Official Nikon 400/2.8S image thread + some discussions
p.20 #1Official Nikon 400/2.8S image thread + some discussions
NaturRosi wrote:
Some more from the woodpecker.
That's how the light and colours change during the last hour of the day.
https://photos.smugmug.com/Galerie/Review/i-wnksnMB/0/a4a55bc7/X2/IMG_2247-X2.jpg
https://photos.smugmug.com/Galerie/Review/i-vjpwq5z/0/fd1b55b2/X2/DSC_9040-dng_DxO_DeepPRIME-X2.jpg
https://photos.smugmug.com/Galerie/Review/i-sDhXGfN/0/6ebb910b/X2/DSC_9432%201-X2.jpg
https://photos.smugmug.com/Galerie/Review/i-P62tx9R/0/60e8ad28/X2/DSC_6291-dng_DxO_DeepPRIME-X2.jpg
Incredible
Some more from the woodpecker.
That's how the light and colours change during the last hour of the day.
https://photos.smugmug.com/Galerie/Review/i-wnksnMB/0/a4a55bc7/X2/IMG_2247-X2.jpg
https://photos.smugmug.com/Galerie/Review/i-vjpwq5z/0/fd1b55b2/X2/DSC_9040-dng_DxO_DeepPRIME-X2.jpg
https://photos.smugmug.com/Galerie/Review/i-sDhXGfN/0/6ebb910b/X2/DSC_9432%201-X2.jpg
https://photos.smugmug.com/Galerie/Review/i-P62tx9R/0/60e8ad28/X2/DSC_6291-dng_DxO_DeepPRIME-X2.jpg
Incredible
Dec 23, 2022 at 05:04 AM
p.20 #2Official Nikon 400/2.8S image thread + some discussions
Blue-winged teal wing flap.
NIKON Z 9 NIKKOR Z 400mm f/2.8 TC VR S lens 560mm f/4.0 1/2000s 4000 ISO 0.0 EV
Dec 23, 2022 at 10:00 AM
p.20 #3Official Nikon 400/2.8S image thread + some discussions
Just got back from SA last night. The 400 was absolutely the right lens for me to bring as it performed beautifully.
I had a wonderful cheetah sighting as my girlfriend and I followed her for close to an hour and a half. It was just the 2 of us. We watched her hunt a group of impala and man-o-man could she move. Unfortunately she has an injured left eye. If you look at the photos you will see that it's severely swollen and her pupil is completed dilated like she has a cataract. Have no doubt it's effecting her hunting.
I had a wonderful cheetah sighting as my girlfriend and I followed her for close to an hour and a half. It was just the 2 of us. We watched her hunt a group of impala and man-o-man could she move. Unfortunately she has an injured left eye. If you look at the photos you will see that it's severely swollen and her pupil is completed dilated like she has a cataract. Have no doubt it's effecting her hunting.
NIKON Z 9 NIKKOR Z 400mm f/2.8 TC VR S lens 400mm f/2.8 1/640s 640 ISO 0.0 EV
NIKON Z 9 NIKKOR Z 400mm f/2.8 TC VR S lens 400mm f/2.8 1/800s 640 ISO 0.0 EV
NIKON Z 9 NIKKOR Z 400mm f/2.8 TC VR S lens 560mm f/4.0 1/5000s 1100 ISO 0.0 EV
NIKON Z 9 NIKKOR Z 400mm f/2.8 TC VR S lens 560mm f/4.0 1/5000s 1100 ISO 0.0 EV
Jan 02, 2023 at 12:38 AM
p.20 #4Official Nikon 400/2.8S image thread + some discussions
robert_in_ca wrote:
Just got back from SA last night. The 400 was absolutely the right lens for me to bring as it performed beautifully.
I had a wonderful cheetah sighting as my girlfriend and I followed her for close to an hour and a half. It was just the 2 of us. We watched her hunt a group of impala and man-o-man could she move. Unfortunately she has an injured left eye. If you look at the photos you will see that it's severely swollen and her pupil is completed dilated like she has a cataract. Have no doubt it's effecting her...Show more →
Beautiful images!!
Just got back from SA last night. The 400 was absolutely the right lens for me to bring as it performed beautifully.
I had a wonderful cheetah sighting as my girlfriend and I followed her for close to an hour and a half. It was just the 2 of us. We watched her hunt a group of impala and man-o-man could she move. Unfortunately she has an injured left eye. If you look at the photos you will see that it's severely swollen and her pupil is completed dilated like she has a cataract. Have no doubt it's effecting her...Show more →
Beautiful images!!
Jan 02, 2023 at 10:14 AM
p.20 #5Official Nikon 400/2.8S image thread + some discussions
robert_in_ca wrote:
Just got back from SA last night.
Nice captures! Hopefully I will visit Africa again in 2 years.
The amazing feature of this lens is the build-in TC. I captured the musk oxen in harsh wind and snowfall. Not the situation you like to change the converter all the time. With this lens it isn't an issue any more!
400 mm, f/2.8, 1/640 sec, ISO 900
560 mm, f/4, 1/500 sec, ISO 1250
Just got back from SA last night.
Nice captures! Hopefully I will visit Africa again in 2 years.
The amazing feature of this lens is the build-in TC. I captured the musk oxen in harsh wind and snowfall. Not the situation you like to change the converter all the time. With this lens it isn't an issue any more!
400 mm, f/2.8, 1/640 sec, ISO 900
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560 mm, f/4, 1/500 sec, ISO 1250
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Jan 05, 2023 at 04:28 PM
p.20 #6Official Nikon 400/2.8S image thread + some discussions
Thank you George.
George DeCamp wrote:
I had a wonderful cheetah sighting as my girlfriend and I followed her for close to an hour and a half. It was just the 2 of us. We watched her hunt a group of impala and man-o-man could she move. Unfortunately she has an injured left eye. If you look at the photos you will see that it's severely swollen and her pupil is completed dilated like she has a cataract. Have no doubt it's effecting her hunting.Beautiful images!!
George DeCamp wrote:
robert_in_ca wrote
Just got back from SA last night. The 400 was absolutely the right lens for me to bring as it performed beautifully.I had a wonderful cheetah sighting as my girlfriend and I followed her for close to an hour and a half. It was just the 2 of us. We watched her hunt a group of impala and man-o-man could she move. Unfortunately she has an injured left eye. If you look at the photos you will see that it's severely swollen and her pupil is completed dilated like she has a cataract. Have no doubt it's effecting her hunting.
Jan 05, 2023 at 08:27 PM
p.20 #7Official Nikon 400/2.8S image thread + some discussions
Thank you… totally agree regarding having the built in TC. Also really nice done with the oxen.
NaturRosi wrote:
Nice captures! Hopefully I will visit Africa again in 2 years.
The amazing feature of this lens is the build-in TC. I captured the musk oxen in harsh wind and snowfall. Not the situation you like to change the converter all the time. With this lens it isn't an issue any more!
400 mm, f/2.8, 1/640 sec, ISO 900
https://photos.smugmug.com/Galerie/Wintertime/i-NXKcQGZ/0/8484d5e1/X2/DSC_3663%201-X2.jpg
560 mm, f/4, 1/500 sec, ISO 1250
https://photos.smugmug.com/Galerie/Wintertime/i-MMWbJCT/0/98cf15d3/X2/DSC_4689%201-X2.jpg
NaturRosi wrote:
robert_in_ca wrote
Just got back from SA last night.The amazing feature of this lens is the build-in TC. I captured the musk oxen in harsh wind and snowfall. Not the situation you like to change the converter all the time. With this lens it isn't an issue any more!
400 mm, f/2.8, 1/640 sec, ISO 900
https://photos.smugmug.com/Galerie/Wintertime/i-NXKcQGZ/0/8484d5e1/X2/DSC_3663%201-X2.jpg
560 mm, f/4, 1/500 sec, ISO 1250
https://photos.smugmug.com/Galerie/Wintertime/i-MMWbJCT/0/98cf15d3/X2/DSC_4689%201-X2.jpg
Jan 05, 2023 at 08:28 PM
p.20 #8Official Nikon 400/2.8S image thread + some discussions
Cloudy morning to start the day but cleard up some later on before I left. Here's a few from the morning.
Z9, 400/2.8TC S
Tri-colored Heron
Great Blue Heron
Bald Eagle approaching
Z9, 400/2.8TC S
Tri-colored Heron
NIKON Z 9 NIKKOR Z 400mm f/2.8 TC VR S lens 560mm f/4.0 1/500s 1400 ISO +0.3 EV
Great Blue Heron
NIKON Z 9 NIKKOR Z 400mm f/2.8 TC VR S lens 560mm f/4.0 1/2500s 2000 ISO 0.0 EV
Bald Eagle approaching
NIKON Z 9 NIKKOR Z 400mm f/2.8 TC VR S lens 560mm f/4.0 1/2500s 250 ISO 0.0 EV
Jan 17, 2023 at 12:31 PM
p.20 #9Official Nikon 400/2.8S image thread + some discussions
I have to say that cheetah's are easily my favorite animal.
NIKON Z 9 NIKKOR Z 400mm f/2.8 TC VR S lens 560mm f/4.0 1/640s 64 ISO 0.0 EV
Jan 17, 2023 at 11:05 PM
p.20 #10Official Nikon 400/2.8S image thread + some discussions
A few from this morning, was very cloudy and dark while I was out but beautiful now, sheesh!
Z9, 400/2.8TC S
Brown Pelican
A different Pelican
Tree Swallow
Z9, 400/2.8TC S
Brown Pelican
NIKON Z 9 NIKKOR Z 400mm f/2.8 TC VR S lens 400mm f/4.0 1/1250s 4500 ISO 0.0 EV
A different Pelican
NIKON Z 9 NIKKOR Z 400mm f/2.8 TC VR S lens 400mm f/4.0 1/1250s 2200 ISO +0.3 EV
Tree Swallow
NIKON Z 9 NIKKOR Z 400mm f/2.8 TC VR S lens 560mm f/4.0 1/3200s 400 ISO 0.0 EV
Jan 18, 2023 at 12:38 PM
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p.20 #11Official Nikon 400/2.8S image thread + some discussions
George DeCamp wrote:
A few from this morning, was very cloudy and dark while I was out but beautiful now, sheesh!
Z9, 400/2.8TC S
Love that swallow image, George! I was trying to shoot those a few days ago and it's quite a challenge for me just to keep them in the frame.
A few from this morning, was very cloudy and dark while I was out but beautiful now, sheesh!
Z9, 400/2.8TC S
Love that swallow image, George! I was trying to shoot those a few days ago and it's quite a challenge for me just to keep them in the frame.
Jan 18, 2023 at 01:09 PM
p.20 #12Official Nikon 400/2.8S image thread + some discussions
Ross Martin wrote:
George DeCamp wrote
A few from this morning, was very cloudy and dark while I was out but beautiful now, sheesh!Z9, 400/2.8TC S
Thanks very much! Try using Auto Area, seems to work well for these!
Jan 18, 2023 at 01:44 PM
p.20 #13Official Nikon 400/2.8S image thread + some discussions
(Eastern) Screech-Owl Snoozing.
NIKON Z 9 NIKKOR Z 400mm f/2.8 TC VR S lens 560mm f/6.3 1/100s 100 ISO 0.0 EV
Feb 02, 2023 at 01:51 AM
p.20 #14Official Nikon 400/2.8S image thread + some discussions
Nikon1960 wrote:
(Eastern) Screech-Owl Snoozing.
Love it, what an awesome image!!
(Eastern) Screech-Owl Snoozing.
Love it, what an awesome image!!
Feb 02, 2023 at 02:41 PM
p.20 #15Official Nikon 400/2.8S image thread + some discussions
Here's an interesting tidbit posted by Brad Hill on the 400/2.8TC with TC engaged VS the 600/4.0TC. Nice to see the 400TC holds it's own!
http://www.naturalart.ca/galleries/latest/index.html
Click on "In the field"
"This is one of my favourite swimming grizzly shots captured in 2022. And...nope...this image was NOT shot with the Nikkor Z 600mm f4S. It was shot with the Z 400mm f2.8S TC VR S - WITH its built-in TC engaged. So at 560mm. And it was shot wide open at f4. I'm including it here - and labelled it with the "Z 600mm f4S Testing" watermark - because it provides insight to a key question I wanted answered when I field-tested the Z 600mm f4S against the Z 400mm f2.8S with its TC-engaged. That question? Does the image quality of the Z 400mm f2.8S compare favourably against that of the Z 600mm f4S when it is shot with its built-in TC engaged (so at 560mm)?
The short answer (as I found when I did head-to-head testing of the Z 600mm f4S against the Z 400mm f2.8S with its TC engaged): Yes, absolutely.
When I publish my review of the Z 600mm f4S I'll get far more into the nuances of how these two 600mm-ish options compare optically, but the bottom line is this: EXCEPT between f4 and f4.5 (where the Z 600mm f4S is very slightly sharper) the two lenses produce virtually identical images - both in sharpness and in the quality of the out-of-focus zones (or bokeh). So you are giving away almost nothing to the Z 600mm f5S if you shoot your Z 400mm f2.8S with its TC engaged.
Eagle-eyed readers will have noticed that just above I said "EXCEPT between f4 and f4.5 (where the Z 600mm f4S is very slightly sharper)". Does that mean the Z 400mm f2.8S is "soft" at f4 and f4.5? Nope...not at ALL. And that's where this image comes in - I invite you to check out the high resolution version of this shot (4800 pixels) linked to below to see what I mean. This image was shot wide open (@ f4) and I doubt anyone would consider it even remotely "soft". After what I learned in 2022 from systematically testing the Z 400mm f2.8S with its TC (and with the Z TC-2.0X) - and when shooting these lens/TC combinations in the field - I don't hesitate at all to shoot it wide open with TC's attached.
Finally, note that I am in no way trying to take away from how strong the Z 600mm f4S is optically - it's an absolutely great lens. But if you already own a Z 400mm f2.8S and don't regularly need focal lengths longer than 600mm...then you have little reason to add a Z 600mm f4S to your kit. So as one who needs the 400-600mm focal range more often than the 600-800mm focal range, it makes more sense for me to own the Z 400mm f2.8S rather than the Z 600mm f4S. I know the exact opposite would be true of many other wildlife photographers, especially those who work more with small birds than I do.
http://www.naturalart.ca/galleries/latest/index.html
Click on "In the field"
"This is one of my favourite swimming grizzly shots captured in 2022. And...nope...this image was NOT shot with the Nikkor Z 600mm f4S. It was shot with the Z 400mm f2.8S TC VR S - WITH its built-in TC engaged. So at 560mm. And it was shot wide open at f4. I'm including it here - and labelled it with the "Z 600mm f4S Testing" watermark - because it provides insight to a key question I wanted answered when I field-tested the Z 600mm f4S against the Z 400mm f2.8S with its TC-engaged. That question? Does the image quality of the Z 400mm f2.8S compare favourably against that of the Z 600mm f4S when it is shot with its built-in TC engaged (so at 560mm)?
The short answer (as I found when I did head-to-head testing of the Z 600mm f4S against the Z 400mm f2.8S with its TC engaged): Yes, absolutely.
When I publish my review of the Z 600mm f4S I'll get far more into the nuances of how these two 600mm-ish options compare optically, but the bottom line is this: EXCEPT between f4 and f4.5 (where the Z 600mm f4S is very slightly sharper) the two lenses produce virtually identical images - both in sharpness and in the quality of the out-of-focus zones (or bokeh). So you are giving away almost nothing to the Z 600mm f5S if you shoot your Z 400mm f2.8S with its TC engaged.
Eagle-eyed readers will have noticed that just above I said "EXCEPT between f4 and f4.5 (where the Z 600mm f4S is very slightly sharper)". Does that mean the Z 400mm f2.8S is "soft" at f4 and f4.5? Nope...not at ALL. And that's where this image comes in - I invite you to check out the high resolution version of this shot (4800 pixels) linked to below to see what I mean. This image was shot wide open (@ f4) and I doubt anyone would consider it even remotely "soft". After what I learned in 2022 from systematically testing the Z 400mm f2.8S with its TC (and with the Z TC-2.0X) - and when shooting these lens/TC combinations in the field - I don't hesitate at all to shoot it wide open with TC's attached.
Finally, note that I am in no way trying to take away from how strong the Z 600mm f4S is optically - it's an absolutely great lens. But if you already own a Z 400mm f2.8S and don't regularly need focal lengths longer than 600mm...then you have little reason to add a Z 600mm f4S to your kit. So as one who needs the 400-600mm focal range more often than the 600-800mm focal range, it makes more sense for me to own the Z 400mm f2.8S rather than the Z 600mm f4S. I know the exact opposite would be true of many other wildlife photographers, especially those who work more with small birds than I do.
Feb 02, 2023 at 05:22 PM
p.20 #16Official Nikon 400/2.8S image thread + some discussions
Nikon1960 wrote:
(Eastern) Screech-Owl Snoozing.
I fail to see the charm in an image of a tree trunk?
Seriously, what a great camouflaging job by this owl, and an equally great job by the photographer.
(Eastern) Screech-Owl Snoozing.
I fail to see the charm in an image of a tree trunk?
Seriously, what a great camouflaging job by this owl, and an equally great job by the photographer.
Feb 03, 2023 at 03:56 AM
p.20 #17Official Nikon 400/2.8S image thread + some discussions
Nikon1960 wrote:
(Eastern) Screech-Owl Snoozing.
The picture is lovely, but there is a confusing artifact above the owl's head... I'm curious about what that is, as its texture is completely different from the rest of the photo.
The 400 f2.8S is my dream lens, as it would replace two lenses that I currently use (400 f4.5 and 800PF). While I have absolutely no complaints about my lenses, the convenience of having a built in converter to hit 560mm and one-button DX crop on the Z9 (840mm FOV) at f5.6 would actually allow me to carry a smaller bag...
The 400 f2.8S is my ideal lens for my approach to wildlife, but its purchase comes at a super steep price.
cheers,
bruce
(Eastern) Screech-Owl Snoozing.
The picture is lovely, but there is a confusing artifact above the owl's head... I'm curious about what that is, as its texture is completely different from the rest of the photo.
The 400 f2.8S is my dream lens, as it would replace two lenses that I currently use (400 f4.5 and 800PF). While I have absolutely no complaints about my lenses, the convenience of having a built in converter to hit 560mm and one-button DX crop on the Z9 (840mm FOV) at f5.6 would actually allow me to carry a smaller bag...
The 400 f2.8S is my ideal lens for my approach to wildlife, but its purchase comes at a super steep price.
cheers,
bruce
Feb 03, 2023 at 08:52 AM
p.20 #18Official Nikon 400/2.8S image thread + some discussions
OwlsEyes wrote:
The picture is lovely, but there is a confusing artifact above the owl's head... I'm curious about what that is, as its texture is completely different from the rest of the photo.
The 400 f2.8S is my dream lens, as it would replace two lenses that I currently use (400 f4.5 and 800PF). While I have absolutely no complaints about my lenses, the convenience of having a built in converter to hit 560mm and one-button DX crop on the Z9 (840mm FOV) at f5.6 would actually allow me to carry a smaller bag...
The 400 f2.8S is my ideal lens...Show more →
That is actually the inside of the hollowed out tree trunk out of focus!
The owl didn't completely fill the hole
Nikon1960 wrote
(Eastern) Screech-Owl Snoozing.The 400 f2.8S is my dream lens, as it would replace two lenses that I currently use (400 f4.5 and 800PF). While I have absolutely no complaints about my lenses, the convenience of having a built in converter to hit 560mm and one-button DX crop on the Z9 (840mm FOV) at f5.6 would actually allow me to carry a smaller bag...
The 400 f2.8S is my ideal lens...Show more →
That is actually the inside of the hollowed out tree trunk out of focus!
The owl didn't completely fill the hole
Feb 03, 2023 at 01:41 PM
p.20 #19Official Nikon 400/2.8S image thread + some discussions
Kruger National Park
NIKON Z 9 NIKKOR Z 400mm f/2.8 TC VR S lens 400mm f/2.8 1/3200s 110 ISO -0.7 EV
Feb 04, 2023 at 11:05 AM
p.20 #20Official Nikon 400/2.8S image thread + some discussions
Love the lion photo. Wow!
Feb 04, 2023 at 07:32 PM