My 400 4.5 doesn't get used nearly as often as my 600PF, but when the situation calls for it, the lens is just so sweet. more Waterthrush by M K, on Flickr
MatthewK wrote:
So b/w the 400 4.5 and 180-600, which one do you find yourself using more often these days?
For me the 180-600 has pretty much replaced my 400 f4.5 lens, and lives on the Z9 almost full time. I find that for the type of photography I do the zoom flexibility and 600mm reach is most important.
sum1sgrampa wrote:
I sold my 400 4.5 after getting my 180-600. Honestly, I wish I never would have made the switch.
The only telephoto lens I have used that was sharper than my former 400mm f4.5 is the 400mm f2.8TC that I bought to replace it. While I have the 100-400, 180-600, and 400 f2.8TC, a part of me wishes I went with the 400 f4.5 over the 180-600 when I decided to buy a "lighter" telephoto for kayaks and boat photography.
The 400mm f4.5 is an underrated marvel of optical technology!
sum1sgrampa wrote:
I sold my 400 4.5 after getting my 180-600. Honestly, I wish I never would have made the switch.
Please elaborate! Why do you regret it?
Last year, I followed a circular path: 400 4.5 > 100-400 > 180-600, and finally back to 400 4.5. I thought the 180-600 would be the ultimate lens, and it is superb, but I find I much prefer using prime lenses. Paired with my 600PF, the 400 4.5 serves as my closer-in, lower light lens; I don't reach for it often, but the role it plays is crucial for certain species/situations, and it renders so deliciously.
Part of me debates going back to the 100-400, as it'd pair great with the 600PF, but... the 400 4.5, I can't part with it again.
OwlsEyes wrote:
The only telephoto lens I have used that was sharper than my former 400mm f4.5 is the 400mm f2.8TC that I bought to replace it. While I have the 100-400, 180-600, and 400 f2.8TC, a part of me wishes I went with the 400 f4.5 over the 180-600 when I decided to buy a "lighter" telephoto for kayaks and boat photography.
The 400mm f4.5 is an underrated marvel of optical technology!
bruce
The Nikon Z400mm f4.5, bare or with the 1.4TC produces images that simply look very good, Color, contrast and overall look are consistently pleasing in the image threads featuring this lens.
If I had not decided to stop spending money on camera gear, I would have gotten the Z8+Z400/4.5 as a lightweight alternative to the Sony A1+600GM (instead I now have the 200-600G as a lighter weight/smaller size option).
I think the Nikon Z400/4.5 is a very well executed lens.
My favorite Nikon Z lens though, judging by images from others of course, is the Z400TC, I enjoy watching the images you post with it
