Official Nikon 400/2.8S image thread + some discussions
p.44 #1Official Nikon 400/2.8S image thread + some discussions
robert_in_ca wrote:
So I have been wondering if this is normal for this combination? Do You have same experience if using external 1.4x TC?I've used my external 1.4TC with my 400TC a handful of times and I did not have any vignetting. Not sure if it matters, but I also didn't use the OEM hood--I used a shorter Zemlin hood.
I'm with Robert on this one. Short Zemlin hoods and no noticeable vignetting to my eyes. But I'm not super trained in it.
Lots of my pics in this thread, almost all with TC's or stacked TCs.
but I guess I also usually crop the crap out of my images, which would remove vignetting in the corners, no?
pietipe wrote
Some weeks ago I bought this great lens and have been happy to use it. Only one thing a little bit disturbing and it is vignetting with external 1.4x TC. If I use external 1.4X TC, image corners coming very dark but if I using internal TC, not. Also internal TC + external TC, vignetting is okey. And also with external 2x TC vignetting is not bad. Of course, I understand that in post-processing it can be easily removed, but it strange that the vignetting is so strong with 1.4x TC.So I have been wondering if this is normal for this combination? Do You have same experience if using external 1.4x TC?
I'm with Robert on this one. Short Zemlin hoods and no noticeable vignetting to my eyes. But I'm not super trained in it.
Lots of my pics in this thread, almost all with TC's or stacked TCs.
but I guess I also usually crop the crap out of my images, which would remove vignetting in the corners, no?
Aug 09, 2024 at 09:19 AM
p.44 #2Official Nikon 400/2.8S image thread + some discussions
pietipe wrote:
Some weeks ago I bought this great lens and have been happy to use it. Only one thing a little bit disturbing and it is vignetting with external 1.4x TC. If I use external 1.4X TC, image corners coming very dark but if I using internal TC, not. Also internal TC + external TC, vignetting is okey. And also with external 2x TC vignetting is not bad. Of course, I understand that in post-processing it can be easily removed, but it strange that the vignetting is so strong with 1.4x TC.
So I have been wondering if this is normal for...Show more →
Vignetting is not something I recall getting having an issue with but I'm sure it has happened. I've used both internal and external TC's as you can see if you look at my older posts in this forum. Using both is not something I routinely do however since I use the 800pf when I know I'll need that focal length. I will pay more attention in the future. Anyway congratulations on owning this lens, it really is awesome!
Some weeks ago I bought this great lens and have been happy to use it. Only one thing a little bit disturbing and it is vignetting with external 1.4x TC. If I use external 1.4X TC, image corners coming very dark but if I using internal TC, not. Also internal TC + external TC, vignetting is okey. And also with external 2x TC vignetting is not bad. Of course, I understand that in post-processing it can be easily removed, but it strange that the vignetting is so strong with 1.4x TC.
So I have been wondering if this is normal for...Show more →
Vignetting is not something I recall getting having an issue with but I'm sure it has happened. I've used both internal and external TC's as you can see if you look at my older posts in this forum. Using both is not something I routinely do however since I use the 800pf when I know I'll need that focal length. I will pay more attention in the future. Anyway congratulations on owning this lens, it really is awesome!
Aug 09, 2024 at 09:27 AM
p.44 #3Official Nikon 400/2.8S image thread + some discussions
OwlsEyes wrote:
So I have been wondering if this is normal for this combination? Do You have same experience if using external 1.4x TC?I use the combination of internal and external 1.4x TC's whenever I'm anticipating a shoot with small birds. I don't use this combination for distant subjects, as I think cropping is better when atmospheric conditions might influence the final image.
I sold my 800PF to buy the 400 f2.8TC and have stacked converters on and off for about a year now and am confident that the quality of the final output is essentially the same.
The key to optimize your image and minimize vignetting is two-fold... be sure to expose accurately. Underexposure will emphasize the vignetting that is inevitable with...Show more →
I have used this external 1.4x TC with 800PF, Z400 f/4.5, Z100-400 and Z180-600, but with these glasses I haven't had such a strong vignetting. Yes, I have used DxO Photolab many years and also Photoshop and some other tools and as I said earlier, there is no problem in removing that vignetting, but since I haven't noticed the same with other glasses, I'm starting to worry if there is a problem with my Z400 glass. Also with or without hood, no change.
And it is strange, if I use both, external and internal TC, vignetting level is low. Maybe changing the lens aperture help, 4 => 5.6.
pietipe wrote
Some weeks ago I bought this great lens and have been happy to use it. Only one thing a little bit disturbing and it is vignetting with external 1.4x TC. If I use external 1.4X TC, image corners coming very dark but if I using internal TC, not. Also internal TC + external TC, vignetting is okey. And also with external 2x TC vignetting is not bad. Of course, I understand that in post-processing it can be easily removed, but it strange that the vignetting is so strong with 1.4x TC.So I have been wondering if this is normal for this combination? Do You have same experience if using external 1.4x TC?
I sold my 800PF to buy the 400 f2.8TC and have stacked converters on and off for about a year now and am confident that the quality of the final output is essentially the same.
The key to optimize your image and minimize vignetting is two-fold... be sure to expose accurately. Underexposure will emphasize the vignetting that is inevitable with...Show more →
I have used this external 1.4x TC with 800PF, Z400 f/4.5, Z100-400 and Z180-600, but with these glasses I haven't had such a strong vignetting. Yes, I have used DxO Photolab many years and also Photoshop and some other tools and as I said earlier, there is no problem in removing that vignetting, but since I haven't noticed the same with other glasses, I'm starting to worry if there is a problem with my Z400 glass. Also with or without hood, no change.
And it is strange, if I use both, external and internal TC, vignetting level is low. Maybe changing the lens aperture help, 4 => 5.6.
Aug 09, 2024 at 11:30 AM
p.44 #4Official Nikon 400/2.8S image thread + some discussions
pietipe wrote:
So I have been wondering if this is normal for this combination? Do You have same experience if using external 1.4x TC?I use the combination of internal and external 1.4x TC's whenever I'm anticipating a shoot with small birds. I don't use this combination for distant subjects, as I think cropping is better when atmospheric conditions might influence the final image.
I sold my 800PF to buy the 400 f2.8TC and have stacked converters on and off for about a year now and am confident that the quality of the final output is essentially the same.
The key to optimize your image and minimize vignetting is two-fold... be sure to expose accurately. Underexposure will emphasize the vignetting that is inevitable with stacked converters. The second is to run your image through DxO pure raw before doing any adjustments. DxO Pure Raw can be used as a LR plugin and has been designed to optimize lens/camera/sensor combinations. When done, the file is dumped into a lightroom collection as a DNG file, so you still have the dynamic range of a raw file to finish your image.
I have no connection with DXO, but suggest you try their 30 day trial and see if this improves things for you.
bruceI have used this external 1.4x TC with 800PF, Z400 f/4.5, Z100-400 and Z180-600, but with these glasses I haven't had such a strong vignetting. Yes, I have used DxO Photolab many years and also Photoshop and some other tools and as I said earlier, there is no problem in removing that vignetting, but since I haven't noticed the same with other glasses, I'm starting to worry if there is a problem with my Z400 glass. Also with or without hood, no change.
And it is strange, if I use both, external and internal TC, vignetting level is low. Maybe changing...Show more →
I don't notice vignetting unless I shoot against a blue or overcast sky. I have seen some vignetting when the sky is homogenous and I underexpose. If my histogram is pushed towards the right, but not blown, the vignetting is not visible. Regardless, after I apply DxO, I don't see any hit of vignetting.
bruce
OwlsEyes wrote
pietipe wrote
Some weeks ago I bought this great lens and have been happy to use it. Only one thing a little bit disturbing and it is vignetting with external 1.4x TC. If I use external 1.4X TC, image corners coming very dark but if I using internal TC, not. Also internal TC + external TC, vignetting is okey. And also with external 2x TC vignetting is not bad. Of course, I understand that in post-processing it can be easily removed, but it strange that the vignetting is so strong with 1.4x TC.So I have been wondering if this is normal for this combination? Do You have same experience if using external 1.4x TC?
I sold my 800PF to buy the 400 f2.8TC and have stacked converters on and off for about a year now and am confident that the quality of the final output is essentially the same.
The key to optimize your image and minimize vignetting is two-fold... be sure to expose accurately. Underexposure will emphasize the vignetting that is inevitable with stacked converters. The second is to run your image through DxO pure raw before doing any adjustments. DxO Pure Raw can be used as a LR plugin and has been designed to optimize lens/camera/sensor combinations. When done, the file is dumped into a lightroom collection as a DNG file, so you still have the dynamic range of a raw file to finish your image.
I have no connection with DXO, but suggest you try their 30 day trial and see if this improves things for you.
bruce
And it is strange, if I use both, external and internal TC, vignetting level is low. Maybe changing...Show more →
I don't notice vignetting unless I shoot against a blue or overcast sky. I have seen some vignetting when the sky is homogenous and I underexpose. If my histogram is pushed towards the right, but not blown, the vignetting is not visible. Regardless, after I apply DxO, I don't see any hit of vignetting.
bruce
Aug 09, 2024 at 01:42 PM
p.44 #5Official Nikon 400/2.8S image thread + some discussions
OwlsEyes wrote:
So I have been wondering if this is normal for this combination? Do You have same experience if using external 1.4x TC?I use the combination of internal and external 1.4x TC's whenever I'm anticipating a shoot with small birds. I don't use this combination for distant subjects, as I think cropping is better when atmospheric conditions might influence the final image.
I sold my 800PF to buy the 400 f2.8TC and have stacked converters on and off for about a year now and am confident that the quality of the final output is essentially the same.
The key to optimize your image and minimize vignetting is two-fold... be sure to expose accurately. Underexposure will emphasize the vignetting that is inevitable with stacked converters. The second is to run your image through DxO pure raw before doing any adjustments. DxO Pure Raw can be used as a LR plugin and has been designed to optimize lens/camera/sensor combinations. When done, the file is dumped into a lightroom collection as a DNG file, so you still have the dynamic range of a raw file to finish your image.
I have no connection with DXO, but suggest you try their 30 day trial and see if this improves things for you.
bruceI have used this external 1.4x TC with 800PF, Z400 f/4.5, Z100-400 and Z180-600, but with these glasses I haven't had such a strong vignetting. Yes, I have used DxO Photolab many years and also Photoshop and some other tools and as I said earlier, there is no problem in removing that vignetting, but since I haven't noticed the same with other glasses, I'm starting to worry if there is a problem with my Z400 glass. Also with or without hood, no change.
And it is strange, if I use both, external and internal TC, vignetting level is low. Maybe changing the lens aperture help, 4 => 5.6.I don't notice vignetting unless I shoot against a blue or overcast sky. I have seen some vignetting when the sky is homogenous and I underexpose. If my histogram is pushed towards the right, but not blown, the vignetting is not visible. Regardless, after I apply DxO, I don't see any hit of vignetting.
bruce
I've looked through today's photos and the strong vignetting with the external 1.4x TC occurs on the blue sky and if the focus goes to infinity. I also read one article that mentioned Z400, vignetting with TC and focus infinity. So it can be concluded that this is normal and there is nothing wrong with my lens.
Case closed.
pietipe wrote
OwlsEyes wrote
pietipe wrote
Some weeks ago I bought this great lens and have been happy to use it. Only one thing a little bit disturbing and it is vignetting with external 1.4x TC. If I use external 1.4X TC, image corners coming very dark but if I using internal TC, not. Also internal TC + external TC, vignetting is okey. And also with external 2x TC vignetting is not bad. Of course, I understand that in post-processing it can be easily removed, but it strange that the vignetting is so strong with 1.4x TC.So I have been wondering if this is normal for this combination? Do You have same experience if using external 1.4x TC?
I sold my 800PF to buy the 400 f2.8TC and have stacked converters on and off for about a year now and am confident that the quality of the final output is essentially the same.
The key to optimize your image and minimize vignetting is two-fold... be sure to expose accurately. Underexposure will emphasize the vignetting that is inevitable with stacked converters. The second is to run your image through DxO pure raw before doing any adjustments. DxO Pure Raw can be used as a LR plugin and has been designed to optimize lens/camera/sensor combinations. When done, the file is dumped into a lightroom collection as a DNG file, so you still have the dynamic range of a raw file to finish your image.
I have no connection with DXO, but suggest you try their 30 day trial and see if this improves things for you.
bruce
And it is strange, if I use both, external and internal TC, vignetting level is low. Maybe changing the lens aperture help, 4 => 5.6.
bruce
I've looked through today's photos and the strong vignetting with the external 1.4x TC occurs on the blue sky and if the focus goes to infinity. I also read one article that mentioned Z400, vignetting with TC and focus infinity. So it can be concluded that this is normal and there is nothing wrong with my lens.
Case closed.
Aug 09, 2024 at 02:19 PM
p.44 #6Official Nikon 400/2.8S image thread + some discussions
Red-crowned crane family with a White-naped crane. I'm posting a black and white version and colored version of the same image. I am curious about your (collective) thoughts.
Picture #3 is a portrait of the white-naped crane. All three images required a lot of pushing and pulling of the blacks and whites. Snow had not fallen for a week, so the substrate was pretty crusty. I wanted to soften the rough edges to give the pictures a softer look.
cheers,
bruce
Picture #3 is a portrait of the white-naped crane. All three images required a lot of pushing and pulling of the blacks and whites. Snow had not fallen for a week, so the substrate was pretty crusty. I wanted to soften the rough edges to give the pictures a softer look.
cheers,
bruce
NIKON Z 9 NIKKOR Z 400mm f/2.8 TC VR S lens 560mm f/11.0 1/1000s 1000 ISO 0.0 EV
NIKON Z 9 NIKKOR Z 400mm f/2.8 TC VR S lens 560mm f/11.0 1/1000s 1000 ISO 0.0 EV
NIKON Z 9 NIKKOR Z 400mm f/2.8 TC VR S lens 560mm f/11.0 1/1000s 500 ISO 0.0 EV
Aug 13, 2024 at 07:16 PM
p.44 #7Official Nikon 400/2.8S image thread + some discussions
Owl flights in the afterglow of a sunset.
regards,
bruce
regards,
bruce
NIKON Z 9 NIKKOR Z 400mm f/2.8 TC VR S lens 400mm f/3.2 1/1000s 6400 ISO -1.0 EV
NIKON Z 9 NIKKOR Z 400mm f/2.8 TC VR S lens 560mm f/5.0 1/400s 6400 ISO -1.0 EV
Aug 20, 2024 at 12:32 PM
p.44 #8Official Nikon 400/2.8S image thread + some discussions
Busy days recently so I did not have as much time to photograph as I'd like to.
Merlin
Red-winged Blackbird
Purple Martin
American Goldfinch
Merlin
Aug 21, 2024 at 12:38 PM
p.44 #9Official Nikon 400/2.8S image thread + some discussions
OwlsEyes wrote:
Owl flights in the afterglow of a sunset.
regards,
bruce
Both of the images sets above are fantastic, but these owl shots are amazing Bruce! Great stuff.
Owl flights in the afterglow of a sunset.
regards,
bruce
Both of the images sets above are fantastic, but these owl shots are amazing Bruce! Great stuff.
Aug 21, 2024 at 12:59 PM
p.44 #10Official Nikon 400/2.8S image thread + some discussions
urbanwild wrote:
regards,
bruceBoth of the images sets above are fantastic, but these owl shots are amazing Bruce! Great stuff.
Thank you very much...
bruce
OwlsEyes wrote
Owl flights in the afterglow of a sunset.regards,
bruce
Thank you very much...
bruce
Aug 21, 2024 at 02:00 PM
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p.44 #11Official Nikon 400/2.8S image thread + some discussions
One more owl from a few days back...
Not sure I know which I like best... this one or the first one in the last post. Unfortunately, the owl is pretty low in the frame here. On the other hand, the dark forested background and bokeh balls seem to work for this one.
Just love the 400TC for the ability to focus so quickly in low light.
regards,
bruce
Not sure I know which I like best... this one or the first one in the last post. Unfortunately, the owl is pretty low in the frame here. On the other hand, the dark forested background and bokeh balls seem to work for this one.
Just love the 400TC for the ability to focus so quickly in low light.
regards,
bruce
NIKON Z 9 NIKKOR Z 400mm f/2.8 TC VR S lens 400mm f/3.2 1/1000s 6400 ISO -1.0 EV
Aug 22, 2024 at 09:59 PM
p.44 #12Official Nikon 400/2.8S image thread + some discussions
Some captures from the Alps.
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Aug 24, 2024 at 11:13 AM
p.44 #13Official Nikon 400/2.8S image thread + some discussions
Beautiful photography !!!
Aug 24, 2024 at 11:40 AM
p.44 #15Official Nikon 400/2.8S image thread + some discussions
Finally got a photo of a vireo. 
Selection from recent days.
Vireo
Bushtit
Hummingbird
Landing
Red-winged Blackbird
Sleeping Dowitchers
Muskrat
Selection from recent days. Sep 07, 2024 at 10:13 PM
p.44 #16Official Nikon 400/2.8S image thread + some discussions
I just returned from a three day outing and managed to photograph barn owls, river otters, bugling elk, bobcats, and a variety of bird species. I will post some of the latter as I process the shots. For today's 400 f2.8TC post, I want to share images from a 15 minute encounter with a blue-eyed coyote. Like most wild predators, coyotes normally have amber irises. This coyote is unique and is one of a few in a pack with blue eyes. I've been told that seeing a blue-eyed coyote is rare, being close enough to photograph uncropped images of them is even rarer... needless to say, I am pretty excited to be able to share these with you all.
cheers,
bruce
cheers,
bruce
NIKON Z 9 NIKKOR Z 400mm f/2.8 TC VR S lens 560mm f/4.0 1/2500s 4500 ISO +1.0 EV
NIKON Z 9 NIKKOR Z 400mm f/2.8 TC VR S lens 560mm f/4.0 1/2500s 4500 ISO +1.0 EV
NIKON Z 9 NIKKOR Z 400mm f/2.8 TC VR S lens 400mm f/3.5 1/2500s 3600 ISO +1.0 EV
NIKON Z 9 NIKKOR Z 400mm f/2.8 TC VR S lens 400mm f/3.5 1/2500s 2200 ISO +0.3 EV
Sep 08, 2024 at 11:02 AM
p.44 #17Official Nikon 400/2.8S image thread + some discussions
Getting used to the weight and handling. I use this setup 100% without tripod and I keep asking myself if I'd be able to handle 600TC the same way (I find myself at 560mm a lot here, but when I'm not - I'm blown away by the quality of 400 2.8)
Orange-crowned Warbler
Downy Woodpecker
Anna's Hummingbird
Black-capped Chickadee
Warbling Vireo
Sep 11, 2024 at 12:00 PM
p.44 #18Official Nikon 400/2.8S image thread + some discussions
lukemeup wrote:
Getting used to the weight and handling. I use this setup 100% without tripod and I keep asking myself if I'd be able to handle 600TC the same way (I find myself at 560mm a lot here, but when I'm not - I'm blown away by the quality of 400 2.8)
I found the 600TC much heavier on paper than expected (~1lb difference), but I don't notice it at all in actual practice.
Like you - I found myself almost always at 560/784/800.
I haven't used my 600TC a ton since I got it, but I think it ended up being the right choice for me. We'll know more during my 2 weeks in the Tetons/Yellowstone in October.
Getting used to the weight and handling. I use this setup 100% without tripod and I keep asking myself if I'd be able to handle 600TC the same way (I find myself at 560mm a lot here, but when I'm not - I'm blown away by the quality of 400 2.8)
I found the 600TC much heavier on paper than expected (~1lb difference), but I don't notice it at all in actual practice.
Like you - I found myself almost always at 560/784/800.
I haven't used my 600TC a ton since I got it, but I think it ended up being the right choice for me. We'll know more during my 2 weeks in the Tetons/Yellowstone in October.
Sep 11, 2024 at 06:59 PM
p.44 #19Official Nikon 400/2.8S image thread + some discussions
nmerc_photos wrote:
I found the 600TC much heavier on paper than expected (~1lb difference), but I don't notice it at all in actual practice.
Like you - I found myself almost always at 560/784/800.
I haven't used my 600TC a ton since I got it, but I think it ended up being the right choice for me. We'll know more during my 2 weeks in the Tetons/Yellowstone in October.
I'll shoot at least one full season before making any decisions. Luckily Robert's 600TC has sold and the temptation to fly to LA to pick it up is gone 
.
I found the 600TC much heavier on paper than expected (~1lb difference), but I don't notice it at all in actual practice.
Like you - I found myself almost always at 560/784/800.
I haven't used my 600TC a ton since I got it, but I think it ended up being the right choice for me. We'll know more during my 2 weeks in the Tetons/Yellowstone in October.
I'll shoot at least one full season before making any decisions.
Luckily Robert's 600TC has sold and the temptation to fly to LA to pick it up is gone .Sep 11, 2024 at 07:42 PM
p.44 #20Official Nikon 400/2.8S image thread + some discussions
lukemeup wrote:
Getting used to the weight and handling. I use this setup 100% without tripod and I keep asking myself if I'd be able to handle 600TC the same way (I find myself at 560mm a lot here, but when I'm not - I'm blown away by the quality of 400 2.8)
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53986760516_75aec42bea_h.jpg
Orange-crowned Warbler
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53987193265_baeca8f9d4_h.jpg
Downy Woodpecker
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53986760521_c07fafdbec_h.jpg
Anna's Hummingbird
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53987075954_5e18597bdd_h.jpg
Black-capped Chickadee
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53986999833_4994a49bea_h.jpg
Warbling Vireo
Nice variety Luke!
I shoot handheld 90% and I'm blown away at 400mm and 560mm... not sure a 600 f4 adds much to the way I like to shoot.
Getting used to the weight and handling. I use this setup 100% without tripod and I keep asking myself if I'd be able to handle 600TC the same way (I find myself at 560mm a lot here, but when I'm not - I'm blown away by the quality of 400 2.8)
Nice variety Luke!
I shoot handheld 90% and I'm blown away at 400mm and 560mm... not sure a 600 f4 adds much to the way I like to shoot.
Sep 11, 2024 at 08:27 PM