That's quite the lens! When hand holding, as opposed to tripod mounted, Moose Peterson and Steve Perry recommend spinning the foot out of the way, so that you have a larger area on the lens in contact with your hand. I thoroughly enjoy your videos. Thanks for sharing your experiences.
at 1:41 IT'S NOT plastic, it's carbon fibre, like a set of tripod legs, that's why so expensive, like fibreglass it has to be moulded into shape, thats where the cost comes in.
Awesome - that's a great price for that lens! Very interesting use of the 1.7x TC - never thought of that, but the on-sensor AF of the Z camera eliminates much of the classic issues of teleconverters.. Yeah, the lens hood replacement price is totally daft! There are a number of much cheaper folding alternatives if you really did want to replace it.
I would like a shorter lens hood just to protect the lens more than anything. The bigger one I have is light but tips it forward especially using the ftz+TC. Getting great results with the TC but then I take it off the best quality i've seen!
That is a fine bargain! I am still using the Nikon 200-500 5.6 f-mount on my Z9 with quite good results so I can imagine what you’re getting with such high spec glass. Looking forward to see some pictures on your Flickr group which I’m a member of.
@@russandloz I’m not laughing at you mate. I bought the 24-120 f/4 because it’s light and does what I want well enough. And then I bought the Plena. As heavy as the 70-200 f/2 which I didn’t buy because of its weight. Thing is, I don’t regret my decision one bit as between them I’ve got most of my needs covered. Well almost. There’s always the next best thing isn’t there?
Great choice, great price! My local store had the matching 600f4 for a similar price but I ummed and ahed for too long and it was gone! Those lenses are brilliant and I'm sure you will enjoy it.
Be carful of that lens hood fastener. They tend to break easily. Don’t over tighten. The 2.8 400mm is exceptional image quality perfect for nighttime sports and daytime too. Short for birds but doable with 1.7 extender. I’ve used it many years and it blows away the 100-400, and 180-600mm with smooth bokeh tack sharp images. The cost and weight are the obstacles to over come. A Monopod I found is the way to go. Love your banter ..keep up the good work..
I see that someone else mentioned the carbon fibre hood - which, as said, is the reason it is so expensive. And, as far as the lens cap, I've seen recommended just buying a plastic shower cap, and stretch around the end of the hood. Way cheaper, and takes up less room for storage!
@@russandloz Fair question - you can look at the price of an aluminum vs carbon fibre tripod, and see that carbon runs about twice the price. So, probably not worth 10 times the price of plastic, but there _is_ a lot of carbon fibre in this hood!
A monopod into a pouch on your belt, Manfrotto does one but you can use anything, takes the weight on your waist so your arms aren't carrying the load. Moto sports photographers do this a lot. You can pan with your body.
Nice video guys, thanks! I’ve have used Park cameras quite happily in the past but they and WEX are always the most expensive for new gear, unless you price match. I’m a huge fan of MPB whenever I buy used, which is very often. Maybe don’t look at MPB if you have just bought something 😂. Ps. I’m not sponsored, just honest...
Another option would be the 200mm f2 with the 1.7 teleconverter. A bit smaller overall.. and probably the same weight. 340mm at f 3.3 with the TC. This combo is very versatile and probably about the same as long as you get 1st version of the 200mm f2 lens. If you can shoot at 200mm at F2 it produces jaw dropping results. Just an idea. Congratulations on the new lens!
If the lens is dropped, with the lens hood on, the lens will survive. This is a great lens for 'isolation-style' portraits, like with an engagement session. In a location like gardens, the setting is discernible without being distracting, and the subject separation is special.
@@russandloz I had the 300mm f/2.8, the hood did not seem to change the balance significantly. Perhaps you're looking for excuses to put the dustbin in the dustbin? 🤣 Also, the lens isn't really designed to be handheld, it's designed to be used on a monopod or gimbal head. With a D4.
180-600 f5.6-6.3 will get you closer and be cheaper. If you’re spreading the cost and adding TC… Just get the 800f6.3pf Z mount glass is top notch in the telephoto lenses and the 800f6.3pf is the king of the wildlife photography. running tc for reach is not the way to go about things. TC is for magnification purposes. Focal length over distance dictates the subject size you are shooting. You’re always better off investing into the focal length you need than add the slop in with tc. Main issue with F glass is it’s crap at distances over 80-100m and it can’t control atmospheric diffraction at all. Saw that with my old 500f4G and even with my 500f4L. All that said - congratulations on the purchase. It’s a great lens regardless. Prior to 800f6.3 I shot with 500f4G and although a heavy beast that lens right conditions was astonishing.
800mm z lens is almost twice the price in the UK. Also last night I shot at 2.8 for an owl and it’s a beautifully clean image. But sure I’m good light it’s best to buy the focal length needed from the start
@@russandlozI’d be lying if I said I don’t want f2.8 aperture! It absolutely has its place and it is a very good lens. I guess my point is if you’re spending 3-4k (I know you got it for £2800 but usually they are a bit more expensive) for the f mount you are not that far away from the native glass that gets the job done. 600f6.3 is just about 4k, 800f6.3 can be found around 4.5-5k. Irregardless enjoy your series a lot and hope you get the most out of this lens! Looking forward to it! :-)
Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 400mm f/2.8G ED VR Lens for $2900 in my local camera store which is in good condition. I have the smaller version which is quite good also but the aperture does not quite match the 2.8. Have the Z 100-400mm & 180-600mm telephoto zooms. Cheers!
I bought a 400mm 2.8 E FL Like New- from KEH a couple of months ago. The images are incredible…. It’s a great Lens, lighter and better IQ than the G and every bit as good as the new Z400mm 2.8 TC. Enjoy!
yes. My eyes aren’t perfect but images at 1.4 are impossible to tell the difference. At 1.7, the differences are negligible. It almost seems that the image quality is better with the adapted Z mount than they are with an F mount.
@@tomredman745 Yes cetainly the focus and other issues are gone. Sports mode for focus seems to be the best. I sometimes use Normal on a tripod but not sure
Not sure if the lens hood is the same as the 600mm f4 FL, if it is be very careful of the screws around both ends as they often come undone. The 600 F4 FL is an amazing lens for sharpness though, however at 3.8Kg it is not light.
@@russandloz it’s not light but compared to the 400mm E FL it’s a feather 😂. It’s not going for really long hikes but for what I do, it’s light enough.
Wow Superb! Just out of interest why didnt you go for 800mm F/5.6 Vr version? almost same price ? To get Barn owl that far wouldn't that be handy with 1.25TC included in the lens? Anyhow you already had 400 Z version with you. You need a bigger reach!
Crazy for a lens hood, do you know anybody with a 3D printer? Got to admit at that price I'd rather go down to B&Q, get a piece of plastic pipe and a roll of duct tape!
Do not use alcohol, it will cause discolouring. It could also cause separation of the material fibres. Get some "Goo-Gone" or similar product, usually citrus based, meant for removing sticky glue remnants.
@@ItsWillLee lol rubbing alcohol is one of the safest things you can use on carbon fibre. Go google it before “factual” making statements like the above one.
That's quite the lens! When hand holding, as opposed to tripod mounted, Moose Peterson and Steve Perry recommend spinning the foot out of the way, so that you have a larger area on the lens in contact with your hand.
I thoroughly enjoy your videos. Thanks for sharing your experiences.
For some reason my hand prefers holding it by the tripod mount handle. Seems to get weak quickly having it in my palm. But thanks I’ll try it
That's awesome, congratulations. Looking forward to the full review and pics
"stop stroking it like that" LMAO! that should be on a t-shirt. 🤣
Maybe ‘start’ instead of stop!
at 1:41 IT'S NOT plastic, it's carbon fibre, like a set of tripod legs, that's why so expensive, like fibreglass it has to be moulded into shape, thats where the cost comes in.
Aren’t carbon fibre tripods relatively cheap though? In some cases?
@@russandloz no, not when compared to Aluminium legs.
Awesome - that's a great price for that lens! Very interesting use of the 1.7x TC - never thought of that, but the on-sensor AF of the Z camera eliminates much of the classic issues of teleconverters..
Yeah, the lens hood replacement price is totally daft! There are a number of much cheaper folding alternatives if you really did want to replace it.
I would like a shorter lens hood just to protect the lens more than anything. The bigger one I have is light but tips it forward especially using the ftz+TC. Getting great results with the TC but then I take it off the best quality i've seen!
That is a fine bargain! I am still using the Nikon 200-500 5.6 f-mount on my Z9 with quite good results so I can imagine what you’re getting with such high spec glass. Looking forward to see some pictures on your Flickr group which I’m a member of.
The 200-500 is a very good lens. The weight put me off. Now I have a heavier one! lol
@@russandloz I’m not laughing at you mate. I bought the 24-120 f/4 because it’s light and does what I want well enough. And then I bought the Plena. As heavy as the 70-200 f/2 which I didn’t buy because of its weight. Thing is, I don’t regret my decision one bit as between them I’ve got most of my needs covered. Well almost. There’s always the next best thing isn’t there?
Great choice, great price! My local store had the matching 600f4 for a similar price but I ummed and ahed for too long and it was gone! Those lenses are brilliant and I'm sure you will enjoy it.
Be carful of that lens hood fastener. They tend to break easily. Don’t over tighten. The 2.8 400mm is exceptional image quality perfect for nighttime sports and daytime too. Short for birds but doable with 1.7 extender. I’ve used it many years and it blows away the 100-400, and 180-600mm with smooth bokeh tack sharp images. The cost and weight are the obstacles to over come. A Monopod I found is the way to go. Love your banter ..keep up the good work..
With a monopod isn't it hard to go low with it, as it's often better for composition to be lower?
My 180-600 is sharper than my ex 500 mm F4 VR
@@Mr09260 g version or E version?
@@russandlozit’s not perfect for low shots, but does collapsing to knee height. But does stabilize the heavy lens for prolonged shots in the field.
I see that someone else mentioned the carbon fibre hood - which, as said, is the reason it is so expensive. And, as far as the lens cap, I've seen recommended just buying a plastic shower cap, and stretch around the end of the hood. Way cheaper, and takes up less room for storage!
Is carbon fibre that expensive? To justify the cost
@@russandloz Fair question - you can look at the price of an aluminum vs carbon fibre tripod, and see that carbon runs about twice the price. So, probably not worth 10 times the price of plastic, but there _is_ a lot of carbon fibre in this hood!
Tip? - Get a red dot and put it on the camera. Suddenly you will have a much higher success rate in finding those creatures you want to photograph.
A monopod into a pouch on your belt, Manfrotto does one but you can use anything, takes the weight on your waist so your arms aren't carrying the load. Moto sports photographers do this a lot. You can pan with your body.
Nice video guys, thanks! I’ve have used Park cameras quite happily in the past but they and WEX are always the most expensive for new gear, unless you price match. I’m a huge fan of MPB whenever I buy used, which is very often. Maybe don’t look at MPB if you have just bought something 😂. Ps. I’m not sponsored, just honest...
ive got the nikon 300mm f2.8 vr don't use it a lot but when I do the results are great , I am sure you will love this lens
I am so far. The weight can be tricky but finding ways as it’s worth it’s capability
@@russandloz I use gitzo mono pod gm5561T got it used off eBay for about £120
Congratulations! HAPPY shooting!
A 50/50 mix of isopropyl alcohol and water, and a bit of gentle elbow grease will get that sticker off.
The lens hood is the same price for my Nikon 1 J5 & V3 Mirrorless Cameras with two lenses. Cheers!
Another option would be the 200mm f2 with the 1.7 teleconverter. A bit smaller overall.. and probably the same weight. 340mm at f 3.3 with the TC. This combo is very versatile and probably about the same as long as you get 1st version of the 200mm f2 lens. If you can shoot at 200mm at F2 it produces jaw dropping results. Just an idea. Congratulations on the new lens!
Yeah sounds good but not long enough reach. I can now go 400mm to 680mm with the 1.7TC. From 2.8 to 4.7!
the VR sport mode is for panning it work for up and down movement
Great lens and i use a flat folding velcro lens hood that attached to the front of the lens. Leave the proper lens cover at home when travelling
Nice. What brand is it?
@@russandloz Rolanpro Lens Hood Telephoto Lens Folding Hood for Canon Nikon Sony Sigma Tamron 400mm f/2.8, 600mm f/4, 800mm f/5.6 SLR (L)- Waterproof
I would walk with my family around Magic Kingdom with that set up , just to see reactions from people and make a yt video out of it.
Yeah i do get some funny looks from civilians lol
If the lens is dropped, with the lens hood on, the lens will survive.
This is a great lens for 'isolation-style' portraits, like with an engagement session. In a location like gardens, the setting is discernible without being distracting, and the subject separation is special.
Yes that’s true. Helps with lens glare too. But it does imbalance it a bit handholding. Would I could get a smaller lighter one
@@russandloz I had the 300mm f/2.8, the hood did not seem to change the balance significantly. Perhaps you're looking for excuses to put the dustbin in the dustbin? 🤣
Also, the lens isn't really designed to be handheld, it's designed to be used on a monopod or gimbal head. With a D4.
@@UnconventionalReasoning The most expensive dust bin! Yeah it is only just handholdable. I like to use fence posts for a leaning breather.
@@russandloz The dust bin has saved my lens once.
Nice lens , well done 👍
I might give the next video a miss if it involves a camouflage suit 😱
lol, I've got a new cameo hoody which is much cooler, though it's gone really hot here in the UK so might not wear it!
You wouldn’t be able to see it anyway 😬🤷♂️
180-600 f5.6-6.3 will get you closer and be cheaper. If you’re spreading the cost and adding TC… Just get the 800f6.3pf Z mount glass is top notch in the telephoto lenses and the 800f6.3pf is the king of the wildlife photography. running tc for reach is not the way to go about things. TC is for magnification purposes. Focal length over distance dictates the subject size you are shooting. You’re always better off investing into the focal length you need than add the slop in with tc. Main issue with F glass is it’s crap at distances over 80-100m and it can’t control atmospheric diffraction at all. Saw that with my old 500f4G and even with my 500f4L.
All that said - congratulations on the purchase. It’s a great lens regardless. Prior to 800f6.3 I shot with 500f4G and although a heavy beast that lens right conditions was astonishing.
800mm z lens is almost twice the price in the UK. Also last night I shot at 2.8 for an owl and it’s a beautifully clean image. But sure I’m good light it’s best to buy the focal length needed from the start
@@russandlozI’d be lying if I said I don’t want f2.8 aperture! It absolutely has its place and it is a very good lens. I guess my point is if you’re spending 3-4k (I know you got it for £2800 but usually they are a bit more expensive) for the f mount you are not that far away from the native glass that gets the job done. 600f6.3 is just about 4k, 800f6.3 can be found around 4.5-5k.
Irregardless enjoy your series a lot and hope you get the most out of this lens! Looking forward to it! :-)
Definitely a monopod for long use, even a gimbal.
I like to go lower when I do find something as its better composition and might give me an extra second
Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 400mm f/2.8G ED VR Lens for $2900 in my local camera store which is in good condition. I have the smaller version which is quite good also but the aperture does not quite match the 2.8. Have the Z 100-400mm & 180-600mm telephoto zooms. Cheers!
I got a great price then!
I bought a 400mm 2.8 E FL Like New- from KEH a couple of months ago. The images are incredible…. It’s a great Lens, lighter and better IQ than the G and every bit as good as the new Z400mm 2.8 TC. Enjoy!
Have you used any tc’s with it?
yes. My eyes aren’t perfect but images at 1.4 are impossible to tell the difference. At 1.7, the differences are negligible. It almost seems that the image quality is better with the adapted Z mount than they are with an F mount.
@@tomredman745 Yes cetainly the focus and other issues are gone. Sports mode for focus seems to be the best. I sometimes use Normal on a tripod but not sure
Not sure if the lens hood is the same as the 600mm f4 FL, if it is be very careful of the screws around both ends as they often come undone. The 600 F4 FL is an amazing lens for sharpness though, however at 3.8Kg it is not light.
@@iannewell7304 I would have gone for the 600f4 but couldn’t find a deal. It was twice the price as I found
That's a steal.
😂😂😂 that’s a nonsense, it’s a plastic hood! When I win the lottery I’m buying a 400 2.8 z but until then wow that’s a bargain. Great buy 👍😀
Wonder if I could sell it lol
This is my main sports photography lens used with my Z9 but I found it too hard to hike with for wildlife due to the weight.
Yes I can wander for a bit but I’ll guess I’ll end up keeping my 400 4.5. Don’t find it better on Sports mode or Normal on a tripod?
@@russandloz I got the 180-600mm for my wildlife treks now and keeping the 400mm E for sports. How do you find the 1.7x TC? I only have 1.4x
@@donovanchin The 180-600 is over 2kg, is that manageable for long periods? The 1.7 seems amazing, probably as the 400 lens is so good to start with
@@russandloz it’s not light but compared to the 400mm E FL it’s a feather 😂. It’s not going for really long hikes but for what I do, it’s light enough.
Wow Superb! Just out of interest why didnt you go for 800mm F/5.6 Vr version? almost same price ? To get Barn owl that far wouldn't that be handy with 1.25TC included in the lens? Anyhow you already had 400 Z version with you. You need a bigger reach!
This 400 is a 2.8 so amazing low light and is a 800mm with the 2x. But I’m finding the 1.7 gives me 680mm 4.8!
Crazy for a lens hood, do you know anybody with a 3D printer? Got to admit at that price I'd rather go down to B&Q, get a piece of plastic pipe and a roll of duct tape!
I reckon a bit of rubbing alcohol will get those sticker residues off...
Then I’ll sell it lol
Do not use alcohol, it will cause discolouring. It could also cause separation of the material fibres.
Get some "Goo-Gone" or similar product, usually citrus based, meant for removing sticky glue remnants.
@@ItsWillLee lol rubbing alcohol is one of the safest things you can use on carbon fibre. Go google it before “factual” making statements like the above one.
Im very interested in a review of this lens
@@adriannowak485 Thinking of getting one?