Crazy expensive describes the main reason why I don't have a 600mm f/4 lens, the other reason is I'm crazy poor. I was fortunate enough to get a Tamron 150-600 zoom, which has really opened up a lot of shots for me. Definitely has it's limitations, but I just learn to work with them and get what I can. Great points all the way around Steve, thank you.
Thanks for the great video Steve. I've had a sigma 50-500 for years and last year I bought sigmas 150-600 sport lens. Both lens are awesome but I still love the range of my 50-500. Keep videos coming.
Strict definition of a telephoto is a lens whose focal length is longer than its physical length. That could include some relatively short focal lengths. What you are discussing here might be called extra-long (focal length) lenses. Your holds resemble what many rifle shooters use for target and hunting, for the same reason. Study what rifle shooters do. Notably the "knee support" (aka "hamster"). When standing try bracing your elbow against your chest with your hand under the lens foot (with it down).
Absolutely WONDERFUL advice... I initially got the Nikon 200-500 f5.6 (2.3 kg)... Practiced with it for a year or so before selling it and getting the 400 f4.5 z (1.26 kg)... Have ordered myself a 600 f4 z after using it a little bit... Will be keeping my 400 4.5 as well because of its light weight as the 600 is heavy compared to this one (3.2kg)... I have been an event/portrait photographer for almost 20 years now... But getting into nature/wildlife (long tele lenses) has taught me how different it is to use such heavy gear... Finding a way to carry these boulders... Is something one needs to figure out (Like you mention)... VERY important... Also practicing this style of photography was something I had to do a LOT of... As its soooo different to carry and make good images with such heavy gear... And the depth of field point you mentioned... spot on...
Step 1- Drool over the F-4 primes Step 2- Squirrel away every penny you can. Step 3- Drool over F-4 primes Step 4- Continue to save money Step 5- Buy a used one. Step 6- Start over with step 1 but for camera body.
I recently bought my first full frame camera and also grabbed a 150-600. I have a love hate relationship with it still - when I am on my game, it is really enjoyable. When i am flubbing along making mistakes I despise the weight. Thanks Steve for the tips, i can't wait to tell my wife there will be a lens between us in bed tonight.
I’ve been working for years as an event photographer, mostly using a 35, 24-70 and 70-200. I decided to try some wildlife photography, so I got a Tamron 150-600 to start with. This video is definitely helpful, so thank you very much! And, I did sleep a few nights with my brand new parachute rig when I got it many years ago, it saved my life after all, but I think I’ll pass on the lens!
Glad I found this video! I found a used 55-200mm zoom lens at a pawn shop for only $85 and snapped it up. Although the autofocus was a little sluggish at first, it has now become one of my FAVORITE outdoor lenses! Thanks again for your informtion...
If you're prepared to buy used some of the the older big telephoto primes l have come down in price alot, recently seen a EF 600f4 original image stabilization version for just over 2k usd, so no more expensive than a new 24-70 2.8.
Thanks for the tips. I tend to shoot more with wide-angle lenses than with telephoto lenses. At one time, a 300mm f/6.3 Takumar and an 800mm f/8 Soligor were the longest lenses I used. Later, I replaced those two lenses with a 400mm f/5.6, 500mm f/4, and 1000mm f/11 Nikkor lenses. I use my long lenses for wildlife, surveillance, sports, and astronomy. I support my long lenses with bean bags, a Tiltall tripod, an Acratech ball head on a Manfrotto monopod, or a Wimberley gimbal head on a Sokkia wooden surveyor tripod. I use Arca-Swiss quick release clamps and Arca-Swiss quick release plates.
I recently got the Nikkor 200-500/5.6E. Nothing too special but definitely my largest lens. Something that I noticed? When I'm walking around with it I get a LOT more looks from people compared to my 70-200/2.8 or my previous 100-400. Way more people comment about the size of it or make comments about "what a serious camera" I have. It's very strange and I don't like the extra attention 😅
I am not trying to start an argument, but for this 77 year old photo enthusiast, I love the smaller size, lower weight and cost of my Micro Four Thirds 100-400mm (FF = 200-800) lens. I DO envy the look of the big full frame telephoto lenses, but (for me) I don’t want the size/weight negatives.
Wow! How did you know?!? You posted this video 40 minutes ago. Here I sit waiting for my first MAJOR telephoto lens to arrive at my doorstep. Canon RF 400mm 2.8. Should be here within the next couple of hours. Thanks for the wonderful recommendations! We love your videos!
Every point is a must do especially the fun and play/work with it! Back when I only had my A7S '15 (no IBIS) I stopped at the Florida Caverns State Park during a trip and found out no tripods were allowed during the tour. Thinking fast I got out my binocular harness AND a yellow bungee cord that I attached to the camera plate on the bottom and my belt, then I became the tripod! The tour guide did not like it because I was clicking away and not in the group much. But using the Voigtlander 10mm I got wider shots with no flash also. Today I have the prize of the Sony FE 200-600mm plus 1.4x and 2x. I use the same method, sorta, at times doing birding when a fast response to a Egret flying out of a tree right in front of me with it on my chest not in a bag on my back or on a stick where I have to plant it first. Also play time is doing a full moon capture at 1800mm in APS-C mode using 2x, this way you get a legitimate moon for it wobbles through the night and upside down in the southern hemisphere. The most fun or challenge is a Lunar Eclipse like in '17 January at 20 degrees for almost 10 hours start to finish or one off my front porch in '22 for you will want every phase. Hint the moon moves fast and settings ISO/SS are equal 125 or faster for ghosting and f/# 8-11 for sharpness adjust, need an head with adjustable screws for up/down and sideways as it moves across the sky up and over your head straight up, camera needs adjustable screen so your not on your back! you will need the same setup for a Solar eclipse. Take a stroll at the zoo on a hot day, they do not like sticks either, you will find the binocular harness a godsend also wear a extra large Photo Vest to hide the lens from prying eyes. The camo skins/rap is also great for a white lens will scare the wildlife, wear camo also but also a white lens says money so it also helps hide from prying eyes another reason for insurance - you may be leaving at your car and get hit in the head!!!! You can drive with it on, get in and out with it on your chest under your vest. I have seen many carry from car to hotel room also to car openly. Yes carry sticks and small folding chair for sit and wait times. Also a bikers mirror on your glasses to see what is happening behind you!
Great video Steve, thanks a lot! My wife and I went on a day tour with you in Grand Teton about five years ago and you gave us invaluable pointers at the time for which I remain grateful. Ever since then I have been using my 600mm f/4 regularly and consider myself lucky to know the ins and outs of the lens. But every time I watch one of your videos I learn something new. The lenscoat neoprene cover has been a frustration as it gets in the way when using a backpack. Also it moves ever so slightly at times and makes manual focusing difficult. And the plastic see-through windows for the switches are cumbersome. I have been looking for a thinner alternative and will definitely check out the Alphaguard sleeves! Thanks for your great help and hi from a fan from Switzerland 😊
very nice video. I confess I suffered every time you lifted the Z9 from the camera body attached the 600mm... I think that is a recipe to damage the mount over time. much better to lift the lens from the foot. no?
“Take selfies with it” I know you meant “take selfies with the two of you in the frame”, but my first thought was to use a 600mm to take a selfie with. So it’s either a selfie of a single pore of your skin or set the tripod up and run 300m to be in the frame I wonder what time delay you’d need to set to do that…
Thank you for this good advice, When I received my 400 2.8 from Nikon, many of my photos were blurry, my D800 causes a lot of vibrations and I needed advice and practice to master it and have sharp photos. Mr Arthur Moris helped me a lot. Your video is important and explains things well.
Thanks for this. I just bought a used D500 & Nikkor 200-500/5.6E. I've been struggling with it. It keeps erroring out or not responding. I don't know if it's me or faulty equipment.
Good video, thank you. Just received Z600 f4 tc a week ago. AMAZING lens, i shoot sport smore mainly AMA Superbike racing and car stuff. I dabble in some birds hunting on occasion. Amazing how handholdable the lens with z9 is and very slow shutter speed you can get handholding this combo.
I just received,after a 54 week wait,my 800 6.3 pf ed Nikon of course,and couldn’t be more impressed.I am planning a trip to Jackson with my time devoted to the Tetons.Should we cross paths Steve a fond hello will be in order.Great channel.🎉
Steve great advise. As hobbyist photographer and mainly shoot while travelling I don't typically need a telephoto lens that has lots of reach. My travel camera is the Nikon Z50 with both it kit lenses, so my range is 16 to 250mm which is equivalent to 24 to 375mm for my Z50. So far it's worked well for my travel's.
Coming from full frame and now entry into mirrorless I also use this camera. I am 54 yrs old and I'm saving for the 400mm 2.8. Once I am able to secure the lens I will buy the newly released Z1 and still use the 400mm|2.8 on the z50 giving me an effective range from 400mm-600mm between full frame and APSC Pro (when it is released). For the Summer of 2023 I will purchase the 100-400mm (second hand)
Great advice. I miss my 500 f4 but I just didn't use it enough. Another item for anyone still shooting DSLR - check focus accuracy and tune if required. That matters a great deal with the off-sensor PDAF in a D850 or D500 or 5D IV or whatever.
That’s a fair point and if I had made this video a few years ago I absolutely would have. But with mirrorless cameras, it is exceptionally rare to need to calibrate them anymore.
Beyond my disposable income. Photography is a hobby I really enjoy, but can't justify the cost of many items. I owned a 300mm f/2.8 years ago and I will never own another fixed telephoto lens. They have too many limitations for me.
Zooms also have serious limitations, variable aperture, acceptable but not great IQ, slower AF motors and less light gathering. I'll take a prime with it's focal length limitation every time over any zoom
Steve thank you for sharing your experience. Sometimes it is things I know but I forget why I do them and those reminders helps me to rethink what and why I do what I am doing. Good shooting!
What a great video and thank you. I have a Nikon z6 and the longest telephoto I have is a 70-180 2.8 with a 4x additional magnifying. It does a great job for my church shots from the balcony and gives me plenty of light. I want to move up to maybe a 600 and need your recommendation. I thought I could then use this outside to catch some nature photography as well as some interesting shots inside at the church. I have a very large church sanctuary with limited light but at times, not too bad. Give me a couple of choices if you would and remember, I am retired and on a limited budget. Thank you in advance. PS, I do not mind refurbished lens and I have an adaptor for the older Nikon lens.
Steve got a question for you. im also a nikon shooter and looking to purchase my first telephoto zoom. im looking at the older nikon 600mm f4 g and the 500mm f4g. both have the older d series afs versions im curious if youve used the d series versions and how the autofocus speeds are. also curious what your thoughts are on big telephotos like the 600 and 500mm that dont have vr.
They are both fantastic and have excellent image quality. 400mm is inherently easier to manage shake than 600mm so it’s hard to compare VR but I have no problem handholding either lens at 1/100sec and having all sharp images (if the subject isn’t moving)
Hey Steve, thank you for this excellent video! I have a NIkkor Z 180-600 on order, and need to know who makes an Arca-Swiss compatible foot for the Nikon 180-600 f/5.6-6.3 zoom lens? (I don't understand why Nikon doesn't supply an Arca-Swiss compatible foot with these lenses! Isn't that what 99% of photographers use?) Thanks again sir!
I could only dream of a 600mm f4. I currently own an apsc camera (Sony a6400) and a tamron 150-500 f5-f6.7. And a Sony 70-350 f4.5-f6.3. They work well. Low light is a battle. As anyone with any photography knowledge would know. Works good enough for me. Only way I could buy a f4 600 is if I made money with it.
Carefull buying used some of these lenses have had a rough life , hidden by neoprene cammo or black velcro jackets , keeping them looking mint , but inner wear on 200-400f4, graunchy zoom between 3-400 is an avoid me warning ,if you get a good one , you will want the backpack that fits a body and grip , not carrying a case is a bonus ! Warning the lowa 600 bag is £200 +
Of course if you're in Jackson and you pull out anything less than a 400 2.8 you're going to be the one with lens envy. A downside of the big glass one photographer described to me is that if you're out somewhere by yourself and a rather seedie individual or group of people come along it can heighten anxiety proportionally. Thanks for the video. Great point on the DOF. A straight on headshot of a heron at close range will provide a learning experience
Unfortunately, that is something to consider these days is the people around you with expensive camera/glass. Of course if anything is tried, I can use my big ol lens as a bat ... legally too :)
@@ridealongwithrandy I guess that's an idea. I'm definitely not going to outrun anyone carrying big glass. I would probably break the $10-15,000 glass on a 2 bit criminal which seems like a bad deal to me.... 🙂
Just left the Tetons after a week and ran into a guy that told me I should follow you. After watching your videos for several days now I wish I would have heard about you before my trip. I notice you have the 600 f/4 in some of your videos and the 400 f/2.8 in others In your gear list on your website I don't see your 600 f/4 listed so did you get rid of it because you like the 400 f/2.8 better? If that is the reason could you give me more detail on why you preferred one of the other as I am thinking seriously about buying one of them? I still have many videos of yours to watch and your book to read but looking forward to many more. Thanks for the great information thus far!
Love beagles. I had two for almost forty years. One lived 18 years and Katie almost twenty two! Great hiking companions. I have a difficult time trusting quick release straps. Are your arca plates machined for the straps? Great vid. Thanks!
Great fun episode. Love these "interviews" with self. :-). I'm glad I dont have the funds to purchase big prime yet as I'm still unsure 400 or 600.. uggh. Just wish they had a 600 f2/8. ;-)
great little video...Just bought my first "BIG" tele zoom lens ( NIKON 80-400) 1.5 factor on my D7000.....super exited but also aware how much I need to learn on this lens....I want to have fun with it, but also do serious photography with it!! Time will tell, me as a lower rank Amateur need to do do lots of field trips this coming year!! Cant wait!! Really liked your info, tips and tricks!! TNX
I need a camera so I can record my shooting at 1 mile distance. What camera, lense, solution do you recomend which will allow me to see holes on paper target 1 mile away? Will Coolpix P1000 do?
Carrying such heavy gear with your style of strap could be fatal sometimes, I would want to carry it that way and neither would I recommend anyone, of course I understand you didn’t mean that people should do the same exact thing but there are other ways of holding your heavy lenses with straps you might like to mention.
bonus bonus tip is to work out, as you get stronger you can hold a camera and lens of any weight steadier for longer I use the Sigma 150-600 contemp on my hikes and my entire set up with strap weighs 6.3 pounds and I let people hold the set up and they can't stay steady for long with the set up, I bet that 600mm weighs more then my entire set up.
Great video! Thanks for sharing, do have a link for the qd quick release connector you use? I don’t think I’m searching for the correct thing on Amazon haha Thanks again 😊
Just got myself a 200-500mm and here come the fun part for me I’m trying to figure out how to carry it since I can’t carry anything on my shoulders butt that’s alright it’s part of the fun to figure it out Thanks for a great video
I did this for all my lenses 400mm F2.8, 500mm F5.6 etc. And if you put on a teleconverter it is WAY important it is the no1 reason for bad performance.
Been waiting many months for my Z600 tc; beginning to wonder if Nikon is actually making any :) Have had the 180-400 tc for a few years; love it for both the zoom and the tc. Can't wait for the 600. Haven't slept with the 180-400 (well, other than it's been in the tent vestibule next to me when camping :) Good video, as always; thanks!
@@SteveMattheis thank you , I have the Canon RF 100-500 4.5 to 7.1 USM Is L which is a $2600 dollar that I have carepac on but I haven’t had to use it . I realize that doesn’t cover damage like dropping the lens or the tripod fall over etc. I may look into the insurance part .
I love my telephoto! It's only a Sigma 150-600 C and is not "that" expensive and I do have the neoprene cover on mine. It mostly lives on my camera. I have been able to shoot some awesome images of the moon (hand held). Image stabilization stays on with my lens always. I did also add a foot extension to allow for balancing it on a tripod. Thanks for your thoughts!
Good stuff Steve. I have an absolute fetish for very long glass, and by the way, there are so many cameras and lenses in the house, I don't have to sleep with them. Cheers!
The algorithm is amazing and scary. Bought a Sigma 60-600 E-mount on sort of a whim yesterday. Today this is the first video recommendation. Great Video Thanks.
Crazy expensive describes the main reason why I don't have a 600mm f/4 lens, the other reason is I'm crazy poor.
I was fortunate enough to get a Tamron 150-600 zoom, which has really opened up a lot of shots for me. Definitely has it's limitations, but I just learn to work with them and get what I can.
Great points all the way around Steve, thank you.
Yep, enjoy that lens and keep up that positive attitude 👍
Steve Perry says that camera gear are "tools not jewels". Sometimes given the price of high-end camera gear, it's hard to not treat them like jewels.
Yep, he knows what he’s talking about 👍
Go walking with them for a couple miles and you get over that pretty quickly!
Thanks for the great video Steve. I've had a sigma 50-500 for years and last year I bought sigmas 150-600 sport lens. Both lens are awesome but I still love the range of my 50-500. Keep videos coming.
Strict definition of a telephoto is a lens whose focal length is longer than its physical length. That could include some relatively short focal lengths. What you are discussing here might be called extra-long (focal length) lenses.
Your holds resemble what many rifle shooters use for target and hunting, for the same reason. Study what rifle shooters do. Notably the "knee support" (aka "hamster"). When standing try bracing your elbow against your chest with your hand under the lens foot (with it down).
Truth
I think that you may have one of the best intros of all UA-cam 👍
Haha thank you! I might update it a bit with some new clips but I think I’ll keep the wonder song…😂
I agree! Love the Wonder song. What’s the official name of that song by the way?
He does indeed especially the mountain lion coming off the hill to protect its kill.Check that video out.
I love your intro too!!! The song fits so well!!!!
Absolutely WONDERFUL advice...
I initially got the Nikon 200-500 f5.6 (2.3 kg)... Practiced with it for a year or so before selling it and getting the 400 f4.5 z (1.26 kg)... Have ordered myself a 600 f4 z after using it a little bit... Will be keeping my 400 4.5 as well because of its light weight as the 600 is heavy compared to this one (3.2kg)...
I have been an event/portrait photographer for almost 20 years now... But getting into nature/wildlife (long tele lenses) has taught me how different it is to use such heavy gear... Finding a way to carry these boulders... Is something one needs to figure out (Like you mention)... VERY important...
Also practicing this style of photography was something I had to do a LOT of... As its soooo different to carry and make good images with such heavy gear... And the depth of field point you mentioned... spot on...
Step 1- Drool over the F-4 primes
Step 2- Squirrel away every penny you can.
Step 3- Drool over F-4 primes
Step 4- Continue to save money
Step 5- Buy a used one.
Step 6- Start over with step 1 but for camera body.
I recently bought my first full frame camera and also grabbed a 150-600. I have a love hate relationship with it still - when I am on my game, it is really enjoyable. When i am flubbing along making mistakes I despise the weight. Thanks Steve for the tips, i can't wait to tell my wife there will be a lens between us in bed tonight.
Sleep well… 😂
I’ve been working for years as an event photographer, mostly using a 35, 24-70 and 70-200. I decided to try some wildlife photography, so I got a Tamron 150-600 to start with. This video is definitely helpful, so thank you very much! And, I did sleep a few nights with my brand new parachute rig when I got it many years ago, it saved my life after all, but I think I’ll pass on the lens!
Not listed...Make sure your medical insurance covers back injuries.
Thank you for the video going to get an 800 PF tonight for my Z9.
Nice! It is excellent👍
Glad I found this video! I found a used 55-200mm zoom lens at a pawn shop for only $85 and snapped it up. Although the autofocus was a little sluggish at first, it has now become one of my FAVORITE outdoor lenses! Thanks again for your informtion...
If you're prepared to buy used some of the the older big telephoto primes l have come down in price alot, recently seen a EF 600f4 original image stabilization version for just over 2k usd, so no more expensive than a new 24-70 2.8.
Great video but I had to watch it twice.. I was watching your cute pup on the chair and missed what you said the first time. What a sweetheart. ❤
She's the best 👍
The dog was saying, "Can you wrap it up? Can't you see I'm trying to sleep here?"
Thanks for the tips.
I tend to shoot more with wide-angle lenses than with telephoto lenses.
At one time, a 300mm f/6.3 Takumar and an 800mm f/8 Soligor were the longest lenses I used.
Later, I replaced those two lenses with a 400mm f/5.6, 500mm f/4, and 1000mm f/11 Nikkor lenses.
I use my long lenses for wildlife, surveillance, sports, and astronomy.
I support my long lenses with bean bags, a Tiltall tripod, an Acratech ball head on a Manfrotto monopod, or a Wimberley gimbal head on a Sokkia wooden surveyor tripod.
I use Arca-Swiss quick release clamps and Arca-Swiss quick release plates.
Can you tell me the brand of that QD quick connector
I recently got the Nikkor 200-500/5.6E. Nothing too special but definitely my largest lens.
Something that I noticed? When I'm walking around with it I get a LOT more looks from people compared to my 70-200/2.8 or my previous 100-400.
Way more people comment about the size of it or make comments about "what a serious camera" I have. It's very strange and I don't like the extra attention 😅
Haha yeah they are attention grabbers!
I have the same lens and have some of the same comments. I tell them it is not the size of the lens, it is how you focus it. Gives them a good laugh.
Hey Steve, would you recommend putting a clear filter on the front of the lens (like a B+W)?
I do not recommend clear filters, unless there is a very specific thing you are trying to protect your front element from.
a 600mm f/4 usually costs around $15,000 so if I ever get there then yeah I'll tuck it in bed with me too 🛌📷
I am not trying to start an argument, but for this 77 year old photo enthusiast, I love the smaller size, lower weight and cost of my Micro Four Thirds 100-400mm (FF = 200-800) lens. I DO envy the look of the big full frame telephoto lenses, but (for me) I don’t want the size/weight negatives.
Wow! How did you know?!? You posted this video 40 minutes ago. Here I sit waiting for my first MAJOR telephoto lens to arrive at my doorstep. Canon RF 400mm 2.8. Should be here within the next couple of hours. Thanks for the wonderful recommendations! We love your videos!
Nice! Practice practice practice and have a blast with it!
Me too lol
@@W6RIPRadioAdventures Awesome! Congratulations!
Great video. Your 400mm is all fine now? You motivated me to film more youtube videos! It's not easy!
The 400 is all better! Yay!
@@SteveMattheis what happened to it?
Every point is a must do especially the fun and play/work with it! Back when I only had my A7S '15 (no IBIS) I stopped at the Florida Caverns State Park during a trip and found out no tripods were allowed during the tour. Thinking fast I got out my binocular harness AND a yellow bungee cord that I attached to the camera plate on the bottom and my belt, then I became the tripod! The tour guide did not like it because I was clicking away and not in the group much. But using the Voigtlander 10mm I got wider shots with no flash also. Today I have the prize of the Sony FE 200-600mm plus 1.4x and 2x. I use the same method, sorta, at times doing birding when a fast response to a Egret flying out of a tree right in front of me with it on my chest not in a bag on my back or on a stick where I have to plant it first. Also play time is doing a full moon capture at 1800mm in APS-C mode using 2x, this way you get a legitimate moon for it wobbles through the night and upside down in the southern hemisphere. The most fun or challenge is a Lunar Eclipse like in '17 January at 20 degrees for almost 10 hours start to finish or one off my front porch in '22 for you will want every phase. Hint the moon moves fast and settings ISO/SS are equal 125 or faster for ghosting and f/# 8-11 for sharpness adjust, need an head with adjustable screws for up/down and sideways as it moves across the sky up and over your head straight up, camera needs adjustable screen so your not on your back! you will need the same setup for a Solar eclipse. Take a stroll at the zoo on a hot day, they do not like sticks either, you will find the binocular harness a godsend also wear a extra large Photo Vest to hide the lens from prying eyes. The camo skins/rap is also great for a white lens will scare the wildlife, wear camo also but also a white lens says money so it also helps hide from prying eyes another reason for insurance - you may be leaving at your car and get hit in the head!!!! You can drive with it on, get in and out with it on your chest under your vest. I have seen many carry from car to hotel room also to car openly. Yes carry sticks and small folding chair for sit and wait times. Also a bikers mirror on your glasses to see what is happening behind you!
I’ll keep my zoom thanks.
Great advice for newbies and a good refresh for more experienced people.
Great photographer, horrible lier! We all know he slept with his lens.🤣🤣🤣
I will neither confirm nor deny that...
@@SteveMattheis 😉😊🤣
REPLY NUMBER TWO: How did you get your canine networking associate to lie there so QUIETLY while you were talking? LOL Is he a Beagle?
Hey Steve... Do you have an affiliate link for the Alphavuard skins so you get credit for it when I order? The link you have is just to their store.
Nice and informative video.
May I ask what brand of rubber lens hood did you have on the 1-4?
Great video Steve, thanks a lot!
My wife and I went on a day tour with you in Grand Teton about five years ago and you gave us invaluable pointers at the time for which I remain grateful. Ever since then I have been using my 600mm f/4 regularly and consider myself lucky to know the ins and outs of the lens. But every time I watch one of your videos I learn something new. The lenscoat neoprene cover has been a frustration as it gets in the way when using a backpack. Also it moves ever so slightly at times and makes manual focusing difficult. And the plastic see-through windows for the switches are cumbersome. I have been looking for a thinner alternative and will definitely check out the Alphaguard sleeves!
Thanks for your great help and hi from a fan from Switzerland 😊
very nice video. I confess I suffered every time you lifted the Z9 from the camera body attached the 600mm... I think that is a recipe to damage the mount over time. much better to lift the lens from the foot. no?
It'll be fine
“Take selfies with it”
I know you meant “take selfies with the two of you in the frame”, but my first thought was to use a 600mm to take a selfie with. So it’s either a selfie of a single pore of your skin or set the tripod up and run 300m to be in the frame
I wonder what time delay you’d need to set to do that…
Of course I sleep with and pet my lenses, if I don't, they get extremely jealous of my rifles.
Thank you for this good advice, When I received my 400 2.8 from Nikon, many of my photos were blurry, my D800 causes a lot of vibrations and I needed advice and practice to master it and have sharp photos. Mr Arthur Moris helped me a lot. Your video is important and explains things well.
Practice Practice Practice spot on !! Great tips
2:55 Thanks! I send an email to my insurer about the new baby.
That crazy dog wasn't impressed with one single word you said !! The Nerve !!
Thanks for this. I just bought a used D500 & Nikkor 200-500/5.6E. I've been struggling with it. It keeps erroring out or not responding. I don't know if it's me or faulty equipment.
Eeek, sounds like it needs to be repaired…
Good video, thank you. Just received Z600 f4 tc a week ago. AMAZING lens, i shoot sport smore mainly AMA Superbike racing and car stuff. I dabble in some birds hunting on occasion. Amazing how handholdable the lens with z9 is and very slow shutter speed you can get handholding this combo.
Yep it’s so good
I don't like to leave the tripod foot on the lens. It gets in the way and who needs even more weight? Mine stays on my tripod.
The first thing to do, however, is to sell one of the kidneys to finance the purchase of the big telephoto lens... 🤣
Totally not worth it …
A telephoto lens is one whose physical length is smaller than its focal length
What a nice puppy, to keep you company. Good tips. Thanks.
I just received,after a 54 week wait,my 800 6.3 pf ed Nikon of course,and couldn’t be more impressed.I am planning a trip to Jackson with my time devoted to the Tetons.Should we cross paths Steve a fond hello will be in order.Great channel.🎉
Wow that’s an incredible wait! But congratulations on getting one, it is wonderful 👍
Steve great advise. As hobbyist photographer and mainly shoot while travelling I don't typically need a telephoto lens that has lots of reach. My travel camera is the Nikon Z50 with both it kit lenses, so my range is 16 to 250mm which is equivalent to 24 to 375mm for my Z50. So far it's worked well for my travel's.
Coming from full frame and now entry into mirrorless I also use this camera. I am 54 yrs old and I'm saving for the 400mm 2.8. Once I am able to secure the lens I will buy the newly released Z1 and still use the 400mm|2.8 on the z50 giving me an effective range from 400mm-600mm between full frame and APSC Pro (when it is released). For the Summer of 2023 I will purchase the 100-400mm (second hand)
Mind me asking what kind of monopod and head that is, and if you like it?
Great advice. I miss my 500 f4 but I just didn't use it enough. Another item for anyone still shooting DSLR - check focus accuracy and tune if required. That matters a great deal with the off-sensor PDAF in a D850 or D500 or 5D IV or whatever.
I am surprised that you did not include calibrating the lens.
That’s a fair point and if I had made this video a few years ago I absolutely would have. But with mirrorless cameras, it is exceptionally rare to need to calibrate them anymore.
thanks,i'm getting out there ,i'll report later!
Good stuff, Steve! I’m hoping my Z400 2.8 arrives someday 😊 I look forward to giving it your suggested treatment.
Yep it will be worth the wait 👍
I’ll trade a kidney for the 600 F4
Perfect timing for this video. My 400 2.8 is arriving today!
Sweeeeeeet! Get out there and have a blast with it👍
Very good advice Steve. Thank you for making this video !
My 1990s 600mm nikon prime is like 6 and a half kilos so it doubles up as a big dumbbell. Everything else needs protection from it.
😂
Beyond my disposable income. Photography is a hobby I really enjoy, but can't justify the cost of many items. I owned a 300mm f/2.8 years ago and I will never own another fixed telephoto lens. They have too many limitations for me.
Zooms also have serious limitations, variable aperture, acceptable but not great IQ, slower AF motors and less light gathering. I'll take a prime with it's focal length limitation every time over any zoom
Get a support belt around your waist something like a weight lifters back support, otherwise you will suffer and possibly get a Hernia 👿
Ha!
Great tips. Love your beagle, although she didnt seem particularly interested in your presentation!
She is mostly only interested in treats and belly rubs…
Steve thank you for sharing your experience. Sometimes it is things I know but I forget why I do them and those reminders helps me to rethink what and why I do what I am doing. Good shooting!
What a great video and thank you. I have a Nikon z6 and the longest telephoto I have is a 70-180 2.8 with a 4x additional magnifying. It does a great job for my church shots from the balcony and gives me plenty of light. I want to move up to maybe a 600 and need your recommendation. I thought I could then use this outside to catch some nature photography as well as some interesting shots inside at the church. I have a very large church sanctuary with limited light but at times, not too bad. Give me a couple of choices if you would and remember, I am retired and on a limited budget. Thank you in advance. PS, I do not mind refurbished lens and I have an adaptor for the older Nikon lens.
Steve got a question for you. im also a nikon shooter and looking to purchase my first telephoto zoom. im looking at the older nikon 600mm f4 g and the 500mm f4g. both have the older d series afs versions im curious if youve used the d series versions and how the autofocus speeds are. also curious what your thoughts are on big telephotos like the 600 and 500mm that dont have vr.
I just bought an 800mm prime should be here in two days. I also have a 200-500mm an a 500mm prime, thanks for the insurance tip.😊
Can you do a 400TC vs 600TC? How does the VR compare? Image quality? 🙂
They are both fantastic and have excellent image quality. 400mm is inherently easier to manage shake than 600mm so it’s hard to compare VR but I have no problem handholding either lens at 1/100sec and having all sharp images (if the subject isn’t moving)
@@SteveMattheis Thank you for your reply. I opted for the 400 🙂
Hey Steve, thank you for this excellent video! I have a NIkkor Z 180-600 on order, and need to know who makes an Arca-Swiss compatible foot for the Nikon 180-600 f/5.6-6.3 zoom lens? (I don't understand why Nikon doesn't supply an Arca-Swiss compatible foot with these lenses! Isn't that what 99% of photographers use?) Thanks again sir!
I could only dream of a 600mm f4. I currently own an apsc camera (Sony a6400) and a tamron 150-500 f5-f6.7. And a Sony 70-350 f4.5-f6.3. They work well. Low light is a battle. As anyone with any photography knowledge would know. Works good enough for me. Only way I could buy a f4 600 is if I made money with it.
Carefull buying used some of these lenses have had a rough life , hidden by neoprene cammo or black velcro jackets , keeping them looking mint , but inner wear on 200-400f4, graunchy zoom between 3-400 is an avoid me warning ,if you get a good one , you will want the backpack that fits a body and grip , not carrying a case is a bonus ! Warning the lowa 600 bag is £200 +
Of course if you're in Jackson and you pull out anything less than a 400 2.8 you're going to be the one with lens envy. A downside of the big glass one photographer described to me is that if you're out somewhere by yourself and a rather seedie individual or group of people come along it can heighten anxiety proportionally. Thanks for the video. Great point on the DOF. A straight on headshot of a heron at close range will provide a learning experience
Unfortunately, that is something to consider these days is the people around you with expensive camera/glass. Of course if anything is tried, I can use my big ol lens as a bat ... legally too :)
@@ridealongwithrandy I guess that's an idea. I'm definitely not going to outrun anyone carrying big glass. I would probably break the $10-15,000 glass on a 2 bit criminal which seems like a bad deal to me.... 🙂
Just left the Tetons after a week and ran into a guy that told me I should follow you. After watching your videos for several days now I wish I would have heard about you before my trip. I notice you have the 600 f/4 in some of your videos and the 400 f/2.8 in others In your gear list on your website I don't see your 600 f/4 listed so did you get rid of it because you like the 400 f/2.8 better? If that is the reason could you give me more detail on why you preferred one of the other as I am thinking seriously about buying one of them? I still have many videos of yours to watch and your book to read but looking forward to many more. Thanks for the great information thus far!
Love beagles. I had two for almost forty years. One lived 18 years and Katie almost twenty two! Great hiking companions.
I have a difficult time trusting quick release straps. Are your arca plates machined for the straps?
Great vid. Thanks!
Thanks Steve! Good advice
Great fun episode. Love these "interviews" with self. :-). I'm glad I dont have the funds to purchase big prime yet as I'm still unsure 400 or 600.. uggh. Just wish they had a 600 f2/8. ;-)
what about dry box?
great little video...Just bought my first "BIG" tele zoom lens ( NIKON 80-400) 1.5 factor on my D7000.....super exited but also aware how much I need to learn on this lens....I want to have fun with it, but also do serious photography with it!! Time will tell, me as a lower rank Amateur need to do do lots of field trips this coming year!! Cant wait!! Really liked your info, tips and tricks!! TNX
I need a camera so I can record my shooting at 1 mile distance. What camera, lense, solution do you recomend which will allow me to see holes on paper target 1 mile away? Will Coolpix P1000 do?
Carrying such heavy gear with your style of strap could be fatal sometimes, I would want to carry it that way and neither would I recommend anyone, of course I understand you didn’t mean that people should do the same exact thing but there are other ways of holding your heavy lenses with straps you might like to mention.
I've used it successfully for hundreds of hikes so it works for me.
bonus bonus tip is to work out, as you get stronger you can hold a camera and lens of any weight steadier for longer I use the Sigma 150-600 contemp on my hikes and my entire set up with strap weighs 6.3 pounds and I let people hold the set up and they can't stay steady for long with the set up, I bet that 600mm weighs more then my entire set up.
Great video! Thanks for sharing, do have a link for the qd quick release connector you use? I don’t think I’m searching for the correct thing on Amazon haha Thanks again 😊
Just got myself a 200-500mm and here come the fun part for me I’m trying to figure out how to carry it since I can’t carry anything on my shoulders butt that’s alright it’s part of the fun to figure it out
Thanks for a great video
5 good tips! Funny intro 😅. Does the 600 mean you’ve moved on from the 400? 👀
Not a chance! Just testing the 600…
Fun stuff! Those built in TC’s appear to be game changers
I guess the theory is that you should be able to sleep with anything that costs that kind of money. Even so, to each, his own. 😂
Nice, thanks! Btw the bonus tip matches the front of the video...😂
Exactly what I had done except the insurance. Thanks.
Some more, i had bought a rain jacket, a foldable trolley 😂
Go to the gym
Thanks Steve, just ordered through your link with B & H.
Storage?
Another thing to do initially (although not necessary for mirrorless systems) is autofocus fine tuning for each camera and lens combination.
I did this for all my lenses 400mm F2.8, 500mm F5.6 etc. And if you put on a teleconverter it is WAY important it is the no1 reason for bad performance.
Doggy huffing and pufing at 5:45 .. wants a Dad belly tickle :)
Been waiting many months for my Z600 tc; beginning to wonder if Nikon is actually making any :) Have had the 180-400 tc for a few years; love it for both the zoom and the tc. Can't wait for the 600. Haven't slept with the 180-400 (well, other than it's been in the tent vestibule next to me when camping :) Good video, as always; thanks!
Don't drop it !
Good advice 👍
@@SteveMattheis thank you , I have the Canon RF 100-500 4.5 to 7.1 USM Is L which is a $2600 dollar that I have carepac on but I haven’t had to use it . I realize that doesn’t cover damage like dropping the lens or the tripod fall over etc. I may look into the insurance part .
I seen your intro, and I immediately clicked the subscribe and like buttons. You're the GOAT!
Hahaha, welcome aboard!
Some Great tips & Advice love my my Sony 600 F4 Cheers
Currently saving hope to have the money by elk season this fall
I love my telephoto! It's only a Sigma 150-600 C and is not "that" expensive and I do have the neoprene cover on mine. It mostly lives on my camera. I have been able to shoot some awesome images of the moon (hand held). Image stabilization stays on with my lens always. I did also add a foot extension to allow for balancing it on a tripod. Thanks for your thoughts!
Which foot extension did you buy? I need one for my Sigma, too. Thanks.
@@joncothranphotography9375 Thank you very much. Happy shooting!
Good stuff Steve. I have an absolute fetish for very long glass, and by the way, there are so many cameras and lenses in the house, I don't have to sleep with them. Cheers!
Haha, lucky you!
Check out the neighbors????
That seems like bad advice... 😂
Your dog doesn’t appear too camera-shy.😊
What would you recommend:
1. Used F 500/600mm F4
or
2. New Z 100-400mm
First with Nikon Z6 II later maybe Z8 or Z9.
Thanks!
I can't give a recommendation because it really depends on what/how you like to shoot and what other equipment you have.
Thanks for backing me up on this one Steve! My girlfriend says I don't need an RF 600mm F4 but clearly I do and now I'm going to make her watch this!
Good luck👍
The algorithm is amazing and scary. Bought a Sigma 60-600 E-mount on sort of a whim yesterday. Today this is the first video recommendation. Great Video Thanks.
Yep, it's scary what pops up...
Your dog seems to enjoy life very much on the sofa!
"2 Things To Do When You Buy A Big Telephoto Lens":
1. Get rich to afford a big telephoto lens.
2. Buy it.
Pretty straightforward