OwlsEyes
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 Re: Official Nikon Z 120-300mm 2.8 TC Thread | |
arbitrage wrote:
OwlsEyes wrote:
I continue to be amazed by those who don't think the Nikon Z9 is not competitive when compared to the Sony and Canon alternatives. It is likely that my lack of interest with photographing small fast moving birds explains my satisfaction with the cameras I have. The continuous updates to the Z9 and Z8 have made these cameras better performers than they were, and competitive with others when one considers their lower price and diverse selection of lenses. However, I tend to shoot a lot more mammals and large birds than do most, I am not interested in pre-capture technology, and I am too lazy to learn a different UI. When the new Z9 comes out, I'll pick up another original recipe at a bargain price, as mine is just so comfortable for me to use.
With respect to the introduction of the new lens, I am very intrigued. I'm spending more an more time looking for ways to integrate the habitat into my photographs, shooting an animal small in the frame and let the negative space help tell the story, and wishing I didn't have so many lenses. I could imagine shooting a kit of two Z9's, 24-120, 120-300TC, w/ the 2x in the bag. One could have 24-420 f/4 readily available, with a 600 f5.6 and... and with a bit of Ai sharpening, an 840mm f/8. All of that in an FStop Anja...
Hmm maybe I will be blowing up my system for this lens 
I don't understand how you are amazed by those that don't think the Z9 is competitive but then go on to list the things it is a bit behind in (small fast birds, lack of raw precapture, FPS). Sure, things you don't prioritize for your shooting but they are things others do and therefore I don't see why it is so amazing that others would want for improvements in those aspects.
If I was concentrating more on your types of subjects I would be shooting Z9 and 400TC also. You have made the best choice IMHO for what you shoot.
For me I do go for the smaller, faster erratic action and love precapture and as many FPS as I can get (or at least the option to go high FPS when I really need it). I've been lucky to shoot the Z9, R5II, R1, R3, A9III and A1II so I'm always imagining a camera that could combine the best features from each.
Geoff,
Yours is a fair point, and I don't want to disparage those who want or expect more from Nikon with its next iteration of cameras.
I hope you know me well enough from these forums (FM and BCG) that I rarely play the role of fanboy and have been pretty consistent with how I offer my thoughts throughout the years, so here is my honest assessment as to why I'm still surprised.
1. My photography has been revolutionized by what the Z9 and Z8 have been able to accomplish. I have not owned the Sony A1 (either flavors) or Canon R1/R3/R5, but I have "played" with them all and shot side-by-side with those who have these cameras. It is probably mostly related to my subject matter, but other than being in the right place at the right time, none of our respective cameras outperform the other when it comes to getting the "best" shots of the day. Because of these experiences with friends who have other systems, I often tell those looking to invest in a "new" system to choose the system based on the lenses that inspire them. All three brands have a compelling lens selection that could be the key determining factor on what to use.
2. My closest photo-buddy in the area I live, works with two complete systems. He is an avid and very talented wildlife photographer who has won best in category from Audubon, Nature's Best, and Nanpa, and is constantly in the running for wildlife photographer of the year. His work appears as full length wraps on city busses throughout my town. For gear, he has a pair of Sony A1's, 600 f4, 400 f2.8, and 100-400. In addition, he has a pair of Z9's, Z8, 600TC, 400TC, 100-400, and 180-600. We often shoot together once a week, and have met out of town on occasion to shoot together, I have never seen him bring his Sony gear in the field... not once in two years. I've asked him why, and he says the Sony AF is better, but the built in TC is the difference maker for his photography... This latter point is why I haven't even considered changing systems.
3. Finally, I am human... as such, I am reflecting a system bias based on the money I've spent. We all do this, for some it's an excessive obsession because nobody wants to feel wrong after spending so much money. As such, I have no doubt that my thoughts reflect a bit of false pride. It is likely that the Canon R1 and Sony A1ii will run circles around the Z9, and I have never claimed otherwise. However I do contend that Nikon's lens selection makes up for the difference. The design, weight, and balance of the 400TC makes this a hand holdable lens, and one that has allowed me to make images in a way that I have never been able to do in the past.
So there it is... much of this is buyer's bias and personal experience.
I hope that Nikon makes the Z9/Z8 everyone else is looking for, I just don't think I'll need it.
Respectfully yours,
bruce
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