Is It ENOUGH To Make The SWITCH? | Nikon Nikkor Z 600 F/4 TC VR S In The Field Review
Must-have wildlife & bird photography lens or an expensive gimmick? How does the Nikkor 600mm TC lens perform in the field? Is it gonna pull me towards the dark side?
___________________________________________
MASTERCLASS - Editing Your Bird Images To Perfection
👉 aviscapes.com/masterclass-edi...
____________________________________________
Check out our PROSETS here and save up to 30%!
👉 thebirdphotographyshow.com/pr...
_____________________________________________
MASTERCLASS & PERCHED BUNDLE - 25% off!
👉 aviscapes.com/perched-masterc...
_____________________________________________
How to Attract Amazing Birds Ebook & Video Perched
👉 aviscapes.com/video-and-ebook/
_____________________________________________
R7 RAW File Download & Set Up Guide
👉 thebirdphotographyshow.com
_____________________________________________
My Twitter
👉 / jan_wegener_
_____________________________________________
Instagram
👉 / jan_wegener_
_____________________________________________
The lens used in this video is a sample lens and not a final production. lens, but basically identical.
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 Just Flick It!
1:33 So Stable!
3:51 Where's The Buttons?
5:09 One Flaw
6:08 The AF
7:17 Image quality & AF with TC
9:40 Life Made Easy!
10:42 The Good and The Bad
Have been a Canon shooter for 20 years and the Z9 and the built in tele’s are so tempting. Nikon gets some stick from areas of the photo community but there is serious innovation in these camera’s and lenses that for wildlife make them incredibly practical
well said
Cameras are like the weather. There's an old saying, "If you don't like the weather, wait a minute!" The same is true with cameras. If you don't like the current offerings from your camera manufacturer, just wait a minute! I have watched photographer friends take blood bath after blood bath (financially speaking) switching from one brand to another, and selling tons of gear at a loss, only to regret it a year or two later when their "old" manufacturer comes out with their "latest and greatest"! If you are heavily invested in one company or another, you are better off to "wait a minute" than jump ship, in my opinion.
@@alansach8437 well said
Merci beaucoup Jan pour le teste.
For serious wildlife and nature photographers, the combination of the Nikon Z9 and the new suite of Nikon Z mount lenses offers a very compelling equipment solution.
They do for sure
I've just fully invested in the Sony system, but the Nikon Z mount is a very compelling option, the 400mm F4.5 is insane quality considering it's such a light lens and now with the nikon 200-600mm soon to be announced just further completes the system.
@@KurtisPape lens wise for us wildlife photographers it’s hard to beat atm
What a great combo Jan, out of my price range, but maybe in the future. Nikon is definitely coming in strong with their Z lenses. Great images as always.
It is probably out of most people's price range, unless you make money with it, but it sure is a great lens. Thank you!
With regards to the focus ring positioning: with recent firmware, you are able to swap focusing to one of the function rings 👍
Great tip! I didn't;t know that. Only issue then is how narrow they are, but definitely easier to reach.
Great objective, hands on review. Thank you!
I really enjoy the images you produce. The vibrant colors are always on point.
Thank you!
Finally the video I've been waiting for
Took a while to make and edit 😀
When it comes to Manual Focusing while hand-holding the lens (the 400/2.4 TC which has the same design): I keep the lens foot resting on my palm for support, allowing me to use my fingers for manual focusing. It can be uncomfortable for the palm, thus I use a fingerless padded biker's glove. Nikon has received a lot of abuse from many KZheadrs who have never really used the cameras/lenses and I am happy to see you giving an honest and informed opinion.
I do the same thing with my 200-500, it isnt the most practical thing in the world but gets the job done, also allows for both focus and zooming without moving my hand.
I just feel like holding the lenses by the body is so much more stable. And as you say it can get painful on the hand if you hold it by the foot. I am not attached to any brand. I use what works for me and happy to share whatever I think of the gear I use.
I shoot the Z9 and a 500PF and have great results, however the 400mm f2.8 TC and the 600mm f4 TC really have me with lens envy. Both are fabulous, but the decision one or the other is hard. One of these days I'm just going to pull the trigger and buy one. I hope I've made a decision by then! Great video Jan! I hope you pull that trigger too! Love your work!
Thank you! I find 400 too short so it’s an easy choice for me 😀
Stunning Images
Thank you!
Thanks for the presentation, Jan. I've currently been using the Nikon Z9 with previous f-mount 600mm f/4 E FL ED VR, and this lens is definitely a want - but your video almost makes it a need. Appreciate your review of handholding through the viewfinder footage and the shots at slow "shutter" speeds. The main issue (other than price) is availability. Interestingly, the 600mm f/4 TC seems to be a bit easier to come by than the 400mm f/2.8 (year wait). Keep the videos coming. I had given up on the idea of putting anything toward this lens and selling my old one till now. LOL Good thing it is a day of rest (Sunday).
I just wanted to say again how much I enjoy and learn from your videos, even the gear review-oriented ones that feature lenses I won’t be able to own (at least any time soon). Seeing your settings, techniques, and results well-sprinkled throughout all videos is so helpful. Oh, and if I ever win the lottery, this lens is #1 on my list for splurge purchases. What an amazing offering by Nikon.
Great to hear!
Some Amazing Images, Jan.
Glad you like them!
Good to see that you have finally caught up with the Nikon Z9, Nikkor Z S series lenses and the DxO software for low light small bird pics. After an 11 month wait my 800mm 6.3 PF was finally shipped to Australia. The 500mmPF with 1.4X TC on the Z9 does the job for me at the moment.
Nice, there have been a few 800 coming in
It's hard not to have gear envy with a review like that. I'm envious of the lorikeets you have occasion to photograph. They look like they've been tie dyed. Wow! Another great video.
Thanks for watching Bruce. Yes the lorikeets are quite fun but dominate all other birds too
Really enjoyed the "in the field" content, and especially the story of the fabulous Black-necked Stilt shot - Great stuff!
Thank you
Excellent user’s review backed up by gorgeous photos! 👏🏾👍🏾🙏🏾
Glad you liked it!
Was waiting for this review. Thanks for the review. I own a Z9 but this lens is out of my budget. If I were a pro photographer, I'd jump on it. And really amazing photos/vids. Well done, Jan.
Thank you! It's one of the best lenses I have used to date.
Used this lens since February mounted on a monogimbal head, monopod, flagbearer-style harness combo. This makes it truly a walkabout and handholdable lens. Game changer for bird and small mammal photography with the 600 or 840 focal length. In hindsight, I was fortunate that over the entire 2022 year the Z 400/2.8 TC never arrived and I could change my pre-order to the Z 600/4 TC.
Nice!
I'm always amazed Jan you haven't already changed over to Nikon. Best thing I ever did was swap my 1DX for the D500 and get the 500 PF, and now I have the Z9 and 400 f/4.5 which is a ridiculously light lens. Going forward I would really love to see Nikon offer a 500 f/4.5 with built-in 1.4x as this would be maybe 2.2kg max and with 46MP the 20% FL reduction compared to 600mm is not worth worrying about for vastly better portability and probably half the cost. Until then I will get the 800 f/6.3 as the 800 + 400 is about half the price of the 600 in Australia which costs $26K or so.
Fantastic pictures. Thank you. I'm looking forward to your Z 9 review with tips about autofocus. I shoot with a Z 7 and a Z 9, but ten months into Z 9 use, I still find it overwhelming. Of course, your photographic expertise is the foundation of your thrilling pictures, irrespective of gear.
Yes, not an easy camera to master
Agreed. It has taken me longer to learn how to pre-set my brain so that I get the camera ready, pick the appropriate settings and operate it efficiently without feeling somewhat overwhelmed by all the options etc (and the moving autofocus indicators). New cameras usually take me about six months to feel completely comfortable with. It’s always a pleasure once I get to that stage. The Z9 has taken much much longer. I am however enjoying it more and more each time I use it. I got just over a year ago. The firmware updates have helped but it is still a camera with SO many options to work your way through, understand and then get comfortable with using.
Just received mine today! My birthday present from my husband❤️❤️❤️❤️
Happy birthday!!
@@jan_wegener thank you!
Great video as usual... I am hoping Nikon will bring this built in TC to its pf lens ranges sometime soon 😊 Waiting for the Z9 setting video
That would be cool!
I have owned this lens since just about release date, and it has changed everything I do in the field. The image quality is spectacular, and even the price in my mind is justifiable as I almost feel like I have two lenses in one, without having to carry two lenses (and two bodies). Unless the other brands come out with a comparable lens, I just can't see myself going back to a 600mm f/4 without a built in TC. I have also owned the 400 TC, and I feel like that lens has even better image quality compared to the near perfect 600 TC.
Definitely hard to go back once you have used one.What wow'ed me the most was actually the image stabilisation
I initially ordered the 400tc due to the presumed image quality benefit and some early positive feedback from Matt Granger. When the opportunity arose to get the 600tc instead ( there was no chance of ‘as well’), and without knowing how long the wait would be for the 400 tc, I jumped at the 600. I love it and have no regrets but was curious about how much better the 400 picture quality was. Alphonsus- do you feel there was a significant difference? Thanks, Glenn.
Thanks for sharing another wonderful video like always 🐦🤗👍
Glad you enjoyed it
Really great looking lens. My choice of the A1 and thus Sony system came down to size and weight (I'm 70). The Z9 is compelling but it felt like going back to a heavy DSLR which is the main reason I switched to mirrorless. I do admit that right now for wildlife/bird photography the firmware updates to the Z9 plus new lenses makes it a very compelling set up. I feel Sony has abandoned A1 users which is why I've been flirting with Canon.
Yes the Z9 is a heavy beast. Sony’s lack of FW updates to the A1 is quite odd for sure
@@jan_wegener Standard operating procedure for Sony. They want to sell you a new camera instead. Not like Nikon who recently dropped new firmware for 10+ years old cameras and have been rolling some major new features on the new Z cameras through firmware.
Size and weight are important to a lot of people, but I think others actually like huge, heavy cameras. I think they feel they look more "professional ". For others, they like the "feel" in their hands of a DSLR style camera. It's more what they are used to. In any case, don't make 70 sound old! I'm right there with you!
As good as this video is, those stilt shots overshadow everything else. Simply breathtaking. I have to admit, Canon's continued delay on the R1 - even information on the R1, have made me start paying more attention to other manufacturers. A platform change is terribly painful, even without the huge financial hit you take. But this lens would be a game-changer. I don't knew whether to thank you or curse you for the content, but it was enough to convince me to look more seriously at making a change.
Yes, I was very happy when I got them. I saw them at that spot a few days earlier and went back to get the shots. Never seen them on the beach. Yes, changing systems is hard. I think if I went for this lens I would have this as my main long lens and keep the rest Canon for now. It's just hard for your fingers to remember all the different buttons on the different systems
Brutal!
Nice video mate!
Thanks!
Hello Jan! great video and images as always. I own this combo for over two months now and have yet to use any kind of support for it. I normally use large area as my main AF and have the spring loaded ring one way to auto area and the other way to 3D, that way I don't have to worry about changing settings by mistake, since the ring returns to the original position as soon as I let it go. I have the other ring (the one you can rotate) set to ISO and I have no issues changing the value inadvertently either since I handhold with the foot in the normal position and is away from my hand and fingers.
Thanks for sharing
Great video with impressive and engaging footage as usual. I have been a Nikon user for quite a while. I think the lens looks like a brilliant innovation. I hope other manufacturers take note. It is not the only feature they should copy from Nikon. The sensor shield and the no blackout dual stream viewfinder are also good indications of features everyone should adopt. I have had the Z9 for about a year. It has been a steep learning curve but it is delivering on the promise of producing very pleasing results. I often find that I have so many shots in focus that I can focus on composition and creativity. I would love the 600 TC S series lens. it looks like it also adds a great deal to improving the process of taking excellent photographs. The price is however way too steep for me.
Thanks for sharing
Thanks for review. As a hobbyist, need a lottery win for this so scraping around with 100-400 and waiting Soooo long for 1.4TC. Might have to consider 800mm or the 200-600mm if it comes out in the next few years!
loved it
Great to hear!
Greatest Lens and Combo with Z9 i ever had for Wildlife ...
It sure is very nice!
I also feel tempted to get a nikon z9 and this amazing lens, thanks for a great review. I have a R5 and I have the old 600 mm f4 mk2 that I bought used 2015 and I have the eos 400mm f4 mk2 with I find really nice for longer hiking often with the 1,4 extender.
Thanks for sharing!
I was just lent the z 800 6.3 on a nepal assignment loved it so fast so light so sharp
Awesome, I will get one of them soon too
Nice vid -- I have both the 600 and 400 and took both plus the 100-400 to kenya last month where I had a great time. I took over 20,000 shots and many hours of vids - but about 13,439 of these were with the 400/2.8TC and "only" 5645 were with the 600/4.0TC -- maybe this was because I focus on big cats often ion low light, we saw almost no cheetah chases and for some of the time it was very hot -- causing unacceptably high levels of heat haze when shooting at distance. Both lenses are hand holdable on a Z9. They function almost identically - but I find the location of the control and function rings inconvenient so taped over them both. Since it had been raining grass height was often high and so being able to manually focus to look through the grass was also key -- the Z9's area AF modes do tend to grab focus on the nearest object (with SD on or without) and this can frequently be a grass stem in front of the eye/head. One has to shoot with enough DOF (typ f/8). If I had to choose only one of these lenses it would be the 400/2.8TC - that is because small birds are very much a minority of the subject I shoot - the 400/560 gives me what I need. BUT -- YES the 600/840 is a huge advantage when you need to reach in -- but only when it is cool that heat haze does not spoil the work.
Thanks for sharing! Nice set up! Yes, grass is a big challenge for all AF systems.
Just like I said in the comments two weeks ago, the BIG SWITCH is coming. I shoot Nikon, but not the Z9. Waiting for the “Z850” before I upgrade and consider one of the big telephotos. In the meantime, I’m shooting the OM1 + 150-400 4.5 TC pro lens ….. and loving this combo. Like the big Z lenses it has the TC flip switch next to my middle finger, instantly taking the lens as long as 1000 mm ffe. Getting great shots with it and many of the so called weaknesses of M43 (DOF, noise) are heavily overblown by the full frame junkies. Give it a whirl, Jan. For size, weight, reach and cost, there is no better bird and wildlife combo.
Yeah, I have tried a few times to get that combo for a spin, but no luck
Its a great combo, the 20mp M43 Sony stacked sensor is amazing. I wish to see it in more travel format bodies packed with the newest software and decent zoom.
hey Jan Wegener, with your very Dutch name :). Great video. I won't be buying the 600 anytime soon because I bought the 100-400 yesterday. Still, it's thanks to great creative and technically very experienced photographers like you, that I get to form some conclusive predictions about the working of lenses, their handling, their character, and what they could do for me and in my work. So, the 100-400 is part of this same family of Z tele glass as the 600. I've been working with it for exactly one day now. I love myself for having bought it, finally, based on a huge pile of information thanks to content makers like you. One remark about teleglass that I'd like to make is that it's never 'lightweight', but always heavy, even while some Z-lensen weigh less than their F-counterparts. You don't notice that weight so much because of the fantastic VR indeed, that damps out a lot of the fine corrections you'd otherwise make while pointing, following and focusing subjects under extended full concentration, and that can wear you down. These lenses are not lightweight but they certainly feel that way once you put them to your eye. Both ways, I think, you get a lot of substance for your buck.
The 100-400 is a great lens. I made video a bout it a while ago.
Nice review, I'm waiting for my 600mm to be fulfilled, hopefully getting a loaner for my trip to Costa Rica in just under 2 weeks time.
Fingers crossed!
Looking forward to the new z9 video. Especially so you can explain the wide area which is then 3d with AF-ON! 😂
I will. It’s the only way I found that works well in almost all cases
Thank you for your video and especially for the field test, dream combo ! If we compare the Canon RF 600mm f4 and this fabulous lens you just tested at 600mm, in terms of image quality only, for you which one is the winner?
Is use my Canon 100-400is ii with my Z6ii with the fringer ef-nz and i cant notice any difference versus native lenses. I recently received my Z8 and the adapter works even better with this camera.i know people perhaps are reluctant to adapting lenses across brands but this adapter really is a breakthrough. Not making a comercial. I do own mostly nikon f and z lenses.
I'm going to purchase the master classes and the presets. I'm getting a new MACMINI so once that arrives!
Great 😊
Wonderful Images Jan !! How do u compare the autofocus here to that on the R6 ii that u reviewed recently?
Overall the R6 II is much easier to use and thus has an edge imo. In saying that the Nikon AF has mostly caught up, but it not as easy to use and sometimes not as reliable
Thanks Jan, for me to buy this lens I would have to give up eating for a few years😅👀👀
Yes indeed! I want one but when the heck are we going to be able to buy one. It's always out of stock. Same with the new 85mm lens. It's pretty hard to stay with them if they make you wait sooooooo long to buy stuff. Come on NIKON get the stuff out!!! Great video Jan and thanks for sharing...
Yes availability is a bit frustrating
Great video, unfortunately I’d have to sell my house for the z9 and 600 combo I also believe that canon will follow with a 600 with teleconverter
Thanks for the video, just more camera equipment that I'm unable to afford. 😢😢😢😢😢 I'm glad that nikon is is stepping up their game and hopefully they will release new bodies with the autofocus abilities of the z9.😀
fingers crossed!
Hi Jan, and here's the next great video of you. This 600mm with built-in 1.4x extender is great and offers a lot of possibilities. It's smaller and lighter than my RF 600mm f/4. Handheld photography is much easier with such a lens, as you have shown us. Also the hand luggage suitability for flights. BTW - I can also carry my RF 600mm f/4 as hand luggage in my old Lowepro Vertex 300 😉 Okay without the lens hood, but it is possible. But is one better Lens a reason to switch to Nikon? Not really for me. In the past, I've seen a lot of photographers switch from Canon to Nikon and also from Nikon to Canon. And some of them switched back to the previous brand. Meanwhile, Sony is also a good option. I still think that each of the big brands has advantages and disadvantages. It comes down to personal preference and where you're willing to compromise. Lucky photographers are those who have the money for both systems and can find someone willing to carry the gear for them. The RF 600mm f/4 gives me the possibility to use also a 2.0x extender/converter. So I have 1200mm f/8. Is this with this 600mm and buil-in 1.4x converter possible? Can you use this lense with another converter? Or can be used this Nikon 600mm lens only with th ebuild-in converter? 840mm f/5.6 Yes I’m seeing all the positiv stuff of the Nikon Nikkor Z 600MM f/4 TC VR S. Let's see what Canon brings to the market in the next few years. Every brand tries to find something that makes it unique in order to reach more customers. Grüße aus Deutschland Uwe Frankfurt a.M., Germany
You can use the Z 600 with a 2x teleconverter (or a second 1.4x) and have 1200mm or 1680mm when activating the built in 1.4x in combination with a 2x.
@@livejames9374 Thank you! WOW - That’s great! Amazing possibilities. WOW - I’m a bit speechless. Will wait another 2 years to see what Canon brings to the market. I hope Canon will have something that doesn't make me think about switching to Nikon. After around 45 years.
Thank you for your amazing reviews!! I realized that you are still using Deeprime in Pureraw 3, is it just because of the banding you sometimes get in deeprime XD or are there any other reasons?
Yes I find xd a bit too aggressive at times. I don’t need it super smooth
Thank you so much for this video! Mine 600 TC is preordered but I get switching thoughts because of the AF of Nikon cameras. Since the last Update (3.10) I am much happier with the Z9. I keep thinking and wait, till the 600 is waiting for me in the store. Why is there no manufacturer independent lens mount? :D
The AF has come a long way for sure.
I've had mine now for about 2 months. LOVE it... Though I am struggling a little but with getting sharp images when shooting at 840mm. At 600mm it's amazing. More testing is needed. I shoot alpine ski racing so it's a little more complicated than wildlife / bif. I went with the Z9 not so much because of the body but because of the 400/2.8 TC and the 600/4 TC.. Having the builtin TC is a game changer for me. I highly doubt that Sony or Canon will re release their 400/600 primes with built TC in quite some time if ever. Nikon really did their homework when releasing the 400/600mm lens with built in TC's. I expect Canon to release a new 200-400/4TC as this is a very popular lens in the sports community
I did have a few times where the AF was slightly off with the extender at close range, but didn't happen enough to draw any conclusions from that. Yes, I also don't think we will see TC primes from Sony or Canon soon.
Hi is there a way to do comparison on a few of the canon cameras? I have the r6 and am thinking of going to either the r3 or the newer)r6m 11 or waiting for the r5 m11 to come out rumored this year. Also I am shooting (it seems) mostly in the 600 + range (I have a sigma lens with a converter and an extension)- could you suggest a mirrorless lens as an alternative. mostly handehld and the sigma lens is a beast... - birds, horses, landscape, travel . (birds mostly for the far away lens :)
Hallo Jan. Sehr praktisch, was Nikon mit dem integrierten TC geschafft hat. Nun sollte aber endlich ein neuer Body folgen, der unterhalb der Z9 trotzdem die Motiverkennung und den AF der Z9 mitbringt. Die Objektive gibt es nun , es fehlen weitere Kameras, die leichter und etwas günstiger sind. Gruß aus D. Jörg.
Da stimme ich dir zu
The lenses are not available- at least in the USA - people are on wait lists for over a year now…
Impressive Jan, handholding the value of a small car in the middle of a pool, getting as low as possible without getting the pants wet .. just to take such a truly amazing shot of those stilts 🤩👍 Looks like you were confident there were no crocodiles able to spook you ;-) Sounds like Nikon is strong in the money-no-object category, and I'd love for Canon to provide similar TC included options.
hehe! You spotted my main concern in that situation. Keeping the shorts dry :D
@@jan_wegener *LOL* genau !
For that price I would hope the lens will perform 😏thank you for your review!
You’re welcome 😊
Awesome review mate, when does your copy turn up 🙂 That really does look like the ultimate lens, I hope Canon watch this. Cheers, Duade
Hehe, not yet, but it’s hard to forget about it 😢😆
Olympus have had the 150-400 F/4.5 with a built-in 1.25 TC for a while. The flexibility is hard to beat. The price is not bad either.
Nice set up for sure. I'd love to try it
What focus settings are you using? Is it animal autofocus? It seems lock on to the birds so well! On my Z7ii when it seems to just randomly hunt when I have it in that mode and never seems to lock onto the birds reliably.
Yes, eye tracking for animals. The z9 is much improved in that area compared to Z7 series
Being a hobbyist myself I don't aim on this Lens, but Z9 is definitely in my list. Z9+Z800mm f/6.3 pf is my dream combo.
Cameras are obsolite for 1 year or less while lenses will serve you whole life if you keep them properly. My advise is to invest more in lenses, not cameras.
I currently have the 800mm its an amazing lens and performs well, can fault it even though its a 6.3
Yes, the 800 looks to be a great lens, too. I will get one in the next couple months
I have been shooting wildlife and birds for a long time using Canon's 100-400 4.5-5.6 and a 500 f4 (with and without 1.4 teleconverter) as my basic gear. Those lenses followed me to mirrorless via adapters. Been pretty happy with that setup, but I have to tell you, the new Nikon 180-600 5.6-6.3 is a sweet lens. Though I am not a brand swapper, I do have to wonder why every other manufacturer can come out with a similar lens, all under two grand, and the best Canon can do is a slower (at the long end...the end that counts) 100-500 4.5-7.1 for a thousand dollars more! Nice lens, no doubt, but come on! If you want to touch 600mm in a sub $2,000.00 lens from Canon, you are looking at a 600mm f11. F11!
The 100-500 is a better 100-400, then it makes a lot of sense. Hopefully Canon will introduce something else
Not this lens but the Nikkor 800mm 6.3 is the true killer if you are into bird photography. Truly a game changer for me.
If money were of no concern, would you still say that? I have the 800PF and consider "upgrading" to the 600/4TC.
@@biologyuppsala5389 Yes. As there is no 'upgrade' from the 800mm pf to the 600mm. With TC the sharpness is degraded and it becomes 'worse' than the 800mm. So, where is the upgrade here? Also, I am into small passerine birds, I need focal length. In case I use the 600mm almost all the time with TC on then I can also use the 800mm from beginning. The 600mm does not make sense for me. Maybe the 400mm yes, or the 400mm 4.5.
@@josefmolina3510 well the bokeh in the 800 is not great unless you manage to get an empty background. But if you never need 600 or f/4 then your choice makes sense. With 800mm there is no alternative if you get too close to a bigger bird though...
@@biologyuppsala5389 Cannot confirm this as I used also the 600mm f/4. The 800mm is lighter and with more reach. And it is sharper than the 600mm with activated TC. Bokeh wise, no complaint at all here, just compare the same scene with both lenses and you will see it. It is not 3x better than with the 800mm, if you want to compare it that way.
@@biologyuppsala5389 haven’t heard anyone say anything negative about the 800mm’s bokeh. What kind of issues do you find unpleasant with it?
Thanks!
Thank you!!
Thanks for the info Jan, Question If you had to choose between the 600 f/4 or the 400 2.8 mirrorless lenses which one would you choose? Thanks
For me personally I always chose a 600. 400 is just way too short for me
Nice video and lens! Any news on Canon tele zoom lenses?
I'll make a video this week :)
Well, Jan, although I'm subscribed to your channel, I have been a Nikon shooter since whenever the FE came out, your content is always informative and have learnt many skills and ideas here, Now I'm not sure I will get enough cash for this 78 year old kidney to buy (order) the 600 f4s, My Tamron 150- 600 G1 not working on the Z9, so looks like the boat gets sold :) Absolutely stunning images and PP BTW ! ............... Gary ................AU
Thanks Gary. It is a tempting lens
Great video and a great lens. Is the Z7 comparable to the Z9 if you don't want a gripped body?
unfortunately not. The AF lacks a lot
@@jan_wegener Thanks Jan. I'll keep an eye out for the Z8 in due course.
It's a combo I would love but it's way beyond my budget. I will have to win the lottery I think. 😁
I think you should 😄
תודה!
Thanks a lot!
Jan, which lens setting did you use in pure raw 3 for the pics you took with the 600tc? It doesn’t yet have this lens and I wasn’t sure whether using the ‘f’ mount setting was suitable. Thanks. Glenn.
I turned it off
Thanks. 👍
Looking at what lenses Nikon offers now, I am considering switching to Nikon gear now. I'm using a Canon R5+100-400 II combo but did not find a native RF replacement. Nikon offers native Z 400mm f/4.5 or Z 100-400mm lenses which have no equivalent on Canon's side.
Hold another month when the Nikon Z8 is expected be launched. It will be an interesting choice between the Z8 and Z9.
What bout the 100-500?
@@jan_wegener I had 100-500 rented directly from Canon when it came out. Made some testing in the field and side-by-side testing along with my 100-400 II. I have mixed feelings, to be honest. 100-500 is not a bad lens but considering the price and other facts, it is not a big gain for me. Sadly, there is no RF lens capable of F/5.6 @ 400mm unless we count big whites.
Hallo Jan, Wieder tolles Video👍🏻 Ja ist schin sehr verlockend, leider außerhalb meines Budges😂 Aber wenn ne kleinere günstigere Kamera wie eine Nikon Z8 kommt, dann wirds spannend zusammen mim Z800mm f6.3 PF😃
Das stimmt
I made the Switch from Minolta in 1972 and havent looked back since >> Canon in those days were basically a Printer Copier Co
Wish I could afford that lens!
Definitely very pricy!
Nice video! Which camera would you recommend to photograph swallows and swifts? Z9 or R6 I?
Af wise canon may have a slight edge, but 20mpix for tiny birds is likely not enough
@@jan_wegener thank you And which camera do you think has got better iso performance z9 or r5?
@@jazinzlaty4823 I think the R5 may have a slight edge, but after denoising it’s pretty similar
@@jan_wegener I thought so I’m Nikon shooter but this yer might switch to canon or sony Will see what cameras coming this year Thank you
One thing you might not track but which would be helpful for reviews would be stats on how many pictures you took, how many you considered potentially usable, and how many you picked to edit immediately. Compared across camera & lens combos that could give a more objective idea of how good the AF is. Of course some of that is dependent on the photographer's skill, and some is dependent on the behavior of the birds, so it's not perfect.
I probably took right around 20k images. I did not keep less or more than I’d normally keep with my canon gear. The main difference I noticed was that I missed the 40fps of the R6 II in situations like the fighting stilts. It does give you more options of wing positions etc. once the AF hit it was pretty good. If anything it sometimes missed and I did not even get to take photos on that particular scene
Nice shots.. What's with the blown out whites?
I have to wonder if and when Canon & Sony will produce a 600 with built-in 1.4 extender. Jan: Why not hand hold using the lens foot?
I find it unstable and it hurts my hand after a while
For birding, it is hard to argue against your raised points, and results. So maybe this is the ideal set up?
It’s comes pretty close
In Australia this lens is $27499. Very few if any photographers will be able to justify buying it. Instead, it will be the Doctors, Dentists, and Lawyers who take less photos in ten years than I do every day buying it. The inbuilt TC is a great idea though - I've seen it on the 150-400 Olympus lens as well. Would be great to see it trickle down to affordable lenses - but not sure it will be possible given diffraction issues using TC's on slower lenses.
Yes built in TCs are definitely nice.
Nikon always produced killer wildlife combos. This one is no exception. Eventually they will dominate that market again as with DSLRs.
They really need to step up the camera game. The lens line up for wildlife is sick!
Give the Z8 15fps mechanical and 30 electronics, same body system and buttons like the Z9 but without inbuilt grip,make all the buttons customizable,make the dedicated af button switchable (not needing to tap on it and rotate a dial),add zebra stripping for exposure monitoring ,4k is enough,dual cfexpress type B card slots,even an improved af over the Z9 and grip also available on release . And sit back to enjoy a huge success.
Stunning Video as ever, Jan. Many Thanks for yet another great release. Unfortunately with the use of an obvious click bait title, I have but 1 concern. You did't answer your own Question! Normal Hardworking "Hobbyist" photographers of course cannot, nor will not spend that ridiculous amount on a lens. Clearly a Pro photographer many be able to add such a thing to their camera bag. Would You switch?
Cause I don’t have a clear answer yet. I am very tempted but I’d like to see what Nikons next cameras will be and what the R1 will be like. The image stabilisation alone would make this worthwhile for me
Nice to try out on my Nikon Z9 but here in Ireland my order of the Z mount 400mm TC f2.8 lens and Z mount 600mm f4 I'm still waiting on
Yes the wait times are a bit of a bummer
@@jan_wegener Ordered the first few days of the Z400mmf2.8 lens announcement and fully paid for but still on back order here in Ireland
Nikon for the WIN, you should def switch! Nikon is a trendsetter and innovator. :)
Jan I don't know if you remember it was Canon that started the built-in teleconverter with the 200 to 400 lens . I look at it as a gimmick why not use your existing teleconverters that you have on lenses that weigh less . That's just my input their Jan but there might be other people to feel different let's hear from them as well .
Have you checked out OM-1 and 150-400 f4.5 1.25 TC Pro? That’s the enthusiasts setup if you have 8500,- EUR to spare. That lens is incredibly lightweight, super sharp and has got a built in TC! I used one for two weeks and would get that combo for birding and wildlife.
I’d love to try it out but have not been able to get that kit
@@jan_wegener that - indeed - is kind of the struggle. Maybe OM Systems Pacific’s is afraid of your comparison 🤣 - or Canon is, because you might switch
@@simonheereman1616 I’ll just tell the truth 😀
I will not switch from my R5 and my RF 100-500. I am happy with this Combo.
It's a great combo!
At those price ranges, built in teleconverters should have been standard issue Heck they should include both the 1.4 and 2.0 teleconverters in the same lens
That would be nice, but it would also get quite long and heavier
Sony better come out with a 600mm with tele asap other wise I’m changing systems!
I don’t see that happening soon, but who knows
I wish Canon would’ve released the RF600 with a built in TC but if they priced it the same as the Nikon I’m not sure I would’ve replaced my EF 600 II.
So do I. What amazed me the most on this lens is the VR.
Makes such sense or on teleconverter switch annoying having to change out the tele for speed changing angle and getting colours in the background like really adds interest and pop.lens drool lol
Looks amazing but you should mention it will take over a year to get the lens for us normal people. I ordered the Z400 2.8 in March of 2022 (yes over a year ago!!!) and have not received it, they have no idea when it will ship, and cannot even get a rough estimate on when I will get it.
Yes availability is a big issue. It seems it varies quite a bit depending on country
I'm a Nikon fan. I have Z9 with several lenses from Z14-24 to the 800 F6.3. All affordable to me. But these 400 and 600 TCs are way out of my range. Oh how I would love to have the 600 F4 TC.
The 800 is a great consolidation price :)
@@jan_wegener True that. :) It took 12 months to get. While waiting I'd been doing most shooting with the z 100-400 + 2x TC. Since the 800, I can't yet say if my sharpness is much different ( I expect it is better) but boy the extra shutter speed is magic. Much less noise and if a stationary bird takes off, SHARP! LOL.
Does your master class on post processing work on any computer system and how easy it is to download it?
It does. You can download and/or stream it
@@jan_wegener where can I find the link?
@@user-fy3px5nw8p aviscapes.com/masterclass-editing
@@jan_wegener Y just made a payment. When and how will it arrive?
@@user-fy3px5nw8pinstantly via email
Now I understand Nikon's argument about the bigger Z mount.
My Z9 would love that lens, but the price simply more than I can handle.
I am Nikon schootter and will definitely buy this lens. There is out of question for an amateur photographer to think about switching the system. Way to expensive. Canon Nikon and Sony will stay in the market. All three brands are great.
Hey Jan, I am a young wildlife photographer and I was wondering if you could give me any tips about selling me work. I am planning to sell prints online, although I do not know how to edit my images. Thanks
Learning that would be the first step. If it comes to selling something you need and USP, something that makes you unique and offers value to people