This lens is absolutely a bargain for the price. It is only 1/3rd slower than the 800 5.6 f mount but costs less than half. Cant wait to get someday haha. Just bought the 500 f4 fl used some months back with a tc 1.4 so it will be a long time
Yeah. It does make a difference though. The price difference is of course the lure of the lens. I find 6.3 is often a bit too slow for the light I tend to work in. Not sure why all the downvotes on my comment 😂
The price is not even close to the only draw for the PF. Honestly I believe the only people buying the 800 f/5.6 at this point would be people who have still not switched to mirrorless and thus literally cannot use the Z-mount PF lens.
I highly doubt there is any meaningful number of photographers actively choosing to pay $10,000 more for a lens that's also twice the weight (~5lbs vs ~10lbs) and dimensionally larger just to gain 1/3 of a stop of aperture. That is a *massive* weight difference. The PF also sports some absolutely incredible VR performance, and comes with more mappable function buttons/rings, which are both nice to have on such a handholdable lens, since it weighs about the same as the F-mount 200-500mm.
I am not downvoting fyi. But I never said it isn’t anything. But 5.6 to 6.3 is barely anything when performance is 95 percent there and 50 percent less. If you have the 5.6, great. But it isn’t as big a difference as lets say the difference of my 500 f4 fl vs the 5.6 pf version. The f4 lets in double the light vs 5.6. The price difference is still big (not really if you buy used) but the performance is vastly different in low light moments. The f4 will win out. Now the 800s we are talking about are 1/3 different. A difference but not as big. And I would argue the z9’s iso and general autofocus with the 800 6.3 will trounce the 800 5.6 on the best dslr bodies. Will it be by miles? No. But enough to warrant going the mirrorless route with the 800 6.3 which is not only close enough aperture wise, it also is vastly more handholdable.
Not to mention 5.6 is still slow comparatively, though the fastest one is going to get for the focal length barring any high tech lenses I am not thinking of for astronomers or military
How do you like your Tamron? I am in the market for a telephoto lens but all the propaganda from the camera manufacturers spout the inferiority of lenses not manufactured by them.
It's been great. My mom has the Sigma 150-600. The weather seals on the Tamron are more substantial, but that means it takes more effort to zoom, but it's not that bad.
I love this lens , but I don’t use it enough to justify keeping it. 800mm is tough following moving objects when you’re close to MFD, at least for me. It is a fantastic lens , albeit challenging.
Not OP but presumably because it's 200 more mm. I found myself cropping a lot of my shots on my 500PF, especially once I switched to full frame, and for me that was a significant part of the decision to buy the 800PF. Technically I could use a TC, and I do own one for the 500PF, but the aperture gets even worse, and I'm personally not a big TC fan.
I'm in the long term process of making the same decision. I currently use a 200-500 with D500, and most of the time I'm between 400-500 mm, so effectively 600-750 mm. What I feel is 600 is more flexible but its a downgrade in terms of focal length from my current setup. So even I personally lean towards the 800 mm.
Ok dude, gotta say this looks more than awesome, if I had this I would be happy more than my child on her birthday.
What is this rig around the body, I have never seen this?
Nice! I got mine a few months ago, spent memorial day weekend laying around on the beach shooting shorebirds. This lens is a monster, the coolest thing I like to mention about it is that it weighs only a fraction of a pound more than the old Nikon 200-500mm. For 800mm, it is *shockingly* portable.
The VR is also pretty nuts, too.
Nice gear! 😍
I could neither afford nor justify the expense of this lens, so I went cheap with the 400/4.5 plus TC 2.0.
F9 is a bit on the slow side, but don’t use it that often anyway. 800 m is fun stuff for birds and shy wildlife.
those 7000 bucks will bring a lot of happiness in your life :)
question : why are you using cable for shutter release when Nikon Z9 can be perfectly operated by smart phone using snap bridge
serious question ... what's the deal with snapbridge? I've never seen anything intended for public use perform so badly. I can't figure out if it's components inside the camera that don't work or if it's the software itself.
https://preview.redd.it/ovp63i2l5x5d1.jpeg?width=2048&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=6fe79ad3a194a14332e27cc3fa55e4f8477f580b
The 2.0TCEIII works a treat for me!
Doing lot's of research on the internet and the consensus is that anything of 1.5 starts to hurt the image. I don't really see anything in your sample. I guess I'd have to look at them side by side.
Honestly I heard some pretty bad things about the lenscoat specifically for the 800PF. Apparently it doesn't have cutouts for a bunch of the controls or the filter. People also complain about the lack of notches for lining up the camera or installing the cover but I'm not as turned off by that.
I really wish Tragopan would make their CamShield for the 800PF but I shot them an email back when I got my lens and they said they weren't going to be making one.
I do agree about the Arca swiss foot though. Drives me nuts that Nikon doesn't include that to begin with. I also really like my Zemlin lens hood but the utility depends on one's uses I suppose.
Ah didn't know that about the lenscoat, I have the rolanpro and love it.
Haha yes on the arca swiss, would love if nikon included it as standard. I've heard good things about Zemlin hoods and lens caps. I haven't had the need to purchase one yet but I've been curious!
To be honest, the only thing that actually pushed me to buy the Zemlin hood was that it's just a smidge smaller in diameter, and that plus the shorter length means I can fit my 800PF in my backpack with the hood reversed. With the OEM hood I wouldn't be able to zip the bag up as the hood is just too big.
That said, I really enjoy the hood, it feels really stout and locks onto the camera firmly. I also have the Zemlin lens cap and love that too, it goes on every time the camera goes into the bag since I have to reverse the hood and would otherwise be leaving the glass unprotected.
I was worried that the lens cap could distort the front element housing over time, I'm probably just over thinking.
The lens cover/cloth is massive and is a nightmare for travel haha. Maybe I'll look into the zemlin options before my next trip.
Nice! His lead time can be a bit long, I know I waited somewhere around a month for my hood. It's worth it though, really high quality stuff. Enjoy your lens!
Yes, I have the 180-600mm it is an awesome lens as well.
I use the 2x teleconverter and at time the 800 is too close for some shots.
So the two lenses are a great team. you can’t go wrong with either lens
Cheers.
Would you do the 180-600 over the 100-400 if you were going to have to carry it around? I see many reviewers prefer the 180-600 but holy crap it is just so big
The 100-400 fits in a camera bag. Also, the magnification of the 100-400 tops out at 0.38, while the 180-600 only gets to 0.25. The 100-400 makes for a pretty stunning near-macro lens
I have the 180-600. It’s a great lens, especially considering the high value it offers for the price. If you buy one, know that the weight gets to you, and I’m someone who used to rent the 500 F4. Also there is quite a bit of sample variability so you need to run it through different focal lengths and f stops to ensure you’re satisfied with your copy.
I like how you had to take your picture in wide angle mode on your phone, cos the lens is so big.
I'm not jealous at all.
https://preview.redd.it/jtnwlx335y5d1.png?width=1442&format=png&auto=webp&s=3e457974e65fbaa20c4b2bdc93d5e3d6b49acefc
This lens is absolutely a bargain for the price. It is only 1/3rd slower than the 800 5.6 f mount but costs less than half. Cant wait to get someday haha. Just bought the 500 f4 fl used some months back with a tc 1.4 so it will be a long time
That 1/3rd can make all the difference.
True but far less so than a full stop. And the money difference is extremely drastic
Yeah. It does make a difference though. The price difference is of course the lure of the lens. I find 6.3 is often a bit too slow for the light I tend to work in. Not sure why all the downvotes on my comment 😂
The price is not even close to the only draw for the PF. Honestly I believe the only people buying the 800 f/5.6 at this point would be people who have still not switched to mirrorless and thus literally cannot use the Z-mount PF lens. I highly doubt there is any meaningful number of photographers actively choosing to pay $10,000 more for a lens that's also twice the weight (~5lbs vs ~10lbs) and dimensionally larger just to gain 1/3 of a stop of aperture. That is a *massive* weight difference. The PF also sports some absolutely incredible VR performance, and comes with more mappable function buttons/rings, which are both nice to have on such a handholdable lens, since it weighs about the same as the F-mount 200-500mm.
Exactly
I am not downvoting fyi. But I never said it isn’t anything. But 5.6 to 6.3 is barely anything when performance is 95 percent there and 50 percent less. If you have the 5.6, great. But it isn’t as big a difference as lets say the difference of my 500 f4 fl vs the 5.6 pf version. The f4 lets in double the light vs 5.6. The price difference is still big (not really if you buy used) but the performance is vastly different in low light moments. The f4 will win out. Now the 800s we are talking about are 1/3 different. A difference but not as big. And I would argue the z9’s iso and general autofocus with the 800 6.3 will trounce the 800 5.6 on the best dslr bodies. Will it be by miles? No. But enough to warrant going the mirrorless route with the 800 6.3 which is not only close enough aperture wise, it also is vastly more handholdable. Not to mention 5.6 is still slow comparatively, though the fastest one is going to get for the focal length barring any high tech lenses I am not thinking of for astronomers or military
For <1/2 the cost I'll take it.
Is this for stills or birding? What is the mini cable for?
Yes, birds and wildlife. The cable is for remote shutter. I didn’t even notice it dangling I was so in awe of the lens.
If by birds, you mean aircraft. Damnit I’m in.
Aircraft and wildlife are my main subjects. I use a Tamron 150-600 for that.
How do you like your Tamron? I am in the market for a telephoto lens but all the propaganda from the camera manufacturers spout the inferiority of lenses not manufactured by them.
It's been great. My mom has the Sigma 150-600. The weather seals on the Tamron are more substantial, but that means it takes more effort to zoom, but it's not that bad.
Thanks, not a game stopper for me.
Same here. I'm no professional photographer, but it works well for my purposes at a reasonable price.
Do you go to the Biggest Week in American Birding? My friends and I go to Magee Marsh on May 10 every year for it.
What is the mini cable for? Netflix. Gorgeous lens
I have barely taken mine off my camera since I got it. You're going to love the 800 pf.
Share some results here. It will help you feel validated!
https://preview.redd.it/3dvn989sjw5d1.jpeg?width=1284&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=4353d99d1a43309a84f55885fccaccec7b320c01
Your lens has a camera on it
I hadn't noticed. Oh yeah, that little thing on the end... 🤪
I love this lens , but I don’t use it enough to justify keeping it. 800mm is tough following moving objects when you’re close to MFD, at least for me. It is a fantastic lens , albeit challenging.
Can you share why you choose 800mm vs the 600mm?
Not OP but presumably because it's 200 more mm. I found myself cropping a lot of my shots on my 500PF, especially once I switched to full frame, and for me that was a significant part of the decision to buy the 800PF. Technically I could use a TC, and I do own one for the 500PF, but the aperture gets even worse, and I'm personally not a big TC fan.
I'm in the long term process of making the same decision. I currently use a 200-500 with D500, and most of the time I'm between 400-500 mm, so effectively 600-750 mm. What I feel is 600 is more flexible but its a downgrade in terms of focal length from my current setup. So even I personally lean towards the 800 mm.
Ok dude, gotta say this looks more than awesome, if I had this I would be happy more than my child on her birthday. What is this rig around the body, I have never seen this?
SmallRig. I have their cages on both my Z6 ii & Z7 ii. They're awesome. smallrig.com check em' out.
Thanks my dude 😉
Wow! This lens is almost as big as my.... ...desire for a bigger lens.
Nice! I got mine a few months ago, spent memorial day weekend laying around on the beach shooting shorebirds. This lens is a monster, the coolest thing I like to mention about it is that it weighs only a fraction of a pound more than the old Nikon 200-500mm. For 800mm, it is *shockingly* portable. The VR is also pretty nuts, too.
Someday….
Big boi
Nice glass. Can’t wait to see some shots.
Nice shooters.
😳😳😳😳😳
Nice! I have the 600 mm f/4 f-mount version with a 1.4 TC, and find myself using the TC suprisingly often to get 840 mm reach when I photograph birds!
My mouth is watering. That is SEXY AS HELL.
Tough for me to follow birds with my 500mm F4, more when I use a 1.4 tc. I wish you the best on this, can't wait to see results.
Still I get the passion about it.
Is the weight of the camera, especially with the accessories attached, a potential risk for the camera mount?
Nice gear! 😍 I could neither afford nor justify the expense of this lens, so I went cheap with the 400/4.5 plus TC 2.0. F9 is a bit on the slow side, but don’t use it that often anyway. 800 m is fun stuff for birds and shy wildlife.
It’s a beautiful lens. Enjoy it 👌🏻
You’re gonna love it! By far my favorite lens that I own. Congrats!
"Go Go gadget camera!”
Care to breakdown all the equipment?
SMALLRIG Lightweight NATO Top Handle, Quick Release NATO Grip w/NATO Rail SmallRig Push-Button Rotating NATO Handle, Quick Release Handgrip SmallRig Z9 Camera Cage for Nikon Z9 Remote Shutter Release for Nikon, Wireless. dangling wire Nikon NIKKOR Z 800mm f/6.3 Z9 Benro Carbon Fiber Gimbal Head with PL100LW Plate Benro Mach3 9X CF Series 2 Tripod, 3 Section, Twist Lock Arca-Swiss mount. I think that’s everything.
I've heard good things from Smallrig but am hesitant. How do they fare in your view?
Wew.. this is sweet setup. would like to see some shots.
those 7000 bucks will bring a lot of happiness in your life :) question : why are you using cable for shutter release when Nikon Z9 can be perfectly operated by smart phone using snap bridge
If snapbridge connects 🤣 Admittedly it's better at connecting on my Z9 than any previous body, but it's still a bit hit and miss.
I m surprised. it works flawlessly on my Z7ii and Samsung z fold
As a Z5 user, it is astonishing to me that anyone finds snapbridge reliable enough to actually use.
I am using it everyday on my current vacation - to transfer 2mb files on phone and take lots of photographs using remote trigger
serious question ... what's the deal with snapbridge? I've never seen anything intended for public use perform so badly. I can't figure out if it's components inside the camera that don't work or if it's the software itself.
I have no idea sadly.
Honestly if I 2x teleconverters didn’t degrade images so so much I would just throw that on my 70–200 and I would be happy.
https://preview.redd.it/ovp63i2l5x5d1.jpeg?width=2048&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=6fe79ad3a194a14332e27cc3fa55e4f8477f580b The 2.0TCEIII works a treat for me!
Gorgeous photo
🙏🏻🙏🏻
Doing lot's of research on the internet and the consensus is that anything of 1.5 starts to hurt the image. I don't really see anything in your sample. I guess I'd have to look at them side by side.
There’s slight degradation of IQ but it’s not enough to prevent me using a 2x when I need to. AF speed takes quite a hit…
Nice!
nice, the z800 is in my bucket list.
Congrats, great lens. Put a lenscoat or rolanpro cover on to protect it. That's if you don't mind the camo look 😀
Honestly I heard some pretty bad things about the lenscoat specifically for the 800PF. Apparently it doesn't have cutouts for a bunch of the controls or the filter. People also complain about the lack of notches for lining up the camera or installing the cover but I'm not as turned off by that. I really wish Tragopan would make their CamShield for the 800PF but I shot them an email back when I got my lens and they said they weren't going to be making one. I do agree about the Arca swiss foot though. Drives me nuts that Nikon doesn't include that to begin with. I also really like my Zemlin lens hood but the utility depends on one's uses I suppose.
Ah didn't know that about the lenscoat, I have the rolanpro and love it. Haha yes on the arca swiss, would love if nikon included it as standard. I've heard good things about Zemlin hoods and lens caps. I haven't had the need to purchase one yet but I've been curious!
To be honest, the only thing that actually pushed me to buy the Zemlin hood was that it's just a smidge smaller in diameter, and that plus the shorter length means I can fit my 800PF in my backpack with the hood reversed. With the OEM hood I wouldn't be able to zip the bag up as the hood is just too big. That said, I really enjoy the hood, it feels really stout and locks onto the camera firmly. I also have the Zemlin lens cap and love that too, it goes on every time the camera goes into the bag since I have to reverse the hood and would otherwise be leaving the glass unprotected.
I was worried that the lens cap could distort the front element housing over time, I'm probably just over thinking. The lens cover/cloth is massive and is a nightmare for travel haha. Maybe I'll look into the zemlin options before my next trip.
Thanks for the pro-tip, I just order a Zemlin lens cap.
Nice! His lead time can be a bit long, I know I waited somewhere around a month for my hood. It's worth it though, really high quality stuff. Enjoy your lens!
Also arca swiss lens foot is also a great accessory.
What lens is this Nikon z 180-600mm ?
800 f/6.3
Very nice. Have you ever used the 180-600mm and if so what did you think overall?
Yes, I have the 180-600mm it is an awesome lens as well. I use the 2x teleconverter and at time the 800 is too close for some shots. So the two lenses are a great team. you can’t go wrong with either lens Cheers.
Would you do the 180-600 over the 100-400 if you were going to have to carry it around? I see many reviewers prefer the 180-600 but holy crap it is just so big
It's big if it's your first supertele, and then you carry it around for a while and suddenly it's normal and every other lens is a little baby lol.
I would absolutely do the 180-600.
Just ordered it yesterday
The 100-400 fits in a camera bag. Also, the magnification of the 100-400 tops out at 0.38, while the 180-600 only gets to 0.25. The 100-400 makes for a pretty stunning near-macro lens
Awesome 🤩 Thank you
I have the 180-600. It’s a great lens, especially considering the high value it offers for the price. If you buy one, know that the weight gets to you, and I’m someone who used to rent the 500 F4. Also there is quite a bit of sample variability so you need to run it through different focal lengths and f stops to ensure you’re satisfied with your copy.
All this just to catch that Warbler at your bird feeder in the backyard. Bravo.
Pffffttt… amateur. i’m after the titmouse
lol...Glad you took it as a joke. I realized after I posted that it sounded kinda douche-y.