![Knights and Weekends](/img/default-banner.jpg)
- 72
- 281 674
Knights and Weekends
United States
Приєднався 22 лип 2021
Welcome!
I started this channel because I have a passion for content creation and all the gear, equipment, software - and most of all - skill that is required. My journey of producing content on other channels has taken me from horrific quality videos to productions that I'm actually proud of. Along the way, I've made lots of mistakes, and had lots of epiphanies - but I owe a lot to others from whom I have learned much.
In that spirit - I plan to use this channel to pass forward what I learn, what I think about the gear use, and sometimes - just all the things I'm doing with my "nights" and weekends! After all, as a part-time UA-camr... that's when we have to it all!
Subscribe to this channel for detailed reviews of cameras, lenses, related gear - and different ways to use them. All from the perspective of a former semipro-photographer who really uses the gear.
Many of my photos can be seen via regular updates on Instagram: knights.weekends
I started this channel because I have a passion for content creation and all the gear, equipment, software - and most of all - skill that is required. My journey of producing content on other channels has taken me from horrific quality videos to productions that I'm actually proud of. Along the way, I've made lots of mistakes, and had lots of epiphanies - but I owe a lot to others from whom I have learned much.
In that spirit - I plan to use this channel to pass forward what I learn, what I think about the gear use, and sometimes - just all the things I'm doing with my "nights" and weekends! After all, as a part-time UA-camr... that's when we have to it all!
Subscribe to this channel for detailed reviews of cameras, lenses, related gear - and different ways to use them. All from the perspective of a former semipro-photographer who really uses the gear.
Many of my photos can be seen via regular updates on Instagram: knights.weekends
Z9 Firmware 4.10 Bird Detection: Real World Test
#nikonz9 #nikonphotography #knightsweekends
Nikon just released firmware 4.10 for the Z9, which includes two new AF subject detection modes: Birds and Airplanes. The latter was previously released for the Z8 and I've demonstrated it on this channel in another video. But specific Bird detection is entirely new and pretty exciting for wildlife shooters. Just how effective is it? I spent a day testing it out with a variety of subjects and conditions.
Check out my photos in full resolution on Smugmug! davidcrout.smugmug.com/
Interested in gear I use and recommend? Check out my Amazon affiliate link: www.amazon.com/shop/justinopinion
Instagram: @knights.weekends
Vero: vero.co/knightsweekends
Facebook: Knights.Weekends
All music is used under paid license for commercial royalty-free use.
© Knights and Weekends; Justin Opinion Enterprises, LLC
Nikon just released firmware 4.10 for the Z9, which includes two new AF subject detection modes: Birds and Airplanes. The latter was previously released for the Z8 and I've demonstrated it on this channel in another video. But specific Bird detection is entirely new and pretty exciting for wildlife shooters. Just how effective is it? I spent a day testing it out with a variety of subjects and conditions.
Check out my photos in full resolution on Smugmug! davidcrout.smugmug.com/
Interested in gear I use and recommend? Check out my Amazon affiliate link: www.amazon.com/shop/justinopinion
Instagram: @knights.weekends
Vero: vero.co/knightsweekends
Facebook: Knights.Weekends
All music is used under paid license for commercial royalty-free use.
© Knights and Weekends; Justin Opinion Enterprises, LLC
Переглядів: 9 476
Відео
Nikon's NEW Z 180-600mm Lens for Sports and Wildlife
Переглядів 12 тис.9 місяців тому
#knightsweekends #sportsphotography #wildlifephotography #nikonz8 #nikonz9 My second look at Nikon's new "do it all" zoom lens, aimed and sports and wildlife photographers. I used it for exactly those applications and challenged it to get the job done. Did it? Check out my photos in full resolution on Smugmug! davidcrout.smugmug.com/ Interested in gear I use and recommend? Check out my Amazon a...
Scenes from Summer's End 2023
Переглядів 4619 місяців тому
#knightsweekends #wildlifephotography #nikonphotography A collection of video and stills from the end of summer on the east coast. All photos and clips were made at Bombay Hook NWR in Delaware. Check out my photos in full resolution on Smugmug! davidcrout.smugmug.com/ Interested in gear I use and recommend? Check out my Amazon affiliate link: www.amazon.com/shop/justinopinion Instagram: @knight...
Nikkor Z 180-600 Zoom Lens on the Nikon Z8
Переглядів 17 тис.10 місяців тому
#knightsweekends #nikonz8 #nikkorz I spent my first few days with Nikon's new super-zoom lens with it attached to the Z8 camera body, and capturing various images, while getting a feel for its ergonomics and performance. Here is my first look. Check out my photos in full resolution on Smugmug! davidcrout.smugmug.com/ Interested in gear I use and recommend? Check out my Amazon affiliate link: ww...
Nikon Z8 for MACRO Photography
Переглядів 5 тис.Рік тому
#nikonz8 #knightsweekends #macrophotography The new Nikon Z8 combined with the fabulous Nikkor Z MC 105mm f/2.8 macro lens - is this the best combination for run-and-gun macro photography? I think so - and here's why. Check out my photos in full resolution on Smugmug! davidcrout.smugmug.com/ Interested in gear I use and recommend? Check out my Amazon affiliate link: www.amazon.com/shop/justinop...
House Sparrow Breakfast
Переглядів 237Рік тому
I have some house sparrows living in a couple of nesting boxes in my backyard. They are fun to watch, and because they are used to seeing me, they tolerate my presence pretty well. This was a July morning breakfast session, featuring the whole family. Check out my photos in full resolution on Smugmug! davidcrout.smugmug.com/ Interested in gear I use and recommend? Check out my Amazon affiliate ...
Z8 Service Bulletin: Is your camera affected?
Переглядів 3,9 тис.Рік тому
The Z8 is brand new to market, but Nikon has discovered a flaw in some cameras that can prevent the proper attachment of certain lenses. How many cameras? We don't know. Which lenses? We don't know that either. But what we do know is that Nikon is responding quickly to the problem and will fix it. This video is just to help raise awareness of the issue, I am not offering an opinion about the pr...
Nikon Z8 - Hot Card Warning & More Demos
Переглядів 3,5 тис.Рік тому
#knightsweekends #nikonz8 #review In this video, I try to address some the comments, questions, and requests from my first review video of the Nikon Z8. Let me say first off, that while I focus much of this video on the hot card issue, the Z8 is proving to be a powerhouse camera in the field, and there are a lot more positives than negatives - depending on which things are most important to you...
Nikon Z8 - Thoughts After 16,000 Shots
Переглядів 26 тис.Рік тому
#knightsweekends #nikonz8 #review After spending several weeks using the Z8 almost exclusively for a variety of photo and video work, I have formed my initial opinions about this camera. Is it a baby Z9? Who is it for? Does it have any problems? What's new about it? - Those were the questions I tried to answer, at least as much as one can after only a few weeks of use. Check out my photos in fu...
Spring in Action: Eagles, Osprey, Herons and more!
Переглядів 500Рік тому
#nikonz9 #knightsweekends #baldeagle Filmed entirely with the Nikon Z9 and Z lenses in 4K over a three month period in the spring of 2023. Springtime may be about breeding and nesting - but it is every bit as much about food and territory. I was able to capture some great natural behavior among bald eagles and others - and I'm happy to share it with you. Considerable time and effort went into t...
Nikon Z 600 TC VR S - 5 Things I Love
Переглядів 1,3 тис.Рік тому
#knightsweekends #nikonz600mm #supertelephoto A short list of my 5 favorite things about the Nikkor Z 600 TC VR S lens. And believe me... the list could be longer! Check out my photos in full resolution on Smugmug! davidcrout.smugmug.com/ Interested in gear I use and recommend? Check out my Amazon affiliate link: www.amazon.com/shop/justinopinion Instagram: @knights.weekends Vero: vero.co/knigh...
Nikon Z9 vs. Bald Eagle
Переглядів 1,1 тис.Рік тому
#knightsweekends #nikonz9 #baldeagle Check out my photos in full resolution on Smugmug! davidcrout.smugmug.com/ I recently had a rare and wonderful opportunity to spend many hours filming and photographing a wild bald eagle, over several days. This video is really a study of the relaxed behavior and personality of an eagle - up close. I hope you find it enjoyable. Interested in gear I use and r...
Nikon's Monster 600mm f/4 TC VR S - Real World Review
Переглядів 7 тис.Рік тому
#nikonz600 #nikonz9 #knightsweekends Can Nikon's new flagship super-telephoto 600mm lens hold up to all the hype? I've been heavily using this lens for a few weeks now - and here is my initial review! Note: I purchased this lens at full price. This is not a sponsored or paid review, but my opinions about a product that I own. Check out my photos in full resolution on Smugmug! davidcrout.smugmug...
Great Horned Owl (and new baby)
Переглядів 238Рік тому
I was out doing my first day's work with the new Nikkor Z 600mm f/4 TC VR S lens, when friends suggested a spot where there may be a great horned owl with one or more new babies in the nest. It was worth the trip. I am working on a full review of the new 600mm lens, but until I get that done - please relax and enjoy a few minutes with this new mother owl. Check out my photos in full resolution ...
Quiet Day on the Pond
Переглядів 526Рік тому
#knightsweekends #nikonz9 #kingfisher These subjects were all quite far away, so in addition to 4K crop mode, I also rendered the video in 1080P HD to punch in a little more. That makes the picture a bit less sharp than 4K but I think it makes a better overall viewing experience. Check out my photos in full resolution on Smugmug! davidcrout.smugmug.com/ Interested in gear I use and recommend? C...
Nikon Z 400mm f/2.8 TC VR S - Most Versatile Prime Ever?
Переглядів 16 тис.Рік тому
Nikon Z 400mm f/2.8 TC VR S - Most Versatile Prime Ever?
Nikon MC-N10 Remote Grip: Not Just For Video!
Переглядів 5 тис.Рік тому
Nikon MC-N10 Remote Grip: Not Just For Video!
Wildlife Photography Requires Patience!
Переглядів 271Рік тому
Wildlife Photography Requires Patience!
Any thoughts on how it works if you wear glasses?
I wear prescription glasses when not wearing my contacts - and almost always wear sunglasses when shooting. I have no problem. The cup is soft and conforms to the glasses without pushing on them, and blocks side light nicely.
@@KnightsandWeekends Thanks for the feedback
Beautiful work
Thank you very much.
I was already sold on this lens as my first Z mount but now I just can't wait. Nice video, good images and aperture comparisons. Thanks
Well, actually the MC-N10 is a good start, but definitely missing key features such as focusing, focus pulling with A-B points, reviewing and deleting video clips as we shoot along. I simply cannot use this for video for these reasons . Otherwise this would have been a must-have accessory for video .... shame, really
Had a juvenile grace us this morning on our back fence. Worried it was injured but the pool cleaner spooked it away. Thanks for the great video.....helped confirm our visitor :)
Thanks. BTW, I think she is a boy. 😊
Late to the party but you state that the balance changes as you zoom in or out. Not true as this lens has what Nikon terms “Inner Balance Technology” which insures the center of gravity does not change. In my experience, this feature definitely works.
I may have made that statement based on the fact that the lens telescopes. That would be my error for making too quick an assumption... appreciate your feedback on it.
Great review, great lens, great photos. Thank you. There is an opinion that this lens is also suitable for portrait photography, who likes to use long focal length lenses. Could you confirm this idea? Thank you in advance for your response.
Thanks for the kind words! I haven't really done any portraits with the lens, but it would absolutely be good for that. The clarity and sharpness are fantastic, and at focal lengths from 100 - 150 or so it would perform much like a conventional portrait lens and has the aperture range to provide nice soft backgrounds and excellent sharpness.
@@KnightsandWeekends Thank you for your answer and your opinion!
Would this converter work with the Nikkor Z DX 50-250 lens? And that would make that lens a 500 mm zoom?
Why doesn’t Nikon include an Arca-Swiss foot on every lens with a foot? It’s not that they have their own proprietary system competing against AS systems. That baffles me
Thank you for sharing. Very informative. There does appear to be significant differences in the results between the various hot card/camera reviews that I’ve watched and it’s not immediately clear why. Obviously the variables as you say such as card, ambient temperature, video códex affect the outcome
Absolute perfect review, excellent detail with real world testing.
Thank you! My goal is to produce the content that I'd want to watch. Hoping to get more flowing soon!
I have the lens and the Kirk Fort and could not agree more about its versatility ..... I love In flight shots spot I start each shoot at 400mm F2.8 1/3200 SS and Auto ISO and adjust from there could not be happier!!
This is the best review I have seen since looking for info on this lens.
Thank you very much!
Nikon DK 19 Eye Cup made for D850 is way too less priced and it also fits well in Z9, with a bit of effort.
I have the older 70-400 Nikon. I've had it many years and use it almost every day. I mostly go out hunting birds but sometimes I'm after flowering plants and sometimes even street photography. It has progressed from the D-200, D-300, D-800E and has been on the D-850 since it first hit the market. It just gets better with every step-up in camera quality. I couldn't begin to estimate how many hundreds of thousands of images I have made with it and it still looks great with no blemishes and still makes sharp and beautiful bird pictures. If I ever replace it it will be with the Z100-400 and a new mirrorless camera. It is easy to carry, focuses fast, and had the right zoom range for hand held work.
Great initial review, Dave! Really looking forward to the growth of your channel.
I need to get content flowing again. Life has tossed challenges my way, but I'm looking forward to this being a priority again!
Whaaaat!?!? It's Justin!! I almost didn't recognize you without your sunglasses!
Yepper! Nice to see some cross-pollination!! Thanks for watching!
Many thanks for sharing your thoughts. I have recently sold my mirror cameras and lenses to buy mirrorless Nikons. I needed a telephoto lens for sports and wildlife photography. I have been considering this lens. Your review has convinced me to purchase it.
Glad it was helpful!
That's awesome that you could get your photography channel off the ground. I had over 900 survival and primitive technology videos on UA-cam. I was also very interested in photography. I started another channel, and it never did anything, so I pulled all the videos. I figure if nothing happens in 4 years, it's time to pull the plug. At least my books do well.
It's not easy. I haven't added new content here in far too long, but hoping to turn that around soon.
Excellent review, I purchased mine last weekend through amazon, came next day. I highly recommend those who have the two lenses mentioned to change the foot as soon as you can.
Thanks for the video looks better than the Wimberly for my 500pf!
Almost 2 years last, I would love an update on how this Lens Coat has held up. Are the edges curling, fraying?
I sold this lens last year, but have another that is approaching a year of use. I'll make an update on that sometime soon!
Have you done any comparison to the 1.4x vs the 2.0x TC? If so, any thoughts?
I haven't really - not in any tangible way. Good idea to do... if I can make it empirical enough. I hate shooting test charts and stuff. :)
Does the display show the aperture correctly when using a converter?
Great question! Aperture is correctly displayed in the EVF and screen information - not sure about the "in barrel" display for lenses so-equipped. Now I'm curious to see!
I am from Costa Rica and although we have many of those species and tested myself with similar results. I am starting to produce a similar video about birds in the rainforest. I have been capturing wildlife for more than 25 years but I never made a video like this. Any advise?? I am going next week to photograph Resplendent Quetzals on several nesting sites and other iconic birds. My gear is z9 and 600 mm f4 among others. I appreciate all help. Muchas Gracias Randall Ortega Chaves
Best advice I can give is to try to produce a video that you'd enjoy watching. Be highly self-critical and try to avoid including too much "extra" footage just because you're proud you got it. I struggle with that constantly!!
Was this handheld and have you added any stabilisation in post? Thinking about changing to Nikon from Sony as the oss is so poor, thx
This was handheld. I did occasionally rest the lens on a support as I was able. No post stabilization needed - the Nikon body and S-Line lenses work together to virtually eliminate it.
As a Z6 nature and bird photographer (mainly not in flight !) I’m upgrading to the Z8 and 180-600 mm combo. I see this as a natural progression since I need more reach from my lens, and bird id/higher mp count from the camera. From my research I sense that this camera will be the go-to camera for Nikon nature shooters because of its smaller and lighter form factor over the Z9. Nikon are also supporting firmware updates in this direction. The excellent Z prime and tele lenses that are best in class make staying with Nikon a no brainer for my use case
Agree that carrying the Z8 and 180-600 combo is a great lightweight and versatile solution. When I can't be stationary or am unsure of my subjects, I consider that the best option.
Got mine in today, took about 1,000 shots with it on the 180-600… had a horrible time with it paired with the 180-600 (not saying it’s terrible with other lenses… I’m sure it’s perfectly fine with larger apertures). I’ll be sending it back for sure.
I have yet to test the 180-600 with the TCs. I should do that.
@@KnightsandWeekends Thanks for replying, I forgot all about this. Here we are 11 days after I commented my opinion and I just can't send the 2x TC back... Spring time migratory birds are arriving here, and I have managed to take some really pleasing shots thanks to the morning, bright sun before work. But only when they are perched and very still due to the slower shutter speeds than I care for at 1200mm. I don't think I will be using it very much, but my opinion is slightly changed with the circumstances?
ist the eyecup better than the original if you wear glasses? I'm looking for something that helps here & maybe someone who is an eyeglass wearer also have an expertise? ... thx a lot! 👊🏼
I find it to be, but a friend doesn't like it as much. I wear contacts but usually have sunglasses on, and I find it provides a perfect seal with great visibility to the full EVF.
@@KnightsandWeekendsthank you very much. I got it for some days and hope i can test it these days. I write here about my personal experience later.
Really nice review!! I want that lens in the worst way!!!
Thanks much!
Looking for a Z lens for aviation fast jets at low level, it’s a toss up between this lens or the 180-600mm. Great review.
I currently own the F-mount 120-300 2.8 that I use a lot for sports. How would you say this compares to that and if you had the choice would you sell the 120-300 for this, or keep both?
This is the top of the line sports lens, bar none. I will not disparage the other good lenses, but it is way out of their league for sharpness and performance speed, etc.
@@KnightsandWeekends Well, I ended up purchasing the 400 2.8 as well, so I guess now I can answer my own question! :)
My husband just surprised me with this beautiful lens for my birthday! I immediately ordered a Zemlin lens cap, Kirk replacement foot and the lenscoat for it before I even saw your video😂
That's a really nice birthday gift!!
Dave, I truly enjoy your presentations. Thank you so much.
Thank you! I hope to make more content in the near future, but I simply have no available time at the moment. I appreciate the encouragement!
Thanks again. It is great to see a video which really is sharp!!! I had yet to be fully convinced about this lens as I have been waiting to see some videos produced by "regular" photographers, not just the "named influencers who get a three month advanced copy to produce "come and get this lens you have all been waiting for" videos. In the last hour or so I watched three "regula" photographer's videos "reviewing" the Z 180-600 and, frankly, I have been underwhelmed. One, who shall be nameless, introduced the video saying he wanted to show just how sharp this lens is with bird photos taken straight "out of the camera" but when I looked at the first image it didn't strike me as that sharp at all. He then took it into Topaz to remove noise AND sharpen it and then, the results looked good, but that meant that out of the camera there was distinct room to sharpen up! I have been considering selling my Z-100-400 S-Line lens to get the 180-600 non-S-Line lens as I regularly find the 400 is too limited for the majority of wildlife hides I visit. I do have the Z 800 but that can be too powerful in some cases and, with the very narrow field of view, can make it difficult to grab birds in flight until it is too late - probably my age and speed of reaction has something to do with that!!! Your video has re-energised my thoughts of making the switch whereas the others I watched actually put me off!
Thanks for the comments. When I started this channel, one of my key objectives was to provide the opinions of someone who really uses the gear and has no agenda. Of course, the downside to that plan is being limited in what gear I can actually review - so far, only things I own. I continue to be very happy with the quality this lens brings, and its ergonomics and operation is top notch. There is always a place in the kit for a great zoom. I also have the 100-400, and while I'm not planning to discard it, I agree that for wildlife, especially birds - it falls a tad short most times, despite it's insane quality.
Yup, it's a tool, a $429 tool 😬😬😬 Wish Nikon priced it lower, I found out about this because it came up on one of the features on my zfc firmware update, I guess if I own the very minimum a z6ii or higher this will be a good investment but it's always good that Nikon is giving us some awesome tools (somewhat very pricey) 😂😂
Precisely! I find it to be enough value in my work to justify the expense, but not everyone can (or should). It's just great that we have the option - because it exists!
Watching this one year on… my Z-MC 105 is out for delivery. Yes, excited indeed! Love your side-by-side comparisons.
Thanks! And congrats on the lens - I think you'll love it.
I just happened to find this video as I was scrolling. I’m a subscriber on one of your other channels and have long enjoyed the time and effort you put into your content. I just picked up one of these lenses and just love it!
Thanks much! Hoping to get more content out on both channels very soon!
Great I just Bought it !! It is amazing, what backpack do you use to transport?
I usually use the Ruggard case/pack for 600mm lenses. If you reverse the hood you can leave the Z9 attached and it fits great.
It's kind of a bummer, that it just covers up the FN2 buttons, especially since the ring is made of rubber anyway, so doesn't even really need to be covered. I think I'll just keep it as it is right now, the parts that are most prone to bumping against something are covered in rubber anyway, so it's unlikely to scratch something up.
Agree, using an external 2X TC at 400mm, images are equivalent to those from the 800mm PF. Cheers from Australia.
Very nice vlog. A lot of useful information told in a calm way. Not only the pros but also emphasizes the cons. Not ever reported. Compliments. Please go on this way.👍👍👍
Glad it was helpful! I'll do my best to continue.
Great content 👌
Thank you 🙌
You are certainly sacrificing with the Z8 when compared to the Z9 … you are sacrificing a built in GPS and logging, you are sacrificing 2 high speed card slots, you are sacrificing a built in vertical grip (what a monstrosity of a grip the Z8 has - makes it larger than the Z9), you are sacrificing battery life (big time), you sacrifice the amount of controls (& a top command dial), and you don’t have a secure cover. But most of all you sacrifice comfort for those who do not have small hands. I actually ordered the Z8 and when it came in and I tried to use it, I quickly chose the Z9. Best decision ever. There are so many advantages for the small price difference. If you don’t need all those advantages then of course don’t buy one. Add up the monstrous grip, extra batteries needed to have available, an external GPS unit, and the price is negligible. Turning on the GPS and shooting all day with one battery is worth it alone. The comfortable grip, ease of use, and smaller lighter gear compared to the equivalent F mount gear is fantastic. I love how much smaller my Z9 is compared to what I was using … amazingly light even with my 800mm.
I'm 50/50 about getting this one or the old 600mm f4 E FL ED lens used for a similar price. The 600 F4 is about 1.5 Kilos heavier, and I'm only shooting handheld, but is much more usable in low light. The 800 PF is of course the lighter option, and it's native, so probably fewer issues with the AF, but it's kind of a pain shooting early in the morning or at/after sunset.
For over $20,000 it should be good …
If you would use it with battery grip what’s the point of buying small camera. I think it’s bigger than Z9 with the battery grip.
I use it with and without the added grip. I tend to like a larger body and don't mind the weight. When I feel I want to go smaller or lighter, it's easy to remove. You're not wrong - but I think it's okay to have the option.
Great shots! Much more impressive than charts. I was looking at the 180-600mm vs the 600mm prime and I chose the 180-600 and the cost savings paid for half of my Z 800mmm. Sweet.
This device is awesome but it's price it really makes the whole thing terrible....