Becoming a Better Bird / Wildlife Photographer with the Nikon Z8 & 180 600mm Lens

[@joeyret.617]

Hi there, I own the exact same kit and strongly suggest putting a wrist strap on that lens and holding it always by the lens foot as the weight of that lens will warp your Z8 or 180-600mm mounting flange or both and will get a loosie twist feel when handing in the long run. With BIF I always use the Focusing box "wide L". In my "I" button, I setup to quickly change the focusing box for different scenarios like if the bird is behind heavy bush, I can switch it to spot focus. I set up CAF and MF override so If I need to, I can fine tune with manual focusing with focus peaking turned on. The other thing I can suggest is set up a Shoot A and Shoot B with settings for auto ISO (Shoot A) and ISO you can control with exposure compensation to the right 1-2 stops (Shoot B) for birds in flight that are consistently coming from one direction or static birds. If that Kite would consistently fly into the wind, I would Shoot in B mode that way I have proper exposure on the kite and then you can bring back that sky in post. If the Kite would be erratic and flying in all directions then Auto ISO, Shoot A mode, get it Sharp and deal with exposure and shadows in post later. By the way I never waste memory space shooting in Jpeg and Raw because remember you only got on CF card slot in that Z8, and I'm always shooting in FX, High Burst 20fps. I like CF Type B cards of 512GB. Do your research and you can get excellent brands at an excellent price. My SD card slot on my Nikon Z8 is always empty. For wildlife photography you want speed of capture, so CF always. BTW I considered the Z9 because of it having 2 CF card slots, but the weight and size between both camera bodies was a big factor in my decision. If I got a static bird, on approach I always try to move around considering its background and that all important Bokeh. Like you said, unfortunately having alota patience in order to get that killer shot is what is most important for this genre of photography. Other than that, that kit will definitely make your better at wildlife photography and like you say practice, practice. My 2cts and tips for anybody out there considering this excellent kit.

[@SkylarkFields]

Came across your video while I was looking for reviews and info on this set-up, as I keep thinking about whether to splash out on it or not - or perhaps the 28-400 lens as a bit cheaper, and lighter. (I have Fuji X-T5 and 150-600mm but a bit disappointed with it.) Anyhow, my wildlife outings go pretty much like yours - no wildlife, lots of mud, no decent light....! but I love my wildlife photography anyhow. That was a superb shot of the red kite towards the end, and I think one of your little birds was a meadow pipit. Look forward to seeing what you get up to next!

[@THERON_ONE]

Yo, great video, actually the first honest video about your journey and gear…I am experiencing exactly the same with almost the same gear. Thanks I subscribed

[@MrJensDidriksen]

Great video. Subscribed 😊

[@victorlim5077]

70 degree Fro? 😂 Great video. Some cracking photos of the Kite.

[@clifton-cameras]

He said flow the first time and then corrected himself to throw 😂 Glad you enjoyed the video.

[@Mr09260]

I Own the Same Kit here >> now I can add Bird in Flight to my Wild Life

[@RRRCCCDDD]

Great vid. Glad I found this

[@clifton-cameras]

Thanks a lot. Glad you enjoyed it

[@jameshchetwyndjr9739]

Good Equiptment a help. Patenice best help

[@derricksalisbury7631]

Nice work Ben where is this please

[@clifton-cameras]

Thanks a lot Derrick. The first section was filmed at Avalon marshes in Somerset. The 2nd at Slimbridge wetlands centre and the 3rd (Red Kite shots) up on Cleeve hill in the Cotswolds.

[@vzshadow1]

You needed a tad more shutter speed for those flying birds.

[@clifton-cameras]

Noted. Ben will definitely be paying more attention to this in the future.