SURPRISE!! Did NIKON Just Release THE BEST Wildlife Lens EVER? | Nikon 600 mm F/6.3 VR S PF
SMALL & LIGHT, but what is the AUTOFOCUS and IMAGE QUALITY like? And how does it work with teleconverters?
Let's take a look and Nikon's brand new Nikkor F6.3 600mm PF lens and how it fared in the field for wildlife and bird photography! How does it compare to the comparison from Nikon, Canon & Sony?
MASTERCLASS - Editing Your Bird Images To Perfection
👉 aviscapes.com/masterclass-edi...
____________________________________________
Check out our PROSETS here and save up to 30%!
👉 thebirdphotographyshow.com/pr...
____________________________________________
NEW Brush Pack w/ Custom Layers
👉thebirdphotographyshow.com/bru...
_____________________________________________
MASTERCLASS & PERCHED BUNDLE - 25% off!
👉 aviscapes.com/perched-masterc...
_____________________________________________
How to Attract Amazing Birds Ebook & Video Perched
👉 aviscapes.com/video-and-ebook/
_____________________________________________
SET UP GUIDES | Z8, R3, R5, R6 II, R7 & MORE
👉 thebirdphotographyshow.com
_____________________________________________
My Twitter
👉 / jan_wegener_
_____________________________________________
Instagram
👉 / jan_wegener_
_____________________________________________
The Lens used in This Video is a SAMPLE and not a fail proaction model
Bird Photography Helpers:
DXO Pure RAW 3 Free trial:
tidd.ly/3HsjB6M
tidd.ly/3uOpwhl
Topaz DeNoise AI - topazlabs.com/ref/1347/?campa...
Topaz Gigapixel & More
www.topazlabs.com/downloads/r...
Flex Shooter Pro Head
👉 www.ballhead.eu/flexline-full...
This is the Equipment I recommend:
Canon EOS R5 amzn.to/2FV1Fpq
Canon EOS R6 amzn.to/3qOtEbQ
Nikon Z9 amzn.to/3GeMscb
Sony Alpha 1 amzn.to/2WsXKYZ
Canon RF 100-500 L IS amzn.to/3liEIx0
RF Extender 1.4x amzn.to/3bMD5nO
RF Extender 2x amzn.to/3cuMdwD
Sony FE 200-600 amzn.to/3faCMVj
Sony 1.4x TC amzn.to/2WsXMA5
RF 800 F11 amzn.to/3ldq6Pr
RF600 F11 amzn.to/3bIBrDJ
Canon EOS 5D Mark IV amzn.to/2ToffWf
Canon 600 L IS III (I have v. II) amzn.to/3dZM7wn
Canon EF 5.6/400 L amzn.to/2AJwbQk
Canon 1.4x TC III amzn.to/2T7vAhz
Canon 2x TC III amzn.to/3fPnYdr
Canon 600 EX - RT amzn.to/3czhDRf
Wimberley Head II amzn.to/3dOuqzI
Gitzo 5543LS (new version of my tripod) amzn.to/3dRfxg3
Gitzo GT2545T Travel Tripod amzn.to/3BSmhXJ
Wimberley Flash Bracket amzn.to/2LweMg5
Wimberley M-6 Extension Post amzn.to/2LxCvfQ
Better Beamer (check for compatibility) amzn.to/2AxbbfF
Flash Battery (Godox & Flashpoint is the same) amzn.to/3fNDWVD
Power Cord amzn.to/3cBJGzt
Y connector amzn.to/2X22zoT
Novoflex STA-SET amzn.to/2y5s1Bt
LensCoat LensHide amzn.to/3bAkoAo
LensCoat Lens Hoodie amzn.to/3fStHiI
Canon 2.8/70-200 II amzn.to/3cArBSB
Canon 4/24-70 amzn.to/2AwjeJE
Canon 4/16-35 L IS amzn.to/3fPqPDb
JBL Clip3 Speaker amzn.to/36225D5
Sandisk Extreme Pro CFexpress Card type B 512GB amzn.to/38FPKHg
Sandisk Extreme Pro amzn.to/2WXKt7n
Panasonic Eneloop Pro amzn.to/2X2SQ1q
Minox 8x43 amzn.to/2Z7YxxQ
Canon LP-E6N amzn.to/3byTSYg
Manfrotto Mini Ballhead amzn.to/3dR2pYm
FStop Gear Sukha Backpack amzn.to/2Q3e4fZ
Atomos Ninja V amzn.to/3GYFV5v
LINKS USED IN THE DESCRIPTION MAY OR MAY NOT BE AFFILIATE LINKS
By using the affiliate links I earn a small commission on your purchase, it does not cost you anything extra to use them. It helps me to create more content for you. Thank you for the support!
TIMESTAMPS:
0:00 Is THIS The ONE?
1:12 So Small & Light!
2:26 MFD
2:57 Weather Sealing
3:15 Autofocus & Action
4:57 Image Stabilisation
6:05 Image Quality
8:59 Teleconverters
11:09 600 PF vs OTHER LENSES
13:11 Final Thoughts
nikon is killin' it
8500 x killing it!
100%
Agree! Nikon is killing the long lens game and honestly has been since about 2016-present! They really have made some incredible lenses. I’ve had the pleasure to use most Nikon gear, being a photojournalist/newspaper photographer. While their super-tele lenses have always been excellent…they haven’t always been affordable! Nikon lately has done an amazing job making super-telephoto lenses more affordable to the masses! Anyways just wanted to add there is a difference between image editing and image alterations. As a photojournalist I prefer to follow the ethics of photojournalism, and therefor I wanted to point this out. I started photographing wildlife at just age 9 years old and wildlife photography remains a passion of mine today. While I personally don’t alter images, I realize that photography is an art and I don’t hold anything against those who do alter images. Each person has to make a personal choice about wether or not they’re comfortable altering images vs. slight edits, crops, etc.! Thankfully most contest now require you to provide the RAW file(s), so I’m thankful for that. Calling what he’s doing image editing is sort of misleading to viewers.
That shot of the two spectacled monarch birds is incredible, as a Canon shooter I’m slowly but surely getting jealous of Nikon’s lense options 😮
As you should. I switched from the perfectly fine Sony A1 for these pf lenses . I owned the Sony 600mm f4 and while it is a great lens the weight and more importantly for me the bulk of the combo was cumbersome. The Nikon Z8 has the ergonomics of Canon with better lens options . I went one step further and bought the 800mm pf . Smaller and 1.5 pounds lighter than the Sony 600mm f4
I wish Canon had a lens like this, it’s seriously making me consider changing brand 🤦♂️
Canon 600mm and 800mm are fresnel lenses, so they are light and compact.
nikon*@@kevins8575
@@kevins8575 yeah I have the 800f11. I wish canon had a mid point 600mm lens. The 600f11 is entry level and the 600f4 is way too expensive. A 600f6.3 at about 10kAUD would be amazing semi pro lens
I would never buy that lens for that price. The only Nikon’s lens I would like is the 800 6.3. The quality of 180-600 is nothing special compared to 100-500.
@@SuomiFinland78 But the 180-600 is 100mm longer, 1/3 of a stop faster and about half the price. At least in my opinion the 100-500 falls more in the same class as the 100-400 lenses from Sony and Nikon and all of those lenses offer proper TC support. But if you already have the 100-500 I could see why any of those lenses wouldn’t make sense for you.
No words for Nikon... they just deliver! And not only F/4 super expensive lenses with best tech but also relatively affordable small lenses... Excellent work. And a great review Jan, I hope to have such a great and approachable wildlife here in central Europe as you have :D With our animals being extremely skittish and coming out in almost total darkness I would need an 800mm f/2.8 to be able to capture photographs such as yours, while walking around in my black trousers and colourful t-shirt :/
f6.3
@@rosetzu_nagasawa He was making a joke about 800mm f/2.8
Another great lens from Nikon.. Thinking of leaving Canon soon. They seems to not priorities us wildlife shooters. They only give us cheap (f11) lenses, or very expensive lenses, and nothing between as Nikon is doing. Congratulation Nikon users (again)! Jan..great video! 👏😄
Exactly!
Nikon is certainly pushing hard. I might not be able to resist this one myself 🙈
Same here 😉I just bough a Canon 400mm DO m2 to my R5 and will first see if I like it 100%. So far I like it, but Nikon is pushing it. @@jan_wegener
Is this 600 f6.3 cheap for your opinion? 😂
@@SuomiFinland78it’s 1/3 of a big prime. Always depends what you compare it to
Carrying Nikon in field - you are guaranteed to be blessed with lot of luck
Hehe! Feels that way
Canon should also make something like this!
Yeah and it’ll cost $10.5k
We can only hope 😂
Sure, this Nikon's lens it's cheap ahah@@jigjitsu5599
Canon used to have DO lenses for the EF mount (basically the same as Nikon Pf), but they were a lot more expensive
@@romanpul yes, but I've heard that first 400 DO had some sharpness issues. The second version was much better, but I think too many folks still remembered the first one. However, the two F11 lenses (I own both) in spite of other downsides) are certainly sharp. So that shows that Canon could make a nice, sharp DO lens nowadays if they really wanted to. Often I think companies don't make certain products as they know it will cannibalize other more expensive products they already make 😕
Nikon strikes again love it, Although I am a dual system user as of now I think I'll just remain with Nikon and sell my Canon gear.
Amazing photos, Jan. Nice preview.
Glad you liked it!
I love seeing you out in the field enjoying yourself, Jan, because boy do I enjoy myself too :)
Great! It’s the best
Wow what a day! It's so nice that you have that many variety of bird species in your area. Thank you for sharing it with us!
Yes that was quite the day!
When it was time to go mirrorless 2019 I took the chance and switched to Nikon. I’m so happy I’m sure now that I when in the right direction.
Great, practical overview. Thanks, and especially thanks for showing some of the nice bird shots you got. Half of the reason I watch your vids is for the interesting wildlife that I have yet to be able to see/photograph. :)
Glad you enjoyed it!
Hi Jen my is gary temor after I saw your video I went and I bought the 600 mm Avenue 63. Yo convince me and I got it from B&H. Nice and beautiful lens. I love it so much and this land with the auto focus ad just amazing. Thank you so much and as watching your video thank you again Gary.❤
Glad you are enjoying the lens
Absolutely wonderful thoughts and comments... And the pictures you take and add in your videos are just a treat to watch...
Thank you!
@@jan_wegener absolutely not a problem… the pleasure is mine…
Very casual that you are getting Nikon preproduction models now every time as you are my go-to photographer for wildlife gear reviews! Even though I initially thought that this lens has a rather ambitious price tag compared to the 180-600 your excitement makes me reconsider that... also, you once again delivered some amazing shots!
Thank you! Well, it sits between the 500pf and 800pf. You heard it correctly, tho, that this lens was quite exciting to use
@@jan_wegener Sure, but still: here in Germany it's three times of a used 500PF. That's not a very fair comparison of course, but effectively still a massive difference...
Great review Jan!
Thanks so much!
Amazing Jan
Amazing photos! Wow. Your work is inspirational!
Thank you so much!
Loving these beautiful birds! the lens looks good too
Hi Jan, My compliments for your always down-to-earth and detailed reviews where you show photo equipment from different points of view. This new Nikon lens has just about everything I was looking for. I have been using a Canon 500/f4II for years and 95% of the time I usually use it with a 2x converter, so 1000mm/f8. In addition, because I wanted a more compact and lighter combination, I also have a Sony set with the 200-600mm, which I usually use with the 1.4, so 840/f9. Both combinations are very good. Last year I had doubts about the light 800/f6.3 from Nikon, which is lighter but not really more compact than my Canon set. And I thought the minimum focusing distance of 5 meters was just too much, since I also like to photograph small warblers up close. Now there is this 600/f6.3 which also works well with the 1.4 so that you end up with 840/f9 just like the Sony. I don't know exactly what happens with Nikon's AF points, but when you photograph with or without a converter, there will most likely be a difference in the type and number of focus points that the camera can use due to the difference of f6.3 and f9. Do you see this reflected in results or effectiveness? When using these more compact lenses (e.g. for smaller birds), do you often use the 1.4 converter to avoid a lot of cropping afterwards?
You live in a birding paradise. Thanks for sharing your experience
Lots of nice birds around for sure
@@jan_wegener Nothing beats Australian birdlife🙂
Love the background in that pigeon shot!
It’s a garden shed, but don’t tell anyone 😂
@@jan_wegener Ha! Nevertheless, it sure makes the bird pop.
Once again a very interesting video, with totally outstanding photos. I'm getting really jealous of Nikon now. Really hope that Canon will come up with some exciting mid-priced lenses. I haven't bought a new camera yet, but the way it looks now, you might have to consider switching to Nikon. Tried out the z9 with 800PF when I guided two Norwegians who came here on a "birding trip", and I have to say that it was amazing combo. Wish you a great week. Cheers, Bjoern
Yes Nikon has sone very intriguing options now
Did Nikon send you the birds as well?😮😮😮😮 Great season!!!
Haha that would be handy
Great video, well explained. Thanks
Glad you enjoyed it!
Fabulous lens, great review, and wonderful pics Jan. I think the $8500 price in Australia will make this a popular choice with bird photographers.
It will for sure, me probably included
You can do far better than the A$8500 retail price, I just picked up my new 600PF for A$6250, now making it far better value......now to sell my 500PF and Z400 f/4.5 to fund the purchase.
Great review you’ll need to try it out on a Z 9 with the new 4.10 Bird subject tracking
In Germany it's 5800€, that's only 900€ cheaper than the 800 PF, and 3800€ more than the 180-600. It's cool that they got so many lenses for us wildlife shooters, but this one really isn't for me. The slight advantage in image quality and the lighter weight + smaller size isn't worth almost 3x the price of the zoom, to me personally.
Totally agree
Excellent review! You're my favorite KZheadr.
Wow, thanks!
Am getting this one for sure.
great review!! you are great reviewer. thank you
Thanks for watching!
Just the lens I've been holding out for. Will pair so well with my 100-400 and having a 1.4x in the bag for both as needed.
Totally
Beautiful. Such a great combo. I picked the right time to come back to Nikon.
Great to hear!
Sounds like a great lens ! But between this lens, or the PF 800, I'd take the latter in a split second. For me though, the problem is, Nikon still doesn't have a pro level APS-C body, and a straight 800mm is still not enough for most of the small, skittish birds I shoot. I sure would love to see something like an 800 F8 from Canon.... And an upgraded R7 Mk II to put it on 🙂👍 It's great to see Nikon putting the heat on Canon though.
A Z 7ii is smaller and lighter than a D500 and in DX mode has about the same resolution. Both have no OLPF and the Z "S" lenses are better. If you need EXPEED 7 AF, then the Z f does not cut it in resolution, while the Z 8 would, but it is larger.
Fujifilm XH2s
@@darekm6859my first mirrorless was an R5, so a LOT of cropping was exactly what I did. Then, a friend who had the R5 and the R7 suggested I try the R7. I rented it, then bought it, and loved it so much, I sold my R5, bought a second R7, and have never looked back. I know the R5 is a fantastic camera for a lot of things, but for my purposes, the R7 is just a better choice.
@@Carlos-mw5rwprobably a great body, but they don't make an 800mm lens either....
You are looking for the impossible. The key to great bird photography is creating settings (luring), camouflaging, hiding in tents and a LOT of patience. Otherwise no gear in the world will fullfill your requirements.
Great video, thanks!! I've had the Z8 for almost a year now and I am so glad I waited for this camera instead of switching brands. I also have the 500mm PF but am thinking of selling that and getting the 600mm PF. The 180-600mm would have been perfect but it is too heavy. I am envious of all the wonderful birds in your backyard and beyond!
Thanks for another great video! Did you have a Z9 with the new 4.1 firmware with dedicated Bird AF to try it on by any chance?
Not yet!
Hi Jan, based upon the awesome birds you shot and your review, this seems indeed a superb birding lens for Nikon shooters 👍 If I'd live in Nikon world, I might indeed prefer this one for birding-while-walking over the 180-600. For birding IQ, this might be the first lens to beat the 100-500 without costing twice as much or beyond. But I wouldn't consider switching camps until we more about the 200-800, variable TC and R5ii specs .. BTW: Ordinary Filmmaker quoted you (after my hint) regarding the 200-800, and he somehow thinks this might be the one expected to be announced on November 2, a date mentioned by Andrea from Sony rumors.
Totally. I am very tempted by this lens. Yes I think we heard about the 200-800 soon. It could’ve been yesterday but it was only the 10-20 announced that I mentioned last week
VR looks amazing handheld 840mm
Yep!
Nice review. Happy to see what Nikon is putting out there lately. Would love the size and weight of this, but it's outside of my photography budget. I would just be happy if my pre-order of the 180-600 would finally be fulfilled. Maybe cancellations in favor of the 600 pf will help me out lol
That may very well happen!
Great review thank you! If I may ask please, which mangroves in Victoria did you visit?
Awesome combo with the Z8!
It sure is!
I've sold off my Canon R5 and lenses (RF 24-105mm L and RF 100-500mm) this week and bought a Nikon Z8 and lenses (24-120mm and 100-400mm and 1.4 TC) and will be buying a Nikon PF Prime or two for my wildlife in the near future.
Pics will be the same
Nope.
@@Wilsoncraft.studio I am ready to bet that. I know people who change they geat totally from a brand to another, and they are the first to say that pics are the same.
wow , amazing 😮
Good review, and thanks for talking like a regular guy. I had watched two other videos on this lens and although the reviewers were seasoned photographers, they really didn't keep me interested. I may order one tomorrow and sell my 500 PF 🙂
I appreciate that!
The 500 pf will be more and more tempting as it still holds up brilliantly and getting cheaper on the used market. But really the 180-600 is a good choice for anyone for versatility, pro or not. Then the 400 4.5 too!
Jan, try the Z9 + 4.1 firmware -- I think you'll be impressed.
Great time to be a nikon shooter 😊
Definitely pushing hard!
Thank you Jan for great review. I have 600 mm fl ed vr and z9. What do you think if I replace my 600 f4 with 600 mm pf.
what a day you got there mate...!!! 🥰
Yes it was!
I would be interested in long-term review of image quality of the fresnel lenses from Canon and Nikon such as this one and my Canon 800mm.
Absolutely beautiful photographs. Wow I didnt know how good photos could be these days I really am beginner beginner.
Glad you enjoyed it!
I have ordered one here in UK. I tried the 180-600 but found it too heavy for my use - daily walk along a stretch of river. I am expecting it end of October. The 800pf is no doubt awesome, but since I would use it much less often in practice, the 600PF is for me. I can also trade in my 500pf as whereas I would have kept it if buying the zoom or the 800pf. Must get into your editing masterclass by the way Jan. Nice succinct video with great images, thanks.
Thanks for sharing
Expect delivery end October from the fast and very reliable Park Cameras
Well, it looks like with the Z8/Z9 aimed at action/wildlife/video, Nikon is really trying to not only deliver Z mount lenses to those shooters, but now with the 600mm PF and 135mm f1.8 PLENA, trying to drag what ever holdouts there might be over to mirrorless (wide angle primes, Nikon?). This will be a welcome addition for many because of its portability and lower price tag compared to the 600mm f4 TC - which is a great idea, but not typically available to most enthusiasts. You failed to mention the hood (which looks similar to the 800 PF hood) and if the AF was silent. Look forward to more stuff and hope there are more surprises in store for the end of the year. BTW: Not sure you did a video on the firmware 4.1 update. For me, especially in wide area AF modes, the Z9's AF has become much stickier.
I showed the hood briefly but didn’t talk about it much. The Lens is basically completely silent
@@jan_wegenerYour the best. Wish we had a collection of birds here such as yours. BTW, it might just tickle you a little that I was out shooting new local Limpkins unearthing apple snails and heard in the distance people talking about you and your KZhead channel here in Houston/Sugar Land Texas. Go Jan!
@@dance2jam thanks for sharing 😀 I never got a limpkin with a snail, just sitting on a rail
Nikon has introduced some amazing lenses, but only for the professional market. You need to own either the Z8 or Z9 to benefit from all these lenses. For us hobbyist photographer and Nikon user, we are left behind. I don't know about you, but I am tried of waiting for Nikon to address the hobbyist market.
@@cesarm8811 Well, I'm a hobbyist, but I do understand your point. I would venture to say that almost all the purchasers of the Z9/Z8 I know, and it's quite a few, are hobbyists. I know, I know. It's an expensive hobby if you consider buying the body and a lens. Got it. Some would say Sony has too many cameras (especially the camera stores) and it becomes difficult for them to differentiate for the consumer which is better for them. Then Sony will produce a new model with better tech a month later and make the purchaser mad. Canon does have a lot more bodies than Nikon, but it's a much bigger company (as is Sony). You could always move to one of the other brands (as I was tempted to do waiting on the Z9), and just be happy with your decision. The Sony A1 and Canon R3 are not inexpensive either, but you can go with cheaper bodies that have some of the features. Nikon also had to do something to turn the company profitable over the long run. Hopefully, from the current offerings, it's well on its way. And with the Z9 came listening to the consumer and constantly updating firmware, and video AF and stabilization that went from last to leading the industry. All this to say, the technology will trickle down, but there is a reason that Nikon can not afford to catabolize the cameras at the top just yet. I do understand your complaint, but the pros you refer to are made up of mostly enthusiasts. Go where your budget and passion take you. These days, you can become a terrific photographer with little, inexpensive, and terrific gear, and great inspiration and ideas.
I love my Z8 for birding so it’s fingers crossed here too 👍
Sweet combo for sure! In my 20 years of having gotten back into photography with Canon, one thing I've learned is not to jump ship too soon. I guess if one makes his living with bird and wildlife photography, it would be well worth serious consideration, but most of us don't. I wouldn't be surprised if Canon were to answer Nikon at some point not too far down the line. I'm willing to wait it out.
This is another exciting lens for wildlife photography. I wish that Nikon had made the PF series lenses f/5.6 maximum aperture. However, the size and weight of the 400 f/4.5, 600 f/6.3, and 800 f/6.3 make them very handholdable. Excellent quality for a much lower price point than the 400 f/2.8 and 600 f/4 lenses!
Thanks for great review. I got mine day before yesterday and I’m absolutely thrilled by it. Your review was spot on with all elements. Image quality is beyond my expectations, autofocus fast if not very fast (I also own the 100-400 mm and the autofocus on the 600 is noticeably faster. What surprised me most however, was the weight. It’s truly lightweight and easy to handhold. Another topic I would like share is that many reviewers (especially general not bird specific) mention that this new 600 doesn’t create nice bokeh and is useless for portraits. I agree with them that a 600 is not the most practical lens for portraits (the minimum focus distance already disqualifies it) BUT I took some casual photos of some people watching me at approx 6 meters and I couldn’t belief the result when I saw those images on my screen: super sharp with really creamy nice bokeh. Sure the 600 f/4 will have nicer bokeh but the 6.3 really impressed me. Thanks for your video and I’ll continue watching every one of them with great pleasure
Thanks for sharing! I had no issued with the bokeh. But then again, I never shoot at f4 or wider. I also agree that this lens wouldn't be good for portraits
I'm jealous of the birds you have available to you. Great review! Maybe I'm aging myself, but what about extension tubes to reduce the minimum focus distance?
You can use then but it comes with its own issues like loss of light and dof
Nikon really has me thinking of switching from Canon. These day I still love my 100-500, but not much else stands out for size and cost like the recent Nikon cameras and lenses. Thanks for the review!
Great video mate, what an interesting lens, Nikon sure are spoiling their users with options at the moment. Cheers, Duade
Very true
I already have the 800mm PF, and the Z 100-400, so I would not be getting the 600mm PF any time soon. But I do shoot a lot of birds in flight so I may look at the 600 at some point in the future once it becomes available to rent. Thank you for the very helpful review.
My order is in!
Congrats
Wow, it's like the birds new you were testing out new gear and made sure to give you good looks! Yet another lens making Canon shooters like me jealous.
Yes they showed off their best side! Me too, im very tempted by this one
Okay, this 600mm PF lens makes me wanted to try out Z8+600mm combo.
It’s great
Jan great review as always. I am visiting Australia in Jan/Feb next and wondered if you could suggest some good birding sites near Brisbane. I am already going to Lammington.
That’s probably the one spot in the area, the rest often depends on the season etc
i bought this after watching your review/steve perry/wild aslaka and Ricci etc, probably more too, i was stuck between the 180-600 600 pf and 800pf. In the end i got the 600pf because i always shot at 500 on the 200-500 i had and 500 on 500pf, but i always hit DX mode just due to the birds, skittish mostly, so i went with the 600pf, first 2 sessions i got some of the best images i've gotten of BIF and lower iso all fully open. ive since printed 4 of the images from the 2 sessions, this is one crazy lens that fits my use. So i think think 6.3 late evening or forest its a struggle i think to stay out longer. I can see the difference in sharpness across the while frame compared to my older 500pf(sold)but not a biggy, not having to use the FTZ is nice, fits well in my bags, So still looking for a lower 2.8 or f4 for those instances, so looking for used options for that. 600 hasn't come off since i got it simply amazing lens, sharp, light, separation is lovely.
Where are you Jan - you said the Sunshine Coast, which could either be Florida, U.S. or Australia. Seeing the Kookaburra made me think it must be Australia, but it also looked just like Florida. This lens looks awesome!
Looks like a very capable lens! I may have to change brands...
Really interesting, compared to the 180-600 especially. Now I am curious about getting a better UWA though.
Jan, this lens is welcome as is your instant review. You highlight that it's light, capable and reasonably affordable compared to the 600mm f4. Your reviews in general are just what is needed across the various Brands including Canon, Sony and my brand Nikon. John Redlands Coast.
Glad you enjoy them!
OMG I am in love with this variety of lenses today. It's so sad what I like primes, but zooms is more practical choice...
Yes, lots of options!
This is the lens I was hoping for. I just canceled the 180-600mm because the 600mm fits better with the 100-400mm for me and with the 1.4x teleconverter option, I don't need the 800mm anymore. Great but I fear the delivery times will be exorbitantly long again.
That’s a great combo
I got my 100-400 dec2022, z8 oct 2023 and z600/6.3 just about 10 days back. Hope you get yours soon too
Great review ... I just ordered mine tonight. Decide not to get the Z 180-600mm. This will be my first super prime ever ... can't wait.
Great choice
Seriously considering purchasing this lens along with the Z8. I think I will wait till the Z8 gets the firmware update the Z9 received.
we need a comparassion between this and the 40omm z f4.5 with the TC, this looks too expensive for me for what it is (i do own te 400mm z f2.8)
It will be a bit faster and Lena without a Tc always outperforms one with it In the end it depends if you’re happy at 600mm or want more reach. For what I do 400 is a bit short
Comparison with the 400 4.5 with TC would be very interesting - as this combo would still be faster.
Isn’t it 6.3 as well?
Best possible lens for everyday photography without needing a tripod ever
Did I go the wrong route with the Sigma 150-600 contemporary with canon?...
I love my 180-600 with the flexibility of the zoom. If this were something along the lines of a 500F4, I would have bought it eventually. At 6.3, however great it is optically, it just doesn't justify the price tag over the 180-600 for me.
Wow! This ticks so many of my boxes for an ideal lens - light enough to carry and hike with, small enough to fit in a backpack, good reach, excellent image quality. The only box it doesn't tick is compatibility with my Canon R5........... The rumoured canon rf 200-600mm is going to have to be pretty awesome to keep me with Canon!
You summed it up well 😆
Zdravím Honzo,chci se zeptat,když mám z8 a 600mm f6.3,tu hlavu flexshooter potřebuji pro nebo stačí mini,díky
I chose the 180-600mm for the flexibility while still being able to shoot at 600mm/6.3 … and it is 1/3 the price! I did splurge on the 800mm PF though when I need more reach than 600mm.
The money I saved buying the 180-600 over the 600mm paid for half of my Z 800mm. Sweet.
Jan just superb.
No way you’re back on the Sunshine Coast? I thought you were still in Townsville? I’ll be moving back from the Schweiz to Caloundra next year maybe not to far from those mangrove’s. Wishing you a great evening Jan
I live here now
Hey super, I’ll only be coming back for one year, but plan to be on the road a lot for wildlife photography while back. 😃
Wish it was f5.6 even if a little heavy. Anyways which would you say is sharper the Z400 f4.5 at 400mm or Z600 f6.3 at 600mm, i.e, without the Tc ? Or, is it too close to call. Thank You
I haven’t used the 400 a lot, but the sharpness of the 600 surprised me in a positive way
excellent video..
Thank you!
Jan, Would you think I should consider switching from my r5 with 100-500 f7.1 to the Z8 and this lens?? I only shoot birds and haven’t gotten a big white lens because I’m too much of a birder
If you don’t need the flexibility of the zoom, this could be an intriguing option
Great video! I bought the 800 and 600 PF at the same time with plans to return one. The 800 lost 🙃 do wish i could justify the $ to keep both, but at that combined price point- the extra $ for the 600 f/4 would be wiser IMO.
Nice!
Brilliant reviews as always.. looks a great lens but financially out of reach for me. Question I have for you, given you are a bird photographer do you expect the Z8 to get a firmware update like the Z9s 4.1 firmware release with bird and aircraft autofocus?
I would think and hope so
Any update on performance when using the Z8 with Firmware 2.0 ?
There's a whole video I made about the update and I mainly used this lens with it
Really nice shots. As far as the lens.. f 6.5 for a 600 mm ? I really dont undertstand how it is the Nikkor 600 5.6 IF-ED AI-s was made decades ago and is still faster than their new offerings with the PF lens and plastic parts.? Nikon made this new mount and with the exception of the Nikkor 58 f0.95 I am not seeing the speed. Saying that you seem to be getting some great shots. Nice video.
ordered ...
Damn, photography gear has become so good most would definitely be well off with that PF lens. I'm a person who are trying to find my way into photography again, and I'd like to have a try at wildlife photography, but I feel it's been a difficult area because of what quality you end up with or not. The more you have to work on each file, the more of a turn off it is to me, so it's always going to be a big win to end up with the best possible RAW file.
zdravím,tak už ju mám,dneska jsem byl fotit, no paráda,perfektně drží na z8 a ta ostrost,famozní,díky za radu, koupím si od tebe ty presety ale musím si nejprve koupit Photoshop,dělám vše v Capture one,zdají se mi reálnější barvy, díky napíšu Radek
Did you have firmware 4.1 with Birds as subject??
That’s only for the Z9 atm
I have the 300mm, 500mm & the 800mm PF lenses. I use the 800 mostly for what I shoot. I'll stick with what I have.... BUT, if I had money to burn, I would grab one!
After I sold my entire Nikon/Nikkor DSLR (D700) kit, I was contemplating buying into Canon RF with an R5 + RF 100-500. Then the Z8 was released. Ok, very good camera, but still the RF 100-500 was very compelling. But after that, Nikon really kicked the can with their lenses. I see 3 very feasible options, Z8 with Tamron 150-500, Nikkor Z 180-600 or this magnificent PF 600. I am very tempted to go with Nikon again.
How much difference in AF speed is there between the 180-600 at 600 and the 600 f6.3 prime? I am still waiting on the 180-600. I pre-ordered the 600mm prime just to get my place in line. I'm trying to decide on which order to cancel and AF speed is one of my main considerations.
Based on Steve Perry's calculations the prime should be around 2 times faster than the zoom.
This lens is much better than the zoom
It’s definitely faster and sharper wide open
@@jan_wegener It's tough decision to make for sure for me. I have both on pre-order and need to cancel one. Regarding the 180-600, do you find the speed too slow for erratic birds at times and think the 600 prime would keep up in the same situations? That is my main concern with the 180-600, but haven't received it yet so can't test it myself. I have the Sigma 150-600C and the AF just doesn't keep up well when things are hopping around quickly.
Nikon is killing it with those pf lenses. I am angry at myself for switching to Canon and not waiting for the Z8. They took their sweet time with the mirrorless cameras :(
All the companies always leapfrog each other. Canon will have some pretty strong cameras next year I’d say But could do with some lenses