Why haven't I bought this setup yet? Nikon z8 and 28-400

I rented this setup and took it out for a day of shooting, and to be honest, I haven't had this much fun in a while. I think the z8 and the 28-400 is the best bridge camera available. If I can take the bulk of the setup with me, and shoot at iso100, I don't want for much else. Here are some shots to show the versatility, these were slightly modded and resized for posting, but are pretty much SOOC (they look incredibly good on the pc):

Just a random test of the zoom


28mm


125mm


400mm

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I took this set from my lunch table.


28mm


150mm


28mm Nice lunch

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These were taken from the same position as the food picture


400mm


28mm

=========================================================================


28mm


120mm sometimes you don't need to go all the way to 400mm

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The obligatory bird shot at 400mm



Making this post has probably convinced me to get this setup for myself. Between these photos, and the 8k60p video it is really the ultimate hybrid camera. Anyone else shooting with this combo? Thoughts?

Nice shots!

I wouldn't really call the Z8 a bridge camera, but paired with the 28-400 it is a really nice walkaround setup. The lens is surprisingly sharp.

Is that the San Antonio riverwalk area?

PLShutterbug said:

Nice shots!

I wouldn't really call the Z8 a bridge camera, but paired with the 28-400 it is a really nice walkaround setup. The lens is surprisingly sharp.

Is that the San Antonio riverwalk area?

Click to expand...

It is. Went there for a business meeting, and had really good light, and had a blast just absorbing the atmosphere and taking pictures.

jhunna said:

I rented this setup and took it out for a day of shooting, and to be honest, I haven't had this much fun in a while. I think the z8 and the 28-400 is the best bridge camera available. If I can take the bulk of the setup with me, and shoot at iso100, I don't want for much else. Here are some shots to show the versatility, these were slightly modded and resized for posting, but are pretty much SOOC (they look incredibly good on the pc):

Just a random test of the zoom


28mm


125mm


400mm

==========================================================================

I took this set from my lunch table.


28mm


150mm


28mm Nice lunch

===================================================================

These were taken from the same position as the food picture


400mm


28mm

=========================================================================


28mm


120mm sometimes you don't need to go all the way to 400mm

========================================================================

The obligatory bird shot at 400mm



Making this post has probably convinced me to get this setup for myself. Between these photos, and the 8k60p video it is really the ultimate hybrid camera. Anyone else shooting with this combo? Thoughts?

Click to expand...

Nice... great advertising for this combo

jhunna said:

I rented this setup and took it out for a day of shooting, and to be honest, I haven't had this much fun in a while. I think the z8 and the 28-400 is the best bridge camera available. If I can take the bulk of the setup with me, and shoot at iso100, I don't want for much else. Here are some shots to show the versatility, these were slightly modded and resized for posting, but are pretty much SOOC (they look incredibly good on the pc):

Just a random test of the zoom


28mm


125mm


400mm

==========================================================================

I took this set from my lunch table.


28mm


150mm


28mm Nice lunch

===================================================================

These were taken from the same position as the food picture


400mm


28mm

=========================================================================


28mm


120mm sometimes you don't need to go all the way to 400mm

========================================================================

The obligatory bird shot at 400mm



Making this post has probably convinced me to get this setup for myself. Between these photos, and the 8k60p video it is really the ultimate hybrid camera. Anyone else shooting with this combo? Thoughts?

Click to expand...

My personal thoughts are that the 24-200 on a Z8 (or any Z body) is a better option and good middle ground (between the 24-120 and 28-400) despite having a shorter zoom range. I also think that the 28-400 perhaps is not best suited on the higher-res cameras, but is probably fine on the 24MP bodies and probably fine on the DX Bodies as well (since it would crop out the corners anyway, which are the weakest part of the 28-400 IMO). As a general travel lens, if you're expectations aren't super high, sure the 28-400 can work as a one-lens solution, but again, you have to keep your expectations in line. Edge sharpness is the biggest difference I saw in the tests so if you can live with that, then sure it's a decent lens.

Personally I can't bring myself to buy the 28-400 partially because of it's new price $1399 which is quite expensive, even though this is an all-in-one zoom, I just don't feel that the price is justified for me atl east. I'd rather have a two lens setup (the 24-120 or maybe the 24-200 and a 70-300 if needed). Obviously I'd be giving up 100mm but I personally think the value of a 24-120 and a 70-300 (Tamron maybe) is a better value even though it's two lenses, and a bit more expensive than the Z 28-400. But Nikon has these options available for a reason -- so there are options at various price points, obviously with pros/cons to each.

--
* PLEASE NOTE: I generally unsubscribe from forums/comments after a period of time has passed, so if I do not respond, that is likely the reason. *

I kinda agree, the only difference is that I run the 28-400 on a DX body. With it mounted on my Zfc, I'm ready for anything. I realize I don't have really wide angle, but that is something I hardly ever use and if I do, it's a special situation that I will probably use my 16-35 f2.8 on high mp FF.

I have been using a 28-400 on a Z8 too. I just love this combo for travel. I use it more than the 24-200, especially when I carry the 14-35 too.

I see a lot of silly bleating about how it is less sharp than the 24-120. But unless you are making mural sized prints, who cares. On my screen I see no problems with sharpness. If I want maximum sharpness I will dig out a prime. This and the 24-200 are lenses that allow you to get shots you will miss, most of the time with lenses of a lesser focal length, on those occasions when you do not want to carry a bag full of lenses.

Many people are too obsessive over relative lens sharpness. Most people will never notice the fact that a shot was taken with a super zoom, as opposed to a prime. The thing to obsess about is the artistic quality of your pictures and your shooting skills..

NiVoak said:

I have been using a 28-400 on a Z8 too. I just love this combo for travel. I use it more than the 24-200, especially when I carry the 14-35 too.

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I just got the 28-400 (paired with Z6 or Z50ii) but have not really use it that much yet. It is great for everyday use. I also have the 17-28/2.8 for wide angle shooting. These two set up are my travel cameras. Eventually, I will upgrade my Z6 to a Z6iii or a Z5ii.

I am and will be waiting for an actual Z replacement of the D500 and when that comes out, I will pair it with the 180-600 for my wildlife setup to replace my D500 +200-500.

NiVoak said:

I see a lot of silly bleating about how it is less sharp than the 24-120. But unless you are making mural sized prints, who cares. On my screen I see no problems with sharpness. If I want maximum sharpness I will dig out a prime. This and the 24-200 are lenses that allow you to get shots you will miss, most of the time with lenses of a lesser focal length, on those occasions when you do not want to carry a bag full of lenses.

Click to expand...

NiVoak said:

Many people are too obsessive over relative lens sharpness. Most people will never notice the fact that a shot was taken with a super zoom, as opposed to a prime. The thing to obsess about is the artistic quality of your pictures and your shooting skills..

Click to expand...

I'm with you. A lot of people are so obsessed with sharpness that I think is taking away the fun of photography. My viewers are 90% average people and they couldn't careless about sharpness (blurred images, yes!) The care more about the content. If it's sharp enough to be viewed on a 12/13" iPad/tablet my viewers couldn't careless as they don't pixel peep. 99% of the time, I upload my photos to my phone to show it to my regular viewers.

I am happy that they're happy viewing my images. That's all that matters to me.

rgs_45 said:

NiVoak said:

I have been using a 28-400 on a Z8 too. I just love this combo for travel. I use it more than the 24-200, especially when I carry the 14-35 too.

Click to expand...

I just got the 28-400 (paired with Z6 or Z50ii) but have not really use it that much yet. It is great for everyday use. I also have the 17-28/2.8 for wide angle shooting. These two set up are my travel cameras. Eventually, I will upgrade my Z6 to a Z6iii or a Z5ii.

I am and will be waiting for an actual Z replacement of the D500 and when that comes out, I will pair it with the 180-600 for my wildlife setup to replace my D500 +200-500.

rgs_45 said:

I see a lot of silly bleating about how it is less sharp than the 24-120. But unless you are making mural sized prints, who cares. On my screen I see no problems with sharpness. If I want maximum sharpness I will dig out a prime. This and the 24-200 are lenses that allow you to get shots you will miss, most of the time with lenses of a lesser focal length, on those occasions when you do not want to carry a bag full of lenses.

Many people are too obsessive over relative lens sharpness. Most people will never notice the fact that a shot was taken with a super zoom, as opposed to a prime. The thing to obsess about is the artistic quality of your pictures and your shooting skills..

Click to expand...

I'm with you. A lot of people are so obsessed with sharpness that I think is taking away the fun of photography. My viewers are 90% average people and they couldn't careless about sharpness (blurred images, yes!) The care more about the content. If it's sharp enough to be viewed on a 12/13" iPad/tablet my viewers couldn't careless as they don't pixel peep. 99% of the time, I upload my photos to my phone to show it to my regular viewers.

I am happy that they're happy viewing my images. That's all that matters to me.

Click to expand...

100 percent what it should be about. In some of these photo challenges run in various subforums, I've won or placed with photo submissions taken on a small sensor bridge camera over those taken with an ILC.

--
Ryan
I unsubscribe from threads time to time, so if you reply to me and I don't respond, it's nothing personal.

If this picture were any more sharp, I could read his thoughts... Also have some background compression/bokeh. Make sure you click on this picture and load the full jpeg.


This is the full resolution jpeg straight out of camera. 400mm f/8 1/60sec iso 400

Nice pictures and congratulations on the new set-up!

I felt very similar after buying the Z8 and switching from my Z6, even though I have no need for the Z 28-400 and instead bought the Z 24-120/4 S with the Z8.

The performance of the Z8 was so impressive that my first thought was, why did you hesitate for so long?

The best camera I've ever owned and a completely different level compared to my Z6. In terms of AF/Subject recognition/AF tracking/camera responsiveness, it doesn't feel like 5 years have passed between my Z6 and Z8, but much more like I've woken up from cryogenic sleep after 25 years.

Highly recommended from my side.

If, like me, you have concerns about the larger dimensions and weight compared to the Expeed6 cameras, I highly recommend seeing the camera in person and holding it in your hand.

Yes, it is larger and a bit heavier, but it also rewards you with, in my opinion, better ergonomics.

My concerns on this point were clearly exaggerated, and the larger dimensions have a significantly positive effect on the grip, especially with larger lenses like the Z 24-120/4 S; Z MC 105/2.8 VR S, Z 135/1.8 S Plena, and Z 400/4.5 VR S.

FW 3.0 and the unrivaled price for this performance class (fully stackes 45MP sensor wih 3,7ms read out speed) thanks to the latest Nikon discount campaigns were the cherry on top of the cake.

Nebido said:

Nice pictures and congratulations on the new set-up!

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Thank you! I haven't bought it yet, but after revisiting these shots and the time I had I may need to pull the trigger.

Nebido said:

If, like me, you have concerns about the larger dimensions and weight compared to the Expeed6 cameras, I highly recommend seeing the camera in person and holding it in your hand.

Click to expand...

I used to, but since I got the GFX100RF, I have my small everyday camera, and now I just need something that makes it easy to create decent files. I have an a7cr, and even that little beast can't compete with the z8.

Nebido said:

Yes, it is larger and a bit heavier, but it also rewards you with, in my opinion, better ergonomics.

Click to expand...

Agreed!

Nebido said:

FW 3.0 and the unrivaled price for this performance class (fully stackes 45MP sensor wih 3,7ms read out speed) thanks to the latest Nikon discount campaigns were the cherry on top of the cake.

Click to expand...

May have to make a move sooner rather than later...

jhunna said:

...



Making this post has probably convinced me to get this setup for myself. Between these photos, and the 8k60p video it is really the ultimate hybrid camera. Anyone else shooting with this combo? Thoughts?

Click to expand...

Looking at your samples, 5 out of 11 are taken at the wide end of 28mm. This discloses a major weakness: the lens does not start at 24mm. I think that the 24-120 had served you better on this day.

Ruedon said:

jhunna said:

...

Making this post has probably convinced me to get this setup for myself. Between these photos, and the 8k60p video it is really the ultimate hybrid camera. Anyone else shooting with this combo? Thoughts?

Click to expand...

Looking at your samples, 5 out of 11 are taken at the wide end of 28mm. This discloses a major weakness: the lens does not start at 24mm. I think that the 24-120 had served you better on this day.

Click to expand...

A lens starting at any focal length, or ending at any focal length at that matter, is not "a major weakness." It is simply a feature of the lens. If you want a lens that covers 24mm, buy one. But don't complain that other lenses don't cover that focal length.

Ruedon said:

jhunna said:

...

Making this post has probably convinced me to get this setup for myself. Between these photos, and the 8k60p video it is really the ultimate hybrid camera. Anyone else shooting with this combo? Thoughts?

Click to expand...

Looking at your samples, 5 out of 11 are taken at the wide end of 28mm. This discloses a major weakness: the lens does not start at 24mm. I think that the 24-120 had served you better on this day.

Click to expand...

While I will admit that I prefer 24mm, at no time during this particular venture did I feel like I should have had a wider lens. I was even able to get a picture of my food at the table with this giant lens. Not sure a wider lens would have changed my outcomes.

Also keep in mind, in this particular post I am trying to show the pros of this lens so there will be quite a few at 28mm and some focal length longer than 200mm...

Leads me to the discussion of what should be the complimentary lense? I would love a 14mm-xxmm zoom or even a 16mm-xxmm zoom at f2.8.

jhunna said:

Ruedon said:

jhunna said:

...

Making this post has probably convinced me to get this setup for myself. Between these photos, and the 8k60p video it is really the ultimate hybrid camera. Anyone else shooting with this combo? Thoughts?

Click to expand...

Looking at your samples, 5 out of 11 are taken at the wide end of 28mm. This discloses a major weakness: the lens does not start at 24mm. I think that the 24-120 had served you better on this day.

Click to expand...

While I will admit that I prefer 24mm, at no time during this particular venture did I feel like I should have had a wider lens. I was even able to get a picture of my food at the table with this giant lens. Not sure a wider lens would have changed my outcomes.

Click to expand...

The 28-400 appears more like a traditional 70-300 with more versatility to me, not a lens that one would use regularly at wider angles -- like the Tamron 35-150 replaces a 70-200 for me. There are people who use the 35-150 as standard zoom. So, why not the 28-400.

jhunna said:

Also keep in mind, in this particular post I am trying to show the pros of this lens so there will be quite a few at 28mm and some focal length longer than 200mm...

Leads me to the discussion of what should be the complimentary lense? I would love a 14mm-xxmm zoom or even a 16mm-xxmm zoom at f2.8.

Click to expand...

I have the 17-28/2.8 and like it. Tamron is about to release its successor 16-30/2.8 G2.

You might also consider primes. The 26/2.8 is complimentary in any regard ;-)

Ruedon said:

jhunna said:

Ruedon said:

jhunna said:

...

Making this post has probably convinced me to get this setup for myself. Between these photos, and the 8k60p video it is really the ultimate hybrid camera. Anyone else shooting with this combo? Thoughts?

Click to expand...

Looking at your samples, 5 out of 11 are taken at the wide end of 28mm. This discloses a major weakness: the lens does not start at 24mm. I think that the 24-120 had served you better on this day.

Click to expand...

While I will admit that I prefer 24mm, at no time during this particular venture did I feel like I should have had a wider lens. I was even able to get a picture of my food at the table with this giant lens. Not sure a wider lens would have changed my outcomes.

Click to expand...

The 28-400 appears more like a traditional 70-300 with more versatility to me, not a lens that one would use regularly at wider angles -- like the Tamron 35-150 replaces a 70-200 for me. There are people who use the 35-150 as standard zoom. So, why not the 28-400.

Ruedon said:

Also keep in mind, in this particular post I am trying to show the pros of this lens so there will be quite a few at 28mm and some focal length longer than 200mm...

Leads me to the discussion of what should be the complimentary lense? I would love a 14mm-xxmm zoom or even a 16mm-xxmm zoom at f2.8.

Click to expand...

I have the 17-28/2.8 and like it. Tamron is about to release its successor 16-30/2.8 G2.

Click to expand...

yeah that 1630/2.8 looks perfect, especially if it is Nikon branded.

Ruedon said:

You might also consider primes. The 26/2.8 is complimentary in any regard ;-)

Click to expand...

My third lens would be a portrait lens so a fast 50/85/90. I also shot the z8 with my Sony 50GM1.2, and I don't have a reason to replace that lens. So

jhunna said:

Ruedon said:

jhunna said:

Ruedon said:

jhunna said:

...

Making this post has probably convinced me to get this setup for myself. Between these photos, and the 8k60p video it is really the ultimate hybrid camera. Anyone else shooting with this combo? Thoughts?

Click to expand...

Looking at your samples, 5 out of 11 are taken at the wide end of 28mm. This discloses a major weakness: the lens does not start at 24mm. I think that the 24-120 had served you better on this day.

Click to expand...

While I will admit that I prefer 24mm, at no time during this particular venture did I feel like I should have had a wider lens. I was even able to get a picture of my food at the table with this giant lens. Not sure a wider lens would have changed my outcomes.

Click to expand...

The 28-400 appears more like a traditional 70-300 with more versatility to me, not a lens that one would use regularly at wider angles -- like the Tamron 35-150 replaces a 70-200 for me. There are people who use the 35-150 as standard zoom. So, why not the 28-400.

jhunna said:

Also keep in mind, in this particular post I am trying to show the pros of this lens so there will be quite a few at 28mm and some focal length longer than 200mm...

Leads me to the discussion of what should be the complimentary lense? I would love a 14mm-xxmm zoom or even a 16mm-xxmm zoom at f2.8.

Click to expand...

I have the 17-28/2.8 and like it. Tamron is about to release its successor 16-30/2.8 G2.

Click to expand...

yeah that 1630/2.8 looks perfect, especially if it is Nikon branded.

Click to expand...

It will be a Tamron branded lens (not a Tamron rebadge).

jhunna said:

jhunna said:

You might also consider primes. The 26/2.8 is complimentary in any regard ;-)

Click to expand...

My third lens would be a portrait lens so a fast 50/85/90. I also shot the z8 with my Sony 50GM1.2, and I don't have a reason to replace that lens. So

Click to expand...

--
* PLEASE NOTE: I generally unsubscribe from forums/comments after a period of time has passed, so if I do not respond, that is likely the reason. *

Put this lens on z8 is not a good idea, in 200-400mm range, this lens on z8 is softer than z30+50-250 out of center area, then what's the point of buying a full frame lens if it is inferior to APSC combo?

This lens is also not true 400mm, it is actully a 28-350mm lens.




Z 28-400 is not true 400mm angle.

XiaoF said:

Put this lens on z8 is not a good idea, in 200-400mm range, this lens on z8 is softer than z30+50-250 out of center area, then what's the point of buying a full frame lens if it is inferior to APSC combo?

Click to expand...

Two reasons:

1. You can change the lens.
2. You can shoot in apsc (DX)mode.

XiaoF said:

This lens is also not true 400mm, it is actully a 28-350mm lens.

Z 28-400 is not true 400mm angle.

Click to expand...

Why do you trust that the Tamron is the accurate 400, and not the Nikon 100-400 or the 28-400. All of these lenses have some play, and all of them are close enough for me.