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Archive 2022Nikon Z 400 f4.5 VR S Image Thread
p.40 #1Nikon Z 400 f4.5 VR S Image Thread
JustShootMe wrote:
It'll never compete with the big boys but I can live with that.I know 400 is a little on the short side , but it's such a fantastic lens.
I had a 400 4.5 last year, but sold it in order to go with a zoom (100-400, and then 180-600) to cover the short end in support of my 800PF. Part of me is thinking of getting one again to pair with my 600PF and have a very lightweight kit for travel and hiking. Just wondering if it'll actually get used effectively, or would it be a "solution that's in search of a problem" sort of thing, and sit in the bag.
sum1sgrampa wrote
I got a quote from MPB for this lens the other day. I'm considering selling but they're offering less than $1500. Think I'll keep itIt'll never compete with the big boys but I can live with that.
I had a 400 4.5 last year, but sold it in order to go with a zoom (100-400, and then 180-600) to cover the short end in support of my 800PF. Part of me is thinking of getting one again to pair with my 600PF and have a very lightweight kit for travel and hiking. Just wondering if it'll actually get used effectively, or would it be a "solution that's in search of a problem" sort of thing, and sit in the bag.
Mar 06, 2024 at 10:49 AM
p.40 #2Nikon Z 400 f4.5 VR S Image Thread
MatthewK wrote:
It'll never compete with the big boys but I can live with that.I know 400 is a little on the short side , but it's such a fantastic lens.I had a 400 4.5 last year, but sold it in order to go with a zoom (100-400, and then 180-600) to cover the short end in support of my 800PF. Part of me is thinking of getting one again to pair with my 600PF and have a very lightweight kit for travel and hiking. Just wondering if it'll actually get used effectively, or would it be a "solution that's in search of a problem" sort of thing, and sit in the bag.
Yeah I guess it depends on your priorities and what you shoot. I would think the 100-400 , 600 PF, and the 1.4 TC would be the ultimate go light kit. To me weight , and length of the lens is most important if optical qualities are close enough between the choices.
JustShootMe wrote
sum1sgrampa wrote
I got a quote from MPB for this lens the other day. I'm considering selling but they're offering less than $1500. Think I'll keep itIt'll never compete with the big boys but I can live with that.
Yeah I guess it depends on your priorities and what you shoot. I would think the 100-400 , 600 PF, and the 1.4 TC would be the ultimate go light kit. To me weight , and length of the lens is most important if optical qualities are close enough between the choices.
Mar 06, 2024 at 10:59 AM
p.40 #3Nikon Z 400 f4.5 VR S Image Thread
Cross-posted to 400 f4.5 lens with TC thread
Juvenile Peregrine Falcon - Z9 with 400 f4.5 plus 1.4 TC
Juvenile Peregrine Falcon - Z9 with 400 f4.5 plus 1.4 TC
Mar 06, 2024 at 08:58 PM
p.40 #4Nikon Z 400 f4.5 VR S Image Thread
MatthewK wrote:
It'll never compete with the big boys but I can live with that.I know 400 is a little on the short side , but it's such a fantastic lens.I had a 400 4.5 last year, but sold it in order to go with a zoom (100-400, and then 180-600) to cover the short end in support of my 800PF. Part of me is thinking of getting one again to pair with my 600PF and have a very lightweight kit for travel and hiking. Just wondering if it'll actually get used effectively, or would it be a "solution that's in search of a problem" sort of thing, and sit in the bag.
let's just keep buying all the lenses together!
I was also playing around with the idea of a 400 4.5, pretty much just for owling. or consolidating my kit and going 400 4.5, 600 tc, 180-600 or something. dunno....
JustShootMe wrote
sum1sgrampa wrote
I got a quote from MPB for this lens the other day. I'm considering selling but they're offering less than $1500. Think I'll keep itIt'll never compete with the big boys but I can live with that.
let's just keep buying all the lenses together!
I was also playing around with the idea of a 400 4.5, pretty much just for owling. or consolidating my kit and going 400 4.5, 600 tc, 180-600 or something. dunno....
Mar 06, 2024 at 09:08 PM
p.40 #5Nikon Z 400 f4.5 VR S Image Thread
I’d originally purchased the 400 4.5 + 1.4TC to be my 500PF replacement, to get back to being a 1 camera/1 lens shooter, but things haven’t exactly worked out that way 
It’s been waaaaay too easy letting myself fall into the trap of thinking I need all of these lenses and focal lengths, and I’m finding that it’s only complicated things and made me second guess what to take out on shoots.
The 180-600 complicates matters… a nice setup would be the 400 4.5/600PF/800PF, but if I’m being dead honest with myself that zoom could take the place of first two primes. Yet, I’m not able to bring myself to part with the 600PF, and I’m actually not using the 180-600 at all
Not because it isn’t a fabulous optic, more so because I’m smitten by the 600PF. I don’t shoot the 186 and 600PF on the same outing, and that’s what has me wondering if the 400 4.5 may have a place in my arsenal yet again. Would I find myself in enough situations (I’m mostly a songbird shooter) where I’d naturally want a 400mm lens, or again, will it be a case where I have to force myself to use it in order to change things up? That could be useful to help stoke creativity, I suppose, and the lightest kit possible is certainly appealing.
Damn you, Nikon. Stop making such cool lenses!
It’s been waaaaay too easy letting myself fall into the trap of thinking I need all of these lenses and focal lengths, and I’m finding that it’s only complicated things and made me second guess what to take out on shoots. The 180-600 complicates matters… a nice setup would be the 400 4.5/600PF/800PF, but if I’m being dead honest with myself that zoom could take the place of first two primes. Yet, I’m not able to bring myself to part with the 600PF, and I’m actually not using the 180-600 at all
Not because it isn’t a fabulous optic, more so because I’m smitten by the 600PF. I don’t shoot the 186 and 600PF on the same outing, and that’s what has me wondering if the 400 4.5 may have a place in my arsenal yet again. Would I find myself in enough situations (I’m mostly a songbird shooter) where I’d naturally want a 400mm lens, or again, will it be a case where I have to force myself to use it in order to change things up? That could be useful to help stoke creativity, I suppose, and the lightest kit possible is certainly appealing. Damn you, Nikon. Stop making such cool lenses!
Mar 07, 2024 at 07:23 AM
p.40 #6Nikon Z 400 f4.5 VR S Image Thread
I'm not one to carry around a bunch of lenses either. Which is why I love shooting a long zoom. And I also don't like holding on to equipment that I'm not using. That's the quandary I'm in with my 400 4.5. Since buying the 180-600 I haven't really used the 400 at all. And I'm not sure where I would use it in the future. If I need to add the 1.4 I may as well just stick with the zoom. I purchased the 400 a while before the 180-600 was announced. My grandson's soccer games is probably the only spot because it's so small it really doesn't attract a lot of attention. Given the fact that I'd probably get less than $2000 retail I'm most likely going to keep it because it's just soooo good.
As good as the 600 pf looks to be, I can't see it replacing the 180-600 for my uses. My favorite place to shoot is from the kayak and having a one body/one lens setup is the only option for me.
Gary
As good as the 600 pf looks to be, I can't see it replacing the 180-600 for my uses. My favorite place to shoot is from the kayak and having a one body/one lens setup is the only option for me.
Gary
Mar 07, 2024 at 07:36 AM
p.40 #7Nikon Z 400 f4.5 VR S Image Thread
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NIKON Z 9 NIKKOR Z 400mm f/4.5 VR S lens 400mm f/4.5 1/1000s 2000 ISO -1.7 EV
Mar 08, 2024 at 07:23 AM
p.40 #8Nikon Z 400 f4.5 VR S Image Thread
Nikon Z6 & Nikkor Z 400/4.5 VR S, f/4.5, 1/400sec, ISO-1250
Lizzy by Vento, auf Flickr
Nikon Z6 & Nikkor Z 400/4.5 VR S, f/4.5, 1/250sec, ISO-560
Lizzy by Vento, auf Flickr
Nikon Z6 & Nikkor Z 400/4.5 VR S, f/4.5, 1/400sec, ISO-1250
Lizzy by Vento, auf Flickr
Edited on Mar 09, 2024 at 05:32 PM · View previous versions
Lizzy by Vento, auf FlickrNikon Z6 & Nikkor Z 400/4.5 VR S, f/4.5, 1/250sec, ISO-560
Lizzy by Vento, auf FlickrNikon Z6 & Nikkor Z 400/4.5 VR S, f/4.5, 1/400sec, ISO-1250
Lizzy by Vento, auf FlickrEdited on Mar 09, 2024 at 05:32 PM · View previous versions
Mar 08, 2024 at 01:08 PM
p.40 #9Nikon Z 400 f4.5 VR S Image Thread
Mangrove Swallows in Costa Rica
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NIKON Z 8 NIKKOR Z 400mm f/4.5 VR S lens 400mm f/5.0 1/2500s 2500 ISO +1.0 EV
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NIKON Z 8 NIKKOR Z 400mm f/4.5 VR S lens 400mm f/5.0 1/2500s 1600 ISO +2.0 EV
Mar 08, 2024 at 01:44 PM
p.40 #10Nikon Z 400 f4.5 VR S Image Thread
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NIKON Z 9 NIKKOR Z 400mm f/4.5 VR S lens 400mm f/5.6 1/2000s 400 ISO -2.0 EV
Mar 08, 2024 at 03:11 PM
p.40 #11Nikon Z 400 f4.5 VR S Image Thread
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NIKON Z 9 NIKKOR Z 400mm f/4.5 VR S lens 400mm f/6.3 1/125s 3200 ISO -1.0 EV
Mar 10, 2024 at 12:36 PM
p.40 #12Nikon Z 400 f4.5 VR S Image Thread
I bought the 400 4.5 for motorsports and find it to be outstanding. I was originally going to buy the 180-600, but not so anymore. I added the 1.4x teleconverter for this season as well, but I'm not even sure I will use it much. I'm often just cropping in on the Z9 if I need the reach and when I shoot video, I can shoot with a 2.3x crop that gets me to 920mm.
Mar 10, 2024 at 01:52 PM
p.40 #13Nikon Z 400 f4.5 VR S Image Thread
Borrowed a friend's Z8/400 kit today just for fun. Here are a few shots I got. Wasn't all that much flying today so slim pickings.
NIKON Z 8 NIKKOR Z 400mm f/4.5 VR S lens 400mm f/4.5 1/4000s 1250 ISO -0.7 EV
NIKON Z 8 NIKKOR Z 400mm f/4.5 VR S lens 400mm f/4.5 1/3200s 500 ISO -0.7 EV
NIKON Z 8 NIKKOR Z 400mm f/4.5 VR S lens 400mm f/4.5 1/5000s 500 ISO -0.7 EV
NIKON Z 8 NIKKOR Z 400mm f/4.5 VR S Z TC-1.4x lens 560mm f/6.3 1/4000s 800 ISO -0.7 EV
NIKON Z 8 NIKKOR Z 400mm f/4.5 VR S Z TC-1.4x lens 560mm f/6.3 1/4000s 800 ISO -0.7 EV
NIKON Z 8 NIKKOR Z 400mm f/4.5 VR S Z TC-1.4x lens 560mm f/6.3 1/4000s 800 ISO -0.7 EV
NIKON Z 8 NIKKOR Z 400mm f/4.5 VR S Z TC-1.4x lens 560mm f/6.3 1/4000s 800 ISO -0.7 EV
NIKON Z 8 NIKKOR Z 400mm f/4.5 VR S Z TC-1.4x lens 560mm f/6.3 1/1000s 560 ISO -0.7 EV
NIKON Z 8 NIKKOR Z 400mm f/4.5 VR S Z TC-1.4x lens 560mm f/6.3 1/1600s 800 ISO -0.7 EV
NIKON Z 8 NIKKOR Z 400mm f/4.5 VR S Z TC-1.4x lens 560mm f/6.3 1/2500s 2000 ISO -0.7 EV
NIKON Z 8 NIKKOR Z 400mm f/4.5 VR S Z TC-1.4x lens 560mm f/6.3 1/2500s 2000 ISO -0.7 EV
Mar 10, 2024 at 05:32 PM
p.40 #14Nikon Z 400 f4.5 VR S Image Thread
slim pickings! Heh? . What do u think about the combo compared to A1+300? I know it's impossible to compare side by side on same subject. Overall feeling after FW 2.0?
Another question, where do u see these ducks year around? When I was in northern side of US I used to see them during spring and fall. Very few of them were close enough for even a 500mm. It looks like you can get them up close!
arbitrage wrote:
Borrowed a friend's Z8/400 kit today just for fun. Here are a few shots I got. Wasn't all that much flying today so slim pickings.
. What do u think about the combo compared to A1+300? I know it's impossible to compare side by side on same subject. Overall feeling after FW 2.0?Another question, where do u see these ducks year around? When I was in northern side of US I used to see them during spring and fall. Very few of them were close enough for even a 500mm. It looks like you can get them up close!
arbitrage wrote:
Borrowed a friend's Z8/400 kit today just for fun. Here are a few shots I got. Wasn't all that much flying today so slim pickings.
Mar 11, 2024 at 03:06 AM
p.40 #15Nikon Z 400 f4.5 VR S Image Thread
I'd kill for a nearby lake/pond that had regular water fowl. Lakes here are either inaccessible, or they're so large the ducks are inaccessibly far away.
Mar 11, 2024 at 01:11 PM
p.40 #16Nikon Z 400 f4.5 VR S Image Thread
Young great horned owl - Z9 with 400 f4.5 plus 1.4 TC
Mar 12, 2024 at 06:03 PM
p.40 #17Nikon Z 400 f4.5 VR S Image Thread
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NIKON Z 9 NIKKOR Z 400mm f/4.5 VR S lens 400mm f/4.5 1/2500s 500 ISO -2.3 EV
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NIKON Z 9 NIKKOR Z 400mm f/4.5 VR S lens 400mm f/4.5 1/2500s 500 ISO -2.3 EV
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NIKON Z 9 NIKKOR Z 400mm f/4.5 VR S lens 400mm f/4.5 1/2500s 500 ISO -2.3 EV
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NIKON Z 9 NIKKOR Z 400mm f/4.5 VR S lens 400mm f/4.5 1/2500s 500 ISO -2.3 EV
Mar 13, 2024 at 04:13 PM
p.40 #18Nikon Z 400 f4.5 VR S Image Thread
Jemini wrote:
slim pickings! Heh?. What do u think about the combo compared to A1+300? I know it's impossible to compare side by side on same subject. Overall feeling after FW 2.0?
Another question, where do u see these ducks year around? When I was in northern side of US I used to see them during spring and fall. Very few of them were close enough for even a 500mm. It looks like you can get them up close!
Our ducks winter on Vancouver Island so most of them are here from late Sept till April. We have some that stay all year and breed like mallards but most aren't on the lagoon in the summer. Which I like because it allows me to kayak without disturbing all the ducks. Ducks do not do well around kayaks
. I don't kayak in the winter even though I could as we are fairly mild. because of all the ducks and how much of a disturbance it is. I can get within MFD of the duck from shore but can't get within 100 feet on the water.
I will send you a PM about my thoughts on Nikon v Sony after using FW 2.0. I don't want to post it in this image thread.
slim pickings! Heh?
. What do u think about the combo compared to A1+300? I know it's impossible to compare side by side on same subject. Overall feeling after FW 2.0?Another question, where do u see these ducks year around? When I was in northern side of US I used to see them during spring and fall. Very few of them were close enough for even a 500mm. It looks like you can get them up close!
arbitrage wrote
Borrowed a friend's Z8/400 kit today just for fun. Here are a few shots I got. Wasn't all that much flying today so slim pickings.Our ducks winter on Vancouver Island so most of them are here from late Sept till April. We have some that stay all year and breed like mallards but most aren't on the lagoon in the summer. Which I like because it allows me to kayak without disturbing all the ducks. Ducks do not do well around kayaks
. I don't kayak in the winter even though I could as we are fairly mild. because of all the ducks and how much of a disturbance it is. I can get within MFD of the duck from shore but can't get within 100 feet on the water.I will send you a PM about my thoughts on Nikon v Sony after using FW 2.0. I don't want to post it in this image thread.
Mar 14, 2024 at 07:54 AM
p.40 #19Nikon Z 400 f4.5 VR S Image Thread
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NIKON Z 9 NIKKOR Z 400mm f/4.5 VR S lens 400mm f/4.5 1/4000s 640 ISO -1.7 EV
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NIKON Z 9 NIKKOR Z 400mm f/4.5 VR S lens 400mm f/4.5 1/4000s 640 ISO -1.7 EV
Mar 15, 2024 at 05:35 PM
p.40 #20Nikon Z 400 f4.5 VR S Image Thread
local duck lake
Green-winged Teal
Greater Scaup
Greater Scaup
Mar 15, 2024 at 05:37 PM