Nikon Z600f4TC Nikon Z180-600f5.6-6.3 Nikon Z400f4.5
“Why so many telephotos?” This incredibly good question keeps appearing in my inbox, and it’s truly a good question! I need to start by saying, I love long glass, always have! Long glass is essential for my two passions, critters and aviation (and gets used for landscapes as well). But why three telephotos, you might still be asking. One general answer that covers all three lenses, they work brilliantly with the Z1.4x and the Z2x, which is essential. All three are extremely sharp. That said, ….
The Z600f4TC is my go-to long lens cause its sharpness is like no other lens I’ve shot with, and with a simple flick of the finger, it’s a 840f5.6. There are too many times working with critters, taking a teleconverter out of a pocket, attaching it, is just too much motion, and the moment is lost. There are times when critters come physically closer and when at 840mm, it requires just a flick of a finger to be back at 600mm. Along with the gorgeous limited DoF of f4, the ability to add the Z1.4x and Z2x, the flexibility and brilliance make the Z600f4TC a standout!
The Z180-600 was a total blow-away to me, wow, what a lens! When the 180-400TC left the locker, I never thought I would have a lens to replace it as it was stunning. Much to my delight the Z180-600 more than replaces it. The first truly, major biggie is that the Z180-600 focuses down to nearly 8 feet (the Z600f4 is nearly 14 feet). With the Z 9, Z 8 or Z 6III attached, the balance and lightness of the package makes it easy to hand hold and very mobile. The almost nothin MFD is mind-blowing for photographing small birds! And being a zoom, as the bird gets too big in the frame, ya just zoom back, brilliant! You combine that fact with it is a zoom and works magnificently with the teleconverters, I don’t understand why everyone doesn’t have one. If that were enough, the Z180-600 is brilliant on the flight line for aviation!
Finally is the sweetie, the Z400f4.5. This incredibly light, sharp lens is magnificent for so many applications in wildlife photography. Being small and light, it’s easy to transport, especially on a shoulder strap alongside the Z600f4TC on a tripod. It is my go-to lens for birds in flight photography.
Each of these lenses has attributes the other don’t share, carving out in the gear locker their own unique problem-solving quality. They are tools permitting me to bring back the visual story I have in my heart. And there you have it, the long winded answer to the telephoto question, and it’s a good one.