Gary Irwin wrote:
Excellent images Geoff...would you say as good as the D850?
IQ wise? Can't really tell any difference but didn't do any direct comparison tests.
AF for static subjects or slightly moving (like slowly swimming ducks) I say is equal.
AF for BIF, D850 for sure if you want more keepers. Z7 isn't as bad as I thought it would be for BIF though...probably more consistent than a 7D2.
Lots of other things I like about Z7 over D850 though like silent shooting, flip screen with decent AF for shooting water level ducks, shorebirds and waders. Also WYSIWYG EVF.
I am seriously considering replacing the D850 with Z7. I have my Sony stuff for BIF anyways. Without the 500PF I'd probably just go all over to Sony but that lens is keeping me with Nikon for now. Other benefit is the 500PF with 2xTC and 1.7TC is now consistent as I had to really struggle with AFMA and inconsistent focus with the D850/D500. I still need to test whether those TCs really increase final IQ over a deeper crop of the bare lens or 1.4TC. I did test the 1.4TC vs bare lens yesterday and the 1.4TC improved the final result slightly but that was doing a 100% crop of the bare lens and then a same framing crop to match with the 1.4TC image. Even then the 1920wide output was very similar with just a little edge to the 1.4TC image. Not sure if the 1.7 and 2x will actually be worth it.
arbitrage wrote:
IQ wise? Can't really tell any difference but didn't do any direct comparison tests.
AF for static subjects or slightly moving (like slowly swimming ducks) I say is equal.
AF for BIF, D850 for sure if you want more keepers. Z7 isn't as bad as I thought it would be for BIF though...probably more consistent than a 7D2.
Lots of other things I like about Z7 over D850 though like silent shooting, flip screen with decent AF for shooting water level ducks, shorebirds and waders. Also WYSIWYG EVF.
I am seriously considering replacing the D850 with Z7. I have my Sony stuff for BIF anyways. Without the 500PF I'd probably just go all over to Sony but that lens is keeping me with Nikon for now. Other benefit is the 500PF with 2xTC and 1.7TC is now consistent as I had to really struggle with AFMA and inconsistent focus with the D850/D500. I still need to test whether those TCs really increase final IQ over a deeper crop of the bare lens or 1.4TC. I did test the 1.4TC vs bare lens yesterday and the 1.4TC improved the final result slightly but that was doing a 100% crop of the bare lens and then a same framing crop to match with the 1.4TC image. Even then the 1920wide output was very similar with just a little edge to the 1.4TC image. Not sure if the 1.7 and 2x will actually be worth it....Show more →
Thanks Geoff, that all sounds completely rational to me. As soon as I picked up the Z7 I knew mirrorless was the future and was where I wanted to go, though the Z7 comes up well short of my D850 for low light and high speed AF performance which is very important to me. I wish it was otherwise, but I don't think the Z7 will suddenly make the TC20EIII workable to us pixel peepers, but maybe that's just me. Let's just say I'm still not impressed with it. I've seen some of your 200-600 images...I'm kind of surprised you haven't moved completely over to Sony.
Gary Irwin wrote:
Thanks Geoff, that all sounds completely rational to me. As soon as I picked up the Z7 I knew mirrorless was the future and was where I wanted to go, though the Z7 comes up well short of my D850 for low light and high speed AF performance which is very important to me. I wish it was otherwise, but I don't think the Z7 will suddenly make the TC20EIII workable to us pixel peepers, but maybe that's just me. Let's just say I'm still not impressed with it. I've seen some of your 200-600 images...I'm kind of surprised you haven't moved completely over to Sony. ...Show more →
This one is at 1000mm with the 500PF....it was posted yesterday but here is a Flickr embed for better IQ:
Probably 2x still isn't worth it though, maybe the 1.7?
arbitrage wrote:
This one is at 1000mm with the 500PF....it was posted yesterday but here is a Flickr embed for better IQ:
Probably 2x still isn't worth it though, maybe the 1.7?
At close ranges in perfect conditions any TC can work, but I tend to use TC's a moderate distances so limit it to the TC14EIII. That said, I've read that the TC17EII isn't too bad either...unfortunately I sold mine years ago so can't test it. I've actually been thinking about repurchasing one.
arbitrage wrote:
IQ wise? Can't really tell any difference but didn't do any direct comparison tests.
AF for static subjects or slightly moving (like slowly swimming ducks) I say is equal.
AF for BIF, D850 for sure if you want more keepers. Z7 isn't as bad as I thought it would be for BIF though...probably more consistent than a 7D2.
Lots of other things I like about Z7 over D850 though like silent shooting, flip screen with decent AF for shooting water level ducks, shorebirds and waders. Also WYSIWYG EVF.
I am seriously considering replacing the D850 with Z7. I have my Sony stuff for BIF anyways. Without the 500PF I'd probably just go all over to Sony but that lens is keeping me with Nikon for now. Other benefit is the 500PF with 2xTC and 1.7TC is now consistent as I had to really struggle with AFMA and inconsistent focus with the D850/D500. I still need to test whether those TCs really increase final IQ over a deeper crop of the bare lens or 1.4TC. I did test the 1.4TC vs bare lens yesterday and the 1.4TC improved the final result slightly but that was doing a 100% crop of the bare lens and then a same framing crop to match with the 1.4TC image. Even then the 1920wide output was very similar with just a little edge to the 1.4TC image. Not sure if the 1.7 and 2x will actually be worth it....Show more →
Did you notice the VR issues in the problem range when silent shooting or using EFCS? I'm hoping mirrorless is a cure for the problem.
AvianScott wrote:
Did you notice the VR issues in the problem range when silent shooting or using EFCS? I'm hoping mirrorless is a cure for the problem.
No I didn't have any problems but I don't have issues with the 500PF on D850 either. I do have issues with the 300PF and D850/D500 in the problem range (which D850 Qc solves) but I didn't shoot the 300PF much at all on the Z7.
Just got back from a trip to Australia's "Red Centre" - went to Alice Springs, Kings Canyon and Uluru (Ayer's Rock). Managed to get this stunning little bird, a Splendid Fairy Wren, which has been high on my "hit list" simply due to it's stunning colours.
Lance B wrote:
Just got back from a trip to Australia's "Red Centre" - went to Alice Springs, Kings Canyon and Uluru (Ayer's Rock). Managed to get this stunning little bird, a Splendid Fairy Wren, which has been high on my "hit list" simply due to it's stunning colours.
So If shooting BIF then the best combo is still the 500PF and say D500 ? Only asking because I sold all my Canon and moving to Nikon very soon, hoping for some sales on the D500 and 500PF(maybe)?
Bsmooth wrote:
So If shooting BIF then the best combo is still the 500PF and say D500 ? Only asking because I sold all my Canon and moving to Nikon very soon, hoping for some sales on the D500 and 500PF(maybe)?
In my opinion this is the best combo for birds in flight for the following reasons.
1.)Takes the TC very well for a handholdable 700mm lens
2.)Light weight makes the lens very easy to maneuver and hold for long periods of time.
You should be able to find a used D500 easily, but it may be a challenge to find the 500 PF at a discount since it is relatively rare and holds its value well being a one of a kind optic.
