Hey Vahagn: I actually get to be the first person to comment on one of your videos! I am so happy............................................ 🙂 Played with the Z30 today @Unique Photo in Fairfield, NJ. Sweet little camera if you need a Z point n' shoot.

Nice review Vahagn and thanks to Mozman for sharing his new lens. Rock on brother.

I really like your channel and you as a person of course, because you are so different from other youtubers. Mixing old tech with new, not having tipical review of photography gear! Very good job!! 👏 Keep rockin Vahagn

Gracias Vahagraphy ! For all the help , Pablo here

Excellent Work Vahagan & Mozman. You guys rock!!

Great video, review and balance comparison between lenses. Vahagn your real life reviews are excellent. Looking forward to seeing more reviews, as well as your and Mozman comments on APStudios Chuck Live Talk this Saturday night.

Indeed this is the content why I love your channel. Real world comparisons no bullshit, just straight on. Mine is blowing me away sharpness-wise. Fantastic lens, really happy to preordered it at hour one.

great review and comparison. Both you guys did some fantastic work. (and yea 0667 bird / sunset is a awesome shot)

Awesome shots. Thanks for the comparisons.

Mozman looks very serious 😎

Great review Vahagan

Love your love for making images! It really comes through. Way to be! Way to live!

@Vahagraphy

Жыл бұрын

Well thank you Aaron. Appreciate it. Just getting started .

i would love to see 400mm Z vs G 2.8, but both on Z9 to campare sharpness

The 400 prime is sharper than the zoom for sure. It also has a slightly narrower field of view versus the zoom - I'm thinking the zoom really only gets to say 380mm. The prime also has more contrast even wide open. Thanks for the comparison - very useful. I held off on getting the zoom, and will be getting the prime when pricing ever gets to discount, like on Black Friday - maybe 2023.

Nice, thanks! Would you recommend your gimbals? If so what are they please?

Great review V. As usual, the prime lens does look a little sharper. Both lenses still have their use cases. Love the older D3x combo, Good job Nikon on making great glass !!!

Mozzman has a terrific voice as well as Vahagan!

D3x colors. Wow.

This was a great review. It was useful to see the comparisons between the 400mm f4.5 and the 100-400mm. They are both excellent lenses. I had plans to eventually pick up the 100-400 mm. After watching your review and a few others I want the 400mm f4.5 instead. For me, the extra brightness, contrast, and small difference in sharpness of the 400mm f4.5 would be worth worth the extra money (and loss of zoom flexibility). It was AMAZING how well the D3X images stood up to comparison with those of the Z9. It speaks to the towering level of excellence it represented when released.

Very cool Nikon Z 400mm f/4.5 VR S lens review and comparison with the 100-400 lens. It's got very good sharpness, color and bokeh. The Nikon D3X is still a good camera in 2022. Great video with The Mozman, you guys are awesome.

Loved your comments on the 400mm. I have the 500pf which I use for bird photography and was wondering how the 400mm with a 1.4tc would compare.

Very nice shots from both combinations TBH! That D3X with the old 400 2.8 is still a killer combo, even with the Z9 and the latest Z glass around. They have different looks and both are great.

Very nicht video and very helpful comparison. Thank you. Regards Kai

D3X color rendition is amazing

@Vahagraphy

2 ай бұрын

Yes it is

Fabulous comparisons! You can really see the overall brightness & contrast that the 400 4.5 has over the 100-400!! I rented the 100-400 & found it not so good at 400!! I really think the 400 4.5 is a better value!

@Vahagraphy

2 ай бұрын

I have to agree. 400 4.5 is so much better at 400mm. for those that want to zoom. 100-400. i find myself at 400 most of the time when using that zoom anyways. lol

Nice review. 👍

Wow, that D3x is holding up! Gorgeous captures from that thing. It doesnt quite hang with the Z9 from the looks of it, but wow...

I really need to find a way to check out the 400 F4.5 and the 500 F4 FL side by side. I think it will come down to one of these two for my super tele. I am a bit concerned about F mount AF acquisition and accuracy on the Z mount bodies. Certainly my 200-500 hunts like mad on the Z9, but that is not a yardstick by any means.

I watched this last night on my tablet but knew that wasn't best. Today, watching you compare images, yes the 400mm seems to have sharper files but, the WB seems different? Or, was the camera Profile different? The D3X had pretty heavy Vignetting...

Vahagan did you try the 400 2.8 on the Z9?

Would have been interesting to shoot the 400 f2.8 G on the Z9.

Trying to choose between Z 400/4.5 vs. Z 100-400 + AF-S 500.5.6E PF. Did you really consider this trade-off especially there are great deals on mint used 500 PF. Something to be considered.

Congrats! How did you get it so fast!!?? NPS? Retailer? Gotta get me one of these!

I have a pacemaker and I can’t use these lenses due to the focusing motors considering the cost I am relieved.

I was about to buy the Z 400mm f4.5 but now after I saw your comparison to the AF-S 400 2.8G I'm blown away, by the old AF-S lens! The rendering / bokeh / sharpness is just superb. Did you also try that lens out with your Z9 and FTZ and maybe even with a 1.4x Teleconverter? And how does it compare AF wise?

@Vahagraphy

5 ай бұрын

Yes that 400mm 2.8 G is a beast. even for being 2 generations back. I did and it works good, Now if I could give you some advise. If you planning on using the Z9 , look for an FL version, the Gen above the G. Yes yes. its way more expensive buts its newer and these lenses if you dont use them and they sit, the oils in the focus motors start making the motors to squeek. Its tough to decide, there is a money difference, The safe bet is to go with the 4.5 Z. Why? the price , newer lens light lens, warranty. but if you have to have a monster 2.8 G, know that is heavy. its older. no warranty. In a perfect world I would buy a 400 TC Z haha but its just to darn expensive. however. the 400 FL 2.8 is a great option, FL E lenses work better with Z cameras with ftz , they are faster, newer, lighter. focus better BUT they are pricey too.

Nice comparison, however, I think for my shooting the 100-400 gives me the versatility I need. If I had a use for the 400 I would probably get one. When the longer shot need arises, I like my 500Pf with the FTZII. Your review was very informative.

Hey, Your video made me very intrigue to order this lens. Have you compared it to 600 F4?

@Vahagraphy

Жыл бұрын

Hi, No have not compared it to a 600. However the 400 4.5 is an almost perfect lens.

good day. I really like your review of the Nikkor Z 400mm f/4.5 VR S. I have a question: how would this lens work with my Z6? because I have a z70-200mm. but sometimes you need the 400mm. I'm thinking

@Vahagraphy

Жыл бұрын

You cannot go wrong. With any Z camera. This lens is awesome. How's the Z 70-200 work on the Z6? If you like that lens on that camera. then you will love this. What are you shooting btw? Birds? Sports? Paparazzi? hehe The limitations of the Z6 when it comes to Bird tracking and BIF shots has allot to do with the camera and not the lens,. but I will tell you right now. the 400 Z 4.5 is a gem. Its a bit up there in price for some but very affordable when it comes to what you get. SHarp. great fast focus, and adaptable to TC's .

@andreeazegov6521

Жыл бұрын

@@Vahagraphy Thank you> mostly I photograph street reportage and technical sports - motocross, car racing, surfing, aviation. We love wild animals of course. I really like the z70-200mm. Thank you for your reply and confirming my choice)) I already ordered 400mm)

Outstanding video and bird photography. The 400mm f/2.8 produces a superior image even reduced to only a half a stop advantage. When shot at 2.8 the background is vastly superior. The other interesting comparison clearly is the older 400mm 2.8 compared to the new z 400mm 2.8. While little difference is seen in image quality, handling and focus speed differences make the z version a clear winner.

What gimbal head is that you using on that tripod

Maybe it's your WB or added saturation but the D3x looks better than the Z9 🤷🏾‍♂️ Z9 is sharper and cleaner but if I were to buy one frame, it'd be the D3x frame at 11:28 4.5-5fps is what guys were shooting at the 2000 Olympics 🤣 still some really good shots from back then on those 2mp and 5mp cameras. The D3x images look like the D700 with more megapixels.

Many thanks!!!

Hudson Henry has another great comparison if anyone is looking for more info before making a decision. I am torn at the moment as I have the 500 PF.

A video which I did NOT want to see!! More poison! now I"m stuck should keep or should I get? 100-400 or 4.5 yikes!!! Great vid.

@Photojouralist123

Жыл бұрын

@@mozzman I wish I could have both but I can’t.

@Photojouralist123

Жыл бұрын

@@mozzman exactly! Keep both ! Why not

For a wildlife photographer the 400 4.5 in crop DX mode or with the eventual mirrorless version of the D500 would be a no-brainer. I already own the 100-400s lens and I like the versatility of the zoom. The Z400 4.5 is not in my budget now anyway. I am patiently waiting for the D500 in the mirrorless format (zzzzz....). Nikon needs to deliver this pro crop sensor camera body sooner than later.

Hello Vahagraphy, This is the video I think I wanted, but hold that though I have the 100mm-400mm on order (7 months and waiting) the question is should I change my order. The only other test I would like to see is the 400mm and the 100mm-400mm and 1,4 teleconverter with a 500mm pf, choices and moor choices it is so good the Nikon have given us so much choice, O think the D3X and your old 400mm lens just has the best, but they are all to close to call viewing them though KZread. Keep all, keep safe and carry on inspiring us all.

Vahagn: I agree the prime 400 mm is sharper overall, but versatility may offer a quality all its own.

Great Video.

@Vahagraphy

Жыл бұрын

Glad you enjoyed it Arup. Great lens.

Hey V you got extreme big guns😁😂👌🏻👌🏻

Nikon experience at Singapore was telling me to get the 70-200 n the TC instead, I am still contemplating while I wait for my z9 to arrive.

@jumpingman6612

Жыл бұрын

Interesting, did you/they ask any questions? I'm wondering if they recommended that setup for the versatile?

@Govinkuna

Жыл бұрын

​@@jumpingman6612 i did ask them about the 400 first and told them about my shooting preference which is more towards street/landscape and video. So they told me to try the 70-200 and the 100-400 on the z9 at the shop, which i have to say the 70-200 was damn fast in grabbing focus either from afar or nearby or vice versa. bear in mind my experience with the 70-200 dates back to my VR1 which i still have along with the 300PF which is still my favorite due to its reasonably fast focusing speed and weight. Currently my Z setup is the Z6 with the 24-120/f Z and the 50MC Z. while i have the 28-70 F2.8 Nikkor, 17-35 F2.8, 70-200 F2.8 and the 300 PF along with the FTZ v1. I am mostly shooting food vlogs on the z6 with both the Z lenses. I am interested to try wildlife /birding as this is something new to me and get back to into MTB shooting once i get hold on the Z9 in another 2 weeks or so.

@Govinkuna

Жыл бұрын

@@mozzman thats what i am considering as well to try the 300PF on the Z9 on DX mode before I make a decision to try a longer focal length. Thanks for the suggestion as well!

@jumpingman6612

Жыл бұрын

@@Govinkuna Thank you! After reading this, I'll have to try the 70-200 with the converter, before making up my mind!

@Govinkuna

Жыл бұрын

@@mozzman Just went out shooting the Z9 with the 300PF on FX and DX mode, i am pleased with what i am getting at FX and DX mode for the time being but i am still learning to master the Z9 massive menu system ( configuring the banks following hudson henry's baseline)

The 4.5 might be a bit sharper, but is still rather have the option to go from 100-400. I can understand y one would want the 400m 2.8, though at $14k it’s not reasonable for 99% of people, but that lens let’s in much more light then the 100-400. The ISO is so good now it doesn’t matter as much as it did 20 years ago. The Bokeh on the 400 2.9 looks amazing, the 100-400 is excellent too. If I shot sports for a living I’d get the 2.8, I’m not really sure who the 4.6 is for.

You should try to edit the sample image from 100-400 to try to emulate the color and contrast of the 400mm. I bet it not that hard.

👊 can you link a couple raw files 🥊🥊to a Google drive link or some type of cloud storage? Id like to DL them and check them out side by side @ full rez 🙏🙏🙏

I have the Z800 Enroute… I may treat my self to a retirement and birthday gift with the purchase of this 400… so looking forward to my retirement

I’m thinking between Z9 and A1

Do you think the 500mm pf is better than 400mm 4.5

@Vahagraphy

Жыл бұрын

Humm, the 400m 4.5 is a hell of a lens and from what I witnessed using this lens, Yes. however that said. I've never owned a 500 PF, used it briefly so I really would not comment on it. But I can tell you this. The 400 4.5 Z is really hard to beat. with the 500 pf though you get 100 extra MM and it works well with Z cameras. its not a heavy lens but the 400 4.5 is light as a feather.

That d3x is still such a magnificent tool, colour science is not so good though.

Sold my new in box 100-400 z and preordered the 400/4.5 prime.

I personally would not get rid of a 100-400 vs this lens, primes are always sharper than a zoom that is at it's largest focal length but a zoom is about its versatility which you don't have anymore than me shooting the 500PF. If you can afford it, get both. I would be very disappointed if the 400 f4.5 was not better than the zoom @400mm. For me 400mm is not enough for a lot of wildlife 600mm has always been the gold standard and yes you can be at 600 f4.5 by shooting in DX mode on the Z9 but I don't think I always want to be in crop mode. Cost is a big issue because I know I'll never afford a Z mount 600mm lens when it comes out that why many will be looking at this lens or the 800mm PF although the 800mm is a bit long for me but once again the price makes it tough to decide, no 12K Plus lenses in my budget. Thanks Vahagn for this great video and tell Mozman I say Hi. - Jeff

@selectiveimagery

Жыл бұрын

@@mozzman Have fun with it and let me know how you like the images @ 560mm when in crop mode and send me an image. Hope you are doing well and say Hi to Vahagn for me. - Jeff

@dalekeith4961

Жыл бұрын

Remember, today's zooms are not the same zooms granpa used. Technology has made modern zooms very efficient.

The more I learn about this lens, the more I want to ditch my FTZ adapter and 200-500mm lens. I would much rather have a native lens anyway. If Nikon's Z 200-600mm isn't coming out for a while, then this may be my best option. I will be using it for bird photography and weight reduction. I currently hand-hold my D500 with 200-500mm lens which is over 7 lbs combined. It's only slightly less with my Z6 II, FTZ, and lens. Hiking up mountains would be easier with less weight.

Hi, can you give some advice as to how well the 4.5 would do under the lights shooting High School football?????

I have the 400 f4.5 and I'm glad I didn't buy the 100-400 (I have a 70-200 and the TC14 to cover the range); you can see the 400 4.5, is definitely sharper wide open and even at f5.6.

I would sure hope the 400 4.5 would be sharper at 400 That was ground breaking news lol

I was also surprised how light it was when I picked it up felt like plastic hahah

👍🏾🙏🏾

The 400 f4.5 def. has more contrast. All these new lenses from Canon, Sony, Fuji and Nikon are a lot sharper, lighter and faster than last generation glass. The older glass seems to still have a better artistic touch. These new lenses are starting to look like cellphone images 🤷🏾‍♂️

I never use a zoom, it is not versatile, what is versatile, that is two Cameras, one with a 400mm 4.5 and another with a135mm 1.8 !

400 vs 100-400... All I hear in my mind is "FINISH HIM! -- BRUTALITY" (mortal kombat)

Oh the lens is for me but not my wallet… 🤣🤷🏻‍♂️

400mm f4.5 -> The "whites" are competely pure white, no tinge at all.. just like the 300mm f4.0PF, 500mmf5.6PF , it is the PF technology ... Focus pure on this fact , if you recognise it, you will see it everywhere that the most lenses do have some tinge.. You simply can not "unsee" it anymore.. This has nothing to do with the white balance in the camera.. just that a water droplet sun refection gets this far better "feel" of realism. It is the diference between : very wel documented/photograped versus , is it even photograped or am i looking throug a Leica/Carlzeiss telescope with the naked eye. PF is something special... But for me, 400 is to short for investing this amount of money as my main go to lens for wildlife, it needs for 90% a tc and more cropping. I would like to see a Z500mm f5.0PF , that would be totally perfect, 400mm is to short

@DjCjFoto

Жыл бұрын

As far as I understand, 400f4.5 isn't a PF lens.

@kaak4737

Жыл бұрын

@@DjCjFoto Wow, Yes you are right !!! it must be this new (SR) Short-Wavelength Refractive Lens that is added to the optical system , there is something about this lens, white is totally "clean" of any tinge... PF is chomatic flaws free , this lens is also.. ans I am very impressed

This is a huge gap. Not a little bit sharper.

@Vahagraphy

Жыл бұрын

Agreed. The 400 4.5 is amazing.

God I hate you!!!!! I waited eight months from date of order till I received the Z 100-400 and all the reviews of the 100-400 said how sharp it was. Now, what have you done!!!!!! Another 8 month wait?????