Nikon 600PF - First Look Field Review! (PLUS comparisons with the 180-600, 500PF, 800PF and more!)
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- Опубліковано 30 вер 2024
- Surprise! The Nikon 600PF Is Here!
Nikon just released their new 600mm PF VR S series lens, exclusively for the Nikon Z mount! I was fortunate enough to spend some time with the lens prior to today's announcement and can't wait to share what I've discovered (I was only one of two UA-camrs in the US to have access to it)!
Find out why you're gonna want THIS lens to be your new hiking buddy!!
In the video below, we'll answer all your burning Nikon 600PF questions:
How much does the 600PF cost?
How sharp is the 600PF?
How fast is the AF on the 600mm PF?
Is Nikon's 600mm PF weather-sealed?
How's the VR?
How much does it weigh?
How big is the 600PF?
Is F/6.3 a deal breaker?
PLUS - lots of comparisons to other popular lenses like the 180-600mm, 500PF, 800PF, and more. Oh, and I can't wait to share the sample photos too!
Of course, we'll also tackle the question on everyone's mind:
"Why get the 600PF when the 180-600mm gets you to 600 and F/6.3 for far less money?"
Check out the video and be the first to get the scoop!
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backcountry-ga...
I will never complain about more options! I'm really impressed with how well Nikon has fleshed out the Z-mount. It feels like just yesterday we were all complaining about their decision to release the Noct before several staple lenses. Now, I can only really think of two or three more "mainstream" lenses that are missing: the long-awaited 35mm f1.2 (the only lens listed on the roadmap that has yet to be released), a fast prime in the 200-300mm range, and a fast ultra-wide (think Sony 14mm f1.8). This give me hope that we will be seeing even more specialized lenses in the not-so-distant future. I'm hoping for a new array of perspective control primes!
You definitely have the best reviews in the business out of all the camera stuff. Thanks Steve 👍
Thanks 👍
I would actually be comparing it to the 400 f/4.5 + 1.4x TC combo. $3200 + $400-500 @ 560 f/6.3 vs $4800 @ 600 f/6.3. Is the AF speed and IQ improved enough to warrant an extra $1100-1200. Now If I get the 600 I won't sell my 400 f/4.5, I'll just stop using with the 1.4x TC. The 400 is even lighter and that extra stop of speed is very welcome in lower light. I think it's more a matter should this be nearly $5K for f/6.3. IMO no, either it's f/5.6 even if a few hundred dearer, or it's around $4200 for f/6.3.
Thanks so much for the awesome video. I would like to see the comparison between 600PF and 400 f4.5 with 1.4 tc. 400mm is overall more versatility with using tc's, albeit with loss of some sharpness
That’s a very relevant comparison I think
Yes. Found this lacking in the comparison.
No , more versatile how? The 400 4.5 isn't great with the 2x extender, which is required for 800mm. The 600pf handles 840mm better , only requiring 1.4tx for 840mm reach. Therefore I feel the 600pf is more versatile in the long end from 600-840mm
great video, Steve. Nikon is really killing it in the long lens department. :)
Depends on what you call long. 600mm lenses are kind of a dime a dozen. Everyone makes a 600mm or ###-=600 zoom. The PF 800 is bad ass.... but then Nikon doesn't make a pro level APS-C body, so you are still stuck with a straight 800mm. I've taken about 130K shots with a Canon 1280mm (equivalent) combo in the last year. Feels pretty normal to me now. I just want a more "pro level combo" that can do the same thing. And I'm not brand loyal. BTW, I don't shoot stuff a long ways away. I shoot small stuff, preferably from 25-30 ft.
@@Chris_Wolfgram I can flip my Z8 to DX crop (19mpix) with a single button whenever I need more than 800mm. Easy & works like a charm. More than enough for web applications as well. Personally I'll skip the 600PF because I already have 400 4.5 / 800 6.3 and TC1.4. Can't justify 400/600TC. Brand loyal or not - you have to admit no other manufacturer offers native long lens lineup comparable to Nikon at the moment (especially the PF lenses or lenses with built in TCs).
@@lukeszczepanski2240 yes, my 45mp R5 could be used as a 17mp crop sensor also. I tried that for a bit too.
But my R7 is a crop sensor 32 mp camera ! Which is more mp's for a crop sensor camera, than any other camera on the market. It would take a FF camera with 80mp to match it in crop mode.
When the R7 Mk II comes out, I'd be okay if it were still 32mp's, but 35 or 40 would be okay too. Not sure what the physical limits are for a crop sensor?
Btw, I'm super envious of your 800 F6.3 ! I have to imagine Nikon will eventually come out with a crop sensor similar to the R7. And that would be my dream combo. I'd jump straight to that. Honestly, I think this is more likely than Canon coming out with its own version of the PF 800 F6.3....
Yup... They're only missing two lenses at this point...a 300pf and a 300 2.8 TC. But I'll bet these are coming soon
Make a comparison video with 500 pf, z 400 f4.5+1.4xTC, z 180-600, z 600 f4 and with the z 800 pf. I'm really looking forward to the z 180-600 and want to see the sharpness differences between these two lenses
You really are the best nature photography reviewer out there. I'm a nature photography hobbyist, thinking of maybe going full time in the future. I'm still using my good ol' D500 and tamron 150-600, but I dropped the gear once on ice and even though it went through repairs, the lens doesn't want to acquire focus anymore. So I'm dreaming of buying Z8/Z9 and probably the 180-600 as a starter. But I mostly photograph birds, so I'm not sure if I should just save my money and go straight for the 800mm PF. 600 doesn't seem to be enough for me, as I'm almost always cropping. But together the 180-600 and 800 would cover most situations.
I'm a D500 shooter too but have the Nikon 200-500mm. It has been a great lens but my copy is getting a bit dusty and I fear might even have a slight bit of fungus.
I plan on getting the 500pf but can't help feeling that I should be saving for a z8 and perhaps the 800pf like yourself. Trouble is I can't really justify the cost when my D500 is still fairly new and is a beast of a camera.
@@cabelas1987 I have the same D500/200-500 lens combo and have been facing the same quandary. After way too research, way to much thought, and agonizing over which way to go, my always supportive wife asked if I had finally made a decision. I told her that once my skills as a photographer outstrip my camera's capabilities, I would probably make a change, but not until then. Without a word she left the room, than came back with my old D200 in her hands, dropped it in my lap and said, "good decision, let me know when you are ready".
As an owner of a 400mm 4.5 + 1.4TC.. If it got stolen, broken, or whatever, I'm not sure I'd replace that combination with this 600 6.3 for an extra $1000.... Yes it's perfect, but the 400 + 1.4 is really no slouch.
What really throws a wrench in there is that 180-600 6.3 exists, and exists for really cheap (in comparison). Is that lens perfect? No, but it's still really good, and we all know the sharpness difference won't make or break a shot.
Talk about having options! Nikon's KILLING IT!
Also, thanks for having the best wildlife UA-cam channel on the planet. You back up the technical expertise with exceptional photos. It's unusual to see such techies who are ALSO great artists.
Thanks so much! That means a lot to me.
and don't throw out the G mount 500 pf or even with the extra weight the amazing 400 f2.8. I rented the 400 f2.8 E FL for a trip to Botswana, it was some getting used to the weight and size, but man, the images were next level. for day to day, yes the 180-600 or the 400 f4.6 (that I won) is great for walking around etc. However, I will not go on another "serious" photography trip without a 400 f2.8, on the Z9/8 the detail and general rendering of the images are next level. I cannot justify the expense to buy a 400 f2.8 TC.
The 600pf is sharper at 600mm than the 400 f4.5 with 1.4tc @ 560mm. The 600pf is also sharper at 840mm with 1.4tc than the 400 f4.5 @800mm with 2xTC.. 600pf Seems to be a better lens overall
Great video! Now curious what other lenses are not on the roadmap :) Also echo previous comment re 400 f/4.5 + 1.4TC - would be cool if when you test your production copy you could share your thoughts on comparing 600PF with that combo. Thanks again for all your excellent videos!
You'll never know. Nikon already said the roadmap is no longer needed. It is back to normal
It’s gonna pair great with the 100-400. The 180-600 is less compelling by the day.
cant believe the glass Nikon is releasing these days... I need to get a second job ;)
Really curious to see a full comparison between this beauty and the 400mm 4.5 (plus 1.4 TC)
Between the 100-400, 400 f4.5, 180-600 and this 600pf it is going to be a tough choice for me once Nikon actually gets around to making a mirrorless D500, incredible range of options. For the time being though my 500pf is serving me quite well and will likely continue to do so since I am a used market buyer.
you missed the comparasion with the 400mm f4.5 Z with the 1.4x TC
Probably couldn't do it with a pre-production copy. Usually you can't directly compare image quality.
Practically, the native 600mm may be marginally sharper, but not so much to justify the extra expense if a 400 works for you most of the time, and you occasionally need to reach further.
i guess it was not wished to compare the 400 4.5 with 1.4 tc as it produces almost 600mm with 6.3 and Nikon itself states you wont loose IQ using the tc's
@@matthiasscheurer8498I own the 400 f4.5 and the 2x TC, and can confirm you absolutely do lose IC. Not a huge amount, but I’ve found myself usually just cropping in
@@thewatchkeeper3619 i do own the 400 F4.5 and the 1.4 TC, i just wonder, why the comparison was not part of the video, even if this is one of the most obvious ones... Nikon itself stresses the fact, that there is no loss of IQ if you are using the TC's. i guess its hard to justify buying the 400 and TC and now buying the 600 on top. And for the videos of all the 'ambassadors' that come out in the next few hours and days, the story should not be if you already own the 400 f4.5 and a tc, there is no use for a 600 6.3...
@@matthiasscheurer8498 I understand, but Nikon can stress it doesn’t reduce IQ/C all they want, in my own personal testing that’s not what I’ve found with the 2x - there is definitely greater fuzziness. I only use the 2X when filming now, if it’s still images I stick to 400 and crop
I agree & think it’s great that Nikon are hitting the long lens market out of the ball park, but why not concentrate fulfilling the orders for the lenses they’ve already announced & released!
…sorry Steve, I also meant to add what a great video this was. 👏👏
Really didn’t see this one coming Steve, not sure what else Nikon can offer now!😀 Perhaps a D500 Z replacement! Thanks for all the info, much appreciated! 👏👍😀
Im with you on D500 replacement!
Great review Steve! I loved the herons and Anhingas from Florida.
I was almost determined to get an 800 PF, but the versatility and low weight of this lens make me reconsider.
Nikon publishes MTF charts for their lenses. The MTF of this lens looks quite impressive! It should be significantly sharper than the 180-600 at 600m and therefore allow more cropping and also produce better results with teleconverters.
I used to shoot f4 and f 2.8 only. Even with the 500 pf i see the iq getting worse in low light. I don’t think i would buy an f 6.3 lens, no matter how sharp it is. The newer primes are only for the wealthy unfortunately so may be an f mount version.
Just got this one instead of the 180-600. Reason is easy, weight, weight and weight. Lighter means faster aiming and since action generally happens quick and unexpected it means way more action shots
Great video as always Steve. Thank you. This was the lens I was waiting on, for so long! I ended up getting the 400mm f4.5 + 1.4TC, so curious how this stacks up.
Yet again, you’ve knocked it out of the park Steve. There’s a very good reason Nikon let you use it in advance. I wonder how many 180-600mm buyers now regret it? Still happy with my Z100-400, Z800 & ZTC1.4x combination. I miss the quality of the F400 2.8 but don’t miss the weight!
I don't think that they will regret, there is a considerable price difference for the average income user!!.👍🏼
@@uaebifvideo5472 Suggest you read some of the comments. People are cancelling their 180-600mm orders. Of course it depends on how much money you have, but this lens really muddies the waters. For those who can’t afford the 600TC, this lens maybe within their reach. Launching so soon after the 180-600 makes it a conundrum for some.
I think for most people if they already have the 500 PF, as a hobbyist, there is no need to rush out and get the 600 6.3 lens because both perform similarly in terms of sharpness and autofocus speed but of course the 6.3 is 100mm longer, I would say photography wise, it won’t make sense to upgrade but I reckon if you do a lot of video, the stabilization of this 600 would be much better because it has sync Is with the body that the f mount lens just isn’t as good if doing handheld video work. Being a 500 PF owner, I can’t justify the cost at the moment because it is most likely twice the price of most second hand 500 PF and even some in mint condition.
A Z 600mm f5.6 S PF should be a game changer.
real comparison for me would be the 400mm F4.5 + 1.4x TC
About same weight, only 40mm shorter FL, and about half the price?
Just wondering, does the Nikon rep camp in your driveway? He seems to be a regular visitor recently 😂
I did see someone hiding behind the tree out there with a black and yellow box :)
I am a Nikon turned Canon shooter, considering to come back to Nikon due to this lens. Canon has had a series of silences in response to the excellent affordable lenses Nikon has released for wildlife. The latest rumor of the 200-800 f63-9 might be the last straw to make me jump the ship. While affordability is subjective, this lens can be called really affordable considering what it delivers and where it sits amongst the big lenses.
Nice one Steve. I was wondering, as others pointed out, what about 400 f4.5 with 1.4 TC? About the same focal length/f stop, and without the "interesting" properties of PF background, and of course, "two" focal lengths (400 and ~600) in one lens....
Have been thinking about completely moving into native glass but there are so many choices even accounting for the price point !!
Hope that comparison will come once you get your copy of 600 pf :)
I always see good reviews from Steve Perry.
I am using 600TC for the last couple of months. I thought in the first this 600PF lens will be will be the nearest alternative. Yes, it is true but for sure, the TC option to be able switch to 840mm is totally something else. 9K dollar difference can be paid even for the TC option only. I thought you did not deeply focus on this but for sure every knows this. I believe F4 for 600TC vs f6,3 is still way better and a huge difference.
I wonder what the Sony and especially Canon users are saying after Nikons' launching of so many high-end lenses. I think although the late introduction of eye tracking system with z9 was a great disappointment, today the answer of Nikon has been really great. I am happy that I did not switch to other brands. Thank you Steve for such professional presentation.
I think this makes a good companion lens for 100-400 owners looking for something longer without overlapping what they already have - would make sense for people shooting mostly larger wildlife. I mostly shoot small birds and for me the 180-600 + 800 combo would be a pretty great setup, if I had piles of cash lying around spare 😅Nice to see Nikon continuing to show they have the best selection of telephoto lenses in the mirrorless world, though it'd be nice to see a few of the odder third party offerings pop up too, like the Sigma 60-600.
Wow..... but price is a bit much...
If you crop the frame for 500 to match 600, it would like you shoot the picture with a 600mm at f5.6 × 600/500 => f6.72
Oh my oh my, now a real quandary for the second time this year. D850 to Z8 and 500PF to 600PF on the horizon. I'll have to check out the shipping in the UK. Thanks Steve as always seriously out in front again. Nikon really have faith in you.
Great review, Steve. Looks like a great choice for a lot of people. The pricing is almost exactly where you would expect between the 400mm f/4.5 and 800mm PF.
This is a truly exciting lens. I, too, wish that Nikon had made the PF lenses f/5.6.
Great video and interesting comparison of the major lens. I just bought the 180-600 lens as the affordable flexibility lens for Airshows and BIF. As you mentioned, it would be a nice setup to have the both the zoom and 600PF to cover your new needs. I wish Nikon had listed this lens on the road map/possible release date. Great info Steve !!
I agree - it's tough to know what to buy when you don't know all the options. I've known about this lens for the last month or so and it's incredibly difficult when people ask me about this lens or that lens when I know the 600PF is really the best fit.
Boy oh boy would love to see a Nikon D500 replacement with this lens
I was hoping for under 4K price...
Nikon keeping it mysterious with the lenses works to surprise us. It's very satisfying!!
Great piece of objective. However, I would say a bit on the expensive side. The price difference to the 800 pf is relatively small and rather large to the 500 pf. So unless one has the urge to switch completely to Z mount - I would instead stay with the 500 pf and get the 800 pf which I guess will outperform both the 500 pf and the 600 pf with converters.
I've had this lens paired with a Z8 for a few months now and absolutely love it. I have also had the 180-600 and 150-600 Sigma. Sold them both cause I found myself always at 600. I do agree with wishing we had a 5.6 especially in lower light. But stellar AF, VR and sharpness. And the light weight can't be beat. Hours on end hand held or hiking with it are a pleasure.
That being said my single biggest issue with this for this price point...almost 5 grand... is that the lens hood absolutely SUCKS! Horrible design and a constant struggle to get on and off. Nikon really went cheap. Plastic on plastic and it sticks like crazy. Any change in temp from inside your house or car to outside exacerbates the issue as I believe it is expanding / contracting. Sometimes almost impossible to force off or on. Even after allowing it to adjust to temps. I want to try just the slightest bit of fine oil to lube it up in a hope to solve the issue but am afraid that even a tiny amount would eventually make it's way onto the glass.
The lens itself gets a solid 5 stars across the board. Add in the hood and a mediocre lens foot that I replaced with Kirk LP-70 and 4 stars.
Man Steve, you are the best! Whenever a new lens gets released this is the channel I got straight to! Hands down the best info and review and I get all my questions answered…hell even ones I didn’t have! You’re one of the most trustworthy guys out there too, take care and thanks again!
what the fuck is Nikon doing to my wallet
LOL!!
I hear you, I am at $14K this year and I got my Z9 LAST year. Nikon is like a drug addicted relative that needs a little help to get clean. But it's ME that has the addiction.
@@fboutup yeah i just picked up my 180-600mm on saturday
Great review with tons of spot on observations. I completely relate to the comments about f5.6 vs f6.3. It's a big ask, but is a comparison between this lens+1.4tc and 800pf a possibility down the road?
Seems to be priced more like the f5.6 lens it should have been.
I tend to agree. It's priced between the 400 4.5 and 800PF, but I still feel like it's off a bit. Room for future rebates, maybe.
Sony needs to step up their lens game for affordable wildlife prime lenses
They really do. They were just killin' it for awhile, but Nikon has passed them like they were standing still. As a fellow Sony shooter, I'd love to see some stuff like this from them.
Hi steve, i need a good set-up guide for the z9 only i live in england and i'm going to norway to photograph white tail eagles fishing with the 600 f6.3, could you send me details to aquire them from you? Many thanks.
The pf lenses Nikon has been putting out, both F and now Z mount, have been amazing so yet again my wallet just got smacked when it wasn't expecting it. :) The size I think was the tipping point for me as lately I've been shooting wild horses from inside my jeep and the 800 is just slightly on the awkward end of the scale while inside. Thanks for the thoughts on this lens Steve, looking forward to you getting your own copy so you and do your typical review/comparison.
I have a Jeep as well and thought the same thing ... that is why I have it ordered (11" and 3lbs!). Definitely and jeep trail type of lens!
I feel like If nikon would release a professional grade crop sensor mirrorless body, they would own the wildlife market. Between the 400 4.5 and now the 600 6.3, I can just see these lenses being best utilized on a pro dx camera. a 600 4.5 and 900 6.3 equivalent would put perfessional level optics in the hands of the consumer. Same for the 180-600, and the crop sensor may even help with the softness at the edges of that lens.
I agree. The way they've been going, you never know. I have a feeling that it might be a cost-benefit thing though. To get a real D500 replacement, I think they'd want a stacked sensor and I wonder if it's about the same price for full frame as it is DX. That might be why we haven't seen one. Just a thought.
Good point, though I think fujis xh2s is a stacked sensor... which at least gives me hope!
I’m still not entirely sure why I’d pick this over the 180-600mm unless I were confident I didn’t want the 600mm TC or a similar fast prime. The former gives a lot of versatility and seems like a go-to zoom… at which point I have the “compromise long lens” box checked, and I’d want the f/4 for the extra speed and light.
It’s just too hard to give up the options that a zoom gives me if I optimize for convenience, and if I’m not aiming for convenience, I want the “best” 600mm.
Well, that mtf chart on this s class prime should easily yield the best 600mm lens in the world that doesn't carry an f/4 price tag to match 😂
Weight and size. Its like the 200-500mm vs the 500mm pf. On paper why would you choose the 500pf? But in the real world the 500pf was just so usable and you could take it everywhere and use it all day.
First off congratulations on being picked by Nikon to do a first review on this lens. Wow, for those of us that can only afford one long telephoto. This makes the choice all that much more difficult.
Jesus Christ. Nikon is making up for a decade’s lag in 2 years. This is insanity and I love it.
LOL, they really are! I couldn't believe it when they called - I thought I wouldn't see anything else from them until at least next year.
Was contemplating canceling my 180-600 and buying the 600pf or 800 instead. Perfect timing on the video.
Also love the idea of setting control ring for ISO, gonna give that a shot.
I did!
Thank you - this is fantastic! Would love to see a comparison of the bokeh with the 500pf but without cropping but instead moving closer to get the same frame which you can sometimes do (not always of course).
If there’s a better reviewer of gear in the world than Steve, I sure haven’t encountered that person yet. Thanks for all you do!
@4:11 were you out at Blackpoint in Titusville? That bend looks really familiar lol.
I want to pick this lens up so bad but I have yet to jump ship from F mount. I will use my D500 and D810 until they die.
Yup - Black point Drive :)
This is the lens I was hoping for. I just canceled the 180-600mm because the 600mm fits better with the 100-400mm for me and with the 1.4x teleconverter option, I don't need the 800mm anymore. Great but I fear the delivery times will be exorbitantly long again.
I did too!
Comparing the specifications, the Z 400/4.5 + Z TC 1.4 has a better closer focusing distance of 2.5m (8.2 ft), and a combined shorter length 24mm (~ 1 inch, increased weight of 560/6.3 combo of ~ 75g (0.16 lb). That equates to the flexibility of having 400mm & 560mm focal lengths, lightweight, cost difference, larger f-stop at 400/4.5 versus the fixed 600/6.3 PF prime with similar AF & IQ.
The trick is that the 600PF is likely going to be noticeably sharper than the 400 + TC. This lens is really bitingly sharp.
@@backcountrygallery
Good point! Acuity will be even more critical at 840mm and 1200mm, f9 and f13 respectively, when paired with the Z 1.4x/2x TCs.
officially dominated the long end over 100mm
the competition is not even close
Great review, Steve. Thank you. Your photographs inspire me. I'm amazed with all the shots you got to publish here with just one full day's use. I'm sticking for now with my 100-400 and 1.4 TC, but when I need more I'm coming back to this review over and over. As a beginner bird photographer, I'd probably start with the 180-600 until I needed to step up, and then the 600mm f/6.3 would be great for me.
Thanks so much! I work hard to get those photos and it's a TON of pressure. We always scout out locations a couple days before Nikon gets there so we have some idea of where things are happening, but luck plays a larger role than I'd like!
The 600mm PF and 800mm PF are intriguing options and your summary of the pros/cons of each is much appreciated. I will suggest you consider making the following update to the comparison chart you use. I will suggest you change the top line from "f-stop" to "f-stop/entrance pupil diameter."
The top line in the current chart shows "f-stop" and you've accurately listed both lenses as having an f/6.3 maximum f-stop. However, it's not f-stop, per se, that determines depth of field and light-gathering. The 600mm f/6.3 PF has a (600/6.3=95.23) 95mm entrance pupil diameter. The 800mm f/6.3 PF has a (800/6.3=126.98) 127mm entrance pupil diameter. That's a significantly larger virtual aperture and should mean the 800mm delivers better backgrounds and improved low light performance in comparison with the images of the same subject made with both lenses at f/6.3. The difference in performance should be fairly noticeable when a photo made with the 600mm is cropped to match the 800mm lens's angle of view or when the 600mm is used with a TC to roughly match the 800mm angle of view.
Of course, I'll defer to the experience you have in the field using lenses of different focal lengths and f-stops. That said, if your field and test results do align with the lens having the larger entrance pupil diameter routinely showing creamier backgrounds and having better low light performance, I'll recommend you consider modifying the first line of the chart. In this case, the 800mm PF would have the advantage :)
Happy New Year!
This sounds like a great lens to rent.
exactly what I was thinking. Can't really justify the cost and for general use my 500PF + 1.4 TC does the trick. But maybe rent this for a birding trip where a lot of walking would be done.
with Gold Ring?
Liked that run and shoot bit you did.
Even I have to have fun sometimes :)
I would literally go for 600 mm f6.3... IF (!) there will be something like Nikon Z6-III or Z7-III with autofocus the same or better than Z8 with AI functions and Pre-Capture the same as in Z8... I don't need 45 mpx, and the price of Z8 is just too much. I know 600 mm f6.3 price is high, but I would rather spend that money on this lens and save on the body, but there is no body like Z8/Z9 under that level. I hope they transfer these functions to new incoming Z6 or Z7...
The people who bought the 400 f4.5 with a 1.4x teleconverter are probably annoyed they didn't wait lol, but that lens is significantly cheaper.
Is this f6.3 lens really $1500 better than my F mount 500mm PF? I am not rushing to pre-order it at this price. Will my Nikon Zf improve the performance of my F mount 500mm PF with its improved IBIS? Will the 24.5 MP Zf be noticeably better in low light/high ISO than my Z9? I just sold my 600mm f4 F mount lens so I suspect a few trips with just the 500 PF will have me wanting this lens. We'll see.
Why the 400 f4.5 doesn't have a golden ring but this does ? 😭😭
Please compare it with the 400 f4.5 in terms of sharpness. According to you in the limited time you had the lens, is one sharper than the other ?
Thank You 🙏🏽
Straight up between them I can't say - they are both very sharp. The 600PF vs the 400 + 1.4 TC though? I'm confident the 600PF will win.
@@backcountrygallery Thanks a lot 🙏🏽. Yes i was more curious to know the sharpness without the Tc. With the 1.4 Tc the 400 f4.5 & 180-600 are on par, so this seems definitely sharper
@@stripes_in_raw I tend to agree. Again though, we won't know till the production one comes out and we can test
@@backcountrygallery Yes, but it would have been great as you said if it was f/5.6 even if with a little more weight like 1.6-1.8 Kg would have been great. For mammals f/6.3 most of the time becomes a bit distracting specially when you can't get very low, like in a vehicle. If you can get low there is not much difference between f/5.6 & f/6.3.
Excellent Steve but now what?? LOL I have the 400 f4.5 and 180-600, Maybe sell the 400 4.5 to purchase the 600 and use it along my 180-600? What would you think the best choice would be?
Should it have been f/5.6? Steve says so. Let's agree to disagree. At 6.3, the area of the lens's entry pupil is 7124 mm^2 and at 5.6 that would have been 9016 mm^2. That seems a big difference, but the 7124 is 80% of 9016 and that's the exposure difference - 1/5th of an f stop brighter. Forget it.
If you were to use the same lens design and just increase the diameter of the elements, you increase chromatic aberration. So you need more elements to deal with that in preventing or optically fixing it.
And the diameter of the entry pupil at 6.3 is "only" 95 mm, while at f/5.6 that would be 107mm (12mm or ~0.5 inch).
Then add that the entry pupil increase from 7124 mm^2 to 9016 mm^2 is indicative of the weight gain you end up with.
And add that heavier internal focusing elements (because larger diameter) imply either slower focusing acceleration or higher power consumption.
Let's be down to earth. f/6.3 is fine. If we see noise in our images from a tiny bit of higher ISO, then we probably need to use better raw processing software.
And let's go back in history before getting too hysterical. "We" needed very fast lenses when we used a "single-lens reflex" (SLR) camera where the single lens that makes the photo also serves as the optical and light entry portal to the viewfinder. In a (D)SLR a faster lens means a less dim viewfinder in low light and hence easier focusing in dim light. In a mirrorless camera we have an electronically amplified viewfinder and, say, a Nikon Z f can (auto) focus down to LV -10 [1]. That's far below the light level where the camera (sensor) can still shoot an image.
[1] LV = Light Value = EV @ ISO 100 (EV = Exposure Value)
Hey Steve! As always, you do a SUPERB comparison between these lenses! I recently acquired the NIkkor Z 180-600 f/5.6-6.3 for ocassional bird/wildlife photography on my Z8, and have a question if I may...Taking your suggestion to change the Lens FN Ring to ISO, I find that my lens LN FN Ring defaults to Manual Focus, and in the Custom Settings Shooting (F2*) menu option, I select the ring and then choose ISO + and -, and click Menu/Done to save the settings. However, when I'm in shooting mode, and turn that ring, it STILL changes to Manual Focus! In other words, the camera seems to have ignored my changing it to ISO. Is there a secret to implementing the programmable Lens FN ring so that it holds the custom setting? Thank you, and BTW, I tested the sharpness of this 180-600, comparing it to even my NIkkor Z 50 f/1.8 S lens, and in the center, it's hard to discern a difference, even at 400% in photoshop! So, needless to say, I'm quite impressed with the sharpness of this 180-600!
I own both the 500mm PF as well as the 180-600mm which are shot with my Z8. The minimum focus distance advantage of the zoom should not be under valued. Photos shot with both lenses, ONCE PROPERLY POST-PROCESSED, can not be distinguished. The 600mm PF offers little to no realistic difference for me besides restricting overall versatility and usefulness and a significant deduction in my bank account. The improvements in post-processing softwares has significantly diminished the advantages once seen with more expensive lenses. This is especially true considering todays preferred presentation format.
If you could only buy two lenses (initially) for wildlife (with a focus on birding, including birds in flight) and you could not buy a f4 prime, what two lenses would you buy? I am assuming one would be a 600PF or 800PF for their superior optics and performance. But I also expect you would be suggesting something that was more versatile. If you don't mind, what two lenses would you suggest?
I think for wildlife photography and videography the Zoom 180-600mm are a much better deal! The zoom option makes wildlife photography/videography much more enjoyable and versatile. Now what would actually be great, its a 1200mm f8 PF to go with it. Can you imagine?!!
If you haven't done it before, could you once use a basic DSLR like the old D5500 and a basic 50-300mm lens to show us humble hobbyist photographers how you would approach wildlife photography. I would love to be inspired with my simple and cheap camera equipment. Thanks
AF speed ?
-600PF 4 meters to inf -> 0.45 sec
-180-600 , 2.4 meters to inf -> 0.8sec , what would it be from 4 meters to inf?? -> 0.???
-The rotation between 2.4 and 4 meters could be a big "chunk" of the total amount of time you need to focus.
-( close by is more rotation -> 50mm 1.4 , from 5 meters to inf or 0.7 to 0.8 meters is almost the same ratation, so relative a big diference in time you need)
2.4 to 4 meters could relative be far more time then 4 to inf.. see the scale on all the lenses , lots of distance with far less rotation at the end of the scale.. is physics of optical systems.
Yes, if it hunts you have to run the extra distance and its time of there is no limiter 4m to inf on the 180-600
Excellent review Steve 🙏🏻
How does this lens perform vs Z400 f4.5 with 1.4 TC ? (That’s 560mm f6.3)
I'm a Sony shooter and quite envious of Nikon's offerings in the prime long lens category for these price points. Wake up Sony!!...Great video Steve!! Thanks!
As always, so great to have these new lens reviews coming from you, Steve; no BS youtube videos!!! :) Yet another lens to consider as I wait for the 600 TC and as the most indecisive guy on the planet, this tortures me LOL 800 pf? 180-600? 600 6.3? or the sell-a-kidney-to-afford-it 600 TC? ... Again, thanks for this. Cheers!
Hello, I want to know how about 400mmf4.5+1.4x VS 600mmPF. How do you think about it?
❤ your review as always, but this vdo I enjoy to watch your funny gimmick too!
😂😂 .
I laugh when you run and shoot to explain how easy and fast to positioning and shooting with 600PF😂😊
Thank you Steve! My 500PF is shaking chills.
I agree it should have been a f/5.6. That would have been a clear advantage over the 180-600mm and a bigger push to owners of the 500mm PF to upgrade.
For me, shooting mainly PR and events, the versatility of the 180-600mm and at the same max aperture will win out, especially at the price.
Moved from the Sony a1 & 200-600 as a walk around birding and bird tour lens to the OM-1 & 150-400. I miss some FF aspects, but OM system is a pound lighter and much better balanced. And has a much better balance. A Z8 with 600PF is a tempting alternative.
The biggie on 6.3 vs 5.6 would be the 95mm thread is substanciall more "standard" then the 105 that would be more likely for a 5.6 (or god forbid a brand new size like 102 mm or something)
I'm sure its a very nice lens. But the PF 800 would still be the holy grail for me. Would be silly for me to have a 600mm lens > that 'always' has a TC on it, to slow it down. Also, when the heck is Nikon going to come out with a pro-level APS-C body ???
I paid 2100 € for my brandnew 500pf. The native 600 is tempting, but just a waste of money (for me) right now.
WIsh other brand have this kind of lens too.. the F2.8 and F4 are too expensive/big and heavy for many.. especially for people who dont have or dont want to spend so much money.
hello is it possible to compare the tamron 150-600 Di VC USD G2 with the new nikon 180-600
I just wish Nikon would actual make the big primes. I have had orders in at my dealer for the 600f4tc since it was announced p about 2 years I think. The fact they won’t invest enough to get inventory at stores is unbelievable. I was able to buy a used 800 - but I don’t like it much. Any tips on how to actually buy a 600 would be appreciated.
First off, thanks for your wonderful videos! This is going to be a popular lens. I’ll stick with my 800 PF but had I’d known about this lens I probably would have waited. The size and weight are the best features for me. The f/6.3 isn’t the end of the world and I always take into consideration the distance of the background for the best image. I guess it’s just me but a draw back to f/4…in my opinion…is the slender DOF; don’t like sharp eyes and blurry beaks. 🙂Again thanks for all you do to help us get better results.
Hello Mr. Steve. Are you gonna do a wildlife review of the Nikon ZF in the near future? Would love to watch it!
Best regards from Portugal
Think when the time is right, I’m gonna go with the 400 4.5. Dx gets to 600 and at 4.5, and the tc 1.4 almost to 600 in full frame at 6.3. Smaller lighter and cheaper too.
Nice preview, and fantastic images. General your previews are far better than most UA-cam full reviews. If one is taking pictures of black bears close to the sunset or sunrise every little bit of extra light is going to help a lot, and the flexibility of the tc also favors the 600mm f4.0. I believe Nikon lost an opportunity to gain market share with the prices of the 400mm f4.5 and the 600mm f6.3. For Nikon shooters, there is a reason to stay with Nikon but for Sony and Canon, there is not. Nikon will never be able to be on at the front of camera body technology because they depend on Sony for sensors. Sony has no incentive to give them the last sensor technology. They just get 2 or 3-year-old sensors. When you have only 10% of a capital-intensive market, in order to survive you may need to hurt your profit margin a little for a while. On the other hand, for birds (daytime) a dual z8, used 300mm pf and 600mm pf looks like a dream advanced amateur or starting professional kit.
Very nice review , you really do an excellent job. For me this sounds to be the logical choice as I'm a serious hobbiest not pro. If I could swing the cost I would probably go with the 600TC, but again not making money off my work couldn't justify the cost. Thanks for a straight forward review.
Steve, were you in Orlando for this shoot? Looks familiar to me. Amazing review, this is a great example of why I think you are the best in the business in explaining things in real world terms. My only issue with this lens is the cost. It seems a bit high, especially versus the real world market price of the 500pf which is down to about $2k now.
Once again you nailed a great review on a new lens. While I find this lens interesting I will go with the 180-600 (safari trip coming up) for sheer convenience of a zoom but will probably end up getting the 600 later. The key points seem to make it worth it.
Another great review, Steve, even with the limited time and access to test the lens.
Nikon sure is giving some great choices for birds, wildlife and action. As an amateur without budget constraints, my GAS keeps shifting between the big fast - expensive - primes with their built in TCs and the more affordable, slightly less fast and much lighter versions - the 400 4.5, this one or the 800 6.3.
My current bird and wildlife kit is my 500mm 5.6 pf on my Z8 with the (old) FTZ. It’s been my go to lens for years now, from my D850 to my Z6ii and now the Z8. It works great on all except the poor focusing Z6ii. I also have the 70-200 2.8 that I often pair with the 1.4x or 2.0x TC.
I’m not sure this one compels me to “upgrade” from my 500 but its great that the choice is there.
And it has a gold ring! This is what I was hoping for, although I had really hoped for a 5.6. I wonder how much bigger it would need to be to be a 5.6. With the 95mm element, I wonder how many common parts there are with the 500pf and 400 4.5? My order is in.
Not a Nikon shooter but loved the review. These long lens Nikon is putting out are making me think it may soon be time to make a switch! Why aren’t any manufacturers making their feet arca swiss?!?!? It seems like they are being willfully obtuse now. Thanks for the good laugh of you running and getting into position “quickly”. Quickly is relative for us older guys