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Archive 2022Nikon Z 400 f4.5 VR S Image Thread
p.46 #1Nikon Z 400 f4.5 VR S Image Thread
MatthewK wrote:
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...Show more →
Well, it's along answer
And it has nothing to do with the quality or usefulness of the 180-600. I think it's a brilliant lens and was a steal as I got mine on release before the price increase.
I had a Z9 and the 400 4.5 and the 180-600. My intention was to keep both lenses. For my small, lightweight option I went to a EM 10 Mark IV and a Panny 100-300. I found I was using the 400 4.5 less and less and the EM 10 and 100-300 wasn't doing it for me so I sold the 400 4.5 and used the funds to upgrade to an OM-1 and the Olympus 100-400. I absolutely love that combo. Knowing what I know now, I would rather have the 400 4.5 back for the extra light gathering, smaller size, and the upgrade, even though it's small, in IQ. And the 100-400, for all practical purposes, is a stand in for what I use the 180-600 for. Usability plays a much larger role in my purchase decisions than any amount of pixel peeping.
sum1sgrampa wrote
I sold my 400 4.5 after getting my 180-600. Honestly, I wish I never would have made the switch.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...Show more →
Well, it's along answer
And it has nothing to do with the quality or usefulness of the 180-600. I think it's a brilliant lens and was a steal as I got mine on release before the price increase. I had a Z9 and the 400 4.5 and the 180-600. My intention was to keep both lenses. For my small, lightweight option I went to a EM 10 Mark IV and a Panny 100-300. I found I was using the 400 4.5 less and less and the EM 10 and 100-300 wasn't doing it for me so I sold the 400 4.5 and used the funds to upgrade to an OM-1 and the Olympus 100-400. I absolutely love that combo. Knowing what I know now, I would rather have the 400 4.5 back for the extra light gathering, smaller size, and the upgrade, even though it's small, in IQ. And the 100-400, for all practical purposes, is a stand in for what I use the 180-600 for. Usability plays a much larger role in my purchase decisions than any amount of pixel peeping.
Oct 18, 2024 at 11:18 AM
p.46 #2Nikon Z 400 f4.5 VR S Image Thread
I have the 100-400, 180-600 and 400/4.5
The 400/4.5 is by far my favourite, but is most of the time too short.
The 180-600 is the most versatile, but too heavy for me. I just returned from a trip to South-Africa and used the 100-600 almost every day and now I have a nasty shoulder injury.
So I decided to sell the 180-600 and go for the 600PF. I probably have to sell the 400/4.5 as well to fund the 600Pf.
So somewhere next year my combo will be Z8 + 600PF and Z6III + 100-400
The 400/4.5 is by far my favourite, but is most of the time too short.
The 180-600 is the most versatile, but too heavy for me. I just returned from a trip to South-Africa and used the 100-600 almost every day and now I have a nasty shoulder injury.
So I decided to sell the 180-600 and go for the 600PF. I probably have to sell the 400/4.5 as well to fund the 600Pf.
So somewhere next year my combo will be Z8 + 600PF and Z6III + 100-400
Oct 18, 2024 at 11:51 AM
p.46 #3Nikon Z 400 f4.5 VR S Image Thread
ChrisMak 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!
bruceThe 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...Show more →
I remember when you decided to move to the Sony system. Nikon seemed so far behind that they'd never be able to match Sony's offerings. While I won't claim that the Z9/Z8 is the equal to the A1, it's definitely close enough for me. As for the 400 f4.5, it's in the sweet spot. Much like the 500 f5.6PF, its price to performance ratio is very hard to beat.
Thanks for your kind comment about my images... the 400 f2.8 w/ built-in TC has allowed me to produce the type of photos of wildlife that I have always wanted to make.
regards,
Bruce
OwlsEyes wrote
sum1sgrampa wrote
I sold my 400 4.5 after getting my 180-600. Honestly, I wish I never would have made the switch.The 400mm f4.5 is an underrated marvel of optical technology!
bruce
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...Show more →
I remember when you decided to move to the Sony system. Nikon seemed so far behind that they'd never be able to match Sony's offerings. While I won't claim that the Z9/Z8 is the equal to the A1, it's definitely close enough for me. As for the 400 f4.5, it's in the sweet spot. Much like the 500 f5.6PF, its price to performance ratio is very hard to beat.
Thanks for your kind comment about my images... the 400 f2.8 w/ built-in TC has allowed me to produce the type of photos of wildlife that I have always wanted to make.
regards,
Bruce
Oct 18, 2024 at 01:47 PM
p.46 #4Nikon 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 1/2500s 2500 ISO -1.7 EV
Nov 03, 2024 at 07:54 AM
p.46 #5Nikon Z 400 f4.5 VR S Image Thread
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© WilliamSimpson 2024
NIKON Z 8 NIKKOR Z 400mm f/4.5 VR S Z TC-1.4x lens 560mm f/6.3 1/3200s 1100 ISO 0.0 EV
Nov 09, 2024 at 04:04 PM
p.46 #6Nikon Z 400 f4.5 VR S Image Thread
Reddish Egret coming at me - Z9 with 400 f4.5 plus 1.4 TC, f6.3, 1/1600, ISO 640
Nov 09, 2024 at 04:27 PM
p.46 #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 1/4000s 800 ISO -1.7 EV
Nov 10, 2024 at 08:58 AM
p.46 #8Nikon 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 1/500s 2500 ISO -2.0 EV
Nov 12, 2024 at 06:13 PM
p.46 #9Nikon Z 400 f4.5 VR S Image Thread
Still one of my favourite Nikon lenses. I wish Canon would produce something similar, or update their 400mm f4 DO II to RF mount.
Chestnut-backed Chickadee (Poecile rufescens)
Chestnut-backed Chickadee (Poecile rufescens)
NIKON Z 9 NIKKOR Z 400mm f/4.5 VR S lens 400mm f/4.5 1/640s 3200 ISO +0.7 EV
Nov 27, 2024 at 12:01 PM
p.46 #10Nikon Z 400 f4.5 VR S Image Thread
Yes, it's not only that it's light and sharp wide open, it renders so nicely as well.
I love mine!
I love mine!
Nov 27, 2024 at 12:12 PM
p.46 #11Nikon Z 400 f4.5 VR S Image Thread
Male Dusky-legged Guan portrait
Male Dusky-legged Guan portrait by Jose, on Flickr
Z8 + TC 1.4x + Nikkor 400mm f/4.5S (=560mm f/6.3) hand held, ISO 5600, f/6.3 at 1/640s; DX mode, 38% cropped (17/45MP). The confident male let me approach to use the MFD of the lens!
Male Dusky-legged Guan portrait by Jose, on FlickrZ8 + TC 1.4x + Nikkor 400mm f/4.5S (=560mm f/6.3) hand held, ISO 5600, f/6.3 at 1/640s; DX mode, 38% cropped (17/45MP). The confident male let me approach to use the MFD of the lens!
Dec 01, 2024 at 07:28 AM
p.46 #12Nikon Z 400 f4.5 VR S Image Thread
asiostygius wrote:
38% cropped (17/45MP).
from 45 to 17 Mpix the crop I calculate is (45-17)/45 x 100 = 62%. In other word, you've thrown away (i.e., cropped) 62% (more than half) of the pixel.
38% cropped (17/45MP).
from 45 to 17 Mpix the crop I calculate is (45-17)/45 x 100 = 62%. In other word, you've thrown away (i.e., cropped) 62% (more than half) of the pixel.
Dec 01, 2024 at 07:43 AM
p.46 #13Nikon Z 400 f4.5 VR S Image Thread
Monterey Hills, CA
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NIKON Z 9 NIKKOR Z 400mm f/4.5 VR S lens 400mm f/4.5 1/1000s 1000 ISO -1.0 EV
Dec 07, 2024 at 10:28 AM
p.46 #14Nikon Z 400 f4.5 VR S Image Thread
Z8 with 400F4.5 at F4.5, ISO640, 1/1000
American Tree Sparrow by DjCj-Foto, on Flickr
American Tree Sparrow by DjCj-Foto, on FlickrDec 08, 2024 at 09:53 AM
p.46 #15Nikon 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 1/2000s 2500 ISO -1.0 EV
Dec 30, 2024 at 02:49 PM
p.46 #16Nikon Z 400 f4.5 VR S Image Thread
z9 with 1.4 TC Purple Finch
2000 iso, 1/500s, f/7.1
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2000 iso, 1/500s, f/7.1
Dec 30, 2024 at 03:35 PM
p.46 #17Nikon Z 400 f4.5 VR S Image Thread
another photo from today z9 with 1.4 TC : Northern Pygmy-Owl
f/7.1, iso 1250, 1/800s
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f/7.1, iso 1250, 1/800s
Dec 30, 2024 at 09:16 PM
p.46 #18Nikon 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 1/10000s 640 ISO -2.0 EV
Jan 01, 2025 at 09:29 AM
p.46 #19Nikon 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 1/5000s 400 ISO -1.3 EV
Jan 01, 2025 at 09:30 AM
p.46 #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 1/10000s 640 ISO -2.0 EV
Jan 01, 2025 at 02:02 PM