@@MoosePeterson Yes i just thought Nikon should loan you one to try. After all you have been a great spokesman for Nikon for years.. All the best Moose
@@redauwg911 Thanks ... I think it will be a while before, if ever, it's an open stock item to be sending out loaners. I have 4 friends who own and shoot it. They love it!
Hi Moose! Question: Since the MFD is a touch over 8 feet, how are you getting 6 foot MFD from the front of the hood? Not understanding the math on that. Thank you. P.S. You are one of my heroes 😊
Thank you for the fantastic review Moose, I have been a fan of your work for a long time. May I know where to get the flash bracket you showed during the video? Greetings from Brazil
Moose, I loved the video. I absolutely agree that this lens/camera combination is outstanding. Great wildlife and auto racing performance. I finally received the 1.4 thanks to NPS and really look forward to working with it. Thanks for the video!
I am trying to decide between the Z 100-400 and the 400 4.5. I have a Z9 (which is insane) and need a good birding/wildlife lens. As always, this helps a great deal Moose. Thanks!
Hi Jason, I have the 600mm f4g, 70-200Z, and the 400 4.5Z. I woukd say if you do macro then get the 100-400Z as the minimum focus distance is epic. If you do birds then the 400 prime is better but has a crazy long minimum focus distance. It's so light that it's the lens I use 90% of the time.
I use the 180 -600 z , now with the 2x converter . Years ago I remember buying a video recorder and having a camera as well . Today we have both at the switch of a lever. The z 180 x600 gives a much better quality when filming . Light is the issue with this lens. So I have desided to add the 400 z f4.5 will be my next purchase . I already have The z70-200 , the 105 z along with the 85 z 14-30 z 24 120 z and the 40mm z all give great results .However I made the decision to restart filming . This is when the converters came into their own . Really I only use the 2x converter z range. With film I think personally it brings versatility to filming. I use the z8 because I personally dislike battery grips . But the z400 was debated in my mind before purchase of the z180-600. At 400 mm focal length the 180 - 600 z gives a good account of its self . I am like all of photographers seeking perfection . I also have chosen the z400 because of its weight and extra light . I would say that if anyone lives in a sunshine state or country you will love the 180- 600 z but I live in England and most days cloud or rain kill the light . This factor is often missed when thinking about a purchase . This is why I laboured the point . I have the 10:25 135 f lenses their latest it’s needs an adapter for z mount I love that lens . Once I hit above 200 mmm on any lens light is a huge factor for me. So I wanted to thank you for the push to upgrade to a prime and add my comment about natural light in home territory. Equipment wise I am well versed tripod after tripod camera bag after camera bag all give me grief. Any ideas ? My latest solution was to buy a rucksack and fit my camera bag inside the main area and the extra outer pockets use to slip lens caps and flash guns all those extra things we remove from the equipment while setting up this now saves me time and lost equipment I got carried away with the moment and have lost endless bits this rucksack technique helps on those long walks . Thanks again
Glad you found the tool the works for your situation. For me in locations like Alaska which most definitely rains when it's not dark, this lens work for me. All you'll find here are my solutions that work for me, and that by no means implies it will work for all.
This was very interesting to me in that I do a lot of walk around bird photography. I have been looking for a Z-mount lens to replace the 500 pf with my Z 9. Thank you for sharing your experience.
Thank's a lot Moose for this enthusiastic presentation of this remarkable glass! What is your judgement by comparing it with the Z 100-400 S which is highly praised for its versatility - what is the difference in image quality and background blur at 400mm? I will have to decide between these two lenses for wildlife ....
@@MoosePeterson I already have done that - they can use my images to show them to prospective buyers of the Z-System ... You also can have a look at them in my galleries on Fifehundred px.
Brilliant explanation, best review Ive seen towards any lens.... Thank you :) i got this lens for christmas yet to try it out , am also on Z9 :) can't wait to try it out :)
Thanks for your summary review of the 400mm f/4.5 S line Z lens. Enjoyed your straight forward responses of "It doesn't matter what I would pick, it matters what you need to tell your story". Well said, but rarely said. Have to say, I'm a bit surprised that there is no AF speed or IQ fall off with the Z TCs (even if it is small). The lack of weight with this lens (given the quality of the IQ) is clearly the standout if you do not need the flexibility of a zoom that covers the same range. I have heard (not used the lens yet) that the out of focus transitions are generally more pleasing than the 500mm PF. Your thoughts?
I invite you to head to the website where you will see a helluva lot shots taken with this video, and as per any video I post permitting you better images, more time and shorter video to begin with :-)
What my choice might be doesn't matter here, your photography does! What solves your problems in photography 560f6.3 or 800f9? That tells you the best one to buy first :-)
@@MoosePeterson This lens is definitely sharper with the 1.4x TC than the 2x TC, but even with the 2x sharpness is good. Still I would stick to the 1.4x most times. I'm still keeping my 500 f/5.6 PF however, as a birder 400mm is often bare minimum I need, so 1.4x would be always attached. My ultimate lens from Nikon would be a 600 f/5.6 PF with built-in 1.4x TC. I would gladly pay $6K for that.
@@minusinfinity6974 I would encourage you to look for somewhere else for your focus issue when using the Z2x. I have shot with a number of different Z2x and they are all razor sharp. Enjpoy your 500PF, excellent lens.
I had to decide on 500pf and this, on a Z6II/D850, so it was a no brainer, 500pf coming, 200-500 retired, order 180-600 cancelled due to back order uk backlog, it won’t be here anytime soon.
Yep, that's a list that on my "want" list, but not my "need" list. I'm afraid if I buy one then I'll get the Z9 as well - nice camera, but it doesn't give me anything my Z 7 doesn't already have. I do landscape and some travel. No interest in either sports or critters.
Better? For my photography, yes. Comparing optics to optics, perhaps, yeah. They are two different lenses designed for solving different problems in photography. From that point of view, they are both great with neither replacing the other!
I'm usre there are lots of reasons, one might be the f3.5 didn't sell well? A handful of folks who really love a lens doesn't quite cover the R&D or manufacture I regret.
My personal thought is Sony sensors are currently the best, they are used in Z9 and a wide range of products from across the world like smartphones, dash cameras, movie cameras etc. But I think with the history behind Nikon being a dedicated camera and optical brand they have the upper hand in the things that give the best experience such as grip and button design and lenses. I'm really liking what Nikon are currently doing with their Z mount lenses and I know I would own at least 4 lenses from nikon, like the 800mm F6.3 and the 400mm 4.5, but currently with Sony I have 2 lenses, the 200-600mm lens which im really happy with and a 24-105mm which is not very inspirational and I feel my options are limited.
Moose Peterson. You always have the best Nikon reviews.. Waiting for them to send you a 800pf..
Thanks! I already own a 800mm, the 800f5.6 AFS ... no plans or designs on the Z800 :-)
@@MoosePeterson Yes i just thought Nikon should loan you one to try.
After all you have been a great spokesman for Nikon for years.. All the best Moose
@@redauwg911 Thanks ... I think it will be a while before, if ever, it's an open stock item to be sending out loaners. I have 4 friends who own and shoot it. They love it!
Hi Moose! Question: Since the MFD is a touch over 8 feet, how are you getting 6 foot MFD from the front of the hood? Not understanding the math on that. Thank you. P.S. You are one of my heroes 😊
@@mosessparks8340 MFD is measured at the sensor. Subtract from that distance body, lens and shade and you're in the 6 foot range :-)
Thank you for the fantastic review Moose, I have been a fan of your work for a long time. May I know where to get the flash bracket you showed during the video? Greetings from Brazil
Thanks for your support and kind words! The Really Right Stuff bracket is long gone. Many have asked but none of found it that I know of. It's the 84B
I love that black lens cover! Any chance I can find out the brand or where you purchased? Thanks
LensCoat.com ...
Moose, I loved the video. I absolutely agree that this lens/camera combination is outstanding. Great wildlife and auto racing performance. I finally received the 1.4 thanks to NPS and really look forward to working with it. Thanks for the video!
thanks ever so much for watching!
I am trying to decide between the Z 100-400 and the 400 4.5. I have a Z9 (which is insane) and need a good birding/wildlife lens. As always, this helps a great deal Moose. Thanks!
Hi Jason, I have the 600mm f4g, 70-200Z, and the 400 4.5Z. I woukd say if you do macro then get the 100-400Z as the minimum focus distance is epic. If you do birds then the 400 prime is better but has a crazy long minimum focus distance. It's so light that it's the lens I use 90% of the time.
Sand dipper photos are sooo good!!
I use the 180 -600 z , now with the 2x converter . Years ago I remember buying a video recorder and having a camera as well . Today we have both at the switch of a lever. The z 180 x600 gives a much better quality when filming . Light is the issue with this lens. So I have desided to add the 400 z f4.5 will be my next purchase . I already have The z70-200 , the 105 z along with the 85 z 14-30 z 24 120 z and the 40mm z all give great results .However I made the decision to restart filming . This is when the converters came into their own . Really I only use the 2x converter z range. With film I think personally it brings versatility to filming. I use the z8 because I personally dislike battery grips . But the z400 was debated in my mind before purchase of the z180-600. At 400 mm focal length the 180 - 600 z gives a good account of its self . I am like all of photographers seeking perfection . I also have chosen the z400 because of its weight and extra light . I would say that if anyone lives in a sunshine state or country you will love the 180- 600 z but I live in England and most days cloud or rain kill the light . This factor is often missed when thinking about a purchase . This is why I laboured the point . I have the 10:25 135 f lenses their latest it’s needs an adapter for z mount I love that lens . Once I hit above 200 mmm on any lens light is a huge factor for me. So I wanted to thank you for the push to upgrade to a prime and add my comment about natural light in home territory. Equipment wise I am well versed tripod after tripod camera bag after camera bag all give me grief. Any ideas ? My latest solution was to buy a rucksack and fit my camera bag inside the main area and the extra outer pockets use to slip lens caps and flash guns all those extra things we remove from the equipment while setting up this now saves me time and lost equipment I got carried away with the moment and have lost endless bits this rucksack technique helps on those long walks . Thanks again
Glad you found the tool the works for your situation. For me in locations like Alaska which most definitely rains when it's not dark, this lens work for me. All you'll find here are my solutions that work for me, and that by no means implies it will work for all.
This was very interesting to me in that I do a lot of walk around bird photography. I have been looking for a Z-mount lens to replace the 500 pf with my Z 9. Thank you for sharing your experience.
it's truly been so much fun to bebop around again with a "bird" lens on my shoulder! I ddin't realize how much I had been missing that experience!
Why replace 500?
Brilliant explanation brother 👍
thanks so much for watching and the kind words!
Thank's a lot Moose for this enthusiastic presentation of this remarkable glass! What is your judgement by comparing it with the Z 100-400 S which is highly praised for its versatility - what is the difference in image quality and background blur at 400mm? I will have to decide between these two lenses for wildlife ....
You need to rent both lenses to find which is best for your wildlife photography. I choose the Z400f4.5 for mine, you might find differently
@@MoosePeterson That is exactly what I will do - my retailer here in Bern is very obliging and lends me for free any lens over a weekend.
@@markusbolliger1527 outstanding! Great to have a resource like that, make sure you thank them with one of your gorgeous photographs!
@@MoosePeterson I already have done that - they can use my images to show them to prospective buyers of the Z-System ... You also can have a look at them in my galleries on Fifehundred px.
@@markusbolliger1527 Perfect ... well done!!!! Keep it up :-)
Great review, thank you.
Brilliant explanation, best review Ive seen towards any lens.... Thank you :) i got this lens for christmas yet to try it out , am also on Z9 :) can't wait to try it out :)
great ... you'll love the lens!
Thanks for your summary review of the 400mm f/4.5 S line Z lens. Enjoyed your straight forward responses of "It doesn't matter what I would pick, it matters what you need to tell your story". Well said, but rarely said. Have to say, I'm a bit surprised that there is no AF speed or IQ fall off with the Z TCs (even if it is small). The lack of weight with this lens (given the quality of the IQ) is clearly the standout if you do not need the flexibility of a zoom that covers the same range. I have heard (not used the lens yet) that the out of focus transitions are generally more pleasing than the 500mm PF. Your thoughts?
AWESOME AWESOME AWESOME VIDEO .... THANKYOU❤❤❤
Good video, I love your work, please post some shots when you do these types of videos
I invite you to head to the website where you will see a helluva lot shots taken with this video, and as per any video I post permitting you better images, more time and shorter video to begin with :-)
Which teleconverter would be your first choice for this lens 1.4 or 2x ?
What my choice might be doesn't matter here, your photography does! What solves your problems in photography 560f6.3 or 800f9? That tells you the best one to buy first :-)
@@MoosePeterson
This lens is definitely sharper with the 1.4x TC than the 2x TC, but even with the 2x sharpness is good. Still I would stick to the 1.4x most times. I'm still keeping my 500 f/5.6 PF however, as a birder 400mm is often bare minimum I need, so 1.4x would be always attached.
My ultimate lens from Nikon would be a 600 f/5.6 PF with built-in 1.4x TC. I would gladly pay $6K for that.
@@minusinfinity6974 I would encourage you to look for somewhere else for your focus issue when using the Z2x. I have shot with a number of different Z2x and they are all razor sharp. Enjpoy your 500PF, excellent lens.
I had to decide on 500pf and this, on a Z6II/D850, so it was a no brainer, 500pf coming, 200-500 retired, order 180-600 cancelled due to back order uk backlog, it won’t be here anytime soon.
What was the foot replacement and flash bracket you showed? Thanks so much for all your instruction over the years.
please watch video, it's listed with link. You can also head to the blog posting above which has clickable links. Thanks
Does the lens fit very loose on your Z9? Mine had alot of movement, even a tiny bit of non rotational movement
not one bit, snug as bug!
Nice story about 400f4.5! I'm wondering, what lens protection is on it, would you share the link, please, thanks?
please watch video, it's listed with link. You can also head to the blog posting above which has clickable links. Thanks
I have a Z9. Would you take the 400 4,5 or a 500/4 fl?
I think the video answers that question :-)
What replacement shoe do you have on that lens
Thanks for a real (non-influencer hyped) view.
Sitting on the wall waiting for the Nikkor Z 200-600mm and I may have to get the 400mm too...🦘
How is the 400mm f4.5S compare to the Z70-200 with 2X? Thanks Moose!
optically, with that combo the Z400f4.5 would be my preferred. For weight and balance, the Z400f4.5 by far
Cheers Moose, like yer plain English, tell it how it is approach. All m gear is F mount, this may be the decider I was looking for.👍
Great review
thanks for taking time to watch and the kind words!
@@MoosePeterson We should be thanking you for all your amazing work.
@@johnhjic2 I've been very fortunate ... just want to share that with all of you :-)
I see in the video now RRS
Great video Moose. For sports and aircraft (often very similar) would you choose this lens over the 100-400 z mount?
what I would pick doesn't matter, what YOU pick is what counts! It's your photography, your story you're telling :-)
Best lens ever
Yep, that's a list that on my "want" list, but not my "need" list. I'm afraid if I buy one then I'll get the Z9 as well - nice camera, but it doesn't give me anything my Z 7 doesn't already have. I do landscape and some travel. No interest in either sports or critters.
Do you find the 400 better than your fab 100-400S
Better? For my photography, yes. Comparing optics to optics, perhaps, yeah. They are two different lenses designed for solving different problems in photography. From that point of view, they are both great with neither replacing the other!
Why they never came back with a 400mm f 3.5 is a damn shame. That lens fabulous in it's day and a great cheaper alternative to the 2.8.
I'm usre there are lots of reasons, one might be the f3.5 didn't sell well? A handful of folks who really love a lens doesn't quite cover the R&D or manufacture I regret.
👍🏾🙏🏾
My personal thought is Sony sensors are currently the best, they are used in Z9 and a wide range of products from across the world like smartphones, dash cameras, movie cameras etc. But I think with the history behind Nikon being a dedicated camera and optical brand they have the upper hand in the things that give the best experience such as grip and button design and lenses.
I'm really liking what Nikon are currently doing with their Z mount lenses and I know I would own at least 4 lenses from nikon, like the 800mm F6.3 and the 400mm 4.5, but currently with Sony I have 2 lenses, the 200-600mm lens which im really happy with and a 24-105mm which is not very inspirational and I feel my options are limited.
F4.5......? $ 3200??