Enjoy your new lens. Not sure the VR2 is the light version. They had a VR2 before the FL version which is the lighter Florine type glass, if I'm correct. Nice owl photos, nice music. Not so nice vehicle noise. Should of over audiod it at home when you did your video editing. Happy shooting.
"...any time spent outdoors is not wasted" - So true. Nice glass, Simon, if too rich for my blood. Great images, and we like your reviews, carry on. I saw Morten Hilmer with the Z9 pre release review from Svalbard recently, now that's kit envy. Best to you all.
I recently moved from the Panasonic G9 with a 400mm prime to the Nikon Z7ii and the 70-200 f2.8 and a 500mm f5.6 PF prime. The Nikon is markably sharper and I'm blown away with both lenses. I'd recommend a move to the Z system Simon
Hi Si another quality vid mate barn owls were fantastic tad jealous of your 600 mate, but you are right you can't beat a quality prime.Hired a 500 5.6 for the Moto GP at Silverstone and the images are different class. I swapped my D500 for the Z6II ten months ago and don't regret it its just question of waiting for the glass but F mount lenses are not to shabby. If its good enough for Mr Hilmer its good enough for me. Look forward to more 600 images Si. Take care stay safe. 📷 👍
Another interesting video, i’ll certainly be paying a visit to rspb marshside thats for sure, hopefully be as lucky as you seeing some lovely raptors but the barn owls steal the show for me. Your so fortunate to have such good permissions 👌👏
Top video Simon and I think your bang on with the prime lens from my perspective I have a 600mm ultra zoom which has remained on 600mm for 98% of all the shots I have ever taken. Looks like a cracking location at the RSPB site. Superb photos and video footage. Cheers
Cheers Andy, yeh were spoilt for good spots in this area and Autumn/Winter is a great time too. The extra reach is a big bonus when the birds are so far out too👀👍🏼
Cracking shots. I was trying to work out where you were when you saw the Marsh Harriers, but failed. I've spent a few hours at Marshside, mainly in the hides, but never seen any of the raptors. If you like photgraphing hares, go down Marshside Road from Marine Drive and just before the first houses on the nearside is a public footpath. Go through the gate and almost immediately on the left is a field where they like to congregate.
Hats off to you for lugging the 600 round, I remember first one I came across back in 2005 I couldn’t lift it ! I he. Nikon 500 F4, non from. Good lens but manageable. Great video and great images. Thanks for sharing.
Nice work again Simon, I have just spent a wet week in Pembrokeshire not doing much photography but saw loads of stonechat's,luvem. Nice shots of yours and the barn owl shots where amaizing. All the best...
Another great vlog Simon, I really enjoy watching your content, helps me to learn. Also thanks for the advise recently on the Jack Pyke Rannock jacket, got a xxl and it fits like a glove 😁
Cracking stuff Simon, love it when days like that happen! Never the norm but when it does it makes up for the no show days! But like you said a day in nature even without a camera is not wasted effort! Top shots, that juv Merlin was lovely and Barney at the end, what a day👍! Love the big glass, miss mine already, best of luck with the Z6 Mk2. Cheers R 👍
Cheers Richard, it was a cracking day mate. Bet you feel a bit lost without the camera at the moment but like you say you've plenty of work to keep you busy in your woodland. Lucky man, I'm envious. Looking forward to coming down sometime and checking it out!!👀👍🏼📷🌳🌲
Beautiful shots of the barn owl! When I was a wee lad I use to go to a friend's house after school and some point in the day he'd say Let's go see the owl. We'd walk down to his barn out back. First of us through the barn door was the bravest! Shafts of sunlight would pour through the gaps in the siding, dust rising and falling. When our eyes acclimated to the light, 20' up sitting on a crossbeam would be the owl staring back at us.
Memories like that will never fade John. Thats what I find so special about this wonderful hobby. Luckily all those special moments we experience can also be caught on the cameras we use as well as in the mind 👍🏼👌🏼
Brilliant video Si them geese made some noise coming in :) If you went 250 miles south west from your location you would be at birdwatch Ireland nature reserve ! very similar set up with the marshlands ! beautiful piece of glass ! a mate of mine has 1 ( i used to to say he,s compensating for something :)) ! but not his photography. ) The Barn owls what a delight I have yet to see 1 in the wild . Take care of yourself.
Great video as usual. Got the Z6ii having traded up from a Z6. I love it and hopefully with the dual processors we’ll see some further improvements to the autofocus.
I think I’ve mentioned it before but it’s worth mentioning again your videos are always a great pick me up! Sat in my photography hide waiting for the birds to turn up and you’ve kept me entertained while I wait. Good luck with the 600mm.
Great vlog Simon and an awsome bit of glass and yeh they're a bit of a beast i find i tend to use my 500mm f4 if i'm going to be situated in one place for a long time and use my 200-500mm 5.6 for faster stuff just for manoevrability i'm still using the d500 for now with a d7500 for a back up might trade the d7500 in for a mirrorless when the prices come down but for now i'm happy with my dslr's may get a mirrorless when they bring out a d500 version 👍📸
Yeh i get what youre saying, the zooms are a lot easier to handhold and move around with. Situation dictates every time Andy, got the Z6ii and really impressed up to now .📷👍🏼
Nice V-log. Interesting to hear you comments on people moving to mirrorless. I've not long moved back from mirrorless (Sony) to DSLR (Nikon) after being a long-time Nikon shooter form the FM3a onwards. I am currently enjoying buying up some long lusted after f-mount/DSLR kit. A 600 f/4 is next on my list and either a D850 or a D6. I can be more than happy (forever) with a DSLR setup but I do appreciate the advantages of mirrorless. Each to their own. PS - love the reviews!
Thanks for watching, the only reason Ive gone to mirrorless is for the ease of transition from stills to video for the RUclips channel. Im afraid the 600 F4 and 300mm F2.8 are having to be sold as they dont work as well on the Z series as the DSLR which is a bummer.
Wow, that’s what I call a belting day out, Simon! Glad you’ve got the big f4 now, it will make such a difference to low-light situations as you proved with the barnie shots at the end. 🦉👍🏻
Lovely video - RE the 6ii I would say hold fire. Cracking camera and if its a second body for video you won't go wrong but for bird in flight stills it will be lacking compared to your D500. I would wait a while for the z9 tech to trickle down to the smaller bodies. The z6iii will almost certainly be great AF and they may even release the z50ii which may (if they don't release a dedicated DX z9 like the d500 was to the d5) have the capabilities you currently have in a mirrorless DX body
Thanks for the advice Kevin, i ended up getting the Z6ii so we'll see how it fares. Pretty impressed up to now and already had a new firmware update to tweak the AF
@@simoneardley glad you’re happy with it, I had the z6 and was really happy with it, moved to the z7ii as with a lack of long lenses I was cropping loads and really happy with it too. There will be a firmware 2.0 soon enough which should get more from the processors so I’m sure you’ll continue to be happy! Happy shooting!!
Geeze Simon that's some kit you've got there pal. Never seen monitors on cameras before. What a beautiful day to spend outdoors. Some cracking shots and the owls at the Just finished it off. Good stuff pal, cya on Loch Ken
Nice one Simon. I was using a 150-600 zoom and a Canon RF 800 f11 and I recently spotted a Sigma 500 f4 at a good price so I went for it. It's less convenient for sure but for stationary work where you're 'hiding out' it's the best option. Really enjoying this vid.
Nice one Hugh, it'd be nice if there was a 'one lens fits all' option wouldnt it!! My bank balance would look a lot healthier😆 Good luck with the new lens👊
Great vlog Simon, lovely captures of the Merlin & Barn Owl. How many times have we said "I'll just give it 5 minutes there just in case" to still be there 3 hours later or until the light has gone? 🤣 As you say, no time outdoors doing what you enjoy (whether successful or not) is time wasted. Keep up the good work. Best, Nick
Cheers Nick, i say it all the time. The thing is, the amount of great shots that I've got after I should have left is ridiculous😆 If youre already there why not stay📷👀👍🏼
What a crackin day Simon! Fantastic images. I have the 500mm F4 Vr and to be honest I would quite happily get the non VR version as I find I hardly ever have to turn the VR on, due to the fact it's usually on a tripod or other solid support. Have fun with your new lens, I'm sure you will be putting it to good use. 👍
Thanks John, yeh I think the VR is a nice "to have" rather than a "must have". Good technique and support will usually see you right and the extra price was a big factor too!!😆👍🏼📷
Fantastic video Simon, totally agree with regard to being outside. So to treat myself I'm giving myself a whole day to walk around somewhere new, not sure if I'll get anything but as you say never wasted! All the best mate👍
The owl images towards the end were great. Also the slow motion video of the hovering bird from behind with the rotating wing movements. Always inspiring, Simon.
It really depends on the subject Keith, always back button, AF-C is always on and 9 group for flight and moving subjects. Single point for static subjects. Nothing fancy really . Hope this helps
Hi Simon Yes your right 600mm F4 is a cracking lens I had one for many years But as i got older used it less cos weight eventually selling it Try it with just a Mono pod great for moving around with it
Wow, some stunning footage there and a great day out you've had - I really enjoyed coming along through the video :) Also, that's a cracking lens you've got yourself - quite some reach on the D500! I got myself an older 400mm f/2.8 in the summer and while it's big and heavy (probably about the same as your 600mm) the image quality is absolutely stunning so I'm well pleased with it!
Cheers Geoff, yeh chuffed with the primes. I know theyre heavy but while I'm still fit and able to lug em around I'll stick with em!!😆👍🏼 Thanks for watching 👊
I got a Z6III a few months ago and it's brilliant. I have had models such as D750, be and never tried video, but shooting in video is so easy and natural looking through the viewfinder. You will love it. Get an FTZ adapter.
Z6ii is my wildlife camera great in low light. I use 200-500mm Nikon zoom with a 1.4x. Prime would be great it's on my list. Focus modes take some getting used to but once you do they are good. At local reserve taking barn owls I was still taking pictures when people using D500 and D850 had given up with poor light. Thing you will miss is the D500 dx crop.over full frame. Plus vibration reduction in the Z6ii . Video is very good in z6ii
Thanks Martyn, i ended up buying one the other day. Initial thoughts are good, steep learning curve with the AF but really looking forward to getting to grips with it. Low light and video are the main plus points for me so should do the job nicely👍🏼👍🏼📷
Great video Simon bit of a beast that lens i use Olympus m45 myself and the sharpness of there glass is amazing great footage of the barn owl keep them coming mate brilliant Loll 👍
Hi Simon, the z6ii is a belting little camera, I bought it for the wife, but have been using it a lot for video. The new AF firmware will trickle down from the z9. It will come down in price and is light and small. I mainly shoot in hd or occasionally 4k 30. I do use the atomos ninja 5 with it. I suggest hiring one for a weekend..
Cheers Adam, i bought one mate!!😆Really like what I see so far and cant wait to give it a good go over winter. Should be awesome for video. I installed the latest firmware last night. 1.3 👍🏼👍🏼
I have a Nikon D7200, with which I do ' wild life ' photography every once in a while. I mount my Nikon 300mm F4 AF-S with the D7200 in the 1.3X mode. The apparent field of view of this combo is the equivalent of a 595mm lens in FX format, and its operating at native F4. Since the camera uses only the very central portion of the lens coverage, the photographs are tack sharp from edge to edge. There are more ways to skin a cat than spending £11000 on a specialised lens which is actually a lot larger than my Astrographs that I use for deep sky imaging. Thank you for a great video, though.
Lovely Video Simon, You have a nice lens, I used to have a Sigma 150-500mm, but I sold it as I found it to be a bit too heavy for my liking. I loved the Merlin shot and especially the Barn Owl, they are beautiful birds...🙂👍
Cracking shots of the barn owl here simon! As regards to getting a Z6 II, I'd say go for it. I do have a D500 as well and decided to add a Z6 II earlier this year and it was clearly a great decision. I can't say the Z is replacing the D500 because the latter is still the best tool for fast action stuff and quick AF. But the Z6 II do complement it very well and offers things we are all looking as wildlife photographers : silent shutter (such a treat when shooting birds of prey from close range), low light performances, possibility to review your images straight in the EVF, to zoom in your frame to fine tune your focus, focus peaking, less weight and compacity... There is a lot to like about mirorless cameras and even if the Z6 II is far from a perfect camera, it's well worth having a go at it. You can grab a used one for a decent price nowadays. And it works very well with F mount glasses. ther eis a learning curve for sure as they don't behave like classic DSLRs but it's worth getting into it ;)
Couldn't agree more, I bought one a couple of days after releasing this film and I must say I'm really impressed so far. Lots to learn and like you I'm keeping hold of the D500. Looking forward to getting to grips with it this winter👍🏼👀📷👌
@@simoneardley Yeah, the grip makes a big difference. I have large hands and the naked body is rather tiny :) I already have the grip on my D500 as well and the feeling is much better. Enjoy your time with the Z ;)
Hi Simon I to have just got myself a 600mm f4 with a d4 nikon , What fantastic piece of galss only had chance to use once so far, have you done a review on one yet would like to hear your thoughts
I bought the Sigma 500mm f4 two years ago and the Sigma 1.4X TC. It's one fantastic piece of glass, use it with my D500 and D850, could not be happier. Also own the Nikon 200-500 f5.6, but the Sigma prime is in another league. Avoided the 600mm primes first do to price and second do to handling ability, since most of my shooting is hand held, and the Sigma 500mm f4 is easy to carry around without needing a tripod.
Nice one, I would have gone 500 or 600 but the 600 came up first. Theyre not as versatile as the zooms but the image quality is certainly better. The barn owl shots I took were all handheld as it landed to the side of the hide!!!Typical eh😆📷👀
Cracking barn owl shots
I always love your videos Simon so natural in style it’s like your talking to me personally really enjoyed it
Thanks John, glad you enjoyed it mate👊
i totally agree top videos
Wow, that was worth waiting for! Really enjoyed this one! Great work!
Glad you enjoyed the film and thanks for watching👍🏼
Brilliant Video Simon, Beautiful Photographs, Love The Barn Owl. Many thanks for sharing.
Youre welcome, thanks for watching 👀📷
I appreciate the reviews
Brilliant video Simon,I visited this site back in April 2022,never seen as much wildfowl ;can’t beat a Barn Owl 🦅🦅
Nice one Alan, yeh on the right day its a cracking spot 👍🏼👀 Thanks for watching
Them’s best Barn Owl shots I’ve sen in a long time Simon, cracking video.
Thanks Michael 👍🏼🎄
Stunning Barn Owl shots, Simon, I'm so envious.
Glad you enjoyed it Neil 👍🏼
Great stuff Simon, a 600mm f4 is a game changer but it does require some effort, lol.
Another great vlog Simon, all your hard work pays off again, the photos of the owl on your post, which you set higher, worked a treat.
Cheers James, its surprising how they gravitate to a post only a bit taller than the rest 😀👍🏼 Thanks for watching pal👀
Absolutely smashing, Simon. I love it.
Cheers Richard 👍🏼
As always very entertaining . Thank you.
Thanks Peter👍🏼
Enjoy your new lens. Not sure the VR2 is the light version. They had a VR2 before the FL version which is the lighter Florine type glass, if I'm correct. Nice owl photos, nice music. Not so nice vehicle noise. Should of over audiod it at home when you did your video editing. Happy shooting.
"...any time spent outdoors is not wasted" - So true. Nice glass, Simon, if too rich for my blood. Great images, and we like your reviews, carry on. I saw Morten Hilmer with the Z9 pre release review from Svalbard recently, now that's kit envy. Best to you all.
Thanks Aynsley, yeh I saw Morten as well. Made me cringe though seeing that Z9 and the 180-400 with no protection on being used on the ground !!😆🙄
@@simoneardley Nice to have a Nikon Pro Rep. to clean your kit, too! Lucky there are no Polar Bears in Southport...
Lovely vid Simon, all great shots and I particularly love the Barn Owl shots, amazing.
Thanks Marella, Barn Owls are a stunning bird aren't they👌🦉
Very good friend 🙏❤️❤️
I recently moved from the Panasonic G9 with a 400mm prime to the Nikon Z7ii and the 70-200 f2.8 and a 500mm f5.6 PF prime. The Nikon is markably sharper and I'm blown away with both lenses. I'd recommend a move to the Z system Simon
Cheers Stephen, done it already mate and pretty impressed so far although I'm having to remortgage to buy a CFExpress card!!😆😆
Bloody hell simon , Some excellent photography skills there 👌 & the Raptors and the owls just finished it off 👏👏 what no fig rolls 🤭👍
Thanks Martin, yeh we had a few figs with the brew mate😆
Hi Si another quality vid mate barn owls were fantastic tad jealous of your 600 mate, but you are right you can't beat a quality prime.Hired a 500 5.6 for the Moto GP at Silverstone and the images are different class. I swapped my D500 for the Z6II ten months ago and don't regret it its just question of waiting for the glass but F mount lenses are not to shabby. If its good enough for Mr Hilmer its good enough for me. Look forward to more 600 images Si. Take care stay safe. 📷 👍
Cheers Graeme, i got the Z6ii and love it. Keeping the D500 as a spare body as its a great camera too. Loving the new glass, all the best, Si 👍🏼
Another interesting video, i’ll certainly be paying a visit to rspb marshside thats for sure, hopefully be as lucky as you seeing some lovely raptors but the barn owls steal the show for me. Your so fortunate to have such good permissions 👌👏
Thanks for watching Roy, the Barnies are pretty special for sure.
Stunning footage & images, absolutely beautiful way to spend the day !!
Thanks Remi, it was a great day 📷👀👌
Amazing photo s so Nice to get al de good tips out off your video’s, thx for sharing it with us. 🙏🏼👌💯
Cheers Peter 👍🏼📷
Great video, enjoy that new lens, very nice. I use a Z7 and the 200-500 f mount, very impressed.
Nice one Ozi 👍🏼😀
Wow those Barn owl shots, bloody amazing!
Top video Simon and I think your bang on with the prime lens from my perspective I have a 600mm ultra zoom which has remained on 600mm for 98% of all the shots I have ever taken. Looks like a cracking location at the RSPB site. Superb photos and video footage. Cheers
Cheers Andy, yeh were spoilt for good spots in this area and Autumn/Winter is a great time too. The extra reach is a big bonus when the birds are so far out too👀👍🏼
Cracking shots. I was trying to work out where you were when you saw the Marsh Harriers, but failed. I've spent a few hours at Marshside, mainly in the hides, but never seen any of the raptors. If you like photgraphing hares, go down Marshside Road from Marine Drive and just before the first houses on the nearside is a public footpath. Go through the gate and almost immediately on the left is a field where they like to congregate.
Thanks for the heads up on the hares Pete 👍🏼
Hats off to you for lugging the 600 round, I remember first one I came across back in 2005 I couldn’t lift it ! I he. Nikon 500 F4, non from. Good lens but manageable. Great video and great images. Thanks for sharing.
Cheers Nick, love the new lens . Like you say theyre a bit thing to lug about but the sharpness is second to none!!
Nice work again Simon, I have just spent a wet week in Pembrokeshire not doing much photography but saw loads of stonechat's,luvem. Nice shots of yours and the barn owl shots where amaizing. All the best...
Cheers Mike, thats a lovely part of Wales. Stonechats are great to photograph arent they👍🏼👀📷
Fantastic mate..pls keep them coming a real inspiration...
More to come Shaun, thanks for watching the channel!!👍🏼👊🏼
An absolutely beautiful set of barn owl images Simon. Spot on.
Many thanks Robert 👍🏼
Wonderful Barn Owl images ! , topping off a great video.
Thank you! Cheers!
Barn owl for the win . Nice
Cheerrs Mitch
Another great vlog Simon, I really enjoy watching your content, helps me to learn. Also thanks for the advise recently on the Jack Pyke Rannock jacket, got a xxl and it fits like a glove 😁
Nice one Lee, I wear mine all the time and thanks for supporting the channel 👍🏼👊📷
I been looking for a 600 prime but I seem to only see full price glass.at present
Yeh, I had to wait a while and I ended up going for an older non VR model but it does the job great with the right support and good technique. 👍🏼📷
Simply stunning images of the Barn Owl Simon....Beautiful colours and composition! Truly inspirational! Thank you 😊
Glad you enjoyed it Chris and thanks for the compliments👍🏼👊
Cracking stuff Simon, love it when days like that happen! Never the norm but when it does it makes up for the no show days! But like you said a day in nature even without a camera is not wasted effort! Top shots, that juv Merlin was lovely and Barney at the end, what a day👍! Love the big glass, miss mine already, best of luck with the Z6 Mk2. Cheers R 👍
Cheers Richard, it was a cracking day mate. Bet you feel a bit lost without the camera at the moment but like you say you've plenty of work to keep you busy in your woodland. Lucky man, I'm envious. Looking forward to coming down sometime and checking it out!!👀👍🏼📷🌳🌲
Some great footage there of the sky dancers .
Cheers Martin, they are a joy to watch👌👀
Great video 👍can I ask what your using to cover camera and tripod in the beginning?
Cheers Paul, it's a Tragopan ghillie blanket. There's a 5% discount code in the description. Great bit of kit, I use it all the time👀👍
@@simoneardley Many thanks really enjoying your videos 👌👏👏
Beautiful shots of the barn owl! When I was a wee lad I use to go to a friend's house after school and some point in the day he'd say Let's go see the owl. We'd walk down to his barn out back. First of us through the barn door was the bravest! Shafts of sunlight would pour through the gaps in the siding, dust rising and falling. When our eyes acclimated to the light, 20' up sitting on a crossbeam would be the owl staring back at us.
Memories like that will never fade John. Thats what I find so special about this wonderful hobby. Luckily all those special moments we experience can also be caught on the cameras we use as well as in the mind 👍🏼👌🏼
@@simoneardley Those were such happy carefree days! Recently bought a D300 and am eager to get back out in nature. Cheers!
Brilliant. Thank you.
Glad you liked it Andrew, thanks for watching 👀👍🏼
Amazing video😃lots of action there😃great stuff👍
Glad you enjoyed it, thanks for watching 👍🏼👀
Excellent,good job .
Thanks Gerard👍🏼
Stunning glass Simon and great shots . Keep up the great work .
Cheers Rob, will do mate👍🏼
Merlin and Barn Owl shots bang on, great video really enjoyed watching.
Cheers Mark, it was a bit of a red letter day👍🏼👍🏼👌
Brilliant video Si them geese made some noise coming in :) If you went 250 miles south west from your location you would be at birdwatch Ireland nature reserve ! very similar set up with the marshlands ! beautiful piece of glass ! a mate of mine has 1 ( i used to to say he,s compensating for something :)) ! but not his photography. ) The Barn owls what a delight I have yet to see 1 in the wild . Take care of yourself.
Cheers Pat, no shortage of geese round there. Love watching at this time of year on the marshes. 👀👀
Great video as usual. Got the Z6ii having traded up from a Z6. I love it and hopefully with the dual processors we’ll see some further improvements to the autofocus.
Hope so Mick. The 1.30 Firmware is already out. Really impressed so far👍🏼
I think I’ve mentioned it before but it’s worth mentioning again your videos are always a great pick me up! Sat in my photography hide waiting for the birds to turn up and you’ve kept me entertained while I wait. Good luck with the 600mm.
Fantastic simon as always. Got some great shots of a merlin close up on lindisfarne.
Thanks for watching and glad you enjoyed the film. Hopefully you got some decent shots in the hide 👌📷👀
Great vlog Simon and an awsome bit of glass and yeh they're a bit of a beast i find i tend to use my 500mm f4 if i'm going to be situated in one place for a long time and use my 200-500mm 5.6 for faster stuff just for manoevrability i'm still using the d500 for now with a d7500 for a back up might trade the d7500 in for a mirrorless when the prices come down but for now i'm happy with my dslr's may get a mirrorless when they bring out a d500 version 👍📸
Yeh i get what youre saying, the zooms are a lot easier to handhold and move around with. Situation dictates every time Andy, got the Z6ii and really impressed up to now .📷👍🏼
Nice V-log.
Interesting to hear you comments on people moving to mirrorless. I've not long moved back from mirrorless (Sony) to DSLR (Nikon) after being a long-time Nikon shooter form the FM3a onwards. I am currently enjoying buying up some long lusted after f-mount/DSLR kit. A 600 f/4 is next on my list and either a D850 or a D6. I can be more than happy (forever) with a DSLR setup but I do appreciate the advantages of mirrorless. Each to their own.
PS - love the reviews!
Thanks for watching, the only reason Ive gone to mirrorless is for the ease of transition from stills to video for the RUclips channel. Im afraid the 600 F4 and 300mm F2.8 are having to be sold as they dont work as well on the Z series as the DSLR which is a bummer.
Great Video again Simon, Them Barn Owl photos are Stunning.
Thanks for watching👍🏼
Hi Simon what's that monitor screen on your camera? Thanks
Hi, the monitor is a Feelworld FW759 7 Inch Camera DSLR Field Monitor
@@simoneardley Thank you Simon!!
Wow, that’s what I call a belting day out, Simon! Glad you’ve got the big f4 now, it will make such a difference to low-light situations as you proved with the barnie shots at the end. 🦉👍🏻
Yeh, youre not wrong there. Its a bit of a beast but like you say the trade off is worth it Steve📷👍🏼👌
Juvenile merlin, nice one =)
Lovely video - RE the 6ii I would say hold fire. Cracking camera and if its a second body for video you won't go wrong but for bird in flight stills it will be lacking compared to your D500. I would wait a while for the z9 tech to trickle down to the smaller bodies. The z6iii will almost certainly be great AF and they may even release the z50ii which may (if they don't release a dedicated DX z9 like the d500 was to the d5) have the capabilities you currently have in a mirrorless DX body
Thanks for the advice Kevin, i ended up getting the Z6ii so we'll see how it fares. Pretty impressed up to now and already had a new firmware update to tweak the AF
@@simoneardley glad you’re happy with it, I had the z6 and was really happy with it, moved to the z7ii as with a lack of long lenses I was cropping loads and really happy with it too. There will be a firmware 2.0 soon enough which should get more from the processors so I’m sure you’ll continue to be happy! Happy shooting!!
Love the Barn Owl shots at the end! That’s a perfect day right there! Makes me want to go out now! Pity this bloody Covid is stopping me🙄👍🏻
Cheers Mark, yeh its a nightmare i bet if you catch it. Thanks for watching and get well soon 👍🏼👍🏼
Geeze Simon that's some kit you've got there pal. Never seen monitors on cameras before. What a beautiful day to spend outdoors. Some cracking shots and the owls at the Just finished it off. Good stuff pal, cya on Loch Ken
Cheers Ant, all the gear and no idea eh!!😆😆 Looking forward to it mate 👊🔥🛶
I got a Z6II, not good enought for fast action. The z9 will be the camera to get! Nice dslr size but with mirroless technology
Cheers Eric, i got the z6ii the other day so lots to learn about it. Pretty impressed so far. Z9 is far too expensive at the moment for me.
Nice one Simon. I was using a 150-600 zoom and a Canon RF 800 f11 and I recently spotted a Sigma 500 f4 at a good price so I went for it. It's less convenient for sure but for stationary work where you're 'hiding out' it's the best option. Really enjoying this vid.
Nice one Hugh, it'd be nice if there was a 'one lens fits all' option wouldnt it!! My bank balance would look a lot healthier😆 Good luck with the new lens👊
Great vlog Simon, lovely captures of the Merlin & Barn Owl. How many times have we said "I'll just give it 5 minutes there just in case" to still be there 3 hours later or until the light has gone? 🤣 As you say, no time outdoors doing what you enjoy (whether successful or not) is time wasted. Keep up the good work.
Best,
Nick
Cheers Nick, i say it all the time. The thing is, the amount of great shots that I've got after I should have left is ridiculous😆 If youre already there why not stay📷👀👍🏼
Loving your presentation Simon... enjoy the 600mm :-))
Thanks Martin, the 600's gone unfortunately . Video to follow!!
What a great day you had! Loved watching and a bit envious of that prime!👾 But, it is definitely out of my reach, maybe someday! 🙏🙏🙏🙏
Cheers Henry, it was a cracking day mate with the owls as a bonus at the end 🦉👌
What a crackin day Simon! Fantastic images. I have the 500mm F4 Vr and to be honest I would quite happily get the non VR version as I find I hardly ever have to turn the VR on, due to the fact it's usually on a tripod or other solid support. Have fun with your new lens, I'm sure you will be putting it to good use. 👍
Thanks John, yeh I think the VR is a nice "to have" rather than a "must have". Good technique and support will usually see you right and the extra price was a big factor too!!😆👍🏼📷
fantastic video ...i have to admire your dedication
Cheers Digger 👍
Fantastic video Simon, totally agree with regard to being outside. So to treat myself I'm giving myself a whole day to walk around somewhere new, not sure if I'll get anything but as you say never wasted! All the best mate👍
Nice one Scott, always nice to have a "me" day!!! Also you might just stumble on that killer location. Have a great day!!😀👌
a nice treat to see the owls...
Always a treat to see the owls, beautiful birds👍🏼🦉
Outstanding again Simon the owl shots are fantastic one day I will get some shots of owls that's my ambition but yes absolutely brilliant
Cheers Andy, you keep plugging away and you'll get the shots you deserve!!👍🏼🦉
Cracking day out great captures
Thanks Andrew👊
The owl images towards the end were great. Also the slow motion video of the hovering bird from behind with the rotating wing movements. Always inspiring, Simon.
Thanks for watching Eigil, days like this live long in the memory👍🏼
Can you share what focus settings you use on the d500 please
It really depends on the subject Keith, always back button, AF-C is always on and 9 group for flight and moving subjects. Single point for static subjects. Nothing fancy really . Hope this helps
@@simoneardley what about release..do you st it on release focus or which priority and how about blocked af response 1-5
Compliments to your video and music editing choice wonderful . excellent job Sir . Happy Shooting .
Cheers Ricardo 👊🏼👍🏼
Brilliant shots of the barn owl.
Thanks Gordon 👍🏼
Hi Simon Yes your right 600mm F4 is a cracking lens I had one for many years But as i got older used it less cos weight eventually selling it Try it with just a Mono pod great for moving around with it
Yeh youre right its a lump and more suited to hide work. Will give the mono pod a try !!
Well a cracking day out Simon lovely to get the Merlin too such a rarity to photograph Awesome ! 👍😍
Thanks, it was a belter of a day and like you say a real bonus with the Merlin.👍🏼
Cracking Simon ;-)
Another great video Simon and great shots of the owl.
Thanks Mark
Always brilliant video and entertaining. Delighted that you got the 600mm f4 lens and best of luck 👍
Thanks for the support NikCan 👍
@@simoneardley more than welcome
Wow, some stunning footage there and a great day out you've had - I really enjoyed coming along through the video :) Also, that's a cracking lens you've got yourself - quite some reach on the D500! I got myself an older 400mm f/2.8 in the summer and while it's big and heavy (probably about the same as your 600mm) the image quality is absolutely stunning so I'm well pleased with it!
Cheers Geoff, yeh chuffed with the primes. I know theyre heavy but while I'm still fit and able to lug em around I'll stick with em!!😆👍🏼 Thanks for watching 👊
More great work 👏 new glass lucky chap
Thanks Derrick 👍
the nikon z6 is some camera , i was photography with the nikon d 500
Ended up getting the Z6ii and I'm definitely keeping the D500 as a spare and for the extra reach with the crop sensor 👍🏼📷
Beautiful barn owl pictures. Nicely done.
Glad you enjoyed it, thanks for watching👍🏼😀
I got a Z6III a few months ago and it's brilliant. I have had models such as D750, be and never tried video, but shooting in video is so easy and natural looking through the viewfinder. You will love it. Get an FTZ adapter.
That's Z6ii not Z6iii...
Those Barn Owl shots at the end are on another level. That 600mm f4 looks pin sharp. Nice film Simon.
Thanks, I know the primes are heavy but the images are tack sharp👀📷👍🏼
Z6ii is my wildlife camera great in low light. I use 200-500mm Nikon zoom with a 1.4x. Prime would be great it's on my list.
Focus modes take some getting used to but once you do they are good.
At local reserve taking barn owls I was still taking pictures when people using D500 and D850 had given up with poor light.
Thing you will miss is the D500 dx crop.over full frame.
Plus vibration reduction in the Z6ii .
Video is very good in z6ii
Thanks Martyn, i ended up buying one the other day. Initial thoughts are good, steep learning curve with the AF but really looking forward to getting to grips with it. Low light and video are the main plus points for me so should do the job nicely👍🏼👍🏼📷
@@simoneardley I have to fine tune the F lenses for best results, hope you get on well with the Z6ii looking forward to the results you get.
woooow, those barn owl shots are gorgeous!
Thanks👍🏼😀
Great video
Glad you enjoyed it Keith 👍🏼👀
Another great video and nice shots
Thanks Adrian👍🏼
What's the monitor your using Simon.. Nice lens.. 👍🏻
amzn.to/3lSEU6F
Feelworld 7" monitor. The link above is an affiliate link to Amazon. 👍🏼
Great video Simon bit of a beast that lens i use Olympus m45 myself and the sharpness of there glass is amazing great footage of the barn owl keep them coming mate brilliant Loll 👍
Cheers Laurence, yeh its a workout. More suited to hide work really but worth it for the image quality 📷🎥👍🏼
Hi Simon, the z6ii is a belting little camera, I bought it for the wife, but have been using it a lot for video. The new AF firmware will trickle down from the z9. It will come down in price and is light and small. I mainly shoot in hd or occasionally 4k 30. I do use the atomos ninja 5 with it.
I suggest hiring one for a weekend..
Cheers Adam, i bought one mate!!😆Really like what I see so far and cant wait to give it a good go over winter. Should be awesome for video. I installed the latest firmware last night. 1.3 👍🏼👍🏼
@@simoneardley cracking looking forward to seeing the results 👍
I have a Nikon D7200, with which I do ' wild life ' photography every once in a while. I mount my Nikon 300mm F4 AF-S with the D7200 in the 1.3X mode. The apparent field of view of this combo is the equivalent of a 595mm lens in FX format, and its operating at native F4. Since the camera uses only the very central portion of the lens coverage, the photographs are tack sharp from edge to edge. There are more ways to skin a cat than spending £11000 on a specialised lens which is actually a lot larger than my Astrographs that I use for deep sky imaging. Thank you for a great video, though.
No way I'd be spending that on any lens. The 600 F4 is about 15 years old and cost less than 3K. Thanks for watching👍🏼
Nice vlog Simon. Cracking shots! I visit Southport with work. Never thought of photography there. Is that the marsh next to to coastal road?
Yeh, thats right. RSPB Marshside, just on the bumpy road!!😆
@@simoneardley hahaha I thought so. I drove past it last WK but the light was terrible 😂
Great job 👍
Thankyou
Lovely Video Simon,
You have a nice lens, I used to have a Sigma 150-500mm, but I sold it as I found it to be a bit too heavy for my liking. I loved the Merlin shot and especially the Barn Owl, they are beautiful birds...🙂👍
Cheers Eddie, I've still got the Sigma 150-600mm contemporary. Its a great lens and really versatile👍🏼📷
Cracking shots of the barn owl here simon! As regards to getting a Z6 II, I'd say go for it. I do have a D500 as well and decided to add a Z6 II earlier this year and it was clearly a great decision. I can't say the Z is replacing the D500 because the latter is still the best tool for fast action stuff and quick AF. But the Z6 II do complement it very well and offers things we are all looking as wildlife photographers : silent shutter (such a treat when shooting birds of prey from close range), low light performances, possibility to review your images straight in the EVF, to zoom in your frame to fine tune your focus, focus peaking, less weight and compacity...
There is a lot to like about mirorless cameras and even if the Z6 II is far from a perfect camera, it's well worth having a go at it. You can grab a used one for a decent price nowadays. And it works very well with F mount glasses. ther eis a learning curve for sure as they don't behave like classic DSLRs but it's worth getting into it ;)
Couldn't agree more, I bought one a couple of days after releasing this film and I must say I'm really impressed so far. Lots to learn and like you I'm keeping hold of the D500. Looking forward to getting to grips with it this winter👍🏼👀📷👌
@@simoneardley Yeah, the grip makes a big difference. I have large hands and the naked body is rather tiny :) I already have the grip on my D500 as well and the feeling is much better. Enjoy your time with the Z ;)
Great shots of the barnys Simon, I assume shot with the big 6 ?
Cheers Stan , yeh on the 600. Handheld too as they landed to the side of the hide so had to take it off the tripod!!😆👍🏼👀
Hi Simon I to have just got myself a 600mm f4 with a d4 nikon ,
What fantastic piece of galss only had chance to use once so far, have you done a review on one yet would like to hear your thoughts
Nice one Mike, no review yet as I've only had it a couple of weeks. On the to do list👍🏼
I bought the Sigma 500mm f4 two years ago and the Sigma 1.4X TC. It's one fantastic piece of glass, use it with my D500 and D850, could not be happier. Also own the Nikon 200-500 f5.6, but the Sigma prime is in another league. Avoided the 600mm primes first do to price and second do to handling ability, since most of my shooting is hand held, and the Sigma 500mm f4 is easy to carry around without needing a tripod.
Nice one, I would have gone 500 or 600 but the 600 came up first. Theyre not as versatile as the zooms but the image quality is certainly better. The barn owl shots I took were all handheld as it landed to the side of the hide!!!Typical eh😆📷👀
Anothe cracking vlog mate
Cheers Col
Nice nice nicer .
Greetings from Thailand. Great owl stills!
Thanks Cidron😀