Nikon Z* mirrorless

Stephen L said:
I thought it would be a substitute for rebuying the 15-30, but it wasn’t.
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that doesn't sounds too promising... sigh.

I'm torn between the 14-30 f4 or the Viltrox. I hate using the FTP adaptor, although I've only got the first version 1. Have sold all my f mount lenses now.
 
JohnBoyUK said:
that doesn't sounds too promising... sigh.

I'm torn between the 14-30 f4 or the Viltrox. I hate using the FTP adaptor, although I've only got the first version 1. Have sold all my f mount lenses now.
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Sorry, my typo. Meant the 14-30 Z. Stellar lens - if you shop around you can get a used example for a reasonable price.
 
wee jake said:
Looking to buy the 70-200 f28 to go with my z6/z9 but looking at the price difference and weight against the 70-180 f28 don’t know which one to go for mostly for grand kids and fast moving dogs
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Thanks for all your reply’s decided to go with the 70-200 28 should have said i have the 24-200 which lives on the z6 and the 14-30 24-70 f4 50 1:8 85 :18 100-400 and the 1.4 tel
So hopefully all covered thanks again
 
I keep looking at the Z8 as I have a Z7 and frankly I know the AF is not as good as my Z9.
I keep thinking my Z7 needs to be traded for a Z8 but I like the small size of the Z7 and would really like a Z7iii.

So my question to anybody is.... have you used a Z7 orZ7ii in the past? If yes then how does the AF speed of the Z8 compare with a Z7?
 
jknights said:
I keep looking at the Z8 as I have a Z7 and frankly I know the AF is not as good as my Z9.
I keep thinking my Z7 needs to be traded for a Z8 but I like the small size of the Z7 and would really like a Z7iii.

So my question to anybody is.... have you used a Z7 orZ7ii in the past? If yes then how does the AF speed of the Z8 compare with a Z7?
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The real question is do you need the Z7 to focus faster. If so it’s time for a Z8.
But the Z8 form factor was not for me. Although after a Z9 it might be OK.
 
trevorbray said:
The real question is do you need the Z7 to focus faster. If so it’s time for a Z8.
But the Z8 form factor was not for me. Although after a Z9 it might be OK.
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I guess my issue with the Z7 is that the AF is less 'confident' or assured than either my Zf or Z9. In a way it is a bit like with the Fuji cameras where the AF improves with each iteration XPro1, XT1, XT2, XT3, XT4, XT5, XH2. Strangely I dont have a problem with my GFX50R or GFX100S.
I dont know if this is because I am working slower or just using the camera differently.
When shooting portraits or landscapes with the Z7 I feel the need to check focus, this is not the case with the Zf or Z9.
I suppose in a way this answers the question is it just that the Z7 is slower or less adept at finding focus.
 
jknights said:
I suppose in a way this answers the question is it just that the Z7 is slower or less adept at finding focus.
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Exactly the same conundrum I’m in at the moment. The Zf focussing is so much more assured than the Z7ii I have.

I’ll be honest, I tried a Z8 in hand and really liked it - funnily enough it really does handle its extra weight over the Z7ii very well.
 
ancient_mariner said:
Please, keep ALL comms visible on the forum if trading through the forum. I don't see anything yet in the for sale thread mentioned, so please post your updates there. @Malfis @jknights
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Whoops. Sorry.
I will probably buy the camera as I just need to make sure that we can complete sale in timeframe and to our mutual satisfaction.
@ancient_mariner I can join you into PM conversation if you like.
 
jknights said:
Whoops. Sorry.
I will probably buy the camera as I just need to make sure that we can complete sale in timeframe and to our mutual satisfaction.
@ancient_mariner I can join you into PM conversation if you like.
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I don't need to be a part of the conversation, just pop everything into the thread up to agreeing the sale, then share addresses, bank details etc privately via pm. Thank you.
 
jknights said:
I keep looking at the Z8 as I have a Z7 and frankly I know the AF is not as good as my Z9.
I keep thinking my Z7 needs to be traded for a Z8 but I like the small size of the Z7 and would really like a Z7iii.

So my question to anybody is.... have you used a Z7 orZ7ii in the past? If yes then how does the AF speed of the Z8 compare with a Z7?
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I’ve used the Z7, Z7II, Z9, and now the Z8, especially after the firmware updates that brought the Z9’s bird focus features to the Z8. The Z7s were fantastic for resolution and offered excellent cropability, making them great for static wildlife. However, they were frustrating for birds in flight. While I still got good images, it was tough to move away from the D500’s speed and accuracy. The Z9 really restored my faith in Nikon’s mirrorless system, but I wanted something with a smaller body, and the Z8 was perfect when it arrived. If the Z7III is released, I’d definitely consider it— I love the smaller body and would pair it as a second body alongside the Z8. I might even pick up another Z7 before my trip to Scotland in April, as it pairs well with the 24-120mm for landscapes and is still more than capable for slower subjects.
 
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Went to a local BPOTY 2024 exhibition this afternoon. Nikon Z series were heavily represented there, probably more so than any other type although there seemed to be quite a few Canon 1D and R types listed too.
 
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AdamSi said:
I’ve used the Z7, Z7II, Z9, and now the Z8, especially after the firmware updates that brought the Z9’s bird focus features to the Z8. The Z7s were fantastic for resolution and offered excellent cropability, making them great for static wildlife. However, they were frustrating for birds in flight. While I still got good images, it was tough to move away from the D500’s speed and accuracy. The Z9 really restored my faith in Nikon’s mirrorless system, but I wanted something with a smaller body, and the Z8 was perfect when it arrived. If the Z7III is released, I’d definitely consider it— I love the smaller body and would pair it as a second body alongside the Z8. I might even pick up another Z7 before my trip to Scotland in April, as it pairs well with the 24-120mm for landscapes and is still more than capable for slower subjects.
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Completely agree with this Adam. Had a Z7II that I mostly used for photographing two things - mountains/alpine scenes that stayed still and two labradors that ran around at speed. It was great for the mountains, small and created some superb images. But point it at anything that moved even slightly and you were never sure that you had the subject in focus, even if the camera was telling you it was. The final straw was getting a keeper rate of only 40% at my god-daughters first birthday party. She'd only been walking for 3 months so hardly speeding about.

Hired a Z8 over Christmas 2023 and it was light years ahead compared with the Z7II. So traded the Z7II for one of them thinking I'd just manage with the larger form factor when in the mountains as it's not that much bigger. However, when you hold the Z8 in your hand, you start to realise it does feel a bit bigger than it really is. Conversely, I find the Z6/Z7 feel smaller than they probably are if that makes sense. So I've now added a Z6 that I take into the mountains and up climbs, but the Z8 gets used for everything else. Maybe I just had a duff Z7II, but the Z8 has been brilliant and I can't fault it's performance.
 
Thanks to all who helped with your observations on the Z7 as it decides me that I will move to a Z8.
A future Z7iii when released might be as quick as a Z8 but it will have to be significantly better to convince me.
 
paulmck said:
Completely agree with this Adam. Had a Z7II that I mostly used for photographing two things - mountains/alpine scenes that stayed still and two labradors that ran around at speed. It was great for the mountains, small and created some superb images. But point it at anything that moved even slightly and you were never sure that you had the subject in focus, even if the camera was telling you it was. The final straw was getting a keeper rate of only 40% at my god-daughters first birthday party. She'd only been walking for 3 months so hardly speeding about.

Hired a Z8 over Christmas 2023 and it was light years ahead compared with the Z7II. So traded the Z7II for one of them thinking I'd just manage with the larger form factor when in the mountains as it's not that much bigger. However, when you hold the Z8 in your hand, you start to realise it does feel a bit bigger than it really is. Conversely, I find the Z6/Z7 feel smaller than they probably are if that makes sense. So I've now added a Z6 that I take into the mountains and up climbs, but the Z8 gets used for everything else. Maybe I just had a duff Z7II, but the Z8 has been brilliant and I can't fault it's performance.
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A great summary
 
Well it's now 3 years of ownership with my Z9 and to say it's changed from day one is a bit of an understatement and thank you Nikon for all the firmware updates. From day one I knew it wasn't perfect, it took some learning and as I use it really exclusively for motorsport getting used to the different options with focus and tracking it's been an enjoyable time. I'm sure I'm in the 400k plus images with it and it still looks and performs like new. I'm glad I have my Z8 as a lightweight option if I want to do some wandering round with a little bit lighter weight but also glad that the battery on the Z9 has such a long life that even after a days shooting of 6000 plus images it's till got lots of life left in it. Happy days.
 
Z8 arrived from Malcolm. Thanks for a very speedy and easy purchase.
All setup and ready to play. When will the rain and high winds stop? Actually not a problem but it would be nice to not have grey skies!
 
@trevorbray @Stephen L I'm finding my ZFC a tad too small for my liking including with the Neewer Grip fitted. Not sure if it's GAS but I think a ZF is on the cards. Anyway would you guys know if the ZF can use DX lenses as I would like to keep my 12-28mm lens which I also occasionally use on my Z8.

With the Z8, IIRC I can get a 20MP photo using the DX lens would you know the file size/MP I would get on the ZF?

Thanks
 
Swanseajack said:
@trevorbray @Stephen L I'm finding my ZFC a tad too small for my liking including with the Neewer Grip fitted. Not sure if it's GAS but I think a ZF is on the cards. Anyway would you guys know if the ZF can use DX lenses as I would like to keep my 12-28mm lens which I also occasionally use on my Z8.

With the Z8, IIRC I can get a 20MP photo using the DX lens would you know the file size/MP I would get on the ZF?

Thanks
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Yes, you can use the Zf with APSC lenses. The camera will automatically go into crop mode. Not tried it myself, but I’ve heard that it would behave like a 12 megapixel sensor. In my mind this isn’t a problem as I have taken plenty saleable (A4J pictures using an Olympus 2020, which was a 2 megapixel sensor.
 
Stephen L said:
Yes, you can use the Zf with APSC lenses. The camera will automatically go into crop mode. Not tried it myself, but I’ve heard that it would behave like a 12 megapixel sensor. In my mind this isn’t a problem as I have taken plenty saleable (A4J pictures using an Olympus 2020, which was a 2 megapixel sensor.
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Thanks for the reply Stephen.

The 12-28mm is a handy lens to have in my bag due to the size, weight and cost plus I don't often shoot wide end much. I bought a Tamron 28-75mm f2.8 last week which would probably be bolted on the front of the ZF and leave the 70-200mm or 400mm lenses for the Z8.

I have also been considering a 70-300mm for travel to replace the 16-50mm & 50-250mm ZFC lenses as it would then give me a 67mm filter thread for the 12-28, 28-75 and the 70-300 as I wouldn't mind having a play at Long Exposures.
 
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Swanseajack said:
Thanks for the reply Stephen.

The 12-28mm is a handy lens to have in my bag due to the size, weight and cost plus I don't often shoot wide end much. I bought a Tamron 28-75mm f2.8 last week which would probably be bolted on the front of the ZF and leave the 70-200mm or 400mm lenses for the Z8.

I have also been considering a 70-300mm for travel to replace the 16-50mm & 50-250mm ZFC lenses as it would then give me a 67mm filter thread for the 12-28, 28-75 and the 70-300 as I wouldn't mind having a play at Long Exposures.
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I have the 12-28 on my Zfc almost permanently. Not yet tried it on the Zf as I have the 14-30 on the Zf, which conversely is excellent on the Zfc!
 
Swanseajack said:
@trevorbray @Stephen L I'm finding my ZFC a tad too small for my liking including with the Neewer Grip fitted. Not sure if it's GAS but I think a ZF is on the cards. Anyway would you guys know if the ZF can use DX lenses as I would like to keep my 12-28mm lens which I also occasionally use on my Z8.

With the Z8, IIRC I can get a 20MP photo using the DX lens would you know the file size/MP I would get on the ZF?

Thanks
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Bit late to the party. Looks like your questions have been answered. Great to have another Zf owner among us.
 
paulmck said:
Completely agree with this Adam. Had a Z7II that I mostly used for photographing two things - mountains/alpine scenes that stayed still and two labradors that ran around at speed. It was great for the mountains, small and created some superb images. But point it at anything that moved even slightly and you were never sure that you had the subject in focus, even if the camera was telling you it was. The final straw was getting a keeper rate of only 40% at my god-daughters first birthday party. She'd only been walking for 3 months so hardly speeding about.

Hired a Z8 over Christmas 2023 and it was light years ahead compared with the Z7II. So traded the Z7II for one of them thinking I'd just manage with the larger form factor when in the mountains as it's not that much bigger. However, when you hold the Z8 in your hand, you start to realise it does feel a bit bigger than it really is. Conversely, I find the Z6/Z7 feel smaller than they probably are if that makes sense. So I've now added a Z6 that I take into the mountains and up climbs, but the Z8 gets used for everything else. Maybe I just had a duff Z7II, but the Z8 has been brilliant and I can't fault it's performance.
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Yes it does make sense and I know what you mean. I used to think once you were up to a DSLR sized camera the size didn't really matter (unless it was gripped) since you need the camera bag anyway however I was surprised how much I noticed the smaller size and weight of the Sony A9 which made the D750 (which I chose for its more compact design). The Z8 is bulkier than the D750 and it is noticeable when carrying it around plus it's more of a squeeze to get it into some of my bags. Reading your post it does make me wonder if a z6II would be worth picking up for the times I'm not doing any particular shots, it's a tricky balance because the Z8 is such an exceptional camera and sometimes you don't know when its speed and capabilities are going to be useful.
 
Changed one setting on my Z8 last night. Something that has been frustrating me from the day I got the camera out of the box.

The silent shutter, while it is supposed to be a bonus of the system that it doesn't scare wildlife (never had the problem with my old DSLRs) I keep thinking the :muted: thing is broken, so glad that I could have an audial indication that the shutter has fired. I do miss the clatter of my M645 and Z-1p.
 
welshwizard645 said:
Changed one setting on my Z8 last night. Something that has been frustrating me from the day I got the camera out of the box.

The silent shutter, while it is supposed to be a bonus of the system that it doesn't scare wildlife (never had the problem with my old DSLRs) I keep thinking the :muted: thing is broken, so glad that I could have an audial indication that the shutter has fired. I do miss the clatter of my M645 and Z-1p.
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That's pretty much the first thing I changed on mine, I found the lack of any sound at shutter release somewhat disconcerting. I don't miss the noise of my old D850 in that regard though - out shooting wildlife you'd end up with creatures in the distance staring at you with the din it made
 
First test of the 3D tracking of the Z8 today, this is a 2MP Snapbridge image SOOC camera, interesting to see what the finished image looks like, The tracking is phenomenal. Just wish the feature came out this time last year.....
Kite 2.jpg
 
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