In the Field with the Nikon 28-400mm Lens

[@ericerickson6537]

I got mine 2 weeks ago and so far have just used it to photograph kids soccer games, but I’m impressed. Still planning on keeping the 24-200 since that is a bit lighter and more compact. A better walk around lens. But this is a great telephoto lens when I don’t want to carry the 100-400. Anxious to try it with birds and wildlife.

[@JeffreyTadlockPhotography]

I will probably keep my 24-200mm for a while. Not so much that I think I will use it a whole lot, but that I am terrible at selling off old gear... But, yes - it is just a bit more compact, a little lighter - so probably does lend itself better to walk around lens. I do have a picture of a deer I took with the 28-400mm. When I was out recording a video, I ended up being able to snap a shot of one. (I don't generally do a lot of wildlife, but they just pretty much walked up to me!). Enjoy the lens!

[@uncle0eric]

I got mine about 3 weeks ago. I like it well enough that I sold my 24-200. One of the things that gave me an extra push on keeping this is the recent improvements in denoise software, since there are conditions where using this lens handheld really requires kicking up the ISO.

[@JeffreyTadlockPhotography]

Great point about the denoise software, definitely big strides for options there. I also use DxO Pure RAW sometimes, especially with the 24-200 - just a touch better handling of the corners just in the raw processing aspect. I think that was the biggest complaint I had about the lens, that the ISO really needs to go up to support some handholding conditions. Even with that, having 28mm to 400mm focal length in one lens makes it near perfect for lighter loads or trips where you want to keep the pack size down. Enjoy the lens!

[@dafyddthomas7299]

Thanks for INFO - likely to pick up one of these later date when there's a special pricing promotion £1399 in UK is pretty expensive - as the 180-600 is only a few ££ / $$ hundred more; yes the lens is all in one for lot of use cases and got a superb Zoom ration of 14x but price is my deal breaker

[@JeffreyTadlockPhotography]

@@dafyddthomas7299 Unfortunately it is a bit of a commitment with the price on it. Feels just a touch on the high side despite the flexibility it has. I think if the variable aperture wasn't f/4-8 and more like f/4 to 5.6 or 6.3 it might have helped on how the price felt.

[@dafyddthomas7299]

@@JeffreyTadlockPhotography True on this.

[@russellschundler6559]

In the past, I had the three F2.8 zoom lenses. That was important in a time we didn’t have the software function we have today. When I want a narrow depth of field, I can use Lightroom’s blur function. When I want to shoot in low lighting without a tripod, I can raise my iso without having grain or if I get some brain, I can remove it. So given these added post processing capabilities, and more, I won’t mention right now, I find this single lens to be very satisfactory for most landscape photography. I’ve also found it to be highly suitable for sports photography.

[@JeffreyTadlockPhotography]

Software and technology of the camera sensors has come a long way! I still like my 2.8s for portraiture and such, but for landscape photography the f/4 and some of the variable aperture lenses are a nice blend of being lighterweight, a little smaller, and still providing what I need. I was a little worried about how the 28-400 would do with sports, especially when shooting 300mm+ with it being f/8 and possibly wanting to speed the shutter up to stop motion. Glad to hear it is working well!

[@russellyeley2561]

Looks like hocking hills is not crowded yet. I live in Springfield, but I don't get down there enough.

[@JeffreyTadlockPhotography]

Oh - it gets crowded! I just get out there super early and try to be gone before the crowds show up!

[@chrisowens6161]

interesting you also have the 100-400 - do you feel this lens was a great addition - i do like my 100-400, but find it difficult travelling overseas if i'm travelling light, just from sheer size - so am thinking of the 28-400 as its so much shorter when compacted. I've been taking my 24-200 with me travelling and got some great shots, so hoping this would be the "big brother" of that

[@JeffreyTadlockPhotography]

I love my 100-400, but as you said - it certainly isn't a small lens or lightweight. When my trip is photography focused, I have no issues lugging it along as the image quality of the 100-400 is great and I've really grown to like. But, when traveling where photography isn't the primary reason, I still like to have good camera gear with me, but don't really want to take my "holy trinity" of lenses with me. So like you, I used the 24-200mm for that purpose. It had good enough image quality (fairly remarkable actually) and gave me a lot of flexibility. My biggest concern of course was, I like that 200-400mm focal length! I have similar hopes as you for this 28-400. It isn't too heavy, still pretty compact, and gives me an impressive focal range. I still want more time with the lens before my final judgment (hoping to take it to Arizona next month for a good test), but so far the lens is promising for just the need you've described.

[@energydw8260]

@@JeffreyTadlockPhotography how far behind is this length compared to the 100-400? really worrying if I'm gonna miss out some good shot if I only carry a single 28-400. I would of course carry a prime for family portrait no matter what. But just for landscape stuff, will this be able to match 80% of 100-400? I already have a 24-120 f4 with my nikon zf. Thinking about getting this one or the 100-400. Am I gonna eventually have to get the 100-400? I'm only doing photograph for fun and Instagram show off.

[@JeffreyTadlockPhotography]

@@energydw8260 Camera Labs did a really good comparison with some charts between the 28-400mm, 24-200mm, and 100-400mm, well worth checking out - here's a link to their comparison page: www.cameralabs.com/nikon-z-28-400mm-f4-8-vr-review/2/ I'm comfortable enough to travel with the 28-400mm as my only lens on trips where photography is not the primary purpose and am sure it will work for that. With that said, if the trip is more for photography, I'd be grabbing the 100-400mm for sure. Given your current lens setup, I'd be tempted by the 100-400, you cover about the same focal length across two lenses, but you have some really nice Nikon Z mount glass. Hope that helps some!

[@Juice10x]

unrelated to this video but i noticed you are using the shimoda and in the description it says you have both. Which of the shimoda packs would say is better for backpacking?

[@JeffreyTadlockPhotography]

For backpacking, I'd lean towards the Action v2, definitely on the larger side. Mine is a 50L. The roll top is a nice feature to expand the bag and help accommodate some of the gear you'd use backpacking. I typically only due day trips though with mine and have not used it on a backpacking trip. Several of my friends who do more backpacking type photography trips lean towards full-on backpacks - Osprey's etc, and then use camera cubes to protect their camera gear in that. Hope that helps!

[@KlausM-s2e]

Very nice video....( what song is it ??? very nice music ) i got my 28-400 and it´s really good for hiking. Replace my heavy 100-400 and i´m happy with the handling,weight and Quality !👍

[@JeffreyTadlockPhotography]

Thank you! The song is one of my favorites for videos where I have more hiking/montage scenes in them, it is Will Harrison, Baptized and Buried. It does make for a very versatile lens, still able to get that 400mm focal length without needing to carry the weight of the 100-400!

[@KlausM-s2e]

@@JeffreyTadlockPhotography Thank you for the information. Yes , 400mm with this "little" lens are very useful !

[@robertdavis1255]

Thanks for sharing your experience with great comments... cheers from Australia 🦘🦘😀

[@JeffreyTadlockPhotography]

Glad it was helpful!

[@karlosJv]

Hello, is it suitable for Nikon Z NIKKOR ZTC-2.0X Teleconverter? Thank you

[@JeffreyTadlockPhotography]

The lens is not compatible with the 1.4x or 2x teleconverter.

[@piotrch0]

5:31 Aw, come on! Where're the camera settings for the photo shown?

[@JeffreyTadlockPhotography]

They are on the screen during the setup of the photo: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qZWWqnRnrL6NorMsi=tucOHjBBgVdg1eQU&t=305

[@wesdonze2014]

Very good review thanks

[@JeffreyTadlockPhotography]

Glad it was helpful!

[@LepeOlmedo]

Thanks a lot for this amazing review! 🙌

[@JeffreyTadlockPhotography]

Glad it was helpful!

[@koreancryptoking]

Is this lens compatible with high-pixel bodies such as z8, z7ii, and z9?

[@JeffreyTadlockPhotography]

I've been using it on a z7ii and it has been doing fine. I have not tried it on a Z8 or Z9.

[@koreancryptoking]

thanks sir!

[@britt5126]

Hi, what model tripod are you using?

[@JeffreyTadlockPhotography]

It is an FLM CP30-L4. I also have an FLM CP30-S4, which isn't as tall that I use for travel. They are great tripods - highly recommend checking them out. I have a few videos about them on my channel.

[@ElementaryWatson-123]

I have this lens on order, but I'm getting more skeptical every day as the new reviews appear. Apart from being very slow pushing ISO into thousands, the image quality looks unremarkable.

[@JeffreyTadlockPhotography]

I think a lot really depends on expected usage of the lens. It certainly isn't going to replace my normal carry of a 14-30, 24-120, and 100-400 on trips where photography is the primary purpose. For trips where the photography is secondary, there is an appeal of covering a large focal range without needed to take 2 or 3 lenses along. There are certainly some compromises though.

[@ElementaryWatson-123]

@@JeffreyTadlockPhotography I personally use wide angle lenses a lot more often than telephoto. I wouldn't take a large superzoom when traveling either. The only reason I'm looking at this lens is for things like birds when hiking, zoo animals, or when taking my dog to a beach. Otherwise I don't really need telephoto, I have Sigma 100-400 lens and I rarely used it.

[@JeffreyTadlockPhotography]

@@ElementaryWatson-123 These days, I almost use the 100-400 more than my wide-angle. I will say, I used to have the Sigma and the image quality on that lens is pretty great for the price point. Really enjoyed that lens!

[@kiykim277]

Compared to 28-200mm how is the IQ?

[@JeffreyTadlockPhotography]

I still need more time with the 28-400mm to really weigh in on that, I suspect it will be close between the two, probably slight edge to the 24-200 in the focal lengths they share. Camera Labs did a good comparison between the 24-200, 28-400, and the 100-400 thrown in there for fun. Probably worth taking a look at that for more info. Hope that helps!

[@karlosJv]

Hello, can you use macro?

[@JeffreyTadlockPhotography]

It is not a true macro lens. At the widest focal length it has a decent minimum focusing distance of .2m, but not a 1:1 magnification ratio.

[@mohandasrms4905]

Is it compatible with Zfc

[@JeffreyTadlockPhotography]

Yes - the lens is a Z mount which is compatible with the Z mount on the Zfc.

[@cgriggsiv]

I'll tell you one thing my good man if that lens had the adapter or a adapter that will go from the z mount to a K-mount For me that would be absolutely awesome That would definitely lighten a mass of amount of load

[@JeffreyTadlockPhotography]

I’m hoping this 28-400 becomes my travel lens. I used to use the 24-200 for that, but I do like shooting longer focal lengths quite frequently, so the extra reach on this one will be nice!

[@cgriggsiv]

Not too many people in Ohio that shoot photography that are on KZbin I was on KZbin for a little while very very short while but I'm glad that other people are there

[@JeffreyTadlockPhotography]

There doesn’t seem to be many Ohio YT’ers doing landscape photography, that’s for sure!

[@Scoutingitout]

Didn't like it. Bought it for my wife, who only uses superzooms, to go with the Z7ii I bought her. Both are slow to focus, maybe fine for landscapes but not for wildlife or action in my opinion. Did a "Cash4Cameras" thing with our local camera store and traded in the Z7ii for a Z6iii, also traded in the 28-400 for a Z 100-400, we already have a 24-120.

[@JeffreyTadlockPhotography]

Definitely agree, more of a landscape photography lens where things are moving slower and you can counter the “slowness” of lens with a tripod and slower shutter speed. I think it would frustrate me for wildlife/sports, etc. Just too slow at the longer focal lengths. I’ve heard good things about the AF on the Z6III - I bet that upgrade was great! And I love my Nikon 100-400 - great lens!

[@Scoutingitout]

@@JeffreyTadlockPhotography We had the original Z6 which I kept to go along with my Z8 I upgraded to from the D850. The Z7ii was a mistake and a disappointment as we are both event photographers but my wife is not up to speed on these computers they call cameras. Anyway, so far the Z6iii is a mini Z8. Focus is fast and all of the different focus points they are a bit too much for my wife but we're working on it. One thing I told the Nikon rep was I love setting a button on my Z8, (My record button) to "toggle" through the focus points, he tried setting the 6iii to do it but said it wouldn't do it so you have to set a button and use the front wheel. I looked at some images my wife took the other day and the farther she went the smaller the aperture got, lol, she was trying to change her focus point. Here's a little tidbit too, my 28-300 G is a much better lens than the z 28-400 ;)

[@cgriggsiv]

Also if you live down there by Hocking hills you're very lucky

[@JeffreyTadlockPhotography]

Only about an hour-ish away. I consider it my local stomping grounds though as it is an easy drive to go down for the morning and make it back home to be productive!

[@hakangocerler3040]

I would like to see some animal zooms or some sports action. May be surfers? Otherwise, it's hard to feel the necessity of a long zoom lens, to be honest.

[@JeffreyTadlockPhotography]

Definitely! I don't do a lot of wildlife or sports photography anymore, so I tend to focus on landscape photo applications (I tend to use a 100-400 a lot). I do have one wildlife photo, on one of my video takes I had a deer wander up to me and I took a photo or two with this lens - but really, it was so close, I get I only had to go to about 100mm to 105mm.

[@hakangocerler3040]

@@JeffreyTadlockPhotography Thank you for the kind reply Sir

[@cgriggsiv]

Not a bad lens I also see that you are down at Hocking hills

[@JeffreyTadlockPhotography]

Yep! Down at Hocking Hills! I end up testing a good amount of gear down there!