Photography Life

PL provides various digital photography news, reviews, articles, tips, tutorials and guides to photographers of all levels

  • Lens Reviews
  • Camera Reviews
  • Tutorials
  • Compare Cameras
  • Forum
    • Sign Up
    • Login
  • About
  • Search
Home → Cameras and Lenses

Nikon D4s and 800mm f/5.6E Field Test

By Robert Andersen 42 Comments
Last Updated On April 30, 2023

Before everybody kills me about hand-holding, I just have to say this – I was doing some personal testing / photography and wanted to see what this combination could do for me. So please be kind to me :) Let me be clear, the Nikon D4 is a dream camera and I loved that camera to death. I got the D4s, because a friend wanted my D4, so this deal worked out for both of us. Upon purchase, I found it hard to believe the D4 could be improved upon and it’s still too early for me to make a conclusion on that, as I have only had the camera for 2 days. I feel there is an improvement in ISO noise at higher levels, however, the new focusing system got me interested in this camera and today’s trip to the coast to shoot some owls was all about giving me a feel for what was possible. I hand-held this combination a lot today, because I tend to do that when shooting and I wanted to know if I could do it with the 800mm and also get a feel for the D4s abilities. Anyway, here are some real world shots from me, good or bad, it was awesome fun and I got some shots I am very happy with.

I think the Nikon D4s and 800mm might be a marriage made in heaven for me. The Nikkor 800mm f/5.6E snapped into focus on everything I threw at it and I feel it did better than the D4, which I wouldn’t have believed possible.

The first photo sample was taken just after sunrise. The mink was a fast little critter and hard to shoot, only showing himself for seconds at a time – I was panning to get this shot.

D4s - 800mm Sample Photos
NIKON D4S @ 800mm, ISO 640, 1/1600, f/5.6

D4s - -800mm Sample Photo 100 percent crop

After swimming, he slid in under some marsh grass and then ice covering the grass before appearing up through a hole in the ice. I still had the ISO and aperture settings from the water swimming shots, didn’t have time to change anything.

D4s - 800mm Sample Photos
NIKON D4S @ 800mm, ISO 640, 1/5000, f/5.6

The next shot is still in the morning about 8:30am, but it was a cloudless morning and the sun got harsh pretty quickly. The owl was fairly stationary here. I was able to get a few shots off before it flew and I found myself able to hand-hold the D4s / 800mm combo for quite some time before having to lower because of sore arms.

D4s - 800mm Handheld sample photo

D4s - -800mm Sample Photo 100 percent crop

The next shot happened not long after the one above and in approximately the same sunny light conditions. However, I am panning to get this shot.

D4s - 800mm Handheld sample photo

Lastly, I wanted to see what the camera / lens combination could do after dusk and at higher ISO’s. I was still hand-holding when I took these shots after dusk of the Rye Harbor owl.

The next two images are processed the way I normally would. I wanted to see if these high ISO’s would be usable for me.

ISO 3200 sample:

D4s - 800mm Handheld sample photo

ISO 6400 sample:

D4s - 800mm Handheld sample photo

I once limited myself to 1600 ISO max with the D3x, because I was concerned about noise. It’s rather incredible to me to talk about usable images at 3200 / 6400 ISO or greater! Keep in mind that I like to have very little noise in my images, so I always keep the ISO as low as possible!

 

D4s - 800mm High ISO Comparison

That’s it for this time, stay tuned for the next article from me very soon.

The article was updated to fix a couple of typos on the image descriptions (noted in the comments by readers), thanks everybody for helping me out. I was tired after a long day, up at 3:30am then finishing an article after midnight, it’s my excuse :)

Looking for even more exclusive content?

On Photography Life, you already get world-class articles with no advertising every day for free. As a Member, you'll get even more:

Silver ($5/mo)
  • Exclusive articles
  • Monthly Q&A chat
  • Early lens test results
  • "Creative Landscape Photography" eBook
Gold ($12/mo)
  • All that, PLUS:
  • Online workshops
  • Monthly photo critiques
  • Vote on our next lens reviews
 
Click Here to Join Today
 

Related Articles

  • Nikon D4s vs D4
    Nikon D4s vs D4 High ISO Comparison
  • Nikon D5300 Image Samples
    Nikon D5300 Image Samples
  • Nikon D90 SDXC Compatibility
    Nikon D90 SDXC Compatibility
  • Nikon D610 vs D800E vs Df vs D4 vs D4s
    Nikon High ISO Comparison using D600, D800E, Df, D4 and D4s
  • Nikon D5 Sample Images
    Nikon D5 Sample Images
Disclosures, Terms and Conditions and Support Options
Filed Under: Cameras and Lenses Tagged With: Nikon D4s, Raptors, Super Telephoto Lens, Wildlife Photography

About Robert Andersen

Robert Andersen is a wildlife photographer based out of New Hampshire, USA. Please visit his website Fireflight Photo to see more beautiful photographs of nature that Robert and his wife Mila have captured since they started their photography journey.

guest

guest

42 Comments
Newest
Oldest Most Voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
Robert Andersen
Robert Andersen
March 15, 2014 10:38 pm

I am going out shooting in the morning – did some AF fine tuning using lens align – will be interesting to see how the photo quality has changed – the 800mm needed some adjustment – so we will see

Rob

0
Reply
Steve Tucker
Steve Tucker
March 14, 2014 2:15 am

Robert
Thanks for posting. I receive my D4s today. I would not have upgraded from a D4 without compelling evidence to suggest it worthwhile but I currently shoot a D800 which is mainly for landscape but I do use it for wildlife too and I can wholeheartedly agree with your point about missing shots due to the AF with my 500 f4.
I do find the AF misses a fair bit on the D800. It could be my bad technique I suppose but I don’t think so.
Anyway I shall be doing some testing myself over the next couple of days and the group focus sounds interesting.
Thanks again and it would be good to get an update when you get a bit more use out of the combo.

Regards
Steve

0
Reply
Robert Andersen
Robert Andersen
Reply to  Steve Tucker
March 14, 2014 6:11 am

Hey Steve and Thank You

I am having BIG Focus issues with the D800 and the 800mm – I am waiting for the focus align kit to arrive to fine tune my AF but at this stage the D800 and 800mm cannot get sharp photos – even tripoded, release cable, VR off – I have lost some really nice shots due to the D800.

I am just going to say this now and hop to turn out correct – If you can forget about the mega pixels, the D4 / D4s are amazingly perfect cameras for me – every pixel is a quality pixel, it has helped me get more shots than ever in all sorts of conditions – I know Mr D300s from above would dispute this, but when I was looking to upgrade from my D3x my choices at the time were D300s or wait and get the D4, I waited for the newer technology and don’t regret it.

I will use the D800 for some wildlife shots, slow moving, up close, scenic or panoramic type wildlife shots – but not for High risk high speed captures – you will fall in love with the D4s – without a doubt.

Rob

0
Reply
Steve Tucker
Steve Tucker
Reply to  Robert Andersen
March 14, 2014 6:51 am

Hi Robert
I too will continue to use the D800 for some wildlife shots, the ability to crop is so useful to get in close.
Indeed I have friends who shoot with the D4 and I know what you mean about the quality. I have been flirting with buying one for some time but as I left it late I have gone with the latest D4s.
I am looking forward to enjoying this camera.
Come on postie, shake that ass where’s my D4s? ;)

0
Reply
Robert Andersen
Robert Andersen
Reply to  Steve Tucker
March 14, 2014 7:09 am

I wouldn’t have upgraded if it wasn’t for a friend of mine who really wanted a D4, in effect I helped him and he helped me :) – worked nice that way.

The more you use the D4, the less you will find the urge to grab the D800 (I am talking wildlife) – The new focus system is what interests me at this poit and I just have not had enough time to play and test it out. It’s kind of a tough time of year up here in NH for wildlife, if it wasn’t for the snowy owl irruption it would be dead quiet here.

0
Reply
Lou Lu
Lou Lu
March 13, 2014 8:28 pm

Hi, Bob:

Congratulations! Your photos taken with your new D4s are really awesome. Here, I have a question for you about importing D4s NEF files to lightroom and Photoshop. Lightroom version 4.4 and Photoshop version CS6 on my iMac computer do not recognize the NEF files from Nikon D4s. Would you please let me know what you have done with your D4s NEF files.

Thanks.

Lou

0
Reply
Robert Andersen
Robert Andersen
Reply to  Lou Lu
March 13, 2014 9:35 pm

hey and Thanks

Two ways you can handle this for now – open with ViewNX 2 – latest version then export

If you want raw adjustments in PS 6 or open with PS 6 you need to download Raw 8.4 rc – its still in beta – Google it – but they will release the full soon

Regards
Rob

0
Reply
Paul
Paul
March 10, 2014 5:50 pm

Robert,
Thanks for posting your initial thoughts. Interested to hear what you think about the Group AF feature.

I thought I recognized that mink and then I realized it was the same mink I was shooting this weekend. I was positioned next to you.

Glad the tip on finding the snowy on the dunes worked out for you.
Paul

0
Reply
Robert Andersen
Robert Andersen
Reply to  Paul
March 10, 2014 9:55 pm

Hello Paul

It was a blast – he made my day – The owls didn’t want to put on much of a show for my first outing with the D4s, so I am glad the mink did :)

Nice to meet you, hopefully see you there again sometime and thanks for the tip !

We have been messing with AF fine tune ever since that trip – there is some issue I can’t resolve with the D800 and the 800mm – Those sunrise photos we were taking of that owl perched on a post were ALL soft – driving me crazy, 2nd set of shots we have lost because of the D800.

Regards
Rob

0
Reply
Ron
Ron
March 9, 2014 8:01 pm

PI,

Wow, way to show respect and appreciation to those who bother to share actual experiences with us. If we’re asking why, then let me ask you something. What’s your point? It seems you have an agenda. Please employ it elsewhere and leave this forum to those who choose instead to share actual experience and relevant information. If you don’t share the OP’s opinion, well, so what?
It says allot that you want to engage in challenging something as subjective as artistic preferences. Again, wow.
Bad call my friend.

0
Reply
Robert Andersen
Robert Andersen
Reply to  Ron
March 9, 2014 8:09 pm

thank you !

0
Reply
Ron
Ron
Reply to  Robert Andersen
March 10, 2014 5:26 pm

No worries, Robert. An thanks for sharing your experience w/the D4s. Look forward to hearing more about it.

0
Reply
wonderingPI
wonderingPI
March 9, 2014 4:25 pm

Not rocket science…

www.flickr.com/photo…schroeder/
@mcgregor

My response was why worry about posting full resolutions shots online… really those staple shots are meh.

Go on px500 for that..

My point is yes I use a d4 but a d3s gets you the same results I fell.for.the hype… and those shots a spectacularly unspectacular

This isn’t the d2 to d3 gains anymore

0
Reply
WonderingPI
WonderingPI
March 9, 2014 12:30 pm

On second thought…

not trying to stir the pot but those photos don’t look particularly different then anyone else’s… so why worry about people using them as a staple?

0
Reply
Robert Andersen
Robert Andersen
Reply to  WonderingPI
March 9, 2014 2:05 pm

Hey,
Not sure what the point is to the comment, so I don’t exactly know how to respond.

I am glad you are happy with the D3s and your gear, that is what photography is all about.

I am not a guru, just a person like you, trying to get closer and good photography and I do that my way just like you.

Regards
Rob

0
Reply
WonderingPI
WonderingPI
March 9, 2014 12:25 pm

Ahh use that Lens and a D3s and you can get exactly the same results perty much… yes maybe slightly slightly easier on the d4s but plenty easy to achieve with a d3s, but not worth an upgrade imo.

0
Reply
Gregor
Gregor
Reply to  WonderingPI
March 9, 2014 3:59 pm

Ahhh care to back your comment with some of your work?

@Robert Anderson
Great shots and thanks for sharing. What a combo to shoot with, it really must a pleasure for you to see the results.

0
Reply
Robert Andersen
Robert Andersen
Reply to  Gregor
March 9, 2014 8:08 pm

Thanks for your kind words

This was my 1st outing with this camera lens combo – 2nd day owning the D4s so I was pretty excited to share this experience with everybody

Rob

0
Reply
Gino
Gino
March 9, 2014 9:08 am

Does anyone know if there is an improvement in dynamic range with the new D4s sensor? thanks

0
Reply
Robert Andersen
Robert Andersen
Reply to  Gino
March 9, 2014 11:33 pm

Hello

I believe Nasim is waiting for his test D4s to arrive and is going to do some comprehensive testing and comparisons D4 to D4s and publish the results here.

Rob

0
Reply
Bob Hench
Bob Hench
March 9, 2014 7:34 am

Robert,
I would like you to write a note for me:

“Dear Mrs. Hench,
As a professional photographer my opinion is that your husband requires a Nikon D4s and 800mm lens to continue living. ”

Or something like that. I am really anxious to hear your feelings about the D4s tracking BIF – particularly the “low fliers” that drive me crazy because they seldom separate from the background.

Thanks for your reviews and remember those of us who live vicariously through you.

Bob

0
Reply
Robert Andersen
Robert Andersen
Reply to  Bob Hench
March 9, 2014 8:04 am

Dear Mrs Hench

I strongly believe you should listen to your husbands needs and give him a wonderful gift he will cherish for the rest of his life. He is a great husband and deserves it :)

PS: you are welcome, and yes I would love to post some BIF when I get the chance. We will be going after bald eagles and osprey shortly.

Rob

0
Reply

Learn

  • Beginner Photography
  • Landscape Photography
  • Wildlife Photography
  • Portraiture
  • Post-Processing
  • Advanced Tutorials
Photography Life on Patreon

Reviews

  • Camera Reviews
  • Lens Reviews
  • Other Gear Reviews
  • Best Cameras and Lenses

Photography Tutorials

Photography Basics
Landscape Photography
Wildlife Photography
Macro Photography
Composition & Creativity
Black & White Photography
Night Sky Photography
Portrait Photography
Street Photography
Photography Videos

Unique Gift Ideas

Best Gifts for Photographers

Subscribe via Email

If you like our content, you can subscribe to our newsletter to receive weekly email updates using the link below:

Subscribe to our newsletter

Site Menu

  • About Us
  • Beginner Photography
  • Lens Database
  • Lens Index
  • Photo Spots
  • Search
  • Forum

Reviews

  • Reviews Archive
  • Camera Reviews
  • Lens Reviews
  • Other Gear Reviews

More

  • Contact Us
  • Subscribe
  • Workshops
  • Support Us
  • Submit Content

Copyright © 2025 · Photography Life

You are going to send email to

Move Comment