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 p.2 #20 · Z-Cameras Wildlife Images and Tips Thread | |
James Farrell wrote:
My skills are not as ‘accomplished’ compared to many of you. That said, I’ll share a few things that I have learned using the “Z”s as that is supposed to be, in part, the theme of this thread. Thanks for starting this Bruce.
Since June 2019 I have shot only with Z6 bodies. I now have only the Z6-II, but my images are only from the first generation Z6. I have no DSLR bodies. What I like to shoot and how are likely very different from many of you so my thoughts may not work for you.
A lot of what I am writing about here is the use of the 500 PF lens with a Z body via the FTZ as that’s the longest and most challenging lens I own to use with a Z. Yes, I know it’s light compared to Nikon’s F-Mount “big-gun” exotic long lenses that some of you use, but not me as I cannot handle them (or afford them). Some images here were taken with the F-mount 70-200/2.8 E which works beautifully with the “Z”s. I sold this lens last year and replaced it with the Z version as my long range plan (if I can live long enough!) is to have only native Z mount glass.
Full disclosure about the context of my post here: Action shooting for me is marine mammals (e.g., whales, seals, etc. of various types) splashing, feeding on bait fish, jumping around, etc., bears and other bigger land creatures but mostly in rather slow motion. I do NOT shoot BIFs; no fast action. The images that I share in this post are ALL from coastal British Columbia, Canada while on several photo tours with Brad Hill and in some places supervised by Canada’s “ First Nation” native people (the “Spirit Bear”images). Coastal BC is my shooting paradise. Only my Merganser shot at the end is my “action shot” example.
All the photos attached here were handheld. I have constantly experimented and tweaked my “Z” settings to get the best results from my 500 PF (via the FTZ). The single most important attribute that the “Z”s have for me is the Electronic Front Curtain Shutter (EFCS) option. Through learning by experimentation, I now use it even when metered shutter speed is faster than 1/250 which is the automatic changeover point (per custom setting D5 in the Z6 menus) from EFCS to mechanical shutter when your shutter speed gets faster than 1/250 or unless you choose to use EFCS up to 1/2000 which is the top limit for EFCS. So a cruel lesson for me was that 1/320 was a tough shutter speed to get good shots with D5 set to auto since it would automatically change to Mechanical Shutter. So, now I have overridden that option and use mostly EFCS. For me the results are very noticeably better, especially with the 500 PF. I have Custom Setting D5 in My Menu so I can change shutter method options when needed without taking my eye off the EVF (Front button FN1 is mapped to My Menu - I also have the shutter type in the “i” Menu). The percentage of sharp shots the I am getting from using EFCS amazes this old guy. Since I am usually in a low light situation I rarely run up against the 1/2000 EFCS limit. But I can adapt quickly if needed.
Because my kind of action shooting does not involve BIFs, sports or fast action stuff, I can take advantage of EFCS (and not worry about rolling shutter or other side detrimental side effects, if any - but I have not noticed any). Another consideration for me is I think using EFCS at speeds faster than 1/250 helps shooting with the 500 PF as the lens with the FTZ is a bit lengthy from the sensor to the front element, a scenario for me that brings on lens motion blur. While no shutter shock per se, at 500mm with an FTZ adding to the length, I had some blurred images at times. Now, if you’re thinking that this poster needs better handheld skills, you’d be right. But at 74 years old, I’m doing the best I can.
I have also learned to deal with the sometimes issue of the 500 PF not wanting to focus on objects at close range as the AF system cannot seem to find a small object and get focus there from a more distant point. So, I’ve learned to roughly manually focus and then use the Memory Set button on the 500 PF lens barrel and then press one of the four buttons just ahead of the focus ring to recall focus to the desired range. So, I don’t bother setting the focus limiter to the greater than 8 meter usually. Maybe I should reconsider that, however. I know this would be too slow a process for you BIF and action shooters.
I would also love to know how you have set up your “My Menu” on your Z body(s). I learned early in my ownership of the Z6 that having the My Menu setup was key to making the “Z”s more efficient to use.
Sorry to bludgeon you this long wordy post. But what I am hoping to see is some thoughts and suggestions about what works for you. Thanks for reading. Jim
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These are excellent wildlife images! That habitat is impressive. I think my fav is the bear on the rock. Birds have no issue with defecating anytime, anywhere. Perfect timing.
Interesting James: I pull my 500 PF back from the deep background the same way you do. I've learned where the manual collar is without seeing it, and which way to turn it.
These images are comparable to any/all high-quality wildlife images I've seen, on any site, and they're better than most. 
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