Nikon Z9 and Sigma 500 mm F/4 @ 1000 mm and Nikon Z 180-600 - bird photos at large distances

Reducing subject distance is important for good pictures. In many cases
this is not possible due to terrain or in nature reserves. I am testing the
Sigma 500 F/4 @ 1000 mm and the Nikon Z 180-600 at long distances 75m - 200m with the Nikon Z9 and the Nikon Z6 II.
Introduction: 00:00
Scenario: 00:14
Nikon Z9 500 F/4 TC 2001 @ 1000 mm: 00:24
Nikon Z 180-600 with the Z6 II and Z9: 01:31
Suggestion: Shooting at long distances “Gear”: 02:02
Suggestion: Shooting Methods ”Atmospheric Distortions”: 02:25
This is one of my most favorite bird hide scenarios at the North Sea.
Outside the breading season mostly arctic guests feed on the
grasslands. It was snowing the day before and I wanted to use the snow coverage. However off season the distances are high as indicated. I used the excellent Sigma 500 F/4 with Tc's (mostly 2.0) @ 1000 mm together with the Z 180-600 to see how well they work with the Nikon Z9 and Nikon Z6 II.
The Eurasian Widgeon is a frequent guest from its
arctic breading grounds ! It's a fast duck - at 1/1000 you have to move the lens with the birds.
However closer to sunset you have excellent light conditions.They come in large numbers and interact with other birds.
The Nikon Z9 with FTZ, Sigma 500 F/4, Tc 2001 weighs more than 5kg. Still even at 1000 mm tracking works very well - even handheld. These are now distances where I would typically say too far. But surprisingly I think these images are sharp despite the 2.0 Tc and the
large distance making the shot subject to atmospheric distortions.
The Nikon Z9 and the Nikon Z6 II with the Z 180-600 gives you a more environmental option. It surprises by its excellent sharpness and precise long distance focus - different
to the 200-500, which was slow and not good at distant subjects.
Birds in flight are not a problem. At long distances of 200 m and at 600 mm the Zoom delivers. At low light I like the Z6 II combined with the Z 180-600
- no denoising at ISO 8000 !
Recommendations for photos at long distances - gear:
Since all factors reducing image sharpness add up it is obvious that a sharp lens helps. However, even more important is that the AF-drive and resolution is sufficient for distances beyond 50 m. Both the Sigma 500 F/4 and the Z 180-600 clearly fulfill this requirement. Knowing the older AFS 200-500 this was one of the most pleasant surprises of the new Zoom from Nikon.
When using Tc’s make sure that diffraction is not dominating your resolution. It is always there, but starts to take over beyond F/8 to F/11depending on your pixel pitch (Z9 and Z6), respectively.
Recommendations for photos at long distances - atomospheric distortions:
When designing a lens a homogeneous medium air with constant refractive index is being assumed. Over land and water air heats up changing its refractive index and leading to turbulent motion of the air. There is little you can do about it, but you can
1.) shoot short bursts in a repetitive fashion. This works when
clouds are changing and the wind is blowing slightly. You will find that from the same gear sharper and less sharp image series will emerge.
2.) use shortest possible shutter times as this averages less
distortions. It is generally better to use higher ISO.
3.) try to change your shooting direction either within the hide or
between different hides.
4.) Take pictures when the light is changing as this changes atmospheric
distortions (sunrise and sunset). Colder temperatures help as well.
Best Nikon Z 180-600 review:
photographylife.com/reviews/n...
Link to the Sigma 500 F/4:
www.sigma-foto.de/objektive/5...
Link to the Nikon Z 180-600:
www.nikon.de/de_DE/product/le...
Link to the Nikon Z9:
www.nikon.de/de_DE/product/ca...
Link to the Z6 II:
www.nikon.de/de_DE/product/ca...

Beautiful flying birds capture. Amazing.

[@DynNat]

Thank you - I am happy that you have enjoyed the video !

[@capturingnaturewithsandip]

Nice and beautiful video. Thanks for sharing & big like

[@DynNat]

Thank you for your support !