Nikon Z400mm F4.5S. First look VS Z100-400 & 500mm PF.

[@RicciTalks]

Hello there !! Welcome to the 400mm f4.5 I hope you found this first look useful let me know if you have any questions!

[@tomfranic]

I miss 1.4 TC at 6.3 560mm some word and samples, autofocus comparation. Like what was Mr. Morten do. Thank You Ricci for the content 🥂

[@jpdj2715]

It's a great video as always. (1) Did you shoot selfie takes in this video with the new Z 30? (2) Focus breathing - I prefer to call it aperture breathing. The focal length of classical lens designs is true at infinity and the focal length becomes longer when we focus closer by. As aperture is represented as fraction of focal length, this means the "number" in f/number must get larger when the "f" gets larger to represent the same pupil. For a cinematographer I would feel that exposure changes are much more annoying than slight focal length (angle) changes. The implication of this is that lenses without focus/aperture breathing are actually zoom lenses that compensate focusing by zooming a bit. (Q) When you test focus breathing, do you check the exposure changes too? (Or are we fooled by the camera adapting aperture to focusing electronically - which it cannot do fully open of course). (3) Have you sometimes wished for a menu item that allows to alter the focusing range that is no fixed on the lens switch when not set to full range? I really want that on my Z 105/2.8 S macro and can imagine I would want it on a long tele too. (4) When focus stepping (and later image stacking) is not an option because of time parallax, then I need to rely on the old-fashioned Depth of Field (DoF). Now DoF depends on the "Circle of Confusion" (CoC) which depends on lens and film/sensor resolution, depiction losses (film enlarger, computer, software), depiction size, and viewing distance to depiction. So, because of CoC, DoF is to some extent subjective and depends on e.g. the camera. Combined with aperture breathing, that may be an excuse to not provide DoF indications anymore. But the Z 105/2.8S still does it in its display. Well, I want it for my primes too and it can simply be on the rear display or in the eVF. I would want the "split screen" viewfinder in a DoF modality where I can tap the front of desired DoF left and the back in the right half, say. The may be feasible or not and the camera - a supercomputer, in fact - can advise me. Of course there would be a menu item to influence the CoC. Have you ever "needed" better DoF control (way back I also shot 4"x5" and 8"x10" so I may have been spoilt).

[@arsyjenkins1548]

Thanks for the video. How would you describe a comparison of this new 400mm F/4.5 + 1.4x TC (=560mm F/6.3) to the 500mm F/5.6 PF?

[@chriswhitham9233]

Thanks Ricci. Great Lens, I am sold. I prefer softer backgrounds as you usually can not pick where the birds appear . I guessed the price would be between 100-400 and 500 pf lenses

[@peterebel7899]

@@jpdj2715 This lens has 400mm focal length @ infinity. @ 2.5 m the magnification is 0.16 which gives a focal length of 300mm (physics), so the term focus breathing is adequately used. This lens does not extend the length while focussing closer, you will not experience the effect of loosing brightness due to the extension of length (which would be 1/3 stop with 1,6x magnification, physics again) I do expect no loss of light while focussing closer.

[@bobhandal]

One important factor is minimum focus distance, on the new 400mm is 2.5 meters, while the 100-400mm is 0.75 meter, that is substantial difference !! for butterflies, snakes , etc....

[@stanobert3475]

I own the 100-400mm so a 400 4.5mm wouldn't make a big difference. The lens that I am looking at is the new Sigma 500 5.6 when it is eventually available for Nikon Z.

[@dah7772]

We are lucky to have someone with the access you do with the honestly you do. I look forward to every video you produce. Thank you for making them.

[@Photographersforyou]

Thanks Ricci, I would love to see the 400 f4.5 with a 1.4 teleconverter and af speed VS the 500 pf, any chance you can test that OR have tested ?

[@stanobert3475]

This lens is going to be a big seller for Nikon. This is a brilliant move by Nikon. A 400 F/4.5 has a lot of possibilities. The 4.5 aperture is fast enough for lowlight sports and wildlife. With a 1.4x TC it is a very capable 560mm F/6.3 birding lens. If Nikon comes out with a mirrorless D500 replacement the demand for this will go off the charts. I already own the 100-400s lens so I will bypass this lens for the time being and wait for the "Z900" pro cropped sensor body. This lens would make a wonderful lightweight lens for a wildlife safari without breaking one's back and budget.

[@markr3926]

The Z8 in DX mode is a mirrorless D500 and phenomenal paired with this lens

[@stanobert3475]

@@markr3926 Good point. I would prefer a higher pixel density in a 33 megapixel DX camera if this is what Nikon decides to do.

[@markr3926]

@@stanobert3475 Yes I suspect a dedicated DX mirrorless D500 replacement would have more pixels however one consideration there is that from a marketing perspective they would love to chase the higher numbers but it does mean smaller pixels to achieve the higher density and this would result in poorer ISO low light performance which is the enemy of many a wildlife shot. Of course new sensor tech may overcome it. My own opinion is that is why the Z8/Z9 are at 45mp and not 65mp for the lowlight performance advantage. Putting a bigger number on a box is the marketing mans dream but not always without a compromise.

[@lcador9]

Thank you again for an excellent video. For me, this lens offers little to no advantage. With the Z9, I effectively shoot small birds with the 500mm PF. Gaining an additional half stop would be far less impactful then losing 140mm when using a 1.4 TC, which I most always do. This lens also would offer nothing for my telephoto landscape needs, where the Z 100-400 is absolutely perfect. Time will tell if the Z 200-600 could make me loosen my death grip on my current telephoto holdings.

[@StephanKempchen]

I missed you my friend! Glad you’re back. Great test as always. Nice lens, but I got my Z100-400 about 3 weeks ago. And I’m very happy with it on my Z6II. I like it’s flexibility, sometimes 400 mm are to much! Even in Kenya because sometimes the animals are closer than you would except. And I don’t like to switch lenses in dusty environment.

[@philzenner3881]

Extremely useful and honest review! I'm much more interested in seeing comparisons with a 1.4 TC than the less usable 2.0 TC, and I own the 500 PF and am interested in comparisons to that with and without 1.4 TC.

[@RicciTalks]

Working on that

[@1ryanlc]

Thanks for another great video, when are you doing one on the 400mm 2.8?

[@segercliffhanger]

Of all the countless photo channels, yours is just one of the most important ones to me, at any given moment about any given lens or cam, but also over the years. There's just the needed amount of technical comparison (here under windy conditions, which I don't mind) but also a lot of technical-to-practical 'meta-talk', that I like. There's a profoundly professional photographer under the blogger that you are.

[@richardfisher4828]

Great video. How about comparing the 400 + TC to the 500 PF. Lose 1/3 stop but gain 60mm or so (split the difference between the 500 and 600 focal lengths). Plus you can use only Z TCs rather than need to have and carry two sets. And no FTZ. Thoughts.

[@RicciTalks]

I did think about this But I would prefer the extra light and then crop the extra 60mm is needed really Also the 1.4 TC does effect focus speed so you are loosing quite abit

[@Votjko]

@@RicciTalks How big is the speed hit with the 1.4? Was thinking of getting Z70-200 + 400 4.5 + TC14 instead of Z100-400. Mostly for motorsport. I’m quite used to 70-200(VR2) focal length and low light ability and always thought that I would lose too much with 100-400 in that regard.

[@tmr11059]

​@@RicciTalks I am very interested in this comparison too. I am thinking of getting a 400 4.5 + 1.4TC or the 500 PF + converter instead. 400 4.5 + Z 1.4 TC is lighter, is using the latest technology and can go 4.5 in some situations while 500 PF has come out some time already. I wonder how much Z 1.4 TC would impact the image quality and focusing speed compared with the 500PF + converter. If there is not a huge difference, 400 4.5 + TC is definitely more attractive to me.

[@patrickjones6059]

Hello, I don't know if you are aware that MINOLTA was the FIRST camera manufacturer to come out with an autofocus system for film cameras ( A MOUNT ).It was also the FIRST Camera Manufacturer to have the camera body that converts ALL of its lenses into autofocus without having to put autofocus motors in every lens! In 1995 MINOLTA came out with its 400mm 4.5 HIGH SPEED APO G lens . I own this lens. I use this lens on my SONY A7IV ( E MOUNT ) with the SONY la-ea5 Mirrorless adaptor.Because this is a "SCREW DRIVEN" lens, it is a little noisy. This lens has a minimum focus distance of 9.84 feet. The lens weighs 4.22 pond with the MASSIVE carbon fiber hood AND the NON removable lens foot.This lens is sharp and beautiful.I also like that MINOLTA chose WHITE paint for their high end lenses instead of black. I think that the 400mm 4.5 is the PERFECT COMBINATION of PORTABILITY/SPEED in that focal length. I also think that SONY should come out with a 400mm 4.5 "G" lens also Though, it would definitely hurt sales of the SONY 400mm 2.8 G MASTER!!!

[@tc6912]

All testing seems to have been done on a Z9. How does it perform on the Zii's?

[@thebmorephotography]

Thanks great video as always ordered mine today and added my NPS priority here’s hoping I see it soon

[@porkster5924]

My kit bag contains a 400mm f/2.8G VR, the 300mm f/2.8G VR and 500mm PF. I did originally put a pre order in for the new Z 400mm f/4.5 as it’s so light compared to my 400mm f/2.8 but I decided to sell it and get an FL 400mm f/2.8 as I do mainly motorsport and that fast aperture is so good plus I’m positive the images off the f/2.8E will be sharper. I’ll keep the PF and 300mm as they will definitely get used too. Hoping one day to add the 800mm PF and then I’ll have everything covered.

[@ElementaryWatson-oxo]

Is this a good vlogging lens? I need one.

[@rbob4931]

Finally, a video that compares the three lenses. Good review. Would have loved to see samples of this 400mm paired with the TC1.4. Music choice, however, is questionable, repeating notes get annoying quick, I had to mute the video samples section. Keep up the good work.

[@brucesterlowden140]

Very nice objective intro to this new lens Ricci. But a comparison between 400/ 1.4x TC vs 500PF missing! Also 300pf + 1.4 TC vs 400 would be v interesting as I owe that combo all the time. But no doubt you wanted to be able to do a second video. Fair play to you.

[@885wc]

Thank you Ricci, great review. would have loved a comparison between the 500 Pf and this on a 1.4 TC

[@RicciTalks]

I did look at this but I thought that it being a f6.3 meant not that many would be interested I would prefer the extra light and crop the extra 60mm ….. but it’s certainly something to investigate

[@885wc]

@@RicciTalks I've been oscillating between the 500 PF, a used 500 F4 or this particular lens. I am getting my Z9 next week and am looking for something that can replace my 200-500 this year. The fact that this is a native lens theoretically making AF accuracy and acquisition faster while being only a third of a stop slower makes ISO requirements a non issue with these modern sensors in real world situations. It is definitely a very interesting conundrum. One I suspect that a lot of Nikon shooters are going through. We can't all afford the 400 2.8 TC, and even if one could save up to buy one, this could be the perfect compromise in the meantime. I agree the extra reach is non essential. I would have gladly paid a half kilo penalty and grand more for it to be a F4

[@AlistairOwensgooglePlus]

@@RicciTalks Another vote for the 500pf / 1.4 TC comparison. It is only 1/3 of a stop after all. Regardless, thanks for another great video in this one !

[@markgreenwildlifeimages]

Hi I would like to see this with the 1.4 tc as well

[@joebecker3107]

Im also on board for seeing the Z 400 4.5 with 1.4tc vs 500 pf. The only reason id buy this lens is if it could replace my 500 pf, because the tc would be married to it for 90% of my shooting. If it can't hold up to the 500pf, than id just stick with the 100-400 and 500pf until nikon makes a Z lens in the 500-600 range (besides the 600f4) I think the 800 6.3 is an awesome lens idea but being limited to a minimum of 800mm wouldn't work for me... the 400mm - 800mm gap is where I do most of my shooting. I really wish Nikon would've made it a 500 5.6 or ideally a 600 5.6 like the old ias manual focus nikkor lens years ago.... or would've been nice if Nikon would've made the 400 4.5 with a built in 1.4 TC. Imo, from now on, Nikon should make every prime 300 2.8 and up, with a built in tc.

[@Malinois_Whisper]

Ricci, what is your thought on the new 70-200 2.8 with a x2 tc vs this new 400 4.5? Obviously I realize the tc will make the 70-200 not as fast or sharp but very few people can buy the 400 4.5 and the new 2.8 70-200 (which o recently acquired). Would love to see side by side pic comparison like you did here.

[@tc6912]

I realize this is an older video, but with Nikon coming out with a potentially affordable new body, it brings new life to these lenses. I currently use a Z6ii/100-400 and a D500/500PF for wildlife. My thoughts are to replace the D500 with a new Z8. Assuming the Z8 is as good as the Z9, my question is which setup will provide the best IQ: Z8, 500PF, FTZ, Fmount TC1.4 (700mm) Z8, 100-400, Zmount TC1.4 (560mm cropped to provide same subject size) Z8, 400/4.5, Zmount TC1.4 (560mm cropped to provide same subject size) Z8, 500PF, FTZ (500mm cropped to provide same subject size)

[@MikeJamesMedia]

Thank you, Ricci! Since you started this channel, I've always found your opinions genuine and helpful. As a "serious enthusiast", I chose the 100-400, and am quite happy. There may be longer glass in my future, but I'm certainly not "suffering", using the Z9 and a variety of Z lenses. I'm impressed every day. :)

[@gyalbobhutia2825]

Thanks for the Video, you cleared my doubt on this lens vs 500pf. I have a z6II and should I give up my 70-300 AFP to any comparable focal length z lens?

[@tc6912]

Thank you!! Will that nice rubberized lens hood fit the 500 pf? Can they all take the same lens foot?

[@antonoat]

Thanks for sharing this Ricci, well done Nikon great addition to the range of z lenses. 😀👏👍

[@frankcruz8068]

Nice video. I used the 400 4.5 and the 100-400, I really enjoy the flexibility of a zoom, so I picked zooming over the slight IQ edge of the 400 4.5. I shoot mostly birds, so I will buy a super zoom; I'm waiting for the Nikon 200-600 Z. For now, I use the Tamron G2 to get great results, the focus speed is great with the Z9! The G2 blows away the Nikon 200-500 f5.6 on focusing speed (on the Z9). I have these lenses and use them side by side regularly. I only shot the 200-500 when the light would be low and speed is not critical. The Nikon 200-500 seldom catches the initial jump when the bird takes off, but the G2 does not miss. In low light, the G2 will struggle at f 6.3.

[@RussandLoz]

Great video as always, love the lounge look, makes me feel comfortable too 😚

[@andhib]

Looks great. Thanks for useful review Ricci. Will be my next Z lens.

[@RicciTalks]

Thanks for watching !

[@manosskg]

Nice one! Any news on the 400 F4.5 + 1.4 TC vs the 500 PF comparison??

[@JimFawcette]

Thanks, very helpful. Curious, what video settings did you use for the animal scenes taken with the 400 4.5 test lens, i.e. 4k/ 30 ProRes/ 10-bit etc.?

[@tcWildlife1]

Just picked up this lens and a new z9, and I'm loving it. I come from the D500 with the 300mm PF/1.4TC, which I also thought was fantastic. As great as this lens is paired with the Z9, I think pairing it with the rumored Z8 will be even better with the smaller body and higher pixel count, if in fact that turns out to be true. This lens is so lightweight with most of that weight toward the mount, that I think a lighter body would feel better.

[@SanoyNimbus]

I was aiming for the 100-400 to replace both my 200-500 and my 300 PF ... (I also have the TC14 III) ... But today I ordered this one. When it is shipped (and delivered) I will sell my two last F-mount lenses and my TC ... and order the Z-mount TC14. :) The weight of this lens helped me in my decision.

[@graemechow88]

good, I am in same suitation as you. After seeing video, I am leaning toward this over the zoom due to faster focusiing which could be main factor when shooting those small bird in flight . Nikon would not be put the price higher then the zoom as due to 1 stop only, the main factor is faster focusing and more portable handheld get the fast moving subject more efficient.

[@zZola_Photography]

Great vid as always. Having the 100-400 and loving as you mentioned the versatility of it I don't think this lens has a spot in my kit but I 100% can see this lens being a nice lightweight option for alot of people! Nikon's rounding out that tele range nicely! Now bring on that 200-600 and 600/4

[@herbertthuasne3153]

The Decision was very hard, between the100-400mm and the 400 f4.5 at the End i bought the Z400mm, because the not changing f4.5. I am very surprised with the quality, the low weight and the very fast/quick Focus. I love it really and hope the Nikon soon can deliver the 600mm f4. Thank you for your Videos.

[@throughellslens2850]

The lens looks so good, specially for the price! Can’t wait to see what it’s like with motorsport 👌🏻

[@spencerburrows5360]

Great addition, my set up is 800mm, 400mm and the 70-200 s lenses with the 1.4 tc. Gives lots of coverage and options.

[@JaspreetSinghArtist]

beautiful shots in example video

[@RicciTalks]

Thank you 😊

[@indrajitadvani3742]

fair enough. and you think this is going to be better than the yet-to-come 200-600?

[@markgreenwildlifeimages]

would like to see how sharp it is with the 1.4x teleconverter

[@bobwoolcock]

Useful review. I think if I had a paid assignment where time is critical and I just need to get the shot, the 100-400mm would be the choice. But for walking around artistic photos where you look around and compose within the constraints of a fixed focal length, then the 400mm f4.5 would be more fun. Interesting to see how much of a difference 2/3 of a stop can make in depth of field.

[@musicdefinesgravity]

wow the internal IBIS and the lens VR result in rock-solid handheld shots

[@kipsned]

Thank you for the information. PreOrdered mine the first day from Nikon and did the NPS priority delivery request as well so hopefully I’ll be somewhere in the first 20 months ,haha. I had just purchased a 500mm PF a month prior to this lens being officially announced so I’ll test them together and sell the loser likely. I expect that to be the 500mm as I am shooting with a Z7II waiting on a z9 and have no more F mount bodies but I do love the odd bokeh and isolation properties of the 500PF. Good problems to have , thanks again for the information and for not screaming it at is like some others feel the need to do.

[@defom2735]

Great info and overview mate... keep it up! It'd be great to get a more detailed comparison between vthis lens and the 500 pf when you spend some more time with the lens. Cheers

[@fpessolano]

Btw did you hear anything about the z9 100-400 issue? I seem to suffer from it (no release with af-c and focus release above 300m) and would love to know if nikon can do anything about it or I need to return my equipment.

[@minusinfinity6974]

Great overview Ricci. Did you try the 400 just with a 1.4x TC to compare it to the 500 PF? As a 560 f/6.3 it should be very close with the 500 having an IQ edge, but IQ of the 400 + 1.4x should be much better than with the 2x. As a birder you can see 400mm is just not enough in general and it would need the 1.4x almost permanently attached unless you live in Florida or shoot pelicans. I'm torn about swapping my 500 PF for this, and I just hope Nikon get us a 600 f/5.6 PF sooner rather than later. One last thing talking about bokeh, the 500 PF demolished the background compared to the 400 f/4.5 which as you said was appreciably better than the 100-400. IMO the 100-400 is a compliment to a longer and/or faster prime. As a birder I have a 200-600 Sony, and it's basically at 600mm 90% of the time, 100-400 would be at 400mm 99% of the time. But the 100-400 can do landscape, has amazing close-up abilities so is brilliant for butterflies and dragonflies and is too versatile not to own IMO. Would love to see Nikon offer a 100-500 like Canon, but preferably f/5.6 not f/7.1

[@RicciTalks]

Working on the 1.4tc now

[@adityarrao]

You are right Ricci, I wont trade my 500mm 5.6 for this.

[@pahafx]

How would you rate video AF for both 400/4.5 and 500PF on Z9? Is the Z lens massively better for video, regarding video focus speed and noise etc?

[@panepintosimone8140]

Maybe I miss it, but how does the AF perform with the TC on the z9? The 500 pf doesn't look any slower with my TC 1.4 Ciao

[@cyrilmattaliano5473]

Hey Ricci ! Great works ! When will you do a first look/review/hands on or whatever.. of the Z400mm F2.8 TC ? I have on in preorder since 6 month, no news from Nikon... And you don't seem to have one... I am worried. Cyril.

[@cjgetreal]

My friend has gotten his and it's fabulous. Hang in there you won't be disappointed (other than cost - which of course you know). Bunch of images at the ATS youtube channel.

[@johnholmes6811]

Nice video, been waiting for this one, now just the 200-600, oh and the Z6 iii.

[@indrajitadvani3742]

Instead of buying this (400mm f/4.5), what about adding a TC2x to my 70-200mm f/2.8. Would that be viable?

[@RicciTalks]

If you are going to be using the 70-200 at 400mm a lot then an actual 400mm will always be better It comes down to how often ur going to need to shoot beyond 200mm

[@yogeshdivekar9467]

hi i use z9 with 400mm f 2.8 fl ed vr lense ...its heavy what is your opinion on switching to 400mm f4.5 or 500mmpf ...for birding i am asking since it is heavy to use (400mm f 2.8 fl ed vr) pl ans since it involves lots of money ...and for me your opinion matters for me

[@Skye_the_toller]

How close is the 400 with tc1.4 vs the 500pf? (As I have the 70-200, 100-400 and the 500pf… just too many lens… I think to buy the tc 1.4 to use with the 70-200 or the 400 and sale the 100-400 and the 500pf).

[@stevenwaldstein2249]

vs 100-400 that is the decision I have to make since I have that on. Thank you for the video

[@nikilk]

Wonderful insight Ricci. Love it. I would imagine the 400 / 2.8 would have even richer out of focus areas vs the 400 / 4.5 ? Would be awesome to see the same scene and the image quality with all the three 400mm's on the Z lineup :). Perhaps another video ?

[@thebmorephotography]

Fro did a video that showed baseball shot with the 4.5 vs the 2.8 obviously the 2.8 obliterated the background the 4.5 was good but not nearly as good but it is $10,000 cheaper lol

[@nikilk]

@@thebmorephotography yeah I recall seeing that video of the baseball game. Thanks for mentioning it.

[@iemboyshostel]

Killer lens… good job Nikon!

[@brunodepi2545]

Thanks Ricci, great review as always. Any ideia if Nikon will launch the more affordable 200-600 soon? I had the 200-500, now that I moved to Z I'm wainting on it.Dream lens is the 800mm, but for an enthusiast it's too much money.

[@chiuyuenkwan833]

Please advise the name and model number of the red foot for the tripod collar.

[@tedk2814]

Great video for me and timely as I'm looking for a lighter lens than my 400 2.8 and Z9 body. My big issue is with the 4.5 vs 2.8 and as a sport photographer I really need to shoot somewhere around 1/1250 at minimum or risk getting blurred extremities. So at night games with stadium lighting I would need to lug that 400mm 2.8 beast around for best iso levels but in daylight shooting circumstances, the 4.5 would do fine I think and way easier to shoot hand held. When I first used the Nikon 400mm 2.8 I was amazed at the quality of the photos, so clear, they just looked great. But at 73 years old, it's getting more difficult moving around the park, I dread the thought of me dropping that lens and falling over in front of the viewers. I think I will order one before month's end.

[@russellwebb7700]

Excellent video and very honest. I’d be interested in a comparison between 400 f4.5 and the 300mm f4 PF. Thanks.

[@johanwiklund9195]

Great vid👍. Did you you shoot the test with 2.0 firmware or is it something else coming?😉

[@koolkutz7]

Great comparison Ricci. I love the video clips of the little treecreepers, impressive handheld footage! I currently use the Nikon D7500 & Sigma 150-600mm C lens for wildlife photography; that way I get a FF equiv of 225mm-900mm FOV :-) I am also hoping Nikon will release that Z 200-600mm lens plus a flagship z aps-c body, them I may go all-in mirrorless.

[@Lon1an]

I got the 100-400 and the closest focus is 0.75-0.98 meter so there is a winner for me as the 400 f4.5 is 2.5 meter closest focus. 100-400 feels almost like a macro lens.

[@RicciTalks]

It’s something I didn’t mention in the video but I do think for close up nature shots the 100-400 is clearly the choice as you say

[@esplak]

@Ricci Talks I think in close focus the 100-400 is not 400 anymore. They do this with all modern lenses. So the difference might not be that substantial.

[@jackho8548]

Yes, I got the 100-400 too , it’s quite good

[@EliudGilSamaniego]

i just ordered mine in BH, hope it gets soon

[@joferusa]

Thanks for such good videos, it would be interesting to see image quality with TC 1.4.

[@19Photographer76]

OK, 'sharpness', is it the result of contrast due to the small amount of light scattering as the aperture gets tighter or true sharpness?

[@aymericb8450]

Great video. You forgot to mention the good reproduction ratio of the 100-400 which can be very useful.

[@kevinbinks8722]

Would Nikon ever consider doing a longer focus zoom lens for wildlife. I.e a 400mm to 800m?. And the best lens is still to come (200-600)(not sure why it's taking so long to come out considering it was one of the first lenses on the road map.?)

[@Zifiron]

Ricci.. I've a dilemma... I happen to own the Nikon 180-400mm f/4E TC1.4. On my Z9 it's simply phenomenal. I know you've shot with that lens before. I've played with the 400/4.5S in my local camera shop. I was pretty astonished by the weight and portability of it. The issue I have with the F mount beast is that it's... a beast. 400/4 is unbeatable, except by the 400/2.8S, but.. in terms of portability the S-line lenses win it from that one... I do love the f/4 bokeh and altough it's a serious kit in terms of weight (over 5 kg in total on the Z9) it becomes easier every day over time (it's free fitness :P). The point is: I've traveled to Iceland last month. I didn't bring this lens because of the size and weight. But for my next trips to Spitsbergen in June 2023 and Antarctica in March 2024 I do really want to bring that focal length with me. What would your course of action be?

[@karstenschafer9312]

First things first - I love the content you put out :-) Usually I'm rather the "quiet" type of Follower but I just wanted to thank you for your work! Furthermore I have a question regarding the Focusing Noise and the VR Noise in comparison to the 500 PF. Is the Z 400 mm 4.5 much quieter while focusing and stabilizing the Image? Of course this is really subjective :-) Many thanks in advance and keep on doing what you do!

[@cmichaelhaugh8517]

Excellent summary as always.

[@indrajitadvani3742]

thanks for this. instead of buying 400mm 4.5,

[@Skye_the_toller]

I was waiting for you to know if I sell my 500pf to buy this lens… nope… still keep my 500pf ;). I will see what Nikon will do with the next 600… will it be the 500 pf with some boost?

[@johnhjic2]

Hello Ricci, One more very useful first look, so good to see it compared with the 500mm PF. I know I have been waiting 7 mounts to get my 100mm-400mm Z mount, I am hope it will come soon or do I switch it to the 400mm f4.5? I am thinking that the zoom will be more useful in the end. Looking forward to see more from you. keep well, keep safe and find some time for fun.

[@dionysusrex9183]

Yes interesting, but really I want a 600 f5.6. If it was a PF I think it’d be a passable weight and size. Seems like they can do more now with a non-PF. All of that said, the chances of it not being an f4 are slim.

[@raziel7997]

thanks for this video - good stuff!

[@peterebel7899]

Gold ring or no gold ring: 400mm 4.5 @ a weight of 1200g is a very versatile setup for wildlife, birds & more, hard to be beaten! I started my wildlife photography with this specs (Canon FD-lens) After 35 years of waiting Nikon gives us back this great proposition, now with AF, IS and improved IQ :-) Canon, are you listening? The very best body behind such a lens is a R3 or R7.

[@RaymondParkerPhoto]

Thanks for this and your thoughts. Tempting!

[@arupkumarchanda3302]

Nice Video. Can you pls make a comprision between Nikon 400mm f/4.5 & Sony 200-600mm Telephoto Lens. 🎉

[@marc5279]

you got me here. What's the PF look exactly?

[@boogateemobile]

comparison to 300PF with 1.4TC would have been good to see... that a 420f5.6 to 400f4.5 ... but good job, interesting watch

[@mickdean2256]

Hmm! Interesting video. Seemingly you obviously prefer the 400 f4.5 above the other two based on your video content as opposed to your commentary but I appreciate your attempt at fair evaluation. Personally I'd opt for the 100-400 for flexibility and the fact that, these days, at the editing stage, that extra bokeh nervousness can be easily subdued somewhat at the post processing stage given the amount of subject separation these lenses offer. On the other hand, living in these cloudy climes, yes, me a UK resident too, knows the value of the extra brightness at f4.5 but the deal breaker for me has to be the flexibility of the zoom, that and the ridiculously close minimum focussing distance that the 100-400 offers - something you omitted here. But, as you allude to, horses for courses as they say. Good review/comparison nonetheless.

[@Bonjurro]

Thanks for the info. I’ve got the 300pf and 500pf so I’m not sure where this would fit for me. I have a Tamron 70-200 G2 which I was okay with (but not thrilled). I was debating selling the Tamron and the 300pf and getting either the Z 700 + a TC or maybe just the 100-400. If you don’t already have much glass the new 400 looks like a great option.

[@Skye_the_toller]

Does the 500pf sharper than the 400 + 1.4 tc?

[@richardhaire5001]

Awesome presentation!!

[@graemechow88]

I m still hesitating between this lens and the 100-400 zoom. You nailed it now to big different as my main problem is shooting bird in flight, with faster focusing the extra sharp images get from 400mm 4.5 will be higher if use the same camea body and same setting. I struggled withe the tamron 150-600mm and the nikon 200-500 lens and sold away and still use the old 300mm f4 ED lens with TC1.4 which do decent flight shooting with D500.

[@koenhoekemeijer7433]

Hello Ricci, Thanks for this informative and valuable video. My choice would be the 400mm f/4.5 over the 100-400mm. However I still have a 400mm f/2.8G and I am back and forth on what to do. The G-version is 4,6KG and it's not a pleasant hike carrying all that weight or trying hand held shots...but quality wise it is fantastic. If you have time I'd appreciate your 2 cents. I use the lens mostly for larger wildlife such as tigers, jaguars, polar bears, whales. Ideally I'd wake up with the new Z400mm f/2.8 with 1.4TC next to me, but that's on such another price level. Thanks in advance for your efforts. Koen

[@OZZIEMV]

@ 4.25, "Following fast subjects the shutter would be fast" ... most motorsport panning shutter speeds start around 1/200th and then lower. I would like to think you could pan with the Z9 and the 400mm f4.5 @ 1/40th and get decent results.

[@ep_photography]

I'm sure it's a fantastic lens, I don't think there has been a lemon yet in the Z line. But, being the proud owner of a 100-400 I don't see the value proposition in this lense, especially being an extra $550. If it was in the $2800 range then I might have considered getting this, selling the 100-400 and getting a 70-200. I'm sure there will be lots of proud owners of this lense. But, I think I'll save for the 800 pf or a 200-600 id it ever comes.

[@MrModerate_kane]

great video thanks a lot Ricci

[@kaak4737]

A z500mm f5.0PF ( not 5.6) is more wished..it will be perfect . a 400 needs for 90% a tc in wildlife

[@simpics-simonschneider]

my use case for this lens is that I usually shoot 600mm (+) but sometimes need less or I simply don't want to carry the big one. others may use a zoom (100-400) to cover lower ranges but for me this one here fills the gap nicely (and I also owned the 500 pf which was too close to 600 for me)

[@yogictravel.]

Still using the D500 with a 300mm PF quite satisfactorily till now... waiting for Nikon to release a good APSC Z body ( if they ever do!) before I jump to mirrorless...will be keeping my 300PF as I love that lens...does it make more sense to get the 500PF now / rather than wait for the new Z body and buying it with this lens? I would also like to see this with a 1.4 TC compared to the 500PF in low light conditions... great video as usual 👍🏽👍🏽

[@gerryphilpott9766]

I don't own any of Nikon F products anymore and never owned the 500, but I know some pretty avid Z camera/lens users that still use their 500PF quite extensively and love it, wouldn't sell it for anything. Maybe now while the new and used market favors a lower price point.

[@Paul-D-Hoff]

Hi. glad to see you.

[@terrywbreedlove]

Would be a fantastic wildlife lens on a Z500.

[@saibhargavamanda1062]

#200-600 will become the new workhorse soon for many enthusiasts

[@ivansanchez5584]

It seems that the minimum focus distance is seldom given enough importance and for some of us is essential, and at least for me, 2.5 m is too much.

[@Mr09260]

I have the 70-200 f2.8 S plus 1.4x Z convertor and this lens is the PERFECT Companion for General African Wild Life >> All I will need to do is upgrade my awesome Z7 (Weakness C Focusing) to the Rumoured Z6III and then I am done forever >> No more GAS for me from here on in my Retirement>> Stick a 1.4 on you get 560 f6.3 which is longer than 500mm and almost 600mm !!

[@jss27560]

I woud guess that comparing it to the 400mm f/2.8 that lens would be much better but at multiple times the price?

[@RicciTalks]

The 400mm f2.8 is better in every way (apart from weight) but yes significantly more expensive 🤣

[@mozzman]

You get what you pay for, the 2.8 super telephoto lenses are pure magic.

[@PunjabiGymBeats]

we need a 600mm pf lens now perfect focal length for birds. 400 is little shorter 500-600 range is good.

[@RicciTalks]

I agree I would love a 600 Pf But I don’t know what aperture it would be 600 5.6 would be big/ expensive 600 6.3 the 800 6.3 pf already exists