Interesting, I have the Z8 and Z9 and using the 400 f4.5 S on both testing the focus on black birds stationary. I shot at different distances and used different focus settings. Shot bursts of 10 fps. The Z9 focus accuracy and consistency over 5 series of 10 frames per series was 49 frames 100% in focus. the Z8 was 43 sharp frames. On subjects with high contrast such as different colours and black and white birds the Z8 performance was slightly better. This is with the latest firmware updates on both bodies. I also tested the 180-600 on both bodies and there the difference is even bigger. Both cameras had more frames not in focus, Z9 46 frames in focus and Z9 39 and on the second test 41. Then Tasted the 500 pf on both and surprisingly the 500 pf on the Z8 with two tests were better 44 and 45 frames in focus vs the 43 of the 400 f4.5. Here is the interesting stat. When I disable Subject detection, every lens on the Z8 had a better score. The 180-600 was 46 and 47 sharp and the 400 and 500 both 48 sharp. On the Z9 all three lenses all 50 frames were sharp. Like other real photographers like yourself commented, the Z8/9 focus system is very good but complex and, in many instances, there is a need to step away from subject detection. Great channel and thanks for your great content.
Yes I'd like to see a comparison of the Z 180-600 with this Tamron. You do some of the most informative videos about these long zooms (which I want) your video with the Z 180-600 really made me want it so bad (and I still do) just looking for a good alternative IF there is one. That 180-600 is going to be hard to beat I'd also like to see the 180-600 with a Nikon 1.4 teleconverter.
You can see the performance of the TC here in this video ua-cam.com/video/Hy0JLf2Lmnk/v-deo.html The Nikon Z 180-600 in my use has been a better choice over the Tamron lens.
Hi Scott, good to see you looking so well my friend, I just wanted to say that your reviews are second to none, even tho I’m a canon r5 with 100-500 user I still watch all your reviews whatever, your attention to detail and the amount of time you put into these are superb and I’ll be interested to see what you think of the r5 mk11 when you hopefully get your hands on one 👍 cheers Terry
This is my backup to the 180-600 and at times I prefer it. The smaller size makes it nice and like you said, no it’s not quite on par with Nikkor lenses but it’s still very capable.
my question for 150-500 is, is it long enough for birding? Nikon doesn't have a decent APSC camera for birding, so it is shorter than most 150-600, plus other cameras have good APSC cameras that can do 1.5x or 1.6X.
500 is good enough for birding. You just have to work on getting closer. That's the hard part. IM expecting Nikon to drop an APSC sometime in the near future. The 180-600 from Nikon takes teleconverters very well. I have a video on it if you look through the videos.
That mention of “..I single pointed the bird…boom boom…” I get the feeling you aren’t talking about scrolling through focus settings. Is that a custom setting? If so, 1.) is it doable on the Z6ii? 2.) can you point me to your “settings” video where you cover that?
any camera with subject detect you can do this with. Just have one button assigned to single point auto focus and another button with your subject detect. You are using the single point to get closer to your subject then engage the subject detect. This is a canon video but same concept. ua-cam.com/video/K9HdS81rp7E/v-deo.html
Hey Scott stumbled across your video, I bought this lens in April and I’m getting terrible results on my Z6ii with birds especially out at 500mm.. Conclusion never again buying non native glass!!!!!! And getting the Z8…. That should solve the problems I’m having, expensive damn birds!!!
Yes expensive dang birds for sure lol. I'm not huge on 3rd party lenses except in the wide angle lenses (28-75, nifty 50's, etc.). the ART series from sigma and such on wide side are good and some of the Tamron. But big glass, get native for sure.
Appreciate the review! Stopped at that same area on the way back from seward too. Such a beautiful place. Quick question. What gear are you wearing when you are laying down? Seems like a good but light waterproof jacket?
The problem with 3rd party lenses is that future camera updates may, for want of a better word, screw them up. Besides which the camera company may block them.
So glad to see you out love your videos thanks so much for all the updates and reviews. Plus number one the beautiful locations
Glad you enjoyed it
Interesting, I have the Z8 and Z9 and using the 400 f4.5 S on both testing the focus on black birds stationary. I shot at different distances and used different focus settings. Shot bursts of 10 fps. The Z9 focus accuracy and consistency over 5 series of 10 frames per series was 49 frames 100% in focus. the Z8 was 43 sharp frames. On subjects with high contrast such as different colours and black and white birds the Z8 performance was slightly better. This is with the latest firmware updates on both bodies. I also tested the 180-600 on both bodies and there the difference is even bigger. Both cameras had more frames not in focus, Z9 46 frames in focus and Z9 39 and on the second test 41. Then Tasted the 500 pf on both and surprisingly the 500 pf on the Z8 with two tests were better 44 and 45 frames in focus vs the 43 of the 400 f4.5. Here is the interesting stat. When I disable Subject detection, every lens on the Z8 had a better score. The 180-600 was 46 and 47 sharp and the 400 and 500 both 48 sharp. On the Z9 all three lenses all 50 frames were sharp. Like other real photographers like yourself commented, the Z8/9 focus system is very good but complex and, in many instances, there is a need to step away from subject detection.
Great channel and thanks for your great content.
Thanks fro the info
Sir can you please make a video with the Nikon z6 iii for wildlife photography, all the things with the 180-600 lens
On order 🤪 Hopefully It will be here this week. Fingers Crossed 🤞
Yes I'd like to see a comparison of the Z 180-600 with this Tamron. You do some of the most informative videos about these long zooms (which I want) your video with the Z 180-600 really made me want it so bad (and I still do) just looking for a good alternative IF there is one. That 180-600 is going to be hard to beat I'd also like to see the 180-600 with a Nikon 1.4 teleconverter.
You can see the performance of the TC here in this video ua-cam.com/video/Hy0JLf2Lmnk/v-deo.html
The Nikon Z 180-600 in my use has been a better choice over the Tamron lens.
Hi Scott, good to see you looking so well my friend, I just wanted to say that your reviews are second to none, even tho I’m a canon r5 with 100-500 user I still watch all your reviews whatever, your attention to detail and the amount of time you put into these are superb and I’ll be interested to see what you think of the r5 mk11 when you hopefully get your hands on one 👍 cheers Terry
Thanks. Means a lot
This is my backup to the 180-600 and at times I prefer it. The smaller size makes it nice and like you said, no it’s not quite on par with Nikkor lenses but it’s still very capable.
👍
my question for 150-500 is, is it long enough for birding? Nikon doesn't have a decent APSC camera for birding, so it is shorter than most 150-600, plus other cameras have good APSC cameras that can do 1.5x or 1.6X.
500 is good enough for birding. You just have to work on getting closer. That's the hard part. IM expecting Nikon to drop an APSC sometime in the near future. The 180-600 from Nikon takes teleconverters very well. I have a video on it if you look through the videos.
Nice effort Tamron and cool video Scott. Nikon for sure need more bodies and not just high end full frame
👍
That mention of “..I single pointed the bird…boom boom…” I get the feeling you aren’t talking about scrolling through focus settings. Is that a custom setting? If so, 1.) is it doable on the Z6ii? 2.) can you point me to your “settings” video where you cover that?
any camera with subject detect you can do this with. Just have one button assigned to single point auto focus and another button with your subject detect. You are using the single point to get closer to your subject then engage the subject detect.
This is a canon video but same concept. ua-cam.com/video/K9HdS81rp7E/v-deo.html
Great lens review! Very helpful.
Glad it was helpful!
Curious what monitor that is you're using @ 12:03
Its an Atomos Ninja V
Hey Scott stumbled across your video, I bought this lens in April and I’m getting terrible results on my Z6ii with birds especially out at 500mm.. Conclusion never again buying non native glass!!!!!! And getting the Z8…. That should solve the problems I’m having, expensive damn birds!!!
Yes expensive dang birds for sure lol. I'm not huge on 3rd party lenses except in the wide angle lenses (28-75, nifty 50's, etc.). the ART series from sigma and such on wide side are good and some of the Tamron. But big glass, get native for sure.
Appreciate the review! Stopped at that same area on the way back from seward too. Such a beautiful place. Quick question. What gear are you wearing when you are laying down? Seems like a good but light waterproof jacket?
It's a Simms Challenger Fishing Jacket. amzn.to/4exUcbz
Hi Scott - Great Video - Looking for a lighter telephoto option. Are u planning to review the Z 28-400 anytime soon?
If I can t a rental copy I will.
The problem with 3rd party lenses is that future camera updates may, for want of a better word, screw them up. Besides which the camera company may block them.
Haven't seen that happen very much, but is a possibility
I have the first model 150-600mm I’m still pairing with my canon 80d lol. 😂😂
ok
bro lives in heaven
🏔️💕
Did you order a Z6iii ?
Yes Sir 😄
you didn't mention where you were shooting
I did at the very start of the video in the intro.
Stewarts is the bomb!
Yes it is 😃
Can I be teleported to Alaska...
😂