Nikon Z9 - back to the amazing Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 200-500mm f/5.6E ED VR Lens for some birding
(#NikonZ9 #hummingbirds #wildlifephotography )
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#wildlife #hummingbirds
That bluebird had a tag on his leg...and you can read the numbers on it!! Very nice.
Thank you, thank you!! I saw that. I think it is part of the park since they put out houses. 🙏🤗💖
Great job, are you happy with AF Speed and image quality at open f stop, the lens is pretty cheap now these days, so I am just wondering if it is still good enough.....
Such amazing pictures John. How cool was that pelican landing. Anyway, ALL the shots were great. That darn helicopter, arghhhh! 😂 I get that here too when out filming. Thanks for sharing the great work buddy, cheers 🍻 👍🙏
Adrian - thank you. As far as the noise, there is really no escaping it there. It is constant. I would have to go elsewhere but the diveristy there is just so amazing - always something new to shoot. This weekend, I am planning on going out with the 500 PF, the 200-500, the D750, D800 and Z9..... it is going to be AWESOME. That will be all I do this weekend as I really do want to get to working on more music or a video for my last album. But..... you will be able to see the difference!!! I LOVE the light weight of the 500 PF and I have to say.... if I can find the 800 PF right now.... Thank you my friend!! 🙏❤🤗
Magnificent work friend. I am sure you are developing rippling biceps from that 200-500! I know I feel it after a day of shooting with mine. The results are fantabulous! Time to get my carcass out of the office and into the wild. 😃😃😃
Thank you thank you, thank you!! The 200-500 is so much lighter than the 500 F4 (that makes my arm shake)..... The PF 500 is a feather and I can not wait to do a direct comparison with hummingbirds - D750, D800, Z9 and both lenses in a hummingbird jungle at Hahn park!!!! Get out there and have fun!! 🙏🤗❤
Loved that series of the pelican landing, awesome series! Great job mate!👍👏👏👏
Thank you Peter. I love watching them. Like dinosaurs in the sky but sooooo amazing. 🙏❤🤗
You have the best music 😂
Thank you!!!! I try to have fun with it to fit the mood I am going for!! 🙏💖🤗
Boa noite senhor John, excelente sequencia do pelicano, muito irado a nitidez das fotos. Abraços, Sucesso e Deus abençoe.
Obrigado, obrigado, obrigado!! 🙏💖🤗
Stunning images John! Those bird eyes!😍❤️Extraordinary colors and detail, I’m about to run out of adjectives, E-P-I-C stuff! 😎
Thank you, thank you Bill!!! 🙏❤🤗
Such cool stuff. The jpegs out of that camera are mind blowing
Thank you!!!! This combo is pretty awesome as long as I get the exposure correct. This lens is heavy though compared to the 500 PF. Guess I will have to test it this weekend.... 🙏❤🤗
Wow amazing shots sir, love the ones where the swan is touching down!
Thank you, thank you!!! I LOVE watching them flay and land. They seem so big and awkward but they are really graceful. Amazing and HUGE birds.🙏❤🤗
Awesome shots.. That is a monster camera n lens
Thank you, thank you, thank you!!! For an inexpensive lens, it is AWESOME!! 🙏❤🤗
Impressed with your Pelican landing sequence. I have shot quite a few similar sequences (not pelicans) and always had one or two missed focus shots although 90%+ were usually on it.
Thank you!! I was happy with it. I usually get a couple of out of focus ones in there but leave them when doing a lapse like that. It is my experience, or my user error that every lens misses just slightly no matter the system or make. Dragonflies are the same when I shoot a sequence. This one I was just fortunate!! 🙏🤗❤
Love your videos and enthusiasm! Great images! What type of hat is that, looks perfect for photography
First thank you, thank you, thank you!!!! The hat is either something I got on amazon to replace the "boonies" hat that was stolen when my car was stolen , or something I picked up at the gas station as a replacement when my car was stolen. It covers my neck and pushes up when I put the camera to my eye!! 🙏🤗❤
Love your videos - I just picked up a used 200-500 for $500 awesome lens! I just dropped in to say the cormorants do have beautiful eyes, but have you seen the inside of their mouths? Cobalt blue! This bird I affectionately call Frankie (old blue eyes) is insanely beautiful! Still trying to get a hummingbird to behave for me. Kathy in S. E Florida
Kathy - thank you!!! That is an AMAZING price - I would have jumped on it too and given it to my friend James! I have not seen the inside of their mouths but I will keep watching for it. I LOVE shooting the humming birds and going out this weekend with 3 cameras ( the D750, D800,Z9) and two lenses (the 500 PF and 200-500) I love all this gear and it will be fun. The PF 500 is so light weight..... Old blue eyes..... I love it!!! Thank you, thank you, thank you Kathy!! 🙏❤🤗
@@JonnyPink65 I can barley shoot enough with just one camera (D850). The problem for me with the hummingbirds is that they are in a very dark area and out very early - I don't have a problem with the early, just the shadow and darkness, I would rather the high shutter than the high iso, and that is where my issue is. As for the heavy, well I am getting a pretty strong arm - lol
@@kathleenj.daniel1693 I have joked about going to the gym and just working my left arm to hold a lens.... 😂 When it is really dark or I am shooting in the rain, I bump up my exposure compensation by one - have gone to two, so compensate for the low light so I can keep my shutter speed up a bit and still keep my ISO lower. I say lower as it depends on the camera I am using and where I feel the highest I will go with that set up. My old D800 is a MAX of 400 ISO. It really helps but I have to check to make sure I am not blowing anything out. it is funny, but I have not heard anyone talking about that other than me. It is an old technique used to preserve highlights in bright situations and for white birds like pelicans or egrets. For that, I take it down to a negative 0.03 or -0.07 depending. It works at least it has for me. The are a couple of places here where the light is perfect so for that, we are fortunate. ❤🤗
@@JonnyPink65 Thanks, I appreciate the tip! Will give it a go the next time I see these little ones! 💪
Fun video, the 200-500mm is ideal for helicopters btw.
Thank you!!!! The 200-500 is an awesome lens for just about everything!! 🙏💖🤗
Wow!! This is absolutely gorgeous work. I am saving to purchase the Z8 for my Nikon 200-500 f5.6. what is your thoughts? Thanks
I think it will be a fantastic combo. I just recently rented a Z8 to try out the new tracking update and I have to say I was impressed. I started with Nikon many ANY moons ago, and switched when Canon came out with the R5. My mind was blown up. I did own this Z9 for about 6 months but just found it lacking as far as tracking compared to my Canons. But the Z8 with new firmware - AWESOME. I was using a Z 600 PF lens, but I wish that I still had the 200-500 lens. That is something I still think about buying again to use with my all time favorite camera - the D800. Still the best! 🙏💖🤗
期待下次的更新，下周我的Z9和500PF 就要到货了，希望能多出好片
我希望你能在 Instagram 或 youtube 上发布一些照片--我很想看看你的照片。这个周末，我带着我的旧 D750、D800、Z9、200-500 和 PF 500 出去了。所有的蜂鸟都在一个经常有它们的地方。谢谢，谢谢观看！！ Wǒ xīwàng nǐ néng zài Instagram huò youtube shàng fābù yīxiē zhàopiàn--wǒ hěn xiǎng kàn kàn nǐ de zhàopiàn. Zhège zhōumò, wǒ dàizhe wǒ de jiù D750,D800,Z9,200-500 hé PF 500 chūqùle. Suǒyǒu de fēngniǎo dōu zài yīgè jīngcháng yǒu tāmen dì dìfāng. Xièxiè, xièxiè guānkàn!! 🙏❤🤗
Great sharp images from the great photographer and the 200-500. I have the 500 and 300 pg lenses. Both are great but trust me, they have their shortcomings. The pg is not as sharp as the non pf primes over longer distance. they are more prone to heat and other distortions. Light to handle but having shot primes for most of my life, the zoom flexibility in my vies counts for a lot. Sitting in a truck watching African wildlife or in a bird hide or a boat, you want the most options to capture great images from the sighting and this is where the zoom offers many options, zoom in, out, and get many different compositions. Have always used 2 bodies with a prime and a 80-400, to carry two bodies and two lenses or jumping between changing lenses on one body is a lot worse than one body with 1 zoom that weighs 0,8 kg's more that light pf with Z9 and a Z6ii with 80-400 or 70-200.
Thank you, thank you!!! I do feel the limitations for the primes for sure. They both have advantages and disadvantages for sure. With a prime, the photographer becomes the zoom!!! 🙏🤗💖
@@JonnyPink65 but if the photographer sits in a truck photographing the big 5 here in Africa feet zooming is limited.
@@jakesdewet3567 The other option for reach would be a crop sensor camera like the D500 or Canon R7 with a LONG lens - 800mm on one of those pulls all those far away subjects right in to you!!! 🤗💖
Love watching your videos, your enthusiasm and consistent quality images is a pleasure to watch and inspiring. Your experimentation with alternating gear is very interesting to me as I am currently using the 200-500 on my D850 but want to upgrade to the Z9 as I believe it will improve my keeper rate and provide another level of sharpness to my images. I have convinced myself I can justify the cost of the Z9 as I turn 60 in a months time but I will probably not be able to afford a new Z lens for some time (400 2.8 TC would be nice!) Do you think I will see an improvement in sharpness between the D850 and Z9 using the same 200-500 ? Maybe Nikon will bring out the rumoured 200-600 Z lens in the near future...
First - I will simply say thank you!! ❤ I can get almost the same sharpness from my OLD D800 as I can from my Z9 using the same lens. I shoot a LOT of crap - a LOT. I don't think any lens or body is perfect. I always pick the best of the best and then narrow those down more for processing, then narrow them again when processing them. I don't use AI but there are many that do with amazing results - it is a matter of personal preference. For me, I am a purest and do it in one shot, and edit it myself - I don't like focus stacking or HDR multiple images - just my preference (I don't know how, don't want to learn and it is more work...). I really cant tell you how much stuff I dump but it is all just a blast to be out. As far as the D850 - it is an amazing camera and I used it for a long time, but I actually preferred the D800. Now for lenses. I thing the 400 is not enough for birding or wildlife and adding the built in tele .... no, not for me especially at that price. I am happy with my 200-500 and the PF 500 (I just bought one and still looking for a used 1.4 tele like the one I rented). I will try the the 800mm PF if it ever comes to market and if I like it, I will buy it. Finally - about turning 60 - a super happy early happy birthday. If you are close to me here in Los Angeles, lets go shoot and you can use whatever I have. My philosophy on life, and I think I got this from my mom - life for today, live right now. I am right behind you in age and if I want it, I buy it or finance it. I am not saving for a rainy day or for the future - I am living right now. When I broke my hips two years ago in a bicycle crash, it brought it home for me so much more. If I get into a situation where I can not pay for it, I can sell it and pay it off. I will have been able to have the joy of using it for a while as a rental. Again, if we are close, get a hold of me - my email is in the description. If we are not, rent one and try it out. The Z9 in 3d tracking for the eyes is amazing, but the D850 is an amazing camera too!!! The photos come from YOU and your vision as to what you want to share..... OK - enough tree hugging!!! Phil - I can not thank you enough!!! 🙏🤗❤
@@JonnyPink65 Wow... Thank you for taking the time to write such a thoughtful reply. That was actually my first comment on KZhead and to receive such a reply, amazing!! Your offer to go on a shoot with you and share your gear is incredibly generous. I would absolutely love to, unfortunately the 5000+ miles between my little village on the edge of the Fens in Cambridgeshire, UK and you makes it logistically unlikely 😥I enjoyed photography as a youth into my mid 20's (still have a Zorki 4 my Uncle gave me and my Pentax SFX from that period) but I guess life and a career took over until 18 months ago when I was unfortunately made redundant. The positive to come out of this was deciding to re-kindle an old passion and go out photographing wildlife with my D850, best thing I have done in years... Anyway, enough waffle about me, thanks again for your kind words and generous offer 🙏 Keep the videos, excellent images and positivity going and I hope you have an "Amazing day" - I know I am going to now 👍
@@philcollins5394 A little village on the edge of the Fens in Cambridgeshire, UK - actually sounds amazing. Putting that phrase into Google shows some amazing green landscape. And "made redundant".... nothing beats experience. I don't understand that....... I person I follow on Instagram who lives in San Francisco (we have tried to hook up to go shooting when I was up there or he was here but out schedules just did not mesh). anyway, he was laid off during the pandemic and went back to shooting. He now sells prints, calendars and such - he has become AMAZING and still uses his D850 and the PF 500 I think. I do believe that the best photos are from the person behind the lens - the passion - the feel. Gear is just gear, but if you don't know how to use it, it means nothing. Enjoy your shooting and if you post on Instagram or here on KZhead..... I will follow. I love that we can share stuff all around this little planet! OK, one more thing - I was taught to say thank you. You have taken your valuable time to comment on my video. I can not that you enough for that - it means the world to me that I get to share. I do my very best to reply to all the comments - it really does mean a lot to me. IF IF you every get out this way to Los Angeles - lets go take some photos. I have had a couple of people look me up for my cycling and we went out riding together. My new friend Matthew who is in Australia got a hold of me when he and his family were going to be out here. I set up one of my bikes for him and we went riding. It was AWESOME!!!! Life is short and changes quickly. Live it as hard as you can. The stuff we have is just that - stuff, nothing more!!! So again - thank YOU!! 🤗❤🙏
@@JonnyPink65 @philcollins5394 you gents bring beautiful colors to this world. Take care and God speed.
Hey John ! Beautiful photos . I just picked up a Z8. I am relatively new to photography. Would you mind telling me what your typical custom settings you use for Birds in Flight on your Z9 . Also do you ever take portraitures ? If so , would love to know your settings . I have no problem in making a donation or financial exchange for some of the information I am requesting . Amazing photos . Cheers my friend .
Why thank you!!! Enjoy your Z8 - it will be a beast of a camera. As far as birding I set my cameras up the same way on each with one button for single point, or 3-D on the Z9, and one for eye AF. I go between the two depending on what is happening, and keep fingers on the focus ring as well so I can dial in the focus quickly when the camera/lens struggles. My favorite for metering is center weighted. I am old school so I try to keep the ISO as low as possible and the shutter speed as high as is required for the subject. It was critical when shooting DSLRs, but with the mirrorless bodies we have now, the high ISO performance is not an issue. As far as portraits and events, yes I have shot those many many times. With everything, I try to keep the lens as wide open as I can, but adjust depending on what I want to see in the background. Same rules for me - as low as an ISO as I can, and a shutter speed that will freeze the motion. With flash, that will be 200-250 unless using a high speed sync flash. Off camera flash is best and off to the side if you can. Bounce the flash if you don't have a diffuser or a BIG soft box. The bigger the soft box, the softer and more pleasing the light - if give you soft shadows.... unless you are going for harsh shadows, then shoot that way. May your photo style your own. My daughter shoots on camera flash and film - it blows me away. She shoots high end events and products with and OLD camera set up. Ask a family member of friend to sit for you and try different flash locations and positions to practice - make it your own. For wildlife..... a fast shutter speed freezes the motion so always keep it up high 1500-4000. Your Z8 will handle a high ISO no problem. And above all....... just have fun. When it is not fun and becomes work or something you do only for money, it is time to do something else. If you have other questions, my email is in the description. Always happy to share the little I think know!! 🙏💖🤗
I have actually swam there in the 50s :-) what FPS where you shooting Good lens , been using it on D850 now have the Z9
FPS - I keep it set on the max and HI L. I keep it that way on my D800 for that whopping 4 FPS as well. 😂 I really love this lens but I realized when using the PF 500 that it is heavy comparatively. I keep it at 500mm all the time anyway, so since I found a 500 PF as a good deal.... 🙏🤗❤
@@JonnyPink65 I think my 200mm F2 is heavier :-)
At least you are using a lens with the silky wave motor instead of the cramping stepping motor. Nice video.
Thank you, thank you, thank you!! I am really enjoying this lens - more than I thought I would 🙏❤🤗
Very nice I also had the 200-500 and really liked it but now I use the Z 400 F4.5 and Z 1.4 tele with great results, Looks like your not using your Canon's anymore;)
I wanted to try the 400mm but I am really happy with the 200-500 and the PF 500. As far as Canon, I will be shooting the dragonflies this spring with the R7 and the Z9 and both most likely with adapted native lenses. Each system has strengths and weaknesses, neither is perfect by any means. Right now, this Z9 is my new toy.......... until I can get my hands on the Z 800mm PF or the Canon R8 - whichever comes first. 😂 I have an addiction and I am a self confessed gear whore.... It makes me happy to be out shooting no matter what camera is in my hands. 🙏🤗❤
@@JonnyPink65 Ya both systems are great and truth be told I'm sticking with both systems because if I sell Nikon I'll regret it vice versa so we got the best of both worlds!!
@@HotGates Amen!!! ❤
Hi Johnny, I currently use the 200-500 on my D850, but since I also started filming a lot I intend to go for a Z9. How is your experience with the autofocus? Will it be at the same speed as with the D850? I am not a pro and budget is an issue. Can not afford a Z9 and a new lens...Thank you.
I really love the way the 200-500 performs adapted to the Z9. The autofocus is miles above what the D850. What I have found is that you do have to be behind the camera to get some amazing video. I was trying to do a video comparison with the R5 and Z9 in 8k this past weekend - I have tried a couple of times, and for me, I have found that I prefer Canon for video. The Z9 is amazing, but you do have to be behind or helping the cameras. Others may have different experiences. Your D850 is an amazing beast of a camera. You can always rent and try different set ups to see what works for you and your style!! The 200-500 is AWESOME!! 🙏🤗❤