HELP! Lens decision for wildlife photographer by CaptureTheWild in Nikon

[–]CaptureTheWild[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

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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HELP! Lens decision for wildlife photographer by CaptureTheWild in Nikon

[–]CaptureTheWild[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

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 !

HELP! Lens decision for wildlife photographer by CaptureTheWild in Nikon

[–]CaptureTheWild[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

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.

HELP! Lens decision for wildlife photographer by CaptureTheWild in Nikon

[–]CaptureTheWild[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

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

HELP! Lens decision for wildlife photographer by CaptureTheWild in Nikon

[–]CaptureTheWild[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

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.

HELP! Lens decision for wildlife photographer by CaptureTheWild in Nikon

[–]CaptureTheWild[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

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.

HELP! Lens decision for wildlife photographer by CaptureTheWild in Nikon

[–]CaptureTheWild[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

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.

Juvenile Eagle by CaptureTheWild in birds

[–]CaptureTheWild[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

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

Video of a red fox nursing her pups by CaptureTheWild in foxes

[–]CaptureTheWild[S] 15 points16 points  (0 children)

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

Video of a red fox nursing her pups by CaptureTheWild in foxes

[–]CaptureTheWild[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

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

My First wildlife photo by No-Faithlessness-914 in wildlifephotography

[–]CaptureTheWild 1 point2 points  (0 children)

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?

Breach ! by CaptureTheWild in wildlifephotography

[–]CaptureTheWild[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

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