p.8 #1 · Nikon Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S images thread
I have been under the weather with a cold so, I haven't gone out anywhere and thus trying to test things from home. Luckily, a couple of King Parrots came by for a feed and our resident family of Magpies are are also here, 2 parents and 4 fledglings.
The 100-400 so far is proving to be stupid sharp and with superb overall IQ, the bokeh is excellent. As I said before, the AF is fast and sure footed.
Male King Parrot. I love these birds. They are so gentle and timid and beautiful as well. They generally keep in pairs or a pair and fledglings.
p.8 #6 · Nikon Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S images thread
Congrats on making your decision! Regardless of which way you go, I know finally pulling the trigger and moving a big pile of gear into the “sell” pile is a big relief. Now the “work” is done and you get to actually use the darn stuff for real!
RoamingScott wrote:
I’ll be listing my Sony gear shortly!
p.8 #7 · Nikon Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S images thread
Hey Lance, you posted images so far have all had perfect focus on the birds’ eyes. Have you been using the eye AF, or are you just that quick on the draw?
If you’re using eye AF, can you speak a bit to the feature? It’s the feature of the Z9 I’m most excited about, as the Z6 is the first camera I’ve used that can do eye AF on people, and it has completely changed how I shoot portraits.
p.8 #8 · Nikon Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S images thread
The 100-400 S combined with the 1.4 TC works pretty good along with my Z7ii. I normally use a 500PF but I think this combination is as good quality wise and certainly acquires focus better.
p.8 #9 · Nikon Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S images thread
MikeInPa wrote:
The 100-400 S combined with the 1.4 TC works pretty good along with my Z7ii. I normally use a 500PF but I think this combination is as good quality wise and certainly acquires focus better.
p.8 #13 · Nikon Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S images thread
Two flights from this morning... The 100-400 really focuses nicely on the Z-body. It seems to respond differently to the camera than my 500PF. This difference feels more significant in practice than it sounds.
p.8 #16 · Nikon Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S images thread
Yesterday, I set out to see if the 100-400S with a 2xTC would be usable or not. Because I've use a 2x with other lenses (including an adapted 500PF) on other Z bodies, I was reasonable confident it would be fine - particularly on a Z9.
Having not used a zoom lens in years, I did find myself loving the ability to pull back. This was particularly nice for incoming flight sequences. Even medium sized birds get big as they get close. Lol....
"For me", this will be a viable option that I will not be afraid to use.
p.8 #17 · Nikon Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S images thread
Thanks Phil,
This is very helpful and encouraging.
My 100-400 is due to arrive tomorrow and I know I want to add a TC - both actually - but I am debating whether to buy the 2x or the 1.4 first. I have all three F mount TCs for my 300PF and use the TC20E III a lot, though focus acquisition with that combo on my Z7 is a bit slow with moving subjects, I have no complaints about the IQ though for 600mm in such a light package. The rest of the time the 1.4 is glued to the lens. I am tempted now to go straight to the 2x for my 100-400. I do not have a Z9 so I wonder if you have a Z7 you could try the 100-400 plus 2x on? If not a Z7 then maybe a Z6, 6 II or 7 II?
I would really appreciate it if you could hep out - and have the time.
I live by the Chesapeake and my main avian subjects are large birds - eagles, ospreys and herons.
p.8 #18 · Nikon Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S images thread
Phil, nice photos! The 100-400 did a good job here, I agree. I never would have dreamed to use my Canon 100-400 with a 2x, and you got both sharp images and autofocus. Impressive.
Did you notice a significant reduction in AF performance with the 2x?
Patrick, the Z7’s sensor is substantially similar to the Z9. AF capabilities excepted, you should expect results similar to what Phil posted from your Z7.
p.8 #20 · Nikon Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S images thread
pwschladen wrote:
Thanks Phil,
This is very helpful and encouraging.
My 100-400 is due to arrive tomorrow and I know I want to add a TC - both actually - but I am debating whether to buy the 2x or the 1.4 first. I have all three F mount TCs for my 300PF and use the TC20E III a lot, though focus acquisition with that combo on my Z7 is a bit slow with moving subjects, I have no complaints about the IQ though for 600mm in such a light package. The rest of the time the 1.4 is glued to the lens. I am tempted now to go straight to the 2x for my 100-400. I do not have a Z9 so I wonder if you have a Z7 you could try the 100-400 plus 2x on? If not a Z7 then maybe a Z6, 6 II or 7 II?
I would really appreciate it if you could hep out - and have the time.
I live by the Chesapeake and my main avian subjects are large birds - eagles, ospreys and herons.
Hey Patrick,
Glad it helps.
I do not have a Z7 and recently sold my Z7II, but I do have a Z6II.
I also have a 300PF, so I have an opinion before even testing this. The 300PF is an awesome lens that produces some superb images, but.... It is slow - very slow AF compared to many of my other lenses. I have used it with a 2x on several Z bodies and am familiar with your experience.
The 100-400S lens is in an entirely different league than the 300PF when it comes to AF speed. The difference is large. I suspect you are in for a very pleasant surprise. I'll give it a try one my Z6II & let you know.
The obvious difference is light. The 300PF w/2x (wide open) is F8. The 100-400 w/2x (wide open @ max FL) is F11.
