Official Nikon 400/2.8S image thread + some discussions
p.12 #1Official Nikon 400/2.8S image thread + some discussions
NaturRosi wrote:
I switched from the AF-S 400/2.8 E FL to the Z 400/2.8 TC VR S and did some tests before sending the 400 E FL to its new owner. The old lens was already incredible good but the new version really is even better in terms of image quality. I didn't aspect that.
Ok here are some of my first capture with this new and incredible lens.
https://photos.smugmug.com/Galerie/Nikon-Z-400-2-8-TC-VR-S/i-MxJTkWG/0/7dd53781/X2/IMG_8925-X2.jpg
https://photos.smugmug.com/Galerie/Nikon-Z-400-2-8-TC-VR-S/i-4Hf4LRC/0/25f32350/X2/IMG_8924-X2.jpg
https://photos.smugmug.com/Galerie/Nikon-Z-400-2-8-TC-VR-S/i-HZxxLMZ/0/8ce66e6a/X2/IMG_8923-X2.jpg
https://photos.smugmug.com/Galerie/Nikon-Z-400-2-8-TC-VR-S/i-49CC83D/0/8e03645a/X2/DSC_2637-X2.jpg
https://photos.smugmug.com/Galerie/Nikon-Z-400-2-8-TC-VR-S/i-BWCJfNp/0/e7888d93/X2/IMG_1780-X2.jpg
Beautiful images! The last two are my favourites but they're all fantastic. Thanks for sharing.
I switched from the AF-S 400/2.8 E FL to the Z 400/2.8 TC VR S and did some tests before sending the 400 E FL to its new owner. The old lens was already incredible good but the new version really is even better in terms of image quality. I didn't aspect that.
Ok here are some of my first capture with this new and incredible lens.
https://photos.smugmug.com/Galerie/Nikon-Z-400-2-8-TC-VR-S/i-MxJTkWG/0/7dd53781/X2/IMG_8925-X2.jpg
https://photos.smugmug.com/Galerie/Nikon-Z-400-2-8-TC-VR-S/i-4Hf4LRC/0/25f32350/X2/IMG_8924-X2.jpg
https://photos.smugmug.com/Galerie/Nikon-Z-400-2-8-TC-VR-S/i-HZxxLMZ/0/8ce66e6a/X2/IMG_8923-X2.jpg
https://photos.smugmug.com/Galerie/Nikon-Z-400-2-8-TC-VR-S/i-49CC83D/0/8e03645a/X2/DSC_2637-X2.jpg
https://photos.smugmug.com/Galerie/Nikon-Z-400-2-8-TC-VR-S/i-BWCJfNp/0/e7888d93/X2/IMG_1780-X2.jpg
Beautiful images! The last two are my favourites but they're all fantastic. Thanks for sharing.
Apr 20, 2022 at 02:23 AM
p.12 #2Official Nikon 400/2.8S image thread + some discussions
NaturRosi wrote:
The chicks are all at 400 and f/2.8. The swan and the great crested grebe are at 560 mm and f/4 with just a little bit of cropping.
The following goose and the chick are although again at 400 mm and f/2.8.
https://photos.smugmug.com/Galerie/Nikon-Z-400-2-8-TC-VR-S/i-TDjJt3j/0/eaa6c23f/X2/IMG_8947-X2.jpg
100 %
https://photos.smugmug.com/Galerie/Nikon-Z-400-2-8-TC-VR-S/i-52BNf4P/0/76bd72b3/XL/IMG_8948-XL.jpg
https://photos.smugmug.com/Galerie/Nikon-Z-400-2-8-TC-VR-S/i-CnhqkVb/0/5f711b98/X2/IMG_8934-X2.jpg
I need to find me some chicks and nice background light source and rim light STAT
The chicks are all at 400 and f/2.8. The swan and the great crested grebe are at 560 mm and f/4 with just a little bit of cropping.
The following goose and the chick are although again at 400 mm and f/2.8.
https://photos.smugmug.com/Galerie/Nikon-Z-400-2-8-TC-VR-S/i-TDjJt3j/0/eaa6c23f/X2/IMG_8947-X2.jpg
100 %
https://photos.smugmug.com/Galerie/Nikon-Z-400-2-8-TC-VR-S/i-52BNf4P/0/76bd72b3/XL/IMG_8948-XL.jpg
https://photos.smugmug.com/Galerie/Nikon-Z-400-2-8-TC-VR-S/i-CnhqkVb/0/5f711b98/X2/IMG_8934-X2.jpg
I need to find me some chicks and nice background light source and rim light STAT
Apr 20, 2022 at 02:42 AM
p.12 #3Official Nikon 400/2.8S image thread + some discussions
More 400/2.8S fun.
Apr 21, 2022 at 05:36 AM
p.12 #4Official Nikon 400/2.8S image thread + some discussions
With internal TC @560mm/f4.
Apr 21, 2022 at 03:42 PM
p.12 #5Official Nikon 400/2.8S image thread + some discussions
Very nice captures. Especially the first two bee-eater shots.
Yesterday I tested 2x 1.4 TC and 2x 2.0 TC. There were no difference between the converters of the same type. But I found the 2x1.4 a bit better than the 2.0 TC. In the corners it was more noticeably.
Here some shots with 2x1.4 TC (784 mm)
Here an extreme one. 2.0 TC plus internal 1.4 and than cropped to 12 MP.
Yesterday I tested 2x 1.4 TC and 2x 2.0 TC. There were no difference between the converters of the same type. But I found the 2x1.4 a bit better than the 2.0 TC. In the corners it was more noticeably.
Here some shots with 2x1.4 TC (784 mm)
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Here an extreme one. 2.0 TC plus internal 1.4 and than cropped to 12 MP.
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Apr 22, 2022 at 12:29 AM
p.12 #6Official Nikon 400/2.8S image thread + some discussions
I absolutely love the weight and flexibility of the new Z 400/2.8. This morning I was crawling on the ground to shoot some hares. In the moment he was running in my direction I switch the TC off and increase the shutter speed. That's why I switch from the very good 400 E FL.
Before sunrise I stressed the VR. 1/10 sec at 560 mm but the hare really has to sit motionless.
The wet ground becomes directly a problem when the sun comes up.
Switched to 400/2.8 for the action.
It is really an amazing lens.
Before sunrise I stressed the VR. 1/10 sec at 560 mm but the hare really has to sit motionless.
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The wet ground becomes directly a problem when the sun comes up.
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Switched to 400/2.8 for the action.
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It is really an amazing lens.
Apr 24, 2022 at 06:18 AM
p.12 #7Official Nikon 400/2.8S image thread + some discussions
NaturRosi wrote:
I absolutely love the weight and flexibility of the new Z 400/2.8. This morning I was crawling on the ground to shoot some hares. In the moment he was running in my direction I switch the TC off and increase the shutter speed. That's why I switch from the very good 400 E FL.
Before sunrise I stressed the VR. 1/10 sec at 560 mm but the hare really has to sit motionless.
https://photos.smugmug.com/Galerie/Nikon-Z-400-2-8-TC-VR-S/i-CmC6Czc/0/631826ea/X2/DSC_4534-X2.jpg
The wet ground becomes directly a problem when the sun comes up.
https://photos.smugmug.com/Galerie/Nikon-Z-400-2-8-TC-VR-S/i-xgwgjkr/0/bdd849df/X2/DSC_4741-X2.jpg
Switched to 400/2.8 for the action.
https://photos.smugmug.com/Galerie/Nikon-Z-400-2-8-TC-VR-S/i-RCfPc6M/0/5c3d88c2/X2/DSC_4935-X2.jpg
https://photos.smugmug.com/Galerie/Nikon-Z-400-2-8-TC-VR-S/i-H8cwRnL/0/9a088607/X2/DSC_4968%202-X2.jpg
It is really an amazing lens.
beautiful work..
I absolutely love the weight and flexibility of the new Z 400/2.8. This morning I was crawling on the ground to shoot some hares. In the moment he was running in my direction I switch the TC off and increase the shutter speed. That's why I switch from the very good 400 E FL.
Before sunrise I stressed the VR. 1/10 sec at 560 mm but the hare really has to sit motionless.
https://photos.smugmug.com/Galerie/Nikon-Z-400-2-8-TC-VR-S/i-CmC6Czc/0/631826ea/X2/DSC_4534-X2.jpg
The wet ground becomes directly a problem when the sun comes up.
https://photos.smugmug.com/Galerie/Nikon-Z-400-2-8-TC-VR-S/i-xgwgjkr/0/bdd849df/X2/DSC_4741-X2.jpg
Switched to 400/2.8 for the action.
https://photos.smugmug.com/Galerie/Nikon-Z-400-2-8-TC-VR-S/i-RCfPc6M/0/5c3d88c2/X2/DSC_4935-X2.jpg
https://photos.smugmug.com/Galerie/Nikon-Z-400-2-8-TC-VR-S/i-H8cwRnL/0/9a088607/X2/DSC_4968%202-X2.jpg
It is really an amazing lens.
beautiful work..
Apr 25, 2022 at 05:07 AM
p.12 #8Official Nikon 400/2.8S image thread + some discussions
Looks like Steve Matheus has footed his.
https://youtu.be/FfZ_zAlPd5Q
https://youtu.be/FfZ_zAlPd5Q
Apr 25, 2022 at 07:02 AM
p.12 #9Official Nikon 400/2.8S image thread + some discussions
@suteetat @NaturRosi Incredible images! Thanks for sharing.
Do you see any meaningful difference in the AF performance when using Z mount lenses compared to F mount glass?
I was photographing blue tailed bee eaters last weekend and for fast action like BIF, I don't notice much difference in the AF performance with the 2.0 FW on the Z9. The camera struggles to acquire focus in busier backgrounds and many times even when the BG is clean. Same problem when subject transitions from clean BG to even slightly busy BG. I notice this behavior only with smaller birds with low contrast and In case of the bee eater, I was thinking maybe it was due to part of the bird and the BG being almost the same color. Just want to know if using a native Z mount lens makes a difference?
Do you see any meaningful difference in the AF performance when using Z mount lenses compared to F mount glass?
I was photographing blue tailed bee eaters last weekend and for fast action like BIF, I don't notice much difference in the AF performance with the 2.0 FW on the Z9. The camera struggles to acquire focus in busier backgrounds and many times even when the BG is clean. Same problem when subject transitions from clean BG to even slightly busy BG. I notice this behavior only with smaller birds with low contrast and In case of the bee eater, I was thinking maybe it was due to part of the bird and the BG being almost the same color. Just want to know if using a native Z mount lens makes a difference?
Apr 25, 2022 at 09:05 AM
p.12 #10Official Nikon 400/2.8S image thread + some discussions
this is me wrote:
Looks like Steve Matheus has footed his.
https://youtu.be/FfZ_zAlPd5Q
he just use a wimberley lense plate
Looks like Steve Matheus has footed his.
https://youtu.be/FfZ_zAlPd5Q
he just use a wimberley lense plate
Apr 25, 2022 at 09:07 AM
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p.12 #11Official Nikon 400/2.8S image thread + some discussions
rick2906 wrote:
https://youtu.be/FfZ_zAlPd5Qhe just use a wimberley lense plate
Lol. I meant to say Matheus has gotten his. But Autocorrect on my phone has changed it to footed. Makes no sense.
I guess I'm happy to see another 400S in the wild so it is trickling out.
this is me wrote
Looks like Steve Matheus has footed his.https://youtu.be/FfZ_zAlPd5Q
Lol. I meant to say Matheus has gotten his. But Autocorrect on my phone has changed it to footed. Makes no sense.
I guess I'm happy to see another 400S in the wild so it is trickling out.
Apr 25, 2022 at 09:10 AM
p.12 #12Official Nikon 400/2.8S image thread + some discussions
@gannis@@@
I didn’t shoot a lot of birds in flight since I have the Z9. Because of the winter there weren’t a lot of opportunities. But when I had the chance to capture bif the Z9 delivers. Although with the 400/2.8 E FL. Like here with the northern hawk owl.
https://rosengarten.smugmug.com/Portfolio/i-cXjCzkv
I had the 400 E FL 4 days together with my new Z version and used this time to compare it a little bit. The tracking with the Z version is faster and more accurate. That means you will definitely get a higher keeper rate. At the moment I’m out at the fox burrow and only have my smartphone to answer. Maybe tomorrow I can write more about my comparison.
And sorry for my English. Hopefully it’s not to worse.
I didn’t shoot a lot of birds in flight since I have the Z9. Because of the winter there weren’t a lot of opportunities. But when I had the chance to capture bif the Z9 delivers. Although with the 400/2.8 E FL. Like here with the northern hawk owl.
https://rosengarten.smugmug.com/Portfolio/i-cXjCzkv
I had the 400 E FL 4 days together with my new Z version and used this time to compare it a little bit. The tracking with the Z version is faster and more accurate. That means you will definitely get a higher keeper rate. At the moment I’m out at the fox burrow and only have my smartphone to answer. Maybe tomorrow I can write more about my comparison.
And sorry for my English. Hopefully it’s not to worse.
Apr 25, 2022 at 10:52 AM
p.12 #13Official Nikon 400/2.8S image thread + some discussions
NaturRosi wrote:
@gannis@@@@
I didn’t shoot a lot of birds in flight since I have the Z9. Because of the winter there weren’t a lot of opportunities. But when I had the chance to capture bif the Z9 delivers. Although with the 400/2.8 E FL. Like here with the northern hawk owl.
https://rosengarten.smugmug.com/Portfolio/i-cXjCzkv
I had the 400 E FL 4 days together with my new Z version and used this time to compare it a little bit. The tracking with the Z version is faster and more accurate. That means you will definitely get a higher keeper rate. At the moment I’m out at the...Show more →
Amazing shoots.
@gannis@@@@
I didn’t shoot a lot of birds in flight since I have the Z9. Because of the winter there weren’t a lot of opportunities. But when I had the chance to capture bif the Z9 delivers. Although with the 400/2.8 E FL. Like here with the northern hawk owl.
https://rosengarten.smugmug.com/Portfolio/i-cXjCzkv
I had the 400 E FL 4 days together with my new Z version and used this time to compare it a little bit. The tracking with the Z version is faster and more accurate. That means you will definitely get a higher keeper rate. At the moment I’m out at the...Show more →
Amazing shoots.
Apr 25, 2022 at 01:34 PM
p.12 #14Official Nikon 400/2.8S image thread + some discussions
gannis wrote:
@suteetat@ @NaturRosi Incredible images! Thanks for sharing.
Do you see any meaningful difference in the AF performance when using Z mount lenses compared to F mount glass?
I was photographing blue tailed bee eaters last weekend and for fast action like BIF, I don't notice much difference in the AF performance with the 2.0 FW on the Z9. The camera struggles to acquire focus in busier backgrounds and many times even when the BG is clean. Same problem when subject transitions from clean BG to even slightly busy BG. I notice this behavior only with smaller birds with low contrast and In...Show more →
I have not noticed significant improvement either but I have not tried much bird in flight yet since updating. Hopefully later this week I will have a chance to try. Also a bit disappointed that I think programmable group focus C1/C2 is not quite as good as
wide area-L at picking up birds, even perched bird. There seems to be at least 1-2s delay before the eye/head is picked up.
On the other hand, I think algorhythm has been improved. In the past with spotted owlet, it is quite common that the AF is focused on the body rather than head or eye of the bird but now it will pick up the head or eye most of the time rather than the body.
Lately, I have not shot with F mount lens at all. I have been using 400/2.8s instead of 600/4e FL pretty much this past few months and now with 800PF.
@suteetat@ @NaturRosi Incredible images! Thanks for sharing.
Do you see any meaningful difference in the AF performance when using Z mount lenses compared to F mount glass?
I was photographing blue tailed bee eaters last weekend and for fast action like BIF, I don't notice much difference in the AF performance with the 2.0 FW on the Z9. The camera struggles to acquire focus in busier backgrounds and many times even when the BG is clean. Same problem when subject transitions from clean BG to even slightly busy BG. I notice this behavior only with smaller birds with low contrast and In...Show more →
I have not noticed significant improvement either but I have not tried much bird in flight yet since updating. Hopefully later this week I will have a chance to try. Also a bit disappointed that I think programmable group focus C1/C2 is not quite as good as
wide area-L at picking up birds, even perched bird. There seems to be at least 1-2s delay before the eye/head is picked up.
On the other hand, I think algorhythm has been improved. In the past with spotted owlet, it is quite common that the AF is focused on the body rather than head or eye of the bird but now it will pick up the head or eye most of the time rather than the body.
Lately, I have not shot with F mount lens at all. I have been using 400/2.8s instead of 600/4e FL pretty much this past few months and now with 800PF.
Apr 25, 2022 at 03:34 PM
p.12 #15Official Nikon 400/2.8S image thread + some discussions
I will try my best to give you my findings on the differences between the AF-S 400/2.8 E FL and the Z 400/2.8 TC VR S.
First of all the weight saving is a big advantage and one of my main reasons to switch. The real difference is 1000g or 1185 g. Depends if you use a TC on the 400 E FL or not. But that's not alone the benefit the wheigth is much better balanced.
The next big advantage is of course the build-in converter. I already love that feature. I although tested both lenses side by side with the different converters. The Z 400 was a little bit better with all combinations but in the field and a finally developed image I'm sure you wouldn’t notice a difference. Except in the corners with 2x 1.4 Z 400 against 400 E FL with the 2.0 TC.
100% Amazing details for 200 m and the corners at 560 mm with build-in TC
Another benefit is the VR. It is about 1 to 1 1/3 stop better than the already good VR in the 400 E FL.
1/5 sec, f4, ISO 6400, 560 mm, 20 minutes before sunrise
The Meso Amorphous Coating makes the Z 400 even better in backlight situations. Less glare and haze and more contrast. But not only the image quality is getting better although the AF is much faster in harsh backlight.
Overall the AF is a bit faster. I really can see a higher keeper rate on subjects which are directly coming towards the camera. I tested this out with my kids. They were riding with their bikes towards me. The Z 400 finds the eyes earlier and was able to hold the AF on them. The 400 E FL tends to focus just a little bit further back in the area of the ears. I wouldn’t say the 400 E FL is slower but it is not that accurate. Makes that sense?
Pros:
- Lighter
- More flexible because of the build-in TC
- Better backlight behavior
- 1-1 1/3 stop better VR
- “faster” and more accurate AF
- A little bit better image quality with TCs
- More or less completely silent
Neg:
- Price
- Delivery time
- Not compatible with DSLRs
A lens to fall in love with!
2x 1.4 TC (784 mm)
Internal TC (560 mm)
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First of all the weight saving is a big advantage and one of my main reasons to switch. The real difference is 1000g or 1185 g. Depends if you use a TC on the 400 E FL or not. But that's not alone the benefit the wheigth is much better balanced.
The next big advantage is of course the build-in converter. I already love that feature. I although tested both lenses side by side with the different converters. The Z 400 was a little bit better with all combinations but in the field and a finally developed image I'm sure you wouldn’t notice a difference. Except in the corners with 2x 1.4 Z 400 against 400 E FL with the 2.0 TC.
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100% Amazing details for 200 m and the corners at 560 mm with build-in TC
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Another benefit is the VR. It is about 1 to 1 1/3 stop better than the already good VR in the 400 E FL.
1/5 sec, f4, ISO 6400, 560 mm, 20 minutes before sunrise
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The Meso Amorphous Coating makes the Z 400 even better in backlight situations. Less glare and haze and more contrast. But not only the image quality is getting better although the AF is much faster in harsh backlight.
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Overall the AF is a bit faster. I really can see a higher keeper rate on subjects which are directly coming towards the camera. I tested this out with my kids. They were riding with their bikes towards me. The Z 400 finds the eyes earlier and was able to hold the AF on them. The 400 E FL tends to focus just a little bit further back in the area of the ears. I wouldn’t say the 400 E FL is slower but it is not that accurate. Makes that sense?
Pros:
- Lighter
- More flexible because of the build-in TC
- Better backlight behavior
- 1-1 1/3 stop better VR
- “faster” and more accurate AF
- A little bit better image quality with TCs
- More or less completely silent
Neg:
- Price
- Delivery time
- Not compatible with DSLRs
A lens to fall in love with!
2x 1.4 TC (784 mm)
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Internal TC (560 mm)
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Apr 26, 2022 at 03:09 AM
p.12 #16Official Nikon 400/2.8S image thread + some discussions
With 400/2.8S + TCx2 and a little cropping.
Apr 29, 2022 at 02:15 AM
p.12 #17Official Nikon 400/2.8S image thread + some discussions
A few from the backyard this morning. Used Z9 and 400/2,8TC with both internal and external TC's = 784mm
Tufted Titmouse
Ruby-throated Hummingbird
Brown Thrasher
Tufted Titmouse
Ruby-throated Hummingbird
Brown Thrasher
Apr 30, 2022 at 11:26 AM
p.12 #18Official Nikon 400/2.8S image thread + some discussions
Brad Hill article on new functions available to the Lens Fn ring (only available on 400S) with Z9 FW 2.0.
This method and new functions seem very useful....if that ring is easily accesible with one's handholding technique or on support then I could certainly see some use for it with these new options (36 in total...up from 1).
May 2, 2022 article here: http://www.naturalart.ca/voice/blog.html
This method and new functions seem very useful....if that ring is easily accesible with one's handholding technique or on support then I could certainly see some use for it with these new options (36 in total...up from 1
).May 2, 2022 article here: http://www.naturalart.ca/voice/blog.html
May 03, 2022 at 11:18 AM
p.12 #19Official Nikon 400/2.8S image thread + some discussions
arbitrage wrote:
Brad Hill article on new functions available to the Lens Fn ring (only available on 400S) with Z9 FW 2.0.
This method and new functions seem very useful....if that ring is easily accesible with one's handholding technique or on support then I could certainly see some use for it with these new options (36 in total...up from 1).
May 2, 2022 article here: http://www.naturalart.ca/voice/blog.html
I didn't see that yet thanks! I've been using one ring for exposure comp and the other for AF recall!
Brad Hill article on new functions available to the Lens Fn ring (only available on 400S) with Z9 FW 2.0.
This method and new functions seem very useful....if that ring is easily accesible with one's handholding technique or on support then I could certainly see some use for it with these new options (36 in total...up from 1
).May 2, 2022 article here: http://www.naturalart.ca/voice/blog.html
I didn't see that yet thanks! I've been using one ring for exposure comp and the other for AF recall!
May 03, 2022 at 12:23 PM
p.12 #20Official Nikon 400/2.8S image thread + some discussions
A couple from this morning
Z9, 400/2.8TC S, Internal + External TC = 784mm
Osprey on a stick
Osprey checking me out
Z9, 400/2.8TC S, Internal + External TC = 784mm
Osprey on a stick
Osprey checking me out
May 03, 2022 at 01:22 PM