Nikon Z* mirrorless

Hmmm unreal ,anyone that knows me or follows me will know that as I live within a few hundred yards of the sea I often use gulls for flight practice .
Well as today’s one of them cold rainy days when you don’t really want to do much I decided just now to pop out front with a few slices of bread and have a quick five minute practice, I took 77 photos in quick succession with only two at the start being o.o.f probably due to being to close , the others were a mix of full body shots with a fair few clipped wings but what has amazed me is out of those 75 remainders every shot is sharp on the eye , I’ve never before achieved that level of accuracy, exposures on a dull day are pretty good as well . Will post a few pics in a little bit . But for now I’m totally gobsmacked
 
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jknights said:
Yes indeed and then you compare it with the Z 100-400.
1355 grams.
The TC x1.4 weighs just 220 grams.
So total weight of this combo 1575 grams.
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I'm curious if anyone uses this combination and if so, how they get on with it.

I have plans to go to some motorsports events and last time I used a Sony A9 with the Sigma 100-400mm lens which I found was a bit short so I ended up doing a lot of cropping. The only long telephoto lens I've bought for the Z8 is the Sigma Contemporary 150-600m F-mount lens with the idea it would give me that longer range for motorsports events however I think it's too big or heavy for that from just using it around the garden.

I liked the Sigma 100-400mm because it wasn't too big or heavy so I could carry it around all day easily enough but I hadn't thought of the option to use the Nikon 100-400mm with a teleconverter. The other option would be perhaps the Tamron 50-400mm since the Z8 is higher resolution than the A9 so I could crop a bit more, it's obviously a much cheaper solution.
 
JohnMcL7 said:
I'm curious if anyone uses this combination and if so, how they get on with it.

I have plans to go to some motorsports events and last time I used a Sony A9 with the Sigma 100-400mm lens which I found was a bit short so I ended up doing a lot of cropping. The only long telephoto lens I've bought for the Z8 is the Sigma Contemporary 150-600m F-mount lens with the idea it would give me that longer range for motorsports events however I think it's too big or heavy for that from just using it around the garden.

I liked the Sigma 100-400mm because it wasn't too big or heavy so I could carry it around all day easily enough but I hadn't thought of the option to use the Nikon 100-400mm with a teleconverter. The other option would be perhaps the Tamron 50-400mm since the Z8 is higher resolution than the A9 so I could crop a bit more, it's obviously a much cheaper solution.
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The sigma/tamron/ Nikon 200-500 all suffer from extendible zooming thus making the rig front heavy and ungainly ., I have recently got a Z8 with a 180-600Z lens and this has internal focus so perfectly balanced , you can see some of my hand held shots above with it . And taking into account I’m a few weeks short of 80 I think it speaks volumes for the lens
 
the black fox said:
The sigma/tamron/ Nikon 200-500 all suffer from extendible zooming thus making the rig front heavy and ungainly ., I have recently got a Z8 with a 180-600Z lens and this has internal focus so perfectly balanced , you can see some of my hand held shots above with it . And taking into account I’m a few weeks short of 80 I think it speaks volumes for the lens
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The Nikon 180-600mm is even heavier than the Sigma 150-600mm and almost a kilo heavier than the 100-400mm so it's definitely too heavy for my use.
 
JohnMcL7 said:
The Nikon 180-600mm is even heavier than the Sigma 150-600mm and almost a kilo heavier than the 100-400mm so it's definitely too heavy for my use.
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As I just attempted to explain to you it’s SFA to do with the weight it’s more to do with the CofG .. as I also said if I can manage at 80:I’m sure you can
 
the black fox said:
As I just attempted to explain to you it’s SFA to do with the weight it’s more to do with the CofG .. as I also said if I can manage at 80:I’m sure you can
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It is everything to do with the weight when you're carrying a lens for a few hours, I've already explained twice a 150-600mm lens is too heavy for my use so I have no interest in recommendations for heavier setups.
 
JohnMcL7 said:
I'm curious if anyone uses this combination and if so, how they get on with it.

I have plans to go to some motorsports events and last time I used a Sony A9 with the Sigma 100-400mm lens which I found was a bit short so I ended up doing a lot of cropping. The only long telephoto lens I've bought for the Z8 is the Sigma Contemporary 150-600m F-mount lens with the idea it would give me that longer range for motorsports events however I think it's too big or heavy for that from just using it around the garden.

I liked the Sigma 100-400mm because it wasn't too big or heavy so I could carry it around all day easily enough but I hadn't thought of the option to use the Nikon 100-400mm with a teleconverter. The other option would be perhaps the Tamron 50-400mm since the Z8 is higher resolution than the A9 so I could crop a bit more, it's obviously a much cheaper solution.
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I've used the Z8 + 100-400mm with and without the 1.4TC.
It's great for versatility, lightweight and covers a good range. Handy when you come across the odd situation that requires the TC.
My only criticisms is the focus speed, it's fine but a little slower with the TC in my experience and needing decent light.
 
wilt said:
I've used the Z8 + 100-400mm with and without the 1.4TC.
It's great for versatility, lightweight and covers a good range. Handy when you come across the odd situation that requires the TC.
My only criticisms is the focus speed, it's fine but a little slower with the TC in my experience and needing decent light.
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I was reading an article about the 100-400mm with teleconverters and the Z6II where they mentioned similar issues with AF although I wondered if the Z8 would be the same and sounds like it would.

I appreciate the hands on experience because I've not been finding much discussion on this combination.
 
Just got a cracking bargain , have been after a Z mount 24-70s lens for a few days ,bid on one on e.bay tonight and got outbid was just about to get one from Wex @£315 but held back as it would have meant Monday delivery and we are out .. looked back on e.bay and spotted one at SRS Microsystems that included a 20% off discount , and bought it ended up paying £226 so well chuffed . Will give me a native FF Z lens for general use
 
Whilst I’m not nearly 80 like Jeff, I am in my 60’s and do feel the weight of the Z8 or Z9 with the 180-600 after some minutes. For Christmas my wife bought me the Cotton Carrier G3 camera harness - it’s been a bloody revelation !!

Takes just a minute to put the harness on then to slip the camera/lens into it, and since then I’ve carried the camera for hours and walked for miles and hardly knew it was there. Takes just a second to release and bring the camera to your eye and a second to lock it back in again. Would highly recommended this.
 
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I can second Andrew’s recommendation, as I also have the z8, 180-600mm fitted in the G3.
 
That is an idea I’ve been mulling over Andrew .. think I will look into it further especially with a big birthday coming up soon LOL
 
JohnMcL7 said:
I was reading an article about the 100-400mm with teleconverters and the Z6II where they mentioned similar issues with AF although I wondered if the Z8 would be the same and sounds like it would.

I appreciate the hands on experience because I've not been finding much discussion on this combination.
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Every comment I have read (but not specific to the 100 -400) is that the Z8 is a substantial improvement in AF speed over the Z6II, especially when using a TC.
 
Sootchucker said:
Whilst I’m not nearly 80 like Jeff, I am in my 60’s and do feel the weight of the Z8 or Z9 with the 180-600 after some minutes. For Christmas my wife bought me the Cotton Carrier G3 camera harness - it’s been a bloody revelation !!

Takes just a minute to put the harness on then to slip the camera/lens into it, and since then I’ve carried the camera for hours and walked for miles and hardly knew it was there. Takes just a second to release and bring the camera to your eye and a second to lock it back in again. Would highly recommended this.
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I have the Cotton Carrier G3 as well and it is really good when you are out and about as the camera is carried safely and comes off the carrier very simply.
 
Sootchucker said:
Whilst I’m not nearly 80 like Jeff, I am in my 60’s and do feel the weight of the Z8 or Z9 with the 180-600 after some minutes. For Christmas my wife bought me the Cotton Carrier G3 camera harness - it’s been a bloody revelation !!

Takes just a minute to put the harness on then to slip the camera/lens into it, and since then I’ve carried the camera for hours and walked for miles and hardly knew it was there. Takes just a second to release and bring the camera to your eye and a second to lock it back in again. Would highly recommended this.
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I've been looking at the Cotton Carrier harnesses for a while now, so it's good to hear encouraging things about them. My use would be Z8 + Z 100-400 - may well pick one up for Butterfly season later in the year
 
the black fox said:
As I just attempted to explain to you it’s SFA to do with the weight it’s more to do with the CofG .. as I also said if I can manage at 80:I’m sure you can
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Well as someone younger than you I disagree. You don't know others' circumstances. In my case I have degenerative disc disease and already have had one disc removed in my neck.
So weight is very important to me and a Z8 + 100-400 is about as high as I want to go. The 600mm PF is virtually the same weight as the 100-400 and that works for me too.
A friend has a Z8 and a 180-600 and let me try it for a few minutes. No way can I cope with this and keep a pain free neck.

BTW. I haven't noticed why you came over from OM system as you seemed to like it and produced some excellent images?
 
Peter123 said:
Well as someone younger than you I disagree. You don't know others' circumstances. In my case I have degenerative disc disease and already have had one disc removed in my neck.
So weight is very important to me and a Z8 + 100-400 is about as high as I want to go. The 600mm PF is virtually the same weight as the 100-400 and that works for me too.
A friend has a Z8 and a 180-600 and let me try it for a few minutes. No way can I cope with this and keep a pain free neck.

BTW. I haven't noticed why you came over from OM system as you seemed to like it and produced some excellent images?
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still got the olympus gear ,but the Z8 kit came via my son its only 2 months old and was a bite yer arm off deal , saying that its early days yet but seems to be performing nicely . as for back problems iv'e got six discs gone in my lower back done when I was 21 so I know the problems
 
Son_of_Thor said:
I've been looking at the Cotton Carrier harnesses for a while now, so it's good to hear encouraging things about them. My use would be Z8 + Z 100-400 - may well pick one up for Butterfly season later in the year
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I have the cotton carrier i use it with the z9 + z 100-400 and the z6 + z 14-30 on the side all good i am getting on a bit ( 70 )
 
As a newcomer to the Z system ( learning fast though) can someone explain why there seems to be tons of DX Z mount lenses for sale at low prices , but most of the FX ones are significantly higher priced , have the DX Z mount cameras not taken off , or is there a problem with them .. was thinking of a backup Z50ii ?
 
Only ever seen one in use on a mate , but he was carrying an Olympus set up .. there on offer @ Amazon u.k at the moment to , which helped with the wife’s urgency
 
the black fox said:
As a newcomer to the Z system ( learning fast though) can someone explain why there seems to be tons of DX Z mount lenses for sale at low prices , but most of the FX ones are significantly higher priced , have the DX Z mount cameras not taken off , or is there a problem with them .. was thinking of a backup Z50ii ?
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I'm assuming it's because they've sold a lot more DX bodies and lenses, therefore more in circulation?
 
the black fox said:
As a newcomer to the Z system ( learning fast though) can someone explain why there seems to be tons of DX Z mount lenses for sale at low prices , but most of the FX ones are significantly higher priced , have the DX Z mount cameras not taken off , or is there a problem with them .. was thinking of a backup Z50ii ?
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There are exceptions but generally the FX lenses are ‘S’ class lenses, higher quality optics/coatings with features like weather sealing etc

With the advent of the Z5ii we are starting to see cheaper FX lenses though, like the 1.4 primes and the newly announced 24-105.

The DX lenses are very good optically, they just don’t have all the bells and whistles of their FX siblings.
 
the black fox said:
As a newcomer to the Z system ( learning fast though) can someone explain why there seems to be tons of DX Z mount lenses for sale at low prices , but most of the FX ones are significantly higher priced , have the DX Z mount cameras not taken off , or is there a problem with them .. was thinking of a backup Z50ii ?
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As others have suggested, It's one of Nikon's best sellers and very good value when bought as the two-lens kit.

It's a great camera for the money, but equally, Nikon have always seen DX as a pathway to FF, so I suspect once in the Nikon fold, a good number will add a FF Nikon, or upgrade to one, which will dump a lot of DX lenses on the market.
 
Nikon Z DX hasn't been given the same attention as the DSLR DX got. The Z50II is the only DX that has the EXPEED 7 inside. The DX lenses are decent too, I've the 16-50mm and 50-250mm kit.
I have one and it's a decent camera for the money but the battery life is atrocious, they really should make one with the en-el15c. Not only would it last longer, it would also allow you to use all the FF Z batteries and pair them easily (except for the Z9)
 
wilt said:
Nikon Z DX hasn't been given the same attention as the DSLR DX got. The Z50II is the only DX that has the EXPEED 7 inside. The DX lenses are decent too, I've the 16-50mm and 50-250mm kit.
I have one and it's a decent camera for the money but the battery life is atrocious, they really should make one with the en-el15c. Not only would it last longer, it would also allow you to use all the FF Z batteries and pair them easily (except for the Z9)
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That’s good to know re the battery life Steve !. I might just try the Z8 in DX mode first , spent to much this year already
 
the black fox said:
That’s good to know re the battery life Steve !. I might just try the Z8 in DX mode first , spent to much this year already
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The benefit of the Z8 in DX is you'll still have 1/32000 shutter, joystick for focus points, possibly better subject detection than in FX mode as it has less of the sensor to read, good battery and ibis. I bought the Z50II as I needed a second body and it was cheap but capable.
 
Quick question for those that use the z8 and 180-600 with a cotton carrier , do you put the clip on the camera or tripod foot ??
 
Tripod foot on the lens, you don't want to hang all that weight off the tripod socket on the base of the camera. It also puts the camera in a good position on your chest, and gives the Velcro lens strap a nice position to go round the lens near the zoom ring to keep the combination from swinging on your body when walking.

I also don't tend to use the supplied tether strap, instead preferring to use my Peak Design Slide camera strap (adjusted to a slightly longer length), around my neck and attached to the camera, for security just in case the worse ever happened.
 
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Sootchucker said:
Tripod foot on the lens, you don't want to hang all that weight off the tripod socket on the base of the camera. It also puts the camera in a good position on your chest, and gives the Velcro lens strap a nice position to go round the lens near the zoom ring to keep the combination from swinging on your body when walking.

I also don't tend to use the supplied tether strap, instead preferring to use my Peak Design Slide camera strap (adjusted to a slightly longer length), around my neck and attached to the camera, for security just in case the worse ever happened.
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Cheers Andrew sounds logical to me, plus I’ve got a Leo photo plate on to protect camera base , and on the bright side my 24-70 F4 just turned up and in as new condition
 
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