Sony A7iv Vs Nikon Z9. Surprising Results! Bird photography, Landscape, and Macro!
You might be curious about how much better a Professional Nikon Z9 is compared to a less expensive Sony A7iv mid line camera. You will be quite surprised with the results. Especially when it comes to bird photography.
#NikonZ9 #sonyA7iv #birdphotography
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Here is a list of the equipment we use.
Sony A7iv amzn.to/3LZ2dYN
Nikon 500mm PF amzn.to/3GwTfys
Nikon z mount 105mm 2.8 MC amzn.to/3ye0M2b
F-Stop Backpack amzn.to/2Wykvuv
Drone DJI Air 2S amzn.to/3jnSwXJ
Nikon Z6II amzn.to/2SntkFK
Nikon Z6 amzn.to/3wy1IgC
Nikon 20mm 1.8. amzn.to/3h1bSjG
K&F Concept Variable ND amzn.to/3gXMmf6
Wimberley gimbal amzn.to/3s2ABqE
Tripod Benro Mach 3 amzn.to/3uobYWE
Memory cards xqd amzn.to/3uygzG7
Rode video video Mic NTG. amzn.to/31R2bzm
Zoom H4N amzn.to/3kX0TJh
Tape wrap for tripod amzn.to/2Vobzb8
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Josh, something I realized a number of years ago is never go head to head with a female who knows very little about photography. I have two grown daughters who have very little interest in photography but when they do pickup a camera you can bet they'll get some of the best images possible. I think the reason being, they don't understand what their cameras are capable of or not capable of so they just photograph what looks pretty to them and it in turn looks pretty to others. Sometimes we get to hung up on what we think the camera is doing instead of what we can do with the camera. I hope that makes sense. Please pass on to Katie to never let you forget how lucky of a man you are. Beautiful photos from both of you.
That has nothing to do with being a female.
@@mainmain5303 I work in a camera shop and no, females more often than not don't even want to know many specs of a camera. Many just want a nice camera and a good looking lens that does what is needed. The only ones who ask for all the specs, who research "resolution-lines" (resolution) of a lens, were men.
I am certainly a lucky man. 🙂 thank you Guy.
Thank you Guy. 😊❤️🌈🦋☮️
@@mainmain5303 I definitely agree that being interested in the technical details is not gender specific. But I also appreciate the kind intention behind the initial comment. Have a wonderful day! 😊❤️🌈🦋☮️
Another great video, Great to see You and Katie getting out there and using the tools of your passion. I agree with your gear advise. It's the thing that is less than a foot behind the camera that needs to use first. The more we use that the better our photos will become. The gear helps us to get those photos because without good AF you will never get the photos your eye and mind see. All this coming from a guy waiting for the next camera. You two have a Great week and I'll see you on friday.
Thank you Rob, we appreciate it my friend. You have a great week too.
You go Katie... great job. It is great to see both of you. The way you narrate, Josh it makes you feel that you were there. I really enjoy starting my Friday living the experience with both of you.
Thank you so much for your kind comment. We are very fortunate to live in a beautiful state, surrounded by plenty of pretty things to take pictures of. 😊❤️🌈🦋☮️
Glad you enjoyed it! thank you,
The banter at the beginning was hilarious - challenge done! Looks like a great day for you both and I enjoyed seeing that part of the world through yours and Katie's lens. Almost time for a High Island adventure! Like you keep saying through your videos, the gear is just a tool. Get out there with the gear you can and take in the experiences that come your way. Thanks for sharing and I look forward to your next installment.
Thank you Thomas! What do you mean by a High Island adventure? That sounds fun.
@@buttonlover86 you had mentioned a few weeks back that you guys may try to head to High Island, Texas in April for the migration. I will most likely head down to Grand Isle. A 4 hour trip versus a 6 trip for me.
@@thomashusser9391 I think we might be heading to AZ for the migration there. 😊
Oh Josh, This video is stunning!!!! I just see it and find you for the very first time. I like your voice and the content of what you experienced!
Great video, love both your enthusiasm and chemistry. Keep up the good work
Thank you Mark! Will do!
Great work (?) from both of you. I'm amazed at how good Katie has gotten. I'm also surprised Josh doesn't do more landscape - you're great at it. - loved the video. TY for sharing.
Thanks Charles. Katie is fantastic. Landscape just doesn’t get my juices flowing. 😄
I used to travel Idaho 30 years ago, and what a treasure trove of photography locations. Now I am in Colorado and have similar situations here. I, like you folks don't always go for that "huge" panoramic image. There are a few million images within 50' of where you are standing. You folks are a great team and watching you both together is a pleasure, and I think I have the ability to know as a photographer of nearly 58 years and the gear that has come and gone since.
You are very kind John. thank you my friend. 🙂
Great video:) What I'm a little confused about.. That is why don't you have a million followers.. Your videos are just amazing! Thanks for all the hard work you put in to these. Hope to see many more videos in the future to come. Best regards form a hobby nature photographer from Norway. :)
Josh, you've put into words what I could not regarding landscape photography - a genre I love, but struggle with. Excellent vid.
It really is a tough Genre. I can't quite get it down and I really don't have a strong urge to really put a lot of time and effort into it. thanks Bazza.
Thanks for the nice video and thoughts. I couldn't agree more. I often have to remind myself that I had not one bit less fun out there when I just started and had equipment that I'd deem almost unshootable today. The best moments are the ones that let you forget all the equipment and stuff and just shoot and have fun. I'm an illustrator and see the same thing happening with art supplies. The other day, I was drawing with friends and didn't have all my fancy pens with me... Ended up using a crappy ballpoint pen a friend could spare. The drawings came out nice and I had a wonderful time. Lesson learned again... XD
Well said my friend. Thank you for sharing that.
Thanks for this video and putting things into the right perspective.
What a wonderful video. I love your narration, too. G’day from Australia! 👍🇦🇺🦘
Thank you Peter. I appreciate it. 🙂
Such a nicely put together content. Keep it up Josh, I love your videos.....
Thanks a ton! I appreciate it.
Excellent video you guys and looking forward to the next, stay safe...
Thank you Tel.
Nice video Josh,, I really love and admire the fact that you and Katie are doing this together. Thanks for motivating us to get out and create. I’m not sure I’m ready to get the macro out during spring migration though. Lol.
I totally understand. Migration hasn’t quite made it here to Idaho. Flowers first then birds. 😄
@@BayouJosh I’m in the Chicago IL area. Not quite here yet either.
This is so great. Love your vids!!
Thank you so much!!
loved the honest video. both setups are great. what's behind the camera is the most important. the gear just gives you the confidence to attempt the shot you are seeing in your mind. my setup as i leave the house these days is the A1, 100-400gm and the 2x tc. from shooting eagles @100 yards to owls in barns, the same setup works.
Well said. Versatility is a work wonderful thing.
I’m glad you got the Z9. I think, and you seem to affirm this, that the Z9 is much better than the previous mirrorless offerings from Nikon. All the gear are tools. We all want good tools to work with. I am a Sony shooter. I am mainly because I got back into photography (read buying equipment again) at the time the mirrorless world was happening. My previous newest camera was a Canon A2E (early 90s). I own the 200-600G but that 100-400 will probably be my next purchase. Close focusing, very sharp. Katy’s shots show what the lens is capable of. Well done both of you! Love the shots of the owls. Carry on!
Definitely enjoying that camera David. Thank you so much.
Thanks for the review. This helps a lot.
👍🏻
Great Video, a lot of logic in your narration. I’m with Katie here, one camera and one lens. Challenge yourself to see what you can produce with this set up. 100 to 400 is a great range, no matter who makes them. Above all it’s your own enjoyment that counts. Keep well & stay safe 👍🇬🇧
What sony did very well on the 100400GM is how close you can also shoot i at times go from subjects 1 meter way to pressing crop mode and getting images at 400x1.5 seconds later. The only real plus on say the 200600 or 600 is that the zoom is a little slower the bigger glass has a much shorter throw.
@@scb2scb2 I agree. Canon did the same MFD on the RF 100-500. Literally a macro super telephoto
@@KevinNordstrom Yeah its default in my backpack for that reason. The 'internal 200600' only comes with me when i know i need to speed to zoom quickly since thats so much easier on that. The 100400GM is a great compromise i guess a RF100500 on a canon R5 would be about the same if you can quickly change between ff and crop. The 200600g has a close focus of 2 meters which is ok but not great.
Josh and Katie, you two are so good together. Great inspiration to all couples. Do things; together. And yes, both sets of equipment are great.
Thank you Jim.
Thanks Josh ! was super nice video ! Good weekend both of you
Thank you my friend 😃
Great video! Glad I got to see y’all today.
Travis! You had us talking about lenses for quite a while. We also went on and on about how much we all like you. 😊🌈🦋
Nice seeing you Travis. Stay in touch. 😀
Damn that little birdie at 9:47 really knocked my socks off!!!
I love those little canyon wrens. so cool. thank you my friend.
Thanks you so much for your words and photos. Regards from Spain mate.
Thank you for this great video 🙏🏼🙏🏼
Thank you for watching. 🙂
Josh the 500 PF bokeh is sweet for sure and Katie is a great addition to the channel!!
Thank you kindly, Hank. 😊☮️🦋🌈🦚
Katie is Awesome.
Great advice here Josh! Photography is a fun, interesting hobby indeed. 👌🏾
😃
I'm loving the addition of Katie's images. Keep on shooting!
She’s killing it! Wait to you see some of the stuff she got this weekend! Holy moly.
@@BayouJosh can't wait!
Been looking forward to this one! :)
Not very technical but telling. Thank you 😊
Very nice as always. Good idea to use the entire bag!!
Thank you Ryan. I appreciate it my friend
I’m definitely Katie in this video always getting distracted and shooting wildlife when I told myself to photograph a landscape 😂 good stuff and great points to wrap up the video at the end 👌 loved those Canyon Wren shots
haha, I'm kind of the opposite. I'll go out to photograph wildlife and 'hey, there's a butterfly' or 'wow, look at those clouds..."
Jeff and Leslie Wildlife & Nature Photography 😂😂
I’ve just learned to go out with limited expectations. 🙂
Josh, your video got me thinking. I need to get out there and use a couple of my new Z lenses. I’m with you on landscapes, though. I need something to focus on so landscape photography is very difficult for me. I guess I need to challenge myself to try to do that more. Great video!
thanks Patricia. I think most of us fall in one camp or another. I do think it's important to step outside your comfort zone every now and then to see if it's enjoyable or not. I've come to learn that I just don't really enjoy landscape photography that much. Too subjective.
Thanks for labeling the pics!!!
No problem!!😀
I was having a creative block and I did not touch my camera for a while. After watching this video I realised how fortunate I am to own a camera. This video has given me the best motivation that I couldn't ask for anything more. Thank you so much ❤️
Mission accomplished! Thank you my friend.
Absolutely love your content. Keep on clickin
Thank you so much Travis. I appreciate it my friend
A friend put it well to me a few years ago: you have fast photography and slow photography. Wildlife is fast photography as subject matter is typically erratic and unpredictable and you’re reacting accordingly to try and get the shot. Quite frankly, it’s fun because in no small part it can be very challenging but when you get that image that looks and feels just right, it’s immensely satisfying. Conversely, shooting landscapes is slow photography. Turning a beautiful view into a compelling image requires adept composition, patience and cooperation with the given elements and light. For me, I tend to think that these are elements on opposing sides of the same spectrum. I think there is ample space in both your pursuit of compelling wildlife shots and landscape images that are well more than snapshots. Similarly, I think there is ample space for Sony and Nikon to peacefully coexist in your truck when you and Katie are out. Nice video.
You are so right! Yesterday I was desperately trying to photograph a Chickadee. He was darting around so fast. When I finally got a really sharp shot with a great background, I felt like I’d hit the jackpot. Thank you for watching and taking the time to interact with us, Marcus. 😊❤️🌈🦋🐿☮️🦚
I think you are a wise man Marcus. 🙂
Great video different to my normal you tube watching . Thanks again 😊
Glad you enjoyed it. thank you,
Great video Josh and it’s great to see the birds across the other side of the pond
Glad you enjoyed it. thank you Ian.
What a great video! I just bought a Sony A7IV, which was recommended to me by another wildlife photographer rocking the Nikon Z9. I wanted to upgrade to mirrorless from my Nikon D750 and Sony simply offered the most for my budget with the A7IV. Paired it up with the Sony 200-600 and can't wait to try it out on some white-tailed eagles this February!
I've got 9 Z lenses, but they are for different purposes; landscape, travel and macro. For example, I have both the 14-24 and the 14-30, which seems like a duplication. I use the 14-24 for landscape work and the 14-30 when I'm travelling.
😄 it’s a never ending pursuit right!
I love everything you put out but this made it into my top 3 🙂
Thank you Elaine. You’re too kind.
Oh the Z9 with the prime does it for me. That silky smooth background that enhances the subject is a winner. With that said, the 100-400 does produces very nice pictures. Sometimes it's comparable to the prime when the subject is closer to the camera. Happy that you two can enjoy the photography together. Nice to see.
Totally agree. That prime just takes it to another level. thanks Daniel.
Quick question sir, camera strap, which one do y’all use? Keep the great videos coming. Wife and I are some much like y’all it comical to watch.
Thank you John. That’s the basic rapid strap.
Oh, you got me with that intro. Mine has been sitting in my bag for ages :(
Get that thing out and start shooting. 😃
Nice video you both. Incredibly fun hobby which can get expensive for sure.
So expensive indeed.
I have a top of the line Sony A1 and an A7iv as second body. Really the A7iv can take just as good photos, with just some limitations, such as frame rate. For lenses, although primes take wonderful images, no doubt a zoom is a lot more flexible, and the high quality of those coming out now means little or no discernible reduction in quality
Well said.
I’m taking baby steps to move from my Nikon DSLR D850/500mm pf to most likely Sony because I want a fairly light combo, excellent quality, and be able to zoom instead of being restricted to 500mm. The Nikon Z9 would normally be my first choice so that I can stay with a familiar system but the camera and lenses are heavier than I want to carry around. I want the experience to be enjoyable. The Sony a1 is out of my budget so I’m looking at the A7iv. Is it still a good camera for wildlife or is there another Sony camera that has been released since this post that may suit me better? Thanks
Nice eye Katie. My first love is wildlife, but that generally takes us into areas of wonderful landscapes. I have been trying to capture some, but it is not as easy as it appears. I can get the technicals down, but there is an art factor that mostly escapes me. My daughter has the eye, I don't. Thank you for video. PS: 100-400 is an excellent all around focal range.
That’s sums up my landscape thoughts as well. Always appreciate it TC
Katie really had some excellent images! Definitely a natural !
She’s pretty awesome 😎
Thank you kindly. I have to give credit to my teacher. 😊❤️🌈🦋☮️
Nice video and awesome pictures taken with both cameras and lenses.
Thank you my friend
That was like three intertwined love letters: one for the passion of photography, two for the incredible gear choices we have today at any price and thirdly your love for your wife! 👏🏾👍🏾🙏🏾
Yep. You figured us out. 😄
Looking forward to taking my 1977 Olympus OM1 out this weekend.
😃
Great video Josh. As an A7IV user I’m happy to see the side by side comparison As a former Nikon shooter I was happy with the images they capture and I have no complaints with the Sony. It’s a great camera for the money. And I’m glad to see an honest opinion!
Thanks Harry. that Sony really is a great camera.
Hey Harry, how’s it goin? I’m really interested but a Sony A7iv, after 4 months of this comment, do you keep happy with A7iv? Thanks in advance.
*buy a Sony.
I tried several times to switch from Nikon to Sony due to lens selection. I tried A7iii, A7C, A7Rii, A7Riii. And every time I returned Sony and kept my Z6ii. The reason is colors. I process raw file in DXO first and then finish in LR. Nikon colors look so much better, especially at higher ISO, I couldn't make a switch. Finally, I got Megadap adapter and since then keep using E-mount lenses on Nikon body. That's the best compromise I found.
Awesome Photos from both of you! So lucky that both of you have that great gear! Maybe one day 😂
We are very lucky. thank you.
This is indeed a superb video. What impressed me most is the voice, really heart-touching, one of the best voices of the world.
agree
That's because modern digital photography gear has gotten so good in the past few years that it eclipses the talent and capabilities of most of their owners. I still am able to create stunning images from 24Mp....both in APS-C and full-frame. A photographer with a great eye for composition can produce breathtaking and moving images regardless of his/her gear choice.
Well said! thank you,
Hello Josh (and Katie), thank you for the great video and thoughts. I have a mix of F-Mount and Z-Mount lenses, but I have two favorite lenses: Z 24-70mm f/4 and the Af-s 70-300mm P, all used on a Z6II. Why? It always depends on motive. Going to Munich the 24-70 helps me a lot to frame the picture. Going to the Zoo or in a park, the 70-300mm is really lightweight and produces a great picture quality. It really matters on the subject what you like to use. Have a great Sunday, greetings from Bavaria.
Thanks for sharing! Certainly true.
It is a hard rule I have for myself that if I took the time to put it in the bag...I need to take at least 20 shots with it. I've got plenty that hasn't left the cabinet in a long time but still...If I'm expending the energy to carry it on my back...I'm using it. I guess playing it forward and figuring out what you'll regret not bringing once you get back is key. Nature usually taunts me...If I go out with the 14-24mm for example...sure enough I'll spot some bald eagles or other exciting birds the second I step foot out of the car or a beautiful landscape and sky if I have the 600mm with me. Good stuff as always sir.
Katie‘s comment in the opening actually showcases the incredible versatility of the new crop of 100-400 lenses. The GM excels for all 3 use cases and with its very close MFD, you can get near macro results. As much as I used and loved the GM, I’m loving the Z version of this lens even more, and with a 1.4x TC no longer want or need a macro lens. The only other Z lens I have is a 24-120 (which is phenomenal) so I tend to “use my whole bag” quite a lot! Keeping it simple is key! Gorgeous photos from both of you as usual! Happy weekend.
Thank you Scott. I heard great things about that 24-120. I really need to pick one up.
In my experience the more extreme the focal lengths in any direction, wide or telephoto, the more incremental the differences except in price. It's like the cars most of us drive. Just about every modern car made can reach 100mph but if you want to go faster than that it's going to cost you big time in performance gear and training. I think training, or in the case of birding, practice and persistence, can often close the gap between more and less expensive gear and that's not even taking into account a person's natural ability to "see" a photo. Fun video and congrats to you both on some nice images.
You are right on all counts, Bruce. Thank you so much for watching and taking the time to comment. 😊❤️🌈🦋☮️
So very true Bruce. 🙂
hello is the Sony a7iv good for birds in flight too? cause im looking for good camera for birds and also low light would be good. :)
What a great video! ❤️
Great video, thanks Josh...
Thank you Leo. 👍🏻
Really nice! And luckily fully addicted to my situation. Due to that, I have a question and maybe you both can answer! I shot with an A7iii and the 200-600. I'm struggeling with the autofocus as soon as I try to photograph birds in flight. If you compare the autofocus on both cameras - how big is the difference while photographing birds in flight? Pretty sure that the price difference is visible. As far as I'm concerned I'm in the situation so loose a lot of money due to selling all Sony equipment and to by a z9 and the 800mm or just to switch the body from A7iii to A7iv or even the A1. Just want to know the thoughts of Katie and yourself about this topic! Cheers from Germany
I’ve shot both extensively now. It’s not worth switching to the Nikon. The image quality is not that much better and the auto focus performance is definitely not better. You’re going to get great results with the Sony A74. Save the money and take a trip.
@@BayouJosh Cheers!
This is such an amazingly inspiring video.
😁 thank you
First off, well done Katie! Those were some great images. I really liked the fisherman in the stream (maybe because I'm a fly fisherman...). Josh, this video hit on one of the things I'm currently considering and that is at what point does more expensive (better) gear make a significant and measurable difference in the output? I'm sure if we sat down and compared the images side by side and cropped in so that the bird's eye was the only thing visible the extra resolution of the Z9 and any advantage a prime lens has would become evident. However, viewing on screen or even printing out to about 16X20 or even a bit larger how much visible difference would there be? Interesting question and one to which I don't have a ready answer.
Now we need to consider 500mm on a 45 mpx sensor or 800mm on a 24mpx sensor or go crazy and get it all.🤪🤪🤪🤪 "The horror, the horror"
@@tc6912 or split the difference and go 600mm on a 33mp sensor. :)
Here’s the way I see it, it’s all useful and it’s all nice. However, at what cost. And who are you really trying to impress? I ask myself that all the time.
@@BayouJosh one good point of being 61 years old is I'm well past the age of caring what anyone thinks of me except my wife and my closest friends. Those who know me well know I'm not out to impress anyone nor am I easily impressed by outward things or possessions. A person's kindness, how they treat others, what kind of respect do they have for nature when out taking photos, how do they act when they think nobody is watching, those are the things that impress me. I'm still seriously considering the A7iv. It seems like one heck of a versatile camera.
@@BayouJosh 66 years old and just trying to do the best I can and share what I have learned. If someone is impressed, great if I can help someone, even better, but a lot of what I do and have learned over the years will sadly go in the trash. Enjoy the journey. PS: You guys are being helpful and I enjoy what you do. Impressed? You bet!!!
Another highly enjoyable video. Thanks.
Thank you so much Brian! 😊🦚❤️☮️🌈🦉
Glad you enjoyed it Brian. thank you,
Fantastic pictures and video!
Many thanks! I appreciate it.
Katie is a fast learner. And I agree with Katie. I always head out on a hike with a 100-400 and now a 100-500, nothing more. I find with the 100-500, I seldom say, dang I wish I had my macro for that. But if I had my smaller lens on, I seem to always say, wow, look at that. I sure wish I had my big lens. Big lenses always seem to be needed most out in the big areas. Sure, macro is perfect if you are shooting a rose garden, but which do you do most? Gardens or Rocky Mountains lol A prized shot is a bird or wildlife...big lens baby!
so true Angelo.
I totally get you about landscape photo. Although I appreciate looking at landscape photos when it comes time for me to shoot I don’t get it it’s exactly like you said I need something to aim at…
I wondered if I was alone on that. Thanks
OMG that Canyon Wren is so darn cute! I'm a Sony Girl too, Go Katie!
Hi Lisa! Thank you for the kind words. I really like my Sony. Zero regrets on that choice so far! 😊🦋🌈
As I said when Katie got that 100-400, it really is a heck of a lens and at a good price too. It's sharper than the Sony 200-600, not much but noticable. Bottom line though, just enjoy being outdoors and loving the environment, it's far more relaxing than being in any built up area. Keep 'em coming Josh. Regards, Mark.
True. Thank you my friend 🙂
2 Things 1- I really love the new intro 2- The 105 is one of the best lenses of all time. Macro, landscape and portraits
I don’t think that worked.
Thanks John. That 105 is one of my favorites.
Josh I guess the ladies in our lives help us to see things we might otherwise overlook. That Sony a7 IV with the 100-400 GM produces outstanding images ! Her sensitivity also creates for real new and different perspectives. I hear you bro. Thanks 😊 Also many thanks for this comparison. This is great option for more modest budgets !
Very true! Thank you Robert.
Hi JOSH, Your VDOs are real inspiration for me, to take my camera and go out....Thanks for sharing such beautiful photoes n vdos...I was about to sell my 500 pf..but after watching your incredible shots with this lens...had ti change my idea of selling it... Can you pl tell me which microphone u use for recording birds sound...Thanks
Thank you so much my friend. I am keeping that lens also. It does really well. I use a Rode NTG video Mic. The key to a good microphone is one that has its own power. This one has an internal rechargeable battery. That way you don’t have to gain too high on your camera.
Terrific images - both of you - and I like your relaxed, no tripod, approach to landscapes. Isn’t that sometimes the inertia, not wanting to lug the tripod around like the pro-landscape KZheadrs? Don’t get me wrong, they get fantastic shots ….. but often much too meticulous for me to try to emulate. And I can see you’re really missing your tripod with the 500mm - it’s permanently attached to my D850 too. I have the 20mm 1.8 too and it’s fantastic for both landscape and night photography. I have some Milky Way and Aurora shots with it that I really enjoy. Hope the two of you are enjoying your truck. I found an ancient internet map (2013) showing routes and GGO habitat NW of Cochrane Alberta and took my brand new (army green) Tacoma out for a shakedown cruise in the bush this week. The truck (my first truck after 60-something years) was fantastic and managed to spot four owls and get keeper shots of two of them. Love this hobby. .
Loving our old truck. Toyotas are fantastic! So cool that you found that old map.
@@BayouJosh if you’re looking for a great all-in-one lens as versatile as your wife’s 100-400 - after you buy the 400 2.8 TC 😉 - try the 70-200 2.8S. I have it and it’s simply a great lens for landscapes and macro. Then, I attach either the TC1.4 or the TC2.0 (that I can carry in a pocket) and, shooting either FX or DX on the camera, I have a a zoom from as low as 100 f/4 to as high as 600 f/5.6. I used it shooting the GGOs with the TC1.4 in DX mode, giving myself 420 mm at f/4 in lower flat light. Yeah, the images were down to 11 MP - but the quality was outstanding. Simply a great lens, maybe my favourite in the bag - even with the 500 Pf. Although they’re all like children.
Katie has a great eye for landscape photography. Another very enjoyable video, just get out and shoot with whatever you have and try to live your best life possible
She really does. Thank you so much 😊
You get it! I couldn’t agree more. Thank you for watching and for your nice comment. 😊❤️🦋🌈🐿
Josh I think it's pretty clear who won that challenge. We did. Amazing images and a great story. Thank you. And thanks Katie.
Thank you so much Chris. I appreciate it buddy
Great video!
First, thank you for the video. Fun and relaxing to watch. Too bad you didn’t have the Z 100-400 Vr S to shoot head to head with Kaiie’s Sony FE 100-400 GM. Would have liked to see that. I’m shooting Sony but did just pick up a Z9 and I’m comparing the Z9 to the Alpha 1 head to head but can’t get a lens longer than 200 mm for the Z mount yet.
I would have the Z 100-400 if they shipped a little faster. I canceled the order and went with the 400 2.8. I figured if I had to wait, might as well wait for what i want. thank you so much Steven.
That's some nice scenery, Josh. Regarding gear, I think you hit the spot. Just go out and enjoy the outdoors.
Thank you Victor. 😊
I use two cameras and two lenses. I do wildlife and landscape photography, so for me I have one camera with a 27-70mm lens which can also do macro and the other camera has a 150-600mm lens for wildlife. I carry both of them on a harness so either camera is ready at a seconds notice. I have other lenses, but they rarely get used. With this set up I can do macro, landscape, or wildlife without needing to change lenses, allowing me more time to focus on getting good shots. As for gear, while having good gear does make a difference in the quality of the photos the most important part of any gear is the person it is attached to. No good having the top of the range gear and you are rubbish at taking photos. Even with basic gear it is possible to get some very good photos if you know how to compose a photo and how to fully utilize the gear you have.
I keep the 100 to 400 on my R5, the 70 to 200 on my R6, and the 24 to 105 L on my RP. All 3 carried all the time. Spare lenses in my bag for Astro, macro, etc. I do struggle with handling all the gear.
That’s a lot of cameras. 😃 I love it!
"Honey will you just take the family shot. Uncle Joey's getting antsy." "You know I'm using the 500 so I have to step back just a little further. Over."
😆
Enjoy all your inspirations and stories.
Have to say Katie is a mighty fine photographer 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 well done Katie 👍🏼
She’s fantastic
Interesting video. I’m an Olympus shooter, but also very fond of Nikon. Now the new 800mm PF is a superb lens, a “killer” option for the price/weight/size ratio. However, it has big downside: Minimum Focus Distance is 5m. For my Olympus I use the 150-400 F4.5 TC1.25 Pro Zoom Lens. Yes I definitively loose on the Sensor game with my OM1… that is the pill i have to swallow, but this lens is a Wildlife Game Changer (usability). In 35mm Terms its is a 300-800 F4.5 (DOF F9) or with the TC 1.25 a 375-1000mm F5.6 (DOF F11) Lens at just 2kg and about 33cm. An on Top it has a minimum focus Distance of just 1.35m. You may think on the first glance this isn’t such Biggy, but I with this one lens I go not just for the Normal Wildlife, but Frogs, snake, Butterflys Dragonfly, tiny mouses… And this goes back to your initial question about gear usage and what you can do. Of course its horses for courses but, again maybe something in IQ does the job at 95% of the time that is maybe not what you would have normally on the list but gives you something far more versatile. I have in principle three lenses in the bag : 8mm 1.8 (16mm, DOF 3.6) Fish, 8-25 F4 (16-50mm,DOF F8) and 40-150 F2.8 ( 80-300mm, DOF 5.6) which do all my Landscape and general purpose and the 150-400 which is glued to my OM1 for about 85%.
Those Micro 4/3 cameras are so versatile.
Great owl shots at 6:24!!
Thank you. I love those owls. They’ve been getting a bad rap lately because sometimes they kill other owls. But that’s nature for you! They are all just trying to survive.
That telephoto lens will never give you a macro shot that the 105mm macro can.
of course not. we're just having fun. 😀
I had a good time watching your video is a great one, I just got my Nikon Z6ii and 85 mm 1.8 S, And I think that’s the only one I need for my portrait, maybe in the future I’ll add the 70-200 s.
Great combo 🙂
The reality is most photographers shoot the same stuff anyway, it should just be about enjoying the moment and sharing experiences, and as you said it’s totally fine to enjoy your gear that’s a big part of the experience! As a side note do you feel like 500mm is enough most of the time? I was considering one of the 800mm’s but without having much wildlife shooting experience I’m not sure which to go for
Hi Tj, I have the Sony A1 now with a 600f/4. 500mm is great but if you are photographing birds, that extra 100mm makes a huge difference.
Katie did kick your butt in the challenge. Regarding gear, each of you is using a state of the art body, with top prosumer lenses. Honestly, I wouldn't expect the image quality to differ much at all if the compositions and exposures match up. Am I correct in saying that the extra cost of the Z9 is in its sporting chops? I have to imagine the latest generation A7 iv has pretty fantastic autofocus for a mirrorless platform in that price point. The big hub bub is that Nikon has finally created a mirrorless that can focus on par with Canon or Sony. As a Nikon shooter, I'm very excited about the trickling down of the better auto focus technology into Z bodies with more friendly price points. That said, I plan to have a Z9. It appears to be alot of camera for the cost of admission.
You pretty much summed it up. all true. 😃You will love the Z9!
Lovely video. I have too much gear... but what I will say is that I like to have options. I like waking up and deciding "what am I going to shoot with today". Limiting your gear inspires creativity. Limit your gear and enjoy the constraints... because you are going to miss shots regardless of what gear you bring.
You’re right. I do like having a lens that gives me a lot of options but I miss shots often. Like when we are driving down the road and see something cool perched on a fence. Josh is like “get your camera ready!” Like it’s so easy. LoL I usually take too long adjusting my settings, then realize I’m in video mode, etc. and he’s like “aw man you missed it!” Yesterday I said, “well I didn’t even get to SEE it myself because I was too busy trying to get the camera ready.” I don’t know if that makes me selfish but sometimes I just want to enjoy seeing things myself. Taking a photo is fun too. I do like sharing as well. But if There’s a chance I’ll miss out on something because I’m focusing more on getting a photo- that sounds like a bummer.
@@buttonlover86 Yup! You can take all the gear you want, but if you have the wrong lens on... you are going to miss it! Just knowing "roughly" what you are looking for allows you to be prepared. Personally I have a couple of presets on my camera that I switch to any time I am shooting... one focuses on a fast shutter speed to allow me to get grab shots just by switching on my camera - the other sets it to the widest aperture of the lens and a pretty low ISO so that I can quickly get a high quality shot of a still subject without changing many settings. In the end.... the more you know your camera... the less you even have to think about the buttons settings.... basically the answer is always to shoot more :)
Beautiful images
Thank you 🙏
Great video as always Actually think the coffee tasted even better tonight Clearly, the Z9 + 500PF is a fantastic combination but 100-400 GM is a gem with the benefits that said in the video Must say that the pictures of marmot is really good and as you said in the video 1-0 to Katie Have a nice weekend my friend PS: The last pictures from Z9 are fantastic so maybe 1-1 in score then ;) : D :D Ronny
Glad you enjoyed it Ronny. thank you. We always appreciate the kind words.
Can you do a a7iv wildlife photography settings?
Do you mean the iso, exposure, etc? Those change with the light but I try to stay at F5.6 if that helps.
I find that I’m actually using my Nikon 100-400 on my z9 more than I am using the 500 pf. I love the versatility of the zoom.
Zoom is great!
Sometimes the need to justify spending the money on those high tech features overshadows the art. Together you have the best setup. Throw a 24-70 or 24-120 on your Z6ii and all bases are covered.
Indeed. Got the 24-70 on the Z6ii all the time. 🙂
Hey Josh, I am one of the lucky ones who has a Z9, although its in for repair to the sensor curtain, it started to stick. I also Purchased a second hand Z7. It's frankly excellent for landscape and static or slow moving subjects and it was half the price of the Z72. However for fast moving subjects, eg surfers, the Z9 it in a different class. The speed and no blackout viewfinder are a joy to use.
The Z9 is fantastic. but I argue that if you are not doing fast motion work, it is overkill. The Z7 is plenty if all your doing is portraits and Landscapes.