I have only had the Z 100-400mm for about 2 months (as well as the camera). It is a nice lens, and this past 2 weeks I used the 1.4x since I was shooting in a pretty open marshland and most birds were distant (100 yards or more). So far I am happy with how the combo works in good light, and am pushing it (for BIF) in evening light given the approximately f7.1 max aperture.

It certainly tempted me ... but car first.😁

Thinking a little more about your comment I realize it could just be a "baiting" statement for the fun of watching the reactions, or it might be a serious thought. The statement doesn't say one needs the best equipment to create marvelous images, but the "best" equipment is needed for "best" images. I had to ask myself what defines "best" equipment, and what defines "best" images. It makes good sense that for a given desired image result within a given situation there is some "best" equipment or genre of equipment to achieve that particular goal. That, of course is quite different from inferring that the "best" equipment is needed for "great" images.

Usually any image I take could be improved to some extent by some sort of higher end equipment ... although the improvement might not be noticeable in whatever production medium or size being used.

So, back to "what does the term 'best' mean?" In your statement ... and that is meant, by me, to be rhetorical.

Still wonder whether the original statement was made with a wink😉.

Beautiful image, and temps me to try this form of photography. A fun challenge for winter time other than only going out and withstanding the cold.

Gorgeous capture of a magical moment.

I have to admit, on days when I enjoy teasing my GAS tendencies, it is fun to read about the Z 400mm f2.8 for near $14,000, and the Z 600mm f4 or even the Z 800 f6.3. I really could have used that 600mm on a recent evening shooting birds flying in front of the moon. However my wife needs a new car.🤔

Thanks for the nice comments. I was trying to get the birds and moon both in focus. Decided that will only be possible for me if I blend two photos, which isn't my thing. It took two nights waiting for a flock to fly between me and the moon ... gorgeous time out in the marsh.

Managed to get a reasonable image of Sandhill Cranes flying by the moon at near dark. Pushed limits of the lens-camera combo (Z9, z100-400s, 1.4x) because could not get very short shutter speeds. The new Z600 F4 S would help, but not willing to sell my car to get it.😀

(Download)

I don't tend to think "PP" vs "SOOC", but just aware both are available to either share what I saw and/or felt when there, or to create something else for the enjoyment of creating. Nice that technology has come to the point we can have that choice more readily.

Thanks for the nice comments. One wonderful thing about digital cameras ... no problem taking lots of images in order to capture a few decent ones.

Thanks Mike. This Sunday I will head back to the marsh, and try some more.

Photos of some Sandhill Cranes in Crex Meadows, MN. Trying out my Nikon Z9 for bird photos, including birds in flight. So far I am happy with the camera's IQ, and the mirrorless lenses ... now have the challenge of improving my skills in using the equipment, and approaching the birds. A lot more to any wildlife photograph than equipment as all of us know that pursue wildlife images.

(Download)


(Download)

I am an amateur, but not a beginner. I have enjoyed Nikon cameras from the DIX up through the 800 series, and now the Z9. I got attracted to mirrorless via the Sony RX10 bridge camera, and (for me) the ability to see essentially what the final image will look like prior to taking an image helped me to have more keepers. I shoot some school sports for family members, and wildlife and nature for myself. So far, after a few months with the Z9, and thousands of soccer and wildlife (especially birds) images, I am happy with the camera. That does not mean I have concluded where it stands in relation to the upscale Sony and Canon cameras, that both have great reviews, including from my doctor who loves his Sony A1. I purchased mirrorless Z lenses to go with the camera (24-70, 70-200, 105 macro, and 100-400) and totally enjoy the clarity and overall IQ I am getting. I have only used the camera sparingly in low-light situations, but have done such things as shoot a motorcycle jumping a pick-up at night (at a rodeo) with nice results at ISO 25,600, but also used Topaz to quiet down the noise in that situation.

The camera is relatively heavy for me (76, and worn shoulders and knees), but I like the feel of the camera, love the battery life, and the convenience of easy switch from landscape to portrait format, with useful tilting screen. The AF modes and ways to apply them is a bit complex, but I am getting used to the system and how to best set up the custom buttons and lens rings for specific shooting situations. The ability to light up the buttons and top view panel in dark situations has been a boon.

Lots of reviews available, and I followed certain wildlife photographers' commentaries over a few months before I purchased. My personal selection over the Sony A1 was based on price, and my familiarity with Nikon, but I certainly would not suggest the Nikon Z is better. The Z just fit my preferences. Now with the Canon R series, it is just a happy array of choices for folks coming into mirrorless.

Summary - totally enjoy my Z9, but I am sure I would enjoy the upscale Sony and Cannon choices. Good luck with choice, and once you choose, just enjoy and let the debates over which is/are best rest.

(Download)

Great shots ... I have only had one opportunity to capture images of that bird and could never get close enough.