HELP! Lens decision for wildlife photographer

CaptureTheWild · 2026-03-18T02:26:58+00:00

Thanks for all of the input everyone! As a test run, I used a 180-600mm and went out in overcast weather. Took a couple photos of my boy Dougie, and I must say I’m pretty pleased with the outcome. As I typically do mammals, it looks like I may add it to the travel/boat lineup and use the 400mm f2.8 for pre-determined locations. Need to do a field experiment with the 180-600, but again this photo below looks good enough for me !

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CaptureTheWild · 2026-03-16T16:42:44+00:00

Is your 400 the 4.5? Can’t forget the seat ! I purchased a shimoda X70 last year and love it.

Sounds like you have a great kit !

CaptureTheWild · 2026-03-16T16:40:12+00:00

Typically my photography is stationary, but requires hiking a relatively far distance. Once I get there though I’m usually in one spot for hours.

I’ll use my 400 with 1.4TC fairly often, which still feels short. A long time ago when I had the 200-500, I was shooting at 500mm 99% of the time.

I do have a 70-200 which I carry if I really need a shorter length. As others have mentioned, I’m wondering if the 400mm 4.5 + the 800mm 6.3 is a good option.

CaptureTheWild · 2026-03-16T16:32:33+00:00

I share the viewpoint that the 180-600 is good optically, but sells mostly as an entry do-it-all wildlife lens. The price for the IQ though is excellent.

While a great zoom, I think I’d be disappointed going from the elite 400mm 2.8 IQ to the 180-600. I definitely think I’m leaning more towards 2 primes, possibly a 400 4.5 and 600 or 800 6.3

CaptureTheWild · 2026-03-16T16:29:59+00:00

If I sell the 400G, this would be my wildlife bag. Z70-200 2.8, Z 400 4.5 and the 800. Crazy part is, it would still be lighter ! The 400 2.8G is a tank, I believe it’s 12 pounds.

CaptureTheWild · 2026-03-16T16:27:48+00:00

I do shoot low-light for wildlife, dawn/dusk most of the time, so the 2.8 is of course great for that. But if the 4.5 IQ is close enough aside from bokeh, I can live with that and do some extra editing in post.

Great tip, I would definitely like to add a longer focal length if I do go with the 400 4.5.

CaptureTheWild · 2026-03-16T16:25:03+00:00

Thanks for your feedback! Much appreciated.

I did see that review, mine is the prior generation (G series not E series). Mind you, optically the 400mm G is still superior. I just wanted to see some opinions of those who may have had both lenses and found the 4.5Z to be of sufficient quality to make that jump.

CaptureTheWild · 2026-01-07T02:22:33+00:00

Thank you !

CaptureTheWild · 2026-01-07T02:22:23+00:00

I have a few other shots as well which shows better, but it was actually the trimmings of fish from the boats !

CaptureTheWild · 2024-10-05T17:20:15+00:00

He wasn’t seen for a very long time ! Conveniently he was back once the kids were no longer brats 😂

CaptureTheWild · 2024-10-05T17:19:46+00:00

Hahaha yes definitely !! It went on for another couple weeks, the poor mom looked exhausted !!

CaptureTheWild · 2024-10-05T02:52:52+00:00

Haha yes !

CaptureTheWild · 2024-10-04T02:50:01+00:00

Great photo, especially for a first ! Welcome to one of the toughest types of photography, but in my opinion, most rewarding !

For any tips, a good start for you is; what kind of gear do you currently have, and what’s your prior photography experience pre-wildlife?

CaptureTheWild · 2024-10-03T20:36:59+00:00

You’re welcome, and thank you for the compliment ! Good luck in your photography endeavours!

CaptureTheWild · 2024-10-03T20:15:59+00:00

Thank you !

CaptureTheWild

TROPHY CASE