Nikon Z* mirrorless

THIRTYFIVEMILL said:
The 16-50mm sold with the Z FC is equally sharp as the 24-70 and about a third the size and weight. Well worth shooting one yourself.
Click to expand...
Yeah it's a shame you can't loan from Nikon. Used to be able to under NPS but that doesn't seem to get a response anymore to a request like that.
 
What about the 24-50? I feel the 24-70 would be worth the weight at times when I'm not using a prime or smaller/slower zoom is all. The Z6 and 24-70 f4 are still over 600g less than my old D600 combo so I'd be happy with that!
 
I used my Z9 in anger for the first time last week, what a joy it was to use in extreme lighting conditions. AF was superb. One thing though i found the eye focus constantly hunting and losing the eye if the bears i was photographing. The bears have small dark eyes and focus kept jumping to their ears, so much so i was better off not using it and thats what i did.
 
Was in Paris last week so took my 'new' Z6 with 24-70. Very happy with the results, experimented a bit with slower shutter and panning at the Arc De Triomphe. Although I'm still thinking I'd be better off with the Zfc for a day to day carry so may still swap to one of those.

IMG_0038.JPGIMG_0039 2.JPGIMG_0040.JPGIMG_0041.JPGIMG_0046.JPGIMG_0042.JPGIMG_0045.JPGIMG_0044.JPGIMG_0043.JPG
 
For trips out with one zoom attached to the z7 I used a peak design 3L sling.
It holds the Z7 with either a 24-120 z or a 24-200 z attached. No room for another lens.
I have a bad neck and also a bad lower back but my body copes well with this.
 
Hiphopapotamus said:
My main worry, did it get heavy, bulky feeling as you went around? still pondering
Click to expand...

No not at all. I carried the Z6+24-70/4, the 50/1.8, and the 28/2.8 in a bagsmart sling I picked up off amazon and I was very comfortable carrying that lot around. When you've got the Z6 and 24-70 in your hand the bag is barely noticeable for me. And the Z6 and 24-70 don't weigh much when carrying in the hand either.

The only reason I'm thinking of re-selling the Z6 kit and getting a Zfc is the controls, I do like the idea of the retro look and controls.
 
Anyone else downloaded any of the picture profiles from NikonPC? Thought I’d try out a couple for a bit of fun.

I’m quite happy with how they look - a bit of a tweak in LR Mobile and the results are great to meEF9770CA-B5AF-4451-A90B-65670773C302.jpeg
 
The EVF-less Z30 has been announced, at a price of about £700…..

nikonrumors.com

Nikon Z30 APS-C mirrorless camera announced - Nikon Rumors

The previously rumored Nikon Z30 APS-C mirrorless camera is now officially announced: Pre-order: US: Adorama | Amazon | B&H Photo DE: Calumet | Foto Erhardt | Foto Koch UK: WEX CA: Camera Canada Hands-on report Nikon Z30 review New: SmallRig Accessory Ecosystem for Nikon Z30 Nikon Z30 video...
nikonrumors.com nikonrumors.com

Might be an interesting option for anyone looking to reduce their kit size to as small as possible (or a pint-sized backup for a Z6/7/9)…
 
Just seen Nikon have released the 400mm f4.5 S lens on pre order for £3299.

www.wexphotovideo.com

Nikon Z 400mm f4.5 VR S Lens | Wex Photo Video

www.wexphotovideo.com

That would likely be my near perfect wildlife lens as it the focal length and aperture I’d prefer but also so lightweight (under 1.3kg).

Nikon are being very aggressive with their pricing of new lenses, likely as a way to get market share back. This lens at that price would seriously tempt me back to Nikon as a mainly wildlife photographer. Hopefully that has an effect on other manufacturers prices.
 
Heart failure averted for my Z6II, was shooting the British National Road Race Championship and the rear screen stopped working completely....... yes I thought it was the switch on the side of the camera too ........it wasn't ;)
Camera still worked apart from that so after the event took the batteries out and lie around for a few days and all is well. I do think that water got into the switch and stopped it being responsive but its working now. Not gonna lie I'm a tad happier as was worried it wouldn't be fixed for the commonwealth games upcoming and loads of stuff between now and then so thank the Nikon gods ............its alive.
 
rob-nikon said:
Just seen Nikon have released the 400mm f4.5 S lens on pre order for £3299.

www.wexphotovideo.com

Nikon Z 400mm f4.5 VR S Lens | Wex Photo Video

www.wexphotovideo.com

That would likely be my near perfect wildlife lens as it the focal length and aperture I’d prefer but also so lightweight (under 1.3kg).

Nikon are being very aggressive with their pricing of new lenses, likely as a way to get market share back. This lens at that price would seriously tempt me back to Nikon as a mainly wildlife photographer. Hopefully that has an effect on other manufacturers prices.
Click to expand...
I did put a deposit on a pre-order for one with LCE before the price was announced. But I had a change of heart as I think the 500mm PF I have means I have that little extra reach even if it is a little slower aperture wise and so instead I've changed my 400mm f/2.8G to the 400mm f/2.8E FL as it drops a few pounds from my G lens and will be ideal for my motorsport stuff. Somewhere in the future I'd love to get the 800mm Z PF lens as the results from that seem excellent and it definitely has the reach over the other lenses.
Still, that f/4.5 S lens is a killer price and it'll sell loads. I think the wait for it will be quite some time too.
 
rob-nikon said:
Just seen Nikon have released the 400mm f4.5 S lens on pre order for £3299.

www.wexphotovideo.com

Nikon Z 400mm f4.5 VR S Lens | Wex Photo Video

www.wexphotovideo.com

That would likely be my near perfect wildlife lens as it the focal length and aperture I’d prefer but also so lightweight (under 1.3kg).

Nikon are being very aggressive with their pricing of new lenses, likely as a way to get market share back. This lens at that price would seriously tempt me back to Nikon as a mainly wildlife photographer. Hopefully that has an effect on other manufacturers prices.
Click to expand...
Im trying hard not to think about this lens, I’m still waiting on my Z9 that I pre ordered (even though I managed to pick one up) and thinking I may still want to have this if/when it arrives and I don’t want to think how long a wait the 400 4.5 will be ………but then I think I do need more reach for finish line shots………How to make a small fortune in photography , start with a big fortune.
 
I can't see the point of this 400mm 4.5.
The 100-400 is very good (at 400mm too) and it takes TC's. There is a small aperture benefit to the prime and probably it will AF slightly faster.
I think their resources would have been better spent developing a Z replacement for the 500mm PF - if they could make it 200gms less in weight all the better.

Bear in mind he is employed by Nikon
View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pLeb9GXPGQU
 
Last edited:
Peter123 said:
I can't see the point of this 400mm 4.5.
The 100-400 is very good (at 400mm too) and it takes TC's. There is a small aperture benefit to the prime and probably it will AF slightly faster.
I think their resources would have been better spent developing a Z replacement for the 500mm PF - if they could make it 200gms less in weight all the better.

Bear in mind he is employed by Nikon
View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pLeb9GXPGQU
Click to expand...

I can think of some.

The prime won't have an extending barrel so won't suck dust into the sensor. The 100-400 will be an extending barrel zoom, only the most expensive and superior tele's like the 120-300 F2.8 and 180-400 F4 avoid this more economical and in my view inferior design.

A 100-400 at it's longest FL will be really extended, the prime won't be so it will sit in the hands better.

Despite this, being a landscape tog I would go for the zoom, that 100-400 would open a lot of creative opportunities and fields of view in a way a prime can't.
 
Last edited:
Peter123 said:
I can't see the point of this 400mm 4.5.
The 100-400 is very good (at 400mm too) and it takes TC's. There is a small aperture benefit to the prime and probably it will AF slightly faster.
I think their resources would have been better spent developing a Z replacement for the 500mm PF - if they could make it 200gms less in weight all the better.

Bear in mind he is employed by Nikon
View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pLeb9GXPGQU
Click to expand...
The smaller aperture will enable it to work in poor light slightly better than the zoom, how much by is something that only owners of both will be able to tell. I would say it will definitely focus faster and it'll have better weather sealing for sure. I'd like found out from owners of the 100-400 zoom if they also own a 500mm PF as I find it's not the quickest to focus but it's sharp. Also with Nikon bringing out a 600mm prime on the Z mount it's a bit too close to Nikon bring a Z mount PF 500 now.
 
markyboy.1967 said:
I dont gave my camera in front of me as im at work but foes anyone know why i fire silent shutter wide open on my 200-500 lens( f5.6) but when i step down to f6.3 i the faint shutter noise( level 1).. if i can get an answer it will save me time later . Cheers.
Click to expand...
You're probably hearing the aperture blades stopping down at 6.3 rather than a shutter sound.
 
Hadge said:
The smaller aperture will enable it to work in poor light slightly better than the zoom, how much by is something that only owners of both will be able to tell. I would say it will definitely focus faster and it'll have better weather sealing for sure. I'd like found out from owners of the 100-400 zoom if they also own a 500mm PF as I find it's not the quickest to focus but it's sharp. Also with Nikon bringing out a 600mm prime on the Z mount it's a bit too close to Nikon bring a Z mount PF 500 now.
Click to expand...
I picked up a 100-400 for Scotland and have a 500PF, I sold the 100-400 on returning as the extra reach is important.

Come winter though if my 400 2.8 sells I may well go for the 400mm 4.5 as every stop of light helps with birds in flight etc but would like to see real world difference next to my 500PF first.
 
If it was the aperture blades would they not be set at the f6.3 etc i set it at and not move every-time i press the shutter. I try an f2.8 and at f4 or 5 etc there is no sound up to 5.6 then at 6.3 upwards i get the sound- just seems strange. I will have a look when i get home later.
 
AdamSi said:
I picked up a 100-400 for Scotland and have a 500PF, I sold the 100-400 on returning as the extra reach is important.

Come winter though if my 400 2.8 sells I may well go for the 400mm 4.5 as every stop of light helps with birds in flight etc but would like to see real world difference next to my 500PF first.
Click to expand...
Im in a similar situation. I have the 600f4 and love the reach and the light it lets in but its heavy and im looking at changing things around. Im thinking for the 400f4.5 just now. I have the 200-500f5.6 as well so im stuck on what lenses to buy. Im thinking the 300f4, 400f4.5 and keep the 200-500f5.6 as its versitile. I will pick up the 70-200f2.8 Z lens for the shorter end but im stuck for 600mm as i have been spoilt with the big f4. Think the 800 is too long for me but would love to try one first..
 
In the Z series the camera will focus at the aperture you select at 5.6 or below. So if you select f4, you focus and take the shot stopped to F4. If you set f6.3 then the body focuses at f5.6 and then only stops down when you take the shot. With silent mode, or the shutter volume turned off, there is nothing for you to hear except the focus motor and aperture changing.

Try watching carefully through the EVF and you'll see the image change to f6.3 when it takes the shot at the same time, like a stutter, but if you change to 5.6 then you'll see a completely unbroken EVF image.
 
PeteStewardson said:
In the Z series the camera will focus at the aperture you select at 5.6 or below. So if you select f4, you focus and take the shot stopped to F4. If you set f6.3 then the body focuses at f5.6 and then only stops down when you take the shot. With silent mode, or the shutter volume turned off, there is nothing for you to hear except the focus motor and aperture changing.

Try watching carefully through the EVF and you'll see the image change to f6.3 when it takes the shot at the same time, like a stutter, but if you change to 5.6 then you'll see a completely unbroken EVF image.
Click to expand...
Cheers , that sounds reasonable. I will have a look later.
 
markyboy.1967 said:
Cheers , that sounds reasonable. I will have a look later.
Click to expand...
I thought the dslr did that too as that’s why I had a preview button set on my d500 and d850 camera and when pressing the aperture would change and viewfinder go darker etc, this is to allow max light to viewfinder when focusing etc
 
markyboy.1967 said:
If it was the aperture blades would they not be set at the f6.3 etc i set it at and not move every-time i press the shutter. I try an f2.8 and at f4 or 5 etc there is no sound up to 5.6 then at 6.3 upwards i get the sound- just seems strange. I will have a look when i get home later.
Click to expand...
The Z cameras focus at the set aperture up to f/5.6 (if possible).

Beyond f/5.6 the phase offset angle is too narrow for the PDAF so the camera uses f/5.6 to focus and stops down for the exposure. Focusing at apertures wider than f/5.6 is more accurate due to the wider phase offset angle/distance, but also slightly slower. F/5.6 seems to be the sweet spot for PDAF; which is probably why most systems are primarily designed for it.
 
AdamSi said:
I thought the dslr did that too as that’s why I had a preview button set on my d500 and d850 camera and when pressing the aperture would change and viewfinder go darker etc, this is to allow max light to viewfinder when focusing etc
Click to expand...
Almost... the DSLRS always focus at the max lens aperture and stop down when taking the picture; but most of the focus points are only using the f/5.6 aperture area.
 
I'm definitely wanting something a bit longer, but choking on the cost of something like the Z400 or 100-400. Relatively new to this and also have another expensive hobby in cycling. I'm also not very patient, and would be frustrated by a long wait. At the moment I have 24-120, having just sold the 24-70 f4

How do you think it would work if I bought the 70-200 f2.8 and a 2XTC?

That would work out cheaper, would give me f2.8 up to 200mm and f5.6 up to 400.
 
Morning all, is anyone using the 24-120 non Z mount lens, I mean the older kit lens that used to come with the D750s etc? I'm thinking of going to this lens with the adaptor, to save myself some money. Currently have the 24-200 and I'm not really impressed with the quality of it, I wonder if the 24-120 is better?
 
Nebulous said:
I'm definitely wanting something a bit longer, but choking on the cost of something like the Z400 or 100-400. Relatively new to this and also have another expensive hobby in cycling. I'm also not very patient, and would be frustrated by a long wait. At the moment I have 24-120, having just sold the 24-70 f4

How do you think it would work if I bought the 70-200 f2.8 and a 2XTC?

That would work out cheaper, would give me f2.8 up to 200mm and f5.6 up to 400.
Click to expand...
Whilst the 70-200+2xtc will give you 400mm it'll be at reduced quality due to the 2xtc. From reviews the 1.4tc is the way to go if using a tc. The 100-400 is very versatile and can be had immediately from the likes of panamoz, E-Infin and Digital Rev as a grey import.
 
I received a 100-400 just over one week ago.
I ordered from Nikon UK - took less than 4 weeks to deliver.

I have the Z 24-120 also. I think it is an excellent lens and is much better than the F 24-120 that I used on a D750.
 
Nebulous said:
I'm definitely wanting something a bit longer, but choking on the cost of something like the Z400 or 100-400. Relatively new to this and also have another expensive hobby in cycling. I'm also not very patient, and would be frustrated by a long wait. At the moment I have 24-120, having just sold the 24-70 f4

How do you think it would work if I bought the 70-200 f2.8 and a 2XTC?

That would work out cheaper, would give me f2.8 up to 200mm and f5.6 up to 400.
Click to expand...
Haha sorry just laughing at the mention of cycling, I could have sworn this was me ;) Personally wouldnt put the TC2 on the 70-200, you do loose a bit of quality and speed of focus, it is only a little but it is there.
What are you looking to achieve, not one use case fits all,
As has been said if you don’t mind grey imports then you can get these items quicker in most cases, and normally a bit cheaper too.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top