I don't think I've ever owned a lens that I enjoy using more that this 400. A perfect combination of versatility, light weight, excellent IQ, useable MFD, quick AF, portability... There's nothing not to like. I even slipped into a small bag and took it to the zoo (last 2 shots) when we visited with my grandson.
NIKON Z 9NIKKOR Z 400mm f/4.5 VR S lens400mmf/4.51/1000s1000 ISO-1.0 EV
NIKON Z 9NIKKOR Z 400mm f/4.5 VR S lens400mmf/4.51/2500s1600 ISO-1.0 EV
NIKON Z 50NIKKOR Z 400mm f/4.5 VR S lens400mmf/4.51/640s500 ISO-0.3 EV
NIKON Z 9NIKKOR Z 400mm f/4.5 VR S Z TC-1.4x lens560mmf/6.31/3200s2500 ISO-1.0 EV
NIKON Z 9NIKKOR Z 400mm f/4.5 VR S Z TC-1.4x lens560mmf/6.31/2000s800 ISO-1.0 EV
NIKON Z 9NIKKOR Z 400mm f/4.5 VR S Z TC-1.4x lens560mmf/6.31/5000s1000 ISO-1.0 EV
NIKON Z 9NIKKOR Z 400mm f/4.5 VR S lens400mmf/4.51/1000s500 ISO-1.0 EV
NIKON Z 9NIKKOR Z 400mm f/4.5 VR S lens400mmf/4.51/250s1000 ISO-1.0 EV
OwlsEyes wrote:
The bowing osprey is drop-dead gorgeous!
regards,
bruce
Thanks Bruce. I've been enjoying reading your insights on the 180-600. You obviously know what you're doing and you've also used and are using some higher end optics so hearing your viewpoints on the new zoom has been very helpful. I mentioned to you once before, the only problem that I see with the 180-600 is it's going to tempt me away from using the 400 4.5 and that would be a shame. This 400 is by far my favorite lens. I'm hoping I can find uses for both equally.
Gary
sum1sgrampa wrote:
Thanks Bruce. I've been enjoying reading your insights on the 180-600. You obviously know what you're doing and you've also used and are using some higher end optics so hearing your viewpoints on the new zoom has been very helpful. I mentioned to you once before, the only problem that I see with the 180-600 is it's going to tempt me away from using the 400 4.5 and that would be a shame. This 400 is by far my favorite lens. I'm hoping I can find uses for both equally.
Gary
This is exactly my dilemma!
I have the 180-600, 400 f4.5, and 800PF. The 400 and 800 are definitely better and have more contrast, but the 180-600 is so convenient to use. I just pick up one lens and have compositional versatility. Furthermore, I hit a function button to enter DX mode, and now it's an effective 270-900mm field of view with a 20MP file. As you know, LR with Topaz DeNoise has become so good that any optical deficiencies with the 180-600 seem to be insignificant. I plan to hold onto all three lenses for now, but can definitely see how the 180-600 is likely to get used the most... While the 180-600 is not an S lens, it sure seems like Nikon is splitting hairs with its "downgraded" designation.
OwlsEyes wrote:
This is exactly my dilemma!
I have the 180-600, 400 f4.5, and 800PF. The 400 and 800 are definitely better and have more contrast, but the 180-600 is so convenient to use. I just pick up one lens and have compositional versatility. Furthermore, I hit a function button to enter DX mode, and now it's an effective 270-900mm field of view with a 20MP file. As you know, LR with Topaz DeNoise has become so good that any optical deficiencies with the 180-600 seem to be insignificant. I plan to hold onto all three lenses for now, but can definitely see how the 180-600 is likely to get used the most... While the 180-600 is not an S lens, it sure seems like Nikon is splitting hairs with its "downgraded" designation.
No question about it. It's proving to be one fine lens S or not. I would love to have that 800 but that's not in the cards. Just can't justify the expense for my uses. Well, I got hooked on the zooms after seven years with my Sig 150-600 S. And that's the reason I never went for the 500 PF. I very rarely carry more than one lens and body when I'm out. Previously, when I was shooting the D500 and hadn't yet caught on to DxO and Topaz, if I went to a spot like Conowingo for eagles and I could carry extra stuff in the van, I'd take my old 500 f4 and my Sigma. I'd use the 500 in the morning and evenings when light levels were lower and I'd switch to the sigma when it was brighter. I don't really feel the need to do that anymore because software is compensating for the little higher ISO's. I'm leaving for California tomorrow and I left my 400 4.5 there. I'll be bringing the 180-600 with me so it's going to be interesting to see which lens get the most use It'll also give me a chance to see how the two compare at 400 and at 560. Who knows, maybe I'll be selling the 400 and putting it towards the 800
A few shots of some Short-eared Owls at the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge in Washington State. There was three of them, just having fun playing and flying in circles around us, it was incredible.
The North Island Robin, Bushy Park Whanganui. This is a great location for anyone visiting these parts, very nice accommodation right in the park and everything accessible on foot. I was please with these considering they are wide open at ISO 12800 on the Z9.
It'll also give me a chance to see how the two compare at 400 and at 560. Who knows, maybe I'll be selling the 400 and putting it towards the 800 
