Nikon Z* mirrorless

Adamcski said:
Boo...delivery changed for tomorrow on the site now. Still, if it does arrive Friday it is very quick. I wasn't expecting anything really until Tuesday / Wednesday next week.

Another Q if I may.

With my OM kit I always shoot RAW + JPEG (have done on all systems) but for M43rds I think it is vital as the RAW image files are only 20/25 mb. I understand the Z8 can shoot RAW and this will generate circa 50 mb file sizes or they have a HE* compressed format, and from what I have read online that will bring the file size down to around 30 mb. How many of you shoot the RAW and how many use the HE* format? Is there a big difference in what you can do in post?

Another day and hopefully I will be in the Nikon club.
Click to expand...
Just shoot raw with a decent sized memory card. I have 128gb and 512gb but they're both absolutely fine for a day's work and then editing. I work on the basis that it's best to have the highest resolution / file size then you don't suffer with any issues in processing.
 
Last edited:
All this talk of Z8’s is doing my head in. I wanted one when I moved from the D810 but it was too expensive so I bought a Z7ii which is absolutely fine. But for some reason I’m still drawn to the Z8 even though the Z7 does everything I want.

So, please talk me out of buying a Z8!
 
myotis said:
I can understand that, and you already have the 40mm SE, so you can get a good idea of the build quality of the 28mm SE.

The 26mm has a metal mount.

But a few things to consider, both the 40mm and 28mm SEs look the part. And although cheap to buy, they don't especially look cheap, nor feel all that cheap. And they are small, lightweight, have AF and are weather resistant.

The plastic mounts "bind" to the metal camera mount better than the metal mounts do, so you get the same level of weather sealing with these two plastic lenses as you get with the metal mount plus gasket sealed lenses. This is both from Nikon, and from another forum where a person who works for a company that certifies weather sealing standards tested the two plastic mount Nikons and confirmed the levels of sealing.

I like manual focus lenses (my two main lenses are F-mount Zeiss Milvus 35mm and 50mm) and I will replace these with Voigtländer Z mount lenses eventually. I might get the 40mm f1.2. But the Voigtländers aren't weather sealed, they don't have AF and they are big and heavy compared to the 40, 28, and 26 lenses.

I feel that the cost, versatility and good optical quality of a 40mm SE and 28mm SE, allow you to get a good working outfit (weather sealed and AF) for little cost. Leaving you free to buy something a bit more specialised and exotic, knowing your everyday needs are provided for.

I'm fairly regularly out in poor weather, and I feel happier with the weather sealing, so this approach suits me, but I agree there are several options available that seem a better fit to the ZF "vibe". None of which, as far as I am aware, offer weather sealing. Except the new Otus lenses, which have prices, sizes and weights that don't seem all that well matched to the ZF, or my budget.
Click to expand...
Oh I don't know...the agony of choice! I'm trying to limit myself to Nikon offerings if only to make the choice easier. I'm kind of steering towards the 26mm pancake jobby, partly because I have the wide adapter on my Fuji x100 which gives the equivilent of 28mm...wonder if I'll be getting rid of the Fuji?
I like to think I'm decisive but I'm not really sure!
 
viewfromthenorth said:
All this talk of Z8’s is doing my head in. I wanted one when I moved from the D810 but it was too expensive so I bought a Z7ii which is absolutely fine. But for some reason I’m still drawn to the Z8 even though the Z7 does everything I want.

So, please talk me out of buying a Z8!
Click to expand...
Because of the stacked sensor on the Z8, the more critical reviews (with direct comparisons) reckoned that the D850 gave ever so slightly better image quality than the Z8. The Z7II as far as I am aware also gives slightly better image quality than the Z8. I don't have a Z7.

The Z8 is much bigger and heavier than the Z7II. Especially noticeable when trying to fit into a bag, those that worked fine with my D500/D750 are now a tight fit with the Z8. The small increase in weight over the D500 also seems particularly noticeable.

The Z7 II has three custom setting options. The Z8 has memory banks and only one custom setting option. I by far prefer the Memory banks, but I know may people prefer custom settings.

The Z7II has a tilting rear screen and the z8 a 4-way tilt screen. I love the 4 way tilt screen, as I find tilting screens pretty useless and articulated screens annoying, so the Z8 is perfect for me, but I know many people prefer the other options.

I've run out of things now :-)
 
Graham W said:
Oh I don't know...the agony of choice! I'm trying to limit myself to Nikon offerings if only to make the choice easier. I'm kind of steering towards the 26mm pancake jobby, partly because I have the wide adapter on my Fuji x100 which gives the equivilent of 28mm...wonder if I'll be getting rid of the Fuji?
I like to think I'm decisive but I'm not really sure!
Click to expand...
Read the reviews on the 26mm (if you haven't already done so) it's far from a perfect lens; no where near as good value as the 28mm SE, and it's only a fraction wider.

I bought the 26mm specifically for the reasons I explained in my first post, If it wasn't for those reasons, I would have gone for the 28SE, and at a later date added either a 35mm or 40mm Voigtländer, so I could have a proper aperture ring and a lens more in character with the ZF.

It doesn't "feel" right having the ZF and needing to adjust aperture with a control wheel.

I haven't used my X100s (which I love) since I got the ZF, and now I have the Z50II (with the 26mm) there is even less chance I will use it. The Fuji will still slip into a jacket pocket (unlike the ZF or Z50II) so it still has a place, but for the last couple of years I've taken to always carrying a small bag with me, so something that will go in a pocket is less important.
 
myotis said:
Because of the stacked sensor on the Z8, the more critical reviews (with direct comparisons) reckoned that the D850 gave ever so slightly better image quality than the Z8. The Z7II as far as I am aware also gives slightly better image quality than the Z8. I don't have a Z7.

The Z8 is much bigger and heavier than the Z7II. Especially noticeable when trying to fit into a bag, those that worked fine with my D500/D750 are now a tight fit with the Z8. The small increase in weight over the D500 also seems particularly noticeable.

The Z7 II has three custom setting options. The Z8 has memory banks and only one custom setting option. I by far prefer the Memory banks, but I know may people prefer custom settings.

The Z7II has a tilting rear screen and the z8 a 4-way tilt screen. I love the 4 way tilt screen, as I find tilting screens pretty useless and articulated screens annoying, so the Z8 is perfect for me, but I know many people prefer the other options.

I've run out of things now :)
Click to expand...
Although I’ve never once used custom settings, this is exactly what I need to hear!
 
viewfromthenorth said:
All this talk of Z8’s is doing my head in. I wanted one when I moved from the D810 but it was too expensive so I bought a Z7ii which is absolutely fine. But for some reason I’m still drawn to the Z8 even though the Z7 does everything I want.

So, please talk me out of buying a Z8!
Click to expand...
If you don’t need fast action focus then you don’t need the z8, z7ii has same resolution and a very nice camera, if you do a lot of fast moving subject photography then I cannot help talk you out of it
 
myotis said:
Read the reviews on the 26mm (if you haven't already done so) it's far from a perfect lens; no where near as good value as the 28mm SE, and it's only a fraction wider.

I bought the 26mm specifically for the reasons I explained in my first post, If it wasn't for those reasons, I would have gone for the 28SE, and at a later date added either a 35mm or 40mm Voigtländer, so I could have a proper aperture ring and a lens more in character with the ZF.

It doesn't "feel" right having the ZF and needing to adjust aperture with a control wheel.

I haven't used my X100s (which I love) since I got the ZF, and now I have the Z50II (with the 26mm) there is even less chance I will use it. The Fuji will still slip into a jacket pocket (unlike the ZF or Z50II) so it still has a place, but for the last couple of years I've taken to always carrying a small bag with me, so something that will go in a pocket is less important.
Click to expand...
Ok. Just ordered a used (Mint) 28.2.8 SE from Ffordes for £179.00 (Though the robbing dogs charged £10.80 to post it.)
For that price if I don't like it I'll blame you and move it on. (y)
 
AdamSi said:
If you don’t need fast action focus then you don’t need the z8, z7ii has same resolution and a very nice camera, if you do a lot of fast moving subject photography then I cannot help talk you out of it
Click to expand...
I’ve not been to many air shows of late, that’s primarily where I used my old D4 which I sold with the D810. The AF on the Z7 is ok for the most part but I’ve not done much action stuff with it.
 
Practising ICM with the Z8 and 105mm. I know these are very similar but I’d be interested in feedback on which one works best.
 

Attachments

  • IMG_0625.jpeg
    IMG_0625.jpeg
    84 KB · Views: 22
  • IMG_0626.jpeg
    IMG_0626.jpeg
    95.4 KB · Views: 22
  • IMG_0624.jpeg
    IMG_0624.jpeg
    91.5 KB · Views: 22
psybear said:
Practising ICM with the Z8 and 105mm. I know these are very similar but I’d be interested in feedback on which one works best.
Click to expand...
I seen these and thought you must be from N.I as well, with the NIPA 25/26 rounds approaching.
My opinion is that the greens in no.3 for me, are too saturated. As for the other 2, it's very hard to pick a personal preference.
 
wilt said:
I seen these and thought you must be from N.I as well, with the NIPA 25/26 rounds approaching.
My opinion is that the greens in no.3 for me, are too saturated. As for the other 2, it's very hard to pick a personal preference.
Click to expand...
Cheers Wilt. I am indeed. Still trying to get to grips with ICM ahead of the round. Thanks for the feedback!
 
I picked up the Z 50mm f1.4 last week for when the wife uses the ZF camera as she doesn't like to MF my Voigtlander 50mm f2 APO. Initial testing is very promising particularly on the ZF wide open and better than the copy of the Z 50mm f1.8 I had before the Voigtlander. On my Z8 it's softer wide open but starts to sharpen up nicely from f1.8.

Pleasantly surprised considering the mixed reviews I have read on the 50mm f1.4, so I think it will be a keeper for the AF capabilities.
 
psybear said:
Practising ICM with the Z8 and 105mm. I know these are very similar but I’d be interested in feedback on which one works best.
Click to expand...
I think it is between 1 and 2 for me.
 
psybear said:
Practising ICM with the Z8 and 105mm. I know these are very similar but I’d be interested in feedback on which one works best.
Click to expand...
Currently on a phone, but I'd pick no1. as No. 2 is to yellow and No. 3 is to saturated IMO.
 
QQ. Do you think it would be un-advisable to have the Viltrox 135mm on my ZF due to the weight of the lens (1265g) ? I have the neewer grip fitted.
 
Gandalf said:
QQ. Do you think it would be un-advisable to have the Viltrox 135mm on my ZF due to the weight of the lens (1265g) ? I have the neewer grip fitted.
Click to expand...
QQ. What is the Viltrox 135 mm like, any good? I see their lenses are a lot cheaper than the native glass. I've been looking at that and the 85 mm F1.8. Is the AF fast enough for dogs running?
 
Last edited:
Ok fellow Z8 users.

How do you turn off the little top LCD screen when the camera is powered off?

My old Lumix S1 was similar in that the top LCD screen would stay on and slowly drain the battery power, but you had the option to switch it off. How do you do so on the Z8?

I don't leave my cameras for more than a day or two without taking batteries out anyway, but I cannot for the life of me find the setting to turn this function off.
 
Adamcski said:
Ok fellow Z8 users.

How do you turn off the little top LCD screen when the camera is powered off?

My old Lumix S1 was similar in that the top LCD screen would stay on and slowly drain the battery power, but you had the option to switch it off. How do you do so on the Z8?

I don't leave my cameras for more than a day or two without taking batteries out anyway, but I cannot for the life of me find the setting to turn this function off.
Click to expand...
You can’t turn it off completely as far as I know. Mine only displays ISO and remaining shots on card when camera is off. The amount of power needed to show so little would be absolutely minimal.
 
psybear said:
You can’t turn it off completely as far as I know. Mine only displays ISO and remaining shots on card when camera is off. The amount of power needed to show so little would be absolutely minimal.
Click to expand...
Ah ok.

Well I don't leave my batteries in if I know it's going to be a few days prior to using them again, I take them out. Always been like that with cameras and batteries
 
Adamcski said:
Ah ok.

Well I don't leave my batteries in if I know it's going to be a few days prior to using them again, I take them out. Always been like that with cameras and batteries
Click to expand...
It is safe to leave the batteries in the camera but they will discharge slowly as they are keeping the camera internal clock alive. If you remove the battery then the time and date may need reseting.
 
Gandalf said:
QQ. Do you think it would be un-advisable to have the Viltrox 135mm on my ZF due to the weight of the lens (1265g) ? I have the neewer grip fitted.
Click to expand...
I use my 70-200mm f2.8 & 400mm f4.5 with TC on my ZF when needed. I also use the Neewer grip and for me I don't find it a problem for the amount of times I use the combos mentioned.

IIRC I may have tried the 180-600mm lens on the ZF but it's generally bolted onto my Z8

For the heavier lenses, when carrying about I support the camera and lens and don't leave the lens hanging of the camera mount.
 
Has anyone here been to the Norwegian Fjords?

I am going with my family (parents, brother and his kids) March and I have no idea if I am better off taking my OM1 cameras and the various lenses (8-25 F4, 12-40 F2.8 and 40-150 F2.8) as they provide 16 - 300 mm range or the Z8 and just the 24-120 F4 (as that is all I have).

We are heading over end of March, so probably not great weather and I am certain the Z8 will have much better low light capability, but not as much flexibility?

My side of the family (wife and kids) have never been on a cruise before.
 
Just a suggestion, I got a 28-400 z lens that I use as a walk around, not the fastest of lines as it's F8 at 400mm. But if you need more light you have the 24-120 F4. My 28-400 is sharp wide open and spends most of its life on a Z6iii. You have a few months to save up.
 
wilt said:
The Z8 will be be better in low light, but you have good glass for the OM-1 that's a stop brighter.
Are you thinking of getting anymore Z lenses?
Click to expand...
Yes, I was considering the 70-200 and either the 85 F1.2 or the 135 F1.8

See the idea of the Z8 is for my pet photography. I don't really want to have to buy ultra wide lenses for it but there is such a significant difference in image quality and I think the raw files are easier to edit
 
Last edited:
Adamcski said:
Has anyone here been to the Norwegian Fjords?

I am going with my family (parents, brother and his kids) March and I have no idea if I am better off taking my OM1 cameras and the various lenses (8-25 F4, 12-40 F2.8 and 40-150 F2.8) as they provide 16 - 300 mm range or the Z8 and just the 24-120 F4 (as that is all I have).

We are heading over end of March, so probably not great weather and I am certain the Z8 will have much better low light capability, but not as much flexibility?

My side of the family (wife and kids) have never been on a cruise before.
Click to expand...

Yes, have done the fjords in the far north, and around Trondheim - both absolutely incredible trips!

As to what camera will give the best results, it depends on what you’re wanting to shoot. We did a silent whale watching fjord trip, where a long lens was essential. But if landscapes are your thing and you’ll have a tripod, then something very different would suit.

And also how much space and weight you can/want to dedicate to camera stuff. My default is now to take my 28-400 as a ‘do everything’ option, then add one or two specialised lenses depending on those shots I’d only be able to get with the right gear, like a fast prime, or UWA. Very rare I actually take my whole setup out with me!
 
It will be images of the various places we stop and the family.

I shouldn't need a tripod, especially with the OM IBIS which is absolutely brilliant.

Carrying things around doesn't worry me too much, as I am more than capable of lugging around a few kgs of gear all day.
 
First try out with the Zf...I think I'm going to grow to love it...some peculiarities to sort out.
I'm 99% aperture priority (Except when flash is involved) After much searching I managed to swap the control wheels so that aperture control was at the back... flick on to manual and it's flipped back to the front dial?

_DSC0012-2.jpg

That's ma dawg begging for treats!
 
Last edited:
I'm really enjoying my Z6 III with the 24-200 lens, it works well for me.

Does anyone know if Nikkor make a lens that has (including a zoom) 400mm with a built-in teleconvertor? I'm sure I saw one on YouTube, but forgot to get the details. Oh and it would be nice if it was less than £2k! Thanks
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top