The MOST EXPENSIVE Lens You’ll Never Own!!! Nikon 400mm f2.8 TC REVIEW

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This is a Real World Review of the Nikon Z 400mm f2.8 TC and Nikon Z9 Firmware 2.0. I took this lens out to multiple Philadelphia Union Games and Phillies games on the Nikon Z9. Is the lens good? Did I run into any issues? This is your Real World Review.
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[@chrisparkes]

What a time to be alive. The technology and quality being put out to market is stunning. Thanks for taking time to share your experience with this lens Jared.

[@mikeaugustin2494]

Jared-Awesome review (as usual). I am a sportsshooter and I also noticed, as you described, the 3D People auto-focus failing to reacquire the subject after losing focus lock. I have a simple solution that really works great (for me anyway...). I program the "half-shutter" in Area-Wide (or small, or any other preferred setting EXCEPT for 3D). As I look through the viewfinder, I hit the half-shutter auto-focus that will acquire focus lock 99% of the time. I then switch to the back-button that is programmed for 3D People and it will pick-up the subject auto-focus tracking from the half-shutter focus from I left off. If I lose 3D lock again, I simply press the half-shutter again and it will relock. I then press the back-button focus (3D) and continue. This may sound like a lot of coordination effort at first, but you will be surprised at how easy it becomes, and eventually, your muscle memory will quickly reprogram itself. I cannot opine on the 400mm Z TC lens as my Day-1 release NPS Priority Delivery order with B&H has been on "backorder for over 4 months now (as of 5/22/22), How did you get yours?? I used to live in Bensalem and Allen's was my "go-to" brick & mortar photo store.

[@hankdinardo4308]

Jared tip number one for more shots in focus. Change the size of your AF box to initially acquire the subject then one button to for 3D tracking. Works great. And much better than what you've shown here.

[@brianlemke6017]

Thanks for the review. I’m going to own this lens; I have it on order as I’m writing this note. Hopefully, it arrives for me before senility. Why? Well, I’m 65 years old, love bird and wildlife photography and, well, I have more money than brains. It looks fantastic. I liked your examples with both the TC engaged and in crop mode, effectively an 800mm+ image at f/4. The high MP Z9 is made for these kind of shots; it will be great in sunrise/sunset/blue hour light. BTW, I don’t own the Z9; waiting on the “Z850” or “Z500.”

[@michael-4k4000]

It’s $14k Sir! Please rethink your decision. Get 2 800mm and an iMac and u will still have money left over.

[@885wc]

Congratulations! Hope you get it soon. It's essentially two lenses in one, so it's almost like buying a used 400 and 500/600 F FL. I too am waiting for the Z850. Hopefully a used F500FL at some point as well

[@Dextermorga]

I was waiting for z850. I am getting Z9

[@bird_whisperer]

Hello Jared. There are 2 long rectangle boxes in the focusing. One horizontal and 1vertical. The vertical may help you with sports subjects. I just purchased a Z9 and haven't used it yet. I'm really psyched! Been using the Z6II until purchasing the Z9. Traded my D5 because the shutter was too noisy photographing wildlife. Using silent shutter helps immensely. Have a great day Jared!

[@Creati_Xx]

Hey man, i've been longing for a Z6 ii since for ever, how are your experiences with it and using it picturing animals?

[@rdog77]

This was a great video and well put together. Thank you. I have no need for this lens nor do I shoot Nikon, but but they have a great system and photos are really good. Way to go Fro and Nikon.

[@shaddring]

The broken bat image you captured was AMAZING. Great job!

[@stevethompson8154]

When AF get stuck on the background would be a good time to use focus recall and get it back close to where you want it.

[@bigboi36]

Another thorough review, kudos Jared. But I must say with all the Nikon quirks . These are some of the best sport images of late you have produced. I also LOVE the fact the input by seasoned professionals that use Nikon giving you pro advice and tips. The Z9 is definitely a unique camera. That is Nikon though. A lil' quirky. But I'll have it NO Other way . ViVa LA Nikon!

[@fakkerdakker]

Great video Jared! Looks like you had a blast!

[@alexmorales9065]

That photo is insane! Love your work Jared! I want that print pretty pleaseee 🤘🏾

[@TheFastraptor44]

I would love that photo to put on my office wall! Still waiting to get my Z9. Hopefully soon! Thanks for all the knowledge you provide.

[@MRVere64]

Jared, I'm a relatively new follower of your channel, and I'm thoroughly enjoying every bit of it. I would absolutely love a copy of that Bryce Harper photograph, from that Canon printer. I would be giving it to my 89-year-old father-in-law who has been a Phillies fan for as long as I've known him. Got to go, lots more of Fro Knows Photo to watch.

[@babs274]

Excellent review Fro!

[@thomasgrahamdavies1962]

Thanks for the great video. I see the camera settings like ISO etc on the screen, but are you using an auto ISO for these great shots?

[@bird_whisperer]

Hello Jared. Would adjusting the lock on focus to 5 help staying locked on the player when other players pass by when you are following them? I've read that it's more stickier than having it on 3 or less. Just a thought. Enjoy!

[@CarlosPerezPhotography]

Great shots Fro!

[@ethanhoggardphotography]

I would love to have a chance to have that print! Thanks for giving one away!

[@ptortora1]

Informative and really nice images. Thanks for sharing.

[@ivanbuckingham2302]

Two of the best photos I've ever seen from you Jared 👏🙌

[@AndyMillerPhotoUK]

Nice fair / balanced vid as usual -- It will not be the most expensive if the 600/4 comes out with a TC as well later this year -- which will be 15% more than the Z400/2.8TC. Big Cats in Africa and Eagles in Scotland these are subjects I shoot. With the 400/2.8TC you can reach 1,120mm f/8 when using the internal and external TC. 2 Control Rings -- the biggest challenge with a Z9 and the 400TC is remembering what roles you have assigned to which button and ring AND Shooting/Menu Bank. Assign your Fn2 button to focus to about 5m to recover from the stuck in the background issue. Shoot the ball at 1/10,000 not 1/4,000th ad the ball will be round

[@toddleech1055]

I'd LOVE that print Jared !!!

[@johnSchmitt3]

Hey Jared! Great stuff - especially the Bryce Harper pic! One of the best shots I've seen from you in a while! (would love one :-)

[@VABrowneMDPhD]

Jared, it seems that most of the time when the camera missed focus on the subject and focused on the background, instead, the subject was in profile. The eye-detect AF appeared to focus on people in the background who were facing the camera or on the seats where there were strongly contrasting vertical and horizontal lines.

[@hobbytake2845]

Unfortunately the Z systems don’t employ cross shaped focus points, like you stated, it makes it less than stellar with vertical lines in landscape orientation or horizontal lines in portrait.

[@kurtkemnitzer]

Hi Jared, I’m a wildlife photographer using Z9 and 400 2.8 E (f mount). I have had the same issues with focus pushing to background and not coming back to subject even though green tracking box is on my subject. That said, seems to be a Z9 issue and not the lens. Still happening with firmware 2.0. Thanks for this review.

[@rufine5813]

See my comment below. Seems everyone wants to excuse Nikon since the other two brands have this "problem" so let's ignore it and create all these work arounds. kzbin.info/www/bejne/jXauemqXj8mWl7c&lc=UgzGXCqyYMwGbl6NDVh4AaABAg&ab_channel=JaredPolin

[@MuphovieArts]

This is most beautiful photo I ever seen in your channel so far.. The colors are dope..

[@ghifarix]

I recently bought a Z-Mount 400mm f/4.5 S lens for soccer. I'm usually position on the corner line behind the goal line. As expected the dynamic of forward attacks are awesome, but in and around the penalty area there's no more opportunity for in-focus as One misses the action. However for close focus I swape my back-up Z6. Which Z-Mount 24-70mm f/2.8 , 70-200mm2.8 or 24-120 be best use for swapping in order not just to capture the action but to get a closer quality to the "Z9" w/ Z-Mount 400mm f/4.5 S lens as a close-ups ?

[@thomasgrahamdavies1962]

I'm starting shooting again after Christmas with a brand new kit (sports mainly) and am so torn between Nikon (always used them) and Canon. It seems there is so little to choose between how good they are.

[@SanGioSports]

I’ve had the same issue with my Z9 on the f-mount 400mm getting stuck and refusing to focus even though the box turns green. Thought it was a problem with the FTZ adapter. And I want that print. Awesome shot.

[@MrJoewilke]

You need to show that to Harper he might like a copy of it. Great shot!!

[@deejaydc89]

I want that print! The colors are dope!

[@theresalevans21]

I love the photos, but you're right. Still needs a couple of tweaks. I'd love to get that print, by the way. Husband was a summertime Philadelphia boy. We live in Maryland and he still watches anything Philadelphia. lol

[@BokushingusKendoTV]

Hey Fro, is this the same nephew you tried to shoot about 4 to 5 years ago? Wow! He grew a lot! Awesome picture of him too!!

[@jamesseward9263]

Brilliant! Now only if Canon would do the same thing with other lenses! Or maybe come up with an adapter that allows to switch on and off the 1.4 TC on any lens! 😊

[@malikmusanna]

Hey Jared, I've been waiting anxiously about any news about Z8 after your video. Please update what Nikon is planning about it. Would love to hear from you bro.

[@dbemproductions]

Fantastic Baseball shots !!! If you shot baseball for a living what camera would you use ?

[@Blaidd905]

It’s nice to hear that Nikon is close to having a Pro Capture mode like Olympus has had for years.

[@khengteoh4318]

M43 🤣

[@reboundk1ng]

I have fropack 1&3, really love capone and skittles

[@Adamfahlundadafah]

I have an issue which I experience every time I use the camera (And have change every focus setting with the same results) where the focus point will say it’s focused on something that it’s not, even when I look at the images I’ve shot in camera and display the focus point, the focus point will tell me where I wanted to focus but not where it is focused. It’s the like the camera can detect the face and eye perfectly in every condition but the AF just won’t react sometimes even when it knows it should

[@jaychristianson]

A $1k lense hood - mother of God!!!!

[@Vahagraphy]

Yup, DOn't lose it.

[@rpungello]

And I thought the old supertele primes were bad. My 500 F4G has a ~$400 carbon fiber hood, I can’t fathom how this new lens’ hood costs 2x as much.

[@romanpul]

For some odd reason that is only in the US. In Europe the hood is about 600€, which is pretty much the same as they are asking for the old one

[@patricktuggles4815]

I came to the comments to say the same thing😂😂😂😂

[@Youmemba]

Rip off

[@OkwyUgonweze]

Customize your fn buttons to different af patterns, change as required. That's what I do or give the lens a little nudge to the lens . There is no single do it all af, you have to know when to deploy 3D, auto area and dynamic area,avoid shutter af as it will mess up any other af you have assigned to the FN buttons the moment the depress it. It goes back to the af you assigned to the shutter button.

[@froknowsphoto]

That’s the problem, you don’t need to do this with Sony or canon. They just work.

[@mikeaugustin2494]

@@froknowsphoto I have several profesional sportsshooter buddies who use Sony and they have all told me they indeed do experience the same focus lock issue. I am not a brand nuthugger. I use Nikon because I am one of those "old guys" who started with Nikon in the 70's...

[@MyContestPix]

@@froknowsphoto Yep, everyone wants to create all these homegrown work arounds when the camera should be doing the processing for ya. If your flagship with the latest technology can't handle focusing then subsequent bodies will be suspect as well... Can't believe Nikon dropped the ball on this... Hope Nikon addresses these issues ASAP!!!

[@FlyinRyanProductions406]

My god!! Why would you create a work around that works? Blasphemy!!! 😂😂😂 I do half press small af and back button 3d. Works perfect. I shoot through branches at tiny birds tho that ALL brands struggle at. Works better than my best friends A1 that was randomly locking up every 3-4 minutes shooting 4k 60 and 8k.

[@stevesvanderpool8653]

I'd love a print! Thanks brother!

[@excipiomedia]

I had similar focus issues as Jarred photographing puffins with the 800 PF the other day on the z9. Still got some great images though.

[@bbasiaga]

At about 15:30, is the oblong ball coming off the bat? If so, baseballs definitely deform when hit. You may have just captured that. Folks can find high speed fortage of the phenomenon. It sort of flattens against the bat, then rebounds to be flatter from top to bottom, before finally settling back to round.

[@definedphotography]

if the video and photo are correct, then the ball hasn't been hit yet. also noticed the football at around 8:09 is slightly out of shape too. again, thats traveling at a high speed, so to be expected.

[@Chopper153]

It may be rolling shutter

[@poldeleon4551]

This is an honest review. Thanks!!!!

[@andrewbrooks2001]

Woo I want that Brice Harper photo! Wow that is super sharp.

[@jefflachapelle4123]

Would love that BH photo!

[@ronleung409]

I want that photo from the Canon Printer of Bryce Harper of the Philadelphia Phillies, please! This review and firmware discovery is useful!

[@zygmuntziokowski7877]

Good review!

[@tc6912]

Why is the ball egg shaped? I am guessing in this case it has nothing to do with the camera. If you watched the ball coming off the bat on a super high speed camera, I think you would be surprised how much the ball distorts.

[@tc6912]

@@bngr_bngr I think your right. Go to 2 minutes on the attached video. kzbin.info/www/bejne/g2qodJqCpLaUjpI

[@25924637]

What is the distance the ball is traveling in that time frame? 95mph x 5280= 501600 feet per hour /60 minutes =8360 fpm /60 seconds =139.33 fps /4000 =0.034833 Ft. which is about 7/16" of travel. So there would be a blur in the ball. Now you may ask why the stitching isn't blurred? The spin rate of the ball?

[@michelv714]

Great review Jared. And… GREAT PICTURES ! I‘d love that print in my office even though I am absolutely not a sport photographer…

[@Skye_the_toller]

Problem discussed at 11:00 about AF… I have the same concern with my 100-400… seems to be time to time…🤔

[@Photographersforyou]

Well at the end of the day no one focus setting works in all surroundings, its come to my attention that settings on the Z9 are fantastic in capturing those moments, But they have to be used correctly, switching between small/wide area.dynamic to 3d tracking once attained focus with just a touch of a function button and af persistence set to auto, works a dream in these kind of events. Its very fast and easy to do.

[@froknowsphoto]

Nope. Just nope. You don’t need to do this on canon or Sony. That’s the point. I’ve used them all. I don’t need to do that on the others.

[@885wc]

@@froknowsphoto Therein lies the Onion Jared. I'm a Nikon Fanboy and I'm now getting fed up with their half baked implementation. I love the ergos. I love the build quality. I don't want a Canon or Sony. The our of camera file shouldnt matter much, but I love Nikons. I want a damn Nikon. Give me a Z850 that works well enough to be a realistic upgrade from the F mount and I'm sold. If they haven't sorted stuff out by later this year or next year, I might not have a choice but to switch. AND I DONT WANT TO!!!!

[@kevinhumphries763]

Loved the video and would love the photo but I am in Liverpool England :)

[@Rouladen1]

Do you think they will make a 120-300 f2.8 in Z line?

[@bromfed]

I want a print of YELICH! such an awesome shot!

[@waderandell621]

Thanks for all the content! Would love to get that print of Bryce Harper for my son, he's a huge baseball fan. Thank you.

[@Jaywestend]

Don't have a Nikon but damn that's a beautiful looking set up!

[@Rad-n-Colorado]

Omg I want a signed print! < yes this guy!!!

[@oszkarkocsner1649]

I would like that print😁

[@LouisPrudhomme]

Nice hat, Jared’s nephew 🧢😜 GO GIANTS! 🌁🟠

[@jaimeduncan6167]

I wonder how much you tubers capture of the EVF affect performance. Clearly they are trying to drive the traffic and that is something that looks nice is attractive and useful, but it's nothing thing that the camera has to drive with the limited CPU resources it has.

[@mjd073]

Amazing Z9 shot I sure wouldn't mind hanging that Bryce Harper shot in my house.

[@ArneGlodde]

Any chance on getting some raw files to peek around?

[@timothyrat]

The ultimate birder lens, think Canon will come out with an equivalent? Is the focus area smaller at 1.4x or is it still edge to edge?

[@Vahagraphy]

I'd say sports then birds. FOr birds I would go 800 PF

[@timothyrat]

@@Vahagraphy maybe if they're perched, walking, or floating but getting a bird in flight at 800?

[@therunningaway8348]

1:32 Hey Jared that is rolling shutter? since the Z9 has stacked sensor I believed this should not happen, but maybe I am wrong.

[@ta6264]

Rolling shutter in z9 is strongly limited but not completly eliminated

[@Jerseymikephoto]

I would love my own Fro print! Keep the printer send me the 8x10 please. - Thanks Fro!

[@cmtkid]

I have the 70-200 and it gets stuck on the background sometimes too, 2.0 firmware

[@Withalenius]

Holy mother of Apple, a $1k lens hood?!?!?!?!?!?! Great video as always Jared :)

[@luisa9628]

Seriously, might as well buy a matte box at that point.

[@Withalenius]

@@luisa9628 some black painted cardboard and gaff tape should do the trick😂

[@xxcaseyxxc]

Great video man. I would love a print of that photo, it's freaking awesome.

[@woogieman007]

I love Steven's one word yelps I just find them funny, and I agree Jared soccer players or football what we call it in England they always full to the floor in a mess. Some referees book them which not enough are. But getting of track great lens I know you take the mick out of Nikon but I remember a friend getting a fantastic moon shot and looked clean no noticeable noise. I have a Sony A7iii which is a good night camera at 1.4 with a good lens just can't get great zoom without paying at least 5 grand unless it's a Tamron

[@walterfink9782]

Incredible lens. And camera. Not that I need this lens, as I have what I need. But, sometime this year, I'll be getting a defibrillator/pacemaker implant. So, no matter what, this lens is not for me. I'm glad Nikon has not used the magnets in other lenses.

[@walterfink9782]

@@bngr_bngr That's. My wife has her device in her upper left chest. I'll do the same. To be honest, I made my career in photography. Professional photography, retail and wholesale. I've done it all. Plus, due to money, I don't have a digital camera. If I got a digital camera, it would be a D850. All my lenses would work properly. Not so with mirrorless, as the adapter would only work with one lens. Right now, I'm so poor, I can't pay attention..

[@pierrevilley6675]

I don't know what power those magnets have, but it is certainly not enough to mess with your peacemaker, even if you press the lens against your chest and activate the AF. The warning is here for legal reasons.

[@walterfink9782]

@@pierrevilley6675 In my case, the lens isn't needed, due to my other lenses, and cost is an issue. Thanks.

[@victorlim5077]

Amazing glass. Firmware 2.0 does look better the AF.

[@bigbrownmab189]

Well come on out to Seattle for the Mariners, you know you want to!!!

[@timothyrat]

I second that

[@brettbaker7049]

I want that Bryce Harper print. It is sweet!

[@game2572]

I want that print

[@rolandrick]

I got it exactly the you posted the video 🥳. Bank account depleted since ordered.

[@SolamenteVees]

I would love to attach that thing to my Z6ii but that would be like putting a $5,000 system in a $750 car.

[@salehalrashdan]

I actually own a stereo shop and some people do that

[@dicekolev5360]

I don't think you actually comprehend how great z6ii is to make auch stupid comparement, man. I'm using z100-400mm and considered the z400 2.8 but 400mm is too short for birds so I'm waiting the z800mm to use it on the z6ii which works great with birding all this hysteria for z9s focus is influencers trying to sell camera to old people (majority of Nikon users who can't really act holding and using a camera properly) z6ii is great camera! 😄

[@georgpfeifer9837]

Even if you buy the lens and later a z9 or something else in the future, it makes sense.

[@shinemendwoor]

Bro with the Z6ii you can use it to see planets

[@lazyeight01]

More soccer basing from Jared. Thanks for that.

[@grainmatic]

Imma need that print 🤌🏻

[@christophergilman4878]

I want one of the Bryce print from the canon printer

[@mystufs]

Hi Jared, I hope you can help me, I have just received my z 400 2.8 TC, and notice that when i move the lens vertically upwards then downwards I notice something, I pressume VR, moves up and down with a dampening movement. When i switch the camera on it blocks and it does not do it anymore..... Is this movement normal when the camera is not connected?

[@dellboy177]

I don't know a single thing about baseball, but I will buy a print of that bat shattering image. One in a million.

[@mariomagana9202]

hey jared i would love that picture

[@peterpack8768]

Thank you

[@Bldyiii]

How is this for wildlife?

[@robertokeefe9815]

I'd like that print please!

[@SchalkSmit09]

Fro pack looking good

[@robmcd]

Dear Nikon. If the Z8 is anything like the D850 I look forward to doing business with you.

[@Writer67]

super video. As always.

[@rodcarnochan8452]

Could you pretty please send the photo of Bryce Harper ?? It is an amazing shot !! Extremely well done Jared !! 😊👍🙏🇨🇦

[@carlosenriquez2092]

Can you a power tumbling event some hard core gymnastics acrobatics.

[@dylanlamb8710]

I want that print of Bryce Harper done on the Canon Pro 1000 Printer......because it would be great to have one great print.....even if it's not one of mine...lol

[@bweditt9256]

I WANT THAT BRYCE HARPER PHOTO okay?!

[@patrickglenn2969]

I want that Bryce Harper photo! Philly native living in Denver now, I could use something to remind me of home.

[@zygmuntziokowski7877]

That is okay, I am not a Philly fan even though I grew up in Norristown. I am not a MLB fan, but a NHL fan.

[@RealBesty]

Nice to hear “oomph” - I thought that was an English expression. Not so sure about “horizonticly” though :)

[@calebbrown6739]

I want that Bryce Harper print!!!

[@keemen3749]

I would love hat Bryce Harper photo. Such an incredible shot of a generational player!

[@blackskull505]

I want that photo. ☺️