OwlsEyes
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 p.40 #14 · Official Nikon 400/2.8S image thread + some discussions | |
nmerc_photos wrote:
after my recent outings with the 400TC, 800PF, and both TC's - I started getting GAS or downgrade vibes.. I decided to for sure sell my 180-600 and 800PF.
180-600 - too heavy as a zoom, and I would not very often choose a 5lb zoom over a 5.25lb 800PF or 6.25lb 400TC
800PF - I feel after looking at a lot of comparison shots, the 400TC often results in better images in the 800mm and 1120mm focal lengths. so for me the only value of the 800PF would be its light weight, and that 1lb difference isn't enough to justify keeping it
I then started looking at getting a 600TC either in addition or instead of the 400TC. looking at my own images, I very rarely find myself at 400 f2.8, and mostly at 560 or 784.
so I did what every bored person does, and went through 40 pages of this thread to tally up how everyone else in here has been using their 400TC. results were a bit surprising to me!
it's clearly a versatile lens, and each focal length was used at least 5% of the time. based on my own usage, I expected 560mm to be higher than 34%, and I expected 400mm to be lower than 42%.
I previously owned the 600TC, but I sold it before swapping to the 400TC so I never got to test both at the same time.
for anyone who has used both - did you keep both? why did you pick what you picked?
does it "bother" anyone to buy a 400 2.8 and mainly use it at 560 and 784/800? I get that adage stuck in my head of "buy the focal length that you'll use most frequently without a TC". is that no longer necessary because of how good the internal and new Z TC's are?...Show more →
I'll share my thoughts here and end with an explanation about my personal choice... the key here.. my personal choice.
I come from a history of "compromise" optics...
First (late 1990's to 2014) I used some kind of a 300mm lens (f2.8 or f4) with and without converters. Most of my shooting was with a 1.4x on these lenses. Back in the day, I did not have the money for anything longer or more sophisticated, so I learned what I could do with a 420mm f/4.
Second, in 2014 I bought the 200-400 f4VR and a D500. This became my primary wildlife lens with an effective field of view of 300-600mm at f/4. These were 20mp files and this was my primary kit until 2021-2 when the Z9 was released. This field of view of 300mm to 600mm is MY sweet spot for wildlife photography. I like how this range renders wildlife and it is enough for me to shoot smaller subjects when the conditions are right.
Third, As Nikon introduced mirrorless tele's, I tried them... most of the them. I've owned and shot the 100-400S, 400 f4.5S, 800PF, 180-600, and 400 f2.8TC. I've sold most of them, but have stuck with the 100-400S and 400 f2.8TC. The 400 f2.8TC was such a large financial commitment, that I am not going to part with it. At the time of purchase, I had the choice... 400 f2.8TC or 600 f4TC. My dealer had both and the price difference was "small enough" that it was about best fit for me.
Enter today... I use the 400 f2.8TC as three lenses in two different ways. I use it as a 400 f2.8 when I can and when the composition supports this decision. I use the lens as a 560 f4 for the same reasons. When shooting small birds and owls, I either shoot DX (or plan a crop) OR add another 1.4x. I have accepted that this is a sacrifice, and the 600TC might have produced a sharper image. I CHOSE this path because the 400 f2.8TC is lighter and more compact than the 600TC. It is likely that the 600TC would have been the better decision if all I wanted was the best image quality at 600mm and 840mm. On the other hand, I like to carry ALL of my gear in the field and travel with everything in one bag. The 400TC is small enough that I can carry it with body and hood in shooting position attached in my bag. In addition, this same bag holds my 100-400, 24-120, and a second body. I still have enough space for an ultrawide or a 3rd body depending on my destination.
The 400 f2.8TC tics my boxes, but if optical acuity at 800mm is your priority, the 600TC is the better lens.
bruce
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