So stoked for this video to finally be out for you all to see. Best thin for me to wake up today (Tuesday May 3 2022) and see the vid released and to read the comments. Thanks all for the well wishes. I may have cancer but I have heaps of things still to do in this life. So amazed that Matt took me up on the offer to come and shoot some cricket with the new 400 while he had it. Then for him to want to do an interview with me and put in all the effort to put together such a great video has just blown me away. You never know what can come when you ask so we all need to ask more often. For those interested..... not long after doing the interview part of the vid I had a set of scans done that have shown the cancer shrinking. I am currently having more issues dealing with the side effects from treatment. The worst for me being numb hands and feet!! Not so easy to hold and operate a camera right now but I still get out there. I might miss a few shots here and there due to not feeling the shutter button but there is always action that gets missed and there are plenty of other moments that get captured so people are happy. Thanks again to Matt and "the team" for everything, and thanks again to all who comment here 🙂🏏🏉📷
Sir, thank you for your time, thoughts, craft, passion and life force. I look forward to joining you on the boundary for the footy season. :) Take care. Cheers Matt
That's the attitude! I've had cancer for ten years and will die with cancer, not necessarily from cancer. Do your treatment and go at it. Cancer today is not necessarily mortal. Enjoy life and do what makes you happy every day!
I hope Chris gets well, he seems like a very down to earth Gentlemen. He has some great knowledge and experience yet to share. Thank you as well for sharing Matt. Cheers!
Agree, the only thing I’d be concerned with the older G lenses like the 400G is the 20-120fps! This is why I’ve spent a fortune updating my lenses to E-type in preparation over the past year for the Z9. I have zero plans now to buy any Z-mount lenses. I have the 24-70mm f/2.8E VR, 70-200mm f/2.8E FL, 500mm f/4E VR FL, and 28mm f/1.4E! All have the E-type electromagnetic diaphragm and can keep up when stopped down. I had every F-mount version 400mm f/2.8 starting with the AF-S in 2002 and ending with the 400mm f/2.8E VR FL. I switched to the 500mm to save weight and my lower back. So I had the 11lbs heavy 400G in this video, and it destroyed my lower back. Nikon seems to have no plans to update the 500mm f/4 right now and my lens is more similar to Z-mount 400mm S and new 800PF. It’s lightweight, incredibly sharp, well balanced, etc. It can keep up at 20-120fps as it has no lever for aperture control. I’m sure the older G-type will do fine wide open, but stopped down I doubt they’ll do 20+ images a second with accurate exposure! On the D5/D6 you were limited to 10fps when stopped down.
I love watching your videos! I’m currently running the Nikon Z6ii with the Nikon 70-200mm f2.8S and the Nikon 400mm f2.8G for sports. I haven’t got a chance to use the 400mm to much but from what I have used it’s amazing. I’m currently working to get a Z9!!
Wonderful video/interview with Chris. Made me think of when I went to Bermuda in the late 70's out of High School and the country was shut down basically for Cricket matches, it was a really Big Deal. I watched some of it on the local TV channel but didn't understand it. Hope Chris is 100% very soon. Thanks again.
Very enjoyable, Matt. Best wishes for speedy recovery, Chris. I did my first tests with the Z9 at an Indy car series race this past week. Very pleased with shots in fx and dx mode panning with cars zooming by at ~150 mph. Vehicle detect worked like a champ. I shot with a 300 f/4 and the 200-500. I was too lazy to lug the 500 f/4 i usually use.There were issues with my 300 f/4 so if cleaning contacts doesn't remedy the problem I'll ship it off for a checkup and repair. The slower 200-500 worked great. Way more keepers than I have ever had at a track panning with cars. I am yet to really test high iso photo noise levels but maybe that will be the next thing. Cheers!
Ha ha..... Started with film back in the day. I just happen to really love the freedom that digital gives. Sometimes you just have to bow to the wonders of modern tech
This episode with Chris was so enjoyable, thanks for sharing it. I am primarily a high school sport photographer here in Florida enjoying my new Z9. I agree with Chris regarding the umpires. In baseball there is a designated "box" where base coaches stand near first and third. That box is always in my way!! Take care.
Hi Matt, good to see you do a collaboration with another photographer , as a none Nikon shooter a still watch the channel , and do enjoy your content , can you do more of this please and heaven forbid find someone that doesn't shoot Nikon . Could be fun. Best Wishes to Chris Thomas .
Nice work from Chris and Matt! I used to shoot a LOT of cycling -- racing, marathon (Randonneurs) -- and the Z9 + Z 400 f/2.8 TC would be absolutely the ideal kit. But "used to" isn't exactly a good excuse to buy that lens. I still shoot a bit of wildlife and I've been using the 70-200 f/2.8 with 2x teleconverter for the last decade. I now have the Z versions. If I were to invest in a 400, yes I am intrigued by the mystery 400, which will likely be a PF and, hopefully, more affordable. I guess we'll know before too much longer.
I have the same 400 2.8 and the 300 2.8 D II. They both focus fast and work well, however, strangly the 300 2.8 does not let me use the shooting recall functions.
What a delight. Two blokes talking footy and cricket shooting with lots of additional information about Nikon lenses, camera bodies and technique. As a Melbourne boy (now an adult, on the surf coast) I thoroughly enjoyed the video. What a delight! I shoot birds, for fun. I got my Z9 on 21st of March. It’s the first flagship camera I have bought. I do like sports photography but I love the night photography of the city. I lived within 15 minutes of all those places you go in the city for 10 years and your videos have me thinking perhaps I should go back and spend some time exploring it again. My long lenses love the Z9. (300 F2.8, G, VR II, 500 F4 G VR) both perform so much better and the teleconverters I had previously left at home (1.4 and 2.0 vIII) are now finding a place and getting an invitation from time to time.
Great discussion! Its Jan 2023 and I can't believe I only just found this video. I'm a subscriber now! I shoot the Z9 with 300 2.8 G, as well as 70-200 2.8 G. In the States - mostly high school sports (american football, hockey, basketball, etc). Thank you for the content! I'll keep you in my prayers Chris, I know all too well the journey you are going through.
Hi Matt, great episode, I shoot cricket mainly for Nottinghamshire County Cricket Club and use the same 400 2.8. I currently switch between my D500 and Z6ii both of which give me good results. I am tempted by the Z9, but waiting to see if a pro mirrorless DX comes along. Also interested in a 400 or 600 pf if they come along
Thanks Matt for letting Chris try out the Z9 on the older glass. That is the exact situation I'm in; lots of old glass, but waiting for a Z9 on preorder. It helped calm my anxiety of the Z9 purchase; it will be great getting more out of my old glass investments.
Hi Matt love this video as I have not photographed Cricket or AFL, hope Chris is getting better. I like to ask for your thoughts on the following lenses please, I am looking at buying either the Nikon 200-400mm f4 or the sigma 120-300mm f2.8, have you used either of these lenses if so what are your thoughts please, I currently have D500 and I just picked up a D5 a few weeks ago. Thank you 👍😀
Matt that shorter 400 is definitely going to be the PF version , it just makes sense to give Nikon shooters a 400 prime that you don't need to sell your house to afford! lol! Great channel by the way!
30mp (for a tiny bit of cropping to tidy a frame to achieve 20mp with every image), 20 fps electronic, 16fps mechanical two cf express cards, built in grip, unlimited buffer (or near enough and fast clearing) in decent raw format - thats what i need and would spend my money on for a pro sports camera
Hello Matt, Supper video. I must say that when I have been out with my Z9 and other photographer have asked me about the camera and I have handed it over to them and they try it in the field/studio even if they had try one it a shop, they all love it.
Thanks for this video. Terrific to hear pro-photographers discussing the same issues/challenges I find I encounter as an amateur photographer. All the very best Chris, get that new Z9 ASAP and thanks Matt, I have learnt a lot from you
Shooting dog agility, I'm going to recommend the 100-400mm. I needs to give it a whirl somehow. It's rare that I need something in the 70-100mm range while doing agility (not so rare that I like to have my 70-300mm handy - because it's lighter than my 70-200 :^) ). It's dang sharp, fast and the ability to zoom back a bit is super handy. Plus; it's not that heavy.
I still use the 400 AFS2 with a D4s covering A-League, The AO and more! Definitely looking to upgrade to the VR or even the FL version after watching this and just how well it works with the Z9. Better to upgrade my glass first as the bodies are changing rapidly!
Some great insights. What a top man. I photograph hockey (field) and generally look for shallow depth of field to isolate the subject and 300-500 to have some blur in the stick and ball to show motion. In the past used 200-400. Currently waiting for Z9 and 100-400. Having watched this I will try some faster exposures to freeze the action.
Cheers David, I still have my 200-400 F4, and I am thinking about the 100-400, seems like a great lens ... but also maybe the 400 (PF?). So hard to choose with all these great lenses coming out ...
@@MattIrwinPhotography For my use the 400 PF can’t cope with action that varies from 5-70m away and my budget can’t cope with both. However, if my budget rises I would like the 800 for wildlife.
It still lags behind the D5/D6 in low light situations. The D5/D6 also have a higher resolution LCD, 3D video tracking, and flash sync port, whereas the Z9 has the limited 1/200 sync. And OVF still better than EVF. So, Nikon still got work to do with the Z9.
I tried the Z9 before buying two D6 bodies. I've also tried out the Z7 when it came out. Switching from the awesome OVF of the D4, and now D6, to the Z series EVF was challenging. I just don't like how the EVF disconnects me with what I'm shooting. There seemed to be a lag and jitteriness that I just couldn't get past. Maybe it was just because the model I tried was preproduction. Maybe I need more time with the Z9. I don't know. The Z9 is a great camera. For now, I'm loving my D6's.
So stoked for this video to finally be out for you all to see.
Best thin for me to wake up today (Tuesday May 3 2022) and see the vid released and to read the comments. Thanks all for the well wishes. I may have cancer but I have heaps of things still to do in this life.
So amazed that Matt took me up on the offer to come and shoot some cricket with the new 400 while he had it. Then for him to want to do an interview with me and put in all the effort to put together such a great video has just blown me away. You never know what can come when you ask so we all need to ask more often.
For those interested..... not long after doing the interview part of the vid I had a set of scans done that have shown the cancer shrinking. I am currently having more issues dealing with the side effects from treatment. The worst for me being numb hands and feet!! Not so easy to hold and operate a camera right now but I still get out there. I might miss a few shots here and there due to not feeling the shutter button but there is always action that gets missed and there are plenty of other moments that get captured so people are happy.
Thanks again to Matt and "the team" for everything, and thanks again to all who comment here 🙂🏏🏉📷
Thank you sir. Wonderful to see what you do and how you go about it. I add my best wishes for your recovery.
Sir, thank you for your time, thoughts, craft, passion and life force. I look forward to joining you on the boundary for the footy season. :) Take care. Cheers Matt
That's the attitude! I've had cancer for ten years and will die with cancer, not necessarily from cancer. Do your treatment and go at it. Cancer today is not necessarily mortal. Enjoy life and do what makes you happy every day!
@@SKgeostrat thanks. docs have not talked at all about "end of life" stuff.it is all about keeping it "in check " at present.
I hope Chris gets well, he seems like a very down to earth Gentlemen. He has some great knowledge and experience yet to share. Thank you as well for sharing Matt. Cheers!
Thanks John, for sure Chris is awesome. I look forward to our next chat. 😀 cheers Matt.
Agree, the only thing I’d be concerned with the older G lenses like the 400G is the 20-120fps! This is why I’ve spent a fortune updating my lenses to E-type in preparation over the past year for the Z9. I have zero plans now to buy any Z-mount lenses. I have the 24-70mm f/2.8E VR, 70-200mm f/2.8E FL, 500mm f/4E VR FL, and 28mm f/1.4E! All have the E-type electromagnetic diaphragm and can keep up when stopped down. I had every F-mount version 400mm f/2.8 starting with the AF-S in 2002 and ending with the 400mm f/2.8E VR FL. I switched to the 500mm to save weight and my lower back. So I had the 11lbs heavy 400G in this video, and it destroyed my lower back. Nikon seems to have no plans to update the 500mm f/4 right now and my lens is more similar to Z-mount 400mm S and new 800PF. It’s lightweight, incredibly sharp, well balanced, etc. It can keep up at 20-120fps as it has no lever for aperture control. I’m sure the older G-type will do fine wide open, but stopped down I doubt they’ll do 20+ images a second with accurate exposure! On the D5/D6 you were limited to 10fps when stopped down.
Clever chap. In my experience of photographing Field Hockey, the last thing you need is a tripod or mono pod. I just need my Z7ii and 70-200 lens.
I would love to see a z 400 2.8 + 2x TC versus z 800 PF comparison. Any chance of making it happen?
Anxiously awaiting my 800 Z mm… every time u put up a video talking about it … helps in my wait thanks…. My Z9 is waiting for it as well
I love watching your videos! I’m currently running the Nikon Z6ii with the Nikon 70-200mm f2.8S and the Nikon 400mm f2.8G for sports. I haven’t got a chance to use the 400mm to much but from what I have used it’s amazing. I’m currently working to get a Z9!!
Wonderful video/interview with Chris. Made me think of when I went to Bermuda in the late 70's out of High School and the country was shut down basically for Cricket matches, it was a really Big Deal. I watched some of it on the local TV channel but didn't understand it. Hope Chris is 100% very soon. Thanks again.
Very enjoyable, Matt. Best wishes for speedy recovery, Chris. I did my first tests with the Z9 at an Indy car series race this past week. Very pleased with shots in fx and dx mode panning with cars zooming by at ~150 mph. Vehicle detect worked like a champ. I shot with a 300 f/4 and the 200-500. I was too lazy to lug the 500 f/4 i usually use.There were issues with my 300 f/4 so if cleaning contacts doesn't remedy the problem I'll ship it off for a checkup and repair. The slower 200-500 worked great. Way more keepers than I have ever had at a track panning with cars. I am yet to really test high iso photo noise levels but maybe that will be the next thing. Cheers!
Thanks Kyle, yes I have had the pleasure of using the 200-500 what a great lens. I hope you 300 F4 comes back strong from a check up Cheers Matt
So sorry to hear...R.I.P. Chris...Prayers for you and your family and friends.
Excellent Chris and Matt! 👏👍
500.000 pics, a photographer or a videographer? 🤣 He would be ruin if we still in film era…
Ha ha..... Started with film back in the day. I just happen to really love the freedom that digital gives. Sometimes you just have to bow to the wonders of modern tech
This episode with Chris was so enjoyable, thanks for sharing it. I am primarily a high school sport photographer here in Florida enjoying my new Z9. I agree with Chris regarding the umpires. In baseball there is a designated "box" where base coaches stand near first and third. That box is always in my way!! Take care.
What a pleasure it was to 'shoot' the breeze and talk photography and gear, two of my fav subjects. Thanks for joining us Ted. Cheers Matt
Hi Matt, good to see you do a collaboration with another photographer , as a none Nikon shooter a still watch the channel , and do enjoy your content , can you do more of this please and heaven forbid find someone that doesn't shoot Nikon . Could be fun. Best Wishes to Chris Thomas .
Nice work from Chris and Matt! I used to shoot a LOT of cycling -- racing, marathon (Randonneurs) -- and the Z9 + Z 400 f/2.8 TC would be absolutely the ideal kit. But "used to" isn't exactly a good excuse to buy that lens. I still shoot a bit of wildlife and I've been using the 70-200 f/2.8 with 2x teleconverter for the last decade. I now have the Z versions. If I were to invest in a 400, yes I am intrigued by the mystery 400, which will likely be a PF and, hopefully, more affordable. I guess we'll know before too much longer.
Yes Ray, I have a close eye on the 400 (PF?) too. Imagine the size, the weight, and f4 (if that is possible). Cheer Matt
Would love to hear from a sports photographer that covers ice hockey. Not many vids on the Z9 from sports photographers.
Nice exchange.
I have the same 400 2.8 and the 300 2.8 D II. They both focus fast and work well, however, strangly the 300 2.8 does not let me use the shooting recall functions.
Wonderful chat with a great guy. Really enjoyed this video matt.
Cheers sir, and thanks for the awesome BROLL ACTION !!!!!
What a delight. Two blokes talking footy and cricket shooting with lots of additional information about Nikon lenses, camera bodies and technique. As a Melbourne boy (now an adult, on the surf coast) I thoroughly enjoyed the video. What a delight! I shoot birds, for fun. I got my Z9 on 21st of March. It’s the first flagship camera I have bought. I do like sports photography but I love the night photography of the city. I lived within 15 minutes of all those places you go in the city for 10 years and your videos have me thinking perhaps I should go back and spend some time exploring it again. My long lenses love the Z9. (300 F2.8, G, VR II, 500 F4 G VR) both perform so much better and the teleconverters I had previously left at home (1.4 and 2.0 vIII) are now finding a place and getting an invitation from time to time.
Great discussion! Its Jan 2023 and I can't believe I only just found this video. I'm a subscriber now! I shoot the Z9 with 300 2.8 G, as well as 70-200 2.8 G. In the States - mostly high school sports (american football, hockey, basketball, etc). Thank you for the content! I'll keep you in my prayers Chris, I know all too well the journey you are going through.
Hi Matt, great episode, I shoot cricket mainly for Nottinghamshire County Cricket Club and use the same 400 2.8. I currently switch between my D500 and Z6ii both of which give me good results. I am tempted by the Z9, but waiting to see if a pro mirrorless DX comes along. Also interested in a 400 or 600 pf if they come along
Thanks Matt for letting Chris try out the Z9 on the older glass. That is the exact situation I'm in; lots of old glass, but waiting for a Z9 on preorder. It helped calm my anxiety of the Z9 purchase; it will be great getting more out of my old glass investments.
As you heard..... it was a great relief to me also and I havent pre-ordered :)
Nice one Matt and Chris great insight into the world of sports photography. Only wish I could afford a Z9.
Hi Matt love this video as I have not photographed Cricket or AFL, hope Chris is getting better.
I like to ask for your thoughts on the following lenses please, I am looking at buying either the Nikon 200-400mm f4 or the sigma 120-300mm f2.8, have you used either of these lenses if so what are your thoughts please, I currently have D500 and I just picked up a D5 a few weeks ago. Thank you 👍😀
Chris is a great guy. Known him for ages since I've been friends with his son for about 8 years. Such a strong spirit doesn't give up hope.
Matt that shorter 400 is definitely going to be the PF version , it just makes sense to give Nikon shooters a 400 prime that you don't need to sell your house to afford! lol! Great channel by the way!
A Z9 will be my Camera yes it is a 400mm pf f/5.6 Thank for sharing very interesting
30mp (for a tiny bit of cropping to tidy a frame to achieve 20mp with every image), 20 fps electronic, 16fps mechanical two cf express cards, built in grip, unlimited buffer (or near enough and fast clearing) in decent raw format - thats what i need and would spend my money on for a pro sports camera
Hello Matt, Supper video. I must say that when I have been out with my Z9 and other photographer have asked me about the camera and I have handed it over to them and they try it in the field/studio even if they had try one it a shop, they all love it.
My 400 f2.8 D is working great on the Z9, and totally agree that this lens is performing better than it ever has on the Z9.
RIP, Chris. Condolences to the Thomas family for their loss.
Shocked, I became here to see both in a good day 😢🙏❤️❤️❤️
enjoyed this and wishing all the best for Chris, great guest. TY Matt (and wishing the best for you as well)
Thanks Charles. 😀👍
really enjoyed this, thanks
Great interview! Thanks for sharing Matt!
It was a pleasure all round. Thanks Todd
1st
Thanks for this video. Terrific to hear pro-photographers discussing the same issues/challenges I find I encounter as an amateur photographer. All the very best Chris, get that new Z9 ASAP and thanks Matt, I have learnt a lot from you
Still got to wait a bit before I can pull the trigger and make the purchase of the Z9. I can wait but I also cant wait to get my hands on my own.
Great chat! Thanks for sharing.
Well now you have to try it with the Z6II....
Shooting dog agility, I'm going to recommend the 100-400mm. I needs to give it a whirl somehow. It's rare that I need something in the 70-100mm range while doing agility (not so rare that I like to have my 70-300mm handy - because it's lighter than my 70-200 :^) ). It's dang sharp, fast and the ability to zoom back a bit is super handy. Plus; it's not that heavy.
I still use the 400 AFS2 with a D4s covering A-League, The AO and more! Definitely looking to upgrade to the VR or even the FL version after watching this and just how well it works with the Z9. Better to upgrade my glass first as the bodies are changing rapidly!
Luv'd it - I enjoy hearing about the experiences and views of real pros. More please.
Some great insights. What a top man. I photograph hockey (field) and generally look for shallow depth of field to isolate the subject and 300-500 to have some blur in the stick and ball to show motion. In the past used 200-400. Currently waiting for Z9 and 100-400. Having watched this I will try some faster exposures to freeze the action.
Cheers David, I still have my 200-400 F4, and I am thinking about the 100-400, seems like a great lens ... but also maybe the 400 (PF?). So hard to choose with all these great lenses coming out ...
@@MattIrwinPhotography For my use the 400 PF can’t cope with action that varies from 5-70m away and my budget can’t cope with both. However, if my budget rises I would like the 800 for wildlife.
It still lags behind the D5/D6 in low light situations. The D5/D6 also have a higher resolution LCD, 3D video tracking, and flash sync port, whereas the Z9 has the limited 1/200 sync. And OVF still better than EVF. So, Nikon still got work to do with the Z9.
If the Z9 isn't enough to make you switch to mirrorless, you never will.
I tried the Z9 before buying two D6 bodies. I've also tried out the Z7 when it came out. Switching from the awesome OVF of the D4, and now D6, to the Z series EVF was challenging. I just don't like how the EVF disconnects me with what I'm shooting. There seemed to be a lag and jitteriness that I just couldn't get past. Maybe it was just because the model I tried was preproduction. Maybe I need more time with the Z9. I don't know. The Z9 is a great camera. For now, I'm loving my D6's.