Nikon Z6 and 200-500 f/5.6 zoom with Cotton Carrier Nature or Wildlife Photography kit
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- čas přidán 5. 01. 2019
- Lugging a heavy zoom lens can be tiring. No neck strap! This video shows how I carry my Nikon Z6 Mirrorless and the Nikon 200-500 f/5.6 zoom lens that weighs in at around 5 lbs. with the cotton 3G Camera Harness System for two cameras, I also add in the Sennheiser MKE 440 shotgun stereo video microphone.
I've been using cotton carrier two camera vest systems for many years and often look like the Swiss Army Knife of photography as I carry two cameras, speed lights and even gopro7 pouches on the waist band. Cameras don't swing out, I can switch cameras/lenses on the fly without missing a beat. They are quiet for wedding photographers, particularly when covering the wedding ceremony. They come in all black, grey (formal), green, and now as in this video, camo.
I haven't warn a neck strap since Nikon came out with the D3. My most frequently used portrait lenses are the 24-70 f/2.8 zoom and the 70-200 f/2.8 zoom. My primary bodies are the D5 and D4s as they serve me well in low light and focus fast even in low light with low-contrast subjects.
Why didn't I go with the Z7? Same reason I don't have a D850, it just has way more pixels than I need/want, and the trade-off is low light performance. The Z6 has proven to be a low-light dynamo for me and I use it for my current insect documentary projects, often with the Nikon 105 mm Micro/Macro lens. I've never had the need to print larger than the Z6 and D5 bodies provide. My work is 30% video and 70% still portraiture.
I will continue to experiment with the Z6/200-500 combination and will be sharing those videos on CZcams in the upcoming beekeeping season. The D5 has an obvious advantage with fast moving subjects and high speed focus and writes two cards at once, but it also costs three times as much as a Z6.
Here are the items shown in this video:
Camo Cotton Carrier: amzn.to/2CTms8S
Nikon Z6 with lens adapter: amzn.to/2sbQVZl
Nikon 200-500 "awesome" zoom lens: amzn.to/2GYFH4V
Sennheiser MKE 440 microphone: amzn.to/2C1LUHA
Camo wrap for your lens: amzn.to/2LWjao0
Don't be afraid to look like a photo-nerd, get the vest, be hands-free and let everyone else knock and bang their cameras around. I'm even wearing one in my profile photo. Over 300 weddings and I've never dropped a camera or missed "the shot".
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UPDATE.. I no longer have the Z6 and have upgraded to the Z7 II bodies. The higher resolution has allowed me to zoom in on critical details in post-production. The Z9 is on its way and I may do some short update videos during 2022. SHOOT SILENT... I always avoided the silent shooting mode, BUT, if you have ducks on the water etc... when they hear the shutter click, they fly off... put it in silent mode and you get more time shooting ducks on the water without making yourself known. I'm now happy with the higher pixel counts. Thanks for watching!
This is far and away the best review and demo that I have seen, and I reckon that I’ve seen them all. Very helpful .many thanks.
wow, thank you!
This was extremely helpful. I have been considering a system, and since I carry a D750 or D500 with the 200-500mm lens, it made it obvious that this is the way to go. Thanks a bunch!
Gears that I wish I could have but watching you capturing pristine quality image and video is equally pleasing. Many thanks for sharing.
Thank you for watching and taking the time to post a comment!
Wow. Thanks for this! Am just about to purchase the z6 for videoing my animals but wanted to research how the auto focus works. And this is just what I was looking for! Wonderful work.
Awesome job I like how you explained your gear and the demo process
Fantastic review. Thank you for sharing it.
Thank you, im considering this lens for my z6 and this was very helpful!
Wow, those are some beautiful images at the end! And I’m not sure if it was intended but the combination of the voiceover and the visual at 9:40 made me laugh out loud. I just imagined you in that outfit at a high school basketball game. Happy New Year!
i wanted to go to the Mall and pretend people couldn't see me (';')( ';')
Beautiful close up shots and footage.
Thanks! :)
amazing work and very elaborate thanks Frederick
Thanks, I used this camera and lens for this recent video: czcams.com/video/nydzUMGZRnc/video.html
Thanks for that demo of the harness, gonna buy it and see if it make carrying my 6D & 150-600mm a bit more comfortable!
You're welcome Vincent!
Been using my Cotton carrier for almost 2 years. Carry the Sigma 150-600 Sport which is almost 1.5 lbs heavier than the featured Nikon lens. This system is amazing for hiking.
Thanks for sharing that Ian!
I want to like it but I hate that I can't see what's in front of my feet with the camera centered in front of me
Hey Fred... more confident in buying the z6. Think I’ll rent one first with 24-70mm lens. That 500 mm you have is a beast! Many thank, again. 😊
Hi John, you'll definitely enjoy the small scale and astounding functionality of the Z6, make sure to update me after you've had some time with one. I like the 200-500 just because it's so visually striking and feeds into my own sense of humor. Show up at a High School Soccer Game with that, a D5 and a mono-pod and people wonder where the hooey you came from?! Pure fun these days. Always nice to see your comments!
Going to get one 😁 i have been using my chest strap on my back pack!
Thank you so much for this video ! Im currently shooting with a Nikon D610 and 28-300 for wildlife and nature. And I wanted to upgrade either my lens or camera body and this is exactly the setup I was wondering if it would be good for wildlife and nature
So thank you so much
I would change to the Z7, I have both bodies and the Z7 gets me those valuable details... for video, they are equal. Thanks for watching Amanda!
excellent video and good info, carrying my 200 to 500 lens was a problem for me i wish they sell this gear in india
Maybe you could find it on Ebay? It must be frustrating to live where items you want can't be purchased.
Nice equipment!
Thanks Thomas, it's a great time to be an image maker with so many choices these days.
Z6 ibis + 200-500mm VR looks like a great combo!
It is, but I did begin using the Z7 instead of the Z6 with this rig and the still photos are astounding! With video sequences, I could see no difference between the two bodies.
My cotton carrier is black. It sure makes carrying two cameras and three or four lenses a whole lot simpler.
Yep, I use the black version most often and I also like the gray formal carrier. Thank you for taking the time to watch and comment!
Thank you! Very helpful. I have a Sony 200-600 for wildlife photography is there any reason I should not buy one of the older CC units like the one you have in your video from 8 years ago? I would save about $50 for a like-new unit.
They still work great!
Great video, I have the same camera and lense and was unsure if it could hold the weight of the lense. Thank you
still solid by the way :)
Great video. Let me ask you a question- Are you happy with the Z6? I have the 200-500 and a Nikon D500, and i want to buy the Z6, so the question is : Do you think the 200-500 adapted on Z6 will have better image quality than the images of the 200-500 in the D500 without adapter? Thanks a lot!
I actually prefer my Z7 for stills and use the Z6 for video. After shooting with the Z6 for a while, I also picked up the Z7 and am astounded by the improved resolution. The Z6 will produce higher resolution images than your D500 and it's also a Full Frame Sensor, so you're going to get better low light images as well. So between the Z6 and D500, I'd go with the Z6... if you have the extra $$$ ignore the Z6 and snag a Z7 it's excellent!
@@FrederickDunn thanks a lot. I shot lots of indoor sports, so the Z6 has better iso performance than the Z7... At least is what i see in some reviews. so i think it will be better performance inside pavillions.
Pretty cool, wondering how this would work with this lens and D500
It would be excellent with that body.
Just subscribed. I've used the cotton carrier for about 1.5 years with my sigma 150-600 sport (6.3 lbs) and my D7000. Also shoot wildlife and have been wanting to go full frame. How do you like the Z6 with some more time using it? How's the continuous focus?
Hi Ian, it's still very nice, particularly for video.. I've since also picked up the Z7 for those larger images and it's also an excellent camera. I didn't think I'd use it much but it's become a fast favorite. The focus lock during video is exceptional! Stabilization is also very VERY good. No complaints so far.
@@FrederickDunn thank you for the reply. It's so tough just reading stats. Appreciate hearing from those with real world experience. I'm an "enthusiast " so can't afford to be wrong on the choice. Will look at renting next to get a feel. Thanks again !
I have the same camera and lens that you do. I did get the Kirk Photo lens mount for it. I found your video because The Cotton Carrier has a kickstarter campaign for a new sling belt an bucket system. Do you know anything about it?
The sling belt and bucket system? I'll have to check that out. Thanks Jeffrey!
@@FrederickDunn www.kickstarter.com/projects/slingbelt/slingbelt-and-bucket-system-camera-carrying-made-easy/comments
Hey, I bought this lens 2days back to use with my nikon z6. I am having a issue with the lens. When I shoot at 200mm their is no issue but when I zoom more than 200 to 300 400mm then shutter error message pops up saying “error: press shutter release button again”. The camera works well with other lens. Is this lens error ?
I can say that I've not had that issue at all. With the Z7 Z7II or the Z9 can't address the Z6 but you should not have that error in my opinion
Hi Frederick,
Thank you for the great hands-on honest review.
I normally prefer to keep my Z6II+ 200-500 with 1.4 TC on a monopod and carry them over the shoulder. I don’t have steady hands so need the support to shoot especially in early morning low light forest areas.
But off late the cervical neck problem is troubling a bit.
So, was thinking of trying cotton carrier to allow for a distributed weight over the entire shoulder and back.
The practical problem which I see is getting the camera off the carrier and mounting it on a monopod quick enough to shoot the bird, which are usually small (5-8 cms) and skittish.
I am unable to decide whether this would be useful or practical in my case.
What do you think or suggest?
Thanks
Abhishek
I can't really make a recommendation on that, I know monopods are handy when zooming from a distance. I'm currently using the Z9 and it's much heavier. I can say that the Cotton Carrier keeps me going for many hours without neck strain. I try to find a tree branch to rest it on, or go to ground when I need to and a monopod would be in the way the way I work. The Cotton Carrier Vests are my standard. There is a chest mounted support for the Cotton Carrier, but i don't recommend that accessory. Sorry I can't give better direction.
hi, i am in the same dilema as you. i wanted to try a harness system but since i started using the monopod a found out i get sharper images so i have decided to still carry my camera d850/200-500 with the monopod over my shoulder. i am just carrying a towel over my shoulder to help with the roughness of the gear. i want to start carrying a second body with the 70-200 or 24-70 so for that i might get a harness system
@@marcobugarin Hi Marco,
My neck problem subsided after a few months.
So, I am back to lugging the monopod , with the fluid video head, which is working well especially in early morning when i need slower shutter speed to get more light in.
I got a padded velco strap so just like the towel it cushions the monopod on the shoulder.
And, every 5 minutes I switch the monopod to the other shoulder.
It is working out fine now.
Thank you for sharing
Kind regards
Abhishek
Great video! I have a Sony 200-600mm lens and 60% of the time, I shoot with a Gimbal Tripod. Would I be able to install the Cotton CCS Universal Tripod along my Sirui Arca-type quick-release plate?
I saw a lots of video but never see a Cotton Carrier installation with a Gimbal plate.
Sorry, Andre, I haven't tried that.
Hi Frederick, thanks for this great review. Can I ask how you think the carry system works with a triopod ? Many thanks in advance from Australia.
Tim Siggs. An extension bar, which enables the user to connect both the retaining lug and a quick release tripod plate or tripod, is included. I have mine fitted to my A7II for macro work. The foot on my Sony 100 - 400mm allows me to do the same thing when mounted on my A7III. I have been using a twin holster Cotton Carrier for about 4 years; and the latest version is just brilliant. I used to use mine to carry a Nikon D500 + Nikkor 200 - 500mm + Olympus EM1 mark II + Oly 300mm, and found it quite easy to jog for quite reasonable distances without any issues. It's even easier with my lighter Sony gear. Though expensive, the Cotton Carrier is fantastic if you walk for miles, as I do.
@@klackon1 Thanks so much peter. Interesting to know that you have Nikon and Sony gear. I am going to have to choose between the Z6 / D500 and Sony gear which will be used for bird video. I am also liking the 200-500. Do you have any advice for me ? Thanks once again and greetings from Auz.
@@TimSiggs. If your interest lies in videography, I believe the Z6 will be the better option. As a photographer, however, I would choose the D500. The 200 - 500mm is a brilliant lens: it produces cracking results at an excellent price. There were some duds, apparently, so I would recommend you buy from a shop, as opposed to on line (I did). I also owned a Nikkor 300mm f4 PF ED VR + Nikkor TC14EIII. A stunning lens, much, much lighter and shorter than the 200 - 500mm. Though not offering the same focal length it may be worth viewing. You may care to view Steve Perry's You Tube channel and Mark Smith's You Tube channel. Both are wildlife videographers/photographers and Steve has both lenses. He prefers the 300mm, whereas I prefer the 200 - 500. Both guys use Nikon D850 and D500 cameras and Mark has used the Z6. Best of luck with your choice, it's not easy.
@@klackon1 Thank so much peter. I have indeed been watching both these channels. Your advice also adds to the mix . Once again, thankyou.
Hi tim, the recent honey bee in the snow video I posted was shot with the Nikon Z7 with the 105 macro lens... you can check the quality on that. The cover image for that video was also taken with the Z7. The Z6 has too low a pixel count for serious photos that will be blown up as a macro image. I also have the Z6 and it's great for video also. Particularly in low light, but when I need a strong large image, the Z7 is it for me these days.
Lovely demonstrate nice and smooth information hope you can introduce some tutorial for bird photography
Thank you!
Which is the brand of the camo clothes you got? Love it!
www.cabelas.com/shop/en/redhead-silent-hide-insulated-coveralls-for-men-camobrown
Any idea how to carry a binoculars on it?
They may offer a binocular attachment, I'm just not familiar with it.
Clothes, pants, gloves, headwear, where can I buy?
Links are in the video description.
Frederick Dunn Where can I buy camouflage equipment?
Everything is in the video description with links for your convenience :)
@Frederick Dunn thank you
What’s the name of the bird? A chickedee? I don’t speak English but that word is so funny I would say it all day😀. Nice video btw👍
Yes, it's a chickadee :)
Frederick Dunn cool😀
Just FYI the camera does have GREAT weather sealing.
Hi Eric, thanks for that statement, but when you use the FTZ adapter, the weather seal on the lenses does not make full contact with the adapter, leaving a leakpath. Where the adapter marries the camera body Z6 and Z7 there is no weather seal at all. So, not great at all I'm afraid.
@@FrederickDunn Hi not to be that guy how ever, the weather sealing on the FTZ is amazing also i have been out in the pouring rain with this combo Z6 and 200-500mm with no issues at all asfar as water getting in, maybe you got a dud ?
And here i am trying to downsize my camera kit!
I wish you the best of luck with that :)
@@FrederickDunn Thanks! By the way it really is impressive that you can get such steady shots hand held with this setup.
@@bmorlok1 I agree it's very nice and I look forward to using it more as opportunities arise.
Just don’t fall forward when wearing this. A friend did just that and had serious bruising. I do have one, and am very cautious when wearing it.
Hmmmmm awkward.... (';')... imagine what happens to cameras dangling from straps when a fall occurs... they could even flip up and hit you in the head. OR the straps get tangled around your neck... thanks for sharing and I hope your friend is doing well.
Nothing a little McNett's realtree tape mesh can't fix. ;)
True, I have a camo-burlap drape once in position. It's quiet and doesn't make noise even when rain falls on it. Feel free to post a link to that grab-nonresidue-tape. It is handy. :)
www.basspro.com/shop/en/mcnett-camo-form-protective-camouflage-wrap
The brand is McNett (Tactical). Amazon used to carry them, but they can be found at any well stocked hunting/outdoors outfitters.
It's great on the non-control surfaces of a large telephoto.
For a general, non-residue tape: I like gaffers tape. Doesn't leave a residue on most surfaces. Must of my hard-wear surfaces on my cameras and lenses are covered in it.
I've added tape to the video description links. I'll use it in my next tutorial, thanks so much!
8:20 man i wish nikon would hurry up and get a 70-300mm out for this thing
I wish Nikon had made a good and affordable 100-400 instead of a 200-500. I find it too big and heavy. I also wish it was as sharp as the Canon 100-400 IS II or the Sigma 100-400.
Hi David, so you use Nikon and Canon bodies? That's interesting about the one you have not being sharp. Mine is performing exceptionally well, but I don't own any Sigma lenses.
Absolutely tack sharp on the D500 and D850. Try them.
@@Meagain921 I've been using it on my Z7 lately and I can share that it's performing better than the D850 for my purposes... both are great camera bodies though!
What happened at 9-40.... You disappeared 🤔
I know... scary right (';')( ';')...
What a palaver to carry a camera! Use a Black Rapid Curve Breathe clipped to the tripod foot and secured with a safety tether.
Has worked extremely well for me through the years. You'll find what works and continue to use it. Black rapid straps aren't for me. And I now that harness style carry systems aren't appealing to others. I'm glad we have all of these choices.
This guy have the voice of a 20 year old :)
I get that a lot actually...
Pixel pregnant! Having 45 million babies at a time would really put a lot of stress on the materity ward's resources. Nothing clever about nonsensical names for things. Otherwise good review.
I rather like the term "pixel pregnant". Way too many pixels in that camera
The good news is that people can come up with their own descriptives :)
Pixel pregnant? WTF is that. That buzz word is awful. The Z7 doesn’t have to be shot at 46mp.
Shoot any way you like :) Since this video, I use the Z7 II units. I returned the Z6 units in exchange. You're right, you can use crop sensor settings.
@@FrederickDunn Z7II is awesome. Have fun👍🏾