Telephoto Lens Upgrade!

[Sliwowskiphotography]

Hi all, I shoot mainly motorsport on my Z6iii and I currently use a 70-200 f2.8 g2 (recently got this and I love the quality) and for longer range stuff I use a tamron 100-400.

Since making the step up to a lens like the 70-20 (and comparing to others’ photos) I find that the 100-400 is really lacking in image quality.

What upgrade path would you suggest that has better quality on the longer end? I was thinking the 200-500 f5.6 or if I can find a half decent one for the right price a used 300 f4. There is also the 180-600 z mount but that’s a bit higher price wise.

I was leaning towards the 300 f4 I have have heard it’s great IQ but unsure if I may struggle with longer range.

Does anyone have any experience with the above?

Budget would be around £1000 but could push this if it was really worth it.

Thanks!

 

[welshwizard645]

Which version of the 300/4 Kieran? Optically the D and the PF are superb but I think the issue with the D is that it is older technology and you'll have to get the right TC to work with the FTZ adapter. The newer lens has the advantage of VR as well.

Suggest selling the Tamron lens and using the money to get the Nikkor 100-400 or 180-600 from Panamoz. Before you take the plunge though, ask yourself why you think the lens you have is poor quality - no point swapping only to discover the image quality issue lingers.

 

[yzfmike]

I have the 180-600 and find it very good with my z9. I still have a 300 f/2.8 VRii which is outstanding, even with a 1.4TC. I can’t bring myself to sell it BUT I find I hardly use it as the zoom offers much more flexibility for wildlife and motorsports. IQ is, of course, inferior but I’m finding it acceptable for prints up to A4+. IME most “normal” people can’t see the difference until you point it out.

 

[LongLensPhotography]

acceptable for prints up to A4+.

I just must point out that this is super narrow limit to be acceptable. My smartphone can hit this acceptable target. You should be targeting a0 from z9