p.46 #1 · Official 800PF image and discussion thread
JustShootMe wrote:
I'm kind of surprised how often these pop up used considering nobody ever has them in stock. This thread makes it hard not to want one. Then again most of the posters on this thread take great photos regardless of lens.
In addition to what Eric said with respect to "gear flippers," I think that the 800mm focal length is more lens than some buyers actually thought they needed. Like nearly every high-end Nikon introduction, there is a "fevered" desire to buy and own the shiny new bauble that seems to be a "bargain."
This idea of a "best in class" bargain causes people to part with thousands of dollars for something they want but likely will not use enough to justify the purchase... The latter was true of the 300PF, 500PF, Z9, and now the 800PF. While all four of these are less expensive (or uniquely different) than the competitors offerings, they are specialized tools for niche photographers. As a result, they appear as overpriced on the b/s board (more than retail) on the b/s board while in short supply, and suddenly appear as undervalued objects when supply catches up with demand. There was a time when it was not uncommon to see 500PF lenses pushing $4000 on the buy sell board... and now they sell for just over $2000.
Enter the 800PF... it is a highly desirable lens for people who are truly committed bird specialists and wildlife photographers needing to close the gap between subject and photographer. The lens adds great value to a wildlife photographer's toolbox if that person is very committed to the genre. On the other hand, the lens is relatively large, bulky, and requires a real commitment to its use. When used under the wrong situations (heat shimmers and super long distances), the 800PF disappoints the average shooter who does not recognize the limits of an 800mm lens. So, if you purchased the 800PF on a whim and don't use it a lot or use it poorly, that $6700 lens feels like a wasted expense.
I currently enjoy using mine and consider it a valuable tool in my arsenal, but there are other focal lengths that would have met my long-term needs better. A high end Z zoom with a built in converter like the 180-400 w/TC would be my number one choice and a 600 f5.6 that compliments my 400 f4.5 would be number two. However, since I have spent my hard earned money on the 800PF, I doubt that I'll be making any moves in the "near" future. I'm a user, not a buyer of gear. I bought the 500PF in October 2018 and kept it until I could get the 800PF in 2023... Had the 800PF not been on my radar, I'd still be using the 500PF. Based on the mix of my photography aspirations and financial realties, it is likely that I will be using my 800PF for a long time.
p.46 #2 · Official 800PF image and discussion thread
OwlsEyes wrote:
In addition to what Eric said with respect to "gear flippers," I think that the 800mm focal length is more lens than some buyers actually thought they needed. Like nearly every high-end Nikon introduction, there is a "fevered" desire to buy and own the shiny new bauble that seems to be a "bargain."
This idea of a "best in class" bargain causes people to part with thousands of dollars for something they want but likely will not use enough to justify the purchase... The latter was true of the 300PF, 500PF, Z9, and now the 800PF. While all four of these are less expensive (or uniquely different) than the competitors offerings, they are specialized tools for niche photographers. As a result, they appear as overpriced on the b/s board (more than retail) on the b/s board while in short supply, and suddenly appear as undervalued objects when supply catches up with demand. There was a time when it was not uncommon to see 500PF lenses pushing $4000 on the buy sell board... and now they sell for just over $2000.
Enter the 800PF... it is a highly desirable lens for people who are truly committed bird specialists and wildlife photographers needing to close the gap between subject and photographer. The lens adds great value to a wildlife photographer's toolbox if that person is very committed to the genre. On the other hand, the lens is relatively large, bulky, and requires a real commitment to its use. When used under the wrong situations (heat shimmers and super long distances), the 800PF disappoints the average shooter who does not recognize the limits of an 800mm lens. So, if you purchased the 800PF on a whim and don't use it a lot or use it poorly, that $6700 lens feels like a wasted expense.
I currently enjoy using mine and consider it a valuable tool in my arsenal, but there are other focal lengths that would have met my long-term needs better. A high end Z zoom with a built in converter like the 180-400 w/TC would be my number one choice and a 600 f5.6 that compliments my 400 f4.5 would be number two. However, since I have spent my hard earned money on the 800PF, I doubt that I'll be making any moves in the "near" future. I'm a user, not a buyer of gear. I bought the 500PF in October 2018 and kept it until I could get the 800PF in 2023... Had the 800PF not been on my radar, I'd still be using the 500PF. Based on the mix of my photography aspirations and financial realties, it is likely that I will be using my 800PF for a long time.
That makes sense , the question is having owned the 500PF and some TC's I'm sure. Do you feel the extra reach and fraction of stops vs the 500 with TC's is a real advantage? Do the Z mount lenses focus better than the adapted F-mount glass? I only have adapted glass 300/500pf and am curious if the grass is greener on the other side? The size matters to me , so the 800 is a no-go but the rumored 200-600 may be a possibility, but then I lose the ability to adapt it to the fuji bodies... decisions decisions
p.46 #3 · Official 800PF image and discussion thread
JustShootMe wrote:
That makes sense , the question is having owned the 500PF and some TC's I'm sure. Do you feel the extra reach and fraction of stops vs the 500 with TC's is a real advantage? Do the Z mount lenses focus better than the adapted F-mount glass? I only have adapted glass 300/500pf and am curious if the grass is greener on the other side? The size matters to me , so the 800 is a no-go but the rumored 200-600 may be a possibility, but then I lose the ability to adapt it to the fuji bodies... decisions decisions ...Show more →
The 800mm PF makes sense for me and my shooting because I also have the 400mm f4.5. Before getting the 800PF I had the 400 f4.5 w/ 1.4 and 2x converter as well as the 500PF. I loved the 500PF and it was the perfect lens on the D500. I found that I needed the 1.5x DX crop to create the type of wildlife photos I was trying to make, and if I were still using DSLRs, I'd have never sold that lens. With the Z-system, I wanted the ergonomics of the Z lenses and the reduction of tubes between camera and lens. The Z 400 f4.5 focuses faster on my Z6ii than the 500PF or my former 200-400 f4 ever did. Even with the addition of the 1.4x, I found the 400 f4.5 to be a better match. With the Z9, the AF speed is so fast that I'm not sure I could detect a difference between the 500PF or my other lenses... however, I find that the number of "tack sharp" images increased with the Z lenses. The latter is especially true at 20 fps.
For now, I am keeping my Z9 attached to the 800PF and using a Z6ii on my 400 f4.5. I am contemplating the purchase of a second Z9 (or cheaper Z7ii) after the Z8 is introduced. I am confident that many will be selling their older bodies to buy the next bauble... this will be a good opportunity to get a second high resolution body.
As for the 200-600,... unless Nikon drops another shocking bomb, I think that this lens will be much like the 200-500mm f5.6; an excellent lens for the price, but not an outstanding optic like the 500/800 PF lenses.
bruce
p.46 #4 · Official 800PF image and discussion thread
OwlsEyes wrote:
The Z 400 f4.5 focuses faster on my Z6ii than the 500PF or my former 200-400 f4 ever did. Even with the addition of the 1.4x, I found the 400 f4.5 to be a better match. With the Z9, the AF speed is so fast that I'm not sure I could detect a difference between the 500PF or my other lenses... however, I find that the number of "tack sharp" images increased with the Z lenses. The latter is especially true at 20 fps.
Hmmmmm, I'm using the X-T5 less and less and mostly use the Z6/Z7 combo , maybe it's time to fully commit and buy some long Z glass. I'm gonna wait until the next body is announced before making the decision. Cha Ching
p.46 #5 · Official 800PF image and discussion thread
I had the 800mm pf on order when it was announced. I’ve been using the Z 9 with 500mm pf plus 1.4tc for months. Effectively at 700mm I figured the 800mm would be a great addition for birding. I’d also been using a Z fc with Z 100-400mm plus 1.4tc effectively giving me 840mm.
On an outing and coming across some Brolgas, I found the 700mm too long as they were quite close. We also had an overseas trip planned and the Z 9 with lens was too heavy for carry on. I decided to cancel my order for the 800mm pf and purchased a Fujifilm X-H2S and 150-600mm lens.
I enjoy the images and discussions regarding the 800mm and have come to the realization the lens is currently not for me. A zoom lens suits me better.
p.46 #6 · Official 800PF image and discussion thread
Richard_M wrote:
I had the 800mm pf on order when it was announced. I’ve been using the Z 9 with 500mm pf plus 1.4tc for months. Effectively at 700mm I figured the 800mm would be a great addition for birding. I’d also been using a Z fc with Z 100-400mm plus 1.4tc effectively giving me 840mm.
On an outing and coming across some Brolgas, I found the 700mm too long as they were quite close. We also had an overseas trip planned and the Z 9 with lens was too heavy for carry on. I decided to cancel my order for the 800mm pf and purchased a Fujifilm X-H2S and 150-600mm lens.
I enjoy the images and discussions regarding the 800mm and have come to the realization the lens is currently not for me. A zoom lens suits me better....Show more →
Richard... be sure to report back about the 150-600 and Fuji XH2-S. There has be a dearth of imagery and reporting on this lens. With Fuji's 1.5x crop, stacked sensor, and internal zoom on the 150-600, this seems to be a great lightweight and flexible solution for a traveling wildlife photographer. While the lens is 2/3 of s stop slower at the long end, one should be able to shoot the Fuji at 6400, do a little NR, and produce super images with that kit.
p.46 #7 · Official 800PF image and discussion thread
OwlsEyes wrote:
Richard... be sure to report back about the 150-600 and Fuji XH2-S. There has be a dearth of imagery and reporting on this lens. With Fuji's 1.5x crop, stacked sensor, and internal zoom on the 150-600, this seems to be a great lightweight and flexible solution for a traveling wildlife photographer. While the lens is 2/3 of s stop slower at the long end, one should be able to shoot the Fuji at 6400, do a little NR, and produce super images with that kit.
I agree... I have seen hundreds if not thousands of belted kingfishers, and have yet to make a photograph that has not been deleted. It is as if they can feel your lens pointing at them... Your best best bet is finding a hungry bird that has found an irresistible school of fish... short of that, you will be S.O.L. with this species.
Took me 3 years to get decent kingfisher shots. If you’re dedicated, you can figure out their daily schedule and set up a blind. And if you’re really dedicated, you could set up a perch for them with your preferred background. My old kingfisher would show up to her favorite perch (one I set up for her) at 10 minutes to dawn every day.
p.46 #14 · Official 800PF image and discussion thread
OwlsEyes wrote:
I agree... I have seen hundreds if not thousands of belted kingfishers, and have yet to make a photograph that has not been deleted. It is as if they can feel your lens pointing at them... Your best best bet is finding a hungry bird that has found an irresistible school of fish... short of that, you will be S.O.L. with this species.
bruce
Great shot..that's no easy task. I spend 10 or so hours a week for the last 3 months trying to capture the local kingfishers (belted/green/ringed) , all other bird photos are just me passing time waiting for kingfishers. I'm on a mission to get a decent shot of them, they have landed 5 feet away but always something in the way of the shot ... I will not give up. Like others have mentioned lots of deleted shots, just not as close as I want.
p.46 #20 · Official 800PF image and discussion thread
ChrisMak wrote:
A beautiful set. This is one of these types of shooting where the 800PF really shines.
Thank you! I agree about the 800pf and I'm finding it to be awesome on so many different types of outings the more I use it. Just an awesome lens, I'm sure most who have it will agree. But yes back yard birds is perfect for this combo!
