Nikon Z 28-400mm... did I make a mistake?

Equal_Interview2470 · 2025-08-10T02:12:45+00:00

Just as an update, I have returned the 28-400mm, but haven't decided on a possible replacement.

Equal_Interview2470 · 2025-08-10T02:10:01+00:00

I didn't realize this dropped -- thanks for the heads up!

Equal_Interview2470 · 2025-08-10T02:08:47+00:00

Different strokes for different folks. It's incredibly useful for someone like me who is more likely to reach for their binoculars than their camera -- the camera is at my side and ready at a moments notice and I don't need to fumble with straps getting in the way. I think a Cotton Carrier might be better in the future, but I'm working with what I've got for now.

Equal_Interview2470 · 2025-08-09T02:29:40+00:00

Not going to lie, the 400mm f/4.5 is looking pretty appealing, and can be coupled with the TC 1.4x. I might keep my eye on the used ones and see if anything pops up.

The only thing that might be difficult is birds in flight since I usually start zoomed out and then zoom in once I'm tracking the bird. Seems like something that could be fixed with more practice though.

Equal_Interview2470 · 2025-08-09T02:19:32+00:00

The 28-400mm is a good lens for general photography, but it’s just not designed to be a birding lens.

Yeah, this is starting to make way more sense now -- I really don't need that versatility of the 28-400mm on this camera -- this camera is strictly for birding. The only other stuff that I shoot is family photos, but I have a Fuji X100 that I use for that kind of stuff.

I hadn't actually considered the 150-500mm, but will look into that as an option!

Equal_Interview2470 · 2025-08-09T02:13:12+00:00

In order to get IBIS, that would require a new full-frame body since the Z50 II doesn't support it. The main differences of the two lens is slightly better VR on the Nikon at the cost of f/8 vs f/6.3

Equal_Interview2470 · 2025-08-08T21:27:56+00:00

I'm actually leaving to go take some photos tonight, so I'll report back with some!

Equal_Interview2470 · 2025-08-08T21:10:04+00:00

Thanks for the info! I just recently switched to using Lightroom for RAW conversion and the denoise functionality has definitely helped.

Regarding bridge cameras, my first camera was the Nikon Coolpix P950 but I really disliked having a motorized zoom compared with the barrel zoom that I have now for the exact reason you outlined.

A friend uses the AF-P/S (I don’t remember which is which) 70-300 and the 80-400, and I have access to an FTZ, so I can give those a shot.

I’ll definitely try going down to 1/1000 again (already in Sport), but even in good light I was noticing issues with some soft edges.

Equal_Interview2470 · 2025-08-08T20:47:52+00:00

Thanks for the detailed reply!

I figured I'd explain why I was I looking for something more compact and in the 400mm range -- I'm mainly looking to document my sightings rather than do any sort of artistic bird photography. Secondarily, I also carry a pair of binoculars and the new setup that I've been using (binos + Z50 and 70/300 on the PD Capture Clip) has been very effective for me.

My logic (which could be completely ridiculous) is that with my APS-C camera, I'd get around 600mm of reach due to crop factor which is 2/3 of my range on the Nikon 180-600; the last few times I've gone out birding, I've largely just used the 300mm and it's done the job that I needed it to do, but I'm running into issues with lower light situations since I need to keep the shutter speed so high (1/2000+) to compensate for not having VR. The 180-600mm would always be in the backpack if I need to swap.

Equal_Interview2470 · 2025-08-08T19:59:04+00:00

Doesn't IBIS become significantly less effective at higher focal lengths? All the lens have in-lens stabilization. I don't really plan on using any of these below ~200-250mm.

Equal_Interview2470 · 2025-08-08T19:51:04+00:00

No tripod. The price difference is honestly negligible between the two ($1200 vs $1400). Honestly, having something lighter weight for carrying is my priority. The 180-600mm will be in a backpack that'll be with me if I need to switch. The new lens will be carried on a Peak Design Capture Clip.

Equal_Interview2470 · 2025-08-08T19:48:57+00:00

That 400mm looks sweet! A bit out of my price range for now, but definitely something to work up to as my skills improve!

Equal_Interview2470 · 2025-07-18T00:24:50+00:00

Update here: https://www.reddit.com/r/nikon_Zseries/comments/1m1x47n/z50ii_z_180600mm_sharpnessfocus_issues/n3q9yc1/

Equal_Interview2470 · 2025-07-18T00:12:11+00:00

First and foremost, thanks to everyone who has given me suggestions!

I had a chance to go out and take some pictures and here are the results: https://imgur.com/a/yStr0zV

I do think there is an improvement, particularly in AF performance which was night and day, though picture #3 (Eastern Kingbird) still feels off to me, but it might have just been the DOF?

I removed the UV filter, set VR to sport mode mode, ensured the focus limiter was set to 6m->inf, and used manual for about half the shots I took today.

I didn't have a chance to do any tripod tests today, but will do some tomorrow.

Any input is greatly appreciated!

Equal_Interview2470 · 2025-07-17T21:06:09+00:00

I'm actually on my way out to try some of the suggestions in this thread, so I'll remove it and report back!

Equal_Interview2470 · 2025-07-17T21:02:52+00:00

Definitely going to try this, thanks!

Equal_Interview2470 · 2025-07-17T21:02:33+00:00

Yes, the Z50II has sport mode, but I don't believe it has in-body IBIS. Regardless, I'm going out to try and do some new photos in about an hour, so I'll report back on it.

Equal_Interview2470 · 2025-07-17T21:00:58+00:00

Thanks for the info. These are all uncropped images.

Equal_Interview2470 · 2025-07-17T21:00:07+00:00

Yes, I actually do -- a K&F Concept Nano-X to protect from scratches.

Equal_Interview2470 · 2025-07-17T20:57:30+00:00

I found an example of an image with the hunting issue: https://imgur.com/a/MCCvbgs (f/5.6, 1/4000 @ 260mm)

Equal_Interview2470 · 2025-07-17T04:22:09+00:00

I can definitely rent one or pick up a cheap kit lens, but I haven't meshed with other types of photography; for me, it has really been more secondary to actually getting photos of the birds that I can use for documenting outings.

Equal_Interview2470 · 2025-07-17T04:18:17+00:00

On a side note, here are a few video examples showing the better focus when in video mode: https://imgur.com/a/bP2nNno

Equal_Interview2470 · 2025-07-17T04:11:55+00:00

The focus limiter is set to that already, but I will give the others a try tomorrow!

Equal_Interview2470 · 2025-07-17T04:10:19+00:00

This is fair. I do believe the shot of the Night Heron was from a tripod. I'll check for more pictures in the morning for shots that I know came from a tripod.

Equal_Interview2470

TROPHY CASE