Nikon Z50 Bird Photography 200-500 Lens!

[@ru2ik]

I have Nikon Z30, such a powerful small camera. Even without EVF, its a budget king of photography.

[@smkunder1]

Always enjoy when you bring Nikon back!

[@PhilThach]

Thank you, me too! :)

[@johnniebejarano145]

I enjoyed watching you use the Nikon Z50 with the 200-500 F-mount zoomy. Nice work, as usual.

[@PhilThach]

Thank you, Johnnie!

[@adrianalfordphotography]

Great pics Phil. Love the little Z50. I'm waiting / hoping Nikon gives us a D500 like APSC camera. But I'm guessing it may be a while away. Cheers buddy

[@PhilThach]

Thank you, Adrian! I think we'll get the 200-600 before the Z90 or whatever they eventually call it.

[@warthog123]

Thank you for the beautiful images.

[@PhilThach]

Thank you!

[@johnmoffvideos]

great video Phil ! Looking forward to the Z90 too !

[@PhilThach]

Thank you, John!

[@ionutvlad]

Nice shots, Phil, very nice!! Nice to see you again reusing the Z50 😁. I have also played a little bit to shot some birds using the Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8, F mount. I was impressed about the sharpness of some of them. However, I preferred to use 'dynamic-area AF' instead of 'single point'. I found to difficult to focus right using one dingle point. Of course, many of my shots with 'dynamic-area AF' were out of focus, but in the end I got some very nice tack sharp. Yes, I would have liked too to have birds eye detection in Z50, but it is ok while I don't do wildlife too often.

[@PhilThach]

Thank you! As far as cameras that do not have bird eye detect auto focus go, the Z50 does really well! When it comes to perched birds, I prefer it over my D500. For birds in flight, I would still rather use the D500. I am almost close enough to the birds to where I could get away with using my 70-200 2.8 on the z50. I’ve heard other people say they prefer dynamic area, but I just don’t have much luck with it. If it works well for you, you should definitely keep using it.

[@teejay2483]

Thank you Phil for the stunning images! I believe that no matter what brand camera you use, your photographic expertise will provide spectacular results. I enjoy all of your videos.

[@PhilThach]

Thank you! That is really kind and I certainly appreciate it. 🙏

[@laurelb8372]

Good to see how this combo works 👏

[@PhilThach]

Thank you!

[@miguelvicente3996]

I purchased a 200-500 lens a few days ago and i'm still waiting for it to arrive. Seeing your results, I was very impressed and I just can't wait to test it out by myself! Great work Phil! Cheers, Miguel

[@PhilThach]

Thank you! Enjoy your new lens!

[@JeffandLeslie]

nice photos Phil. Even after all these years the 200-500 is still no slouch. The lack of a native 200-600 and a new crop body "pro" type camera are the main reasons I purchased an R7 and 100-500. No Nikon Bashing from me. Nikon lenses and output files are excellent. Sometimes I kind of miss my D500 and 200-500 combo.

[@PhilThach]

Thank you! I think I might work with both cameras tomorrow in the blind.

[@JeffandLeslie]

@@PhilThach cool. would be interesting to see how they compare. My guess is when focus is nailed, both produce very similar images. At least that is my experience moving from D500 to R7. R7 and 100-500 focuses faster and locks on better but the image quality is very similar.

[@paulpierlott8461]

Phil, I have the Z 50 and would like to have a group of settings saved to fn 1 and a different set to fn 2. Do use those saved sets so you don’t have to reset for most shots? If you do I would love you to share them and to walked us through the process :) I really appreciate your video on setting the Z 50 to small point focus and Wide small focus. That was great.

[@PhilThach]

Thank you! I don’t save settings. Unfortunately I just set up for each shot so I won’t be much help on this one I apologize.

[@randymyers8600]

I really like the look of these. They look different than the Canon images to me. Doesn’t the Z50 have touch focus on the screen? I would give that a try with cable release in the opposite hand. Good job on these.

[@PhilThach]

Thank you! I had outstanding light that morning.

[@ses4vols]

Great shots with Nikon Z50! I can't wait for the Nikon event on May 10. I'm hoping they give us that zoom and some cameras with the Z9 autofocus!

[@PhilThach]

I was thinking that if it was going to be 100% Z8, but you’re right, maybe they will announce the 200-600 as well! Thank you, Stephen!

[@ses4vols]

@@PhilThach I'm always hopeful that they will announce additional items. I'm still looking forward to the Z8.

[@ageprevention]

Thanks Phil 😎

[@PhilThach]

Thank you!

[@MueedAhmad2001]

Ngl .. This is one of the best wildlife video on Nikon APSC mirrorless cameras .. Good Job Sir! :))

[@PhilThach]

Thank you!

[@hansgerd2934]

Nice shots! I‘m thinking about getting a z50 as my first proper camera. I‘m also interested in wildlife so I’m not sure if this is the right choice, the r7 would be ideal but it’s twice the price. Wish there would be a Nikon equivalent of the cheap Canon rf 100-400.

[@PhilThach]

Get a Canon R10. ✅

[@jostv.2726]

Great video, thank you :D

[@PhilThach]

Thank you!

[@merlinmendoza5177]

Hey Phil I know this is an old video but I just bought the Nikon Z50 and your video gave me hope that I'll be able to purchase some affordable lenses because I wasn't sure if there's any z mounts that was in my price range. Great video!

[@PhilThach]

Thank you! I hope you enjoy your new camera.

[@MatthewRaifman]

Lovely! I test drove a z9 and 400z f/4.5 this past weekend and enjoyed the stacked sensor experience quite a bit. Has me pondering the z8 a bit and perhaps picking up a used z50 to last me over the summer before delivery. The Nikon lens options are really nice compared to canon

[@PhilThach]

Thank you! I have borrowed an R3 for a day and photographed college soccer. It was really nice to be able to use electronic shutter for sports.

[@MrTmiket0007]

Thanks so much Phil for always sharing the best content, I am happy to report that the warblers are here 👍 I got nice photos of the yellow Warbler, yellow rumped warbler, black and white warbler, warbling Vireo and a lífer for me the Scarlett Tanager, keep up with the awesome content 🐦👍🤗

[@PhilThach]

Thank you, Miguel! Congratulations on all of those birds that you captured! I have made a photograph of a scarlet tanager, but not a couple of the others you found. Awesome!

[@unknown_user_235]

I have the exact combination z50 and 200-500. It fair enough to start photography journey. There is a huge room for having spectacular results. However even with a small degradation in lighting and other conditions, camera cannot cope with the conditions. Sometimes in pure wild environment, it drives me crazy. Good choice to start and test if this hobby suits you but won't be enough for someone who wants to pursue this hobby above beginner level.

[@PhilThach]

Thanks for watching!

[@adhwayidkichu7893]

hi great clicks....which cam would you prefer for bird photography a6700 or the z50

[@PhilThach]

Definitely the a6700. Thank you!

[@iamhassan9943]

Phil Thach is the Bird Whisperer!

[@PhilThach]

Lol! Thank you, Hassan! :)

[@jeffellis662]

Good job with the Z50. Before buying my r7 I used a Zfc and Z7II for my backyard bird pics. The Canon system sure makes it easier. As you showed it can be done, it just takes more skill. Like you I also like Nikon and use a Z50 for a toss in my coat pocket camera and take it out when I want a lighter system than the Canon when doing landscape. As of today I sold my Canon R5 and ordered a R6 Mark II. I got tired of waiting for Canon to give the R5 firmware that brings it up to the R7 level of features. I would rather have the features than the extra MP’s. I was interested in the upcoming Nikon Z8 as being a smaller and lighter Z9 but I already have the longer Canon lens and don’t want to spend money of the Nikon versions so the R6 Mark II and my R7 will just have to do!

[@PhilThach]

Thank you! I think I will definitely have to buy the 200-600 Nikon lens if they ever release it.

[@patriciablyler6484]

Hi Phil! Nice backyard photos. I’m hoping Nikon soon releases the 200-600 as well. Just got my 800 PF lens after waiting for over a year for it. Haven’t had time to get out with it yet. It’s been very rainy and soggy here in PA.

[@PhilThach]

Hi! I'm jealous of your new 800 PF! That is going to be awesome on a full-frame camera! Thank you!

[@hervedelnorte7928]

Nice captures there Phil! I agree that Nikon should produce at least a semi-pro ASPC camera. Something like the D500 at a mid price level. Or just a Z6ii type camera with a crop sensor and better AF. Maybe put a flip out screen on it for self viewing. I would have to think they will do this to compete with the likes of the Canon R7. Surprisingly, Sony does not really have a decent one of these either.

[@PhilThach]

Thank you! I agree completely.

[@cesarm8811]

As an owner of the Z50, I agree with regarding the AF. But I mainly use my Z50 for travel and family events, it a great travel camera. Also love to see Nikon introduce a D500 mirrorless replacement with similar AF to the Z9 and the 200-600 mm lens.

[@PhilThach]

It's a great camera. That's why I still own one. :) Thank you, Cesar!

[@Eli4Bill]

Great shots with the Z50 Phil!👏

[@PhilThach]

@@Eli4Bill thank you!

[@Grungedude93]

I use my Z50 for mainly bird and nature photography. Most of my photos come out great, I just need a better lens. The autofocus has major issues if there is any branches or twigs in the way.

[@HR-wd6cw]

Nice to see that with proper skill, you can do a lot with the existing Z cameras, and that some of the comments I've read (and believed) regarding their abilities when it came to wildlife, might be a little over exaggerated. I mean yes there are still some concerns with the current AF system and hopefully that will change with the upcoming Z8, but I have to say that your video and photos just goes to show you don't need the latest gear if you have the technique and skill down.

[@PhilThach]

Thank you, H R ! :)

[@jackfarm_]

My passion I hope one day I'll get a good camera to explore it

[@ammadoux]

i had the same setup until this 200-500 mm died in March 2022 i was really so sad as i had it since 2016 and on my first trip with it to the desert near the shore i had a beautiful photo session with the Arabian wheatear which was a lifer for me that time. not only that it was a first record for one at sea level 😊 and because of that i considered that lens my lucky charm. but after i got ride of the ugly bulky d810 it staied on the shelf for a while until i got the z50. which have beautiful color science no less than that of the Lumix. anyway now i have the 100-400 z f6.3 which is also another marvel.

[@PhilThach]

Sorry to hear about your 200-500 failing.

[@suwapathwewa]

❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@Digwert]

Hello, I like your videos, I have a z50, I’m looking for an answer to a question, no one has answered me clearly yet. video in manual mode works at 1/4000, and in aperture mode the limit is 1/2000?

[@PhilThach]

Thank you! I appreciate the nice comment. Unfortunately I don’t know why you can get to 1/4000 shutter speed manually, but it won’t go there an aperture priority. This is not something I’ve ever observed because when I shoot video, I try to keep my shutter speed at twice my frame right to keep my footage as smooth as possible. For example, if I’m shooting at 24 frames per second I usually shoot at 1/50 if possible.

[@ammadoux]

btw enjoyed the video and love the shots.

[@PhilThach]

Thank you! :)

[@leandroceschin440]

Hello! Greeting from Argentina, nice video thanks! I buy a z50, four months ago, and i think buy these 200-500 or Sigma 150-600 contemporany. Wich do you think Is better for this camera anda for bird photography? Thanks, bye!

[@PhilThach]

@@leandroceschin440 I would definitely get the Nikon 180-600.

[@leandroceschin440]

Thanks ​@@PhilThach , yes i think that but i dont have money for the 180-600 😢

[@kamilcwojd7089]

Better buy to this z50 tamron 150 -500 or nikkor 200-500 with fiz? Whats your opinion?

[@PhilThach]

I'd get the Nikkor 180-600 instead of either of those. Second choice would be a used 200-500 with FTZ.

[@ihknilsen]

I am also curious why so many people want a crop sensor?

[@PhilThach]

Great question. I like a crop sensor for pixel density and price. Like I mentioned in my other reply, The Z50 has a higher pixel density than even the high-resolution Z7II or Z9. You see, when photographing small birds, there is a lot of cropping involved most of the time. So much that having a full frame sensor is often a waste of money. It doesn't matter how many total pixels there are as much as how many are in an area of the sensor where the bird actually is. So a high res crop sensor is the way to go for small birds for me. Now, if we are making portraits, I prefer a full frame sensor for the shallower depth of field that can be obtained with those FX cameras.

[@alwynsmit3546]

And then people still argue with me saying Canon AF is not better than Nikon

[@formermpc10]

If you have a perch set up in your backyard there isn't any reason for missing shots.

[@PhilThach]

I guess if you have a single perch set up, you are correct but if you have multiple, there are opportunities to miss shots for sure.

[@ihknilsen]

Instead of waiting on a camera that is not coming why not us get the Z7II? It has all the features you are asking for in your fantasy camera. It has faster and better autofocus, it has the resolution you need, and it has the speed you need to catch fast moving small birds. I will never understand people who use a camera in a way that it was not intended and then complain about what it cannot do.

[@PhilThach]

Thank you for the kind comment. I disagree about the Z7II autofocus. Also, I would prefer to have more pixel density than it has, even the Z 50 has a higher pixel density than a Z7II. Also, the Z7II is not noted as being fast. I used the Z 50 that day because I thought it would be fun to challenge myself. My main birding camera is a Canon R7. It is the same pixel density as an 83 megapixel full frame camera, has great bird eye detect auto focus and is fast. I’m sorry if it sounded like I was complaining, I was just talking about my experience, and what I would like for Nikon to build, and that is certainly not a Z7 II. What I want is a high resolution DX Z camera with the Z9 autofocus system.

[@thakkarsir]

Hello, could you give a suggestion, Sony a6400, Nikon z30, Nikon z50, which one should i go with for a budget wildlife, birding photography

[@PhilThach]

I think a Canon R10 and their budget 100-400 lens would be a great inexpensive combination.

[@thakkarsir]

@@PhilThach thank you so much for your valuable feedback

[@HJN67]

Awesome pictures, Phil. Nice little bird stakeout you got there, and all those bird species I have never even seen before. Feel quite jealous.

[@PhilThach]

Thank you, Hans! Stay tuned to the channel, I have a video coming up fairly soon where I photograph 14 different species without leaving the hide in a single morning.

[@smguk2412]

Nikon are all over the place, Why they couldn't just release a Z50 mk2, Instead we get the Z30 with better AF but no Evf 🤦‍♂️ and still no budget lenses for the Z50

[@PhilThach]

I truly think they will make a pro or nearly pro APSC DX Z camera at some point, and hopefully soon. Thanks for watching!