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Archive 2022Nikon Z 400 f4.5 VR S Image Thread
p.42 #1Nikon Z 400 f4.5 VR S Image Thread
Bare lens. Pairs really nicely with the 800PF. 
Wish it had a built in TC. 
Sandhill Crane
Wood Duck
Bufflehead
Chickadee
Sandhill Crane
Wish it had a built in TC. Apr 13, 2024 at 09:53 AM
p.42 #2Nikon Z 400 f4.5 VR S Image Thread
Pie-billed Grebe - Z9 with 400 f4.5 plus 1.4 TC, f6.3, 1/1600
Apr 14, 2024 at 01:57 PM
p.42 #3Nikon Z 400 f4.5 VR S Image Thread
Z8 with 400F4.5 at F4.5, ISO900, 1/2000
Focused on something below.. by DjCj-Foto, on Flickr
Z8 with 400F4.5 at F4.5, ISO640, 1/2000
Blackbird by DjCj-Foto, on Flickr
Focused on something below.. by DjCj-Foto, on FlickrZ8 with 400F4.5 at F4.5, ISO640, 1/2000
Blackbird by DjCj-Foto, on FlickrApr 14, 2024 at 07:32 PM
p.42 #4Nikon Z 400 f4.5 VR S Image Thread
Three GHO young ones - Z9 with 400 f4.5 plus 1.4 TC, f6.3, 1/100
Apr 28, 2024 at 08:14 PM
p.42 #5Nikon Z 400 f4.5 VR S Image Thread
My first major outing with the Z8 400mm 4.5 This lens is light and sharp ! with and w/o 1.4x Spent a week on Galveston Island for the spring migration. Lots of birds I have never shot before in Az. So many images.......more to come
Scarlet Tanager by Steve Paradise, on Flickr
American White Ibis by Steve Paradise, on Flickr
Cattle Egret by Steve Paradise, on Flickr
Female Cape May Warbler by Steve Paradise, on Flickr
Edited on May 27, 2024 at 08:25 AM · View previous versions
Scarlet Tanager by Steve Paradise, on FlickrAmerican White Ibis by Steve Paradise, on FlickrCattle Egret by Steve Paradise, on FlickrFemale Cape May Warbler by Steve Paradise, on FlickrEdited on May 27, 2024 at 08:25 AM · View previous versions
Apr 29, 2024 at 06:25 PM
p.42 #6Nikon Z 400 f4.5 VR S Image Thread
Sometimes my GAS tells me to go ahead and splurge on 400 2.8... but then I realize that this is 'good enough'.
Sandhill Crane
Strike A Pose
May 03, 2024 at 04:29 PM
p.42 #7Nikon Z 400 f4.5 VR S Image Thread
lukemeup wrote:
Sometimes my GAS tells me to go ahead and splurge on 400 2.8... but then I realize that this is 'good enough'.
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53695236408_bc84516a94_h.jpg
Sandhill Crane
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53695374459_cd7fa2421a_h.jpg
Strike A Pose
When I was a Sony A1 guy I owned their 600mm f4 Unless you sit in the same spot with a tripod the any of the Nikon pf lenses are far more versatile. Steve Perry has a you tube video talking about how the lighter weight allows slower shutter speeds which to me makes sense. I was perfectly happy with the A1 but the PF lenses made me shift to Nikon. For me these lenses are a real game changer.
Sometimes my GAS tells me to go ahead and splurge on 400 2.8... but then I realize that this is 'good enough'.
When I was a Sony A1 guy I owned their 600mm f4 Unless you sit in the same spot with a tripod the any of the Nikon pf lenses are far more versatile. Steve Perry has a you tube video talking about how the lighter weight allows slower shutter speeds which to me makes sense. I was perfectly happy with the A1 but the PF lenses made me shift to Nikon. For me these lenses are a real game changer.
May 03, 2024 at 05:09 PM
p.42 #8Nikon Z 400 f4.5 VR S Image Thread
lukemeup wrote:
Sometimes my GAS tells me to go ahead and splurge on 400 2.8... but then I realize that this is 'good enough'.
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53695236408_bc84516a94_h.jpg
Sandhill Crane
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53695374459_cd7fa2421a_h.jpg
Strike A Pose
Nicely done!... I traded my 400 f4.5 for a 400mm f2.8TC for only one reason...
What long lens did I want to carry? I think that this is something that people need to consider.
I had the 800PF, 180-600, and 400mm f4.5... too much long glass that required a decision before leaving the house.
1. The 800 and 400 f4.5 pair well, but then there is the gap issue... so you need to put the converter on in the field or take it off.
2. The 800 and 180-600 pair well, but then you are committing to two large and bulky lenses that are heavy on the back.
In the end, I sold it all and built back with the 400 f2.8TC, 100-400, and 1.4x converter. Add in the 24-120, and all of bases are covered. While the 800PF might be a 5% improvement on stacking my TC's on the 400 f2.8, I've accepted the penalty as a way to save weight while maintaining flexibility.
If you need to be at 800mm more than you need 400mm or 560mm, then the 800PF / 400 f4.5 (or zoom) is definitely the way to go
just my 2c's
cheers,
bruce
Sometimes my GAS tells me to go ahead and splurge on 400 2.8... but then I realize that this is 'good enough'.
Nicely done!... I traded my 400 f4.5 for a 400mm f2.8TC for only one reason...
What long lens did I want to carry? I think that this is something that people need to consider.
I had the 800PF, 180-600, and 400mm f4.5... too much long glass that required a decision before leaving the house.
1. The 800 and 400 f4.5 pair well, but then there is the gap issue... so you need to put the converter on in the field or take it off.
2. The 800 and 180-600 pair well, but then you are committing to two large and bulky lenses that are heavy on the back.
In the end, I sold it all and built back with the 400 f2.8TC, 100-400, and 1.4x converter. Add in the 24-120, and all of bases are covered. While the 800PF might be a 5% improvement on stacking my TC's on the 400 f2.8, I've accepted the penalty as a way to save weight while maintaining flexibility.
If you need to be at 800mm more than you need 400mm or 560mm, then the 800PF / 400 f4.5 (or zoom) is definitely the way to go
just my 2c's
cheers,
bruce
May 03, 2024 at 05:37 PM
p.42 #9Nikon Z 400 f4.5 VR S Image Thread
OwlsEyes wrote:
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53695236408_bc84516a94_h.jpg
Sandhill Crane
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53695374459_cd7fa2421a_h.jpg
Strike A Pose Nicely done!... I traded my 400 f4.5 for a 400mm f2.8TC for only one reason...
What long lens did I want to carry? I think that this is something that people need to consider.
I had the 800PF, 180-600, and 400mm f4.5... too much long glass that required a decision before leaving the house.
1. The 800 and 400 f4.5 pair well, but then there is the gap issue... so you need to put the converter on in the field or take it off.
2. The 800 and 180-600 pair well, but then you are committing to two large and bulky...Show more →
I currently have the Z8 400 pf 1.4x and I am thrilled with the IQ and of course the weight. I decided to buy the 180-600 to have a zoom . My copy of the 180-600 was really soft at 600 so I sent it back. May revisit the lens when they become more abundant.
What did you think of the IQ of your 180-600 ? Former A1 owner 200-600 my copy of the 18-600 was no where near the 2-6.
lukemeup wrote
Sometimes my GAS tells me to go ahead and splurge on 400 2.8... but then I realize that this is 'good enough'.What long lens did I want to carry? I think that this is something that people need to consider.
I had the 800PF, 180-600, and 400mm f4.5... too much long glass that required a decision before leaving the house.
1. The 800 and 400 f4.5 pair well, but then there is the gap issue... so you need to put the converter on in the field or take it off.
2. The 800 and 180-600 pair well, but then you are committing to two large and bulky...Show more →
I currently have the Z8 400 pf 1.4x and I am thrilled with the IQ and of course the weight. I decided to buy the 180-600 to have a zoom . My copy of the 180-600 was really soft at 600 so I sent it back. May revisit the lens when they become more abundant.
What did you think of the IQ of your 180-600 ? Former A1 owner 200-600 my copy of the 18-600 was no where near the 2-6.
May 03, 2024 at 09:20 PM
p.42 #10Nikon Z 400 f4.5 VR S Image Thread
sparadise wrote:
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53695236408_bc84516a94_h.jpg
Sandhill Crane
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53695374459_cd7fa2421a_h.jpg
Strike A Pose Nicely done!... I traded my 400 f4.5 for a 400mm f2.8TC for only one reason...
What long lens did I want to carry? I think that this is something that people need to consider.
I had the 800PF, 180-600, and 400mm f4.5... too much long glass that required a decision before leaving the house.
1. The 800 and 400 f4.5 pair well, but then there is the gap issue... so you need to put the converter on in the field or take it off.
2. The 800 and 180-600 pair well, but then you are committing to two large and bulky lenses that are heavy on the back.
In the end, I sold it all and built back with the 400 f2.8TC, 100-400, and 1.4x converter. Add in the 24-120, and all of bases are covered. While the 800PF might be a 5% improvement on stacking my TC's on the 400 f2.8, I've accepted the penalty as a way to save weight while maintaining flexibility.
If you need to be at 800mm more than you need 400mm or 560mm, then the 800PF / 400 f4.5 (or zoom) is definitely the way to go
just my 2c's
cheers,
bruceI currently have the Z8 400 pf 1.4x and I am thrilled with the IQ and of course the weight. I decided to buy the 180-600 to have a zoom . My copy of the 180-600 was really soft at 600 so I sent it back. May revisit the lens when they become more abundant.
What did you think of the IQ of your 180-600 ? Former A1 owner 200-600 my copy of the 18-600 was no where near the 2-6.
I must have had a good copy of the 180-600. I did not sell it because of image or AF issues, it just was not the best fit with the 400 f2.8TC. I found the 180-600 was the perfect 2nd lens to the 800PF... I just don't shoot the subjects to which the 800PF is best suited.
cheers.
bruce
OwlsEyes wrote
lukemeup wrote
Sometimes my GAS tells me to go ahead and splurge on 400 2.8... but then I realize that this is 'good enough'.What long lens did I want to carry? I think that this is something that people need to consider.
I had the 800PF, 180-600, and 400mm f4.5... too much long glass that required a decision before leaving the house.
1. The 800 and 400 f4.5 pair well, but then there is the gap issue... so you need to put the converter on in the field or take it off.
2. The 800 and 180-600 pair well, but then you are committing to two large and bulky lenses that are heavy on the back.
In the end, I sold it all and built back with the 400 f2.8TC, 100-400, and 1.4x converter. Add in the 24-120, and all of bases are covered. While the 800PF might be a 5% improvement on stacking my TC's on the 400 f2.8, I've accepted the penalty as a way to save weight while maintaining flexibility.
If you need to be at 800mm more than you need 400mm or 560mm, then the 800PF / 400 f4.5 (or zoom) is definitely the way to go
just my 2c's
cheers,
bruce
What did you think of the IQ of your 180-600 ? Former A1 owner 200-600 my copy of the 18-600 was no where near the 2-6.
I must have had a good copy of the 180-600. I did not sell it because of image or AF issues, it just was not the best fit with the 400 f2.8TC. I found the 180-600 was the perfect 2nd lens to the 800PF... I just don't shoot the subjects to which the 800PF is best suited.
cheers.
bruce
May 03, 2024 at 11:20 PM
p.42 #11Nikon Z 400 f4.5 VR S Image Thread
OwlsEyes wrote:
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53695236408_bc84516a94_h.jpg
Sandhill Crane
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53695374459_cd7fa2421a_h.jpg
Strike A Pose Nicely done!... I traded my 400 f4.5 for a 400mm f2.8TC for only one reason...
What long lens did I want to carry? I think that this is something that people need to consider.
I had the 800PF, 180-600, and 400mm f4.5... too much long glass that required a decision before leaving the house.
1. The 800 and 400 f4.5 pair well, but then there is the gap issue... so you need to put the converter on in the field or take it off.
2. The 800 and 180-600 pair well, but then you are committing to two large and bulky...Show more →
I've been debating doing this, and after a year hiatus, I'm adding the 400 4.5 back into the lineup to use alongside my 600PF for the ultimate lightweight kit, and to also give me a lower light option. Also have the 180-600/800PF "heavy" kit for when ultimate reach and versatility are needed, but I'm debating whether or not I'll be keeping those two
Strongly agree with Bruce's two points above, and also his statement on the "analysis paralysis" over what to bring each outing. I didn't like the massive gap between the 400 4.5 and 800PF, felt that I was constantly changing lenses and missing shots. Now that I am a 600mm shooter, the 400 4.5 makes more sense, and felt it was a good time to revisit.
"Well, why don't you just forgo the 600PF and just use the 1.4TC on the 400?"
"The 180-600 makes more sense, it does the job of both the 400/600"
Both great points, but I didn't like the IQ of the 400 4.5 + 1.4TC (especially compared to the 600PF), and while the 186 is exquisite, I'm not really a fan of zooms. I like the no nonsense nature that shooting with primes instills, don't like fiddling about with TCs and zooms, and I want to go as light as possible.
lukemeup wrote
Sometimes my GAS tells me to go ahead and splurge on 400 2.8... but then I realize that this is 'good enough'.What long lens did I want to carry? I think that this is something that people need to consider.
I had the 800PF, 180-600, and 400mm f4.5... too much long glass that required a decision before leaving the house.
1. The 800 and 400 f4.5 pair well, but then there is the gap issue... so you need to put the converter on in the field or take it off.
2. The 800 and 180-600 pair well, but then you are committing to two large and bulky...Show more →
I've been debating doing this, and after a year hiatus, I'm adding the 400 4.5 back into the lineup to use alongside my 600PF for the ultimate lightweight kit, and to also give me a lower light option. Also have the 180-600/800PF "heavy" kit for when ultimate reach and versatility are needed, but I'm debating whether or not I'll be keeping those two
Strongly agree with Bruce's two points above, and also his statement on the "analysis paralysis" over what to bring each outing. I didn't like the massive gap between the 400 4.5 and 800PF, felt that I was constantly changing lenses and missing shots. Now that I am a 600mm shooter, the 400 4.5 makes more sense, and felt it was a good time to revisit.
"Well, why don't you just forgo the 600PF and just use the 1.4TC on the 400?"
"The 180-600 makes more sense, it does the job of both the 400/600"
Both great points, but I didn't like the IQ of the 400 4.5 + 1.4TC (especially compared to the 600PF), and while the 186 is exquisite, I'm not really a fan of zooms. I like the no nonsense nature that shooting with primes instills, don't like fiddling about with TCs and zooms, and I want to go as light as possible.
May 06, 2024 at 07:20 AM
p.42 #12Nikon Z 400 f4.5 VR S Image Thread
Man, I missed this lens...
Song Sparrow by M K, on Flickr
My 600Pf is stuck in Nikon Repair now for 3 full weeks, with no sign of an ETA, so have been lugging the 186+800PF everywhere for birding; quite refreshing to lock this featherweight lens on the Z8 and head out into the field (behind my house) for some testing. Shot w/wo the 1.4TC, and have no complaints about IQ so far, but true test will be comparing it to my 600PF whenever they decide to send it back.
Yellow Warbler by M K, on Flickr
American Redstart by M K, on Flickr
Song Sparrow by M K, on FlickrMy 600Pf is stuck in Nikon Repair now for 3 full weeks, with no sign of an ETA, so have been lugging the 186+800PF everywhere for birding; quite refreshing to lock this featherweight lens on the Z8 and head out into the field (behind my house) for some testing. Shot w/wo the 1.4TC, and have no complaints about IQ so far, but true test will be comparing it to my 600PF whenever they decide to send it back.
Yellow Warbler by M K, on FlickrAmerican Redstart by M K, on FlickrMay 10, 2024 at 08:29 AM
p.42 #13Nikon Z 400 f4.5 VR S Image Thread
White-faced Ibis - Z9 with 400 f4.5 plus 1.4 TC, f6.3, 1/640
May 10, 2024 at 03:02 PM
p.42 #14Nikon Z 400 f4.5 VR S Image Thread
Female Redwing Blackbird having a dragonfly for breakfast
© WilliamSimpson 2024
NIKON Z 8 NIKKOR Z 400mm f/4.5 VR S Z TC-1.4x lens 560mm f/6.3 1/1250s 560 ISO 0.0 EV
© WilliamSimpson 2024
NIKON Z 8 NIKKOR Z 400mm f/4.5 VR S Z TC-1.4x lens 560mm f/6.3 1/1250s 500 ISO 0.0 EV
May 11, 2024 at 05:41 PM
p.42 #15Nikon Z 400 f4.5 VR S Image Thread
From last July
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NIKON Z 9 NIKKOR Z 400mm f/4.5 VR S Z TC-1.4x lens 560mm f/6.3 1/2000s 2000 ISO -1.7 EV
May 15, 2024 at 08:22 AM
p.42 #16Nikon Z 400 f4.5 VR S Image Thread
Puget Sound beach shots, West Seattle...
NIKON Z 8 NIKKOR Z 400mm f/4.5 VR S Z TC-1.4x lens 560mm f/6.3 1/3200s 560 ISO 0.0 EV
NIKON Z 8 NIKKOR Z 400mm f/4.5 VR S Z TC-1.4x lens 560mm f/6.3 1/3200s 500 ISO 0.0 EV
NIKON Z 8 NIKKOR Z 400mm f/4.5 VR S Z TC-1.4x lens 560mm f/6.3 1/3200s 400 ISO 0.0 EV
NIKON Z 8 NIKKOR Z 400mm f/4.5 VR S Z TC-1.4x lens 560mm f/6.3 1/3200s 360 ISO 0.0 EV
May 15, 2024 at 08:36 PM
p.42 #17Nikon Z 400 f4.5 VR S Image Thread
Great Blue Heron - Z9 with 400 f4.5 plus 1.4 TC, f8, 1/640
May 17, 2024 at 01:43 PM
p.42 #18Nikon Z 400 f4.5 VR S Image Thread
Dinner time!
NIKON Z 8 NIKKOR Z 400mm f/4.5 VR S lens 400mm f/4.5 1/3200s 720 ISO 0.0 EV
May 17, 2024 at 06:13 PM
p.42 #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 1/640s 800 ISO -2.0 EV
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NIKON Z 9 NIKKOR Z 400mm f/4.5 VR S lens 400mm f/4.5 1/500s 640 ISO -2.0 EV
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NIKON Z 9 NIKKOR Z 400mm f/4.5 VR S lens 400mm f/4.5 1/800s 800 ISO -2.0 EV
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NIKON Z 9 NIKKOR Z 400mm f/4.5 VR S lens 400mm f/4.5 1/640s 800 ISO -2.0 EV
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NIKON Z 9 NIKKOR Z 400mm f/4.5 VR S lens 400mm f/4.5 1/1000s 800 ISO -2.0 EV
May 18, 2024 at 04:11 PM
p.42 #20Nikon Z 400 f4.5 VR S Image Thread
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NIKON Z 9 NIKKOR Z 400mm f/4.5 VR S Z TC-1.4x lens 560mm f/6.3 1/800s 1250 ISO -1.7 EV
May 25, 2024 at 06:05 PM