BEST Nikon Telephoto Lens For Wildlife (In Depth Discussion)

Nikon Z mount is the one camera system focused largely on wildlife, sports and telephoto lenses. Nikon has the most options, what would I choose for wildlife video with a Z8 or Z9? So many options from 100-400mm f4.5-5.6, 180-600mm f5.6-6.3 zoom lenses. Or the primes 400mm f4.5 and f2.8. 600mm f6.3 and f4. The holy grail 800mm f6.3. Here's my thoughts as a Sony A7S III shooter with 200-600mm f5.6-6.3. Today's episode filmed on the DJI Pocket 3 in studio.
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[@cameraconspiracies]

Thank you Nathan Winklepleck for the Pocket 3! www.youtube.com/@NathanWinklepleckCFA Let's all subscribe to Nathan for investment tips! If you buy today's gear through my affiliate links, you'll be able to film dogs looking out car windows for your documentary about bored dogs and how they wish they could jump out but then they wouldn't get salmon snacks. DJI Pocket 3 amzn.to/41Kts1p Sony A7S III amzn.to/3U1aLoD Sony 200-600mm amzn.to/3TKzVaS Sony 1.4x teleconverter amzn.to/3H2Su2o Wimberley AP-620 amzn.to/3tEIZDt Nikon Z8 amzn.to/3tBjyCJ Nikon 100-400mm f4.5-5.6 amzn.to/47o2rCa Nikon 180-600mm f5.6-6.3 amzn.to/48sWjd2 or bhpho.to/44dEfBT Nikon 400mm f4.5 amzn.to/3tL7E9j Nikon 400mm f2.8 amzn.to/3TEKmN5 Nikon 600mm f6.3 amzn.to/48zmMoZ Nikon 600mm f4 amzn.to/3tAonw2 or bhpho.to/3vhvJ8n Nikon 800mm f6.3 amzn.to/4aC2mh5 Instagram instagram.com/vegetablepolice/ All my gear and recommended products can be found in my affiliate shop, thanks for shopping around! www.amazon.com/shop/vegetablepolice Topaz Video AI for enhancing and slowing down footage! www.topazlabs.com/topaz-video-ai/ref/1640/

[@NatureLenzPhoto]

My Z8 and 180-600 is a match made in heaven. Love your videos!

[@AcuraTechMan]

I have the 100-400 with my z7. The stabilization is absolutely outrageous, it’s tripod still. Dude I’m so glad you’re finally trying Nikon.

[@cy9nvs]

Just got the 800 PF for my Z8, I'm absolutely mind blown. Stabe is better than on my Nikon 180-600 @600mm, despite having 200mm more in terms of focal length. Paning is super smooth, af is quick and the tracking of the Z8 (Z9 with the new bird detect even more so) is absolutely amazing. Though I initially wanted an R5, because I was worried about the Nikon AF, I have 0 regrets. For my needs, easily the best system.

[@shaananwalsh7513]

Wow. That can’t be a cheap setup. Wish I could get into some Nikon full frame but too expensive for me atm.

[@cy9nvs]

@@shaananwalsh7513 a lot of money for sure, but you're not getting a hand-holdable f/6.3 800mm prime anywhere else, plus it's about 14.000€ cheaper than the heavy Canon 800mm f/5.6 Prime. If Nikon manages to price the z5 II or Z6 III right, pairing these cameras with the 180-600 would probably be a great, cheaper set-up.

[@petersuvara]

I was thinking of the 800 pf, but then, I got the 400 4.5 and took it on a safer and had well enough reach with 400, 800 would make sense really only for birding...

[@cy9nvs]

@@petersuvara yeah that's what I do. 😁 It's definitely primarily a birding lens.

[@alexanderkapsiotis8050]

@@shaananwalsh7513 hobo combo: nikon zfc + TTArtisan 500mm F6.3 (~330$) and you are set!

[@simonh]

Sony's entry into mirrorless was definitely the early bird catching the worm, but Nikon is definitely the second mouse that's collecting on the cheese.

[@rogeryoung3587]

Plenty of choice for the Z-mount now and, don't forget, there are autofocus adapters (Techart and Megadap) for your Sony lenses on Nikon bodies.

[@bonerici]

hard to believe how well that dji is doing indoors. The gopro can't match that. It's always too dark for the gopro and you end up with pixellation

[@TSGAdventures]

Yeah he had me going for the z30 but dang that P3 is looking great.

[@nickgeorgel1163]

You made this video as I am literally in this exact situation of deciding a wildlife lens for my Z8! The Nikon 180-600 is the best choice IMO, but it is out of stock most places, so I may go for the 400mm f/4.5 since it is one of the most lightweight options.

[@chuckhatcher5073]

Since you already have Sony lenses and are starting to be “Nikurious”… get the Megadap adapter. Autofocus works great, nothing wrong with Zeiss lenses on Nikon camera, and I’d guess you could have some fun shooting forest rats with the Sony telephoto. I’m interested to see how long you can avoid the Zf.

[@lavapix]

My 2004 version of the Sigma 120-300mm 2.8 weighs 8 lbs. That's a monster of a lens that filled most of the pack. Paid for itself right away back then on a trip to Costa Rica. No sloth could outrun its reach. Paired with the Nikon D70.

[@MrCloud254]

The DJI looks fantastic!!

[@charliejg]

I like that the DJI picks up the bookshelf in the background, looks good. You could put some camera equipment on that shelf too. All of that FF stuff is so expensive. I'm sitting here in the Fuji system and used marketplace. I'm looking at zooms and telephoto lenses for sports and wildlife. The 50-140 with the 1.4X is great but expensive as are all of the long reach glass. Oh well. Happy New Year Kasey!!

[@aykayorg9236]

I am using the 400 4.5 for around a year now combining it with both available teleconverters and I dearly love this thing.

[@aykayorg9236]

...and I'm saving up to get an 800 6.3... you can ask me maybe next year how I like that one

[@seanimal_rex]

That owl footage was great

[@gr-os4gd]

The 180-600 pairs nicely with their TC1.4. 👍🐀

[@FlyinRyanProductions406]

I ended up with the 180-600. Someday I will get that 800mm f6.3 though.

[@tptrsn]

Studiocam actually looks pretty good. Wowzers. And that footage of the woodpecker pulling tasty treats out of the tree was quite excellent!

[@bigshooter461]

great footage!

[@AmadoWildlifeVideos]

Happy New Gear!

[@TungstenOvergaard]

Background/Set-up looks now nicer. Calm, professional… nice to see.

[@robtheaccountant]

Happy New Year Canadian friend, live from New York

[@Filmwhatmatters]

Happy new year.

[@dougfoss1372]

You and Nikon are a great combination!

[@photo-markus]

I decided for 400 4.5 prime and love it. When I need longer, I own the 2x TC…and quality remains fantastic.

[@mattbba8451]

I love me some wacky-duck. Pinner Stoodbuster here; checking in.

[@physiqueDrummond]

eh merci pour les superbes séquences! The dog one was really cute too...

[@ElRubio864]

Just G9 II with 200mm 2.8

[@thebentzenable]

Happy new year Kasey 🎉 I hope that you and your fiancé will enjoy a peaceful transition into 2024🎉 can't wait to enjoy your content in the new year 🎆📸

[@dicekolev5360]

Finally! Z6ii + z100-400 and z9 + z800mm are best combos for birding, hehe

[@WeddingDayFilm]

Trust me . Once you tried the stabilization for Nikon handheld and the image quality, you won't go back to Sonyland. And I shoot the three systems, Canon , Sony and Nikon.

[@frostgodx]

Video? Canon great but wider than 24 wobble is so bad it’s unusable. Sony all suck ass for stabe. Nikon I’ve never used

[@WeddingDayFilm]

​@@frostgodxFor both, for stills and video. Nikon is way ahead of the competition in terms of stabilization.

[@frostgodx]

@@WeddingDayFilm good to hear ive never done a deep dive on their lineup since the old days. I saw extreme specs on the z8 and z9 maybe 2024 is the year of nikon

[@wespellum]

I have been trying to get the 180-600 forever and it's been out of stock here in the US. Love my Z8, just got back from Ireland where photographed with it and vlogged with the z30 after your suggestions on it. First one on my channel this Thursday, but it performed pretty well. Have you seen inconsistant battery though? I had it drop from 50 percent to the red then back twice during the trip.

[@g00nther]

Looking at how well the TCs do, looks like getting one will be preferable to cropping. Would like to see some actual comparisons though.

[@flightographist]

I'm a dji fan, the pocket is definitely a rocket! Not a fan of the close up continuous tracking, it has to be used in moderation...but you already know that. Thx and happy new year Kasey!

[@TomMinchington]

I have the Z8, debating the available (sometimes second hand) 100-400 vs ordering the out of stock 180-600. I mostly shoot landscapes but have been getting more into wild life (heavily cropping my 70-200). Probably going to go 180-600, but the weight and size...

[@alexanderkapsiotis8050]

the 100-400 wins on sharpness until f8 afterwards, the 180-600 plays alone (for the price).

[@katesavage2001]

I have the Z 8 with a used 500mm PF 5.6 and use an FTZ adapter. It is not perfect but is over a pound less than the 180-600mm and I suspect is sharper. It is good enough that I am seriously thinking of just saving to get the 600mm. At the very least, I want to rent the 180-600mm first before making any decisions.

[@thissidetowardscreen4553]

Awesome over view of lens! would like to see if you could film some squirrels with the pocket 3 and have the beauty feature on!

[@YouSnoozeYouNooze]

I love the pictures from my Leica 200mm 2.8 and 1.4x tc. No more long zooms for me. Is there a Fuji X lens that compares with the Leica?

[@NetvoTV]

Sony 70-200mm f4 macro with 2x TC can get you to 1:1 macro and 400mm, better to get it and attach to your Nikon?

[@NetvoTV]

Is the bigger Z mount is the reason of bigger image circle for better image stabilisation than Sony and others? How it compare to M43 Lumix cameras?

[@flugga182]

hey, would you spend money to get a nikon S line lens if you have a z30? or is it a waste?

[@steveschnetzler5471]

"pigeons don't film themselves", such wisdom. Thanks

[@RuffRhyno]

Is that Osmo Pocket 3 glimmer glass?

[@JoeSzilagy]

That Owl shot was owlsome! I know- that's sad. But it does look amazing!

[@ivo_17]

And, of course, there is always the Nikon P1000, the best camera ever made! Nothing beats the 125x zoom of the P1000 in daylight! It's a must for any wildlife photographer!

[@ForecastGrim]

This or the P950 would blow his mind. I love mine.

[@ivo_17]

Yes! I don't understand why he's not using them! 3000mm is like a miracle!

[@ActaeonLF]

I have a Z8 and went through the same dilemma choosing a telephoto. The 180-600mm is the best value with great reach and IQ. If you primarily film small animals and size doesn't matter, this is the best choice. However it is too large for me and I prefer something smaller as I do not have monkey strength I went with a used 100-400 for $1800 and will try it with the TCs. The 1.4x gets the lens to 560mm. For stills, DX crop is 20~mp at 840mm. For video, 8k crop is 4k at 1120mm. Good enough for me. Size and weight are good, similar to a 70-200. Easy to carry in a sling or backpack and good for hikes, travel, and handholding. A more versatile lens for wildlife, landscapes, and macro. Can get more reach with crop and TC but it's hard to shrink a lens.

[@meisterjubjub7606]

not the video for it but have you ever considered the ulanzi wide angle lens people get for the ZV-1 + Olympus 12mm F2 for vlogging? basically a 9mm lens with autofocus for less than the Panasonic 9mm

[@RayBeersMedia]

Like the white shelf in the back. Your place is looking good. Compliments to the fiance 😉

[@Elmex_1]

Sony Northup has done wildlife setup comparison, and the sharpness of Olympus 150-400 came pretty high. Obviously the downside of that lens is the price, but it has 1.25x built-in TC, and I think you can also attach external TC to it too. It just might be one of the best wildlife zooms out there. Of course the problem is the body + lens pairing. As good as OM1 is for photography, for video stuff you'd like to have a Panny body, and it's unfortunate that in m4/3 the Panny/Oly don't have cross Sync-IS (though to be fair, maybe for telephotos the OIS play much bigger role than whatever IBIS can provide in Sync IS configuration? So OIS alone could be good enough?) It just seems to me, that we were stuck to 500 not long ago, then came 150-600 zooms, and only recently are we seeing 800 zooms. But when it comes to "entry level" 800 zooms, I'm skeptical of their performance (m4/3 100-400s, and the canon 200-800 f/night), maybe we have to wait for someone to make a little bit more "premium" 800 zoom lens, like 450-800 f6.3 or something. Cut the low end shorter to get better and more brighter optics. Though it gradually starts crawling back into prime category, and with that comes prime lense prices..

[@sergiollag1]

the 8k 60p raw log video image on the z8 is astonishing. the files are roughly 700mb per 1 sec clip. I have a 2tb CF express card and the cam says it can record up to 20 min with that resolution. i edit them on a Lenovo ThinkPad T15g laptop using Resolve and even though moving the play head is not that smooth, it is not bad and playing the clips is smooth. you can see some samples on my youtube page. I use the 200-500 nikkor lens and planning to replace it with the 180-600 when available.

[@SeanMcChannel]

I have Sony A7IV body and tested Sony 200-600. Reviews online I see indicate Nikon stab is much better than Sony stab. Even my old EF 100-400L lens had better stab at 400mm than Sony 200-600 lens at 400mm. Have returned the Sony lens. Sony A7IV now for sale. Never been happy with Sony body - Just tested my old Canon 30D DSLR. Old as hell but colours so nice compared to Sony's. Nikon 600 F6.3 PF really would be nice and may draw me to Nikon. Small light but costly. But Nikon 180-600 most reasonable price but heavy larger. With Nikon, you can use Canon EF glass with Fringer Smart Adapter which looks very good for EF lens with autofocus etc on Nikon Z8 or Z9.... Really hate Canon RF lens restriction on third party lenses for RF mount but will be interested perhaps in what a Canon R5II looks like... but they will cripple hammer it not doubt.

[@PJ-om2wq]

Dear Nikon. Please send *all* of your best gear to Kasey to try out. You'll make him so happy and it will warm the hearts of all of us Nikon fan boys to see him enjoying all the gear that most of us well never be able to afford.

[@Warrior_Resisting_Colonialism]

Never say never. Keep that 401k/ira funded every year.

[@PJ-om2wq]

@@Warrior_Resisting_Colonialism I'm thinking of buying a D780 this year because I really can't be bothered (or afford) to replace all my F mount glass. A lot of them are AF-D lenses that don't adapt properly.

[@Warrior_Resisting_Colonialism]

@@PJ-om2wq I'm using a D610 and have no desire whatsoever to replace it with anything newer at this point. I love it. I have some of the crinkle coat pro lenses, like the 180mm 2.8 AF , the 80-200 af-d , 300mm af (each of these are all around $250 used, are you kidding me!) I have the 105mm d micro af too (what steal for $90 used!). These might be older, slower screw drive but I'm having an absolute blast with them for pennies on the dollar of new stuff and I can take better photos than someone who doesn't know what they're doing with the newer stuff and so comparably to those who do, I just don't see a need or desire at this time to change a thing.

[@Warrior_Resisting_Colonialism]

@@PJ-om2wq In my community tab, I have some photos up I just took with my D610 and (mostly) the sigma art 24mm down in the grand ganyon on the Indian rez. I can't complain with that this camera does whatsoever.

[@lukeorionphoto]

Old topic but I'd love to hear you give your opinion if you haven't already on the optimized lens list that Fuji released for the xh2 and xt5. Whether you think there's any merit to it or just marketing BS to push newer, larger lenses

[@GroovyVideo2]

that bird was serious

[@Warrior_Resisting_Colonialism]

TC's do actually work. By work, I mean, you'll get a higher quality photo than when you crop to the same view. However, it's VERY lens dependent. I have mostly older vintage lenses aside from a couple sigma arts) and what you need for them to be worth it, it seems, is a focal length of at least 150mm and it needs to be a prime. Hopefully f4 or faster too. Anything shy of this, and the tele will just be a wash compared to a crop in post, or even a degrade or missing the shot, due to loss of light, so. The people who say they're not worth it, are probably putting them on little, non pro grade zooms and not using tripods. Even then though, they're not going to be used for most shots and should only be used when you know, you'll benefit by putting one on... which takes practice and comparing LOADS of photos you took of the same scene back to back. The better the lens though, the more often you'll be able to use a TC. For wildlife though, I better the far better upgrade would be the high 45+ megapixel over the 20ish range body, so you can crop harder. No doubt that's far superior point to focus on, over a tc helping to get extra reach, but then again the price difference explains that well too haha. I bet that new 600mm f4 must be some sweet glass. Nothing I'll be playing with anytime soon though. Those (since I'm not pro) toys will have to wait until retirement.

[@JohnDrummondPhoto]

Nikon Z30 with the Z 180-600? Or the R8 with the RF 200-800? Imagine the glory.

[@williamgollatz1911]

I would say you'd rather a body that had a tolerable fps.

[@JohnDrummondPhoto]

@@williamgollatz1911 Kasey's a video guy. He doesn't care about FPS except for slo-mo video

[@anthonyhurren5613]

I am too jealous of the amazing primes Nikon have brought out for wildlife 😢 I would love to try the Z8 plus 600mm pf set up it’s almost as light as my Fuji XH2s + 150-600 set up. I am also using my lens at 600mm 95% of the time (900mm EQ). So although the 800pf would be amazing, If I had to choose one lens set up I would probably love the Z8 + 600pf & the 1.4 TC when needed. Super high quality and lightweight package. The 180-609 zoom defo has good centre sharpness and more flexibility but not the same edge to edge sharpness as the primes which is more important for me when shooting stills. Steve Perry has good reviews on comparisons check him out👍Happy New Year everyone I hope it’s a blessed one for you all. And please Fuji bring out a dream lens for me a 400mm F4 with built in 1.4 TC thanks 😂👍🙏

[@filmstudiojapan]

The 800 doesn't feel it's weight due to extremely nice balance and relatively light weight compared to its size.. Feels remarkably light until your holding it in shooting position for extended periods. Still not bad though. PF 500mm is worth the look casey.. light, sharp, small. I've used it and the 400 2.8 with the tc built in. My friend owns the 400 and yes, he switches it to external tc's at time. He picked up the 2x tc recently and here is where Nikon shines in the Z mount, as their 2x tc works very well as you mentioned. I've actually shot the 400 2.8 on my z50 fyi, and it was really nice. Funny, but good combo, bringing the z50 to it's peak image quality and af ability. I have a video or two with that lens on my channel. Should do more as I still use that lens from time to time.

[@hiddengemsliteraryemporium]

Cannon r8 with the dark horse might be fun

[@steven_90s]

The DJI looks great as a studio cam! Maybe I'm in the minority(?) but I prefer less tonehs and appreciate having a bit more of the background in focus.

[@MeAMuse]

I shoot everything, but I do, like you, yearn for Nikon when I watch other wildlife photographers. All I want is a 400mm F2.8 with built in TC. I would be happy with that and carry another 1.4TC if I really need 800mm.

[@Samhertzog]

I'm annoyed at how good that pocket 3 shot is at the end

[@poppiestuff]

I know you are talking about Nikon but I found the Tamron 100-400 to be a better lens for the used price of around 500. New $750usd. And you can still get away without dragging a tripod around. Has nice swirly bokeh.

[@Democratiser]

How do you find S5II stabe for wildlife?

[@cameraconspiracies]

They don't have any wildlife lenses.

[@Democratiser]

@@cameraconspiracies I don’t suppose you have perfected a 3D Pop LUT to make Sigma lenses workable?

[@danncorbit3623]

I know it's sacrilege to mention Sigma on this channel, but the contemporary lens is really light for the reach that you get. Now, I'm a despicable photographer (I know my place) so I can't say anything about video performance. But I can hand hold it all day. And it is surprisingly sharp for the money.

[@houserhythm]

Just 2-3 months ago, when I recommended you look at a Z8 + one of the many amazing tele lenses, for the great animal tracking in video and the stabe, you said you’re not crazy to spend thousands on a sidegrade 🙃 I see the little Z30 brought you around, cause at that time you hadn’t tested any Nikon yet. Btw, I’m an OM-1 shooter, not trying to push you towards Nikon out of fanboy-ism, I just think it’s the closest to what you would want out of a wildlife setup. (Used a Z8 with 180-600 and 400 4.5 for a week)

[@cameraconspiracies]

It is a side grade and I'm not doing it until Nikon beats my A7S III.

[@garfieldirwin]

Nikon will never "beat" the A7SIII - it's a specialty camera that Nikon can't compete with.

[@Media-oq9ux]

Never have nor will shoot Nikon, too much other gear over the years, but of course watched anyway for the comedic relief !

[@techheadcentral5472]

Never say never

[@danncorbit3623]

I shoot Nikon and Canon, and I adore Nikon cameras and glass.

[@socialbender]

For me as a full time photographer; zoom lens all the way! I can’t deal with the Smokey peanuts in most primes out there ; I don’t understand why most people over look this .

[@audioupgrades]

The paradox of telephoto zooms is that you always use them at the maximum focal length. Primes are better, provided you have some control over the shooting distance.

[@fjphoto23]

Primes are at the maximum focal length. Telephoto zooms have variable focal lengths.

[@audioupgrades]

@@fjphoto23 If you look at the metadata for your photos shot with a telephoto zoom, you will see that you use the zoom at the maximum focal length 90% of time. Therefore, it doesn't matter that it is a zoom because you rarely use the whole zoom range. That is the paradox of the zoom.

[@MICHAJO27]

That was close! 😅1:20

[@Koji-888]

Matt Grainger “the Nikon guy”. Only watched him when he had his wholesome Japanese model on. ツ 🌸

[@enolamns]

I ordered a Z8 and was shocked how grainy the images looked. After i sent it back i learned that adobe camera raw kills Z9 and Z8 raw files and makes them looking horrible. But for you no issue since you only do video 😆 there is a zoom option in 8K which makes the range even better with telelenses.

[@lewcehjitl3282]

Actually that’s how the images are due to the lack of mechanical shutter. Such a bummer on Nikons behalf. Hopefully the z6iii has a mechanical shutter

[@enolamns]

@@lewcehjitl3282 interesting why that?

[@TheDeltaMoo]

What camera did you come from to be shocked with noise on the Z8? I have yet to see a comparison where it isn't pretty much on par with anything with a similar resolution. Or even lower resolution when keeping the same subject size

[@MTBD80]

@@lewcehjitl3282 Well really if you compare RAW noise profiles between Z8, Z9, A1, R5, Z7 they have similar grain and noise profiles with non stacked sensors looking just a touch better on color noise. It's a bit more of a 45mp thing. For whatever reason the Z8 is more similar to the A1 vs Z9 even though they should be same sensor. Could be a Camera Raw thing. IF you compare their JPEG outputs they are all extremely similar. Either way it' something you'll have to adjust to when going to 45mp and why 24mp is a sweet spot.

[@enolamns]

@@TheDeltaMoo Nikon D800 and Sony ZV-E1. There hasnt been any sensor progress since the release of the D800 it seems.

[@EP50009]

Camera Conspiracies, now sponsored by Nikon

[@photo-markus]

PS: if you afford a 2.8 prime, that is the best option. If you can’t afford that, the second best option is the 400 4.5. Tin Man Lee explains why!!! There are moments of the day when a 5.6 or 6.3 can’t even focus but with a 4.5 you can get magic photos(or video). Same between 4.5 and 2.8.

[@cameraconspiracies]

Manual focus exists.

[@photo-markus]

@@cameraconspiracies of course, but you need such a long lens for wildlife, don’t you? Fast moving animals can be very hard to manually focus…

[@cameraconspiracies]

Most of my shots are manual focus. @@photo-markus

[@photo-markus]

@@cameraconspiracies I still recommend the 400 4.5, but of course, the 180-600 will also do the job.

[@photo-markus]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/o3XKl2OZeq1leM0si=KR8bmvIclbFdeaO_

[@kapilesh14]

Sony needs to come out with that 6k a7Siv and upgrade the 200-600 lens with lighter weights and that would stop Kasey from gettimg mad at Sony.

[@mark.mahorney]

I sprung for 100-400 and 2x teleconverter. 180-600 wasn't available yet, or I might have got it. In reviews of the teleconverters 1.4x had no perceptible degradation, 2x a little. 400 prime is only slightly better than 100-400, but that's only good shooting mostly stationary animals the distance like buffalo in Yellowstone, will suck capturing animals on the move. Have to make sure the lens will work with teleconverter, the kit lenses don't.

[@Warrior_Resisting_Colonialism]

Better do some comparison shots, between just cropping and using the tc. It's probably a wash on that glass. You're more likely to lose light, a little contrast and not gain any sharpness over a crop... even all the way out at 400mm.

[@mark.mahorney]

@@Warrior_Resisting_Colonialism I have a unique use case, I only need it to reach out and get decent shots, nothing spectacular, to use in my art. So I'm more concerned with composition than sharpness. That combo gets me close enough.

[@Warrior_Resisting_Colonialism]

@@mark.mahorney Yeah, but what I'm saying is, you might actually get better photos by simply cropping, rather than using the tc. Same effective reach, cropping in post. The photo could actually be higher quality than using the tc and not cropping. I don't know if it is, but since it's a zoom, I suspect this will be the case. Take the same exact photo with and without the tc on. Then crop the non tc photo to match the view of the photo with the tc on and take a look at them both. You'll "probably" find, the crop without the tc beats using the tc on that lens. Take a handful of photos of difference scenes, in different light, and you'll learn real quick, if you should just recoup your money on ebay or not.

[@mark.mahorney]

@@Warrior_Resisting_Colonialism that was definitely true for most tc's in the past, but not for this new Nikon z, watched a lot of vids about it, almost now degradation, none with 1.4, only slight with 2. In some tests the images were actually better with the tc on than not.

[@Warrior_Resisting_Colonialism]

@@mark.mahorney Only your tests matter. I'm a bit surprised. Goes to show how advanced zooms are these days.

[@robpastore]

What's your take on the sigma 60 to 600 for the Sony body at 2k I know you can't use the teleconverter.

[@TechnoKid_]

You are convincing me to get the dji pocket 3 as a multipurpose high quality low-light camera. I find the design weird and stupid but that sensor is all that matters at this point in time.

[@NetvoTV]

Can you talk about should one ever care to spend that much to shoot stuffs in a documentary instead of artistic ways that you can already google them if you not going to bring something new to what already been taken dozen time anyway?

[@LarryFasnacht]

OM-1 300/4. Ummmmmm yummy.

[@Warrior_Resisting_Colonialism]

I have the old school 300mm f/4 AF - You know, the old slow screw drive lens, in the super cool crinkle coat? I love these old pro grade lenses. If you can't afford the new stuff and don't mind slow AF, these get some great, high quality photos for pennies on the dollar compered to new lenses...... Of course, they'd only be manual focus lenses on mirror-less cameras, so that's not much fun........ but, the photos will still be stealer.

[@nicedward7544]

Trying to find your video that shows Mitsubishi ruling the world. You have too many videos to look through. Thank you .

[@TheRealTonyCastillo]

Think once you get your hands on the RF 200-800 you'll be amazed by that lens. Been using it on a R6MII for the last 2 weeks and glad I purchased it. Not sure how well it would work on that Eos R you have but the AF is crazy good on the Mark II. It's not the perfect lens by a long shot, but for the wildlife shooting I do it's a big improvement over my Sigma 150-600C I just sold. I glad Nikon is back in the game, they have released some awesome cameras and lenses in the last few years.

[@shanecaut1063]

Hi Kasey, for a light set-up if you want a day out with the Z30 what about with adapter the Nikon F 300mm f/4 E PF VR (weighs 754 grams). You'd be getting to 450mm f4 with that.

[@davevichich5294]

I don't think you'll like the 600 or 800 f6.3 much. The minimum focus is too far for your squirrel shots. The Canon 200-800 may be your best choice.

[@NordsternOutdoor]

the white balance is weird on this one.

[@garfieldirwin]

Kasey, I shoot video with the Z9 and 100-400, 180-600, 600pf and 800pf and for what you shoot I'd recommend trying the Z8 (better yet, the Z9) and 180-600Z -- that combo will do most everything you need. One of the interesting capabilities is the 4k120p DX crop (2.4x!). Unfortunately it won't do 240fps but I've slowed 120p videos down 10x (1/12s) and for short clips of fast moving action it actually works pretty well.

[@XYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYI]

Thank you for your content! With nikon z you can use sony e lens with autofocus, so you can put sony 200-600 to z30 with megadap etz, for example. Nikon have great f mount telephoto lenses which will work on z cameras better than DSLR. For example nikon 200-500 5.6 with tx 1.4 Or 300 f4 pf and tx 2 give great results!

[@maups2]

Not a fan of the pocket studio look no offence

[@greenmedic88]

What you really need is a $5000 Z9 and a $15,000 600mm/4 TC for shooting video of squirrels in the park. Or you know; keep it under $20k by buying a Z8 and the 400/2.8 TC. If you were really serious about squirrel video, you'd have both.

[@AprilClayton]

I’m giving Nikon a second look. You have influenced me.

[@PrimalShutter]

Canon 800 takes a lot of turns to zoom, and the MF ring is ridiculous

[@Fantareina]

For the love of petes sake Panasonic just give us a lens!!

[@nicedward7544]

I'm still using my 30 year old Canon 200 prime as my longest glass on a Sony lol. I'll get a bird one day. Sony is slacking on the telephoto game. Give me a damn 400 or 500 prime that isn't a million dollars

[@BassManStrikes]

Did you see the genie is out of the bottle on the Ace Pro lens cover being removable? If you're not under NDA, A you should investigate this lie 😮

[@cameraconspiracies]

Who cares?

[@michaelbailey4164]

Canon 300mm 2.8 L IS prime is awesome. Works fantastic with 2X or 1.4 TC. Not too big, affordable and also makes a great portrait, street, and sport lens.

[@silvere36]

The one surprise dark horse for Nikon is the 50-250 DX kit lens. It's about 375mm on the long end. Pair that with the Z8 and you have an incredible lightweight combo.

[@ken9576]

Tamron 150-500? I went with this due to cost and weight.

[@cameraconspiracies]

Terrible stabe for video.

[@haak737]

A good, cheap, compact and light wildlife/trekking combo with eye detect is Canon R50 with 600mm f11 IS. Price around 1600$, only1,3+ kg and sharp. R50 handles high iso up to 6400 well. Almost 20x reach and a digital zoom that works ok if you need even more.

[@ivo_17]

Primes only, of course! The best quality, the simplest construction, the smallest size and weight! And with Sony Clear Image Zoom, you can make any prime into 2x zoom, but it works only in low ISO, before pixel binning kicks in ("dual ISO")! The lens for you is Nikon 300mm f/4 PF - it's only 750 gr., wow! And with Clear Image Zoom, it turns into 600mm f/4!

[@jankucera8505]

T4 600mm sounds interesting

[@nicknie8782]

Price wise, I prefer having the Nikon 500mm pf over the 600mm pf for slightly worse image quality but much cheaper.

[@cameraconspiracies]

Unusable in video though, stabilization on DSLR lenses are bad.

[@JulioCesar-ez6wf]

When I have the money my Wildlife set will be Nikon Z (20mm f1.8/Tamron 35-150mm f2-2.8/180-600mm/800mm f6.3) Those 4 should Cover everything. and added together their still less than a Z 600mm f4 Tc costs.