Using a D500 for wildlife work. Nice setup that gives good results.
Is there a Z body that has the same or better performance for this use?
Birds in flight and animals that move about. Crop sensor body with very good AF porformance?
I can't count the times I asked for a Z900 (D5/D500 => Z9/Z900, that's the way I see it ;) ) everywhere on the internet :D ...
For the moment, to my sense, still nothing is better than D500+500PF as a light wildlife combo.
The only combo I like nearly as much is Canon's R5+RF 100-500 :
- more versatile because of zoom and camera FF to APS-C capabilities,
- AF finding birds "all by itself", especially impressive since firmware 1.6,
- and clearer results with harsh backlights...
but that's all :D
I haven't tried Sony A9II or A1+200-600 but I guess it can be as good.
Anyway, budget wise, Nikon is still far ahead.
For Nikon, the name of the game is full frame. They are so far behind in small chasis high end FX size sensor cameras, the Z 8 was and is the priority new camera. Since Nikon as a company is a lot smaller than the competition (Canon, Fuji, and Sony), its resources are more limited. So that's a reason to change brands. right? No! Two reasons; 1. its lens system is still among the best, and, 2; when Nikon puts its mind to it, it creates game changing cameras such as the D3, such as the D5/D500 combo, and such as the Z 9. After the Z 8, I suspect we'll see a Z900, within the year. As far as a 500 PF replacement, the z 400 f4.5 with 1.4X TC will do the job, probably better than the F mount 500.
Using a D500 for wildlife work. Nice setup that gives good results.
Is there a Z body that has the same or better performance for this use?
Birds in flight and animals that move about. Crop sensor body with very good AF porformance?
Not really, no. The Z50 (and Z30/Zfc) is fine in terms of autofocus, but not at the D500's level. Canon has the EOS R7, which is basically what you describe - maybe Nikon will feel the pressure and release a competitor at some point this year.
Otherwise, @richiero is right that Nikon's full-frame lineup is the only option. The upcoming Z8 in DX mode is highly likely to act like the camera you have in mind, but will be a good bit more expensive.
As far as a 500 PF replacement, the z 400 f4.5 with 1.4X TC will do the job, probably better than the F mount 500.
That really depends on your needs. I was on the fence to switch my 500 PF for the new Z 400 4.5, but then I got a chance to test the 400 and I decided to stick with the 500.
I agree that the 400 4.5 with 1.4x TC is at least equal to the 500 PF, or maybe gives you even a bit more detail due to longer focal length. But if you find 500 mm rather on the short side for your work (like I do), you are better off with the 500 PF, since that works also very well with the 1.4x TC and gives clearly better results than the 400 4.5 with the 2x TC. And you still have the option to go to 1000mm with the 2x TC, with acceptable results.
@nightjar Indeed ! The only real advantage of 400mm F/4.5 is its clarity in backlight conditions and a bit of a better bokeh, especially in the foreground.
I only hope that one will come about. I'm still using the D500, just like you! But the Z8 could be very interesting, a true D850 replacement.
Ok I understand that you get a 700 focal length(at f8) on the PF, versus 560 (at f5.6) on the Z, with 1.4 TCs,now that you mentioned your needs. But in that case Nikon has a Z 800 f6.3, without TC.. But if you find 500 mm rather on the short side for your work (like I do), you are better off with the 500 PF, since that works also very well with the 1.4x TC and gives clearly better results than the 400 4.5 with the 2x TC. And you still have the option to go to 1000mm with the 2x TC, with acceptable results.
@richiero 800mm is way bigger and heavier though (even if it's the lightest and smallest existing 800mm with a decent aperture).
@richiero I have actually both the 500 and 800 PF, and I use the 500 when I want/need to go really compact and lightweight. And if I still need the reach, the 500 with 1.4x TC is a very good option (better than 400 4.5 with 1.4x or 2x TC).
@pierre-lagarde I too am struggling to see a reason to upgrade to a Z8. I use the D850 with my 500 pf and don’t see any Nikon Z telephoto lens to couple with a Z8…400mm is a little too short (don’t want to always use 1.4 TC f6.3), 800mm too long and the 400mm TC is too heavy and too expensive. I wonder if Nikon will ever reengineer the pf 300 and 500 to the Z system? Those 2 lightweight lenses have great IQ and would look very nice on the Z8 without FTZ.
@Photofan Indeed, I guess it's a global efficiency problem (about 300mm and 500mm).
The new mount gives other possibilities that has been prioritised in terms of market and production and 300 and 500 PF are still some of the most recent conceptions.
To be honest, I'd be very well served by a Z8+400mm F4.5 with tc 1.4, but probably not enough to buy Z8 at this right point. Maybe in some years (if it's still possible and there is no Z900 ;) ). There's still an advantage in being able to switch to FX when needed over D500 but if D850 didn't convinced me, I think only the 400mm f/4.5 + tc 1.4 could do.
I too am struggling to see a reason to upgrade to a Z8. I use the D850 with my 500 pf and don’t see any Nikon Z telephoto lens to couple with a Z8
@photofan I came from the D850 to the Z9 and believe me - once you have used the 500 PF on the Z8, you'll never want to go back (assuming the performance of the Z8 matches the Z9). You don't only get a new (and in many regards way better) camera, it feels like you also get an improved lens.
@nightjar I think I’m in the same boat as many nonprofessionals, the thought of paying $5000 for a camera (Z8 or Z9) that I have to always use a lens adapter on is hard to do. I understand what Nikon is doing filling out the Z system for professionals first (Z8 is probably just a Z9 without a grip). I get it. For me though, the most logical path is probably to wait until some of the Z9 tech trickles down to enthusiast level cameras like a Z7III or for others the Z500. Until then I have a great setup that takes amazing photos.
Nikon seems to be positioning themselves to have a fully fleshed out Z system by 2025 or 2026, DX and FX. I look forward to it.
I'm not sure that they will ever make a mirrorless replacement for the D500. Mirrorless with the EVF just may never be as quick and responsive as optical viewfinder and focusing on the optical image coming through the lens. And then there is the lag in the EVF when panning fast action that will always be there, improved maybe as time goes on, but not to the speed of light. For one to see the image in EVF the sensor must gather the light, and then send the data to the processor which must process the image into a viewable image and send that information to the viewfinder. It's fast, but not perfect. Maybe some day, but I don't plan on waiting for it. I will own both types as long as I am able.