Your final images with this combo Geoff?
Apart from the handling/AF, how do you feel the image quality compares between the Z9/500pf and A1/600gm?
Yes
In regards to the sensors...close enough not to matter to me.
In regards to the lenses...600GM is better (as I'd expect/hope). I shot ~2500 images with each combo yesterday in cloudy and then light filtered sunny. You can tell the difference when looking at a 600GM shot over a 500PF shot although it is hard to really make a direct comparison as yesterday I did a lot of 840/5.6 shooting and 840/5.6 renders the images (mostly similar subjects at similar distances) a lot differently than 500/5.6 no matter the other lens qualities. And then comparing 600/4 to 500/5.6 is also difficult. I guess I really should compare 600/5.6 to 500/5.6. This was the only Z9 outing that I shot the 600 side by side. My other outings I used the 200-600 to get a bit closer comparison. But I didn't do much shooting with the Sony kit those first 6 days as I wanted to concentrate on the usability and AF of the Z9.
I'm happy with the decision I made and glad I got to own the Z9 for awhile. For me it came down to a decision of keeping the Z9/500PF/TC kit or using that money to buy a Sony 400GM. I decided to go for the lens (although that isn't 100% decided yet).
While I continue to "stay home" with the system I've been shooting, I think you have made the best decision. The Nikon Z9 and future lenses are (and will be great), but it makes little sense to dump what is already great for something that will require you to wait and see.
The A1 and 600mm f/4 are a brilliant and powerful pair. Adding in the lighter and equally great 400mm f/2.8 GM makes way more sense than then waiting for Nikon's inevitable optics.
Were I to have your current gear, I wouldn't even be looking at the Nikon system.
For others in my space, owning a 600mm GM would need to be enough to persuade me to shift systems. With the massive sell off of F-mount gear, I'm not thinking of buying an D5 and 180-400 to use for wildlife, and keep my Z-gear for lighter use... This has now become an relatively affordable alternative to embracing a mirrorless only system.
Good shooting,
bruce
Jan 29, 2022 at 12:05 PM
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