Bridges Loc: Memphis, Charleston SC, now Nazareth PA

Here is one important item no one has addressed yet unless I missed it -- the 200-500 lens extends when you go from 200 to any higher magnification. It is considerably longer by the time it reaches 500 mm. The 180 to 600 focuses internally so the barrel of the lens remains the same. This is important in two ways. First, it reduces the possibility of moisture or dust entering the lens when the barrel retracts. It also makes the lens sturdier since an extending lens's weakest point is the extension. That is the reason I always retract my zoom lenses when done taking shots with the barrel extended.

SuperflyTNT Loc: Manassas VA

I would say the Z6II can do even more things that the D850 can’t dream of.

SuperflyTNT Loc: Manassas VA

I can’t speak to the differences in the cameras, although from speaking to Z6II shooters the Z6II AF is pretty good. A big part of the difference is understanding the differences in the focus systems. Sure group mode on the D850 is great, but bird eye focus is pretty great too. What I can tell you about from my own experience is the lenses. I used the 200-500 on my D500 and it was a very good lens. I also used it on my Z9 with the FTZ and it was even better, although I eventually found I got better results with the 100-400 Z lens and 1.4x TC, even though I was shooting at f/9. As soon as the 180-600 came out I got it and it is superior to the 200-500 in every way. It’s sharper across the FOV, it’s much faster focusing, it’s completely weathersealed, being an internal zoom it stays well balanced at any focal length and I can cover the entire zoom range in 1/4 turn. It’s really a steal at its price. Just the difference in focus speed might make up any difference in focus between the cameras.

larryepage Loc: North Texas area

Let me think about that for a minute...hmmm...let's see...

Nope.