Bird Photography with the Nikon 600mm F4 Z TC | Photographing Bitterns on location | Nikon Z9
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- Опубліковано 28 січ 2023
- Hey Guys!
So the kick off the new year I recently (and rather excitingly) took delivery of my own brand new Nikon 600mm f4 Z TC and couldn't wait to get it out into the field for some photography!
One of the projects I've been focusing on lately is working with Bitterns close to home, with the birds often being shy and distant, it was the ideal time for a first real test of the 600mm.
I love bitterns and it's so great to see them flourishing again in the UK, rather amazing when you think only a few decades ago this was far from the reality, but with huge areas of reedbed having been restored they have a safe haven once again, and who can resist getting out and watching these amazing birds stalk around through the water and disappear with their incredible camouflage!
The 600mm has certainly been awesome to have already, the focus is rapid, the built in TC a game changer for fast action moments with wildlife and meaning no need to keep un-mounting and remounting the lens in less than ideal conditions as we wildlife photographers often are...
I worked with the new 2.0 TC as well and found it to still focus fast and efficiently, offering a rather handy way to get extreme focal lengths if needed (one of those headshots was made at 1200mm!).
If you have any questions about the new lens be sure to drop them below and I'll be more than happy to answer them, I won't be doing a full review on the lens for a year, until Ive had the chance to really stress test it in all kinds of conditions and shoot many many thousands of images to be sure of its consistency. Something I know I'm going to have a lot of fun doing!
If you are thinking of picking up one of these beauties you can grab one here...
tidd.ly/3BJRVIl
I'd be really interested if there are any UK subjects you'd like to see me go after with the 600mm or even without it? And what lenses are you looking forward to seeing in the Nikon Z line? I know many will be keen to see the 200-6000 when it turns up!
Oh and I know some of you will ask... the mini tripod I'm using is a new addition, its a rather handy little hihat style set of legs from Manfrotto, perfect for long lens work close to the ground or when you don't want to take up all the space in a hide! tidd.ly/3jh5qJO
As always guys thanks for watching! If you're not already subscribed it really does help when you do, so please click that bell Icon and drop me a like! You can of course see more of my work over on Instagram @TomMasonPhoto or check out my website for more tommasonphoto.com
If you are interested in learning form me on a more 121 basis, I am now taking more bookings for my online sessions. You can find out more on my website here tommasonphoto.com/?page_id=33...
As always guys I'll be around in the comment for any questions about the video and all things wildlife photography related and until the next one... Get out and enjoy your wildlife photography!
Cheers, Tom
In my bag : (UK affiliate links help me fund the channel and cost you nothing)
Lowepro Whistler 450 AW II - (travelled flawlessly on all my flights with ALL the gear below inside!)tidd.ly/ee5e459a
Nikon Monarch HG 8x30's - Simply love these. tidd.ly/3df767bbNikon
Nikon Z9 : tidd.ly/3GOPrcl
D850 + Grip + D5 batteries tidd.ly/5e9ce68e
Nikon Z6 and 24-70S - (All video for the channel now shot on this - love this little camera!) tidd.ly/18f827ed
Nikon 600mm f4 Z TC (My new super tele) tidd.ly/3BJRVIl
Nikon 300mm 2.8 VR II (My all time favourite lens) tidd.ly/c3774d0f
Nikon 70-200 tidd.ly/50423b68
Nikon 35mm 1.4 G tidd.ly/74102f76
Nikon 20mm 1.8G tidd.ly/792d72d0
Nikon 1.4 TC tidd.ly/51bb49a8
Nikon 2.0 TC tidd.ly/6d38e4fe
Nikon SB-700 tidd.ly/40a57f1a
Spare battery tidd.ly/3c45d8ba
Gitzo Mini Traveller tidd.ly/eda4b0c
Petzl Headlamp amzn.to/2LX80SW
G-tech external drives amzn.to/2Yil63y
Macbook 12" amzn.to/2ZBQ57e
Rocket Blower ( I'd get this one) tidd.ly/8d6a3ab4
I also carry a trusty Gitzo Tripod, either my 4 series systematic or a 2 series traveller!
#Nikon600mm #wildlifephotography #birdphotography
Spectacular work. Wow.
Brilliant, just brilliant, what a superb video, thanks Tom.
Thank you so much! Glad you enjoyed it, I really enjoyed making this one, back on my local patch with some
Cracking wildlife! Cheers!!
Wow. I've never seen a bittern in real life (hardly surprising, as they are so well camouflaged). Always wanted to. Gorgeous images and footage
They are epic birds, wonderfully adapted and a pleasure to watch (when you get the chance!) cheers, Tom
This will be good 👏😀👍. It’s hard to imagine a big improvement over the FL version though we’ve seen so far all new Z mount lenses are better than the F mount lenses they replace. Enjoy your new weapon Tom, looking forward to seeing what you create with it! 👏👍
Yes indeed its amazing testing out all these new lenses, the quality is just simply amazing and as you can imagine, I'm rather excited to spend many years out in the field with my new lens!
Absolutely stunning Tom. The footage...images..music and narration is just beautiful. Always inspired by your work...
Thank you so much 😀 Glad you enjoyed the video, I was rather happy with this one!
Nice work Tom, some great shots there 👌🏼 Nothing like the buzz of a new piece of glass and heading out in the field!! Keep up the good work👍🏼📷🎥
Thanks Simon, yes for sure there is an awesome buzz from testing the new gear but when the wildlife comes out to play and you get the best views you’ve ever had as well… it’s just perfect!!
Outstanding video and images of the Bittern and the environment, well done Tom.
Thank you!
What a beautiful bird! Thank you for sharing your experiences with us!
Thanks for watching!
Cheers, Tom
Absolutely stunning...both pictures and footage alike. Love watching these videos and please keep showcasing all of the fantastic subjects you have the pleasure of interacting with.
Thank you so much! This one was really great fun to make and such an opportunity to see a great bird over many sessions in the hide!
Always a treat watching your videos.
I appreciate that! Thank you! Cheers, Tom
Lovely images Tom, and great footage. Keep up the good work 👍🏼
Thanks Paul!
Gorgeous footage and stills of the Bittern Tom. A fitting start to your relationship with the new 600 f4 TC. I received mine a few days ago and my first trips out with this amazing lens have been great. Looking forward to seeing what you shoot with it next.
Cheers Paul, it’s fantastic for sure and can’t wait to make more images with it very soon, had some great luck in Norfolk a weekend back but have many plants to use my new reach on some old faithful subjects over the next few months! I can’t wait
Amazing work and video you are truly a master of your craft!
Hoping to see more of the videos helping to teach newbie’s with tech and equipment guides.
Keep up the amazing work a truly inspirational guy!
Thanks Daniel, I’ll keep the videos coming, sometimes like this they take a little longer, but so glad so many have seemed to enjoy this style!
Brilliant video not just about the gear but the most important part the subject and what a wonderful subject a Bittern. Great production quality really well done.
Glad you enjoyed it! Yes I really did enjoy making this one, hours in the hide watching a gorgeous bird, it really doesn't get much better!
Absolutely stunning
Thank you!
Thanks for sharing your amazing work! 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
Thanks for listening
They certainly are very mystical birds!
They are indeed, Its amazing watching them for hours and I've had some great views of late!
Great content can't wait to see your new photos and videos
Thank you! Yes I can't wait for many many more days in the field soon and sharing a lot more films and images!
Enjoy your new lens - splendid images of a fascinating subject - look forward to future reports using it.
Thank you! I’m very much looking forward to taking it all over the UK and abroad, a new angle on some familiar subjects should be great fun!
Top class video, love the content. Keep up the great work.
Thanks Mark! Glad you enjoyed the video - it’s been a while since I’ve done some VO work but really enjoyed it and will certainly make more films like this one!
Outstanding Tom- inspiring
Thanks Bill, really appreciate that!
I'm irritated:
Should I be more stunned about the bittern pictures & footage or this dream wildlife lens? ;-)
Thanks for sharing!
Hahah well be irritated about the bittern because they are the magic!
@@TomMasonPhoto I do know!
99.9% are invisible (but somewhat audible)
Then there is the million dollar chance finding one accepting our proximity.
Your footage is great!
Stunning man and congratz on that master pice of á lens you are one of my favourite UA-cam content creators been following since I started taking photography seriously keep it up please
The you so much for the kind words, so glad you enjoy the videos!
Some really great footage and images of the Britons Tom, it takes me back to when I used to live on the Marsh at Hoveton Norfolk in the 1980. 😎
It was awesome to see them up close and I had some great opportunities for filming and images! Glad you enjoyed the video
What a beautiful bird. Never heard of them before. Also drewling over that lens
Yes Bitterns are fantastic and it’s certainly a lens to lust for!
Those are excellent. Well done!
The bitterns are the stars at my local birdwatching spot here in Germany.
Actually it is what made me buy a Z9, because I missed a once in a lifetime shot of a bittern flying straight to where I stood and landing right there in perfect light. Ah well...
Thank you! Yes bitterns are a wonderful bird, the Z9 certainly offers the speed you need for action work, I do rather love mine! Cheers, Tom
Amazing. Great video.
Thank you! I had so much fun making this one and some wonderful moments watching Bitterns!
Very nice images. I am waiting on this lens - pre-ordered it on day one, but still no sign of it. I did just recently get the Z 400/2.8 TC however, so that helps ease the wait a bit on one hand, and makes me more excited for the 600 to arrive on the other. Looking forward to seeing the continued results you get with this glass!
Amazing
Thank you! Cheers!
Hi Mason. Wonderful video with quality wildlife shots. Well done. greets Stefan
Thank you!!
Lovely capture with the fish in it's mouth
I had a few great moments when they were hunting!
Really phenomenal images. I missed this bird other than hearing it vocalizing while in the marshes of Romania. I am leaning toward the 400 mm f/2.8 with TC as I travel more to the tropics. I figure in a stationary setting like this, I could probably add the additional Z 2.0-TC to close the distance when needed. I look forward to your next adventure. Thank you.
Nice film Tom.
Hi Tom... Great video. On a related point: I have just been given Kevin Morgan's book "Puffins: Life on the Atlantic Edge" and it has some of the most spectacular Puffin photography I've ever seen, a real masterclass on bird portraiture. I'd love to see a cooperative project with the two of you, or even for you to interview him.. I love seeing wildlife professionals sharing thoughts and experiences.
Very nice, tnx for sharing
No problem!
Hello Tom, Great new lens, Nice to see you out with Ricci. Love the look of that tripod. keep well, keep safe and have fun.
It was good fun heading out with Ricci the other day, we have plans for more! Yes the mini tripod is SO handy for low level shoots and small places like this, it has multiple leg angle, spiked feet and a levelling base that's rather handy for fast set ups, it easily supports the 600mm and the gimbal and makes it easier to move it along the ground when working on my front lying down that's rather handy! (I knew people would be interested!) Cheers, Tom
@@TomMasonPhoto I think i may just order one, But I see they are out of stock, Just my luck. Thanks for the replay.
@@johnhjic2 you have to pre order for sure, each one probably being made to order sadly but worth the wait!
Lovely film of the Bittern ,,,the Bittern hide in Lea Valley is one of my favourite wildlife places and I went there quite recently and the Bittern showed well but the place was full and it wasn't easy to get a good view ...no idea how you managed to get the place all to yourself but great footage
Well luckily if you choose the cold winter days with the worst weather, pouring rain mid week often I’ve had the place to myself for hours! Been some great activity of late, must get down for a few more days for sure.
תודה!
I liked the middle video section, especially at 4.44 when it became clear that Bitterns can swivel their view horizontally even when their bill is pointing upwards
They are simple awesome birds and brilliant to watch in the field!
Interesting introduction to your new lens. Was hoping for a bit more detail on how the TC performs at 840mm, f5/6, IQ and contrast wise, but guess I will have to wait 😆. Lovely environmental shots of the Bittern, appears they photograph better in slightly more damp/cloudy conditions...
Yes well I really feel I want to shoot a whole breath of subjects before doing any final comments but... interns of IQ and detail, you can't tell the difference between the 600mm and 840, its truly outstanding for that, the only difference being the aperture drop off that does change the "look" slightly but IQ wise its amazing.
Contrast again is hard because I haven't had enough harsh light situations but it in terms of the images that have come out of it so far, its proving to be outstanding for wildlife photography. Yes the bitterns certainly did love the damper weather, and luckily the snow we had in the previous month had made some platforms and flat areas in the reeds that were common spots for the bird to come out on!
@@TomMasonPhoto Thanks for the feedback Tom.
My inner battle currently is whether or not to go 600TC or 400TC, I really love capturing small birds, some of the less shy birds often come within MFD on my current lens (200-600G) so at 2m f2.8 the 400 would i imagine be the better option.
But like yourself I am also interested in a wider breadth of subjects, deer, hares, owls, raptors etc etc. So guess the 600 will be the better option in the long term.
Great pictures of a secretive bird. 🙌 Wish I could justify the z 600mm TC.
Thank you, the 600mm does come with a price but... it's worth it ;)
@@TomMasonPhoto It's easy when you have the money, man 🤠
@@dicekolev5360 when I started out as a photographer I didn’t have any of the latest gear or ££ behind me, I just worked hard, spent a huge deal of time with wildlife and working on my craft to build my business and that helped me have the opportunity to afford the new kit…. And to be honest last year I made my best image on a D3300!!
Great video(s) and photos, Tom! I'm curious as to what AF area mode you prefer in those conditions (wildlife in tall grasses)? As you know, it can be difficult to have sharp wildlife images and NOT sharp foreground grasses in conditions like where you were photographing Bitterns. Thanks!
I’m usually in rear button focus, single point, initiating focus when I see nothing moves in the way but lifting my thumb to stop the focus changing if something blows in front, however did also use small group with animal eye detect and it worked well for when the bird was filling more of the frame, it’s tricky working in the reeds, you have to constantly be aware if anything’s going blow in front of your focus spot! Cheers, Tom
@@TomMasonPhoto Thanks Tom!
Beautiful video. I just stumbled upon it while looking at switching to Nikon for the 600mm f4 TC (from Canon). Is wildlife photography your primary source of income? How did you get to that point and what would you recommend focusing on for the best chance of success in this field? From your income sources where do you make the most? Thank you
fantastic capture of the Great Bittern..the new 600mm is a rare gem
Thank you!
Great work Tom, please can you tell me the name of that tripod / head you were using, I would be greateful for a link thanks.
When money is no object
When it’s your career… and you invest in yourself and business!
Hi Tom…what was the tripod you was using in the hide
Always stunning and beautiful. What os the make of the table tripod in this video.
Thank you! It’s a Manfrotto VR base - I threw a link in the description - might do a UA-cam short on this at some point as many seem intrigued!
@@TomMasonPhoto Thanks again for your quick response and never seen such an item beforehand.
Have already bumped in to you when you was filming this (carpark). Hopefully can bump into you again
It was good to meet you Warren! Hopefully we do bump into each other again in the local area! All the best, Tom
A niece piece indeed - Thank You for sharing! I assume you still may use a pre-production copy, or? My colleagues in Japan told me, I would have to wait till Nov if I would place an order now! What Manfrotto tripod, do you use? Me too, I look for something smaller to be used in combination with same Gitzo gimbal. Thanks again!
Hey Frank, No I am very lucky indeed to have a full production model of the 600mm F4 Z TC, it was shipped in the first batch, one of the benefits of being a Nikon Ambassador! I used a pre production sample the last time I had the lens, but my new one is a full production model I used for this shoot and will be using so much more! There is a wait if you order now as most of the launch lenses will have already been assigned and they are all hand assembled.
The Manfrotto tripod here is a VR base - I put a link to it in the description. Its a fantastic little tool for when I want to work low to the ground or in a tight space, yet still support a high load capacity! Cheers, Tom
@@TomMasonPhoto Thanks Tom, I thought about the benefits of being a Nikon Ambassador 🙂 may have facilitated that quick sale - well deserved! Will check out the Manfrotto soon.
Hi Tom, Me too is the proud owner of the 300 f/2.8 G VR II and knowing you own the same lens, I was wondering wether you too opted for the S 600 F4 TC instead for the S 400 f2.8 TC, simply because a 100 mm more doesn’t make such a big difference. Yes, f2.8 vs f4, but I think the reach makes the difference, hence the 600 mm f4 TC. For some time, I struggled btw. these two S lenses, but now too opted for the 600 mm f4 TC, but have to wait till yearend though. However, have you considered the 300 grams more coming along with the 600 mm? I am a great fan of handholding and in combination with the Z9 makes it a whooping 4,6 kg.
Is that a kingfisher around 3mn 7s then with a fish in the background?
Hi Tom
Can I ask which gimbal head you are using on the small tripod please.
Many thanks
Using my Gitzo fluid gimbal, it’s what I also use on my main Gitzo as well!
Another great video Tom, can't wait to see more from this lens!
I have sent you a message on instagram asking a question, hope that's ok?
Could you please advise me the which tripod model is being used in supporting the lens. Thank you.
Its a Manfrotto VR base unit - Used to be one of their video hi-hats, but was re designed - I popped a link in the description!
A few years I was able to get a few pictures of an American bitten but nothing as good as yours.
got to love a Bittern!
any chance to get some raw files? I am really thinking about to leave Canon for that lens :D
Hi Tom, is this rye mead? Thanks!
Nope, up the valley a bit at the watch point!
Although I will be down rye meads soon as I need to tick bearded tit off on my favourite reserve!
Beautiful images and stills of this amazing bird,,not a nikon user so not interested in that aspect of the video but great stuff anyway.
Glad you enjoyed it, thanks, Tom
Stunning - what is the adress / exact name if this hide
Nice photos & footage. Project? What are you doing with the project? Someone hire you, try selling, hobby?
So working as a pro the images will go into my library and sold though agents but also part of my wider portfolio and body of work on the wildlife of Hertfordshire that I’ve been slowly building for years, often used within my lectures but also sold for mags and other publications too!
@@TomMasonPhoto Good deal. Thanks for the speedy reply.
If the F2.8 400 TC is 13,000 what's the price of that ....
£15,500…. But it’s an investment in my business and work for a long and extensive future use! My original 300mm 2.8 was the best investment I ever made, this is surely going to be a huge benefit for so many future assignments!
@@TomMasonPhoto If you know you can recouperate the money fair play . If your already working for a publication / freelance or self employed. But it's a lot of money for a hobby tog to spend isn't it not .
@@colintraveller for sure, as a pro it’s an investment but for those who aren’t making money it’s certainly a large outlay, and there are so many other great alternatives like the 800mm PF for example - I’m very much looking forward to seeing the 200/600 for the Z mount as I feel it will be a great lens for many!
@@TomMasonPhoto If it's priced less than Sony 200-600 and Canons Rf150-500 . They might / could get folks switching brands ...
£16,000 for a 5kg lens, and just sit in one place! I would rather invest in a some camouflage gear and hone my stalking skills, £16,000 for a lens🤦♂🤷♂
The lens is about 3KG, hence why its such an awesome upgrade over previous gens! Having worked with a 300mm for years I certainly know how to get close, but for some situations with certain subjects or just for a specific look you can't beat this type of lens! I certainly too love pulling on my stalking gear and getting close, but sometimes hides are a better option for certain subjects! Thanks for watching, Cheers, Tom
you show more of yourself than birds.
Outstanding work -thanks Tom you are an inspiration
Thank you so much! Means a lot to me these comments, I really had fun making this video!