I spent the last 6 weeks or so with a mirrorless only bag. By mirrorless only, I am referring to cameras. I settled on a two camera & 3 lens kit (Z6II, Z7II, 24-70, 100-400S, and 500PF... prior to receiving the 100-400 I was using the 70-200S + 1.4x).
I found that the 100-400 was a perfect match for either Z body, but was not as wild about how the 500PF performed on the Z-cameras. While I am certain that the 500PF is a great performer on the Z9, with my cameras, the continuous AF performance really struggled during snow showers and misty conditions.
After leaving my site last weekend, I was a bit frustrated by the ZII cameras' capacity to hold a target in snowy weather. As a result, I repurchased a D500 and have decided to keep this and the 500PF paired. This will likely be my primary wildlife set until.. Nikon releases some affordable Z super-tele primes, a Z 200-600 that matches the Sony, or I acquire a Z9. While I missed the visible exposure information and silent shutter while shooting today, I definitely benefited from the D500's ability to track subjects... even as the snow was falling.
And a testament to the performance of a 5 year old DSLR. If not for the Z9 I would still be shooting D500's. It still can capture images that compare to the latest and greatest.
Still not sold on using DX mode on a FX camera....would prefer a "mirrorless" D500.
And a testament to the performance of a 5 year old DSLR. If not for the Z9 I would still be shooting D500's. It still can capture images that compare to the latest and greatest.
Still not sold on using DX mode on a FX camera....would prefer a "mirrorless" D500.
Thanks... It was really a great afternoon with 3 long eared owls actively hunting. I think I have pictures of each of them with a fat vole in their talons.
While I'd love a Z9, I actually would prefer a D500-like Z camera. My Z6II & Z7II can handle 90% (+) of my shooting... this image falls into the exception. If the Z7II had sticky eye/bird AF, I think I'd be fine... in the absence, D25 and single-point AF in the D500 continues to grab and hold the focus.
A pair of Barn Owls roosting in a palm tree way up high. I don't get to see many owls and to have two together like this and also to have them look at me for the shot is a highlight for me.
Wanted to try the Z9 and the 500pf with the TC-20E III this morning. Very happy with results! Was very snappy AF and very good sharpness! ll taken this morning in the back yard!
