Excellent report Duade, I'm really looking to my 600PF delivery this week, and negotiated a deal of A$6250, way under OZ retail. Still will be super light even on my Z9.
You gave us a wonderful time out in the field, Duade. I've never seen a more beautiful scene of a swan with signets. That scene you videoed of cockies on the fence with the crop behind and the stunning sky was absolutely amazing. Just love any landscapes you take when you're out birding. I hope the sunshine has helped you recover. You put sunshine into our lives all the time.
This video was incredible I can hear and feel your delight while using this combo. I was tickeled pink. The 600PF is a fantastic lens. I would love to see it paired with Nikon's Pro APSC when it drops in 2024.
I don't own either but I feel like it's personal preference. If you want to be very versatile in terms of focal range but suffer in terms of mobility/ease of using the lens then go with the 180-600 (as well as the savings). But I feel like you'll feel more free with the 600 6.3 since you can just grab it and walk around no monopod no anything and it's probably more sharp. Just my guess
Duade, I pray that you are feeling better. Your video was very informative and really showcased how useful the 600 mm f/6.3 lens is for bird photography. The combination with the Z8 is quite phenomenal and will be even better when Nikon provides a firmware update to add the bird subject detection and tracking to the Z8, like they did for the Z9 in firmware 4.10.
Yeah, I enjoyed this video probably more than you did being sick, but that says everything about you, how dedicated you are! I appreciate that a lot and understand it. Thank you for taking us with you on this trip and showing a wonderful camera and lens, and of course those wonderfully beautiful photos!
Thanks, you are too kind, I hope to get the lens again some day as I really enjoyed it an so happy to see Nikon doing such wonderful things. It can only put pressure on the others. Cheers, Duade
! And, those Brown Falcon photos were winners, as was the session with the Black Swans with cygnets! It sucks that you were ill, I hope it was just an ordinary cold and not the flu). For being under the weather (or whatever euphemism is applicable here) you got good return for your effort. It's typical you had the equipment on loan just those days, but, such is life. It ended well, imo.
Thanks Pia, starting to feel better but have a cough and sore throat that is very stubborn. I was very happy even though I was not feeling well and the Swans was a highlight. Cheers, Duade
I started my photography journey with a Nikon D3100 and then moved up the Nikon chain over the years but since I have started with mirrorless cameras I don't have a Nikon in my stable. That may change soon. Nikon was late to the mirrorless game but they are making up ground quickly. They have some amazing lens choices for wildlife. Thanks for the video. Cheers.
Thanks, they sure do, I am waiting to see their APSC mirrorless with tracking which hopefully is another success. I am just happy Nikon are putting pressure on Canon, Sony etc as it is great for us as consumers. Cheers, Duade
Thank you so much Duade for this great video - and for basically dragging yourself out of your sickbed to make it for us all - hope you get back to 100% fitness very soon. What a great combination of camera and lens, not doing my recurring 'should I swap to Nikon' thoughts any good at all. I guess it's a Z8 + 600mm f/6.3 + Duade Paton three way combination that is delivering the results, but for sure anyone with the Z8 and 600 will not be able to blame any poor results on their equipment! Look after yourself and best wishes. John
Thanks John, yes, it is a wonderful combo no doubt, I look forward to see what the R5II and R1 deliver and other lenses from Canon, competition is great for all of us but does make the choices so much harder. I appreciate the well wishes, Cheers, Duade
Hope you’re on the mend Duade. Lovely images. I agree with you - Nikon has done a great job recently and I am envious as well. I shoot with Canon and I’m sure our time is coming soon for some exciting kit releases. Just have to be patient.🤞🏼
Thanks Duade! I just picked up my Z8 this week to pair with my 400mm 4.5 + TC. Such an impressive camera and the light weight of the lens plus it's stabilization is just amazing. This new 600PF looks amazing but I'm probably going to stick with the 400+TC due to price and minimum focus distance and the sharpness is very close. Another great video, thanks!
Thanks mate and congrats on the camera, it is such a nice camera to use, the EVF is so clear and the stabilisation is incredible. Have fun, Cheers, Duade
Excellent shots as usual, and I agree this an awesome combo. So glad you were able to get that robin and it made you feel better. Your reaction and enthusiasm when it appeared is priceless!
The joy in your laughter capturing the Red-capped Robin is everything. I know that laugh. I hope you're feeling better. Thanks for a great review, from a Canon gal.
Great stuff. GeeWiz, the great aussie birds just appear for you nicely when wrangling that Nikon gear!. Respect to you for delivering brilliantly under challenging health and time constraints to get the review published. I look forward to picking up my own Nikon Z 600mm f/6.3 PF within the next few days as I am led to believe I am first in the queue at my local camera shop (again!). I am planning to give it a good christening in those locations, Winton wetlands and Murray River. This lens I expect to be my most used lens and be permanently attached to one of my two Nikon Z8's. Thanks again for confirming this as a great lens, love the way you go about your work, and that Nikon recognises your efforts, too. Cheers ... Geoff.
I love how you go about your photography, seems very sustainable long term because you are doing it so casually and enjoying yourself but still in a professional way. When I started photography 3 years ago, you were doing some setups so I tried them for myself and I would sit at the same puddle most of the times I went out, it eventually got boring and fustigating. This year I haven't done any water setups and it has made things much more enjoyable, I still setup at flowering grasstrees for e.g. but it's different to the puddle setup because it doesn't involve cable ties and perches.
G,Day Hopefully you are feeling better. Great vid, your pics are superb especially seeing you weren't feeling well, Obviously Nikon has some great hardware on their hands which works very well. I have learnt a ton from your vids which I am hoping to put to good use very soon If I get one decent one I will be happy
I love my 500mm PF, and it seems Nikon has built on that design and made a terrific lens in the 600 PF. More money than I'll afford anytime soon, but maybe sometime down the line :) Thanks for the fun review, I especially liked the Black Swan. :)
Thanks, as always, Duade. This one was beyond the call of duty. Feel better, my friend. As a Nikon shooter, of course I'm excited to see all the companies offer new and exciting lenses. For a company that is the smallest of the "Big Three", and reportedly "on the ropes" a few years ago, it's nice to see Nikon's long term strategy strengthening the offerings for wildlife shooters (and others). It took a while, but the wait is paying off. I hope the great offerings from Canon and Sony continue (not to mention OM1 and Fuji Film), so that we can all benefit. Glad you had fun even though you weren't feeling your best.
Great video, the balance between reviewing gear and in the field adventure was perfect. Hope Canon get there act together and give us a 600mm and 800mm DO ( Freznel ) Lens sooner rather than later. Get well soon mate.
Your brown falcon image reminded me of my pet brown falcon I had in the mid ‘60’s. I bought a forequarter of lamb every week to feed it with the occasional dove or starling. I worked in a petrol station for two hours a day after school, 4:00-6:00 pm when it closed. Pay for the week was $2.00 for ten hours. It was the days when having an air gun wasn’t a capital offence. In hindsight it wasn’t the best thing to do, but he was a good pet. Memories!
Thanks Tony, what an interesting pet for sure and yes times have changed. I also worked at a service station pumping gas and washing windscreens when I was a kid. Cheers, Duade
Nikon has really come a long way. Hope you are feeling better. For some reason my membership had been cancelled ?? Not sure how that happened?? I signed back up.
It'd be great to see this Nikon setup vs Olympus 300mm f4 + OM-1 or G9 II (with new firmware). Your video on the 300mm f4 was awesome and if you took both setups out to compare it'll be interesting (I'm guessing the Nikon is better but at almost double the price?).
Really enjoyed this video and seeing all you were able to photograph. The Black Swans with their little ones was amazing! Such a cool moment. Thanks for sharing your experiences and knowledge!
Another good video, Duade. Ive always wanted to ask but never have, in your next inside/computer video you do, could you show how you are doing that raw to final crop "trick" you do? im sure its a fairly simple thing to do once you know how but Im not even sure what Id call it to search it!
Looks like a really good combination, glad you were able to borrow it. Really like the way you show the original raw file then the crop. Other fellow photographers on the Mu-43 forum have also commented that they like seeing both images in your reviews. Any chance you could approach OM System to borrow a 150-400 & TC f4.5 for a test ? Would be good to know your thoughts on the final images obtained and stabilization on that OM Combination versus the Nikon setup displayed today. Especially since I think you could purchase that Nikon combination for about the same price as the OM Lens alone. Being a Olympus user [and I know of others] who are torn by the OM 150-400&TC as it is so expensive to when we can get with a FF setup. I really like my Mu-43 gear, wish they made a sync IS version of their 100-400 to bridge the cap.
Sorry you ‘re not well, recently had me some Covid, thankfully back to normal now. Thanks a bunch for sharing this review Duade, what a perfect portable combo. Seems to be very sharp even wide open, you captured some stunning birds, great stuff! Another winner from Nikon! Hope you’re better now mate, take it easy,Cheers from the UK👏👍😀🍺
Seems to be a great Lens! I was hoping for a 500mm f4 lens from Nikon this year but that looks like a solid alternative! Also lovely birds you found there😊
Great video - the lens/body combo sounds amazing but the cost is out of reach for me. The best part of the video was nearest to the end when you sounded a whole lot better and it was obvious that you were on the mend, despite the sore throat. :) Looking forward to more videos from you so take good care of yourself, okay?
It was great that you show the image out of camera and then the crop - I don't have any long lenses as yet and this gives me a better idea of what 600mm does for various size birds. Thanks!
fantastic images, that Falcon wow. Nikon are smashing it at the moment, be interesting to see what Canon/Sony do. as others have commented what would the benefits or disadvantages be against the 189-600, especially IQ.
Thanks mate, yes, they seem to be pumping out the lenses at the moment. I think the main difference is the sharpness wide open, the prime is sharp all the time pretty much. Is it worth that premium? It really depends if you can afford it I guess but it is a hard choice. Cheers, Duade
My main concern with this lens is that it will begin to struggle in low light. You mostly were shooting during broad daylight in the review but once the sun starts to go down, is it still such a strong performer? For less money a photographer can go with the 400 4.5 + 1.4 TC for nearly the same reach and when the light starts to fade you have a 4.5 to work with. I haven’t seen too much comparison yet but the 400 4.5 is optically excellent so I expect the two will be comparable.
Glad to see Nikon back with 2 very good bodies and great lenses. Can't wait to see the upcoming R5 II and R1 bodies. As for lenses Canon and Nikon have been known for providing excellent lenses in the past. With time both companies will offer a complete lenses lineup. Switching gears all the time is really not a wise strategy. I remember how Canon was late in mirrorless compared to Sony and now they have amazing cameras to offer and better ones to come. Nikon was really late to the 'party' and now they have given their faithful customers what they wanted. It is smart to wait and not jumping all the time on the latest gears available. Money is hard to earn. Let's spend it wisely. Otherwise we will never be happy with the gears we already own. Jealousy and envy will never be satisfied. Continue your good work!
Beautiful shots, Duane. Looks like a great lens for my Z8 - although I already have my 500mm 5.6 pf, another great lens. Thanks for showing your shooting data and crops. I did notice a lot of the crops were about APS-C sized, made we wonder when we’ll see the “Z500.” FYI, I put the tracking on the front lens function button. For me way more comfortable and much easier to shift from custom area on the AF on with my right thumb to 3D tracking with my left thumb - also conveniently close if I need to turn the manual ring on the lens. I have the front lower Fn button programmed to custom “single point” with animal/bird tracking, you know, for when the bird’s in the bush.
Hope you feel better mate! The Z9 with it's new FW 4.10 and the new Bird subject detection is COMPLETELY next level for bird and bird in flight photography. The Z8 should get it sometime in the first half of 2024 or buy June next year.
I have the Z9 and Z 100-400 this lens has intriqued me ever since the 500pf version and now WOW the 600 pf! I own the 300pf and its a great little light lens & packs well for travel too. I can't believe the weight on the 600pf easy to hand hold all day long. Thanks for your honest reviews Duade. I liked your 180-600 which highlighted at 600 it wasn't sharp but stopping down it is, but now we know why, this 600pf was coming! Well done Nikon!
hi Duade Beautiful and fun video again, even though you feel sick, you stay positive and keep going. I hope you feel better soon and wish you the best of luck.❤
As a Nikon user I enjoy watching your reviews given you generally use Canon gear with the result it’s a balanced and unbiased conclusion. Hope your feeling well. I noted the camera setup you described by using the display button for alternative focus option and that it is a bit further over from the usual af-on button. If it’s of any interest I use the Centre of the adjacent “joystick” set to af-on and a specific focus area. The area I use is a custom area set to similar size as the single point but Nikon allows this to have a focus subject added. Not an option as far as I know for straight single point. I find this handy if a bird is perched among branches etc. The focus point will find the eye easier around this single point. As usual with camera customization it works for me but maybe not for everyone. Hope it’s of interest anyway.
I think that the Nikon Z 600mm 6.3 mounted on a Nikon Z7II will be very good for longer hikes, the Z7II is smaller, lighter, it have longer battery life and it is cheaper than the Z8.
Ive been really considering switching to Nikon for their lenses. Yes, even with the new canon 200-800 coming out. Nikon is just killing it with good internal zoom light weight sharp fast wildlife photography lenses.
As always Duade I love your videos and listening for the birds means so much to me and it sounds like it does the same for you , those Black Swans feeding their Cygnets that was a wonderful scene hope you feel better there sir .
It sucks being under the weather. I hope it passes soon and you are back to your energetic self, Duade. Wow, some really nice images with that combo. So cool to see some of that. Thanks all around.
Thank you very much Duade for this field test. What an amazing time to be a photographer, so many wonderful options in pretty much every system! Budget remains a hard question, though haha
I currently shoot with the D500 and have my sights set on purchasing this combo. This video was very informative and helped confirm my decision. Thank you!
Thanks for the review. It clear to see you like the Nikon set up quality costs as with all things maybe Nikon should fix you up with some kit sure they would a good ROI with your channel.
Thanks mate, that would be amazing, I would be more than happy to use it :-) I think its just great that Nikon are putting pressure on Canon and Sony which will benefit us all. Cheers, Duade
What an awesome combination. You captured some amazing footage with that combo Duade. Gzz Nikon is making us Canon users super jealous. Hopefully the upcoming RF 200-800mm being announced next week is an awesome lens. I hope you're on the mend mate, I was be ridden myself last week with the flu.
Hi Duade, love your videos and a big fan from Canada. Question, in the video @14:33 when you were showing us the eye auto focus live view through the monitor of the Eastern yellow Robin, why was it choppy?? The video jitters/ stutters. Is that the viewfinder on the Z8? The monitor? Or is it because you’re taking shots?? Because on the canons it’s smooth with no issues. Is that a thing on the Nikon vs the Canon viewfinders?? Thanks.
Duade you really took one for your team here dragging yourself out of bed and into the field. An impressive combo from Nikon and perhaps the Z8 is a comparison to the Canon R3 in terms of price and features albeit 18 months more advanced in technology/features. The 600mm f6.3 you put through its paces and enjoyed the quality and weight (same as RF 100-500 mm lens weight) for what is a $9k lens here. For me as always many highlights, you shooting in afternoon light against your preferred early morning light, backlit Kookaburra, sacred kingfisher really dazzled in that light, Sulphur Cockatoo in amazing late light, stunning Cormorant flight shot, Brown Falcon in beauty light and shadowing, colourful Robins, Wangaratta sunrise peach tones and The Swan/signet portrait shot along with the group shot both at f8. A very enjoyable view Duade and best wishes from NZ for you getting over that head cold/flu.
Thanks Mike, yes, the lens is amazing but at $8500 it is a premium lens and I would likely have to sell my 500 f4 if I was to invest in it. I would like to try the 800 6.3 as well hopefully to see how that performs. Thanks again, Cheers, Duade
Hi Duade, thanks for the great review. Have you tested this f6.3 lens against one of the f4 primes? Would like to know how the Depth of View differs between the 2 lenses? From a weight perspective the f6.3 is a clear winner, and for sure suites my type of walk around photography. In saying so, I'm quite frustrated that Canon doesn't have a prime lens like this, with me being a Canon shooter. How I wish I could put this lens on my Canon R5
Thanks for soldiering on and providing us with another great video. Your videos always encourage me. Your enthusiasm is a reminder to all of us that photography, while it can require hard work, is great fun!
Hi Duade, Would you rather go for this lens, or the 400mm f/4.5 with 1.4x TC. Both are similar weight, focal length and max aperture, but the latter combo is 1500 usd cheaper where I live. Also, I'm slightly concerned with the 600mm's MFD of 4 metres, especially with smaller birds that might not be so shy.
That Mum & bub swan photo is my favourite. Thanks for dragging yourself out and giving us a look at this great combo. Can’t afford them but still enjoy your video. Get well soon.
Hi Duade, a great video and great that you show the RAW and the final crop / processed image - haven't seen anyone else do that. I am a Canon shooter who is thinking of switching from a 600 F4 II + R5 to the combo you tested here (mainly to make it lighter for my dodgy knee and more enjoyable to photograph nature). Do you think the Nikon is close to the detail resolution of a big white? Do you think it better than the Canon 100-500 for capturing detail on birds? Hope your cold didn't linger too long!
Off topic, ticks, just getting into it in Queensland and i love exploring deep in the rainforest. Wife is getting good at tic removal. Any top tips stopping them climbing up your cloths.
As always, a great video with some amazing photos. Just loved that photo of the Black Swan with the baby. Yes me too are jealous on Nikon, and their amazing lens lineup. But i am also very exited to see how the new 200-800 Canon will be. Think it will be a amazing lens. Hope that you get your hands on that one to test out. Wishing you a great week mate. Cheers, Bjoern.
Inspiring. It's Saturday morning and I have work to do. Bugger it. I'm heading out with the Z9 and 800mm. See if I can find the Red Capped again in the Swan Reach CP about half hr drive from here.
@@Duade Thanks. I went to my boy's farm instead. He sent me a video of Mum and Dad mountain ducks walking their ducklings to the dam after leaving the tree. So I got there less than an hour after the little ones went swimming for the first time. Got some nice shots. Also days old Grebes riding on parents' backs is always a fun subject :)
Thank you for reviewing it. Looks amazing. I'd be incredibly tempted to buy this lens if Nikon had a crop sensor body similar to (and with resolution comparable to) the Canon R7 with a solid autofocus system.
Great question Bill and hard to answer, I suspect if I shot Nikon I would probably go with the 800 6.3 and then a shorter zoom, either the 100-400 or 180-600. It really does come down to the subjects you are shooting and the weight you can carry. For pure fun the 600pf is the lens I would choose as it is so light and sharp. But if you need reach then the 800 has the edge, but 800 is a lot and the fact you cannot zoom out means if those subjects come close it is headshots only. Any chance of renting them to try first? Cheers, Duade
@@Duade Happy New Year and thank you for sharing your thoughts on my question. I do appreciate it. I'm recently retired and looking to upgrade my kit from a D500 (w/ grip)/200-500 and have been giving a Z9/800PF kit a lot of thought. I've been reviewing my favorites in Lightroom and the stats show about 85% of my photos are made at 500mm-plus or an equivalent 750mm-plus angle of view. It'll be another couple of months before I make the purchase but Z9/800 is where I'm leaning. Here's wishing you a fantastic 2024!
G'day Bill, two of my mates have that exact setup and they really enjoy it, one has his photos from 2023 online taken with that kit which you can check out here www.gerardsatherleyphotography.com/australian-trip-images/ Also if you contact Gerard via his website, I am sure he will respond if you have questions. Cheers, Duade@@BillFerris
Thanks Duade. This is my dream rig I think...maybe once the house is paid off haha. Right now I shoot with the Z7ii and a Sigma 150-600 and it's fine, but I can see even on my monitor that those shots are better :-) And the AF is so much better. What I'm hoping is that Nikon will come out with a Z8 with the sensor that reads out all at once and people will start selling their Z8s with the current sensor.
Awesome video Duade! I was hoping you'd say it wasn't that great because it's insanely expensive!! I'm glad you're feeling better and those are beautiful scenes. Cheers!
Is it worth to replace the 800PF for this 600PF ? I love my 800PF and I strive for more reach in certain situations because I rarely get birds in flight because it's nearly impossible with 800mm especially with the shy birds in my country... but I also feel I will regret in future because I am just starting to explore more although I have the 800PF for already a year (just got no availability to travel or even walk around much the last 6 months) I'm asking because I want to make mainly video content therefore I walk with heavy Manfrotto tripod + Nitrotech 608 fluid head and it all becomes kinda heavy while the VR on this will be insane even without tripod or just lighter at least. So love your reviews! Greetings from other side of the world, Bulgaria, Europe.
Maybe I'm wrong but compared to your more recent reviews of Olympus, Panasonic and canon gear the Nikon raw files (in this vid) come across as very underwhelming. Did you have to do more work editing for a final result Duade? Hopefully it's just me! Great vid as usual.
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Among my trusted lens reviewers....Mr Duade, Mr Jan Wegener, Mr Steve Perry and Mr Morten Hilmer. The reviews are really realistic ones
Excellent report Duade,
I'm really looking to my 600PF delivery this week, and negotiated a deal of A$6250, way under OZ retail. Still will be super light even on my Z9.
You gave us a wonderful time out in the field, Duade. I've never seen a more beautiful scene of a swan with signets. That scene you videoed of cockies on the fence with the crop behind and the stunning sky was absolutely amazing. Just love any landscapes you take when you're out birding. I hope the sunshine has helped you recover. You put sunshine into our lives all the time.
Hi Joan, somehow I thought of you when I saw Duade's health status in this video 🙂
Thanks Joan, you are too kind, yes, that was a lovely outing and I was very lucky with the Swans and the Cockatoo, Cheers, Duade
This video was incredible I can hear and feel your delight while using this combo. I was tickeled pink. The 600PF is a fantastic lens. I would love to see it paired with Nikon's Pro APSC when it drops in 2024.
Thanks for allowing us to be in the field with you. Despite not feeling well your passion and joy for wildlife photography shines through.
could not articulate this comment any better
Brilliant vid especially as you were sick! The obvious question is …Is it worth the extra cash over the 180-600?
I don't own either but I feel like it's personal preference. If you want to be very versatile in terms of focal range but suffer in terms of mobility/ease of using the lens then go with the 180-600 (as well as the savings). But I feel like you'll feel more free with the 600 6.3 since you can just grab it and walk around no monopod no anything and it's probably more sharp. Just my guess
I chose the 180-600 and the cash I saved paid for half of my Z 800mm.
Duade, I pray that you are feeling better. Your video was very informative and really showcased how useful the 600 mm f/6.3 lens is for bird photography. The combination with the Z8 is quite phenomenal and will be even better when Nikon provides a firmware update to add the bird subject detection and tracking to the Z8, like they did for the Z9 in firmware 4.10.
really nice to see how much fun he is having!
Yeah, I enjoyed this video probably more than you did being sick, but that says everything about you, how dedicated you are! I appreciate that a lot and understand it. Thank you for taking us with you on this trip and showing a wonderful camera and lens, and of course those wonderfully beautiful photos!
Thanks, you are too kind, I hope to get the lens again some day as I really enjoyed it an so happy to see Nikon doing such wonderful things. It can only put pressure on the others. Cheers, Duade
Nikon USA just charged my order ... it's on the way! Great review, Duade! Thank you.
! And, those Brown Falcon photos were winners, as was the session with the Black Swans with cygnets! It sucks that you were ill, I hope it was just an ordinary cold and not the flu). For being under the weather (or whatever euphemism is applicable here) you got good return for your effort. It's typical you had the equipment on loan just those days, but, such is life. It ended well, imo.
Thanks Pia, starting to feel better but have a cough and sore throat that is very stubborn. I was very happy even though I was not feeling well and the Swans was a highlight. Cheers, Duade
I started my photography journey with a Nikon D3100 and then moved up the Nikon chain over the years but since I have started with mirrorless cameras I don't have a Nikon in my stable. That may change soon. Nikon was late to the mirrorless game but they are making up ground quickly. They have some amazing lens choices for wildlife. Thanks for the video. Cheers.
Thanks, they sure do, I am waiting to see their APSC mirrorless with tracking which hopefully is another success. I am just happy Nikon are putting pressure on Canon, Sony etc as it is great for us as consumers. Cheers, Duade
Thank you so much Duade for this great video - and for basically dragging yourself out of your sickbed to make it for us all - hope you get back to 100% fitness very soon. What a great combination of camera and lens, not doing my recurring 'should I swap to Nikon' thoughts any good at all. I guess it's a Z8 + 600mm f/6.3 + Duade Paton three way combination that is delivering the results, but for sure anyone with the Z8 and 600 will not be able to blame any poor results on their equipment! Look after yourself and best wishes. John
Thanks John, yes, it is a wonderful combo no doubt, I look forward to see what the R5II and R1 deliver and other lenses from Canon, competition is great for all of us but does make the choices so much harder. I appreciate the well wishes, Cheers, Duade
Hope you’re on the mend Duade. Lovely images. I agree with you - Nikon has done a great job recently and I am envious as well. I shoot with Canon and I’m sure our time is coming soon for some exciting kit releases. Just have to be patient.🤞🏼
Thanks Duade! I just picked up my Z8 this week to pair with my 400mm 4.5 + TC. Such an impressive camera and the light weight of the lens plus it's stabilization is just amazing. This new 600PF looks amazing but I'm probably going to stick with the 400+TC due to price and minimum focus distance and the sharpness is very close. Another great video, thanks!
Thanks mate and congrats on the camera, it is such a nice camera to use, the EVF is so clear and the stabilisation is incredible. Have fun, Cheers, Duade
Excellent shots as usual, and I agree this an awesome combo. So glad you were able to get that robin and it made you feel better. Your reaction and enthusiasm when it appeared is priceless!
Thanks mate, yes, that was a highlight for sure, Cheers, Duade
The joy in your laughter capturing the Red-capped Robin is everything. I know that laugh. I hope you're feeling better. Thanks for a great review, from a Canon gal.
With the cropping you did on all the photos, seems like the 800 6.3 would be the perfect lens
Great stuff. GeeWiz, the great aussie birds just appear for you nicely when wrangling that Nikon gear!. Respect to you for delivering brilliantly under challenging health and time constraints to get the review published. I look forward to picking up my own Nikon Z 600mm f/6.3 PF within the next few days as I am led to believe I am first in the queue at my local camera shop (again!). I am planning to give it a good christening in those locations, Winton wetlands and Murray River. This lens I expect to be my most used lens and be permanently attached to one of my two Nikon Z8's. Thanks again for confirming this as a great lens, love the way you go about your work, and that Nikon recognises your efforts, too. Cheers ... Geoff.
I love how you go about your photography, seems very sustainable long term because you are doing it so casually and enjoying yourself but still in a professional way. When I started photography 3 years ago, you were doing some setups so I tried them for myself and I would sit at the same puddle most of the times I went out, it eventually got boring and fustigating. This year I haven't done any water setups and it has made things much more enjoyable, I still setup at flowering grasstrees for e.g. but it's different to the puddle setup because it doesn't involve cable ties and perches.
G,Day Hopefully you are feeling better. Great vid, your pics are superb especially seeing you weren't feeling well, Obviously Nikon has some great hardware on their hands which works very well. I have learnt a ton from your vids which I am hoping to put to good use very soon If I get one decent one I will be happy
Thanks Harry, yes, I am happy to see Nikon putting pressure on the other players which can only benefit us all. Have fun out there, Cheers, Duade
I love my 500mm PF, and it seems Nikon has built on that design and made a terrific lens in the 600 PF. More money than I'll afford anytime soon, but maybe sometime down the line :) Thanks for the fun review, I especially liked the Black Swan. :)
Thanks, as always, Duade. This one was beyond the call of duty. Feel better, my friend. As a Nikon shooter, of course I'm excited to see all the companies offer new and exciting lenses. For a company that is the smallest of the "Big Three", and reportedly "on the ropes" a few years ago, it's nice to see Nikon's long term strategy strengthening the offerings for wildlife shooters (and others). It took a while, but the wait is paying off. I hope the great offerings from Canon and Sony continue (not to mention OM1 and Fuji Film), so that we can all benefit. Glad you had fun even though you weren't feeling your best.
Great video, the balance between reviewing gear and in the field adventure was perfect. Hope Canon get there act together and give us a 600mm and 800mm DO ( Freznel ) Lens sooner rather than later. Get well soon mate.
Your brown falcon image reminded me of my pet brown falcon I had in the mid ‘60’s. I bought a forequarter of lamb every week to feed it with the occasional dove or starling. I worked in a petrol station for two hours a day after school, 4:00-6:00 pm when it closed. Pay for the week was $2.00 for ten hours. It was the days when having an air gun wasn’t a capital offence. In hindsight it wasn’t the best thing to do, but he was a good pet. Memories!
Thanks Tony, what an interesting pet for sure and yes times have changed. I also worked at a service station pumping gas and washing windscreens when I was a kid. Cheers, Duade
Nikon has really come a long way. Hope you are feeling better. For some reason my membership had been cancelled ?? Not sure how that happened?? I signed back up.
Thanks mate, yes, they have, I can't wait to see the R5II and R1 and maybe a new lens from Canon. Glad the membership got sorted, Cheers, Duade
It'd be great to see this Nikon setup vs Olympus 300mm f4 + OM-1 or G9 II (with new firmware). Your video on the 300mm f4 was awesome and if you took both setups out to compare it'll be interesting (I'm guessing the Nikon is better but at almost double the price?).
Really enjoyed this video and seeing all you were able to photograph. The Black Swans with their little ones was amazing! Such a cool moment. Thanks for sharing your experiences and knowledge!
Another good video, Duade. Ive always wanted to ask but never have, in your next inside/computer video you do, could you show how you are doing that raw to final crop "trick" you do? im sure its a fairly simple thing to do once you know how but Im not even sure what Id call it to search it!
Looks like a really good combination, glad you were able to borrow it.
Really like the way you show the original raw file then the crop. Other fellow photographers on the Mu-43 forum have also commented that they like seeing both images in your reviews.
Any chance you could approach OM System to borrow a 150-400 & TC f4.5 for a test ?
Would be good to know your thoughts on the final images obtained and stabilization on that OM Combination versus the Nikon setup displayed today. Especially since I think you could purchase that Nikon combination for about the same price as the OM Lens alone.
Being a Olympus user [and I know of others] who are torn by the OM 150-400&TC as it is so expensive to when we can get with a FF setup. I really like my Mu-43 gear, wish they made a sync IS version of their 100-400 to bridge the cap.
Sorry you ‘re not well, recently had me some Covid, thankfully back to normal now. Thanks a bunch for sharing this review Duade, what a perfect portable combo. Seems to be very sharp even wide open, you captured some stunning birds, great stuff! Another winner from Nikon! Hope you’re better now mate, take it easy,Cheers from the UK👏👍😀🍺
Seems to be a great Lens! I was hoping for a 500mm f4 lens from Nikon this year but that looks like a solid alternative!
Also lovely birds you found there😊
Fabulous!
Will you please review the performance of 800mm PF vs 600mm PF?
Great video - the lens/body combo sounds amazing but the cost is out of reach for me. The best part of the video was nearest to the end when you sounded a whole lot better and it was obvious that you were on the mend, despite the sore throat. :) Looking forward to more videos from you so take good care of yourself, okay?
Thanks Mark, I appreciate the well wishes, yes, it is a premium combo that is for sure. Cheers, Duade
It was great that you show the image out of camera and then the crop - I don't have any long lenses as yet and this gives me a better idea of what 600mm does for various size birds. Thanks!
fantastic images, that Falcon wow. Nikon are smashing it at the moment, be interesting to see what Canon/Sony do. as others have commented what would the benefits or disadvantages be against the 189-600, especially IQ.
Thanks mate, yes, they seem to be pumping out the lenses at the moment. I think the main difference is the sharpness wide open, the prime is sharp all the time pretty much. Is it worth that premium? It really depends if you can afford it I guess but it is a hard choice. Cheers, Duade
My main concern with this lens is that it will begin to struggle in low light. You mostly were shooting during broad daylight in the review but once the sun starts to go down, is it still such a strong performer?
For less money a photographer can go with the 400 4.5 + 1.4 TC for nearly the same reach and when the light starts to fade you have a 4.5 to work with. I haven’t seen too much comparison yet but the 400 4.5 is optically excellent so I expect the two will be comparable.
You lose 1 stop of light with the 1.4 TC, so you're not getting an aperture advantage
@@deviantMystro I know, but its still a big discount to use the 400 and TC over the 600 for roughly the same thing.
Oh my god, that eastern yellow robin posing on this beautiful log just blew me away!! What a lucky and wonderful encounter, love that image!
Thank you, yes, such a beautiful bird, Cheers, Duade
Glad to see Nikon back with 2 very good bodies and great lenses. Can't wait to see the upcoming R5 II and R1 bodies. As for lenses Canon and Nikon have been known for providing excellent lenses in the past. With time both companies will offer a complete lenses lineup. Switching gears all the time is really not a wise strategy. I remember how Canon was late in mirrorless compared to Sony and now they have amazing cameras to offer and better ones to come. Nikon was really late to the 'party' and now they have given their faithful customers what they wanted. It is smart to wait and not jumping all the time on the latest gears available. Money is hard to earn. Let's spend it wisely. Otherwise we will never be happy with the gears we already own. Jealousy and envy will never be satisfied. Continue your good work!
Beautiful shots, Duane. Looks like a great lens for my Z8 - although I already have my 500mm 5.6 pf, another great lens.
Thanks for showing your shooting data and crops. I did notice a lot of the crops were about APS-C sized, made we wonder when we’ll see the “Z500.”
FYI, I put the tracking on the front lens function button. For me way more comfortable and much easier to shift from custom area on the AF on with my right thumb to 3D tracking with my left thumb - also conveniently close if I need to turn the manual ring on the lens. I have the front lower Fn button programmed to custom “single point” with animal/bird tracking, you know, for when the bird’s in the bush.
Hope you feel better mate! The Z9 with it's new FW 4.10 and the new Bird subject detection is COMPLETELY next level for bird and bird in flight photography. The Z8 should get it sometime in the first half of 2024 or buy June next year.
Z8 2.0 - we got it, and it's great!
I have the Z9 and Z 100-400 this lens has intriqued me ever since the 500pf version and now WOW the 600 pf! I own the 300pf and its a great little light lens & packs well for travel too. I can't believe the weight on the 600pf easy to hand hold all day long. Thanks for your honest reviews Duade. I liked your 180-600 which highlighted at 600 it wasn't sharp but stopping down it is, but now we know why, this 600pf was coming! Well done Nikon!
Duade, you’re the best mate, even when you’re unwell you produce a brilliant vlog, cheers mate!
hi Duade
Beautiful and fun video again, even though you feel sick, you stay positive and keep going. I hope you feel better soon and wish you the best of luck.❤
As a Nikon user I enjoy watching your reviews given you generally use Canon gear with the result it’s a balanced and unbiased conclusion. Hope your feeling well. I noted the camera setup you described by using the display button for alternative focus option and that it is a bit further over from the usual af-on button. If it’s of any interest I use the Centre of the adjacent “joystick” set to af-on and a specific focus area. The area I use is a custom area set to similar size as the single point but Nikon allows this to have a focus subject added. Not an option as far as I know for straight single point. I find this handy if a bird is perched among branches etc. The focus point will find the eye easier around this single point. As usual with camera customization it works for me but maybe not for everyone. Hope it’s of interest anyway.
I think that the Nikon Z 600mm 6.3 mounted on a Nikon Z7II will be very good for longer hikes, the Z7II is smaller, lighter, it have longer battery life and it is cheaper than the Z8.
Once again Duade you have provided us all with a professional yet easy to understand review. you just the best of the very best, thank you Sir. 🎉
really hope Canon can release these kind of balanced lenses -- they are either too big/expensive or too slow. 600 f/6.3 is really good
Hope you're feeling better, Duade! You still managed to get some amazing shots even when you weren't feeling 100%.
Excited to see if/when you get your hands on canon's new 200-800 zoom, very curious what your feelings on it are gonna be
Ive been really considering switching to Nikon for their lenses. Yes, even with the new canon 200-800 coming out.
Nikon is just killing it with good internal zoom light weight sharp fast wildlife photography lenses.
As always Duade I love your videos and listening for the birds means so much to me and it sounds like it does the same for you , those Black Swans feeding their Cygnets that was a wonderful scene hope you feel better there sir .
Not bad with the 1.4 converter at about 12m30s! But the Eastern Yellow Robin was impressive without converter and with flat light.
I hope you're having a lovely spring migration down there! Thanks for the helpful video
It sucks being under the weather. I hope it passes soon and you are back to your energetic self, Duade. Wow, some really nice images with that combo. So cool to see some of that. Thanks all around.
Thanks mate, it was a lot of fun, Cheers, Duade
Thank you very much Duade for this field test. What an amazing time to be a photographer, so many wonderful options in pretty much every system! Budget remains a hard question, though haha
Get well soon Duade, hope you're feeling better, and what an amazing video, thanks for sharing!
Glad you enjoyed it!
I like Black Cormorants. I'm from Poland and we have a lot of them here as well. From Poland to Australia is almost 16000km. Nature is impressive.
I currently shoot with the D500 and have my sights set on purchasing this combo. This video was very informative and helped confirm my decision. Thank you!
Thanks for the review. It clear to see you like the Nikon set up quality costs as with all things maybe Nikon should fix you up with some kit sure they would a good ROI with your channel.
Thanks mate, that would be amazing, I would be more than happy to use it :-) I think its just great that Nikon are putting pressure on Canon and Sony which will benefit us all. Cheers, Duade
What an awesome combination. You captured some amazing footage with that combo Duade. Gzz Nikon is making us Canon users super jealous. Hopefully the upcoming RF 200-800mm being announced next week is an awesome lens. I hope you're on the mend mate, I was be ridden myself last week with the flu.
Thanks, sorry to hear you were sick also, I agree I look forward to the R5II, R1 and the 200-800. Cheers, Duade
Hi Duade, love your videos and a big fan from Canada. Question, in the video @14:33 when you were showing us the eye auto focus live view through the monitor of the Eastern yellow Robin, why was it choppy?? The video jitters/ stutters. Is that the viewfinder on the Z8? The monitor? Or is it because you’re taking shots?? Because on the canons it’s smooth with no issues. Is that a thing on the Nikon vs the Canon viewfinders??
Thanks.
Duade you really took one for your team here dragging yourself out of bed and into the field. An impressive combo from Nikon and perhaps the Z8 is a comparison to the Canon R3 in terms of price and features albeit 18 months more advanced in technology/features. The 600mm f6.3 you put through its paces and enjoyed the quality and weight (same as RF 100-500 mm lens weight) for what is a $9k lens here. For me as always many highlights, you shooting in afternoon light against your preferred early morning light, backlit Kookaburra, sacred kingfisher really dazzled in that light, Sulphur Cockatoo in amazing late light, stunning Cormorant flight shot, Brown Falcon in beauty light and shadowing, colourful Robins, Wangaratta sunrise peach tones and The Swan/signet portrait shot along with the group shot both at f8. A very enjoyable view Duade and best wishes from NZ for you getting over that head cold/flu.
Thanks Mike, yes, the lens is amazing but at $8500 it is a premium lens and I would likely have to sell my 500 f4 if I was to invest in it. I would like to try the 800 6.3 as well hopefully to see how that performs. Thanks again, Cheers, Duade
Hi Duade, thanks for the great review. Have you tested this f6.3 lens against one of the f4 primes? Would like to know how the Depth of View differs between the 2 lenses? From a weight perspective the f6.3 is a clear winner, and for sure suites my type of walk around photography. In saying so, I'm quite frustrated that Canon doesn't have a prime lens like this, with me being a Canon shooter. How I wish I could put this lens on my Canon R5
Thanks for soldiering on and providing us with another great video. Your videos always encourage me. Your enthusiasm is a reminder to all of us that photography, while it can require hard work, is great fun!
Thank you for the video Duade! Hope you are feeling better!!
That clip of the swans looks very similar to Canon R5 footage. Would love to try the Nikon kit.
Hi Duade, Would you rather go for this lens, or the 400mm f/4.5 with 1.4x TC. Both are similar weight, focal length and max aperture, but the latter combo is 1500 usd cheaper where I live.
Also, I'm slightly concerned with the 600mm's MFD of 4 metres, especially with smaller birds that might not be so shy.
Amazing pics of the swans feeding their babies. First i’ve been able to see that. Thank you! Hope can turn the corner with your illness.
That Mum & bub swan photo is my favourite. Thanks for dragging yourself out and giving us a look at this great combo. Can’t afford them but still enjoy your video. Get well soon.
Thanks so much 😊
Hi Duade, a great video and great that you show the RAW and the final crop / processed image - haven't seen anyone else do that. I am a Canon shooter who is thinking of switching from a 600 F4 II + R5 to the combo you tested here (mainly to make it lighter for my dodgy knee and more enjoyable to photograph nature). Do you think the Nikon is close to the detail resolution of a big white? Do you think it better than the Canon 100-500 for capturing detail on birds? Hope your cold didn't linger too long!
Duade, have you shot any astro attempts? I have used my Sony A7IV with 200-600 and got a fantastic Andromeda Galaxy as well as beautiful moon.
Great to see and hear you again.
Interested in how AF compares to the Canon R5/RF100-500 combination. Nikon is producing some wonderful wildlife lenses.
Off topic, ticks, just getting into it in Queensland and i love exploring deep in the rainforest. Wife is getting good at tic removal. Any top tips stopping them climbing up your cloths.
Nice work, Duade!
Get well Duade. Thanks for the review, looks like a great lens 👍
As always, a great video with some amazing photos. Just loved that photo of the Black Swan with the baby. Yes me too are jealous on Nikon, and their amazing lens lineup. But i am also very exited to see how the new 200-800 Canon will be. Think it will be a amazing lens. Hope that you get your hands on that one to test out.
Wishing you a great week mate.
Cheers, Bjoern.
Heading out now to buy that lens…this video did it. Will trade in my 500pf to get more reach. Thanks for the great shots!
Hi Duade, Have you noticed that the Z8 underexposes about a stop or 2 in the RAW file?
Great Vid Duade, was really cool to follow your birding adventure! That combo is a dream but requires some deep pockets!
Agreed!
Inspiring. It's Saturday morning and I have work to do. Bugger it. I'm heading out with the Z9 and 800mm. See if I can find the Red Capped again in the Swan Reach CP about half hr drive from here.
Good luck mate, such a fun kit, Cheers, Duade
@@Duade Thanks. I went to my boy's farm instead. He sent me a video of Mum and Dad mountain ducks walking their ducklings to the dam after leaving the tree. So I got there less than an hour after the little ones went swimming for the first time. Got some nice shots. Also days old Grebes riding on parents' backs is always a fun subject :)
Sounds great Rob, what a way to spend a morning. Cheers, Duade@@robguyatt9602
That Combo costs 18k here in new Zealand. Think I'll stick with my d500 and Z6 with older F mount lenses for a while yet.
The best wildlife photographer and youtuber I ever seen...you're amazing (even not being well)!
Thank you so much 😀
How do you like the 600mm PF vs 800mm PF? What focal length(s) do you find you use the most?
Stunning photography and another very enjoyable video, thank you. Always nice to see what the very best gear is capable of. Hope you get well soon.
Many thanks!
Thank you for reviewing it. Looks amazing. I'd be incredibly tempted to buy this lens if Nikon had a crop sensor body similar to (and with resolution comparable to) the Canon R7 with a solid autofocus system.
Great Video Duade .. Thanks for sharing 👍🏻. How does this lens compare with Nikon Z 400mm f4.5 with 1.4TC and without TC?
This what I love about the 400 f4.5. It's so lightweight it feels like cheating.
This is my next lens!
Amazing Video Duade! Looks like this Nikon duo is an absolute banger for photography!🤩
Nice Video but, you can keep the Snakes. Agree, Nikon are turning out some good Glass at present. Get well and stay well 👍🇬🇧
Nice gear. But, but, I’m dying to see what you think of the RF200-800, that is, if you’re still shooting with Canon gear.
Thanks, yes, I have preordered the 200-800 and will hopefully get it when it starts shipping. Cheers, Duade
Great video thanks. Could not help but laugh at the auto generated subtitles for Antechinus came up as anti kindness.
Duade, between the 600mm PF and the 800mm PF, which is a better fit for your style of shooting?
Great question Bill and hard to answer, I suspect if I shot Nikon I would probably go with the 800 6.3 and then a shorter zoom, either the 100-400 or 180-600. It really does come down to the subjects you are shooting and the weight you can carry. For pure fun the 600pf is the lens I would choose as it is so light and sharp. But if you need reach then the 800 has the edge, but 800 is a lot and the fact you cannot zoom out means if those subjects come close it is headshots only. Any chance of renting them to try first? Cheers, Duade
@@Duade Happy New Year and thank you for sharing your thoughts on my question. I do appreciate it.
I'm recently retired and looking to upgrade my kit from a D500 (w/ grip)/200-500 and have been giving a Z9/800PF kit a lot of thought. I've been reviewing my favorites in Lightroom and the stats show about 85% of my photos are made at 500mm-plus or an equivalent 750mm-plus angle of view.
It'll be another couple of months before I make the purchase but Z9/800 is where I'm leaning.
Here's wishing you a fantastic 2024!
G'day Bill, two of my mates have that exact setup and they really enjoy it, one has his photos from 2023 online taken with that kit which you can check out here www.gerardsatherleyphotography.com/australian-trip-images/ Also if you contact Gerard via his website, I am sure he will respond if you have questions. Cheers, Duade@@BillFerris
@@Duade you...are all the awesome! Thank you - Bill
any thoughts on the canon 200-800??
So beautiful many thanks.
Hop you get well soon.
Thanks Duade. This is my dream rig I think...maybe once the house is paid off haha. Right now I shoot with the Z7ii and a Sigma 150-600 and it's fine, but I can see even on my monitor that those shots are better :-) And the AF is so much better. What I'm hoping is that Nikon will come out with a Z8 with the sensor that reads out all at once and people will start selling their Z8s with the current sensor.
Awesome video Duade! I was hoping you'd say it wasn't that great because it's insanely expensive!! I'm glad you're feeling better and those are beautiful scenes. Cheers!
Thanks again!
Amazing photos as always, here's a fact you maybe interested in, like geese swans mate for life.
Hope you feel better soon.
Thanks for that, interesting, always interesting how certain birds share that lifelong bond. Cheers, Duade
Is it worth to replace the 800PF for this 600PF ? I love my 800PF and I strive for more reach in certain situations because I rarely get birds in flight because it's nearly impossible with 800mm especially with the shy birds in my country... but I also feel I will regret in future because I am just starting to explore more although I have the 800PF for already a year (just got no availability to travel or even walk around much the last 6 months) I'm asking because I want to make mainly video content therefore I walk with heavy Manfrotto tripod + Nitrotech 608 fluid head and it all becomes kinda heavy while the VR on this will be insane even without tripod or just lighter at least. So love your reviews! Greetings from other side of the world, Bulgaria, Europe.
Maybe I'm wrong but compared to your more recent reviews of Olympus, Panasonic and canon gear the Nikon raw files (in this vid) come across as very underwhelming.
Did you have to do more work editing for a final result Duade?
Hopefully it's just me!
Great vid as usual.