Nikkor Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3vr

[MEPER]

Maybe a future DX Z-body with a hi-res low noise sensor like 35-40 MP could help "getting closer" instead of the 1.4x converter :-)

[chris dees]

Maybe a future DX Z-body with a hi-res low noise sensor like 35-40 MP could help "getting closer" instead of the 1.4x converter :-)

That’s why I still wait to get rid of the 400/4.5
Together with a “Z90” this would be an ideal combination for me.

[Bernard Delley]

I have the 100-400 as well, but 400mm is not enough for me. Same problem with the 400/4.5 which has a 1.4x tc glued on it.
For me I think a 100-400 + 600pf would be the best combination (or 800pf).
Birds are very shy overhere. Most of the time I have the 1.4x tc on the 180-600 and that’s not the best option.

I plant to complement my 100-400 with the 600 pf too. The not so high weight of the 600 pf  helps to have it along more frequently when a long lens is wanted. Otherwise I am happy with the 100-400 as a cover 'all' of tele range, it comes along on many of my not terribly long hikes.  I might use the 100-400 + 600pf only from a vehicle on some sort of safari.

Since you, Chris, typically use 600+tc1.4 , I would think your use case calls for the 800pf .  Contrary to the 600 pf, I judge the price of the 800 pf as expected, while the price of the 600 pf seems too close to the 800 pf for me, and very much higher than the 500pf, while the front lens size of the 600pf is the same as 500 f/5.6 pf or Z 400 f/4.5 .

[MEPER]

By the way.......there is an firmware upgrade for the 180-600mm lens. I have downloaded it but not yet installed.
A problem with infinity focus from 400-600mm in cold conditions has been fixed.

[Frank Fremerey]

By the way.......there is an firmware upgrade for the 180-600mm lens. I have downloaded it but not yet installed.
A problem with infinity focus from 400-600mm in cold conditions has been fixed.

Apart from the academic discussion further up, a high pixel density sensor combined with longer tele call for extreme measures in hand holding technique or tripod use. The Bicycle kid shot does not look perfect in that sense.


Either we see that the 180-600 does not measure up  to the pixel resolution or the handholding plus electronic stabilisation do not work well together or we are already in a diffraction limit.


I guess a lot of practicing and systematical test shooting is necessary to find the best AF settings and stabilisation technique

[chris dees]

…...

Since you, Chris, typically use 600+tc1.4 , I would think your use case calls for the 800pf .  Contrary to the 600 pf, I judge the price of the 800 pf as expected, while the price of the 600 pf seems too close to the 800 pf for me, and very much higher than the 500pf, while the front lens size of the 600pf is the same as 500 f/5.6 pf or Z 400 f/4.5 .

I’m leaning towards the 800PF. I agree the 800PF is priced more “reasonable” than the 600PF it’s too much money for me at the moment. So the 180-600 has to do it for a while.

[ColinM]

Either we see that the 180-600 does not measure up  to the pixel resolution or the handholding plus electronic stabilisation do not work well together or we are already in a diffraction limit.

Hi Frank
I realise your comment may be more related to using this lens with a DX body.

But I've seen some stunning bird photography by Elsa Hoffman (previous member of NG) using this lens with the Z8.
I'm pretty sure she'll have used a tripod or monopod for some of them

If you use Facebook, I believe this is an example
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/zBhCNXT3Qeuu8QGD/

[MEPER]

I just updated the firmware in the lens from 1.00 to 1.01 I think it was.
Lens seems to do OK afterwards. A couple of test images shot from my balcony with 100% crops at 600mm full aperture handhold.
If I had more resolution I might be able to read the brand of the back wheel tyre.

[Nasos Kosmas]

I have the 100-400 as well, but 400mm is not enough for me. Same problem with the 400/4.5 which has a 1.4x tc glued on it.
For me I think a 100-400 + 600pf would be the best combination (or 800pf).
Birds are very shy overhere. Most of the time I have the 1.4x tc on the 180-600 and that’s not the best option.

It’s the same for me too, most of the time 1.4x is glued to my 500pf and that's a good alternate to 600  or 800 pf
The only drawback is AF speed and VR , not the same as z lenses with no TC
I am not interested in a DX crop body, FF is much more easy to frame and spot action and crop in post

By the way I see your photos on other forums sometimes

[Frank Fremerey]

I just updated the firmware in the lens from 1.00 to 1.01 I think it was.
Lens seems to do OK afterwards. A couple of test images shot from my balcony with 100% crops at 600mm full aperture handhold.
If I had more resolution I might be able to read the brand of the back wheel tyre.

For me the skin tones look "digitally enhanced" ... not natural ... like they would look on a smart phone, not a serious piece of equipment

Could you -- from the RAW -- develop these shots with a more natural look (no noise reduction, no skin smoothening, not Advanced D-Lighting etc)?

Thank you

[MEPER]

Here is the same set of images without any adjustments. Just RAW conversion in NX Studio.
I did not do much corrections in 1. set.

But I have to correct myself. The focal length was not 600mm it was 180mm.
Will redo another day at 600mm. It is too dark now.
Also light condition was "harsh" as it was close to shooting into the sun.
I think I turned the zoom ring all the way to 600mm but did the opposite.
But then you can see how the lens performs at 180mm for now......

[Hugh_3170]

Nice link Colin. 

Elsa has captured some stunning shots, especially of humming birds.

Hi Frank
I realise your comment may be more related to using this lens with a DX body.

But I've seen some stunning bird photography by Elsa Hoffman (previous member of NG) using this lens with the Z8.
I'm pretty sure she'll have used a tripod or monopod for some of them

If you use Facebook, I believe this is an example
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/zBhCNXT3Qeuu8QGD/

[MEPER]

An example of 600mm at f/6.3 (full open aperture).
1/100 sec. handheld. Z50 body.
This time I am sure lens was set to 600mm.
I estimate the distance to be approx. 150m.
I feel confident if the image is not sharp it is caused by camera shake and not the lens not being able to produce a sharp image.

[MEPER]

An example more in very harsh light with 100% crop included. Also at f/6.3 at 1/320 sec.
I think lens do well also regarding CA. At 400% I can see some red color some places at high contrast edges. If it is CA I don't now or it is something else caused by very high light intensity.
Distance is 3-400m or so. If I go to 400% I can read the blue text at the sign ("Alvarion"). Then you have to magnify the 100% crop.

[MEPER]

Here is an example what it possible with the lens handheld. There are some camera shake but for documentation ok.
It is taken at 600mm f/6.3 (full open) at 1/10s. There are some motion blur in the image but also camera shake. If no shake I would be able to read the bicycle tyre brand.
So don't see this as the quality of the lens. There is the full frame and then two crops. The last it a 100% crop.