked up the 500 pf

Hi Mark. Fantastic video. Love watching your videos. I do mostly still and now that I have a Z9 to would like to get into videos. I am new to it. Do you have a video which helps in configuring the Z9 for videos ?

Mark, Those are all great shots and even the out off focus ones had a degree of interesting effects. I don't own the Z9 and haven't tried it. I do own the D4S and the Nikon Z7-II, (including the vertical grip). I'm a little confused about why you lost the focus on the eye of those Spoonbills. I typically shoot in manual mode. In situations where a bird is flying toward me, I may want a little foreground in the shot, so I may position the focus-point indicator in the 10 or 11 O'clock position. Then I hold the focus on the bird's eye (or the eye of whatever the subject is). I admit that I don't always get the focus cursor, (little red square 'box'), to stay of the subject's eye. The subject may suddenly turn its head or move and I lose it. But I will prepare for that by getting that eye in focus once, and then quickly hold the focus lock button. Of course, this depends on how quickly the subject is moving towards the camera and/or how far away it is as well as a number of other factors. But in the case where you're about 100 to 200 feet from the birds as they fly in, the focus lock would maybe have held that focus range even when the bird's shoulders moved into the focus area that was previously held by the eye. In other words, perhaps adding a little manual manipulation of the focus to help the technology could be more reliable. The technology of the Z9 is amazing and in this case, you were able to get the focus wanted by the second or third frame. But if you only had one opportunity to capture a subject, (a fleeting Clouded leopard, Kangaroo Rat, or even Bigfoot, lol), and only a second or two to do it in, you maybe shouldn't put your entire bet on the technology. About 80% tech, 20% manual would be a ballpark formula, IMO. Thanks for the great Shots! Rich

I love shoots that include environmental elements...I strive for that often. Nice video!!! Sk~

I gave up on the 500 PF since it was out of stock for so long. Picked up the 100-400mm as soon as it was released (and got it - very lucky it seems). My only complaint - I could use 70mm from time to time! This video killed off any remaining desire to grab a 500 PF. I'm not all that keen on fixed focal lengths (in the real world they tend to be too limiting for my use case). Since purchasing the 100-400 I've added the 1.4 TC - now I just need to make opportunities to use it. Thanks!

Mark, I really enjoyed your honesty with this video. I have the Nikon 500 pf F/5.6 lens. I have the D850 and the Z9. I'm wondering what your opinion and comparison would be with the Nikon F Mount 70-200 f/2.8 with the TC 1.4 teleconverter would be with the Nikon Z100-400 using the FTZ II Mount adaptor for the 70-200.. I can't afford the Nikon Z100-400 so I'm wondering what the comparison image quality would be between those two lenses. Any thoughts. I don't know if you've experimented with these two lenses examples or not. Really appreciate your opinion.

None, both are too short but I guess in Florida there is more to shoot. The biggest bird in my place is white stork which are rare and "basic" so 600mm/800mm are the only adequate options so I'm not sure what should I do with my 100-400z although I love it I should've waited for the new 800mm or wait 600mm f4 🥴

Phew! Glad I got the 100-400! I’m in the process of learning my way around that as well as the Z9. Maybe you addressed this previously, but have you tried the additional EVF resolution setting in the updated firmware? Also, Hudson Henry posted a video (196) a few days ago about a cool setting, new to Nikon’s mirrorless cameras, called “Recall shooting functions (hold).” That video is well worth checking out. As for the grass foreground vs clean view question, I think both look great. I note that Morten Hilmer often purposely uses out of focus foreground elements in his bird and wildlife photos and it is a cool effect. Thanks for this beautiful video!

Very informative video with real life experiences rather than reading specs. Much more interesting were the stills you showed; man those are inspirational.I can only think of one combination that beats the Z( with 100-400 and that is the Z8 with the 100-400.

Hi Mark, great info as usual... moving to native Z lenses will sort all of this out I would guess... I am interested in what focusing mode you are working in.

Do you think we will be getting something like the 100-400 in a lens range of the 500 though? ie the replacement for the old loved 200-500? As i always love the 500 range etc? but being able to drop back can get more keepers. love your work to help us choose as always thanks.

Have you tried a 70-200 with a tc on the Z9? Curious as to how that combination would be. Thanks for posting the video.

Great video and comparison. Since the 100-400 is a variable aperture, does that bother you any?

I have seen discussions where you still need to use the AF Fine tune on the Z9 for lens. I wonder if that would have made any difference for the 500 PF?

the 500 pf works fantastic with the eagles at Conowingo

Mark, I met you when I did your amazing Washington bald eagles workshop last year. How long are the bald eagles there ever year?

As always thanks for keeping it real and not covering up the truth. I always compliment your story telling and love those videos but this one will probably save a ton of Nikon shooters from frustration. As for environmental vs clear shots I liked the grass. You always get amazing close ups and I love seeing the details but for something I'd hang on my wall I'd lean more towards a wide environmental shot with more mood. No regrets on my A1 but as a person that does workshops I'm sure it behooves you to get some experience with all brands.

I think it might be an issue because it is going through the adapter. I’ve been using the 500mm PF for a few weeks now on a D500 and comparing it to my Sigma 150-600mm C lens. I do find that the Sigma is much faster at acquiring focus and locking on than the 500mm PF. I have more misses with the 500mm PF during a BIF sequence. However, I think that the resolving power, contrast, and exposure accuracy is better on the 500mm PF than the Sigma. I also like the light weight and size of the 500mm PF. I’m hoping that future firmware upgrades might improve the situation. Now I’m just hoping for a Z replacement to the D500.

I come from a filmmaking background where foreground elements can bring a lot of drama and cinematic qualities to a frame. It seems like most wildlife photographers prefer photos without the 'mess' of foreground, but coming from filmmaking has made it hard for me to get into that kind of mindset. I 'think' I prefer shots without foreground elements, but I certainly don't shoot that way lol

Hey Mark, I have joined a day with you in Washington later this month. I have the Sony A7 iv, and the Sony 200-600 G lens. Would I be better off with the Sony 100-400 GM then the 200-600? I get ok images with it, but it seems to be a little slow. I can trade it off if you think a 100-400 would be better combo. Thanks.

Hi Mark. Curious about your experience with the viewfinder and not being able to tell critical sharpness. Do you by chance have the Energy Save setting on? That may be the reason. I currently have the 500pf and thinking about the 100-400 but will probably wait until the 200-600 is released. Thanks for the video.

08:49 is a big statement and you just saved me money thanks a lot.

Hi Mark, great video!! I also life in South Florida and I'm always chasing the Roseate Spoonbill. Would you mind (please) sharing the location of that dirk road?

Could it be the FTZ adapter? Just a little of the habitat in the image is always nice but each type of image has a use.

My eyes must be going bad…on the ones where you say the 500pf was soft…well, I can’t see it. I saw it on the first one you showed but not the rest. I sure wish I had the problem of the birds being too close!!! Until then, I guess I will have to stick with the pf. Great video!

Great video but not what I wanted, was just deciding between 100-400 and 500pf for my z7 and most forum posts from various sources said 500pf works great with the z7 and the 100-400 was a good lens but not as good as the 500pf. Seems from the comments here and your views it's the other way around! Still have to do more testing with the 500pf but might be a swop i do later when the 100-400 becomes actually available.

Depends on the subject but as long as the thing in the foreground isn’t in the way. 😇

Hi again, Mark from Auz. I am in a predicament between the Canon R3 and the Z9 for Video. Any comments about the pro's and con's would be appreciated. Focus, 4k 120FPS mode and editing codecs in particular.

For critical focus program your Centre D-Pad button for 100% zoom, it goes right to focus point. IMO.

I commend you on blogging while you shoot birds, I couldn’t do that!!

Another Awesome Video, Mark. Looks like I’ll keep hoping and wishing that Nikon will deliver a great Wildlife Camera in the Z series, because I have a lot of Nikon glass. Meanwhile, I’ll head out with my Sony a1 and either the 200-600 or 100-400. Sony gear for Wildlife photography is Excellent !!

Not sure what to go for, for wildlife. The A1 or the Z9

Thanks. I prefer no grass. I now like my 100-400 even better.

Amo esta ave!

Excelentes fotografias amigo, muita nitidez e seu equipamento eh muito bom, essas aves são lindas, estou praticando a fotografar aves e uso uma canon Rebel Eos T4i (650D) e uma lente 55-250mm efs, mas minhas fotos não estão boas, aqui no Brasil tudo que se compra o preço eh em Dollar, ai fica 5x mais dificil comprar boas camaras e lentes. Ate os equipamentos usados são caros. Abraços, Sucesso e Deus abençoe.

Great info & gorgeous images, thanks Mark! Lots of folks love the 500PF but at this point I'd also lean toward native Z lenses as well, certainly the 100-400 in this case. Curious if you'll be doing a review for the new 400 2.8 TC and/or the 800 PF (forgive me if I missed any earlier mentions about them).

Video formidável!

I have a problem: I use Nikon Z9 with NIKKOR Z 100-400MM F/4.5-5.6 VR S lens. Firmware C 2.00 LF 1.10. Custom settings: a1 AF-C Focus; a6 AF activation Off(with out-of-focus release disabled). The shutter release priority is set at Focus. When the lens is set at 400 mm, the AF-ON and Shutter are pressed concurrently. The camera won't fire. But when the lens is set at 100 mm, the camera can fire. Please try with yours and see if you have the same problem. If you do have the same problem, please explain?

I also found EVF not great, at least smoother with 120Hz set but resolution for reviewing images is poor - basically it is not possible in the field. Also experienced hit and miss focus with the 500PF.

I rented a Z8 body. I used a 500 pf lense. A seagull was sitting on a tall lamp post and looking for something to do. Thing were ok until the bird decided to takeoff. The takoeff was a too fast for the Z8 and 500pf. Would your A1 and 600 combo got the takeoff in focus?

Did you use the 2.0 teleconverter on the Nikon 100-400mm?

it may also the copy of the lens you have... I had 2 300Pf over years and realized that the second copy I had was way better than the first! I have the 500PF and the 100-400S (and the Z9)... and I am unable the remove the 500 from my camera! side by side, I still have better images from my 500 than my 100-400... is it the copy, the kind of birds and the environment? my next step will be try to push the AF over frames to see if it is more "constant"... may be the 100-400 will be better. (I do not to use video as much, it may be another element from the decision making for somebody!)

Hello did you film with 4k120fps or 8k120fps so cool the graphic would like to see 8k120fps how it is

Is this lenses especially good in lowlight conditions?

Why are the white feathers so blown out ? Other than that.. Great photo's /video .

Can you share the location where you were shooting these roseate spoonbills?