The Z9 with Z800mm is a great combo, I do miss the faster aperture of the 600mm F4 but the weight compensates for it, I have been using auto ISO more and have the ring on the lens programmed for exposure comp and can fine tune very quickly if the subject is in shadow or in bright light
Glad to hear the new Nikon 800 PF is a winner. Good for the Nikon guys! I have to say that I disagree with you somewhat regarding the R3. I own two R5s and an R3, and the R3 by far gives me the best results for birds and wildlife; I find that, while down on resolution compared to the R5, the 24 MP sensor punches beyond its megapixel class and still delivers very detailed images. Plus, not having bent verticals in my backgrounds or strange lines showing at the tips of bird wings while using the R3's electronic shutter is an enormous benefit, too.
One month with the 800 and I'm enjoying it. In the previous 12 months I used z 100-400 + 2xTC. Same focal length but F11. I really liked that setup on my Z9. Hand-held shooting well below 1/100th. A nice lightweight kit. Anyway, I wondered what the difference in sharpness was so I setup a lens test target at about 12m. First I did the z 800 at various f stops adjusting the shutter speed to maintain ISO 64 or 72. I took several frames at each aperture. I found it to be sharpest at F8 and F6.3 = F16. F22 just a smidge less sharp than F16. Then to the 100-400 with 2x. I had previously found that this lens (sans 2x) is as sharp wide open as up to a few stops slower. Didn't expect that with the 2x though but F11 and F22 very close with the 2x. The real interest I had was how the two lenses compared. So bottom line. Best of the 100-400 2x (F11) = 800 at F22. Not surprised but F22 in the 800 is still dang good. How to get birdy to pose for half an hour while I do real-world comparison? Forget it. LOL. So I just compared so favorite shots in the bank with each lens and I can't pick a difference. I just had an idea. My son has a rooster that likes to kickbox visitors. I should kick him back, knock him out then do real world comparisons before he comes too and is really pissed at me. LOL.
Not sure about the Z8... Nikon had a sale for the Z6ii exclusively in Germany which is quite unusual. So a Nikon Z6iii would be my bet. Also: More backbuttons, maybe even for specific focus modes were great!
I am also loving the Flex Shooter, awesome bit of gear. I recently started using Canon's DPP software to cull ... Its way too slow and cumbersome for editing BUT its actually quite fast and useful for culling thru large numbers of raw images using the quick check feature. You can rank images and sort by rank to delete, You can also sort by Iso, sequence, lens and more. You can display the focus point or points the meta data all of which I find useful ... and its free !!!
You already have that since the joystick on the back doubles as a button and even if I haven't used the Z9 I'm sure it can be programmed for autofocus.
Oh wow, Jan. What an awesome video. I kept rewinding and pausing; it took me three times as long to watch. We are so lucky to have you to rely on for your opinion of new photography gear. I find the back buttons the easiest to use. And the R3 video clips looked fantastic. I'd love to see some slomo also.
I only have a couple of very old aps-c cameras so what new gear is coming is not as interesting for me as it once was because I can't afford any of it so I'm mostly here for the images and/or videos and as usual they did not disappoint. Thanks.
I'm glad you're enjoying the flexshooter pro and have been using mine for at least 3-4 years. Not only is it lighter and more compact but it doesn't limit any access to any ports or camera features. It isn't as smooth as a gimble though functionally it is indistinguishable. You look great, seem strong, and I hope fully recovered.
You don’t need additional back button… it already has lot of other buttons which can be configured to your liking. Even the disp button can be configured 😊
I agree with Mr Wegener, Nikon has a rigid concept of ergonomics and needs to place more buttons within reach of the right thumb and index finger, which majority of photographers use to control the camera body. The degree of customization allowed is least in Nikon, Canon is more reasonable, Sony is the king of control point choice and customization. While I am sure Nikon executives will not hear or read what we mere mortals say or write, it doesn't hurt to voice our problems.
@@jan_wegener Disp button is right next to AF-ON so it works great for me. The biggest problem with the Z9 is that there are lots of buttons on the body plus the Z lenses but for some strange reason Nikon doesn't offer much options to customize...camera companies must just let users configure any function to any button instead of them deciding what's optimal.
@@jan_wegener Quite the opposite for me actually. Using the DISP button, easily reachable with your thumb, keeps your grip strong while using the buttons on the Canon's makes your grip weaker. So, do not assume things are just as you see them. :)
Nikon already have the second back button , the display button next to the af on button can be programmed or you can programmed it to do recall function with the af style of your choice added. As for the Z8 Nikon better give it technological advancements that will appeal to not just Nikon shooters but others as well . They desperately needs to do that to stay competitive,moreover Z9 has not proved to match Sony A1,canon R3 and 5 in af ,so that’s one area they definitely needs to improve . All in all the Z8 is a chance Nikon needs to make a bold statement .
You mentioned using Photo Mechanic. Did you stop using Faststone Image Viewer? I've been using it for a while on your recommendation and have found it saves me tons of time sorting through photos. Could you tell me more about why you switched?
I love FastStone but it doesn’t work on Mac, otherwise I’d still use it. Photomechanic is a bit better at tagging images, but on PC I’d still use faststone
@@jan_wegener Good to know. I'll continue to use it. It's saved me so much time and storage. I used to import everything, even out of focus shots. Now it's 10-15%. Thanks
I’ve been waiting for the “Z850” or “Z500” for two years now. In the meantime I migrated to the OM1 + 150-400mm 4.5 TC combo as my primary bird and wildlife kit …….. and loving it. It may be hard to revert back to Nikon. And, like you, when I bought the Flexshooter 18 months ago, my Wimberley went straight to the shelf.
Thank you for this video. Two back buttons on the back of the Z9/Z8 is a must. Using them on both Canon and Sony bodies and when I shot with the Z9 for a year I really missed it.
I had the 800 pf for 6 months; I like it more every day. It is my go-to lens for wildlife, it blew away my trusty 500 pf, and my Monster 600 F4. I was afraid it would be too long, so I checked 10 000 of my pictures and found that 85% had been shot at 600 mm. I knew then that the 800 pf would be fine. The lens is incredible; the sharpness and Bokeh are far better than I expected, I learned that Focal Length is as essential as Aperture for nice Bokeh. It takes some time to get used to tracking in-flight birds.
Jan, congratulations. So nice, beautiful and interesting video and images. As I told already, I still use a Nikon 810. But I feel there is a big difference with the Z8. My problem is all my Fx Nikon lenses that are very difficult to sell in my Country. Thanks!
I think the Z8 will be the perfect complement to my Z8. I have a feeling that Nikon shall also announce a huge firmware update for the Z9 so as to keep a few unique features to the flagship model. Possibly, up the shooting frame rate to 30, change the jpeg preshoot function to Raw, add more professional features to the ethernet port such connectivity to professional camera control units (ccu) for broadcast use, Dante AV for audio and video distribution plus finally maybe opening up for Camera to Cloud (C2C) functions without having to use an Atomos connect device. My two personal simple wishes are to finally give us angle instead of shutter for video shooting and that Nikon makes the dials on their MC-N10 remote unit mappable to their electronic 2x zoom video function! 👍🏾🙏🏾
Great set of recommendations. I am a particular fan of the 800 PF and the Flex Shooter. I am exploring other ways to attach the microphone and the occasional fill-in flash while using the Flex-Shooter Pro. Thank for the advice.
Hi Jan, looks like you had a great trip! It must be great to find people who have the same interest and go on a photo tour with that group. Thanks for introducing the FlexShooter ball head. It's not the first time I've seen this head, but I'm wondering if this can work with a 600mm f/4.0 lens. After seeing your Video I would think „Yes“. It appears you used the Pro Lever with a lever clampAnyway - I think I'll take a closer look at the ball head and maybe swap it for my Berlebach Pagasus. Greetings from Uwe Currently in Sri Lanka
Hello Jan, I am still thinking about the 800mm PF lens more now after having a play with it. But that two lanses I would like to get thats the Nikon 800mm PF and the 135mm XCD Hasselblad, So thats over £10000 it look like it will be one in 2024 and one a year later. As far ae the Z8, I think it will be anamzing camera for some and disappointing for others, for my I am sticking with both my Z7ii and Z9.
I always find your videos informative, Jan, even though for my sins I am not a Nikon or Canon shooter (I'm one of the small band of Fuji wildlife shooters!). In particular in this video, I think you may uptick the sales of Flexshooter heads. I was thinking of a Wimberley gimbal (I have the monogimbal which is excellent) but I think I'll go with the Flexshooter. Keep up the good work!
How would you say this 800mm lens compares to RF 100-500 + 1.4x TC in terms of image quality? Is the 800mm just slightly better or it completely blows it out of the water? I understand the 1.3 stop advantage the PF lens has, but how is sharpness/detail?
You cannot compare the two lenses I’d say. The 800 will have much smoother BGs and better image stabilisation. At under 10m, the zoom will also suffer from focus breathing, so the prime should have a lot more focal length
Im thinking the z8 will be a mini z9 which to me is a little bit disappointing. A lot would depend on the price. Another issue is that it seems have taken resources from updates to the z6/7 which are already old.
The 800 z has one plus. Reach. Pretty much that's all. The way to go is like the 400 or 600 with tc. These S line lenses are game changers if you can afford it.
If the Z8 is just a smaller Z9, why would it have taken one and a half years to get out? It will be interesting to see if they added something extra that will compel me to buy it, since I already have a Z9. Maybe an AI chip like the Sony?
Nikon is one of the most conservative camera makers from Japan, which means they will do nothing to canibalize their own cameras. A potential Z8 will have some significant downsides to the Z9 so it cannot invalidate the Z9. So hoping that the potiential Z8 can do something better than the Z9 is certainly in vain.
Hi Jan, looking forward to the results of this trip !! You're feedback on the FlexShooter keeps being very positive. Is the movement feeling as natural as with a gimbal where the rotating center is the middle of the lens ? All eyes are now indeed on Z8 .. but when it's rumored to be nearly $2000 cheaper than the Z9, the Nikon version of the cripple hammer must have shaved off more than just the battery grip, no ? And when they're not careful, a Z9 without battery grip may still weigh about the same as your R3 ..
It seems that many TH-cam photography influencers miss how their situation is different than most 'regular' photographers, both pro and 'advanced amateurs'. The ones who would buy a Z9 or Z8. The YT people often use different cameras from different brands, because that's part of their work. The rest of us tend to use different cameras from the same brand. The video shows a comparison between the Z9 and R3 [6:00] Better cameras to compare the Z9 button layout to would be the F5, D3, and D6. The R3 has the rear dial on the top plate, while the Nikon integrated grip pro bodies all have it on the back, a few mm below the top plate. The D850 also has it in the rear. I think most NIkon users would prefer to keep the button layout consistent with other Nikon bodies instead of chasing what other brands do.
You’re right, but I used the R3 as comparison, because Nikon doesn’t have a camera with another rear button like Canon & Sony. Like I said it’s only something you notice when you’re used to it, but it would be a nice addition that wouldn’t hurt anyone
@@jan_wegener Nikon photographers don't want it, we're used to the dial on the back. Especially if we've been using their cameras for over a decade. We don't care what Canon or Sony do, we care what our older Nikons do. That's what YT photographers keep missing. They are comparing all of today's cameras. We are comparing today's NIkon with yesterday's Nikon. Moving the dial would bother us. Adding a button which gets pressed unintentionally would bother us. When getting a newer model Nikon, one of the best things is being able to close our eyes, pick up one and then the other, and barely being able to notice the difference. We've had this for 35 years, since the F4 and N8008 from 1988.
Hi Jan, good video as usual ! I have a question for you regarding the R7. I know you tried and tested it. How good is it in low light ? Using my R5 shooting ISO 12,800 is a no brainer for me. Using PureRaw ISO 25,600 is really good too. So using the R7 what is the 'up to confidence' ISO that I could shoot with this camera whithout using DXO ? 3200 ? 6400 ? Please let me know. Continue your excellent work :)
In my review I posted a while ago I show a few 12800 iso files that are still usable. Not ideal but you can use it. 6400 is definitely fine albeit noisy
Thank you for yet another fantastic video! I have a question for anyone who has run into this... Have you ever had a situation where you see artifacts of rolling shutter on a bird like the hummingbird when using the e-shutter even when at 1/3200 and how do you mas/remove it when editing? I use the R6. Thank you for suggestions 🙏🏾
Rolling shutter will show irregardless of the shutter speed unfortunately. Sometimes you can close this out or correct them with the liquify tool, but other times it just ruins an image.
I keep hearing that the Z8 has the same sensor as the Z9, but I have yet to see the Z8 sensor referred to as "BSI". I was pretty sure the Z9 was stacked BSI. (Maybe I am wrong?) If that's correct, it can't be the same sensor. You can't just "leave out" the back side illuminated portion of the sensor design. At this point I'm just curious. But BSI doesn't seem like something they would just leave out of the spec sheet.
Everything about the Z8 is just rumor. Nikon will release something on May 10th but it can be anything. I hope it will be viable Z6III and Z7III. But we shall see. Many "influencers" predict the Z8, so maybe some of them have more information. But just a Z8 would actually be bad for Nikon because it would mean that they have nothing in the low and mid price range which can compete with Canon's and Sony's lineup. That said a mini Z9 would be nice to have.
I hope they will give us two CFExpress memory cards. I like the idea of having a top-of-the-line camera in two different sizes. Also, it will be nice to add a linear algebra accelerator like Canon R6 MII and Sony A7 R5 did.
How do you like the 800mm PF compared to the 600mm PF and Canon 200-800mm? What focal length(s) do you find yourself using most? I know the Canon isn't the right comparison but these are the three lenses I'm looking into for getting more reach when my RF 100-500mm isn't enough. And I'd like to dive into the Nikon system with a Z8 once the new firmware is out.
@@jan_wegener thank you for the feedback. I know these are very different lenses but can you do a brief comparison of how you like the RF 200-800mm on the R5 vs the Z 600mm f6.3 PF on Z8/Z9? The 200-800mm is presumably much bulkier and heavier but also more versatile. They both seem fairly sharp from the examples I've seen but the 600mm PF looks VERY sharp with little to no CA where the 200-800mm exhibits some fringing. Which lens have you enjoyed using more in the field? I have the RF 200-800mm on order for my R5 but I'm also looking into getting the Z8 + 600mm f6.3 + 1.4x.
@@bladerealm124 it’s two lenses for very different styles of shooting. One combo is like a big prime in a small package and the other is an ultra versatile combo. When I was shooting the crested terns the 200-800 was unbeatable, when I am shooting small birds that are harder to get close to the 600 has an edge
@@jan_wegener thanks for the feedback. Just to clarify, why is the 600 an advantage for small birds that are hard to get close to when the 200-800 has more reach? Does the larger white lens scare birds off or is the MFD that different?
@@bladerealm124 it gives you slightly better BGs, bit better IQ and closer to the MFD you have more focal length. I am always thinking 600 and TCs, tho. Basically at the long end the prime is a bit better, but lacks the versatility
The 800 is a good lens but if I had access to a 600 I’d sell it. In fact, that’s how I came by it - it was traded in by someone who got their 600. I just now received my 400 - after a year and 8 months wait on order! With the 400 tc and the 800 I’m in good shape until the 600 shows up.
Good that you bought that up Jan as l was looking at upgrading to the Z8 but seeing they have not put more back buttons on the body l am no longer interested no matter how good the specs are if l don't enjoy using it l certainly not buying it will stick with my R series bodies.
There's ways to work around it, but it's a bit harder to use for how I shoot at least. I like to use full back button AF, but on mirrorless cameraI need two back buttons for that. Nikon has a lot of front buttons one can use, but they're a bit harder to press.
@@jan_wegener Yeah l find the work arounds a little difficult as have a finger or so missing so the function buttons not ideal for me l need thumb press buttons.
I’ve really been enjoying your videos lately! If you get a chance, I’d like to know what you think about the z9’s 2.3x crop in SDR 4k 120fps. I’ve been shooting with active d lighting set to normal and a flat color profile and been loving the results.
@@jan_wegener well the 2.3x crop can be very handy! It’s still full res 4k as the video is cropped instead of heavily compressed. It’s one of the only advantages a high res sensor has for 4K video, I hope you get the chance to give it a try!
About culling through so many images, I may have already asked, but have you tried any AI tools for making a preselection of images, to weed out the ones with worse exposure and focus, and to put together in groups the near-duplicates? I've been looking for such tools, the ones I've found mostly seem to focus on model, event and wedding photography. I've been trying on, Aftershoot, which shows some promise but it makes odd choices from time to time, I'm not sure it actually saves me much time when using it for birds.
Culling images isn't a matter of nailing exposure or focus or not - it's a matter of posture, background separation and interaction, things I wouldn't trust any AI tool to make a judgement of.
@@karlgunterwunsch1950 For me it's both. When I come home with a memory card full of images of birds there will be a number out of focus. A number with obviously bad exposure. A number with exposure that's on the edge of recoverable or not. A number of images where a bird is only half in frame because I was not panning at proper speed or it flew away and was out of frame before I could react. And a number of good shots of which many will be similar. If an AI tool could then discard for me the obviously bad ones that would save time, and if that tool could then also group together the most similar ones so that from those I can pick the images with best pose and exposure etc, I think that could speed up my workflow. I can then still go thru the AI's "discard pile" manually to scan for any mistakes made by the AI but at least I'll have things pre-sorted. Aftershoot kind of works that way but gets too much wrong, at least for bird photography, so it's not a real timesaver for me in the current state. But this is at least how I see that an AI tool could save time without taking me out of the decision making process, and so I'm wondering if anyone knows of any that already exist and do a better job! 🙂
@@TimvanderLeeuw What would make you think that the AI would let a shot through that may have the most prominent bird out of focus but the bird of prey coming in for the attack pin sharp in focus but a bit cut off at the wing tips... Sorry, AI is not the solution to your problems, it is another problem on top!
Mich würde sehr interessieren welche App/Software Du nutzt, um die R3 remote zu steuern und wie die R5 im Vergleich zur R3 beim Remote-Shooting abschneidet? Meine R6 ist leider in Kombination mit der Canon-App nicht zuverlässig. Beste Grüße Wie immer: klasse Video:)
I love my Z9 and 800mm pf! I’ve always been heavily invested in Nikon and now I’m even more so. Their 400mm 4.5 is also a beautiful lens.
Nice!
Looks like a great trip buddy. Will look forward to discussing it more on the Bird Photography Show!
We will!
My Nikon 800/6.3 S lens on my Z9 is my go-to lens for bird photography. So many more keepers and the image quality is awesome.
Awesome
The Z8 "merely" being a Z9 in a smaller body seems like a very good idea.
Thanks.....
The Z9 with Z800mm is a great combo, I do miss the faster aperture of the 600mm F4 but the weight compensates for it, I have been using auto ISO more and have the ring on the lens programmed for exposure comp and can fine tune very quickly if the subject is in shadow or in bright light
Nice
Glad to hear the new Nikon 800 PF is a winner. Good for the Nikon guys!
I have to say that I disagree with you somewhat regarding the R3. I own two R5s and an R3, and the R3 by far gives me the best results for birds and wildlife; I find that, while down on resolution compared to the R5, the 24 MP sensor punches beyond its megapixel class and still delivers very detailed images. Plus, not having bent verticals in my backgrounds or strange lines showing at the tips of bird wings while using the R3's electronic shutter is an enormous benefit, too.
One month with the 800 and I'm enjoying it. In the previous 12 months I used z 100-400 + 2xTC. Same focal length but F11. I really liked that setup on my Z9. Hand-held shooting well below 1/100th. A nice lightweight kit. Anyway, I wondered what the difference in sharpness was so I setup a lens test target at about 12m. First I did the z 800 at various f stops adjusting the shutter speed to maintain ISO 64 or 72. I took several frames at each aperture. I found it to be sharpest at F8 and F6.3 = F16. F22 just a smidge less sharp than F16.
Then to the 100-400 with 2x. I had previously found that this lens (sans 2x) is as sharp wide open as up to a few stops slower. Didn't expect that with the 2x though but F11 and F22 very close with the 2x. The real interest I had was how the two lenses compared. So bottom line. Best of the 100-400 2x (F11) = 800 at F22. Not surprised but F22 in the 800 is still dang good.
How to get birdy to pose for half an hour while I do real-world comparison? Forget it. LOL. So I just compared so favorite shots in the bank with each lens and I can't pick a difference. I just had an idea. My son has a rooster that likes to kickbox visitors. I should kick him back, knock him out then do real world comparisons before he comes too and is really pissed at me. LOL.
Not sure about the Z8... Nikon had a sale for the Z6ii exclusively in Germany which is quite unusual. So a Nikon Z6iii would be my bet. Also: More backbuttons, maybe even for specific focus modes were great!
Hi Jan, Great to see you so fit and enjoying life to the full again. Looking forward to seeing more of your pics from the big trip.
Thank you!
I am also loving the Flex Shooter, awesome bit of gear. I recently started using Canon's DPP software to cull ... Its way too slow and cumbersome for editing BUT its actually quite fast and useful for culling thru large numbers of raw images using the quick check feature. You can rank images and sort by rank to delete, You can also sort by Iso, sequence, lens and more. You can display the focus point or points the meta data all of which I find useful ... and its free !!!
Same. I do this too.
Thanks for sharing
Thanks so much for sharing another wonderful video like always Jan, I just purchased your presets, keep up with the awesome content 🐦👍🤗
Thank you, awesome
Definitely another back button would be great to have
You already have that since the joystick on the back doubles as a button and even if I haven't used the Z9 I'm sure it can be programmed for autofocus.
Oh wow, Jan. What an awesome video. I kept rewinding and pausing; it took me three times as long to watch.
We are so lucky to have you to rely on for your opinion of new photography gear.
I find the back buttons the easiest to use. And the R3 video clips looked fantastic. I'd love to see some slomo also.
Glad you enjoyed the video!
I only have a couple of very old aps-c cameras so what new gear is coming is not as interesting for me as it once was because I can't afford any of it so I'm mostly here for the images and/or videos and as usual they did not disappoint. Thanks.
You are an excellent teacher; no easy task in such a technical field.
Thanks !
I'm glad you're enjoying the flexshooter pro and have been using mine for at least 3-4 years. Not only is it lighter and more compact but it doesn't limit any access to any ports or camera features. It isn't as smooth as a gimble though functionally it is indistinguishable. You look great, seem strong, and I hope fully recovered.
You don’t need additional back button… it already has lot of other buttons which can be configured to your liking. Even the disp button can be configured 😊
Yes and none is in a good spot to reach or comfortable :)
I agree with Mr Wegener, Nikon has a rigid concept of ergonomics and needs to place more buttons within reach of the right thumb and index finger, which majority of photographers use to control the camera body. The degree of customization allowed is least in Nikon, Canon is more reasonable, Sony is the king of control point choice and customization. While I am sure Nikon executives will not hear or read what we mere mortals say or write, it doesn't hurt to voice our problems.
@@jan_wegener Disp button is right next to AF-ON so it works great for me. The biggest problem with the Z9 is that there are lots of buttons on the body plus the Z lenses but for some strange reason Nikon doesn't offer much options to customize...camera companies must just let users configure any function to any button instead of them deciding what's optimal.
@@jan_wegener Quite the opposite for me actually. Using the DISP button, easily reachable with your thumb, keeps your grip strong while using the buttons on the Canon's makes your grip weaker. So, do not assume things are just as you see them. :)
@@jan_wegener Totally disagree! The two buttons are awkwardly off right and the Nikon one button is exactly where the thumb naturally falls.
I finally got mine last wednesday… I’m in LOVE.
Nikon already have the second back button , the display button next to the af on button can be programmed or you can programmed it to do recall function with the af style of your choice added.
As for the Z8 Nikon better give it technological advancements that will appeal to not just Nikon shooters but others as well . They desperately needs to do that to stay competitive,moreover Z9 has not proved to match Sony A1,canon R3 and 5 in af ,so that’s one area they definitely needs to improve .
All in all the Z8 is a chance Nikon needs to make a bold statement .
You mentioned using Photo Mechanic. Did you stop using Faststone Image Viewer? I've been using it for a while on your recommendation and have found it saves me tons of time sorting through photos. Could you tell me more about why you switched?
I love FastStone but it doesn’t work on Mac, otherwise I’d still use it. Photomechanic is a bit better at tagging images, but on PC I’d still use faststone
@@jan_wegener Good to know. I'll continue to use it. It's saved me so much time and storage. I used to import everything, even out of focus shots. Now it's 10-15%. Thanks
I’ve been waiting for the “Z850” or “Z500” for two years now. In the meantime I migrated to the OM1 + 150-400mm 4.5 TC combo as my primary bird and wildlife kit …….. and loving it. It may be hard to revert back to Nikon.
And, like you, when I bought the Flexshooter 18 months ago, my Wimberley went straight to the shelf.
Thank you for this video. Two back buttons on the back of the Z9/Z8 is a must. Using them on both Canon and Sony bodies and when I shot with the Z9 for a year I really missed it.
When you said “announced”, there was a strong Aussie twang in there. The conversion is starting. 😃
Oh no 😂
Price point is the killer for me on the Z8.
Great info and spectacular pictures
Merci Jan pour les infos.
I had the 800 pf for 6 months; I like it more every day. It is my go-to lens for wildlife, it blew away my trusty 500 pf, and my Monster 600 F4. I was afraid it would be too long, so I checked 10 000 of my pictures and found that 85% had been shot at 600 mm. I knew then that the 800 pf would be fine. The lens is incredible; the sharpness and Bokeh are far better than I expected, I learned that Focal Length is as essential as Aperture for nice Bokeh. It takes some time to get used to tracking in-flight birds.
Nice!
Hi! I cannot find the video where you are presenting how it works and is being set up. Could you please, link it somewhere?
Jan, congratulations. So nice, beautiful and interesting video and images. As I told already, I still use a Nikon 810. But I feel there is a big difference with the Z8. My problem is all my Fx Nikon lenses that are very difficult to sell in my Country. Thanks!
Thanks for sharing! Yes selling gear can be tricky sometimes
I think the Z8 will be the perfect complement to my Z8. I have a feeling that Nikon shall also announce a huge firmware update for the Z9 so as to keep a few unique features to the flagship model. Possibly, up the shooting frame rate to 30, change the jpeg preshoot function to Raw, add more professional features to the ethernet port such connectivity to professional camera control units (ccu) for broadcast use, Dante AV for audio and video distribution plus finally maybe opening up for Camera to Cloud (C2C) functions without having to use an Atomos connect device. My two personal simple wishes are to finally give us angle instead of shutter for video shooting and that Nikon makes the dials on their MC-N10 remote unit mappable to their electronic 2x zoom video function! 👍🏾🙏🏾
Great set of recommendations. I am a particular fan of the 800 PF and the Flex Shooter. I am exploring other ways to attach the microphone and the occasional fill-in flash while using the Flex-Shooter Pro. Thank for the advice.
I think you could potentially attach it to the lens foot, but you may get balancing issues
Hi Jan, looks like you had a great trip! It must be great to find people who have the same interest and go on a photo tour with that group.
Thanks for introducing the FlexShooter ball head. It's not the first time I've seen this head, but I'm wondering if this can work with a 600mm f/4.0 lens. After seeing your Video I would think „Yes“. It appears you used the Pro Lever with a lever clampAnyway - I think I'll take a closer look at the ball head and maybe swap it for my Berlebach Pagasus.
Greetings from Uwe
Currently in Sri Lanka
Hi Jan, Just checking whether your Flexshooter Pro is the 'Lever' version or not?. Many thanks.
Yes, lever, so nice and quick to change the lens!
Thanks Mate.
Hello Jan, I am still thinking about the 800mm PF lens more now after having a play with it. But that two lanses I would like to get thats the Nikon 800mm PF and the 135mm XCD Hasselblad, So thats over £10000 it look like it will be one in 2024 and one a year later. As far ae the Z8, I think it will be anamzing camera for some and disappointing for others, for my I am sticking with both my Z7ii and Z9.
I always find your videos informative, Jan, even though for my sins I am not a Nikon or Canon shooter (I'm one of the small band of Fuji wildlife shooters!). In particular in this video, I think you may uptick the sales of Flexshooter heads. I was thinking of a Wimberley gimbal (I have the monogimbal which is excellent) but I think I'll go with the Flexshooter. Keep up the good work!
Great to hear. I think especially with smaller gear like yours it makes sense.
How would you say this 800mm lens compares to RF 100-500 + 1.4x TC in terms of image quality? Is the 800mm just slightly better or it completely blows it out of the water? I understand the 1.3 stop advantage the PF lens has, but how is sharpness/detail?
You cannot compare the two lenses I’d say. The 800 will have much smoother BGs and better image stabilisation. At under 10m, the zoom will also suffer from focus breathing, so the prime should have a lot more focal length
Im thinking the z8 will be a mini z9 which to me is a little bit disappointing. A lot would depend on the price. Another issue is that it seems have taken resources from updates to the z6/7 which are already old.
The 800 z has one plus. Reach. Pretty much that's all. The way to go is like the 400 or 600 with tc. These S line lenses are game changers if you can afford it.
Size weight cost
Reach and price.
Z8 sound like the perfect camera. A not so heavy Z9.
If the Z8 is just a smaller Z9, why would it have taken one and a half years to get out? It will be interesting to see if they added something extra that will compel me to buy it, since I already have a Z9. Maybe an AI chip like the Sony?
Nikon is one of the most conservative camera makers from Japan, which means they will do nothing to canibalize their own cameras. A potential Z8 will have some significant downsides to the Z9 so it cannot invalidate the Z9. So hoping that the potiential Z8 can do something better than the Z9 is certainly in vain.
I think in order for this strategy to make sense, Z9 sales would have to start slowing before the Z8 can come out to not stop the Z9 sales prematurely
Hi Jan, looking forward to the results of this trip !!
You're feedback on the FlexShooter keeps being very positive. Is the movement feeling as natural as with a gimbal where the rotating center is the middle of the lens ?
All eyes are now indeed on Z8 .. but when it's rumored to be nearly $2000 cheaper than the Z9, the Nikon version of the cripple hammer must have shaved off more than just the battery grip, no ? And when they're not careful, a Z9 without battery grip may still weigh about the same as your R3 ..
Yes I find it to work very well. You cannot point your lens as high up or down, but that’s not an angle I would shoot anyways
It seems that many TH-cam photography influencers miss how their situation is different than most 'regular' photographers, both pro and 'advanced amateurs'. The ones who would buy a Z9 or Z8. The YT people often use different cameras from different brands, because that's part of their work. The rest of us tend to use different cameras from the same brand. The video shows a comparison between the Z9 and R3 [6:00] Better cameras to compare the Z9 button layout to would be the F5, D3, and D6. The R3 has the rear dial on the top plate, while the Nikon integrated grip pro bodies all have it on the back, a few mm below the top plate. The D850 also has it in the rear. I think most NIkon users would prefer to keep the button layout consistent with other Nikon bodies instead of chasing what other brands do.
You’re right, but I used the R3 as comparison, because Nikon doesn’t have a camera with another rear button like Canon & Sony.
Like I said it’s only something you notice when you’re used to it, but it would be a nice addition that wouldn’t hurt anyone
@@jan_wegener Nikon photographers don't want it, we're used to the dial on the back. Especially if we've been using their cameras for over a decade. We don't care what Canon or Sony do, we care what our older Nikons do. That's what YT photographers keep missing. They are comparing all of today's cameras. We are comparing today's NIkon with yesterday's Nikon.
Moving the dial would bother us. Adding a button which gets pressed unintentionally would bother us. When getting a newer model Nikon, one of the best things is being able to close our eyes, pick up one and then the other, and barely being able to notice the difference. We've had this for 35 years, since the F4 and N8008 from 1988.
Hi Jan, good video as usual ! I have a question for you regarding the R7. I know you tried and tested it. How good is it in low light ? Using my R5 shooting ISO 12,800 is a no brainer for me. Using PureRaw ISO 25,600 is really good too. So using the R7 what is the 'up to confidence' ISO that I could shoot with this camera whithout using DXO ? 3200 ? 6400 ? Please let me know. Continue your excellent work :)
Great question. Hope someone answers
In my review I posted a while ago I show a few 12800 iso files that are still usable. Not ideal but you can use it. 6400 is definitely fine albeit noisy
@@jan_wegener Thanks Jan, you answered my question 🙂
Thank you for yet another fantastic video!
I have a question for anyone who has run into this...
Have you ever had a situation where you see artifacts of rolling shutter on a bird like the hummingbird when using the e-shutter even when at 1/3200 and how do you mas/remove it when editing? I use the R6.
Thank you for suggestions 🙏🏾
Rolling shutter will show irregardless of the shutter speed unfortunately.
Sometimes you can close this out or correct them with the liquify tool, but other times it just ruins an image.
@@jan_wegener I'll try it out. I use affinity photo, not exactly Photoshop, but your editing hacks have come in handy a couple of times. Thanks , 🙏🏾
I keep hearing that the Z8 has the same sensor as the Z9, but I have yet to see the Z8 sensor referred to as "BSI". I was pretty sure the Z9 was stacked BSI. (Maybe I am wrong?) If that's correct, it can't be the same sensor. You can't just "leave out" the back side illuminated portion of the sensor design.
At this point I'm just curious. But BSI doesn't seem like something they would just leave out of the spec sheet.
Everything about the Z8 is just rumor. Nikon will release something on May 10th but it can be anything. I hope it will be viable Z6III and Z7III. But we shall see.
Many "influencers" predict the Z8, so maybe some of them have more information. But just a Z8 would actually be bad for Nikon because it would mean that they have nothing in the low and mid price range which can compete with Canon's and Sony's lineup. That said a mini Z9 would be nice to have.
I hope they will give us two CFExpress memory cards. I like the idea of having a top-of-the-line camera in two different sizes. Also, it will be nice to add a linear algebra accelerator like Canon R6 MII and Sony A7 R5 did.
I think that will likely not happen with the two cards
@@jan_wegener there is a high chance that you are right, but it's like putting tiers of different quality on a sports car.
How do you like the 800mm PF compared to the 600mm PF and Canon 200-800mm? What focal length(s) do you find yourself using most? I know the Canon isn't the right comparison but these are the three lenses I'm looking into for getting more reach when my RF 100-500mm isn't enough. And I'd like to dive into the Nikon system with a Z8 once the new firmware is out.
I find 800 too long in a prime. Out of these 3 I’d pick the 600PF and teleconverters myself
@@jan_wegener thank you for the feedback. I know these are very different lenses but can you do a brief comparison of how you like the RF 200-800mm on the R5 vs the Z 600mm f6.3 PF on Z8/Z9? The 200-800mm is presumably much bulkier and heavier but also more versatile. They both seem fairly sharp from the examples I've seen but the 600mm PF looks VERY sharp with little to no CA where the 200-800mm exhibits some fringing. Which lens have you enjoyed using more in the field?
I have the RF 200-800mm on order for my R5 but I'm also looking into getting the Z8 + 600mm f6.3 + 1.4x.
@@bladerealm124 it’s two lenses for very different styles of shooting. One combo is like a big prime in a small package and the other is an ultra versatile combo. When I was shooting the crested terns the 200-800 was unbeatable, when I am shooting small birds that are harder to get close to the 600 has an edge
@@jan_wegener thanks for the feedback. Just to clarify, why is the 600 an advantage for small birds that are hard to get close to when the 200-800 has more reach? Does the larger white lens scare birds off or is the MFD that different?
@@bladerealm124 it gives you slightly better BGs, bit better IQ and closer to the MFD you have more focal length. I am always thinking 600 and TCs, tho.
Basically at the long end the prime is a bit better, but lacks the versatility
The 800 is a good lens but if I had access to a 600 I’d sell it. In fact, that’s how I came by it - it was traded in by someone who got their 600. I just now received my 400 - after a year and 8 months wait on order! With the 400 tc and the 800 I’m in good shape until the 600 shows up.
That 600 is quite the lens for sure!
Awesome video Jan! Thanks for putting in the effort to keep these videos such top quality for us! 🙏🏻
Good that you bought that up Jan as l was looking at upgrading to the Z8 but seeing they have not put more back buttons on the body l am no longer interested no matter how good the specs are if l don't enjoy using it l certainly not buying it will stick with my R series bodies.
There's ways to work around it, but it's a bit harder to use for how I shoot at least. I like to use full back button AF, but on mirrorless cameraI need two back buttons for that. Nikon has a lot of front buttons one can use, but they're a bit harder to press.
@@jan_wegener Yeah l find the work arounds a little difficult as have a finger or so missing so the function buttons not ideal for me l need thumb press buttons.
Hi Jan. Great video as always. Q: Have you had any issues with the the hot shoe on your R5 becoming loose?
No
Just wonder about the bokeh for the 800mm PF.
I will test it out more, but I don’t think it’s too much of a concern
Jan, is the Flex Shooter Pro enough for the RF 600? I see they also make a Flex Shooter Extreme.
I'd say so. It's what they recommend and it feels sturdy enough to me
I’ve really been enjoying your videos lately! If you get a chance, I’d like to know what you think about the z9’s 2.3x crop in SDR 4k 120fps. I’ve been shooting with active d lighting set to normal and a flat color profile and been loving the results.
Haven’t used that much so far. I mainly shoot 25fps.
@@jan_wegener well the 2.3x crop can be very handy! It’s still full res 4k as the video is cropped instead of heavily compressed. It’s one of the only advantages a high res sensor has for 4K video, I hope you get the chance to give it a try!
Where did you go? Anywhere spots you'd recommend ?
Over to Sturt, but there wasn’t much there
18,000 pictures on one shoot 🥵!! I took 10,000 all last year!
About culling through so many images, I may have already asked, but have you tried any AI tools for making a preselection of images, to weed out the ones with worse exposure and focus, and to put together in groups the near-duplicates?
I've been looking for such tools, the ones I've found mostly seem to focus on model, event and wedding photography. I've been trying on, Aftershoot, which shows some promise but it makes odd choices from time to time, I'm not sure it actually saves me much time when using it for birds.
Culling images isn't a matter of nailing exposure or focus or not - it's a matter of posture, background separation and interaction, things I wouldn't trust any AI tool to make a judgement of.
@@karlgunterwunsch1950 For me it's both.
When I come home with a memory card full of images of birds there will be a number out of focus. A number with obviously bad exposure. A number with exposure that's on the edge of recoverable or not. A number of images where a bird is only half in frame because I was not panning at proper speed or it flew away and was out of frame before I could react.
And a number of good shots of which many will be similar.
If an AI tool could then discard for me the obviously bad ones that would save time, and if that tool could then also group together the most similar ones so that from those I can pick the images with best pose and exposure etc, I think that could speed up my workflow.
I can then still go thru the AI's "discard pile" manually to scan for any mistakes made by the AI but at least I'll have things pre-sorted.
Aftershoot kind of works that way but gets too much wrong, at least for bird photography, so it's not a real timesaver for me in the current state.
But this is at least how I see that an AI tool could save time without taking me out of the decision making process, and so I'm wondering if anyone knows of any that already exist and do a better job! 🙂
@@TimvanderLeeuw What would make you think that the AI would let a shot through that may have the most prominent bird out of focus but the bird of prey coming in for the attack pin sharp in focus but a bit cut off at the wing tips... Sorry, AI is not the solution to your problems, it is another problem on top!
Why do you have eye AF not constantly on?
When I take photos?
@@jan_wegener Yes.
Is that Tibooburra walk amongst granites?
some of it yes, but just the edge right at the camp ground :) Well spotted
@@jan_wegener cool, I really enjoyed Sturt national park. The drive from Bourke is very enjoyable :-)
Mich würde sehr interessieren welche App/Software Du nutzt, um die R3 remote zu steuern und wie die R5 im Vergleich zur R3 beim Remote-Shooting abschneidet?
Meine R6 ist leider in Kombination mit der Canon-App nicht zuverlässig.
Beste Grüße
Wie immer: klasse Video:)
Die Canon App. Mit der R5 stürzt sie immer ab aber mit der R3 geht es meistens, leider auch nicht immer
Ganz vielen Dank für die Auskunft!
Ich wünsche Dir viel Erfolg und Spaß im Feld!
Why can't a lens with this length beat the Nikon P1000 3000mm focal length?
It's about the aperture. It's tiny on the P1000
@@jan_wegener but p1000 can be F2.8