p.9 #1 · Z-Cameras Wildlife Images and Tips Thread
Bringing this thread to the surface... With the release of the Z9 and 100-400S, I know that more photographers are using their Z gear for wildlife photography.
I spent Saturday and Sunday morning in the field, and continue to work with both the Z6ii and Z7ii. I find that the Z-bodies I own perform best with the Z lenses. At this point, there are only two Z lenses that could be used for "typical" wildlife photography. While one might be able to use their 14-24/14-30 S optics to photograph wildlife on the Galapagos or underwater, the majority will be using telephotos like the 70-200 (+ converters) or the 100-400. I own both of the latter lenses and will post some 100-400 pics in the future. For now, I'm sharing a shot taken w/ the Z7II and 500PF. While I like the combination, I do not think the AF is as robust as when I use this lens w/ a DSLR like the D6/D5/D500/D850. In fact, the Z6II w/ 100-400S locks on and tracks moving subjects better than the Z7II and 500PF... more to follow.
p.9 #3 · Z-Cameras Wildlife Images and Tips Thread
First photo I post here on this forum, I only photograph on vacation in Africa. Bought a Z6II as 2nd camera last year, already had a D500. First trip I didn't like it, had to get used to it, 2nd trip I loved the Z6II more than the D500.
p.9 #5 · Z-Cameras Wildlife Images and Tips Thread
I am on the road right now, so please forgive the sloppy processing...
This has been my first road trip since June, 2020. My wife and I drove from our home near Minneapolis to Southeast Texas where we could do some photography from blinds. Our goal was to shoot a mix of mammals and birds, but the mammals were quite sparse. With about 6000 images on cards, we are now heading home.
Photographically, we brought our Z100-400, 200-400 f/4G, and 500PF. Tamy worked with a Z6II, and I alternated between a Z7II, Z6II, and D500. There were many times that I wished for the Z9 AF and 20 fps, but I did what I could with what we had.
I continue to feel like my 500mm lens underperforms w/ my Z-bodies. Other than one morning where I used it on the Z7II, I kept the lens on the D500. While I used the Z7II w/ the 200-400G, most of our shooting was under heavy overcast or rain. As such, I need to push my ISO to 6400... In these situations, the Z6II continues to be an amazing performer. In fact, I would really love to see Nikon put the new AF engine and stacked sensor in a 24MP camera... this would be great for sports or low light shooters.
Regarding the Z-bodies... I used the mechanical shutter, relied on the H* (fast/slide show frame rate), and varied from single point, wide animal AF, and all image animal AF. My in focus success was higher with the Z cameras than with the D500 whenever the background was not a distraction. When shooting against a distracting environment, the D500 was still "king."
I have done very little processing, but am posting a few that caught my eye as I was scanning for focused images.
p.9 #8 · Z-Cameras Wildlife Images and Tips Thread
I am slowly enjoying my edits from South Texas. I really hope to return to both Santa Clara and Laguna Seca in the future. I had an amazing experience and was treated very well by the owners of each ranch... I highly recommend a visit by anyone who loves bird photography and wants an opportunity to photograph a diverse variety of wildlife species.
regards,
bruce
Javelina (Peccary) - These are New World wild (not feral) ungulates related to pigs.
Male Cardinal
Pyrrhuloxia (male)... Shares a common ancestor with cardinals
