docusync wrote:
I got mine for soccer. I tried my Canon 100-500 first but it could not deliver acceptable subject isolation. Also tried a 600/4 but it’s ridiculously long. 400mm is just right
While I don’t need a TC for a 400mm lens I still wanted to get the Canon RF 400 because it handles a 2x converter better, and can be used for handheld/monopod video due to its excellent IS.
TDP IQ comparison: https://bit.ly/3LMr9C5
I underestimated my R5’s lackluster AF though… the R5 works fine with the 100-500 because its DoF is huge, but when DoF is just a few mm - AF is the only factor that matters IMO. The A1 is a mind blowing camera that truly delivers in the AF department. I don’t know how good is the Z9 but after my R5 vs A1 [400mm] experience I won’t be getting a non-Sony camera + long lens combination anytime soon....Show more →
Don't bother with Z9...it is more inconsistent than the R5 when it comes to narrow DOF and critical focus plane. Only benefit it has over the R5 is the stacked sensor with a smoother EVF live feed during ES shooting and no chance of wing/background distortion. Otherwise I think the R5 is the better camera for AF, customization, control layout, EVF IQ etc.
arbitrage wrote:
Don't bother with Z9...it is more inconsistent than the R5 when it comes to narrow DOF and critical focus plane. Only benefit it has over the R5 is the stacked sensor with a smoother EVF live feed during ES shooting and no chance of wing/background distortion. Otherwise I think the R5 is the better camera for AF, customization, control layout, EVF IQ etc.
I trust your opinion.
eyelaser wrote:
what are the chances two people would get trampled in one week😂
Soccer was cancelled, so had to find something else Hope you folks won't mind.
I really like the perspective. I tried the same shot (same exact framing & light) with a 85/1.2 and it was "meh".
SEL400F28GM + A1, 1/100s F/2.8 ISO100, Bron Para 222 light
arbitrage wrote:
Don't bother with Z9...it is more inconsistent than the R5 when it comes to narrow DOF and critical focus plane. Only benefit it has over the R5 is the stacked sensor with a smoother EVF live feed during ES shooting and no chance of wing/background distortion. Otherwise I think the R5 is the better camera for AF, customization, control layout, EVF IQ etc.
Geoff, did you not use the Nikon Z9 only with an adapted 500mm f5.6PF lens?
In his latest video, Mark Smith compares the F-mount 500PF and the Z-mount 100-400mm lenses on the Z9, and sees a lot of focus inconsistency with the 500PF, whereas the Z100-400mm is accurate and reliable.
I am getting well aquainted with the A1 and it is a superb camera, but the 200-600G is only a temporary solution for me, even though at its price, it is a really nice lens.
the only way up is the 13,5K 600GM, which although no doubt the best you can get, is also very big, and needs a TC to get to 840mm.
The Nikon 800PF and Z9 combo is lighter than the A1 with 600GM and 1.4TC and also cheaper and smaller. I think it is much more relevant to compare a Z9+800PF against an A1+600GM+1.4TC regarding auto focus, than it is to base your opinions on the use of a Z9+500PF combo.
Don't get me wrong, I would prefer to use the 600GM for its versatility and better bokeh and light gathering without the 1.4TC, but the Z9+800PF may beat the A1+600GM+1.4TC at about every possible parameter: Price, size, weight, sharpness and may have equivalent auto focus performance.
I know you have used all three big systems, but do you think you got the best out of the Nikon Z system without a proper Z mount super telephoto lens?
ChrisMak wrote:
Geoff, did you not use the Nikon Z9 only with an adapted 500mm f5.6PF lens?
In his latest video, Mark Smith compares the F-mount 500PF and the Z-mount 100-400mm lenses on the Z9, and sees a lot of focus inconsistency with the 500PF, whereas the Z100-400mm is accurate and reliable.
I am getting well aquainted with the A1 and it is a superb camera, but the 200-600G is only a temporary solution for me, even though at its price, it is a really nice lens.
the only way up is the 13,5K 600GM, which although no doubt the best you can get, is also very big, and needs a TC to get to 840mm.
The Nikon 800PF and Z9 combo is lighter than the A1 with 600GM and 1.4TC and also cheaper and smaller. I think it is much more relevant to compare a Z9+800PF against an A1+600GM+1.4TC regarding auto focus, than it is to base your opinions on the use of a Z9+500PF combo.
Don't get me wrong, I would prefer to use the 600GM for its versatility and better bokeh and light gathering without the 1.4TC, but the Z9+800PF may beat the A1+600GM+1.4TC at about every possible parameter: Price, size, weight, sharpness and may have equivalent auto focus performance.
I know you have used all three big systems, but do you think you got the best out of the Nikon Z system without a proper Z mount super telephoto lens? ...Show more →
Yes I saw that video. Wish I could have tried a native Z lens but I bought the Z9 specifically for the 500PF that I had saved in my kit waiting on a high-end Nikon MILC (ie the Z9).
Regardless, even if the Z9 AF is more consistent with the native lenses it still isn't the camera for me because I don't like the suite of AF modes and how they act. I also don't like the button ergonomics and the customization options for those buttons. Severe lack of toggle options, ISO is always push/scroll. Too many operational headaches even if the AF was better than the A1.
ChrisMak wrote:
Don't get me wrong, I would prefer to use the 600GM for its versatility and better bokeh and light gathering without the 1.4TC, but the Z9+800PF may beat the A1+600GM+1.4TC at about every possible parameter: Price, size, weight, sharpness and may have equivalent auto focus performance.
While weight is actually the same, the size is certainly smaller. I haven't seen any direct sharpness comparisons, it may be similar, it may not be. Many prefer 600mm for handheld BIF. Personally I find the 840mm with TC significantly more challenging unless the birds are big and far away.
But your "may have equivalent auto focus performance" reads like "I wish it were equivalent". So far the Z9 AF for wildlife action has been a poor show when tested by capable bird shooters. The adapter may play a role, but clearly lens motor speeds and the camera PDAF performance and AF modes will also play into this. As witnessed by Steve Perry, the result is certainly good enough for stationary or slow big birds. Doesn't mean it is even close in performance otherwise.
Daran wrote:
While weight is actually the same, the size is certainly smaller. I haven't seen any direct sharpness comparisons, it may be similar, it may not be. Many prefer 600mm for handheld BIF. Personally I find the 840mm with TC significantly more challenging unless the birds are big and far away.
But your "may have equivalent auto focus performance" reads like "I wish it were equivalent". So far the Z9 AF for wildlife action has been a poor show when tested by capable bird shooters. The adapter may play a role, but clearly lens motor speeds and the camera PDAF performance and AF modes will also play into this. As witnessed by Steve Perry, the result is certainly good enough for stationary or slow big birds. Doesn't mean it is even close in performance otherwise....Show more →
I have a Nikon Z800 on pre-order, but the more I use the A1, the more likely it is getting that I will go for a 600GM. The A1 with a top lens like the 35GM is simply stunning. The 200-600 is a nice lens, but no more than that i.m.o. so I have not really stopped looking over the fence. With top lenses like the Loxia 25 or Sony 35GM, I find I can stop looking over any fence for a very long time. The A1 deserves GM lenses. The AF is everything everybody has been gospelling, so there is every reason to stick with Sony.
If I do get the 600GM, I will have to search for a short lenshood, no longer than half the size of the standard hood. Otherwise I do not see myself carrying it around.
007Boarder wrote:
Some won’t mind it. Some will laugh at it and say I’m crazy. I love it and always a conversation starter since applying the skin a while back.
arbitrage wrote:
Spent a few minutes in the yard before work....even the most boring and dull newly fledged Anna's hummer can be spruced up with the right background
