p.41 #1 · Official Nikon 400/2.8S image thread + some discussions
I might have just pulled the trigger on one (after much deliberation). 400 4.5 will be sold and I'll need to decide which of the 600/800PF is sticking around. 1st world problems.
p.41 #3 · Official Nikon 400/2.8S image thread + some discussions
lukemeup wrote:
I might have just pulled the trigger on one (after much deliberation). 400 4.5 will be sold and I'll need to decide which of the 600/800PF is sticking around. 1st world problems.
I often use the 400 f2.8S with an additional 1.4x. I have found DXO pure-raw renders these files in a way that compares favorably to my 800PF. I ended up selling the 800PF because it became redundant... When I'm shooting small birds or distant subjects, the 400 f2.8 / 560 f4 becomes a 560 f4 / 780 f5.6.
p.41 #5 · Official Nikon 400/2.8S image thread + some discussions
OwlsEyes wrote:
I often use the 400 f2.8S with an additional 1.4x. I have found DXO pure-raw renders these files in a way that compares favorably to my 800PF. I ended up selling the 800PF because it became redundant... When I'm shooting small birds or distant subjects, the 400 f2.8 / 560 f4 becomes a 560 f4 / 780 f5.6.
Congratulations... you'll love the lens.
I couldn't resist when a Canadian one popped up on B&S. Decisions will be hard but I can totally see myself selling 800PF and keeping 600PF for when I don't want to carry the big one.
p.41 #6 · Official Nikon 400/2.8S image thread + some discussions
lukemeup wrote:
I couldn't resist when a Canadian one popped up on B&S. Decisions will be hard but I can totally see myself selling 800PF and keeping 600PF for when I don't want to carry the big one.
A similar thing precipitated my purchase.. I walked into my local shop and there was a new 400TC and 600TC sitting there. I quipped about how I'd love to own one, and they began to negotiate terms of a favorable sale. While I had to throw a lot of money at the deal, I feel like I received a fair trade and went with it. As you can see by the images I've posted, I have absolutely no regrets about selling my 800PF.
If you are curious, the lens allowed me to rethink my bag and priorities. I ended up selling an 800PF, 180-600, 400 f4.5, and 24-70. I rebuilt my bag around the 400 f2.8TC and added the 100-400, 24-120, and 1.4x. The performance of the 100-400 w/ converter is close enough to the 180-600 that I have no issues with using it while kayaking. The lighter weight and smaller size makes it the better lens for my arms. What I have found most useful is the ability to pack it all in my Backlight 36L. I bought the Zemlin mid-sized hood and can pack the 400 f2.8TC w/ or wi/out 1.4x attached to the Z9 and hood in shooting position on one side of the bag, and a Z8, 100-400, 24,120 and even 14-30 f4 on the other side... I think this is the perfect nature generalist kit
p.41 #7 · Official Nikon 400/2.8S image thread + some discussions
It arrived today and I took it to one of the local spots for some test shots. Mainly boring species since the migrants are gone but I'm very pleased with the results. There's a certain 'oomph' to the quality this lens provides.
While slightly heavier than 800PF the weight distribution of the glass elements seems to be more concentrated towards the back of the lens and it handles really well as a result.
p.41 #9 · Official Nikon 400/2.8S image thread + some discussions
Congratulations and nicely done. The 400TC is a wonderful lens that has really nice fall off, and great micro contrast. I had mine for a couple of years before deciding to go with the 600TC... which was a tough call! Congrats again.
lukemeup wrote:
It arrived today and I took it to one of the local spots for some test shots. Mainly boring species since the migrants are gone but
I'm very pleased with the results. There's a certain 'oomph' to the quality this lens provides.
While slightly heavier than 800PF the weight distribution of the glass elements seems to be more concentrated towards the back of the lens and it handles really well as a result.
p.41 #10 · Official Nikon 400/2.8S image thread + some discussions
lukemeup wrote:
It arrived today and I took it to one of the local spots for some test shots. Mainly boring species since the migrants are gone but I'm very pleased with the results. There's a certain 'oomph' to the quality this lens provides.
While slightly heavier than 800PF the weight distribution of the glass elements seems to be more concentrated towards the back of the lens and it handles really well as a result.
p.41 #11 · Official Nikon 400/2.8S image thread + some discussions
Congratulations and have fun!
The more you use it, the more you'll wonder how you lived without it!... The lens focuses with an assurance that I had never previously experienced and the output never ceases to amaze me.
bruce
lukemeup wrote:
It arrived today and I took it to one of the local spots for some test shots. Mainly boring species since the migrants are gone but I'm very pleased with the results. There's a certain 'oomph' to the quality this lens provides.
While slightly heavier than 800PF the weight distribution of the glass elements seems to be more concentrated towards the back of the lens and it handles really well as a result.
p.41 #12 · Official Nikon 400/2.8S image thread + some discussions
babies are getting big. intruder loon has been forcing the parents to keep the kids hidden, which makes for many exhausting miles of paddling with very little opportunity for good shots
last week I paddled for 5 hours and saw nothing. this week I got probably 30 minutes worth
very surprising to check the EXIF on these and see that I had the external 1.4x engaged the whole time, but none of my keepers were at 784. I am wondering if my 1.4TC is damaged or not working properly. It has been dropped a few times, and the results on lenses like the 100-400 are horrible. Even on the 400TC, I find the 2x makes much better images. I will probably send the TC in to Nikon for inspection this week.
p.41 #16 · Official Nikon 400/2.8S image thread + some discussions
I'm working on my 5th week with this family of great horned owls. I've been able to photograph them in morning light, fog, and evening light. It has been a lot of fun watching the little ones grow up and discover that their wings work.
This set of images were made Monday evening... They include two different juveniles, the mother,.. and a seed terrorist that keeps draining my bird feeders
p.41 #17 · Official Nikon 400/2.8S image thread + some discussions
robert_in_ca wrote:
Kruger National Park
Stunning ! I have been yearning for a 400/2.8 for years but wildlife has been only a fraction of my photography. As I've added more outdoor sports I've started to seriously consider this investment.
p.41 #18 · Official Nikon 400/2.8S image thread + some discussions
George DeCamp wrote:
Went to Audubon Swamp this morning near Charleston, SC which is about 80 miles from our house. Was not sure what focal length to use so brought the 400/2.8TC which gives me from 400-800. It worked! Mostly Greaty Blue Herons nesting, a little early in the year for the rest of the birds. Was a real nice time!
Beautiful compositions, love the rendering of this lens
but I can totally see myself selling 800PF and keeping 600PF for when I don't want to carry the big one. 
