NikonGear'23

Gear Talk => Lens Talk => Topic started by: chambeshi on November 18, 2021, 09:21:03

Title: Nikkor Z 100-400 f4.5/5.6S
Post by: chambeshi on November 18, 2021, 09:21:03
The Nikon team emphasize the main design goals and the challenges these presented. This tele zoom is sounding better and better, not least in light of the performance with both Z Teleconverters even at high f Stops. Squeezing the MFD down to only 75-98 cm (max 2 ft 7") is remarkable, and I hope this may prove to be even more useful than the 300 PF, including ZTC14. Coupled with advantages of flexible framing, this lens should be ideal for closeups of flighty insects and herps etc - and also the larger snakes (!) which I like to get 'sittings' of  ;) ;) The close up magnification is not yet clear, however. Nevertheless, all the features and factors considered, I'm planning to buy a copy next year....

https://info.xitek.com/allpage/attitudes/202111/12-357400.html?_x_tr_sl=auto

[in chinese]

They are surprisingly forthcoming about the advances Nikon R&D has achieved in quality, since the era of the 80-400 G (which is not that long ago really), but I did not try and count how many answers repeat "There is no answer to future products, but we will listen to customer feedback and plan." :-)

Nevertheless, the final answer more than hints a the signature of Nikon's investment in robotics and automated QC "Moreover, the number of lenses in the NIKKOR Z 100-400mm lens is more than that of previous products. This also increases the difficulty of manufacturing. In the post-assembly debugging (though it is not convenient to disclose the details), a number of Nikon exclusive new technologies have been applied. The quality management ensures that any lens you buy can perform stably."


Title: Re: Nikkor Z 100-400 f4.5/5.6S
Post by: chambeshi on November 18, 2021, 09:24:40
some information from Nikon
https://www.nikon.com/news/2021/1028_lens_02.htm

https://youtu.be/PZqJGRPuENA


This is a neat innovation to solve irritating negatives of an extending Zoom telephoto. Nikon has pioneered its Inner Balance Technology in the 100-400 S. The combined benefits :
1. Fixed centre of balance - very useful to balance on a gimbal,

2. Prevents involuntary extension of the lens under gravity

https://youtu.be/wb-o3p3Az4E

One point of interest is among the first feedback of the Z9 from Michelle Valberg; she says the 100-400 f4.5/5.6S gives excellent quality with the ZTC2 at f11, using 3D Tracking + Eye-Detect on the Z9. Some of these examples also include 500 f5.6E PF+T2 III, which is no less encouraging. Her video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=StM5lcT52jI

She says more a follow up Live Discussion
https://youtu.be/nr8JHnzqThg?t=1226



Title: Re: Nikkor Z 100-400 f4.5/5.6S
Post by: chambeshi on November 18, 2021, 09:25:46
https://imaging.nikon.com/lineup/lens/z-mount/z_100-400mmf45-56_vr_s/index.htm

2 Super ED and 6 ED elements


Title: Re: Nikkor Z 100-400 f4.5/5.6S
Post by: Jan Anne on November 18, 2021, 14:29:58
To me personally this lens is the most exciting announcement for the Zee platform up to now and will highly likely end up in my camera bag.

I’ve used the Canon 100-400 on the Sony a7RII which was a very versatile combo with stunning IQ and easy handling in the field, especially combined with a 42MP sensor with allowed for a lot of cropping possibilities in post processing. Where the combo failed was with low light autofocus as the Sony only could focus down to -2EV which doesn’t offer a lot of wiggle room with a f/5.6 telelens.

My current D500 & 200-500VR tele setup works flawlessly however, even during and after sunset as the autofocus can go as low as -4EV like the D5.

When I look at the autofocus limitations of the current Zee cameras I expect similar challenges with the 100-400 @ 400/5.6:
Z7: -2EV
Z7II: -3EV
Z6: -3.5EV
Z6II: -4.5EV (same as D6)
Z9: -5EV

The Z6II and Z9 should in theory work similar or better than the D500, D5 and D6 in low light where the Z9 is the only Zee camera with low light autofocus capabilities and a similar DX 20MP pixel count as the D500.
Title: Re: Nikkor Z 100-400 f4.5/5.6S
Post by: chris dees on November 18, 2021, 15:24:30
Same for me, I pre-orderd this one. No idea when it will arrive.
I will "need" it late April, so there's a chance I'll have on time.
It will replace my AF-P 70-300 and 300PF, for further distance my D500 + 500PF will have to do the job.
Title: Re: Nikkor Z 100-400 f4.5/5.6S
Post by: chambeshi on November 18, 2021, 16:14:59
Ricctalks mentioned the IQ of the 100-400 S is very similar to the 180-400 f4E TC14, which is impressive at its price. The arrival of this new zoom has upturned my carefully planned wildlife system...(even though I'd traded in a 80-400 G in June for a decent price). Anyway, previously I'd been trying to work out how to save for a Used 180-400 f4E TC14; so this new Z-mount zoom is affordable (in comparison) and it should tick most of my needs, except being slower, especially with a TC, and yes it lacks the Internal TC and zooming.

On a more strategic note, looking back over the past few years - since August 2018 - Nikon has strengthened its position in leaps and bounds with the supreme status of their Z mount ie 16mm throat and 54 wide, and 94+ F Nikkors and the new system of 26 Z optics (and counting....). It's unlikely coincidental how they rolled out the sequence of 70-200 f2.8E FL, 180-400 f4 TC, then 120-300 f2.8E SR (2017, 2018 then late 2019). All considered, these have overhauled the status of the tele zoom compared to the best primes! Since then we have seen the sequence of Z mount S zooms (late 2018/2019: each is excellent).

Considering the 300 f4 PF (2014) and then 500 f5.6 PF (2018) in analogous context,  it will be interesting to see how Nikon design the 400 PF and 800 PF :D  (Phase Fresnel is assumed on their relatively shorter silhouettes). Both will be interesting, particularly how the roadmapped 400 S PF relates in IQ to the 100-400 S. Subject to final size, speed and price, I am eyeing the 800 prime with much interest, because I often have the TC2 III on my 400 f2.8E FL.



Title: Re: Nikkor Z 100-400 f4.5/5.6S
Post by: Jan Anne on November 18, 2021, 17:28:43
Ricctalks mentioned the IQ of the 100-400 S is very similar to the 180-400 f4E TC14, which is impressive at its price. The arrival of this new zoom has upturned my carefully planned wildlife system...(even though I'd traded in a 80-400 G in June for a decent price). Anyway, previously I'd been trying to work out how to save for a Used 180-400 f4E TC14; so this new Z-mount zoom is affordable (in comparison) and it should tick most of my needs, except being slower, especially with a TC, and yes it lacks the Internal TC and zooming.
Very recognizable, had the 70-200VR on a D700 and the 200-400VR on a D300 for the first NG safari which covers a lot of range but was constantly switching between setups. The 200-400VR was also not very sharp at long range, did not cope well with TC’s and is not really suited as a travel lens. In Africa I had also the opportunity to test the 80-400VR but it did not come close to the 200-400VR.

Had a 200/2VR which was by far the best tele I’ve ever owned but was often too short, it did work well with the 1.7TC which was a hassle to add and remove constantly. Same with the 300/2.8VR and 500/4VR I’ve rented for trips to Catalonia, even broke my 1.7TC in as hastily  attempt to capture a shot with an extended 300mm prime of a group of mountain goats.

During the NG Scotland trip the 100-400mm lens worked very well as a travel tele with similar weight and size as an 70-200/2.8, because it was so easy to bring along it delivered a lot more keepers over the entire trip than those big canons which mostly only came out to play for dedicated stationary use.

In Australia the 200-500VR on a D500 worked very nice in combination with a 35/1.4 on an a7RII, especially for whaling from a boat as the action was very chaotic and all over the place.

Compared to a 100-400mm the F Nikkor is still a monster to walk around with all day however which makes the former a lot more suitable as a travel lens but should also be a more usable companion to the big primes like a 500, 600, 800mm, etc, especially when it comes close in performance.
Title: Re: Nikkor Z 100-400 f4.5/5.6S
Post by: longzoom on November 18, 2021, 20:21:59
The new 100-400 Z looks very promising. But it must be significantly better, than my 80-400 G. So far it's everything on paper. So the 80-400.  A sample - at 370mm, wide open, Z7. A crop.  LZ (It is my own opinion in my situation!)  ps://flic.kr/p/2g5TATy](https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/47969378126_f8302fbac0_h.jpg)[/url]2019-05-30_29-1 (https://flic.kr/p/2g5TATy) by (https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/47969316152_96229bf75e_h.jpg) (https://www.flickr.com/photos/longzoom.    [url=https://flic.kr/p/2g5Tht3)2019-05-30_29-1-3 (https://flic.kr/p/2g5Tht3) by longzoom (https://www.flickr.com/photos/longzoom/), on Flickr
Title: Re: Nikkor Z 100-400 f4.5/5.6S
Post by: longzoom on November 18, 2021, 20:29:27
The sam(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48064362433_c0c87be932_h.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2gehqq2)(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48064360853_cf5ceeded9_h.jpg) (http://https:/ [url=https://flic.kr/p/2gehpWM)2019-06-14 059-1-2 (https://flic.kr/p/2gehpWM) by longzoom (https://www.flickr.com/photos/longzoom/), on Flickr   The same combo, at 175mm. 5.6. A crop.  LZ
Title: Re: Nikkor Z 100-400 f4.5/5.6S
Post by: MILLIREHM on November 18, 2021, 23:46:52
Now the first NIkkor with two Super-ED glass elements. Might become the first Z-mount supertele on my list.
The  actual 80-400 pairs good with the D500 but can be also put in good use with the Z6 and is a good travel companion. The 100-400 lens might be more suitable to the Speedy Z9 than the 80-400 might turn out to be.
The 180-400 is better (and also better than the200-400 mm first of its kind when no 80-400 or 200-500 was available) but more challenging to lug around and handle.
Title: Re: Nikkor Z 100-400 f4.5/5.6S
Post by: Jan Anne on November 19, 2021, 12:52:44
Interesting video of the Sony 100-400 vs the 200-600mm for a three week trip to Equador:
https://youtu.be/msHuVMsybX4

These lenses are similar to the Nikon offerings so might give some insights from the field on which works best for you :)

I do mis the close focus ability with the 200-500VR which I had on the Canon 100-400 which did 0.31x @ 98cm, the Sony in this video does 0.35x @ 98cm but the new Nikkor does an even better 0.38x @ 75cm. In reference the 200-500VR and Sony 200-600 only do around 0.22x at 2.2-2.4 meters.
Title: Re: Nikkor Z 100-400 f4.5/5.6S
Post by: chambeshi on December 20, 2021, 14:47:29
Nikon has another winner with this zoom

neat engineering solution for balance and stopping creep https://youtu.be/wb-o3p3Az4E

https://coolwildlife.com/nikon-z-lenses/nikon-z-100-400-lens-teleconverter-field-test-z-1-4-2-0/

first feedback on Z9 with more to follow from Brad Hill http://www.naturalart.ca/galleries/collections/Z9/index.html

Nikon Manual https://downloadcenter.nikonimglib.com/en/products/583/NIKKOR_Z_100-400mm_f_45-56_VR_S.html


 
Title: Re: Nikkor Z 100-400 f4.5/5.6S
Post by: Jan Anne on December 20, 2021, 20:42:11
Thanks for posting the review, it confirms my suspicion that the AF of Z6II isn’t ready for long tele’s yet, hopefully this might change with a firmware update when these lenses start rolling out to paying customers as there should be plenty of excess calculating power in the dual expeed 6 chips.

In the meantime I had some time with my Sony 200-600mm and falling in love rapidly with both the IQ and the solid internal zoom design, where the 200-500VR feels like a scaled up 70-300G consumer grade lens the Sony feels like a scaled up 70-200VR or scaled down 200-400VR. Ran some tests and there’s no air leaving the lens while zooming of focussing whereas the Nikon pumps a lot of dirty air into the camera when going from 500 to 200mm, kind of explains why my sensors are much dirtier than with other lenses after extended use. Any idea if the 100-400mm is closed on the camera end to keep the sensor clean?

Zooming between 200 and 600mm is less then 70 degrees so very comparable to the 80 degrees of Nikkor 100-400mm but can be done with my pinky as there’s no friction of two sliding lens tubes to overcome, resistance is comparable to a focus ring. With the same movement the 200-500VR goes from 200 to 300mm btw which now feels very cumbersome in zooming in and out quickly. I do hope that the Nikon 200-600mm will be of a similar internal zoom design with the usual bump in IQ as we have seen in the past with the new Zee lenses.

Sadly enough the Sony lens does not work well on my Z6, AF hunts a lot and the lens keeps disengaging from the camera body with both the TechArt and Megadap adapters. So, love the 200-600mm lens but now need to figure out which body to mate it with while waiting for the Nikon version and the ZIII bodies with things like bird eye AF but this will probably will not happen before Q4 next year.
Title: Re: Nikkor Z 100-400 f4.5/5.6S
Post by: Wally on December 22, 2021, 01:55:51
first feedback on Z9 with more to follow from Brad Hill http://www.naturalart.ca/galleries/collections/Z9/index.html
Brad Hill just posted his findings, compared to Z 70-200/S, 120-300/E, and 180-400/E
WOW!
Title: Re: Nikkor Z 100-400 f4.5/5.6S
Post by: Jan Anne on January 12, 2022, 16:18:51
Cameralabs posted their review of the 100-400 including comparisons with the F 80-400VR and Z 70-200VR with TC’s:
https://www.cameralabs.com/nikon-z-100-400mm-f4-5-5-6-review/
Title: Re: Nikkor Z 100-400 f4.5/5.6S
Post by: Jan Anne on January 24, 2022, 20:30:22
Test results incl MTF charts are posted on ePHOTOzine:
https://www.ephotozine.com/article/nikon-nikkor-z-100-400mm-f-4-5-5-6-s-lens-review-35868/performance
Title: Re: Nikkor Z 100-400 f4.5/5.6S
Post by: chambeshi on January 26, 2022, 09:09:48
thanks

No surprise this S Line Nikkor receives the "Highly Recommended" from cameralabs
Useful that this review compares both TC + 100-400 combinations against key options (including 70-200 f2.8S with Z-TC2):

"....the Z 100-400 + TC-1.4x performs astonishingly well....At 400mm focal length the Nikon Z 100-400mm f4.5-5.6 VR S and F-Nikkor again are very close while the combo of Z 100-400 + TC-1.4x loses a bit of definition outside the center and the Z 70-200 + TC-2.0x is clearly the softest. Even after cranking up sharpening the Z 70-200 + TC-2.0x still shows some softness... The Z 100-400 delivers good results on Nikon’s TC-1.4x wide open (f8.0) even at 560mm focal length. "

".... All-in-all the new Nikon Z 100-400mm f4.5-5.6 VR S zoom lens is sharper than it’s predecessor and also the better alternative to using the Z 70-200mm f2.8 VR S with TC-2.0x. Evidence to its superior performance are the results on a TC-1.4x which are only a tad softer although the teleconverter magnifies any fault of the lens attached to it by 1.4x. "