OwlsEyes
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 p.3 #6 · Official Nikon Z 120-300mm 2.8 TC - Image Thread | |
arbitrage wrote:
I don't understand how you are amazed by those that don't think the Z9 is competitive but then go on to list the things it is a bit behind in (small fast birds, lack of raw precapture, FPS). Sure, things you don't prioritize for your shooting but they are things others do and therefore I don't see why it is so amazing that others would want for improvements in those aspects.
If I was concentrating more on your types of subjects I would be shooting Z9 and 400TC also. You have made the best choice IMHO for what you shoot.
For me I do go for the smaller, faster erratic action and love precapture and as many FPS as I can get (or at least the option to go high FPS when I really need it). I've been lucky to shoot the Z9, R5II, R1, R3, A9III and A1II so I'm always imagining a camera that could combine the best features from each.
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Geoff,
Yours is a fair point, and I don't want to disparage those who want or expect more from Nikon with its next iteration of cameras.
I hope you know me well enough from these forums (FM and BCG) that I rarely play the role of fanboy and have been pretty consistent with how I offer my thoughts throughout the years, so here is my honest assessment as to why I'm still surprised.
1. My photography has been revolutionized by what the Z9 and Z8 have been able to accomplish. I have not owned the Sony A1 (either flavors) or Canon R1/R3/R5, but I have "played" with them all and shot side-by-side with those who have these cameras. It is probably mostly related to my subject matter, but other than being in the right place at the right time, none of our respective cameras outperform the other when it comes to getting the "best" shots of the day. Because of these experiences with friends who have other systems, I often tell those looking to invest in a "new" system to choose the system based on the lenses that inspire them. All three brands have a compelling lens selection that could be the key determining factor on what to use.
2. My closest photo-buddy in the area I live works with two complete systems. He is an avid and very talented wildlife photographer who has won best in category from Audubon, Nature's Best, and Nanpa, and is constantly in the running for wildlife photographer of the year. His work appears as full length wraps on city busses throughout my town. For gear, he has a pair of Sony A1's, 600 f4, 400 f2.8, and 100-400. In addition, he has a pair of Z9's, Z8, 600TC, 400TC, 100-400, and 180-600. We often shoot together (about once a week), and have met out of town on occasion to shoot together, I have never seen him bring his Sony gear in the field... not once in two years. I've asked him why, and he says the Sony AF is better, but the built in TC is the difference maker for his photography... This latter point (lenses with the built in TC) is why I haven't even considered changing systems.
3. Finally, I am human... as such, I am reflecting a system bias based on the money I've spent. We all do this, for some it's an excessive obsession because nobody wants to feel wrong after spending so much money. As such, I have no doubt that my thoughts reflect a bit of false pride. It is likely that the Canon R1 and Sony A1ii will run circles around the Z9, and I have never claimed otherwise. However I do contend that Nikon's lens selection makes up for the difference. The design, weight, and balance of the 400TC makes this a hand holdable lens, and one that has allowed me to make images in a way that I have never been able to do in the past.
So there it is... some of this is may be buyer's bias and personal experience.
I hope that Nikon makes the Z9/Z8 everyone else is looking for, I just don't think I'll need it.
Respectfully yours,
bruce
Edited on May 09, 2026 at 10:07 PM · View previous versions
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