ChrisMak
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 Re: Official 800PF image and discussion thread | |
nmerc_photos wrote:
ChrisMak wrote:
For those that have used the Z800PF and the Z600TC: if intending to shoot 99% at 800mm (or 840mm in case of the 600TC), is the 800PF at the same level with regards to rendering and overall image quality as the Z600TC (with TC engaged)?
I am currently using the A1+600GM, it works great, but now that Nikon has a fully matured lens system, I intend to migrate back to Nikon over the coming year, having been a Nikon user in the past.
Given the immense cost involved with switching to a Z8+Z600TC (I cannot easily sell the A1 and 600GM where I live, people mostly use consumer level equipment, and I will have to trade in at my camera store, which means 40% loss on the lens and 50% loss on the camera), I am considering adding a Z8+800PF combo, keep the 600GM and when the 800PF is the perfect lens for me, I can trade in the 600GM and A1 for a Z400TC in due time.
For my type of shooting, I would probably have the Z600TC at 840mm most of the time. I crop at least to DX frame 90% of the time when using the 600GM.
The Z400TC would be a great lens for trips like the one to Costa Rica that I have planned. And of course for the BIF with the integrated 1.4TC and larger wildlife. In a way, it would replace the 600GM, that I shoot bare at f4 all the time. I saw a decent amount of reviews on the Z400TC with both internal ánd external 1.4TC to get to 784mm, but have decided I won't go that route.
In truth, I have lost all interest in the smaller, slower (and more affordable) lenses, have my interest in Nikon now narrowed down to the Z400TC, Z600TC and the Z800PF, and don't mind carrying/using a bigger heavier lens. But the Z800PF on the Z8 would of course be very welcome with regards to the weight and size savings over the 600GM.
I do not currently own both, but I did in the past. I sold the 600TC.
at 800mm, the 800PF is better in just about every way. lighter, shorter, sharper. the only thing you might find is minor differences in bokeh, which could sway towards either lens. AF may also be a consideration, but my shooting is not refined enough to notice a difference.
it's not a Sony equivalent, but I moved from Canon with the R5 + RF 600 F4 + RF 1.4x to the Z9 + 800PF because it was such a better (and cheaper!) setup when I was mainly shooting out at 800mm.
I think you will be super pleased with the 400TC/800PF combo. it's the best of both worlds. The 400TC is noticeably smaller and lighter than the 600TC, and packs way easier for air travel. Up to 800mm, all of the lenses are extremely close. All you'd really lose out on is 1680mm (2x + 1.4x).
I had a similar thought process to you. The 400TC + 1.4x is as good or better than a naked 600mm, and the 800PF is as good or better than a 600mm + 1.4x. Going from a 600mm to the 400TC is very easy, because you essentially keep your 600mm lens but also get to drop down to 400mm and gain an extra stop of light as needed.
the biggest downside of the 800PF is the MFD, which is 16.4' vs 13.1' for the 600TC. sometimes that can make all the difference in the world... for example, recently shooting migration at Magee Marsh. birds were often in the 5' - 15' range which made the 800PF useless, the 600TC difficult, and the 400TC perfect. being able to reach out to 560 f4 or 784 f5.6 and keep the 8' MFD is a great advantage.
Thanks, this is extremely useful.
In all regards really.
I have been mainly shooting locally (meaning no flights involved) for the past years. My main area is a collection of small tidal islands that are situated right on the large europe - africa bird migration route.
Meaning that many birds pause their migration journey and stay for a few weeks to feed and regain weight for the second part of the journey.
These birds are only in contact with humans for a few weeks each year and are extremely shy. Many wading birds like plovers, godwits, curlews etc. but also many small songbirds in the bushes that are extremely shy.
That explains the use for 800mm without ever really needing to go back to 600mm.
The 600TC would not really make that much sense for me, as I am almost always cropping deep with the 600GM.
I shoot handheld exclusively and don't (yet) care for hides.
So in short, if the 800PF is really as good or better than the 600TC with the TC engaged, and I take it from someone who has used both, then it will be glued to a future Z8 for all these trips. I really like that Nikon made it bright enough and enabled the background separation I want with this lens.
Next to that, I am starting to get interested in journeys a bit further from home, and having planned a trip to Costa Rica in november, it started to get me thinking about air travel and bags to fit a 600mm with body attached without violating air travel carry on rules. It is a bit of a practical nuisance having to take a bag that won't fit the 600GM with A1 attached, as I will have to demount every time I have to pack the lens to move on, or to protect it from heavy rainfall.
Besides, the lack of light and the lesser need for long focal length (all of the time) makes the Z400TC ideal. That may also apply to other future trips, so in a way I am glad to hear you praise the 800PF. A 800PF and Z400TC combination would be very versatile, and may fit my needs exactly.
What is also very comforting in my situation, that it gives me the ability to have both the Sony A1+600GM combo and the nikon Z8+800PF combo, giving me the opportunity to evaluate the switch before I go all in with the Nikon Z400TC.
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