My Wishlist...
1. Nikon Z9 II to have a big step up in AF capabilities, namely, an AI-based system that can:
a. Better detect - and stay locked on - the primary athlete (e.g., with the ball)
b. Prioritize AF for specific jersey color or design
c. Allow Face Detection to be 'layered on top' of any AF Area mode we select. Example: Choose Dynamic Area S/M/L or even a small 1x1 AF point ... turn on Face Detection ... point the AF area on a player's chest or waist (to specifically tell the camera "I want THIS athlete") and then, the camera picks up the face / eye to track.
2. Nikon to release a 300mm f/2.8 of some sort. My preference is "d" below, but they've got 4 options...
a. 300mm f/2.8 prime: As small & lightweight as possible (i.e., the Sony path ~ 3.2 lbs)
b. 300mm f/2.8 prime + 1.4X TC built in (a 'world's first')
c. 100-300mm f/2.8 (i.e., the Canon path)
d. 100-300mm f/2.8 + 1.4X TC built in (a 'world's first')
3. Nikon to release a 28-70mm f/2 (Canon & Sony both make this)
4. Nikon to release a 50-150mm f/2 (Sony makes this)
5. Nikon to release a 100-300mm f/4, small & lightweight. Would be a great lens to pair with a 600mm f/4.
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@PureMichigan: 100% with ya on Nikon coming out with more S-Line lenses (2022-2023 was epic). Sadly, yesterday marked my 1st step to switching from Nikon to Canon. I loved using the Z9, 400/4.5, and 400/2.8 TC, but the AI-based AF systems from Canon (and likely Sony) appear to be a good deal better for accurate, stickier tracking (esp. volleyball thru the net and basketball with a crowded scene).
@schlotz: A Sony 100-400mm f/4 + 1.4X TC would be epic
@cocodrillo: Referee uniforms that appear invisible to our viewfinders would be a dream haha
Dec 11, 2025 at 02:51 PM
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