HDR tone mapping in this video went really wrong, especially with Chelsea or both of you in the front and the sky in the back - the sky blows out and hurts my eyes :)
@@LavricSorin There's no way they filmed this with an iPhone, definitely with a wide aperture though without the proper ND filter setting. With such a lovey scenic background they should have shot 5.6 or F/8 at 1/250
I noticed the marsh area but not the sky. Too focused on the info & them talking but I’m not like most others, little slower & pretty much only see out of the left eye.
Quick question regarding the EVF. Live exposure accuracy? I know you can adjust the EVF brightness so how does that work? Also, is one of these cameras do it better than the others? I seen in a vid that nNikon’s EVF Live View doesn’t go below f5.6, is this true? Thanks for any replies.
I shoot the A1 with 600 GM and my wife the Z9 with 600 TC.Such a delight to compare these 2 systems.I must admit the TC in the Nikon is a real practical advantage.However , the critical AF performance of the A1 is better than the Z9.I tested this yesterday while shooting Jackdaws at 50-70 m distance: all photos on the A1 are in focus while on the Z9 it’s more of hit and miss story.I prefer the Sony system.The 600 GM lens is ergonomically better usable in the hand than the Nikon TC which is thicker.
Man. Cameras have come so far. Based on y’all and a couple others, I bought my 7Dmk2 many years ago. It still works amazing for what I do. 30fps for raws (even 20) is basically movie levels of FPS. That’s insane
honestly, it's NOT needed it's just a pissing contest for the brand manufacturers now. Shooting sports, you only need about 8FPS on average and your skills will get you better results than the "photographers" that spray and pray!
@@TigaWould Yup agreed 100%. It's marketing to promote FOMO. I shot with the best action camera in the world for 12 years (Canon 1D Mark III) and it shot at 10 fps. It was laughable hearing that thing buzz through a burst. It was so fast I'd actually dial the speed down for most things. And for sports I never missed a shot due to the 10 fps (I'd only miss due to my own mistakes or the AF might miss).
Just got back from 3 months doing wildlife photography in Africa with my Z9 and 100-400mm lens. It's a beast and I got a lot of very nice shots. The lens is pretty light so I enjoyed that over last time when I had a 500mm f4 that was pretty bulky. The only thing I still want is pre-capture in raw, even if it was only 5-10fps, that would be fine.
I use the Z9 with Nikon's 400mm f2.8 that also includes the built-in teleconverter. I use it for both stills and video. The Nikon 2x converter works very well with this set up, even when I add the built-in converter for a total of 1120x. I love the fast aperture which is often needed for nature. So even with the 2x converter on I get 800mm at f5.6.
in my experience using the 2x TC and the 1,4 TC results in a drastic quality decrease and the result is usually worse than cropping ind. Using both 1,4 TCs is much better and resembles using the 2,0 TC.
@@reinhardwilting7996 I rarely use the built in TC with the 2x, usually only for things like a full moon. My go to for birds is the 2x and this is mostly for video where I have not seen a significant quality decrease. Even stills with just the 2x have been satisfactory for me, good enough to be accepted by my stock agencies. But I will try your idea of 1.4x with built in TC.
I have also the Nikon Z9 , but I have bought the 800 mm F6.3 , that lens is superlight and super sharp The Nikon Z 600 mm F4 is a dream lens but also very expensive , difference in price between the 600 F4 and the 800 F6.3 is more than 10.000 Euro's in the Netherlands
I wonder why Canon does not include a switchable TC in their big white lenses. I think they even started this thing with the EF 200-400 f4 which included a 1,4 TC that you could activate by the flick of a switch just like the Nikon can do. In reality it probably does not make too much sense on a 600 f4 because you could just as easily crop with a high megapixel camera. Which brings up the question why nobody offers a 100MP Camera that has crop modes and pixel binning modes. Even smartphones now go up to 200 MP!
Where's the OM-1 Mii with the 150-400? I suppose if you want to spend as much as this costs just for a Sony camera body, you can go that route. But people tend to underestimate M43.
Mission is already accomplished... m4/3 is destroyed after 10 years constant format attacks, and now post-actions are underway, what is just ignore it and slide it to the past like it never existed and it was never there....
We recently did a detailed roundup that included that combo. It's great, but didnt hang with these bodies because there's no high megapixel Olympus camera.
@@TonyAndChelsea I appreciate your response. I certainly didn't expect it! I'm just a random commenter. lol That is my only real complaint as well. I have the OM-1 Mi and would love to see another 10MP at this point. The pro glass from Olympus could resolve at that resolution. So I think it would hold up well. Why it's so difficult to get a true bump in M43 resolution is frustrating. I've used the G9ii as well. It's not enough of a difference to be noticeable when compared to 20MP. There are also pros and cons to the type of sensor Panasonic used when compared to OMDS. Anyway, 30MP is kind of a low bar these days and shouldn't be asking too much.
@@TonyAndChelsea I also wanted to note that with as much as I hike where weight is a concern, I opt for the lighter system. It's just there are times where having more MP would be nice. I love the compact size and quality of glass you can get. It's not enough to always make up for resolution though. Yet, once you're invested in something... lol
Same, I was a Canon shooter originally and moved to the Z9 just jumped ship back to Canon again. I find the Canon R5 II AF light years above the Z9. Z9 had triple back button focus for wildlife but it was really hit and miss.
I think we'll see a Z9 II and A1 II around 2025-2026 I own a Z9 , I don't shoot wildlife but I do shoot sport better AF , pre-capture Raw , 30-40 FPS , and better viewfinder would be Instant buy for me ,though Rumers started talking about a new Dual mode sensor that can switch from Global to Normal stack on demand sounds interesting Plus some RED tech the Z9 II would be a beast! And the A1 II 50 MP global? who knows..
Nikon Z9's continuous shooting under high temperature is out of this world. I shot more than 10 minutes of 8k video in 40'C in direct sunlight to the point where the camera was too hot to hold and it kept shooting with no warning notifications
Well I take amazing pictures of birds in flight with my Canon R7 and 800mm f11. Sure it needs good light conditions but it is a fraction of the weight and a tiny fraction of the price of these setups. Since I am not shooting for National Geographic I am absolutely happy with my gear.
To the people struggling with the Canon Eyecontrol: Maybe try not using it as a permanent focus feature, but use it as a spot AF joystick instead. In Wildlifephotography there's many situations, where you wouldn't use the whole Area AF due to busy backgrounds that keep throwing off the cameras Detection. In that case I use Spot AF and have configured a button to jump that spot af to the part of the frame, where I am looking in the moment of the button press. I find that far more convenient than twiddeling the joystick with my thumb.
I’d be interested in more details on how to set this up. I’ll see if I can figure it out. So far, the eye control isn’t working well enough for me to leave on. I’ve not really practiced much with the camera. I had an R5 but the R5m2 is really quite different in many ways and I need to get out and learn how to use it better.
Doesn't Canon have a subject tracking point/box? The point/small box is in the center and once you center the subject to it and activate the tracking it will keep tracking the subject across the frame. There is no need for the joystick.
@@phelanwolf6747 You're right, they do have that option. But tracking is not always wanted. And the classic AF Spot often requires moving it for composition purposes.
I am happy with my Canon R7 and 200-400 1.4x for wildlife it is a great combo and I hope to buy R5 mark ii one day. I can even get away with an additional 1.4x and 2x making it a monster by shooting 1 higher stop than wide open. The old 200-400 has a large zoom ring and a flip 1.4x I can zoom in flight if I have to.
I had the Z8 and I have to say for song birds the AF is very inconsistent at best. The Sony AF on my a7CR is just stellar. I ended up selling my Z8 since I shoot lots of son birds and small birds. The Z8 is a great camera though.
Great video guys !! All cameras are winners here! I’m lucky to have both canon R5ii and Nikon Z9 and I love them both I had also Sony A1 before still is an amazing camera too.
Add me to the Nikon Z9. Firmware updates have been much needed since the rollout, and they aren't fluff. We have much more control over focus and detection. I do not like the look of Sony images, so I'm off that one; the Nikon lens is the best for me. It captures incredible image quality. However, if not for firmware updates, it would have been unlikely to have kept my Z9. I wonder about lenses, too. When I 1st bought my Nikon, the choices were minimal now, it is much better. Do the other models have a significant advantage?
I love the R5mark2 with the RF 200-800 for wildlife! This morning I was hanging out with Mark Smith, he was making Sony videos at Sebastian Inlet, Florida. Where I made some incredible photos of Osprey catching a Pompano at a distance.
Really happy with my R6ii and 200-800 zoom, I used to have a 400mm f/2.8 which I mostly used with a 1.4x extender but I've sold this off as the zoom is so much more versatile and just as sharp, I'd really like a pre-capture that's usable so hoping the R6iii has this as well as CF express cards and stacked sensor
I Have the R6 and EF 100-400 Mkii for surf/bodyboard. I need more reach with high shutter speed. I’m divided with a 600mm f4 and that little big gem 200-800mm. Since you have had both (however 400 f2.8 & 1.4 teleconverter is a 600mm f4) how do you compare them with a f9 800mm!?or 600mm f 8!?
@@alansach8437 yeah, I find it best for beaches, lakes and estuaries but it really shines when you're fairly close and then the magnification is hard to beat and it's very quick focusing usually. Such a great combination with the R6ii
I shoot Canon and I have the R5 as well as the R5m2. I’m glad the consensus is that Canon is catching up / caught up. Clearly I’m biased. The only thing I heard that sounded better was the built in teleconverter. That sounds like a big win.
Back in the day I heard that a couple of pros, who didn't take the time to learn how to use it properly, hated it, so it went back on the shelf. Too bad. Canon finally dusting it off is good news.
It’s awesome that Canon and Nikon are back in the game. Just remember not long ago, nobody thought they could catch up that fast. They did a great job and now we are in a situation where you really have a choice without making to many compromises.
yeah I thought it was hilarious that Nikon allowed that, but turnabout is fair play! I'm glad Nikon came out with the Z9 and Z8. I am looking forward to what they do with the Z7III!
@@TigaWould Nikon could offer it, because Nikon has the shortest focal plane and largest mount, which allows room for an adapter. If Canon or Sony _could_ take a Nikon lens, this whole video could have changed, by using the Nikon 600 TC on one of the others.
Canon registered many patents. One of these patents is a really cool idea. It's a teleconverter with 3 settings: Off, 1.4x and 2x. I just wish they would start producing these things!!!!!!!!!
Saw that, too. One problem with that approach is that the off setting (so 1.0x) is not clear air but needs to compensate for the increased distance to the sensor due to the TC being in place. Which means there will be some IQ degradation when used in the off position. This is different from a lens being designed from the get-go to have that clear space, where the TC can fit in when enabled.
Interesting review. I thought I might be enticed. I have a Lumix G9m2 with 100~400mm (800 equivalent) and 90mm olympus macro. And I wouldn't trade it for any of the expensive huge lenses being demo-ed here. Because wildlife is never nailed to the fence at the bottom of the garden. It lives way down by the beach, it lives over the muddy hill, it lives 5 miles from the nearest car park. My set up does all that these massive lenses and FF cameras might or might not do, and it does it handheld. Great video with animal / bird detection and you don't have to carry a tripod. Pre-burst settings. If 800mm isn't enough you can add extension tubes to take it to 1600. I can fit all of the above (and a standard 12~60) in a protective case 5" x 9" x 11" and run 15 miles with it in a backpack. It may struggle in lower light compared to FF but there is always post processing for reducing noise. And for a quarter of the price or less. How do you get those long lenses safely on and off an aeroplane? Yikes! Too much responsibility. Too much insurance. Too many terabytes.
Thanks for the great overview Chelsea and Tony. For those avid photographers who aren’t doing professional photography and neither can justify high $$$ gear, is there a next best recommendation. I use a Canon R7 and am very much into birding photography. Am looking for a good lens that would not break the bank for me. What can you suggest. Also what settings on an R7 would help with shooting hummingbirds. Thank you.
I understand your logic for the cameras you chose. Not fault there. I just wish the R3 would have been compared or do an update with the R1. I know, I know, 24 MP. but the DR and speed is better. I still reach for the R3 when I'm out trying to find some wildlife. ;)
@@pslaathaug Disagree, The R3 is an amazing camera for video too especially low light settings, the R1 is supposed to be even better than the r5ii despite the fact that it wont be able to shoot 8k
@@hawaiifreespeechnews yes, you are correct the R3 does have better DR. I'm guessing the R1 will too. When you weigh the cost r5m2, and features its a better all around choice IMHO.
I lust after these cameras for wildlife photography. However, this video has made me appreciate my Fujifilm X-H2s more with 40fps, minimal rolling shutter with RAW pre-capture. The subject detection is a fantastic feature that I use all the time. The built in teleconverter is however a fantastic option on Nikon.
Hmmm the Nikon, ok it has less FPS but because of the buffer+2 CF Express, in a long burst might bring home 'more' shots (@ 20fps) than the Sony or Canon. And then there is the lens... that inbuilt TC is indeed a Killer. Period. Hard to beat additional 240mm to your 600mm at flick of a button, really...
Very few of us can do more than dream of owning big fast glass. Even my Canon RF200-800 is more expensive than most people can afford, yet is a bargain compared to a used 600mm's price. I'd love the same review, but using more affordable mid-level lenses.
Hi both, great video. Think it will be a long time before I could afford such gear 😅. Apologies, but think your HDR messed up bit. Very simple way of editing HDR PQ footage is to simply change the timeline setting to REC709 (if using Premier Pro) it should automatically do the tonal mapping and you still have the HDR file if the industry makes the switch. 😊
The R5 ii is the jam. But it still does not have enough battery power to supply both autofocus motors adequate power on the 600 F4. So, the lens is only powered by one motor when using the R5 ii.
So according to 2024 sales, 60% of sales were full frames and 40% were aps-c and micro 4/3. Could you do a little bit more content about the smaller sensors? I love your content FYI.
Great video - unless I missed it you didn't compare image stabilisation for the setups with is important I think if you are hand holding for either video or for stills being shot in low light.
Hello! Quick question: I own a Canon R10 and I can not decide which lens to go with for just outdoors pictures of my kids and animals in nature. I am looking at the RF 18-150mm kit lens or the RF 55-210mm. Can anyone give me some good advice here? Thanks in advance!
Current shoot with an A7RIII, and looking to upgrade to an A7RV or bite the bullet to an A1. Will stay with Sony as, like Chelsea, love the 200-600 plus some other lens use in both landscape and wildlife. Holding me off is the next 'latest and greatest' as Sony is supposed to have a major announcement in 3 weeks on Nov 19th. Possible rumor is an upgraded A1 II (or an A7V). The big question is, with an A1 upgrade will they address the shortcomings noted in this video where the technology already exists in their less expensive models. Such as class leading eye focus (A7RV) and pre-exposure (A9). Time will tell as both the A1 and entry A7IV are about due an upgrade.
I would say foe the money the Nikon is the better deal starting at a lower price point, longer battery life, 2 -CFX cards, stacked sensor and the lens with a TC!! Yes I wish it had 30 FPS RAW, but 20 gets the job done for me. The option 60-120 FPS JPEG is nice and the firmware updates have been a big improvement on AF issues at the start.
Love my R5ii, precapture is amazing (now if only they’d let us turn it on/off with a button assignment). Can’t afford any of the big f4 primes , if I could I’d be jealous of the Nikon lens, that built in TC is genius. Great to see competitive offerings in this space , hopefully will drive innovation.
lol I’m shocked! Tony likes the Z9 y’all! That’s what I shoot with. But right now, I only own prime lenses. Next up is the 70-200. Wish that had a 2x or 1.4x built-in teleconverter. The trick with shorter primes is getting closer without spooking animals. And that can be sooo tough.
Isn’t canon working on an RF variable Teleconverter that goes from 0-2x that would be an alternate accessory for RF lenses ? They have made them built in the past with the 200-400 f4 and maybe that’s why the haven’t made the built in since ? 🤔
I'm using the Sony A9iii with the 200-600mm zoom. It does have pre-capture. I won't buy another camera without it. My guess is the A1ii will have pre-capture. As for rolling shutter...the A9iii has global shutter, so you will never, ever see it. So, the only real issue is whether 24 mp is enough. For me, it is, with rare exception.
Me too. This is a great video. I loved each series you published. And the basic point, whichever system you are already in, you can make it work today for great wildlife video which would have been very difficult with yesterday's technology.
Hi. I have a question, I hope you can help me. Does IBIS matter for photography ? Is IBIS so much help at shooting photos at night ??? I dont like to bring tripod with me. Thank you.
You guys really have something against Olympus/OM System, or they must have an injunction out against you because their kit is always missing from reviews etc and is used by a lot of wildlife photographers (including many full-time pros). You can't call this a proper wildlife comparison without the OM-1ii plus the 150-400 f4.5 (with built in x0.25 TC)...
Dude, they didn't brings A9III in "The BEST wildlife camera money can buy" video !!! And talk about lack of "pre-capture" function in Sony cameras, but that exact function is in A9III
@@TonyAndChelsea Agreed....but a video on "best wildlife" kit without including a major player format smacks of pandering to the FF devotees. But, you do avoid the inevitable flaming from the FF folk!
OM System does not make a comparable kit. They reviewed full frame cameras with 600/4 lenses. Unless OM System makes a 300 f/2 they have nothing comparable to offer.
Awesome comparison, thanks guys. - Would have been interesting, if you had added the a9m3 and z6iii. - I am watching this on an iPad Pro 13 M4. The clouds in the background are totally burnt out. Are you experimenting with HDR videos? 😉
For editing N-raw files in Final Cut, I've been using the Color Finale Transcoder 2 on my M3 Pro Macbook, which seems to work decently. That said I'm a Final Cut noobie, so I don't know if it is an elegant solution.
Built in TC WILL be in our future for many more long lenses. High cost OF current offerings indicates Nikon is recouping upfront capital costs for engineering & design to what must be a complicated technical achievement as Sony & Canon are not there YET. Once the business side catches up for Nikon’s engineering TC feat, they will deploy in additional lenses at a more reasonable upgrade cost. For birders, as you stated, the most significant development in a long time.
Pre-capture goes back pretty far. My Lumx G85 has it. I don't know if there was a Lumix before that with it. Have any of the more recent Lumix cameras continued it? The S5iiX?
Why no Om1 and 150-400 f4.5? And also mabye the fuji x-h2s? I would say that especially the Om1 is a fierce Competitor. Especially because of its size. And yes, it has only 20MP, but with that lens you get to 1000mm FF equiv. So if you crop to that focal length, your 50MP as an advantage are long gone.
Sorry, I noticed a little popup note about waiting for a Canon 200-800mm? Still? I was under the impression that there is no waiting. I was able to order mine in Feb 2024 and got it delivered a week later in Canada. What is going on with Canon US? Seems regionally Canon should be concerned of taking care of their US market as a basic rule for good business practice.
I find it a bit odd how photographers change gear and brands so rapidly, first they were using the Canon R5 setup, now they are using Sony and Nikon, I can't keep up. I've been using Canon since 2002 & have stuck with it since I get good results. I know of a few people who do the same, but I find it difficult to have to take a loss on gear to purchase new especially with the Big White Prime Lenses. I guess some people have that luxury. I also heard that Canon is coming out with at least one new lens with the built in selectable teleconverter.
we should also point out that they are still much more expensive than the R5 II. Huge win for the Canon. Yes, the built-in converter is the thing where Nikon hits back a little and is strongest.
@@TonyAndChelsea Interesting choice. However for any action in wildlife FPS is the primary point. If it is to take portraits of birds, I would go with the choice of megapixel.
HDR tone mapping in this video went really wrong, especially with Chelsea or both of you in the front and the sky in the back - the sky blows out and hurts my eyes :)
Yeah it looked like a Samsung TV demo!
Most likely they use iPhone 16 or some new action camera. It is really annoying
@@LavricSorin There's no way they filmed this with an iPhone, definitely with a wide aperture though without the proper ND filter setting. With such a lovey scenic background they should have shot 5.6 or F/8 at 1/250
I noticed the marsh area but not the sky. Too focused on the info & them talking but I’m not like most others, little slower & pretty much only see out of the left eye.
Quick question regarding the EVF. Live exposure accuracy? I know you can adjust the EVF brightness so how does that work? Also, is one of these cameras do it better than the others? I seen in a vid that nNikon’s EVF Live View doesn’t go below f5.6, is this true? Thanks for any replies.
If you can get a hold of any of this gear, you'd be happy no matter what. Great review as always
I shoot the A1 with 600 GM and my wife the Z9 with 600 TC.Such a delight to compare these 2 systems.I must admit the TC in the Nikon is a real practical advantage.However , the critical AF performance of the A1 is better than the Z9.I tested this yesterday while shooting Jackdaws at 50-70 m distance: all photos on the A1 are in focus while on the Z9 it’s more of hit and miss story.I prefer the Sony system.The 600 GM lens is ergonomically better usable in the hand than the Nikon TC which is thicker.
Man. Cameras have come so far. Based on y’all and a couple others, I bought my 7Dmk2 many years ago. It still works amazing for what I do. 30fps for raws (even 20) is basically movie levels of FPS. That’s insane
honestly, it's NOT needed it's just a pissing contest for the brand manufacturers now. Shooting sports, you only need about 8FPS on average and your skills will get you better results than the "photographers" that spray and pray!
@@TigaWould Yup agreed 100%. It's marketing to promote FOMO. I shot with the best action camera in the world for 12 years (Canon 1D Mark III) and it shot at 10 fps. It was laughable hearing that thing buzz through a burst. It was so fast I'd actually dial the speed down for most things. And for sports I never missed a shot due to the 10 fps (I'd only miss due to my own mistakes or the AF might miss).
Just got back from 3 months doing wildlife photography in Africa with my Z9 and 100-400mm lens. It's a beast and I got a lot of very nice shots. The lens is pretty light so I enjoyed that over last time when I had a 500mm f4 that was pretty bulky. The only thing I still want is pre-capture in raw, even if it was only 5-10fps, that would be fine.
I use the Z9 with Nikon's 400mm f2.8 that also includes the built-in teleconverter. I use it for both stills and video. The Nikon 2x converter works very well with this set up, even when I add the built-in converter for a total of 1120x. I love the fast aperture which is often needed for nature. So even with the 2x converter on I get 800mm at f5.6.
in my experience using the 2x TC and the 1,4 TC results in a drastic quality decrease and the result is usually worse than cropping ind. Using both 1,4 TCs is much better and resembles using the 2,0 TC.
@@reinhardwilting7996 I rarely use the built in TC with the 2x, usually only for things like a full moon. My go to for birds is the 2x and this is mostly for video where I have not seen a significant quality decrease. Even stills with just the 2x have been satisfactory for me, good enough to be accepted by my stock agencies. But I will try your idea of 1.4x with built in TC.
I have also the Nikon Z9 , but I have bought the 800 mm F6.3 , that lens is superlight and super sharp The Nikon Z 600 mm F4 is a dream lens but also very expensive , difference in price between the 600 F4 and the 800 F6.3 is more than 10.000 Euro's in the Netherlands
What’s a teleconverter?
I wonder why Canon does not include a switchable TC in their big white lenses. I think they even started this thing with the EF 200-400 f4 which included a 1,4 TC that you could activate by the flick of a switch just like the Nikon can do. In reality it probably does not make too much sense on a 600 f4 because you could just as easily crop with a high megapixel camera. Which brings up the question why nobody offers a 100MP Camera that has crop modes and pixel binning modes. Even smartphones now go up to 200 MP!
Preburst mode for butterflies in flight is a game changer
It may seem like a game changer the problem is ai is making skills redundant as a photographer..you need to be in control👎
Fuji x-t3 from 7 years ago has pre shot af burst thing and it works great lol
Where's the OM-1 Mii with the 150-400? I suppose if you want to spend as much as this costs just for a Sony camera body, you can go that route. But people tend to underestimate M43.
Mission is already accomplished... m4/3 is destroyed after 10 years constant format attacks, and now post-actions are underway, what is just ignore it and slide it to the past like it never existed and it was never there....
@@paristo Y'all sound a little desparate. Maybe justifying massive weight and cost of FF rigs?
We recently did a detailed roundup that included that combo. It's great, but didnt hang with these bodies because there's no high megapixel Olympus camera.
@@TonyAndChelsea I appreciate your response. I certainly didn't expect it! I'm just a random commenter. lol
That is my only real complaint as well. I have the OM-1 Mi and would love to see another 10MP at this point. The pro glass from Olympus could resolve at that resolution. So I think it would hold up well. Why it's so difficult to get a true bump in M43 resolution is frustrating. I've used the G9ii as well. It's not enough of a difference to be noticeable when compared to 20MP. There are also pros and cons to the type of sensor Panasonic used when compared to OMDS. Anyway, 30MP is kind of a low bar these days and shouldn't be asking too much.
@@TonyAndChelsea I also wanted to note that with as much as I hike where weight is a concern, I opt for the lighter system. It's just there are times where having more MP would be nice. I love the compact size and quality of glass you can get. It's not enough to always make up for resolution though. Yet, once you're invested in something... lol
Had a Nikon and switched to Canon R5mkii. Its fantastic. Thanks for the review and all you all do.
Same, I was a Canon shooter originally and moved to the Z9 just jumped ship back to Canon again. I find the Canon R5 II AF light years above the Z9. Z9 had triple back button focus for wildlife but it was really hit and miss.
Thanks for this great video review. I use a Z9 with a Z 800mm f/6.3 PF lens and couldn't be happier.
I think we'll see a Z9 II and A1 II around 2025-2026
I own a Z9 , I don't shoot wildlife but I do shoot sport better AF , pre-capture Raw , 30-40 FPS , and better viewfinder would be Instant buy for me ,though Rumers started talking about a new Dual mode sensor that can switch from Global to Normal stack on demand sounds interesting Plus some RED tech the Z9 II would be a beast!
And the A1 II 50 MP global? who knows..
Nikon Z9's continuous shooting under high temperature is out of this world. I shot more than 10 minutes of 8k video in 40'C in direct sunlight to the point where the camera was too hot to hold and it kept shooting with no warning notifications
Wow, that's amazing ❤🎉
Sony does have pre-capture on A9 III, right? megapixels vs frames per second... hmmmmmm
Well I take amazing pictures of birds in flight with my Canon R7 and 800mm f11. Sure it needs good light conditions but it is a fraction of the weight and a tiny fraction of the price of these setups. Since I am not shooting for National Geographic I am absolutely happy with my gear.
Yikes. Ya might need to move to a planet with two suns.
@@MattMurddock yep Tatooine here I come!
It is a great camera. Every now and again you get hit with the wobble beast (rolling shutter), but it's not nearly as bad as some make it out to be.
To the people struggling with the Canon Eyecontrol:
Maybe try not using it as a permanent focus feature, but use it as a spot AF joystick instead. In Wildlifephotography there's many situations, where you wouldn't use the whole Area AF due to busy backgrounds that keep throwing off the cameras Detection. In that case I use Spot AF and have configured a button to jump that spot af to the part of the frame, where I am looking in the moment of the button press. I find that far more convenient than twiddeling the joystick with my thumb.
I’d be interested in more details on how to set this up. I’ll see if I can figure it out. So far, the eye control isn’t working well enough for me to leave on. I’ve not really practiced much with the camera. I had an R5 but the R5m2 is really quite different in many ways and I need to get out and learn how to use it better.
Doesn't Canon have a subject tracking point/box? The point/small box is in the center and once you center the subject to it and activate the tracking it will keep tracking the subject across the frame. There is no need for the joystick.
@@phelanwolf6747 You're right, they do have that option. But tracking is not always wanted. And the classic AF Spot often requires moving it for composition purposes.
I have not switched to mirror-less because I just love my Canon EF 200-400 F4L with the build-in 1.4x.
I am happy with my Canon R7 and 200-400 1.4x for wildlife it is a great combo and I hope to buy R5 mark ii one day. I can even get away with an additional 1.4x and 2x making it a monster by shooting 1 higher stop than wide open. The old 200-400 has a large zoom ring and a flip 1.4x I can zoom in flight if I have to.
I had the Z8 and I have to say for song birds the AF is very inconsistent at best. The Sony AF on my a7CR is just stellar. I ended up selling my Z8 since I shoot lots of son birds and small birds. The Z8 is a great camera though.
The setup that works for me Sony a6700 and Sony 200-600 giving me a total of 900mm and nowhere near 20K
This. A very underrated combo for sports and wildlife on a budget.
I’m running R7 with 100-400/200-800 which does the same
@@zegzbrutal r7 focus can not keep up i got rid of my r7
@@rumrill5020 my super budget setup is binocular + smartphone.
In good light anyway.
Preburst is a game changer. I use ythe EF 200-400 F4L with the built in TC. Sometimes I add a 1.4 for 800mm F8. It works.
Thanks for sharing, it’s always been a pleasure watching your videos 👍
you never show up in my timeline anymore. good to see you both
Great video guys !! All cameras are winners here! I’m lucky to have both canon R5ii and Nikon Z9 and I love them both I had also Sony A1 before still is an amazing camera too.
Add me to the Nikon Z9. Firmware updates have been much needed since the rollout, and they aren't fluff. We have much more control over focus and detection. I do not like the look of Sony images, so I'm off that one; the Nikon lens is the best for me. It captures incredible image quality. However, if not for firmware updates, it would have been unlikely to have kept my Z9. I wonder about lenses, too. When I 1st bought my Nikon, the choices were minimal now, it is much better. Do the other models have a significant advantage?
Those are "Pipe Dream" cameras for me. Thanks for sharing them just the same. You guys are so great!
I love the R5mark2 with the RF 200-800 for wildlife! This morning I was hanging out with Mark Smith, he was making Sony videos at Sebastian Inlet, Florida. Where I made some incredible photos of Osprey catching a Pompano at a distance.
Really happy with my R6ii and 200-800 zoom, I used to have a 400mm f/2.8 which I mostly used with a 1.4x extender but I've sold this off as the zoom is so much more versatile and just as sharp, I'd really like a pre-capture that's usable so hoping the R6iii has this as well as CF express cards and stacked sensor
I Have the R6 and EF 100-400 Mkii for surf/bodyboard. I need more reach with high shutter speed. I’m divided with a 600mm f4 and that little big gem 200-800mm. Since you have had both (however 400 f2.8 & 1.4 teleconverter is a 600mm f4) how do you compare them with a f9 800mm!?or 600mm f 8!?
@@joaovinagre2977 The RF 200-800mm all day especially for surf as generally the light is reasonable. You won't regret it
The 200-800 is an amazing tool. Sure, it's slow, but in the right conditions it is a beast!
@@alansach8437 yeah, I find it best for beaches, lakes and estuaries but it really shines when you're fairly close and then the magnification is hard to beat and it's very quick focusing usually. Such a great combination with the R6ii
1:18 Saying this with all due respect... Chelsea, we can tell you've been exercising, you look fantastic!
I shoot Canon and I have the R5 as well as the R5m2. I’m glad the consensus is that Canon is catching up / caught up. Clearly I’m biased. The only thing I heard that sounded better was the built in teleconverter. That sounds like a big win.
I had a Canon A2e with the eye focus to focus on what my eye was looking at. Glad to see them finnaly bring it back.
Back in the day I heard that a couple of pros, who didn't take the time to learn how to use it properly, hated it, so it went back on the shelf. Too bad. Canon finally dusting it off is good news.
It’s awesome that Canon and Nikon are back in the game. Just remember not long ago, nobody thought they could catch up that fast. They did a great job and now we are in a situation where you really have a choice without making to many compromises.
Sony catched up and Nikon is using their tech
@@airb1976they’re also about to announce the a1ii. They’re about to blow the competition out of the water for the second time.
Z9 is the KING. Amen.📸💪
The Z8/9 are just absolute beasts
Try the Nikon with the Sony lens using the Megadap EtZ21 pro. It’s great to get the feel and recapture.
yeah I thought it was hilarious that Nikon allowed that, but turnabout is fair play! I'm glad Nikon came out with the Z9 and Z8. I am looking forward to what they do with the Z7III!
@@TigaWould Nikon could offer it, because Nikon has the shortest focal plane and largest mount, which allows room for an adapter. If Canon or Sony _could_ take a Nikon lens, this whole video could have changed, by using the Nikon 600 TC on one of the others.
ive just got my 200-800mm rf lens and love it very impressed with focus speed and image quality youll love it !
Canon registered many patents. One of these patents is a really cool idea. It's a teleconverter with 3 settings: Off, 1.4x and 2x. I just wish they would start producing these things!!!!!!!!!
Saw that, too. One problem with that approach is that the off setting (so 1.0x) is not clear air but needs to compensate for the increased distance to the sensor due to the TC being in place. Which means there will be some IQ degradation when used in the off position. This is different from a lens being designed from the get-go to have that clear space, where the TC can fit in when enabled.
@@daran0815that’s not true.
@@bngr_bngrits true, its inevitable you’d get degradation with TCs. There’s no free lunch
Would be amazing!
Interesting review. I thought I might be enticed. I have a Lumix G9m2 with 100~400mm (800 equivalent) and 90mm olympus macro. And I wouldn't trade it for any of the expensive huge lenses being demo-ed here. Because wildlife is never nailed to the fence at the bottom of the garden. It lives way down by the beach, it lives over the muddy hill, it lives 5 miles from the nearest car park. My set up does all that these massive lenses and FF cameras might or might not do, and it does it handheld. Great video with animal / bird detection and you don't have to carry a tripod. Pre-burst settings. If 800mm isn't enough you can add extension tubes to take it to 1600. I can fit all of the above (and a standard 12~60) in a protective case 5" x 9" x 11" and run 15 miles with it in a backpack. It may struggle in lower light compared to FF but there is always post processing for reducing noise. And for a quarter of the price or less. How do you get those long lenses safely on and off an aeroplane? Yikes! Too much responsibility. Too much insurance. Too many terabytes.
Thanks for the great overview Chelsea and Tony. For those avid photographers who aren’t doing professional photography and neither can justify high $$$ gear, is there a next best recommendation. I use a Canon R7 and am very much into birding photography. Am looking for a good lens that would not break the bank for me. What can you suggest. Also what settings on an R7 would help with shooting hummingbirds. Thank you.
I understand your logic for the cameras you chose. Not fault there. I just wish the R3 would have been compared or do an update with the R1. I know, I know, 24 MP. but the DR and speed is better. I still reach for the R3 when I'm out trying to find some wildlife. ;)
I am so torn between the R3 and R5ii…
@JayP744 IMHO they are both great all around cameras. But the R3 is for sports. The r5m2 is for everything else.
@@pslaathaug Disagree, The R3 is an amazing camera for video too especially low light settings, the R1 is supposed to be even better than the r5ii despite the fact that it wont be able to shoot 8k
@@hawaiifreespeechnews yes, you are correct the R3 does have better DR. I'm guessing the R1 will too. When you weigh the cost r5m2, and features its a better all around choice IMHO.
I love keh . They based in atl and they are the best to work with fr
Off the subject but I just need to know- what camera do you use for your videos because they are SO CLEAR!!
Howdy Tony and Chelsea. Nice to see you. It's been years of watching your great vid. Pre Capture huh? Well, it's great.
I lust after these cameras for wildlife photography. However, this video has made me appreciate my Fujifilm X-H2s more with 40fps, minimal rolling shutter with RAW pre-capture. The subject detection is a fantastic feature that I use all the time. The built in teleconverter is however a fantastic option on Nikon.
Hmmm the Nikon, ok it has less FPS but because of the buffer+2 CF Express, in a long burst might bring home 'more' shots (@ 20fps) than the Sony or Canon. And then there is the lens... that inbuilt TC is indeed a Killer. Period. Hard to beat additional 240mm to your 600mm at flick of a button, really...
I thought the A9iii is the Sony sports/wildlife camera which has the pre-capture feature. You guys reviewed that camera didn’t you?
All 3 of these manufacturers top cameras, and lenses I can not afford !
So what is the cheaper alternative to 12-18k spend on high end camera gear ! ?
I have Sony A1 and NIkon Z9, and I find the picture in the Nikon viewfinder more pleasing to my eyes. Apparently, megapixel count is not everything.
Very few of us can do more than dream of owning big fast glass. Even my Canon RF200-800 is more expensive than most people can afford, yet is a bargain compared to a used 600mm's price. I'd love the same review, but using more affordable mid-level lenses.
Hi both, great video. Think it will be a long time before I could afford such gear 😅. Apologies, but think your HDR messed up bit. Very simple way of editing HDR PQ footage is to simply change the timeline setting to REC709 (if using Premier Pro) it should automatically do the tonal mapping and you still have the HDR file if the industry makes the switch. 😊
Appreciate the updated video!
The R5 ii is the jam. But it still does not have enough battery power to supply both autofocus motors adequate power on the 600 F4. So, the lens is only powered by one motor when using the R5 ii.
So according to 2024 sales, 60% of sales were full frames and 40% were aps-c and micro 4/3. Could you do a little bit more content about the smaller sensors? I love your content FYI.
Awsome video as always guys. That Sony EF 600mm F/4 is and A1 is a great combo for sports.
Great video - unless I missed it you didn't compare image stabilisation for the setups with is important I think if you are hand holding for either video or for stills being shot in low light.
Hello! Quick question: I own a Canon R10 and I can not decide which lens to go with for just outdoors pictures of my kids and animals in nature. I am looking at the RF 18-150mm kit lens or the RF 55-210mm. Can anyone give me some good advice here? Thanks in advance!
Fair comparison. thanks.
What about Fujifilm with Prime 500mm (750mm equivalent) & teleconverter (going up to 1500mm equivalent) ???
Current shoot with an A7RIII, and looking to upgrade to an A7RV or bite the bullet to an A1. Will stay with Sony as, like Chelsea, love the 200-600 plus some other lens use in both landscape and wildlife. Holding me off is the next 'latest and greatest' as Sony is supposed to have a major announcement in 3 weeks on Nov 19th. Possible rumor is an upgraded A1 II (or an A7V). The big question is, with an A1 upgrade will they address the shortcomings noted in this video where the technology already exists in their less expensive models. Such as class leading eye focus (A7RV) and pre-exposure (A9). Time will tell as both the A1 and entry A7IV are about due an upgrade.
It's obviously Nikon Z9 would be my first choice..❤🎉the picture quality, Teleconverter, robust body.. man, best deal, i would say.
If you want to do wildlife photography free hand, I recommend taking your kit and doing bicep curls with it. Big lenses will always weigh more.
Or use a harness system like I do, birds in flight no problem, all without the weight on your arms.
I would say foe the money the Nikon is the better deal starting at a lower price point, longer battery life, 2 -CFX cards, stacked sensor and the lens with a TC!! Yes I wish it had 30 FPS RAW, but 20 gets the job done for me. The option 60-120 FPS JPEG is nice and the firmware updates have been a big improvement on AF issues at the start.
Love my R5ii, precapture is amazing (now if only they’d let us turn it on/off with a button assignment). Can’t afford any of the big f4 primes , if I could I’d be jealous of the Nikon lens, that built in TC is genius. Great to see competitive offerings in this space , hopefully will drive innovation.
lol I’m shocked! Tony likes the Z9 y’all!
That’s what I shoot with. But right now, I only own prime lenses. Next up is the 70-200. Wish that had a 2x or 1.4x built-in teleconverter. The trick with shorter primes is getting closer without spooking animals. And that can be sooo tough.
Isn’t canon working on an RF variable Teleconverter that goes from 0-2x that would be an alternate accessory for RF lenses ? They have made them built in the past with the 200-400 f4 and maybe that’s why the haven’t made the built in since ? 🤔
There would have to be several optical elements at 0x. How does that effect performance?
How do you comfortably transport/carry these setup? Straps, harness, backpack etc...
Open question: why do I see the same topic (best wild life camera and/or lens) so often on this channel?
I'm using the Sony A9iii with the 200-600mm zoom. It does have pre-capture. I won't buy another camera without it. My guess is the A1ii will have pre-capture. As for rolling shutter...the A9iii has global shutter, so you will never, ever see it. So, the only real issue is whether 24 mp is enough. For me, it is, with rare exception.
This HDR video is pretty bright! 😁
Great comparison gang! Lovin the R5-2. Birds in still. Precapture creates a whole new BIF. And the AF much improved. My big issue...too many keepers!
What are the straps you are using? Recommendations?
those look custom
Nikon for life ☺️
Me too. This is a great video. I loved each series you published. And the basic point, whichever system you are already in, you can make it work today for great wildlife video which would have been very difficult with yesterday's technology.
I just sold all my large Nikon telephotos.
Not just for Christmas
Just switched from Canon to Nikon because of the great, unique lenses for wildlife photography.
Was this video created before the A9iii? Because Sony of course already has implemented pre-capture.
Not in the a1, and we use high megapixel cameras for wildlife.
Hi.
I have a question, I hope you can help me.
Does IBIS matter for photography ?
Is IBIS so much help at shooting photos at night ???
I dont like to bring tripod with me.
Thank you.
You guys really have something against Olympus/OM System, or they must have an injunction out against you because their kit is always missing from reviews etc and is used by a lot of wildlife photographers (including many full-time pros). You can't call this a proper wildlife comparison without the OM-1ii plus the 150-400 f4.5 (with built in x0.25 TC)...
Dude, they didn't brings A9III in "The BEST wildlife camera money can buy" video !!! And talk about lack of "pre-capture" function in Sony cameras, but that exact function is in A9III
We have thoroughly reviewed the Olympus gear in other videos.
@@TonyAndChelsea Agreed....but a video on "best wildlife" kit without including a major player format smacks of pandering to the FF devotees. But, you do avoid the inevitable flaming from the FF folk!
Different wildlife requires different gear, there’s no ‘best’
OM System does not make a comparable kit. They reviewed full frame cameras with 600/4 lenses. Unless OM System makes a 300 f/2 they have nothing comparable to offer.
Awesome comparison, thanks guys. - Would have been interesting, if you had added the a9m3 and z6iii. - I am watching this on an iPad Pro 13 M4. The clouds in the background are totally burnt out. Are you experimenting with HDR videos? 😉
to be fair Tony has z6iii derangement syndrome
20 thousand dollars to take pics of some ducks in the pond, quack quack. Ouch!
For editing N-raw files in Final Cut, I've been using the Color Finale Transcoder 2 on my M3 Pro Macbook, which seems to work decently. That said I'm a Final Cut noobie, so I don't know if it is an elegant solution.
Built in TC WILL be in our future for many more long lenses. High cost OF current offerings indicates Nikon is recouping upfront capital costs for engineering & design to what must be a complicated technical achievement as Sony & Canon are not there YET. Once the business side catches up for Nikon’s engineering TC feat, they will deploy in additional lenses at a more reasonable upgrade cost. For birders, as you stated, the most significant development in a long time.
Pre-capture goes back pretty far. My Lumx G85 has it. I don't know if there was a Lumix before that with it. Have any of the more recent Lumix cameras continued it? The S5iiX?
Why no Om1 and 150-400 f4.5? And also mabye the fuji x-h2s?
I would say that especially the Om1 is a fierce Competitor. Especially because of its size. And yes, it has only 20MP, but with that lens you get to 1000mm FF equiv. So if you crop to that focal length, your 50MP as an advantage are long gone.
Maybe we get a A1 ii soon and till then I'd think you should've selected a9iii as a wildlife camera for this shootout instead of the ageing a1.
The game will change with the Sony A1II in few months ?
Surprised your didn't get an R1 from Canon to test considering the cost of gear in this comparison.
Why you guys not using song A9 3 it has pre capture and global shutter
I’d take any of them…. all superb…. wonder when the a1 mkii will be released though…
Can I purchase the "I Shoot RAW" T-Shirt in your Merch Store?
Sorry, I noticed a little popup note about waiting for a Canon 200-800mm? Still? I was under the impression that there is no waiting. I was able to order mine in Feb 2024 and got it delivered a week later in Canada. What is going on with Canon US? Seems regionally Canon should be concerned of taking care of their US market as a basic rule for good business practice.
I dunno!
Have you experienced issues with the R5II pre-capture AF tracking?
When are we gonna get verbal commands for cameras?
Sony does have pre capture
Not the a1
@@TonyAndChelsea The A1ii will very, very likely have pre-capture.
All copied from Olympus/OM 😂
Let's not forget, that wit a1 at 30fps we have only compressed 12-bit RAWs
No shipping to Canada?
I find it a bit odd how photographers change gear and brands so rapidly, first they were using the Canon R5 setup, now they are using Sony and Nikon, I can't keep up. I've been using Canon since 2002 & have stuck with it since I get good results. I know of a few people who do the same, but I find it difficult to have to take a loss on gear to purchase new especially with the Big White Prime Lenses. I guess some people have that luxury. I also heard that Canon is coming out with at least one new lens with the built in selectable teleconverter.
KEH: How much funding do you need for this video?
Chelsea and Tony: yes
I use the one and only. NEF what else. 😉 Best regards from Siebengebierge ( Germany )
Hey Tony and Chelsea, went to keh to buy a1 and the code doesn’t work. Keh said it wasn’t good on that camera. Very misleading!
Ugh that sucks I'm sorry.
Z9 ans A1 are older generation than R5 mk2. Huge win for Nikon with that built-in TC, wish it was more common on lenses
we should also point out that they are still much more expensive than the R5 II. Huge win for the Canon. Yes, the built-in converter is the thing where Nikon hits back a little and is strongest.
On the day filming and shooting, how many “keepers” did you get to justify the premium price tags of those monsters?
why did you not add the new Sony A9 III with Global Shutter at 120 fps into this fight ?
We found high megapixels to be more valuable than 120 FPS: ruclips.net/video/wHj4pzNTsZs/видео.html
@@TonyAndChelsea Interesting choice. However for any action in wildlife FPS is the primary point. If it is to take portraits of birds, I would go with the choice of megapixel.