My Experience Using the Nikon Z 600mm f/4 and the Nikon Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 for Shooting Fast CAT Events
Of the events I shoot, Fast CAT events are my favorite. I love the intensity of the experienced dogs on the lure and pure joy of the green dogs figuring out that they get to chase the 'thing' as their humans excitedly cheer them on. As a retired dog sport junky, I love that this sport makes it easy for people to get involved in dog sport allowing more dogs to enjoy well rounded lives by using their genetics to meet their needs. It's a win win for everyone.
Choosing the Nikon Nikkor Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR
When Nikon released the 180-600, I hesitated to upgrade from my 200-500. That lens served me well, even with an adapter, and I had reservations about the 180-600’s f/6.3 aperture, especially for dark overcast days where I'm forced to increase my ISO. But to my surprise, the lens delivers sharper images, focuses a touch faster, is a hair lighter and handles beautifully—all at a reasonable price. Still, I couldn’t stop drooling over the Nikon Z600 f/4.
Testing the Nikon Nikkor Z 600mm f/4 TC VR S at Fast CAT
To overcome my fixation on the 600, I borrowed it from Nikon for a four-day event I shoot annually. This location usually starts with overcast skies, making it perfect for testing a lens with a fixed f/4 aperture. My plan was to use the Z600 for half the day and then flip that magical switch and go to 840.
I hoped to capture a mix of moments: focused intensity on the lure and catching the bag with the 600mm and acceleration shots showcasing the jowly, comical expressions with the 840.
Challenges of Fast CAT Photography
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Course Restrictions: Most Fast CAT courses are fenced in with (usually orange) construction-style barriers creating a narrow strip for the dogs to run, which only allows the photographer to either shoot the start line (where dogs are released) or the finish line (where they run toward you). The lack of a run order complicates switching between these spots for each dog's second run, especially with up to 400 runs per day when the line of dogs is moving through quickly.
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Focusing Issues: Animal eye focus is amazing, but certain dogs challenge the technology. Fur covering their eyes, loose skin when running can cover the eyes, unique eye shapes, or upright head position, and harsh side light, (nobody asks the photographer about the direction of the course) can impact the accuracy and performance of animal eye focus. However, these instances are rare, and overall, autofocus performance is impressive.
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Heat Haze: When the sun comes out, heat haze creates squiggly distortions, particularly when shooting low to the ground at long distances, which is how I shoot these events. This is the time of day where my soul dies and all I can do is move closer, and shoot at a slight angle to avoid being in the way of the dog.
Lens Comparison: Nikon Z600 vs. 180-600
Nikon Z600 Pros:
- Stunning image quality with sharp details and the creamiest of creamy bokeh.
- Quick switch to 840mm with a teleconverter adds versatility. This feeling of power is similar to calling your dog off a rabbit and having it spin on a dime and return to you.
- Superior low-light performance thanks to the fixed f/4 aperture.
Nikon Z600 Cons:
- Weight: Managing the Z600 on a hunting sack or rolling camera bag was challenging during extended shoots.
- Mobility: Moving quickly between shooting spots with this lens was taxing and I felt it in my elbow. Odd, I know.
- Heat haze: I'm not a scientist, so excuse my terminology, but whatever the squiggly atmospheric stuff is between my lens and the subject gets to be too thick for 600 or 840mm.
Nikon 180-600 Pros:
- Lightweight and easy to maneuver, making it ideal for high-volume events.
- Versatility: Zoom range allows for quick adjustments based on distance and angle.
- Affordable without compromising sharpness or responsiveness.
Nikon 180-600 Cons:
- Background separation isn’t as pronounced due to the f/6.3 aperture.
- Slightly slower focus compared to the Z600. To be honest, I'm just making an assumption here. I couldn't tell the difference. I have plenty of time to track my subject before I actually start shooting.
Highlights of the Day
Okay, so I know this is not relevant, but I have to include it! The highlight of my day was when my little Flea ran and I got to photograph him with the Z600. As a photographer, I rarely get images of my own dogs competing, so photographing Flea’s run made the cost of borrowing the lens worth every penny. Capturing his focus and drive through the Z600 was super special for me.
Just to give you an idea of how fast these dogs are, Flea is 15 inches tall, 18 pounds, and runs 28 mph!
Which Lens Should You Choose for shooting Fast CAT?
Of course, this depends on where you like to be when shooting. I love to be dead center, right next to the lure line, so for the safety of the dog, I need to be far back and that is why I love shooting at 600mm. With that in mind, for versatility and value, the Nikon 180-600 is a fantastic choice. It handles a variety of scenarios with ease, all at a budget-friendly price.
However, if you’re after the best image quality and have the budget to invest, the Nikon Z600 will provide sharp gorgeous images. Borrowing it for this Fast CAT event was so much fun and gave me some of my favorite images. But, when dealing with the heat haze, I did need to switch to my 180-600, so having both is ideal, assuming you have a large budget. Perhaps, the NIKKOR Z 400mm f/2.8 TC VR S with the built in 560 teleconverter would be ideal. What the heck, get all 3!
See the Difference for Yourself
It wouldn’t be a fair comparison if I only showcased images from the Nikon Z600. Below, you’ll find two similar shots—both featuring small dogs at about the same distance, taken under comparable lighting conditions (side light—yuck). This side-by-side comparison gives you a better idea of how the Nikon Z600 and Nikon 180-600 stack up in real-world Fast CAT shooting conditions.
Just a heads-up: All other images in this post were taken with the Z600.
The Dream Lens: Nikon, Are You Listening?
If I could have one new Z-mount lens, it would be a 300mm f/2.8. It would be perfect for getting closer when heat haze distorts the image, while also being a killer option for other sports. Nikon, if you’re taking requests—a 300mm f/2.8, please!
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