Holy smokes, Matt! Some of the best shots I’ve seen from you! I’m so inspired to go out and shoot. Thank you for making these top notch gear reviews that seem less like a gear review and more like a documentary.
That lens is something special. That said, I've been travelling with the 100-400 and doing a lot of bird photography. I've enjoyed the flexibility of the zoom so much, I think I'd find it hard to go back to a fixed lens again. I also find with the high resolution of the Z9, you can crop to equivalent of a 600mm and still have a high megapixel shot. Also the bigger lenses are harder to hold up for as long, so I found I was missing shots.
Yeah, when you look at a difference of 500-1000 grams it doesn't seem like it would make much of a difference, but after you've been carrying it around for an hour it definitely does :)
I just bought one and used it for 2 48 hour sessions while fishing. I absolutely adore the 400mm 2.8tc. I have a 1.4tc combined with it to get out to 784mm 5.6 and its just amazing....its such an exciting lens
Bhutan, Wow, what a fabulous place. Has it all, landscapes, wildlife and fascinating peoples. Certainly now on my bucket list for future trips. Thanks Matt, it really scratches the photography and travel itch.
@@mattgranger Hi Matt, unfortunately the second half of 2024 is not going to work for me. Please let me know if you plan any trips to Bhutan in the second half of 2025 or later. Regards.
My favourite Nikon lens is my 400mm f/2.8E FL and it’s got a lot in common with the Z mount lens, they cost a fortune! I can’t see me ever owning the Z mount version but I’m more than happy with my FL.
I know the feeling of taking your expensive gear into a boat and hoping it'll be ok. In my case it was Tortuguero National Park in Costa Rica. "Expensive" is relative though, as in my case it was a D750 and Tamron 100-400 (though I think I also took the 18-35 and 24-120). But the worst thing that happened to it was when I got caught in a downpour when I was on foot in Tortuguero. I put the gear away into my bag, and got the raincover out, but I think the water must have seeped in through my T-shirt anyway. So the bag and some of the gear was a bit wet. But nothing that a night in front of a fan would not fix. :)
Bhutan doesn't have a peacock, what you shot was some pheasant also looks like a Black/Malayan giant squirrel along with Ward's Trogon which indeed are rare and difficult to spot. You really should get field guides(birds and mammals) for the country you are visiting and going to shoot wildlife.
Wondering if I can ask you something. As said I went to Costa Rica, which was awesome. I used my D750 mainly in 3D tracking mode for wildlife. But I did get a significant number of shots with missed focus. Like a sloth in a tree where, even on the best shot, at 100% the eye is slightly off (not noticeable scaled down 50% though). I'm wondering what to do. I've heard 3D tracking might not be the best mode, but in the viewfinder I did see it was over the area with the eye. I'm wondering if I should stick with DSLR (maybe get a D850 - I think its AF points are smaller?) and maybe get a book or a guide to get the most out of the AF, or if it's worth it to jump to mirrorless.
Great video - thanks Matt. In a previous video you indicated how good this lens is with the 2x TC but you seem to challenge that in this video. Has your thinking on it changed?
would you find. the 400 2.8 tc best for sports photography? been toying with purchase of it,,,,but finding good deals on the older /f mount...any opinions??
Beautiful shots. And yet another injury on the channel, people may think of photography as safe.....but for the coolest shots there's more risk than most would think.
Yup, seems all Nikon cameras/lens combos do this. Sometimes taking your thumb off the back button focus & repressing will get it to hunt for focus again but you’re better off with a quick counter clockwise turn & then AF again. = More reliable with practice. In these times, you would think it could do it already & if the camera truly has subject detection, it would pick it up & stick to it,LIKE SONY & CANON DOES !!!
Hi Do you have any problem at the sécurity check with the flash battery godox type ad400 ? I am still wondering is this possible to travail with Thanks
I think a 400mm F2.8 TC would be my ultimate lens but has the ultimate sacrifices of cost, size and weight. I think my realistic lens that I would love would be a 400mm F4 (ideally with a 1.4TC). I reckon a 400mm F4 would be around 1.5Kg, small enough and light enough not to be a burden... but also, since TCs are actually good these days 560mm F5.6 and 800mm F8.
While these long prime are excellent at what they can do/deliver.. price aside. They are just too huge and heavy to be use or carry around whole day or even half a day (3KG lens usually).. even worst if you had to hike or handheld it or lug it around with a tripod.. unless you get drove to doorstep everytime then that's fine. I find the perfect balance when I receive my Sony 300GM. Cant say enough good things about it.. First it is alot smaller.. hence easier to pack. It is super lightweight (1.4KG) compare to tele zoom like 100-400 kinds and 400 prime in this case. It is also F2.8.. so it's quick then you could add tc 1.4 or 2.. it wont add much to the weight and now you have a very lightweight long prime. Only bad is if your mainly focus is bird.. lens is may not be quite long enough.. (600 F5.6 with TC x2 ) otherwise.. that thing just works and super lightweight.. really small lens.
I have not foud anything about the focal length at short distances. I don't know if Sony is controlling reviewers or if it's just random. Have you shot it close against another 300mm? Thanks.
Old photographers will be shocked to see someone walking around and taking hand-held photos with a 400mm f2.8 and a full body camera. The new lens is 850g lighter than the previous one with minimal impact on image quality and the Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 400mm f/2.8E FL ED VR is 800g less than the G version 1.6KG or close to 3.5 pounds. Also we have fantastic stabilization and high ISO capabilities.
Being there is more valuable than any lens money can buy. We should probably spend money on trips before gear. With that said, fantastic photos. The contrast seems to be slightly lower than your video.
Hi Matt, did you need to get permission from authorities in Bhutan to shoot ? I visited Bhutan in Feb 2020 through the Indian Border with Bhutan in Assam and I was informed by the Bhutan personnel in the border check in that shooting with DSLR or big camera, lenses is not allowed for visitors! 😢 Though we did shoot a few images very cautiously so that no one could notice. By the way you are looking great, geared up with the long lens and the chest harness ❤
@@mattgranger that is good to know. Probably the border check in official casually replied to our query. We visited Gelufu town and Indian citizens actually don't need any passport to visit Bhutan. We had to just show our Voter Identity Cards issued by our Indian Government. Your trip encouraged me to visit once again 😊
If I had a $14k lens it would also be my favorite lens too. 😂 Currently making do with the $1800 180-600mm. But in all seriousness I can’t justify that cost being only a hobbyist.
@@mattgranger I actually consider the Z9 a bargain at $5500, considering most other DSLR flagships like the D6 usually cost $6500 and have no where near the capabilities of the Z9. Love my Z9!
@@mattgranger Love your videos, Matt and I'm long-time follower. You've come a long way from "That Nikon guy". Thanks for all you've taught me. I'm waiting for Z8 II to come out and force all the Z8 owners to dump theirs so I get one used. I finally purchased a Z6II to work alongside my D500 and D850 -- both of which I bought used.
NIKON SETUP GUIDE: geni.us/ZGuide
Bhutan Photo Tour: mattgranger.com/bhutan24
Sample Files: learn.mattgranger.com/courses/nikonlonglens
Holy smokes, Matt! Some of the best shots I’ve seen from you! I’m so inspired to go out and shoot. Thank you for making these top notch gear reviews that seem less like a gear review and more like a documentary.
Thanks!
That lens is something special. That said, I've been travelling with the 100-400 and doing a lot of bird photography. I've enjoyed the flexibility of the zoom so much, I think I'd find it hard to go back to a fixed lens again. I also find with the high resolution of the Z9, you can crop to equivalent of a 600mm and still have a high megapixel shot. Also the bigger lenses are harder to hold up for as long, so I found I was missing shots.
Yeah, when you look at a difference of 500-1000 grams it doesn't seem like it would make much of a difference, but after you've been carrying it around for an hour it definitely does :)
I just bought one and used it for 2 48 hour sessions while fishing. I absolutely adore the 400mm 2.8tc. I have a 1.4tc combined with it to get out to 784mm 5.6 and its just amazing....its such an exciting lens
Being using this lens since released ,
Amazing lens
Careful Matt!! Thanks for sharing with us!!
awesome Matt! Loved the content, bugger about the tumble and resulting injuries though.
Bhutan, Wow, what a fabulous place. Has it all, landscapes, wildlife and fascinating peoples. Certainly now on my bucket list for future trips. Thanks Matt, it really scratches the photography and travel itch.
Check out my upcoming tour! mattgranger.com/bhutan24
@@mattgranger Hi Matt, unfortunately the second half of 2024 is not going to work for me. Please let me know if you plan any trips to Bhutan in the second half of 2025 or later. Regards.
Yes, Bhutan is nice ! Last May, I spent 17 days on a bird photography trip. The one bird might be a female Ward’s Trogon - nice! Thanks for sharing.
Incredible pictures, great content as always. Broken fingers and all! Be well Matt.
I always liked the Nikon 400/2.8 you can still use it inside. A very fast, versatile lens, and the glass is great. Works great with teleconverters.
I like your lifestyle,adventure recharges the mind.Beautiful country,thanks
Beautiful, polished video as always!
Agreed, I love my 400mm f2.8 TC!
Love your travel vlogging Matt!!
Nice lens and I hope your hand get better. Great video!
My favourite Nikon lens is my 400mm f/2.8E FL and it’s got a lot in common with the Z mount lens, they cost a fortune! I can’t see me ever owning the Z mount version but I’m more than happy with my FL.
Enjoy!
I know the feeling of taking your expensive gear into a boat and hoping it'll be ok. In my case it was Tortuguero National Park in Costa Rica. "Expensive" is relative though, as in my case it was a D750 and Tamron 100-400 (though I think I also took the 18-35 and 24-120).
But the worst thing that happened to it was when I got caught in a downpour when I was on foot in Tortuguero. I put the gear away into my bag, and got the raincover out, but I think the water must have seeped in through my T-shirt anyway. So the bag and some of the gear was a bit wet. But nothing that a night in front of a fan would not fix. :)
Bhutan doesn't have a peacock, what you shot was some pheasant also looks like a Black/Malayan giant squirrel along with Ward's Trogon which indeed are rare and difficult to spot. You really should get field guides(birds and mammals) for the country you are visiting and going to shoot wildlife.
Great review plus a place to mark down for future trips 👍
My 2024 Tour: mattgranger.com/bhutan24
The shoulder(s) strap. What brand is that? Was thinking about buying one for my Z9 and tele for extended days out.
Wondering if I can ask you something. As said I went to Costa Rica, which was awesome. I used my D750 mainly in 3D tracking mode for wildlife. But I did get a significant number of shots with missed focus. Like a sloth in a tree where, even on the best shot, at 100% the eye is slightly off (not noticeable scaled down 50% though). I'm wondering what to do. I've heard 3D tracking might not be the best mode, but in the viewfinder I did see it was over the area with the eye. I'm wondering if I should stick with DSLR (maybe get a D850 - I think its AF points are smaller?) and maybe get a book or a guide to get the most out of the AF, or if it's worth it to jump to mirrorless.
If you’re going to copy and paste a comment, go to the effort of editing yourself
@@mattgranger Not sure what you mean but I appreciate that my question is perhaps too detailed and specific.
Great video - thanks Matt. In a previous video you indicated how good this lens is with the 2x TC but you seem to challenge that in this video. Has your thinking on it changed?
I have yet another video coming on that soon!
@@mattgranger awesome, looking forward to it. I'm saving my pennies for this on the basis that its basically 3 lenses in one...
When I photograph the sandhill cranes here in Florida with my Z8 it also struggles to find their eye. Even with the bird auto detection activated.
Great shots buddy ... great lens obviously !
wow you've to Bhutan! great review too.
Very nice! Many thanks for sharing. Cheers
Its very rare to see Bhutan from drone. Is it allowed now?
would you find. the 400 2.8 tc best for sports photography? been toying with purchase of it,,,,but finding good deals on the older /f mount...any opinions??
It is the best, but certainly you can find much cheaper options among the used models of old.
Beautiful shots. And yet another injury on the channel, people may think of photography as safe.....but for the coolest shots there's more risk than most would think.
where did you get that cap .... looks excellent!!
geni.us/kt507b
Yup, seems all Nikon cameras/lens combos do this. Sometimes taking your thumb off the back button focus & repressing will get it to hunt for focus again but you’re better off with a quick counter clockwise turn & then AF again. = More reliable with practice. In these times, you would think it could do it already & if the camera truly has subject detection, it would pick it up & stick to it,LIKE SONY & CANON DOES !!!
Hi
Do you have any problem at the sécurity check with the flash battery godox type ad400 ?
I am still wondering is this possible to travail with
Thanks
Search your airline and country - they will usually specify a maximum battery capacity limit.
I think a 400mm F2.8 TC would be my ultimate lens but has the ultimate sacrifices of cost, size and weight. I think my realistic lens that I would love would be a 400mm F4 (ideally with a 1.4TC). I reckon a 400mm F4 would be around 1.5Kg, small enough and light enough not to be a burden... but also, since TCs are actually good these days 560mm F5.6 and 800mm F8.
The 400 f4.5 sounds like the one for you then mate
While these long prime are excellent at what they can do/deliver.. price aside. They are just too huge and heavy to be use or carry around whole day or even half a day (3KG lens usually).. even worst if you had to hike or handheld it or lug it around with a tripod.. unless you get drove to doorstep everytime then that's fine.
I find the perfect balance when I receive my Sony 300GM. Cant say enough good things about it.. First it is alot smaller.. hence easier to pack. It is super lightweight (1.4KG) compare to tele zoom like 100-400 kinds and 400 prime in this case. It is also F2.8.. so it's quick then you could add tc 1.4 or 2.. it wont add much to the weight and now you have a very lightweight long prime. Only bad is if your mainly focus is bird.. lens is may not be quite long enough.. (600 F5.6 with TC x2 ) otherwise.. that thing just works and super lightweight.. really small lens.
I have not foud anything about the focal length at short distances. I don't know if Sony is controlling reviewers or if it's just random. Have you shot it close against another 300mm? Thanks.
This is killer!!!
I would rather take Nikon 120-300. Shame they did not make z-mount version but it should be great with an FTZ.
Very nice lens. Hard to compete with Z optics and built in TC though, imo.
Hope it would perform well with pro z cameras like Z8 - got mine a month ago, still testing its capabilities with f mount cameras & a tiny z50 ^^
Dream lens, but I really wish the TC was a 2x
Old photographers will be shocked to see someone walking around and taking hand-held photos with a 400mm f2.8 and a full body camera. The new lens is 850g lighter than the previous one with minimal impact on image quality and the Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 400mm f/2.8E FL ED VR is 800g less than the G version 1.6KG or close to 3.5 pounds. Also we have fantastic stabilization and high ISO capabilities.
What i am hearing is, I must be super strong with great technique.
hahaha
Did you get the Nikon Z9 repaired or a new replacement
Check it out ruclips.net/video/OJNbElHrJlw/видео.html
8:54 ;D great video btw! I would love to work with this lens^^
Being there is more valuable than any lens money can buy. We should probably spend money on trips before gear. With that said, fantastic photos. The contrast seems to be slightly lower than your video.
Agree!
Beutiful work. Nikkor glass is just awesome. If I had the resources, I'd buy a z9 and 400 2.8. But I think my wife would divorce me. Maybe someday.
My favourite is 3:54 😊
Hi Matt, did you need to get permission from authorities in Bhutan to shoot ? I visited Bhutan in Feb 2020 through the Indian Border with Bhutan in Assam and I was informed by the Bhutan personnel in the border check in that shooting with DSLR or big camera, lenses is not allowed for visitors! 😢 Though we did shoot a few images very cautiously so that no one could notice. By the way you are looking great, geared up with the long lens and the chest harness ❤
Not at all. The areas near Indian military bases can be sensitive, but generally it’s incredibly photo friendly as a country.
@@mattgranger that is good to know. Probably the border check in official casually replied to our query. We visited Gelufu town and Indian citizens actually don't need any passport to visit Bhutan. We had to just show our Voter Identity Cards issued by our Indian Government. Your trip encouraged me to visit once again 😊
Beautiful area!
Beautiful! I have lens envy.
The 400/2.8 is the only lens I use.
Nice intro Matt!
Clever money 71
180-400 F/4E TC1.4 always seems forgotten 😢
Not forgotten - its a good lens. But imo this is substantially better.
Oh, the 12 thousand dollar lens is your favorite....I'm just shocked!! Lol.
Nope... its $14,000
Cute.@@mattgranger
Muy lindo, pero su precio lo hace inaccesible para la mayoría de los mortales.
Not a fox, that is a dhole. much better spot.
Thanks mate.
You wouldn’t destroy a Z9! What are you talking about. 😅
ruclips.net/video/OJNbElHrJlw/видео.html
That’s what my comment was about…. Tongue in cheek. 😂
For some reason the sound is really bad.
sorry about that. was using DJI mic, and it was under my scarf at times.
also most expensive
It's good to know you can pair a $14k lens with a $4k body and get good results 😂 😅
If I had a $14k lens it would also be my favorite lens too. 😂 Currently making do with the $1800 180-600mm. But in all seriousness I can’t justify that cost being only a hobbyist.
hey hey hey... wait a minute.... it's a $5500 body haha.
@@mattgranger I actually consider the Z9 a bargain at $5500, considering most other DSLR flagships like the D6 usually cost $6500 and have no where near the capabilities of the Z9. Love my Z9!
@@mattgranger Love your videos, Matt and I'm long-time follower. You've come a long way from "That Nikon guy". Thanks for all you've taught me. I'm waiting for Z8 II to come out and force all the Z8 owners to dump theirs so I get one used. I finally purchased a Z6II to work alongside my D500 and D850 -- both of which I bought used.
Mine is on the way !! Hoping its worth the $20 000 Canadian
Ridiculous
That was not a fox.. It was a Dhole... A Wild dog species.