Nikon Z* mirrorless

dcash29 said:
Are Nikon losing users to Sony though, who provide a better option? I wish I could fit Z lenses on a Sony body.
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I don’t know Dave. But you know how much I love fast glass. And the Nikon 35 & 50 f1.2 although fab are just too big for me. But I’m not everyone.
Sometimes I look over my shoulder at those Sony GM primes.
So yes. That Viltrox will no doubt grab lots of attention if they make Z mount.
 
dcash29 said:
Are Nikon losing users to Sony though, who provide a better option? I wish I could fit Z lenses on a Sony body.
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That's interesting. What lenses would you like to have other than 85mm f/1.2 which doesn't exist on Sony?

I get a feeling that Nikon bodies are both very nice minus the EVF and good value for what they can do. You really need to go all the way to Sony A1 to match or exceed it.
Meanwhile, there is a much greater variety of E mount lenses, everything from more affordable to ultra premium options including great value high performances designs like Sigma ARTS, or this new Viltrox thing. These also have faster linear motors. I'm not sure what Z mount STM motor is like, but they are not very likeable in Canon's budget lenses or Sigma 70mm.

You can at least in theory adapt E to Z but I wonder if you run into issues like AF, let alone profiles not working until the software stage. That is kind of important shooting video at wide apertures for example.
I really expected more Z lens choice at this point. Canon is no better, maybe worse unless you come with a bag-full of EF mount ART lenses, which does give a substantial incentive for R5II.
 
When I had Sony I remember telling several people that those GM primes would be a good reason to stay with them…although obviously I didn’t..
 
trevorbray said:
So yes. That Viltrox will no doubt grab lots of attention if they make Z mount.
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It will need to get at least close to Sigma 35mm f/1.2 IQ, and match AF speed as they comparable price point offerings. It is a BIG BIG ask. I hope they succeed. Competition is good.
 
trevorbray said:
When I had Sony I remember telling several people that those GM primes would be a good reason to stay with them…although obviously I didn’t..
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so what made you move?

Getting access to E lens is really tempting. I simply can't get anything great under 28mm in either EF or RF mount at any price. That is #1 priority. After that there could be other things I'm interested at like Sigma 50mm f/1.2 unless native option become considerably discounted.
 
LongLensPhotography said:
so what made you move?

Getting access to E lens is really tempting. I simply can't get anything great under 28mm in either EF or RF mount at any price. That is #1 priority. After that there could be other things I'm interested at like Sigma 50mm f/1.2 unless native option become considerably discounted.
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The Zf. I bought one when I still had my Sony gear. I knew that sensibly one would have to go. I love the Zf and the user experience with manual focus. Adapted the Sony lenses to it. But didn’t like the handling. Now, nearly a year on I’ve got a Z6 iii for auto focus duty. Part of me would like to pair it with the 50mm GM f1.2. I have some reservations, including the cost/use ratio.
 
I have resisted the lure of the f1.2 lenses with the exception of the Viltrox 75mm f1.2 for my Fujis. I find that f1.8 or f1.4 lenses are adequate on the Nikons for my needs. That is very much my personal perspective as these days I only shoot portraits and landscapes.

The portraits are shot with natural light or studio flash so I want accurate focus so fast lenses are good but I use shooting apertures of either f2.0 or f5.6-8 . The landscape work is usually shot at f8-16 so I really dont need to worry.
Of course the faster lenses also tend to be very sharp as soon as they are stopped down so these do have additional benefits.
 
I forgot to mention in my previous post that I have a Viltrox 70mm f2.0 which I use on my Zf and that is tiny in size and huge in quality.
This lens is a real dream for me as it seems to work so well for me as it provides a slight telephoto effect but with the f2.0 I can use it wide open to isolate subjects really well. The 85mm f1.8 doesnt work as well for me. Must be just the way I work.
 
jknights said:
I forgot to mention in my previous post that I have a Viltrox 70mm f2.0 which I use on my Zf and that is tiny in size and huge in quality.
This lens is a real dream for me as it seems to work so well for me as it provides a slight telephoto effect but with the f2.0 I can use it wide open to isolate subjects really well. The 85mm f1.8 doesnt work as well for me. Must be just the way I work.
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Thanks. That’s very helpful. I have, but hardly use the Z 85 f1.8
 
jknights said:
I forgot to mention in my previous post that I have a Viltrox 70mm f2.0 which I use on my Zf and that is tiny in size and huge in quality.
This lens is a real dream for me as it seems to work so well for me as it provides a slight telephoto effect but with the f2.0 I can use it wide open to isolate subjects really well. The 85mm f1.8 doesnt work as well for me. Must be just the way I work.
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Can’t see that listed anywhere. Can find TT Artisan 75 f2
 
Today I received the Neewer CA134 grip for my Zf.
IMO it's the best one so far. It has grippy finger material as per Smallrig but it also has the thumb catch which makes it more comfortable for my big hands.
No red line at the front. Comes with a magnetic screwdriver and weighs approx. 25gms more than the Smallrig.

Bought via Aliexpress

www.aliexpress.com

NEEWER Zf Handgrip L Shape Leather Grip for Nikon Z f Retro Formfitting Thin Camera Mounting Baseplate with Built in Handle - AliExpress 44

Smarter Shopping, Better Living! Aliexpress.com
www.aliexpress.com www.aliexpress.com
 
Peter123 said:
Today I received the Neewer CA134 grip for my Zf.
IMO it's the best one so far. It has grippy finger material as per Smallrig but it also has the thumb catch which makes it more comfortable for my big hands.
No red line at the front. Comes with a magnetic screwdriver and weighs approx. 25gms more than the Smallrig.

Bought via Aliexpress

www.aliexpress.com

NEEWER Zf Handgrip L Shape Leather Grip for Nikon Z f Retro Formfitting Thin Camera Mounting Baseplate with Built in Handle - AliExpress 44

Smarter Shopping, Better Living! Aliexpress.com
www.aliexpress.com www.aliexpress.com
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Looks good especially with the thumb catch. How long does it take to arrive from Aliexpress?

I checked my Panamoz tracking and my ZF should be here on Tuesday. I have bought the Haoge ready for the cameras arrival and if it doesn't work out I will give the Neewer one a go.
 
LongLensPhotography said:
That's interesting. What lenses would you like to have other than 85mm f/1.2 which doesn't exist on Sony?

I get a feeling that Nikon bodies are both very nice minus the EVF and good value for what they can do. You really need to go all the way to Sony A1 to match or exceed it.
Meanwhile, there is a much greater variety of E mount lenses, everything from more affordable to ultra premium options including great value high performances designs like Sigma ARTS, or this new Viltrox thing. These also have faster linear motors. I'm not sure what Z mount STM motor is like, but they are not very likeable in Canon's budget lenses or Sigma 70mm.

You can at least in theory adapt E to Z but I wonder if you run into issues like AF, let alone profiles not working until the software stage. That is kind of important shooting video at wide apertures for example.
I really expected more Z lens choice at this point. Canon is no better, maybe worse unless you come with a bag-full of EF mount ART lenses, which does give a substantial incentive for R5II.
Click to expand...

I refer to Sony having a better range of aps cameras.
 
justa1972 said:
Beautiful Hemmick Beach from Dodman Point on an absolutely balmy February day - food for the soul !

ZFC and 12-28. Really enjoying this tiny light combo.

DSC_1025.jpg by Justa1972, on Flickr
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That wee lens punches above its weight.
 
dcash29 said:
Are Nikon losing users to Sony though, who provide a better option? I wish I could fit Z lenses on a Sony body.
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They might be, but Nikon have gained one Sony user here.
The Megadap works well enough for most of my Sony glass for AF in daylight, for lowlight I'm happily reverting to vintage glass and Nikon's great MF handling.
I might get another Sony body at some point for the AF, but the Neewer adapter and legacy primes are what gets me and the camera out at the moment, I having alot of fun
 
MrMackyB said:
They might be, but Nikon have gained one Sony user here.
The Megadap works well enough for most of my Sony glass for AF in daylight, for lowlight I'm happily reverting to vintage glass and Nikon's great MF handling.
I might get another Sony body at some point for the AF, but the Neewer adapter and legacy primes are what gets me and the camera out at the moment, I having alot of fun
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dcash29 said:
I refer to Sony having a better range of aps cameras.
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I thought this comment from a DPReview post might be of interest here:

"I work in a validation / qualification testing lab, and in my free time I tested them for the IPX2 rating, and both the 28mm and 40mm passed with flying colors.

The plastic mount does not allow water to get through. The lens barrel extens a little over the mount, so it protects a little bit, but the few drops that get through are stopped by the rugous part in the mount, and no water gets through even after about an hour in the test bench (the norm only requires you to be in for about 10 minutes).

Of course, it would probably different if we did a "proper" IP54 test, but considering the price, I consider them to be well sealed for the pricepoint.

As for the front element and the focus ring, both have proper seals, as per Nikon's own marketing material :..."

 
Interesting and nice to know as I own both :D
 
Just having returned from Poland and giving the Z8 its full first test, two observations:

a) 80-400G loves it
b) probably mentioned on here several times - that battery life!!! I'd go through 3 batteries in the Z8 while still on the 1st in the D500! got to the point I was taking the batteries out of the D500 to continue shooting with the Z8 (plus missing lots of shots in the meantime).
c) really getting the hang of the EVF
 
welshwizard645 said:
Just having returned from Poland and giving the Z8 its full first test, two observations:

a) 80-400G loves it
b) probably mentioned on here several times - that battery life!!! I'd go through 3 batteries in the Z8 while still on the 1st in the D500! got to the point I was taking the batteries out of the D500 to continue shooting with the Z8 (plus missing lots of shots in the meantime).
c) really getting the hang of the EVF
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Is that with the camera in airplane mode? I have not struggled with my Z8 battery life, its similar to when I had my D500, I do not use the FTZ or G lenses so this I guess could be another issue with battery life? but my Z8 has been great so far and on par with my old D500
 
AdamSi said:
Is that with the camera in airplane mode? I have not struggled with my Z8 battery life, its similar to when I had my D500, I do not use the FTZ or G lenses so this I guess could be another issue with battery life? but my Z8 has been great so far and on par with my old D500
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I've not really had an issue with battery life either - for landscapes it's actually slightly better than my old D850. For wildlife it is worse than the D850, but not massively so (a couple of batteries usually does me for a day's shooting). Mixture of F and Z mount lenses here, no obvious difference with one over the other from a battery life perspective
 
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I find my Z8's batterylife is nowhere near as good as my old D750 or other DSLRs but I wouldn't expect it to either, DSLRs are far less power hungry since they don't have an EVF nor do they need to power the sensor continuously. I don't find it an issue given the Z8 still lasts a reasonable amount of time and it can be easily charged anywhere unlike some of the early Sony mirrorless cameras which just didn't seem to last at all on battery.
 
JohnMcL7 said:
I find my Z8's batterylife is nowhere near as good as my old D750 or other DSLRs but I wouldn't expect it to either, DSLRs are far less power hungry since they don't have an EVF nor do they need to power the sensor continuously. I don't find it an issue given the Z8 still lasts a reasonable amount of time and it can be easily charged anywhere unlike some of the early Sony mirrorless cameras which just didn't seem to last at all on battery.
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I suspect they would be very close if you used DSLR in live view mode. Landscape and real estate work pretty much demands it. And if not it is not a big deal to swap the battery over in just mere seconds.
 
justa1972 said:
Beautiful Hemmick Beach from Dodman Point on an absolutely balmy February day - food for the soul !

ZFC and 12-28. Really enjoying this tiny light combo.

DSC_1025.jpg by Justa1972, on Flickr
Click to expand...
Cant see my car parked there so missed each other.
It is a beautiful location.
 
justa1972 said:
Surely is !

I did actually remove a car that was parked near the house - in post editing that is !
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Mine would be in the car park by the stream.
 
mav said:
Anyone tried one of these in a z8
Says compatable on the website
Wheras the duracell is not listed for the z8

Search | Wex Photo Video

Wex Photo Video search results.
www.wexphotovideo.com
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I have used both the Smallrig and Duracell equivalents to the EN-EL15c in the Z8.
No issues.
 
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