This lens is too long! Should you buy it?

Рет қаралды 3,350

2 ай бұрын

This week we delve in to why I have the Nikon Z 800mm PF 6.3. Many are saying I should have gone the 600mm PF 6.3 as the 800mm is too long!
Well is it?
I take the Nikon Z8 and the 800mm out for another spin and discuss.

Пікірлер: 24

@bernieshore 2 ай бұрын

What animals are you photographing? Is there a maximum focal length you’ll use?

@MrGoldenarrow87 28 күн бұрын

Really enjoying your videos and analysis. I'm currently upgrading from my trusty old D500 200-500mm set-up to mirrorless. Decided on Z8 and have been agonising over my dream lens (the 800mm) and the cheaper, more sensible 180-600mm. Same boat as you, I primarily shoot either small birds or raptors, which are not generally in front of my nose. My heart tells me the 800mm is the lens that will really make me happy and that I'll rarely regret having that extra reach over versatility. Whereas I know with the 180-600mm there will constantly be that nag... I wish I was closer. Thanks for breaking this down and articulating my own dilemma so eloquently.

@_benjimouse_ 2 ай бұрын

I just got the sony 600mm f4 and tbh I haven't taken the TC off since I bought it. At 840mm I'm still cropping in more shots than not. Tempted to try the 2x next.

@RadAlzyoud 2 ай бұрын

Excellent photos of those swans. I own the Z 100-400 but I bought the Z 180-600 this week for the extra breach. It’s the longest lens I’ve ever had. Handling feels better than the 200-500 that I sold. Testing it this weekend on my Z8.

@NatureLenzPhoto 2 ай бұрын

You are absolutely right. It's a personal thing. (Z8 and 180-600 user) Cheers!

@KungPowEnterFist Ай бұрын

I've had my Z 800 PF since April 2023, and now also the Z 600 PF for a couple of months. For birds/BIF, the Z 800 PF is the way to go. It is a lot more often the case where you can just back up a bit vs getting closer which is either not possible or the bird gets spooked. The Z 800 PF is sharper than the Z 600 PF with 1.4x TC, and if you stop down the Z 800 PF to f7.1 or f8 it gets even more ahead in sharpness. However, the biggest difference I have found is the Z 800 PF can much more often get you that 3D pop/magic look, whereas the Z 600 PF its not very often at all and almost never with the 1.4x TC on it. I find the color rendition and contrast to be marginally better on the Z 800 PF vs the Z 600 PF and definitely better vs the Z 600 PF with the 1.4x TC on it. In few words, you are not getting the Z 800 PF by simply adding a 1.4x TC to the Z 600 PF. That is a fantasy. The main draw with the Z 600 PF is the much smaller size, weight, and cost savings. Although, if you are willing to use the FTZ, the F 500 PF is still a good option in 2024.

@ian-nz-2000 2 ай бұрын

I use the 180-600 and yes, I agree with you it is often too short for our smaller birds especially Kōtare. Excellent point about the focal depth being similar to a 600/f4!

@pauljk100 2 ай бұрын

100% agree with you regarding the need for an 800mm lens in New Zealand. It's super power beyond the reach is the weight...a total run a gun lens which fits my style well. I've combined this with the 400mm f4.5 and find this a great combination.

@Walkinginthewoods 2 ай бұрын

Nice footage and photos Bernie. I agree with you about lens choice. It depends on your style, subject and budget.

@AlistairOwensgooglePlus 2 ай бұрын

I am in NZ and the 800/6.3 is my most used lens. I also have the 400/4.5 which is very good for close up work under the forest canopy. I augment these with the Tamron z150-500 which by comparison to the Nikkors has poor VR and is soft wide open but the AF is ok and it is compact and cheap.

@dominiclester3232 2 ай бұрын

Nice chat, fine shots, thanks! When you are drowned out by distant birds, please SPEAK UP, thx.

@tr3v87 2 ай бұрын

I sold a 500mm f4 E and purchased the 400mm 4.5 and 800mm 6.3. Great combo for sure.

@bernieshore 2 ай бұрын

Oh great to hear! it sounds like a great kit given the size. Thanks for your comment :)

@bernieshore 2 ай бұрын

Do you typically use them about the same amount or one more than the other?

@tr3v87 2 ай бұрын

@@bernieshore I would say the 400 is on 75% of the time. I save the 800 for small birds and waterfowl. Have to be careful if it’s hot though due to haze. Also have the 1.4 tc which actually works great in the 400 👍🏻

@rpcamera 2 ай бұрын

I've got a 500mm F4 (OLD 1995) and wanting to get the 800mm to us in the UK. I often find 500mm isn't close at all. Rarely do I need to stand back to get the animal in the shoot.

@bernieshore 2 ай бұрын

Yeah that's what I found also when shooting a 400 or 500mm, I always wanted to get closer. There are only a few times when in dense forrest when birds are close that I want something shorter or when wanting to incorporate more of the scene. Thanks for your comment

@David_Quinn_Photography 2 ай бұрын

Great video, it's right you gotta see what's needed for your local area, for me if I want song birds I can get away with a 24-105 f4 but if I want eagles I need at least 600mm

@RichardUpstanding 2 ай бұрын

I use the 800mm along with the 400 4.5 and a 1.4 TC and it is a great combination of lenses.

@xophaser 2 ай бұрын

you can walk up closer to these city geese, so shorter lenses are ok. Outdoor wildlife I say 400mm or more. My 200-400 f4 was too short so I got the nikon z 180-600mm. 200-400 f4 iq is great so not sure i will sell it yet.

@bernieshore 2 ай бұрын

Yeah the geese came super close. I was there to shoot crested grebes but given I had the flu I went the easy target haha. the 180-600mm could be a great call.