Nikon Z6 Bird In Flight with FTZ Nikkor 200-500mm & Nikon 500m F4 First Day Impressions

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[@csc-photo]

Once again, blown away by your amazing images 😍 I realize this vid is 3+ years old now, and I know the Z6/7 models (even the II's) don't have the capability of the Z9 / A1 / R3, but MAN - the Z6 coupled with the 200-500 & FTZ actually did amazingly well here. Certainly more than adequate for my goals. Of course there's the human factor behind the camera too 🤓

[@ungavaproductions]

Incredible works ! Mark, to me, you are one of the best bird photographer and videographer on youtube. Your almost a writer too with all these fantastic stories on each picture. You do an exceptional work !

[@orlandomonaco3475]

Enjoyed this video tremendously due to the fact that unlike so many other Z6 reviews you actually went out into the field and demonstrated the capabilities of the Z6 which were stunning to say the least. Of course also realizing that the incredible captures were also very much in part due to your experience and skills as a photographer:) Thanks for some really informative and useful content and definitely subscribing to your channel!

[@pattieziello3824]

Ospreys are the most amazing birds and you managed to capture unbelievable shots of the osprey and many other beautiful birds. Great stuff.

[@carlkristensen8398]

I am speachless! Amazing photos.

[@MarkSmithphotography]

Thanks

[@Rev.DavidJTowns]

took the words right out of my mouth! absolute phenomenal pictures.

[@dhtheking]

Finally one i can believe his review

[@qnetx]

Congratulations on those Osprey images! As a fellow Florida wildlife photographer I can envision just how exciting and challenging it is to cover such a spectacle and walk away with superb images. I'm envious of you being in the right place at the right time and having the skill to record it successfully.

[@MarkSmithphotography]

Thanks. Was a great experience!

[@harinarayananpc4699]

Amazing shots! And an even more amazing voice over 🔥❤️ One of the best review I've seen til date! Just captures the feeling of being a wildlife photographer!

[@judyboyd9530]

Your input on these new Nikon mirrorless camera’s provide valuable information to people looking at buying a camera for wildlife photography. Your Osprey photos are outstanding! It was nice to meet you at WRWWTP. Keep those videos coming..

[@MarkSmithphotography]

Thanks Judy. It was nice meeting you too even if only for a few seconds. Happy holidays!

[@Durio_zibethinus]

@@MarkSmithphotography I have a question, how do you tune your exposure dial when you approach mostly black or mostly white animal? Still don't get it how far it need (often ended up with -/+ 2/3 EV), hence my photo become under/over exposure, although it still better than EV 0. thanks before

[@brianstandley1232]

That's some of your best work Mark. Unbelievable images.

[@MarkSmithphotography]

Thanks so much!

[@steveteare3865]

I always enjoy your commentary as much as your spectacular photography. Great work!

[@Jepysauce]

So, I woke up way too early again. Usually this would frustrate me, but as I woke up to this video, I'm not really that mad. Your videos always have this calming, beautiful, enjoyable feel to them. Im not sure how to describe it Anyway I've said it before and I'll say it again; don't stop making these videos!

[@MarkSmithphotography]

That is awesome to hear. Glad to share and help!

[@getitvideo]

Nothing better than objectivity! Thanks

[@sathishKumarRathinaswamy]

best Nikon z 6 - bird phots on youtube so far

[@henrikojmark7898]

this is the best birdphoto vid EVER, AMAZING

[@darrylharrison7850]

Some of the best wildlife photos I have seen! Keep up the great work.

[@MarkSmithphotography]

Thanks 👍

[@mannymota3442]

Not only a nice review of the Nikon Z6, the photos that you captured are truly stellar. Nice work!

[@MarkSmithphotography]

Thanks

[@thomastruesdell9606]

Great review! Glad someone is testing this as I would like to have a backup with a smaller profile for candid people shots. The z series isn’t for fast paced shots of wildlife. Back to lugging the D750 into the woods!

[@wichiencochari7291]

Such beautiful shots,

[@laurieewilson]

Nice! Fabulous shots! The surf has been huge here in CA as well. Amazing that the Osprey can drive in to hunt in that strength of waves and come out of it at all, much less with a fish!

[@MarkSmithphotography]

Thanks and I agree. Osprey are super talented birds!

[@ForNumber8]

Great review dude, thank you! And I love the story telling as you moved from location to location!

[@franktherabbit42]

Some wonderful shots here, great to see how it performs.

[@125farin]

Hi Mark you may not care what I think but I just wanted you to know you are one of the best photographers I have ever seen. Time and time again you take with out question some of the best pictures of birds ever recorded. Your videos are always very very entertaining to watch. And all this is done in a humble and professional way with sympathy for the birds, I wish you well you are the best. Regards David

[@MarkSmithphotography]

That is very nice of you to say. Thank you very much!

[@JimboP-Outside]

Excellent video. I’ve been anxious to see a review of the Z 6 + 200-500 + FTZ. Very well done Mark, thank you. Also, I was really impressed with the detail that the Z 6 resolved in your captures - amazing!

[@MarkSmithphotography]

Thanks. The z6 worked well with that lens better than my 500f4.

[@vipersnews]

These are some amazing photos!!!!

[@ppalm951]

As always, beautiful work Mark!

[@thehallofeinar1072]

Some lovely shots Mark. I'm enjoying following your adventures.

[@MarkSmithphotography]

Thanks!

[@Capcity44]

Great video Mark. Amazing how the Z6 gets the shot when the bird is flying down the barrel.

[@MarkSmithphotography]

Thanks and agreed. That's a tough scenario for af.

[@robertjacobson5314]

Again, your video presentations are my favorite on KZbin. In this video you brilliantly blended a review of some of Gods creatures as well as a review of mans machines. Great job.

[@MarkSmithphotography]

Thanks!

[@anku_dreams_nature]

Wow... That was a great representation of your day. Impressive content.

[@Al3xDk]

Stunning image !! I'm soooooo happy to have switched from canon to Nikon with this z6 for my first mirrorless FF !! And personally i’m really impress with dynamic range and for the latitude offered by the raw in post processing without loss of information or without introducing too much noise in the image, clearly better than Canon !!!

[@MarkSmithphotography]

Thanks!

[@mau_lopez]

Fantastic video, the photos, the narrative, definitely a joy! Thanks for sharing!

[@muviewsic]

always looking forward to seeing your video!!!

[@dougsphoto]

Hi Mark wow amazing photos from the Z6 I haven’t seen anything this good for anyone with the z6ii even.

[@cmtrain1]

Another awesome video and some great neutral insights into the new mirrorless Nikon

[@The_SemperFiGuy]

Mark, wasn't just a little while back that we were celebrating your 5,000th subscriber? Keep up the great work. I foresee some significant growth in 2019. All the best from your pal on the left coast (of Florida). Gil - Largo, FL

[@MarkSmithphotography]

Yes we were! Thanks for noticing and for following along.

[@mikasa1641]

Really nice images! I ordered the Nikon 200-500 to pair it with my D500 and start wildlife photography on my own. Your videos are not only a pleasure to watch but also a great help for others like me. Thank you very much :D

[@jfphotography69]

The D500 and 200-500mm are made for each other.

[@MarkSmithphotography]

That is awesome. Enjoy your new lens and thanks for watching.

[@alexcruz9442]

If this was a 2 hour video believe me I'll be stuck here watching it, you are damn good!!!

[@MarkSmithphotography]

Thanks

[@BluebirdR]

dig those flicking-sand terns, thanx Mark...your energies do work their magic through the wild..always riveting stories ! strongly appreciate the z6 review on the tracking

[@Chopperbob56]

Wow, fantastic work Mark. I shoot the d850 and the z6 . I agree 100% . Stop the image review when shooting high frames per second! It’s insane but otherwise an amazing camera. I’m really hopeful that the next update will allow you to stop image review at max FPS . Should be simple . I stop it at 5 and it works great. Great work, great video as always . You are the very best buddy. Cheers !

[@pawankumar-dv1ox]

This video confirms the theory that it's not all about the camera , it's man behind the camera

[@Non_Member_13]

pawan kumar Yes! Just watched Tony Northup review and he said this camera is not for bird photography. So lame.

[@cavebeastdemon3631]

"It's not ALL about the camera" is an accurate statement. Many people say "gear doesn't matter". That is an inaccurate statement!

[@jarukkeawsod1917]

Totally agree, I watched 10 reviews of z6 on KZbin today. and just thinking the same. wow this is so much passion behind the cam.

[@koolkutz7]

Exactly. Great technique and fieldcraft is the key to success.

[@HR-wd6cw]

I'd say yes and no. To an extent, some of the success of one's work is the photographer, but also you have to rely on the camera for some things, for example following the minor movements of an animal (and this is where AF tracking comes in). I'm now writing this 2 years later after several firmware revisions and I think the AF has improved a bit, but still lags the competition. So yes it's partially true that it's not all about the equipment, but in certain genres (sports and wildlife) I'd say that photographers tend to rely on their cameras abilities (automatic functions like AF) more than if they were shooting landscape or portraits, where the photographer doesn't need to rely on the camera's auto function as much because they're not trying to capture something that would otherwise be over in less than a second.

[@davidrobinson4118]

Great video Mark. Some wonderful images, especially the Turnstones. I just love the way you caught the sand being flicked about. Best wishes from the U.K.

[@MarkSmithphotography]

Thanks so much!

[@CookedLight]

Awesome photos

[@friartist]

Absolutely amazing bird images and video. Thank you for an unbiased review of the Z6!

[@Photographer695]

Brilliant Photography. Must admit I find wildlife photography difficult. Thanks for sharing this great video

[@ohrah2003]

In spite of the lack of Auto tracking you absolutely nail those beautiful Osprey photos

[@MarkSmithphotography]

Thanks!

[@carolelabrecque2799]

Very beautiful, my Storyteller Wizard! I wish you a Merry Xmas and happy New Year. May the birds and pictures be there with you as well as joy in family gatherings and good health .... for more posts like this one. Greetings from Québec city !

[@MarkSmithphotography]

Thank you so much for the great compliments and blessings. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you as well!

[@carolelabrecque2799]

Mark Smith 😍👍😍😘😘

[@vindelossantos3861]

As always!... great photos by Mark!

[@MarkSmithphotography]

Thanks!

[@rajramjit1755]

Great review, looking to move from the D500 to the Z6III.

[@ron3117]

You captured some amazing shots! Always look forward to your videos.

[@MarkSmithphotography]

Thanks

[@jayv751]

Another great one from The Maestro!, thanks Mark I’ve been thinking of adding the Z 6 to my camera bag. I love your videos because I know I’ll always get an unbiased and honest opinion from you. As always keep ‘em coming.

[@MarkSmithphotography]

Thanks so much!

[@klackon1]

Brilliant images Mark. If I were still shooting Nikon I would not give up my D500 for a Z6.

[@MarkSmithphotography]

Thanks, agreed.

[@dinsdalephotography]

Absolutely incredible images Mark - That Blue Heron at the start made my jaw drop - love the video! Have a fantastic weekend & holiday season.

[@MarkSmithphotography]

Thanks. That great blue was awesome looking.

[@coalakida]

An expert can make any camera a dream. Nikon Z6 , that next firmware update will speak volumes. thank you.

[@phooesnax]

Mark! Absolutely great series. You did great with the combo. Merry Christmas Jim

[@MarkSmithphotography]

Thanks and merry Christmas to you too!

[@petercseszarik6552]

your stories are as funny as your shots are great. again a bunch of incredible shots with some fantastic slo mo.

[@MarkSmithphotography]

Thanks so much!

[@amrsafar]

Magnificent photos.

[@The_SemperFiGuy]

Mark, as always, outstanding pictures and story. Thanks so much for the insight into the Z6. It was very helpful. Keep up the great work, and most importantly, Merry Christmas to you and all of the Smiths. Gil - Largo, FL

[@MarkSmithphotography]

Thanks so much for the compliments and Merry Christmas to you and yours!

[@BorisStein]

Amazing shots.. Looks like a great camera!!!

[@santoshmahalik]

As usual fantastic job....I am glad I purchased the D850 instead of waiting for Z6/7

[@MarkSmithphotography]

Thanks and good choice.

[@JoeAquila]

Very nice video with awesome footage - thanks

[@AdarshNagda]

The osprey pictures are the best pics i have ever seen in my entire life...

[@sharanm5622]

Brilliant video, really simple and meaningful narration...

[@jwgfoto5419]

Beyond awesome Mark!

[@MarkSmithphotography]

Thanks!

[@williamfriggle]

Another awesome video with amazing images. I love ospreys as well. Never seen them go in for a fish yet. Hope to one of these days. Thanks for sharing and all your hard work to do so.

[@ghlocal1]

Well said Mark, time really does stand still when you have a camera in your hand!! 👍🏻

[@MarkSmithphotography]

Thanks!

[@JohanSchmidt]

A craftsman who produces despite the tools! - heard a lot about the focussing speed of the Z6/7, but you still got stunning shots - very interesting point about the viewfinder display being 'delayed' when shooting bursts - first guy I've heard who's mentioned that

[@MarkSmithphotography]

Thanks. The lag is the main problem in my opinion.

[@ourfamily1115]

That's funny. One bird steals the bait and another slingshots the bait fish right back at the angler. Awesome. Fantastic video Mark. Thank you for sharing.

[@stokesjohnson7156]

Great honest review from real world use. Fantastic photos!

[@MajorTendonitis]

Great review . That’s very interesting regarding the lag issue with the view finder . I am kind of hoping there will be a Z8 that fixes most known issues

[@tomlee812]

Awesome video again Mark. Happy Holidays from England!

[@MarkSmithphotography]

Thanks! Happy holidays to you!

[@edwinmaldonado8761]

Like always Mark awesomeness with your photos and videos. I believe any camera in your capable hands will deliver for you. I love technology and how it has evolved but I would definitely will keep my Nikon D500 for now. Truly appreciate your honesty and being unbiased when reviewing the new cameras. Thank you so much for sharing wishing you and your love ones a Merry Christmas and a Happy New 2019.

[@MarkSmithphotography]

Thanks so much. I would agree with you on keeping the D500. Happy holidays to you and yours as well!

[@Kevin-iv1ns]

Looking buy a new body to use with my 200-500 , for wildlife photography D500 or Z6. Upgrade from a d5600. Witch would you both think be best. Thanks.

[@janfellstrom]

Incredible shots!

[@MarkSmithphotography]

Thanks

[@peterwillstein198]

Mark Brilliant images. Thank you for your honest opinions on the Z6 focusing issues. I'm a D850 shooter and have been following both the Z7 & Z6 reviews which not only are mixed but all over the place. Merry Christmas Peter

[@MarkSmithphotography]

You are welcome. Glad to share and merry Christmas to you too!

[@stuartschaffner9744]

Mark Smith is very skilled. I love my Nikkor 500mm f/4, but the Z7 I bought with it was a total disaster compared to the A9. For this lens , I now use a D850. I could see that a highly skilled professional like Mark could factor in the huge viewfinder delay, but that was a skill I wasn’t interested in developing.

[@maximme]

you live a life many of us dream of :)

[@airsoft69]

Hi mark love the vlog .I have the Fuji XT2 with the 100-400 mm lens and the 1.4 converter which I'll be bringing back to Florida when we're there next .I took the xt1 this year and got some fab photos took approximately 4500 but the light wasn't the best for the two weeks we were at Disney's Vero beach .so hopefully next time

[@badger0681UK]

The Osprey photographs are awesome Mark - really enjoy your videos. Merry Christmas

[@MarkSmithphotography]

Merry Christmas and thank you

[@johngpreston1784]

I’m hoping you’ll do a review of the sigma 60-600mm sometime. It’s fantastic to see what you can do in the real world instead of pixel peeping charts. Yours is about the only KZbin channel I actually get excited when you post a new video. Awesome photos.

[@MarkSmithphotography]

Thanks so much. I was out with a guy recently who had the sigma 60 600. He wasn't 100% sure on it.

[@felixtorres2482]

Awesome shots Mark!

[@MarkSmithphotography]

Thanks!

[@rafaln9231]

Great shots! I've question, Z6 or D500 for wildlife and landscape. I've Sigma S 150-600, N20 1.8G and N50 1.8G?

[@surgeche1664]

Wow, I loved the review and amazing photos...so much passion and knowledge about the subject; just pure pleasure to listen to such review. BIG thank you.

[@kaijan2808]

Wow, amazing pictures....

[@MarkSmithphotography]

Thanks

[@stephencutajar2548]

Awesome images as always, got accustomed to not expect less from you.

[@MarkSmithphotography]

Thanks so much!

[@617aaron617]

Very nice video and awesome images. I can not wait for the pelicans and shore birds to return to my area.

[@MarkSmithphotography]

Thanks!

[@breecimr2453]

I always enjoy watching your videos. You are lucky with this huge number of different bird species. Thank you very much always waiting for you

[@MarkSmithphotography]

Thanks

[@horstlauch453]

Hey Mark, did you shot the video sequences in manuel focu Do you remember how the full auto focus performed for video with the 200-500?

[@quangsomit2490]

Beautiful images, thanks for sharing.

[@stephenchurch1323]

Great video with the birds in flight Mark. realize this is 4 years old and oyu may have moved on from the Z6 but i have to ask: i have a z6ii and yes - birds in flight are a nightmare to get them in focus... Tried to ask Nikon whats wrong but they dont reply, watched tens of videos online but i get maybe 1 good shot out of 8. anyway, can you recall what focusing and metering you used for the birds n flight on the z6? Af-c or Af-s? autofocus or single point focus? would be great to hear your opinion. thanks again.

[@joeextraknow2854]

Wow amazing shots...love the way your store-tell! I wish I live where you live.

[@MarkSmithphotography]

Thanks

[@paulbarrett423]

some cracking shots

[@MarkSmithphotography]

Thanks

[@terrym45]

Wow I am jealous as usual. Ospreys have become my favorite too partly because of the many in CO and my experiences in your area. Been curious about those cameras and my experience with the EVF lag in the past. I want to give you a big plug. Anyone wanting an experience of a lifetime should do a workshop with you. I am proud to be your friend.

[@MarkSmithphotography]

Thanks so much Terry. Proud to be your friend as well. Happy Holidays to the gang!

[@terrym45]

Mark Smith Happy Holidays to you and your family too

[@ShakyasomMajumder]

Terrific photographs!! And equally great narration!☺

[@brucegraner5901]

Astounding osprey photos and another great video. I've experienced a similar problem with another mirrorless (MSLR) camera but found using the electronic shutter seems to improve the EVF's ability to follow the action but those straight-on osprey shots are the best I've seen from the stand point of autofocus in a MSLR.

[@MarkSmithphotography]

Thanks! Not sure if electronic shutter would fix the evf lag or not.

[@arunakalu]

Amazing photos..

[@jibsj2100]

Nice work.

[@anaphylaxis2548]

Wow, I haven’t used my Z6 for birds yet. I’ve been using my D500. I guess I’ll have to try it now. Beautiful shots!

[@stevehamilton6543]

You could create great images with any camera. Every camera manufacturer on the planet should be trying to get your endorsement!

[@MarkSmithphotography]

Thanks so much! I'm going to try the sony a9 next.

[@charlierivera5725]

Love the commentary videos thank you. I have the Nikon Z6 with the same lens you used 200-500mm f5.6 and wow what a combo. I haven’t been to a heavy populated bird areas but I will soon. Thank you 🙏 for your videos

[@imrannajafi8364]

Nice photos 👍

[@gabrielesartori3308]

Mark, I found you recently and I can't stop watching you, can you make a couple of examples of BIF AF settings used in these photos?