Nikon Z 400mm f4.5 for Wildlife Photography | Field test and review | lightweight long lens on Z9

[@pete_stewardson]

I would never be able to afford the 400/2.8 or 600/4 so this lens along with both TC's has been perfect for me. I love the lens for its size and weight, and yet that f4.5 aperture enables you to use the TC's without too many issues even in the dreary uk light. Brilliant addition by Nikon that doesn't seem to have a counterpart in any other system.

[@TomMasonPhoto]

Yes the 400mm 4.5 is certainly a unique optic, the lightweight design really is a fantastic lens for walking around with all day and the TC use certainly adds to the versatility! Coming in massively under the price of the 400 2.8 or 600 f4 you get a load of the higher spec feature as well optics wise and with the memory set/ buttons etc! It’s certainly a great lens option for many!

[@michael-4k4000]

The 400mm 2.8 is really not for amateur photographers. It's for companies and professional sport shooters. Remember, no matter how much you shoot, it's gonna sit in your bag the majority of the time, even for a professional sports photographer. It's not like someone would ever be using it every day all day long. You would be better off renting it if you really need 400 at 2.8 and invest the $14k in the stock market.

[@petersuvara]

This exactly,. The 600 f/4 is immensely expensive.

[@57sapke]

Great content, I wonder if you also use this lens in DX mode.

[@m.maclean8911]

I chose the Z 100-400mm and Z 800mm … these work great together with my Z9. The 100-400 is amazing quality, small and light, and you can shoot portraits, sports, wildlife … and the short focus distance makes it even great for close-up photography. I rarely use my 300/2.8, 300/4, 70-200/2.8, 14-24/2.8 ….

[@philipblair7307]

Any sign of the 200-600 coming? I want to change from the sigma 150-600 but like the flexibility of a zoom.

[@TomMasonPhoto]

Sorry no idea, but I’ll try and get one out for testing as soon as I can when announced!

[@philipblair7307]

@@GeraintDafis yes but it has been on the roadmap for nearly 3 years now. Nikon seems to have forgotten about the amateurs who are on a budget and spent all their time focused on 10k plus lens.

[@__-bk6mm]

me too! Not having a decent upgrade from the sigma 150-600 C that is Z mount specific is a pain, getting the extra stability of the Z9 is gonna be a game changer when we get that beautiful lens!

[@jonasjansshaugli2993]

Great video, Tom! Really interesting to hear your thoughts. I’ve been looking at this lens with great interest. My telephoto lens is a 300mm 2.8 VRII like you, but I often use it with either a 1.4 or a 2x converter as I mainly photograph birds, so I was considering switching to the 400mm 4.5 with a 1.4 Tc. Seems like a great, lightweight combination, and certainly much nicer to carry around than the larger primes. But, the times I use the 300mm bare, which is a fair amount as I like to show some environment in my images, there is just no better lens to photograph wildlife with IMO. In a dream scenario one could own both lenses, but losing the 2.8 aperture and the option to go wider than 400mm has made me opt for staying with my 300mm. I don’t think I can ever part ways with that lens!

[@anson4924]

I'm using 400 4.5 with 1.4 most of the time for my main birding lens, the lightweight nature of this combo allows me to travel longer distances more comfortably than almost any other wildlife lens.

[@TomMasonPhoto]

I have to agree in regards to never parting with my 300mm 2.8, it’s such a special lens, when you use it bare, that 2.8 aperture and the ability to create more environmental shots make it simple a very special lens. As you can tell I won’t be parting ways with mine and be using it alongside my new 600mm for sure… sadly the bags had to take a rather large step up to ensure I can sometimes carry both when I need them!!

[@nestboxingforbirds458]

How does the 400 f4.5 work with 2X Tc for birds in flight. Specifically for acquiring autofocus

[@rangerebzwildlifevideos]

If I had to invest into a z59 which lens do you think I should invest In

[@Trish12303]

Thanks for the review Tom. I am really vacillating between this one and the 100-400. I really enjoy wildlife photography, but don’t often find myself in the position to shoot wildlife. Thus the conundrum. Thanks again!!

[@TomMasonPhoto]

If you’re choosing as a lens that would also be for landscape the 100/400 zoom might work better, yes you loose a bit of aperture and sharpness but for the compromise of being more usefully across the board it’s probably worth it!

[@Trish12303]

@@TomMasonPhoto Thanks very much!!

[@benneves6649]

Is it as sharp as the 500mm 5.6 PF lens with Teleconverter??

[@darstew007]

i shoot sport in poor lighting with z6ii and 300mm 2.8. Would the f4.5 really hurt in bad lighting conditions? use up to 4000 iso at times on f2.8

[@MrModerate_kane]

hi Tom, what would you recommend for me related to this decision, 400 4.5 or 500PF, i have at present the D850 and Z6II as am between ordering Z9 etc next year but have the funds for either of these 2, i want a walk around lens to replace my 200-500 etc.

[@germanshepherdmom5411]

Yes, this lens is absolutely spectacular! I have it paired with my Z7ii and the 800mm pf paired with my Z9.

[@edbritelight7683]

I also love my 300 f2.8 ❤❤❤ and would not want to exchange it with this Z400 f4.5 lens. The 300 ist heavy but also build like a tank 😅. Using it gets your muscles trained at no extra fees

[@TomMasonPhoto]

Yes the 400mm Z is excellent but my 300mm 2.8 just has a touch of magic that you can’t quite put into words!

[@johannmorrison1952]

Great video, Tom. Now I'm very well-informed about this incredible lens. I'm getting serious about wildlife photography and am looking for a professional lens which is of a reasonable weight and costs under £4000. Should I get the 400mm f4.5 or the 200-500 f5.6? Or are there any other lenses that you can higher recommend? I'd love to know what you think.

[@RussandLoz]

Nice video. But is it long enough for wildlife like small birds? Considering the 180-600 exists too?

[@rvpcqp]

Great review… I’m always curious when photographers say things like “if it were an f4 it would be bigger, heavier, more expensive”… sure but how much more; a few extra ounces and a couple hundred dollars? Currently selling at a 20-25% discount in the used market just 2 years after its release date says a lot. And idk why the rationalization when you have a 300 f2.8 & 600 f4 for obvious reasons, even if you need to stop them down in some situations. More than anything it’s a psychological barrier. Less than one full stop faster than the 100-400 or 180-600, why pay more for less flexibility and marginal IQ bump? Only 2/3 stops faster than the zooms just makes it a tough sell. Somewhere in the $2,000-$2,250 ballpark and it’s looking attractive…

[@danielthompson953]

Hi Tom can you recommend and good beginner Nikon camera and lens for landscape photography maybe a budget and an investment set up please

[@lupidorXVI]

Thanks for the review! That lowepro bag looks interesing - do you think the z9 + 400 4.5 + the 1.4tc would still fit in? Thanks!

[@TomMasonPhoto]

Hmm i think it would be a very tight squeeze, more likely you’d be able to have the Z9+400 and then the 1.4tc will fit in the top pocket of the bag or the front one. Cheers, Tom

[@lupidorXVI]

@@TomMasonPhoto Oh, that's a shame. Thanks anyway for the quick reply and useful info! Really helpful 👍

[@jakesdewet3567]

Hi Tom. I have also used the 300 f2.8 with tc 1.4 for many years. Then changed to the 500 pf for lighter equipment. I really mis the 300 f2.8 as it is such a stunning lens and worked fantastic with TC 1.4 and 2.8 and at 600 f5.6 it was fantastic. Now with 400 f4.5 as a native Z mount and with a TC 1.4 will get to 560 f6.3 is close the 300 f2.8. Apart from the potential financial consideration of the change as you have the 600 lens, what is your view on the 300 f2.8 vs the 400 f4.5? My reason for wanting to sell the 500 f5.6 is that my copy is not great and images not as crisp as with my 300 f2.8. even my 80-400 at 400 mm is sharper and crisper. I use the Z9 and Z6ii.

[@parthshiras.wildlife]

Hey - not sure if you made a call yet. But I was having a similar dilemma a couple months back. I went with the 400 4.5 and it is just wow! The hand holding capability is amazing, and photos were sharp as hell!

[@jakesdewet3567]

@@parthshiras.wildlife I bought a 300 f2.8 vrii spotless condition for 40% of the price of the 400 f4.5 that included the 1.4 iii TC and FTZ. I also added the TC2.0 iii used. Main reason is the 300 f2.8, 420 f4 and 600 f5.6. Yes it is 1 Kg more weight but if you want to go light you pick the Z8 or Z6iii with the 400 f4.5. I have the Z9 and for me it is all about the f stop. The value for money you cannot buy a better prime lens that the 300 f2.8 vrii for the money I paid for it. It is not a BIF lens, for that I have a Sigma 150-600 C that is light, and IQ is good enough as it is not my main subject. I am not going to spend all the extra money for a 600 f6.3 pf or 180-600. I have very few lenses. the 24-120f4, the 150-600 Sigma and the 300 f2.8 with the 2 TC's. My second body is a Z6.

[@popiemac4579]

I’m planning on purchasing this lens once I buy the Z9 or the future Z8. I know you feel the Z9 is not too heavy but as we get older you really feel the weight. Question, what is the lens camo you are using at 4:36?

[@BARSSTUDIO]

I have a Z800 pf but considering 400 4.5 or 100-400. What are your preferences?

[@ashwinmistry9464]

Hi Very nice information but still I like your 300mm2.8 but weight is kind of pain but price for 400mm 4.5 good but still confusing which one should I purchase ? As 3002.8 is old lense and difficult to fix if something went wrong but image so cool send some pictures from 3002.8 may be talking true choice please advise ?

[@chayjohnson1305]

Hi, I’m an amateur photographer looking for a sub $1000 wildlife setup. I currently own a sony a6000 but I don’t know of any affordable telephoto lenses for it (and I’m often frustrated by it’s autofocusing). I’ve considered going down the micro/four thirds route with a Panasonic GH9 but I wonder if buying an old pro-dslr like a D3 would be better. Also, if possible, I would like a relatively quiet shutter as I don’t want to scare close birds away. Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

[@danielthompson953]

Could I ask what editing software you would recommend?

[@johnhjic2]

HI Tom, That Manfrotto small tripod its bether than it look on you video, Thanks fot the tip.

[@TomMasonPhoto]

No problem - they are a great little option for low to the ground work, hides and such, super strong for even the heaviest of gear as well!

[@RaphaelMatto]

Awesome video, I have a z6 & am torn between the 300 f2.8 VR II w/an FTZ & this 400 4.5 for my first wildlife lens-you've got me leaning towards the 400. The wildcard is the new 180-600 5.6-6.3 just announced. Any opinion about that?

[@lsells55]

I have the Nikon 300mm f/2.8 VRII lens that I use on my Z9 with the adapter and it does a phenomenal job! I can’t use it without a monopod or tripod though and just ordered the 400 f4.5 to see how it compares. It would sure be nice to have something lighter because the 300mm is heavy. I love the photos and bokeh with it though!

[@BoogalyTheGreat]

The 180-600 will be more versatile in terms of reach, but will lack the bokeh and sharpness the 400 4.5 produces. I think they are both fantastic. I just bought the 400. I might pick up the 180-600 later for more dedicated birding…

[@OneWeekGetAway]

Can you say anything about actual image quality and performance vs the highly regarded 100-400? Besides losing the versatility and the extra light, how do the two perform against each other at 400?

[@TomMasonPhoto]

Personally I haven't used the 100-400mm but from friends and those who work at Nikon the IQ at the 400mm lens is certainly superior with the 400mm prime. The whole rendering and look is slightly different from my limited comparisons between other images - I think if you're going to be using the 100-400mm at 400mm most of the time, the prime makes far more of a compelling buy, but if you need flexibility, won't always be wide open then the zoom will likely be optically still a great performer for most situations. Cheers, Tom

[@nikon_z9_images]

Hi Tom, what Arca-Swiss compatible plate have you attached to your Z 600mm f4 TC VR S. The two holes are different sizes on the Nikon supplied foot with the front hole being a larger tripod-style hole? How did you do it?

[@TomMasonPhoto]

It’s a Gitzo one but I used a reducing screw on the larger thread to make them both 1/4!

[@ryancampbell1151]

Which focal length would you choose for wildlife in general? 400 or 600?

[@TomMasonPhoto]

For me… I’d always pick my 300mm but it depends on your style. Do you like close up images or more environmental? Do you shoot more mammals or birds?

[@martinjn2920]

Very nice bit of kit, I think I will stick with my ‘f’ mount 80-400 VR ii, it’s a bit more flexible yet still gives great images, I would feel limited with just a long prime even one as good as this one. Nice objective video, thanks.

[@TomMasonPhoto]

The 80/400 is certainly great for versatility, a prime can be a little restricting sometime but I love the image you get!

[@chennytango9298]

I think it is time to retire the 300 VRII and get the z400 4.5.

[@TomMasonPhoto]

The 400 4.5 is wonderful, but it’s just not my 300 2.8… so I’ll hang on till I get a Z 300!

[@cameraprepper7938]

I would choose the Nikkor Z 400mm 4.5 and the Nikkor Z 800mm 6.3 !

[@TomMasonPhoto]

Yes they do make a great combo, although the new 600mm also looks great!

[@cameraprepper7938]

@@TomMasonPhoto Yes and it is light, so if you only go with one Lens, then the Nikkor 600mm 6.3 can be great.

[@edwardnoble9897]

A really nice light weight option for mirrorless. If only the pro Z9 wasn't pointlessly heavy!

[@TomMasonPhoto]

I really don’t feel like the Z9 is pointlessly heavy I think it rather feels rather good in the hand and balances well on the long telephoto! Also I’d hate it to have a small battery or lack the space to displace heat when filming in the highest res formats!

[@Skye_the_toller]

I also find my Z9 very heavy… when it is in my bag or on my shoulders… but… every time I have it in my hands taking pictures… it is so great !!! Feels solid, easy to handle, and so performs so well. Very well balanced with my 100-400s, or even my 500PF.

[@felixifloresrodriquez3306]

Love to have one but I still not ready for mirrorless therefore will pick a 300mm f2.8 vr.

[@TomMasonPhoto]

The 300mm 2.8 VR II is class and I love mine, won’t be going anywhere any time soon!

[@felixifloresrodriquez3306]

@@TomMasonPhoto the reason I want to get one with 1.4 and 2.0 teleconverter

[@TomMasonPhoto]

@@felixifloresrodriquez3306 personally I’d stick to the 1.4 TC and then use a higher re camera and crop for the extra

[@felixifloresrodriquez3306]

@@TomMasonPhoto OK point taken 1.4 it is then

[@Skye_the_toller]

As I realized that almost all my pictures are taking at 400mm with my 100-400S… I really look at selling it, selling my 500PF and buy this 400S and the TC…

[@davidcross9394]

Changed my 500 Pf, For the Z 400mm F/4.5, even with the !.4 ex on the photos are great, and the 2x on a bright day, it is still very good.

[@davidcollazos8985]

I don't consider 2.5 meters of minimun focus to be any good. Far far away from the 300 f4 pf...for instance...

[@Rob.1340]

Thank you. All the best. 👍📷😎

[@TomMasonPhoto]

Cheers!!

[@jaasun71]

Cute lens. Could never be seen with this at the local wildlife park.

[@antonoat]

400 mm is nowhere near long enough for small shorebirds, Dunlin, Knot, plovers etc,etc. It’s also worth considering that composition can be compromised with a fixed focal length lens. Often we can’t move closer or further away from our subjects without being seen and spooking them so a longer zoom, 200- 600mm for example means we can frame our subjects easier! Incidentally there is virtually zero difference in depth of field between f4.5 and f4!

[@TomMasonPhoto]

Personally I don’t find 300mm too short for waders but I suppose it depends on the style of images you like, indeed the zoom does help if your in a fixed location for multiple compositions but most often I find the prime IQ and planning my positioning has always lead to better images. The 200/600 when it finally becomes available/ announced will ceremony be a lens many will be after, and yes the diffent be between f4 and 4.5 is virtually zero meaning Nikons choice to go for the lower light and smaller size is certainly the way to go!

[@stripes_in_raw]

The 200-600mm will be a great versatile lens but the overall image look will be no where near the 400 f4.5. Most professionals use a 400mm f2.8 instead of a zoom. And if you pair the 400mm f4.5 with a Z7ii or a Z9, you get 600mm at f4.5 with 20MP in DX mode and if you add a 1.4 TC it becomes 840mm f6.3 at 20MP. Thats huge. If you want versatility add a 70-200 in your kit along with a 400 f4.5. Apart from shooting birds in bright daylight most wildlife activities happen at early morning and late evening. Thats where f4.5 is a huge advantage. As much as i love my Sony 200-600mm , i miss my Nikon 200-500mm f5.6 at lot mainly because of the f5.6 and the balance it had with the DSLRs. The f5.6 & f6.3 doesn't seem much but the bokeh on f5.6 on Nikon D850 was much smoother than the 200-600 at f6.3 on an Sony A7iv. Hoping Nikon will soon add a midrange camera with the autofocus capabilities of the Z9 at least on par with the Sony A7iv & Canon R5/R6//R6 ii. I love the Nikon midrange wildlife lens lineup .

[@markr3926]

🤣🤣🤣 4:15

[@robertvarner9519]

Gave up photography. Too damn expensive.

[@TomMasonPhoto]

It doesn’t have to be, I’m going to make a video on this soon

[@dicekolev5360]

This lens is unfortunately the biggest flop of the Z telephotos being 400mm. That was the 3rd 400mm in a row last year... absolutely nonsense compared to how many people use 500mm PF which is lacking focal lenght amongst all the current telephotos. Everybody is buying the z100-400 providing tons of more flexibility for not so much darker aperture. If this was 500mm 4.5 or even 5.6 it would've been different story.

[@TomMasonPhoto]

Personally I totally disagree - the 400mm 4.5 is a fantastic walk around lens and offers great flexibility. You’re forgetting the 500 is a PF lens that has a large number of optical compromises to gain the form factor, if you made a “normal” styled 500 4.5 it would be a very large lens, probably not much smaller than the 500/4. So Nikon maintained optical quality and a great bright aperture with prime performance whilst making it small and lightweight. The 100/400 is yea a little more flexible but it lacks the prime performance you get this with this lens and of course the 100/400 is also heavier. I understand that everyone has different needs but I think this lens has a great design and niche

[@dicekolev5360]

@@TomMasonPhoto I agree with you but if you make a poll for "choose only one - z100-400 or 400 4.5" i'm 1000% sure 95% will be on z100-400mm. Because simply people can't afford buying both. Just as me. I bought z100-400 simply because z400 didn't exist yet and I hate zoom lenses but i will be on a loss trying to sell it in my country so luckily or not I began to love and rediscover it, haha

[@ethannarrow5209]

@@dicekolev5360i would choose this prime. I have focal lengths covered all the way up to 200mm at bright apertures

[@Bikerbeest]

I have the Nikon Z 400 mm F4.5 and is extreem sharp and a very nice background it performs wide open at F4.5 almost perfect and even in the corners Try this at 400 mm with the Nikon Z 100-400 mm F4.5 / 5.6 zoom lens No zoom at the same price range is performing better as a prime lens The only benefit with a zoom lens is that you are more flexible I have bought this lens because I already have the Nikon Z 70-200 mm F2.8

[@danielthompson953]

Could I ask what editing software you would recommend?

[@TomMasonPhoto]

I personally use Lightroom