So, a few weeks back Nikon contacted me and asked if I wanted to take their new 800PF for a test drive – of course I agreed! I can’t tell you too much at this point, but I am allowed to share a ‘teaser” video for my upcoming first look video that’s coming out on release day.
Note that I can’t answer any questions beyond what you see in the video. However, if you have questions you would like to see addressed in my upcoming – and very comprehensive – “first look” review video, feel free to submit those requests below.
PS – If you enjoyed this post, I think you’ll REALLY like my e-books and video workshops! Thousands of pages and hours of videos filled with tips, tricks, and techniques – all my best content! Check ’em out – click here (hey, it’s free to look).
Steve, I received an NPS notice that I’ll be receiving an 800pf in several days. I just posted a message in the forum about using Z teleconverters on the Z9. I usually don’t like using them on my D850s with a 500pf. But I thought I would ask your opinion on using either the Z TC-1.4x or the Z TC-2.0x on the Z9 with an 800pf? Also, based on your recommendations awhile back I shoot with a Wimberley monopod gimbal head on my Manfrotto video monopod. The set-up works great for birding! Mike
I just pre-ordered one of these although I still don’t have my Z9 that I ordered Oct. 28 and the sad thing about it is I probably won’t have this lens and maybe not even the Z9 in time for Costa Rica in July. Thanks for the great review as always Steve!
(RE-POST) * I am a nature, wildlife, bird photographer. * I currently have the Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 600mm f/4E FL ED VR Lens with adapter and a Z9. * I am considering selling the 600mm and buying the 800mm PF. * Understanding it’s an f6.3 versus an f4; that is not a major concern for me. * I am interested in your opinion if this is a good tradeoff considering ‘image quality’ first? * The 600 f4 is the best long lens I have ever shot with. Would I be upgrading or downgrading trading it for the 800mm PF? Thank… Read more »
Steve – does this lens use the Nikon Slip-in filters as with other telephoto lenses? Curious as to whether the 40.5 one for the 600mm f/4 lens can be used with the 800mm PF lens.
Steve, this looks awesome and I’m looking forward to your more detailed review. I’m a few days away from receiving my Z9 (ship verification through NPS over a week ago) and will shoot with the 500pf and maybe at times with 1.4TC. Depending on your review, I may have to sell a couple of Amazon shares and get this puppy as well!
Steve, when I first saw this lens announced, I thought that it sounded a little long for general wildlife photography. I was under the impression (perhaps wrongly) that most of the wildlife photographers who do YouTube videos tended to go for something more like 600mm, and personally I’ve been using the 500mm PF f-mount lens recently. That said, the pre-release videos that I’ve seen for the 800mm are uniformly positive. Would this be the lens to complement, e.g. the Z 100-400mm f4.5-5.6 with/without a 1.4x TC, or do you view it as mostly relevant for some niche of wildlife photography… Read more »
In Yellowstone a 800mm is a great focal length. In Alaska or Costa Rica it would be too long in most situations with most subjects. For me the 800mm will replace the 600mm + TC14 with a lighter setup. But it will be used with the 500mm PF and the 100-400mm lens as well on my travels. If I could only have one telephoto prime it would be a 500mm f/4 lens with two teleconverters. Always compromises involved with any single lens.
Thanks for the early information! Did you notice any flaring when shooting into the light? My 300PF flares way too easily when shooting towards the light but I heard that the 500PF had flare more controlled. Thank you again.
Unfortunately, it was overcast the entire time we had it so I couldn’t test.
At $1166 to replace the Nikon lens hood I will definitely be using the large size LensCoat Travel Hood much of the time and definitely when flying anywhere with the lens.
From your time with the 800mm PF lens can you say whether it requires a dedicated backpack as with the 600mm f/4 lens or is it small enough to go into a photo backpack like the Bataflae 32L along with additional lenses and gear?
It fits into my Gura Gear 30L with the hood on and Z9 attached. It’s tight, but it fits.
hi Steve.
Is there place for a Z9 on the 800 mm in the Nikon bag that comes with the 800 mm ?
Hi Steve, I really enjoy your books and videos and respect your opinion. Sorry this has nothing to do with this discussion , but
I’ve been a Nikon user for years and I’m on a waiting list for the Z9. I’m anxious for your review of the Z9. Will it be anytime soon?
Thanks
I’ve been mostly doing birds with the Z9 and I need more variety (mammals look bad this time of year). I’m planning to take the Z9 to Africa, that should get me a mammal fix and bring the review closer.
What is the weight of this lens? Can you hand hold it?
a little over 5 pounds, according to what i’ve read about it
Is this for DSLR or mirrorless? If it is F mount for DSLR Is there any difference in handling/auto focus and sharpness when used on a z9 with Nikon’s lens adapter?
Z mount only.
Great work again, Mr Perry! Maybe it was just me but I found all the Nikon pf lenses poor at extreme bird action flight photography work. Is this pf lens any better? Yes, the 500mm and 300mm worked for slow stuff but not hardcore action, in my experience.
I only had access for a rainy afternoon and a couple hours in the morning. Based on the birds we could find that were flying, it seemed about the same on the Z9 as my 600 F/4.
I have had excellent results with the 300 pf lens as well as the 500mm f/5.4 on my D500. Haven’t tried the 300 pf on my Z9. But I find the Z9 focuses a bit slower all around. OK for larger birds but with smaller birds ( chickadees, nuthatches, hummingbirds etc, it seems to “hunt” more often than not.
Wish they would release a 600 PF
Hi Steve,
Can you compere the Z400mm F2.8 Z with teleconverter and the 800PF (both at 800mm ) just to see the difference in photo quality and sharpness.
Thank you
Since it’s a pre-production lens, I can’t do it in the first look review (that, and I don’t have a 400 2.8 – I don’t think there are any in the US yet for sale or rent).
I am going to photograph Polar Bears in June.
I hope to have this lens in my bag at that time.
Z9, Dx mode with a PF 800.
Can’t wait.
* I am a nature, wildlife, bird photographer. * I currently have the Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 600mm f/4E FL ED VR Lens with adapter and a Z9. * I am considering selling the 600mm and buying the 800mm PF. * Understanding it’s an f6.3 versus an f4; that is not a major concern for me. * I am interested in your opinion if this is a good tradeoff considering ‘image quality’ first? * The 600 f4 is the best long lens I have ever shot with. Would I be upgrading or downgrading? * With the TC III and without. Thank… Read more »
I own the 600mm/1:4 and frequently use it with my 1,4x or even 2x converter. Using the 1,4x I see a 840mm/1:5,6. How does this compare to this new 800mm?
Those are the kinds of tests I wasn’t allowed to do with the pre-production lens. My “seat of the pants” estimate is that although you lose 1/3rd stop, optically I think the 800 has an edge over the 600 + 1.4 (I don’t use the 2X) based on the images I captured. It’s also far easier to handle without a tripod. I’ll do a more formal, longer term test once I get my copy.
Sony, are you paying attention? I need one of these for my a1!
That was a tease!