Approaching the Scene 200: Why I Love the New Nikon 800mm 6.3 PF S
(LINKS BELOW): I’m blown away. When I ordered this lens I doubted that I’d keep it. Now, after just a couple of hours shooting with it, I can’t imagine sending it back. It’s far lighter and better handling than I imagined, razor sharp wide open and amazingly fast focusing. Like the 500PF, this one really opens another world of photographic opportunity. In this video, I’ll show you why I love it so much.
LINKED TABLE OF CONTENTS:
00:00 Intro to ATS 200
00:47 Join our next free Office Hours and submit a question
01:40 This big lens is light and hand-holdable!
03:04 It comes with a sweet case
04:45 The hood is very cool & important
05:34 Programmable buttons with focus recall
06:37 Images from my first test shoots with it
07:04 This lens is particularly amazing on the Z9
17:10 It feels a lot like the D500/500PF combo, but with full frame
@nikonusa 800mm 6.3 PF-S: bhpho.to/3KjiMxf
Kirk QD/Arca rail for 800 foot (add $4 bushing): bit.ly/3sIYN4s
My Ultralight Custom Tripods: www.hudsonhenry.com/tripods
2023 Workshops & early access: www.hudsonhenry.com/workshops
Kase Filters: www.hudsonhenry.com/kase
Frequently updated links to all the gear I use: bit.ly/HudsonsLinks
Using my links helps support this video series. Thank you!
I invite all of you to join Rick, Woody, David, Darren and me for our free live Office Hours Tuesday June 21st at 10AM Pacific. We’re going to talk about David and my experience shooting long lenses in Costa Rica these past couple of weeks, show some images and take your questions. Please submit your questions when you sign up!
Office Hour signup site: bit.ly/2UgDaX4
Thanks to everyone for the great questions you are sending in. Keep them coming either in the comments below or by emailing me directly. I hope to see you in the next Office Hours session on June 21st.
Stay safe and healthy.
As a Canon shooter I have to congratulate Nikon on both their Z9, as well as their new 800 mm 6.3 lens. With their latest offerings, Nikon has laid to rest all the ridiculous past commentary about their future viability and potential demise. Kudos to them for showing that they not only still have cutting edge technology but can mfg and sell same at a reasonable price. I am so happy to see Nikon users rewarded for their loyalty. I am left drooling over your new 800mm acquisition and look fwd to seeing your upcoming Costa Rica photos taken with this lens. Go Nikon and Go Hudson......
What a great comment. Makes my night. Thanks Mike. Canon is killing it too! I loved my time with the R5.
I am in awe this lens is magical. We live in a small country town150ks away form the city in South Australia, we have at least 40 to 80 different native bird species that live in the area. My 60th birthday gift was a Nikon D5600 with a Nikon DX VR AF-P NIKKOR 70-300mm lens. I know it is only small time but I have been so happy with this beauty, may be some day before I leave this incarnation I will get an up grade camera "Nikon and lenses. I really love photography and have captured some awesome moments with my best friend my Nikon D5600. So pleased I found you. Thank you for being here. Love and Light. ' 👌🤗
👍👍👍❤️👍👍👍
Keep the information flowing. Love your shows.
Beautiful results, Hudson!
🎉🎉ATS 200!🎉🎉 I held the Z9/800 combo in the studio on Tuesday. It's a dope combination!
Thanks Hudson. I can't wait to get mine which has been on order for months. In mid June I'm going on a workshop in Maine and would love to have it there.
Greetings from Costa Rica, is my first video that I’ve see from your channel and i loved it, looking forward to seeing more videos from you and from cr
WOW! I love that Lens!.... I had cancelled my order on this Lens and went with the Z 400mm 2.8 TC, mostly because I have the 1.4 and 2x Z Teleconverters, and figured with those added to the 400, I could reach the length of the 800mm, I'm not sure when the Lens will arrive, but I did take the liberty of ordering the C-PL460 Filter, will hopefully be able to put the assembly to full use on my next Vacation. Can't wait to see your photos from Costa Rica, I think this is where the 800mm and the Z9 will really flex its muscles :) as always, thanks for sharing your knowledge and Technology.... I'm so glad that I'm subscribed to this channel.
Just ordered the Z9 and the 800mm, can’t wait! I still have my D850 and my 500 and 300mm pf. If I love the Z9 I promised my husband I would sell the D850.
Really impressed with your channel, full of information, well explained if I lived in the USA I would definitely come on one of your trips.I received a reply to a question from you super quick.Thanks and please keep the videos coming.What a guy.
Thank you Malcolm! Much appreciated.
Amazing images. This lens looks like a keeper.
beautiful shots
that is such an amazing combination......!!!! almost defies belief it is so incredible....
Can’t wait to see how you use this lens in Costa Rica…great, great image of your daughter…
On a list to get one of these but may hold off, 800mm is a lot of reach and there are only certain areas where I currently shoot where I can take advantage of it, if I traveled to go to Alaska or Africa it would be a no brainer. Glad you enjoyed using it looking forward to see what you come back with from Costa Rica, most people that have this lens seem to gush all over it, hope you are enjoying your trip.
Great video! I think the only thing that gives me pause about any of these PF lenses is you sometimes get that weird and distinctic PF bokeh. 95% of the time the background is so buttery that you don't notice it, but sometimes it is so distracting. For example at about 9:25, the shot of the squirrel. The squirrel is great but that weird looking distortion in the bottom left caused by the fresnel element is certainly not ideal. Still, for the price, this lens is going to go down in history as a super star.
Very much looking forward to your next video about Pure Raw integration into the workflow with high ISO images. I haven’t upgraded to the new version but it I’m very much a fan of the software.
Hey Hudson, thanks for the great video. Just curious, I see you are going to travel with the 800 in its carry case. But, does it fit in your Nya-Evo pack? Loose or in the insert? Thanks!
My Z9 was shipped before Xmas, still waiting for the 800 PF though. Agree with you about using DxO PureRAW 2 on low light/high ISO images. Cheers from Australia.
Outstanding video, my Z9 should be here any day and I hope the 800 shortly after.
Looks like a fantastic lens. Can't wait to se it! Now, if only money grew on trees.
This is excellent job yet again and can't wait for the comparison with the z400mm f2.8 TC lens
Loss of some reach, but in theory, the 400 should render cleaner images within it's shooting distant range. You need 1 of each until the 600f4 comes out.
@@thomastuorto9929 you might be right
CONGRATS ON 200! Can't wait for mine to show up! .. Would Have loved to shoot the lunar eclipse last week with it but alas B&H hasn't come thro for me yet
Thanks man! 🤞You'll love it!
I think the most amazing thing about these systems is the image stabilization that lets you hand-hold them. Imagine trying to do this with a 35mm film camera.
Nice video! I cancelled my 800 pf order, for just one reason , this focus length is just too long for Bird photography hence too specialised.The FOV is too small.Not such &point for stills but for rapid moving birds definitely an issue (swallows, songbirds)I will be saving for the Nikon 600 to come!It will be much more versatile, however , the cost…
I'm so impatient to get mine! I really thought I'd have it by now since I pre-ordered really early.
I appreciate your service to us Nikon Shooters--82 year old Nikon loyalist since F1-NowZ7ii & Z9 with complete set of S lens -NPS also
Thanks so much Jim! I so appreciate that comment. My gosh the 800pf is fun down here in Costa Rica. :)
Hi Hudson! Thanks for the nice reviews. I'm waiting inpatiently for my 800mm PF. Can you advise me on the arca swiss plate size for tripod foot? 100mm or 140mm?
A Sony sports photographer has programmed one of his lens buttons to go to DX mode. I haven't been able to do that with my Z9. It would be a great way do that. I have that on my Fn4 button currently.
awesome lens!
beautiful
the only word I can think of is .. WOW.
I ordered mine the day it was announced, directly from Nikon. I still have not received it. None of the usual places seem to have it, either. I really am looking forward to it.
Couldn't agree more that this lens is a game changer. Been shooting with it for a month and it is literally changing the way I work. Just shot a major air show with this lens and the 100-400+1.4TC - the perfect air show combo. I'll be showing some of that stuff soon. Glad to see you took the chance on this one - it's a keeper!
I am a wildlife photographer in Alaska and own the 800 f/6.3 and can say without a doubt, you will not need this much glass when you make it too katmai. Katmai you will be either on foot or on boats and the bears are very close to you. If you end up going to Lake Clark area, you will be in boats that can get you very close to the bears and 400mm is often too much. I've been shooting with the 200-400 for years but just sold it when I got the 180-600, and it and my 100-400 have worked well for most of the bear images I've taken over the years. Unless you are trying to count how many hairs they have. That being said, the 800 is an amazing lens for birds up here.
Yeah. I just traded it up to the 400TC for my Costa Rica workshop last week. I'd certainly bring that with the 100-400. ;)
@@HudsonHenryPhoto I’m still trying to figure out what body parts I can live without to sell and buy one of those. Such an amazing lens.
It really is. I got a deal from one of my frequent workshop participants. No regrets at all...
Ive been loving my z9 and 100-400 plus teleconverters Considering the 800 to take the place of the 500pf and put it up for sale Your thoughts on this 800 z instead of the 500pf which i love , but i imagine the 800 pairs up better with the z9 and z611 much sweeter
I'll speak to that when I'm back from Costa Rica next month. I landed in the Osa peninsula and I brought the 800, 100-400 and 1.4, but no 500! We'll see. :)
great video 🌹 with your experience with r5 and now z9 how close is the autofocus in z9 especially BIF to r5 thanks for sharing 👍
They're close to on par, but my gut says the Z9 is a bit better. My hit rate with the Z9 is certainly higher, but I've had a bit more practice. The one thing from the R5 I miss is the ability to position the AF point on the bottom right corner of the touch screen with my thumb while using the viewfinder. I wish Nikon would adopt that soon. It is really cool. I'll say this -- the Z9 isn't playing second to anyone right now except in the size and weight department, but then you mount a super tele on it and realize how nicely balanced the package is and how ergonomically well laid out. The optics they are making for the Z system seem insanely well thought out and made. Lighter, sharper and more affordable than I'd imagined (well for the new 400 and the 800 at least, let's ignore the price of the precious 400 2.8 and the 58 Noct in this discussion :-) The other brands don't seem to be driving lens design toward pushing the envelope that the wider closer mount provides or to be as focused on very high performance, but slightly slower, lighter and more affordable glass that makes sense with the way ISO performance continues to evolve. Nikon seems far ahead of the curve there and I applaud that.
@@HudsonHenryPhoto 🌹🌹🌹👌👍thanks
How do I change the color of the focus point in Z 9?
Mine is ordered on April 6 …. Waiting !!!
Picking mine up tomorrow after 10 months on order !!!!!
Mine is ordered... but I find Nikon takes so long to fill orders of new products. I have a feeling it will be a year before I see mine.
Haven’t received mine, even with NPS priority filed. Heading to CR in about 6 weeks. If it doesn’t arrive, on a Z9, would you rather have the 100-400 and 2x TC or a 500PF plus 1.4x TC on the FTZ2 adapter to get ~800mm of reach?
You lose a bit of quality with the 100-400 in comparison, but there's t so much versatility. It's a tough call. The 500 is so sharp, but when things get closer... :( I'm bringing the 800 and the 100-400 with the 1.4.
I have one on order direct with Nikon on the day it was announced...order still "Processing"
Looks like a nice combo. Surprised you went away from the fluid head for that lens. But hey, if it works, it works.
It's more to prove a point about how light and easy to use it is. I'll take the fluid head whenever it's feasible, but the small plane I just took here to the Osa peninsula had a tight weight limit. I already was near double it, even making choices like the pano head over the fluid. ;)
@@HudsonHenryPhoto Thanks.
Great review. I can't imagine buying something like this for my Z6II and my needs but might rent it or the new 400/2.8. Can't wait to hear how Costa Rica is! I will be heading there later this year.
Could you do those of us waiting for a Z6iii an impression of how the 800 PF performs on the the Z6ii? Maybe a let down once you're used to the Z9, but I don't think I am alone saying the Z9 is more than I really want and need, but I really want more reach and better AF. Thanks if you manage to accomodate my request. Cheers.
It's great. I have a ton of videos on Z series autofocus long before the Z9 launched. It's been great since firmware 3.0 on the z6 and z7. Just search this channel for autofocus and you'll see I've been shooting the 500pf and 105 1.4 on the FTZ, the 70-200 S, and other lenses for wildlife, sports action and a ton of complex action with no problem. The 800 is fine on the z6ii. Yes the 9 AF is more intuitive and the 3d is nicer than subject tracking over ride, but... There is nothing wrong with the 6, 7, 6ii, 7ii 5 or 50. I have the Z50 here in Costa Rica as the backup to my z9 and I've been getting insane shots of monkeys with it. You just need to learn to use the auto area AF with subject tracking over ride. Works great.
how did you get on with the 800 pf in the end on your trip?? def considering this lens as i am forever wanting that range.
If you watch any number of videos on wildlife photography in the year and a half or so since, you'll hear me singing it's prasises over and over... kzhead.info/sun/l9Kaf86ZaHiHha8/bejne.html kzhead.info/sun/e9yCdrCJbIh4mHA/bejne.html are a couple examples
thanks@@HudsonHenryPhoto watching now. Many thanks.
Obviously, this has longer reach than the 500PF. But that aside, how do you feel they compare? Will you be keeping your 500PF as well as this? Also, have you tried the 800 with the 1.4TC?
It's very similar to the 500pf on the d500, but with the shallower depth of field you'd expect of an 800. I'll be able to answer all that more when I get back from Costa Rica. Just got to the Osa peninsula with the 800, 1.4 and 100-400. Left the 500 home. ;)
BIG QUESTION- While hand holding, do u put VR in sport mode? I just got my lens … I cannot get a sharp photo of a static subject … even tried SS 1600 …. Im absolutely sick about this ! Yes my VR is turned on ! Yes, i braced myself , I am not new to photography! ANY HELP IS APPRECIATED. THANK YOU
Something is wrong then. I had great success in Costa Rica at 1/60th and even had sharp frames in bursts at 1/30th No, I never engage sport. That's the paparazzi mode for shooting from the back of a bouncing scooter on cobblestones. It's made for shooting motion from a moving platform.
@@HudsonHenryPhoto Thx ! Waited 10 months on order . Im sick about this ! Thank you !!!
Can you please post a link to the L plate you use on the Z9
It's in my links with the body. Www.hudsonhenry.com/atslinks
What a magnificent lens…how would the weight compare to my Nikkor 200-500mm?
Around .15 pounds heavier I believe.
@@FlyinRyanProductions406 wow, I feel mine is heavy at around five pounds. After seeing the price tag. I love my 200-500…hahaha
It's funny that it is heavier. It feels lighter because it's balanced much better. Yeah, it's not at all cheap, but when you consider the Canon 800 just released, while 1/3 stop faster is 1000 more than this lens plus a z9 combined! 🤑
How fast is the AF compared to other superteles?
Very fast
👍🏾🙏🏾
How do you feel about this lens for current 600mm f4 owners? Is it a replacement?
It depends on how much you work in low light, what low light performance your body is capable of and if you'd rather hand hold than use a gimbal. The 800 is half the weight, with the bulk of the weight balanced at the rear. I can handhold it all day and it's VR is so good combined with the Z9 that I have sharp images down to 1/30th from handheld bursts captured in Costa Rica. For me with the high ISO performance of my Z9 and Z6ii plus DXO Pure RAW, this sharp, hand-holdable 6.3 800 is by far my choice. :-)
@@HudsonHenryPhoto Thanks Hudson. I have a Z9 body and currently my 600 lives on the tripod with gimbal. Occasionally it's on a monopod with gimbal. It sounds like you're very happy with the IQ of the 800 and do not feel it suffers against the 600 except in low light. It's that a correct assumption?
I saw one complaint about the weather seal of this lens. Has anyone had this issue? I may get this lens next year or so to get more reach. Thank you.
I have shot in driving rain both in Costa Rica and Glacier NP with mine this year. No issue at all.
@@HudsonHenryPhoto thank you so much for your reply. Hopefully, I can get it next year.
Unfortunately fresnel glass creates unpleasant circular bokeh of light reflecting on water, where I’m the most of my time.
even though its "cheap" its still a 7000 dollar lens
$6500 is not something I'd call cheap. But it's a relative thing. For a used car it's very affordable. For a fixed 800mm of this quality, it's about half as much money as we've ever seen one priced new. Canon's new 800, while 2/3 stop faster is, 17,000 dollars and too big to handhold. bhpho.to/3ImMXn1
Some great images. The 800mm looks so small - I want one...🦘