Taking the Z Train
Fri 23-Oct-20 01:54 PM
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#1. "RE: Taking the Z Train" | In response to Reply # 0
Fri 23-Oct-20 03:20 PMEnjoy your Z David. You'll really enjoy it once you decide on some Z lenses!Mick
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#7. "RE: Taking the Z Train" | In response to Reply # 1
Fri 23-Oct-20 08:38 PMThanks, Mick! Fortunately, Nikon's commitment to legacy F-mount glass means that I don't have to do it all at once.
On another topic -- I'm interested to hear about you ongoing saga of using non-Nikon glass with a Z-mount adapter.
Davehttp://davidmsoderlund.com
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#2. "RE: Taking the Z Train" | In response to Reply # 0
Fri 23-Oct-20 03:52 PM
I can tell you it's a very capable camera! You'll really enjoy it.
Larry
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#8. "RE: Taking the Z Train" | In response to Reply # 2
Fri 23-Oct-20 08:39 PMThanks, Larry -- I'm looking forward to it!
Davehttp://davidmsoderlund.com
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#3. "RE: Taking the Z Train" | In response to Reply # 0
Fri 23-Oct-20 04:34 PM
Shooting your Z6 alongside your D850 is an excellent test. This should give you reassurance, or as you say, looking into the Z7. I used the Z6 as my main travel camera for the last two years, so I expect you will be reassured.
And the go to single lens for travel is my 24-120. I’m holding on to my 24-120 until I can replace it with the 24-105. Like you, who knows when we’ll get one. I don’t think it’s on Nikon’s list for the Olympics.
And the go to single lens for travel is my 24-120. I’m holding on to my 24-120 until I can replace it with the 24-105. Like you, who knows when we’ll get one. I don’t think it’s on Nikon’s list for the Olympics.
David
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#5. "RE: Taking the Z Train" | In response to Reply # 3
Fri 23-Oct-20 08:30 PM | edited Fri 23-Oct-20 08:40 PM by DaveSoderlundDavid,
I shot thousands of frames over 3 years on my D750, and that camera gave me some great images. I'm expecting sensor-level performance that is at least as good if not better with the Z6's new BSI 24 MP sensor.
I think the added sensor resolution of the D850 (or the Z7) is really important in two areas: extreme cropping (or using the DX crop feature in-camera) or printing really large. I've discovered over my three years with the D850 that neither of these is particularly important to me, and the user interface features that drew me to the D850 (touch screen LCD, focus shift shooting, focus peaking in Live View) are all available on the Zs. (For "reach" I have -- and will keep -- a D7500, which pairs well with my 80-400 for the rare occasions when I want a long telephoto kit.)
In terms of printing, I can print 16x20 and 16x24 on my Canon Pro-1000, and those sizes are large enough for the vast majority of what I want to print. The only larger print in my house is a 21x28 that I printed on a Canon Pro 2000 in Les Picker's studio during a printing workshop -- and that's a crop from a 24MP D750 file! My current view on printing large is that Topaz Gigapixel AI is a lot cheaper than the cost difference between 24.5 MP and a 45.7 MP sensor. Fortunately, Nikon chose to make the Z6 and Z7 virtually identical cameras except for the sensor, so choosing a Z6 doesn't mean missing out on any of the top end Z series goodies. (As an aside, I was sort of waiting for the next iteration of Z cameras before taking the plunge -- however, none of the new features of the Mark II cameras are important enough to me to make me drool.)
I'm interested to see what the 24-85 f/3.5-4.5 lens does on the Z6. I think it might well be a compact, capable placeholder lens while I'm waiting for the Z lens picture to shake out. I'm hoping that the 24-85 will teach me how much I would really miss the extra reach of the 24-120. It might either push me toward the Z 24-70 f/4 or encourage me to wait for the mythical 24-105.
Davehttp://davidmsoderlund.com
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#12. "RE: Taking the Z Train" | In response to Reply # 5
Sat 24-Oct-20 01:27 PM>David,
>
>I think the added sensor resolution of the D850 (or the Z7) is
>really important in two areas: extreme cropping (or using the
>DX crop feature in-camera) or printing really large. I've
>discovered over my three years with the D850 that neither of
>these is particularly important to me, and the user interface
>features that drew me to the D850 (touch screen LCD, focus
>shift shooting, focus peaking in Live View) are all available
>on the Zs. (For "reach" I have -- and will keep -- a
>D7500, which pairs well with my 80-400 for the rare occasions
>when I want a long telephoto kit.)
>
>I'm interested to see what the 24-85 f/3.5-4.5 lens does on
>the Z6. I think it might well be a compact, capable
>placeholder lens while I'm waiting for the Z lens picture to
>shake out. I'm hoping that the 24-85 will teach me how much I
>would really miss the extra reach of the 24-120. It might
>either push me toward the Z 24-70 f/4 or encourage me to wait
>for the mythical 24-105.
>
>Dave
Dave,
I'm weighing high sensor resolution too, and agree with your assessment. I originally bought the Z6 because I have a D850. I am primarily a landscape and wildlife shooter. My wildlife subjects, unfortunately are often far away (200-300yds, 180-270m). This results in my need to crop heavily at times. I rarely get to 'fill the frame'.
It was not all that long ago that my travel kit was a 16-85 DX lens with my first Nikon DSLR (D7000 which I still have), with a 35 f1.8 in my pocket for around the table in the evening. I took photos outdoors and indoors (museums); the 16-85 is quite a versatile lens. I also have the 24-85 FX (mine is without VR) and used that for landscapes extensively until I got the 24-120. This lens should be a workhorse and a good performer for you. I'm afraid in my case, I tend to use the focal length that I have - if 120 is good, 240 will probably be better. I still expect to wait for the 24-105 though, expecting it will be an f4.David
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#4. "RE: Taking the Z Train" | In response to Reply # 0
Fri 23-Oct-20 08:04 PM
Congratulations on climbing aboard. I've done the same thing, and paired a Z6 with my D850. I use both side-by-side. I still prefer the D850 for BIF and fast action but otherwise use them interchangeably.
I too started only with my F-mount lenses and the FTZ. I now have a couple Z-mount lenses (the 85mm and the 24-70 f/2.8), but more typically take both cameras on an outing and select a lens for each camera from my F-mount glass.
I'm sure you won't be disappointed.
Kevin
I too started only with my F-mount lenses and the FTZ. I now have a couple Z-mount lenses (the 85mm and the 24-70 f/2.8), but more typically take both cameras on an outing and select a lens for each camera from my F-mount glass.
I'm sure you won't be disappointed.
Kevin
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#6. "RE: Taking the Z Train" | In response to Reply # 4
Fri 23-Oct-20 08:36 PMThanks, Kevin! I was typing my reply to David (above) when you posted your comment. For me (not a BIF shooter, but also having a D7500 -- which is a pretty capable crop sensor body and great with the 80-400 for long telephoto situations) the plan is for the D850 to become surplus once I figure out the Z6 and decide that it's really my next camera.
I'm looking forward to climbing a new learning curve!
Davehttp://davidmsoderlund.com
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#9. "RE: Taking the Z Train" | In response to Reply # 0
Fri 23-Oct-20 10:33 PM
Congrats Dave I recently did a similar move to a Z7 from a D810. I also bought mine used from a Nikonian. So I have the Z7, a 24_70 f/4, and an FTZ all for $2600. I have spent the last 2 weeks reading the manual and Steve Perry's book, and mounting all of my F lenses that I kept including my 24-120 f/4. I also mounted 3 manual focus Ai lenses, 24 mm, 50 mm 1.4 and 55mm 2.8. While I did not shoot images with all of them yet. I was looking to see how easy it was to focus the lenses that I have to focus manually. It turned out it was extremely easy to do with focus peaking. I think you will be very surprised with the camera. I need to get out and do some extensive shooting now that I have the photo items all set up. I will then turn to movies although I never did that with my D810.You will also enjoy the weight savings.
Bob Baldassano
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#10. "RE: Taking the Z Train" | In response to Reply # 0
Sat 24-Oct-20 12:17 AM | edited Sat 24-Oct-20 12:32 AM by Rassie
Dave, sounds like you are in the same boat as I am with bodies.
Z6 for full frame, and D7500 for reach for the far-away wildlife.
The way the Z6 handles is such a pleasure compared to the DSLR's that the Z6 is by a large margin my go-to camera every time. It's such a pleasure to work with. I think the biggest benefit of the Z6 is that I can do everything I need to (compose, shoot, review the image) without removing the camera from my eye. This means no more hassling with reading glasses that I have to remove when I shoot, and then having to replace them again to review the image on the rear LCD.
The silent shooting mode is also great to have. It's my default shooting mode, whether single shot or burst shooting. Much less intrusive because nobody, human or animal, is bothered by shutter noise.
I bought the Nikkor Z 24-70mm F4 lens with the Z6. Its reach is sometimes shorter than I would like, especially having gotten used to the 16-80mm F2.8-4 (24-120mm equivalent) lens that I used on the D7500. Fortunately I also have the Nikkor 70-200mm F4 lens that supplements the reach when I need it on the Z6. For a while I was tempted to purchase the Nikkor Z 24-200mm lens but initial reviews that I saw indicate the the overall IQ of the Nikkor Z 24-200 is not quite as good as the 70-200mm F4 lens. For now therefore I'll stick with the 24-70mm Z lens and the 70-200mm F4 lens on the Z6.
Lastly, I found that all my lenses are a bit sharper on the Z6 than on the DSLR bodies. I believe that is due to the more accurate autofocus of the Z cameras vs the DSLR's.
Enjoy your Z6. I'm sure it will grow on you just like it did for me. Welcome aboard my train!
Z6 for full frame, and D7500 for reach for the far-away wildlife.
The way the Z6 handles is such a pleasure compared to the DSLR's that the Z6 is by a large margin my go-to camera every time. It's such a pleasure to work with. I think the biggest benefit of the Z6 is that I can do everything I need to (compose, shoot, review the image) without removing the camera from my eye. This means no more hassling with reading glasses that I have to remove when I shoot, and then having to replace them again to review the image on the rear LCD.
The silent shooting mode is also great to have. It's my default shooting mode, whether single shot or burst shooting. Much less intrusive because nobody, human or animal, is bothered by shutter noise.
I bought the Nikkor Z 24-70mm F4 lens with the Z6. Its reach is sometimes shorter than I would like, especially having gotten used to the 16-80mm F2.8-4 (24-120mm equivalent) lens that I used on the D7500. Fortunately I also have the Nikkor 70-200mm F4 lens that supplements the reach when I need it on the Z6. For a while I was tempted to purchase the Nikkor Z 24-200mm lens but initial reviews that I saw indicate the the overall IQ of the Nikkor Z 24-200 is not quite as good as the 70-200mm F4 lens. For now therefore I'll stick with the 24-70mm Z lens and the 70-200mm F4 lens on the Z6.
Lastly, I found that all my lenses are a bit sharper on the Z6 than on the DSLR bodies. I believe that is due to the more accurate autofocus of the Z cameras vs the DSLR's.
Enjoy your Z6. I'm sure it will grow on you just like it did for me. Welcome aboard my train!
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#13. "RE: Taking the Z Train" | In response to Reply # 10
Sat 24-Oct-20 01:29 PMKoos,
For telephoto focal lengths I have the AF-P 70-300, so I've got that covered. However, I really like the flexibility to go out to 100mm and beyond without changing lenses.
The 24-200 is still interesting. My wife inherited my D750 and the 28-300 is on it almost all the time -- she loves the focal length flexibility and lives with the optical limitations of that lens. When she eventually moves to Z the 24-200 is the logical lens for the way she shoots.
Davehttp://davidmsoderlund.com
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#11. "RE: Taking the Z Train" | In response to Reply # 0
Sat 24-Oct-20 07:03 AM | edited Sat 24-Oct-20 07:05 AM by labtrout
Congratulations on the move, Dave. I think you’ll be happy with your decision. Similarly, I waited quite a while to make the mirrorless move, acquiring the Z6 in February after using the D750 as my prime FX body for several years. I haven’t regretted it.
Some of the features I especially like about the Z6 are the built-in image stabilization, seeing the changes in your image in the finder as you adjust exposure as well as seeing the histogram.
Personally, I’ve been very happy with the 24-70 f4 S kit lens: it is very sharp from edge to edge and renders colors accurately and beautifully. I just picked up the 20mm f1.8 S (currently offering a $100 rebate) to complement it. Like Koos, I also have the 70-200mm f4 lens that I use with the adapter. So I feel pretty well covered for landscapes, travel (when that returns) and general shooting.
I still use my D500 and longer lenses for wildlife and birds.
There is a bit of a learning curve with the mirrorless body (at first I had a hard time adjusting to the EVF) but it’s not all that difficult and the advantages will become obvious quickly.
Enjoy!
Some of the features I especially like about the Z6 are the built-in image stabilization, seeing the changes in your image in the finder as you adjust exposure as well as seeing the histogram.
Personally, I’ve been very happy with the 24-70 f4 S kit lens: it is very sharp from edge to edge and renders colors accurately and beautifully. I just picked up the 20mm f1.8 S (currently offering a $100 rebate) to complement it. Like Koos, I also have the 70-200mm f4 lens that I use with the adapter. So I feel pretty well covered for landscapes, travel (when that returns) and general shooting.
I still use my D500 and longer lenses for wildlife and birds.
There is a bit of a learning curve with the mirrorless body (at first I had a hard time adjusting to the EVF) but it’s not all that difficult and the advantages will become obvious quickly.
Enjoy!
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#14. "RE: Taking the Z Train" | In response to Reply # 11
Sat 24-Oct-20 01:32 PMI have no quibble with the optical quality of the 24-70 f/4, it's just the more limited focal length range. As I said to Koos, I have gotten used to being able to get out to 100mm and beyond without changing lenses. Although I carry the AF-P 70-300 I rarely use it.
Davehttp://davidmsoderlund.com
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#15. "RE: Taking the Z Train" | In response to Reply # 14
Sat 24-Oct-20 03:43 PMKeep in mind the Z lenses generally perform very well compared to the F-mount lenses.
The Z 24-200 is a pretty good lens already, and the folks here on Nikonians who have them seem to be very satisfied with its IQ.
It's just that the Z 24-70mm F4 and the Nikkor F 70-200mm F4 (both of which are very good lenses with very good IQ) outperform the Z 24-200mm, although not by a large margin. For a while there I was very tempted to trade my F-mount 70-200mm in on a Z 24-200mm lens. I'm still on the fence about that. The decision will become easier when Covid-19 is in the rear-view mirror and we start traveling again. Then the 24-200mm may make a lot of sense.-
#16. "RE: Taking the Z Train" | In response to Reply # 15
Sat 24-Oct-20 04:44 PMThe eternal IQ vs convenience trade-off! My latest random thought is to get the 24-200 to use until we see what the promised 24-105 behaves like. Given the performance of S line lenses so far I expect good things. The 24-200 could well be a keeper even then for times that call for a one lens solution.
As for the 70-x00 solution, I bought the 70-200 f/4 when I was shooting DX — a great lens. However I found it to have lots of overlap with the 24-120 and not enough telephoto reach on FX. I ultimately sold it and picked up the AF-P 70-300, which is a bit slower, very sharp, gives an additional 100mm of telephoto reach, and is both lighter and more compact than th 70-200 f/4. So far, no complaints...
Davehttp://davidmsoderlund.com
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#17. "RE: Taking the Z Train" | In response to Reply # 16
Sat 24-Oct-20 06:19 PMSo interesting how we each handled the zoom lens overlap! I also had the 24-120 f4 and 70-200 f4 with my D750. I decided to keep the 70-200 and sold the 24-120 in favor of the 35 f1.8 and the (then new) 24 f1.8 primes, wanting the larger apertures and lighter weight in that focal range. Whatever works for your needs, right?Visit my Nikonians gallery.
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#18. "RE: Taking the Z Train" | In response to Reply # 17
Sat 24-Oct-20 07:18 PMRight! Part of what drove (and still drives) my decision-making is an aversion to changing lenses frequently in the field. I’m pretty sure sensor dust is an even bigger issue with mirrorless, where there is no mirror in front of the sensor when a lens is unmounted. When I do switch from my main lens in the field I’m more likely to go wider than longer — for me that’s a benefit of an expanded zoom range on my main lens.
Whatever works...
Davehttp://davidmsoderlund.com
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#19. "RE: Taking the Z Train" | In response to Reply # 18
Sat 24-Oct-20 09:07 PMYup, excellent logic. Sensor dust is a bigger risk with the Z mount, so keeping a zoom lens on is a definite advantage. By the way, given the choice, I’d select the 24-105 too. But we don’t have that choice yet.
Anyway, I hope you like the Z6!Visit my Nikonians gallery.
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#20. "RE: Taking the Z Train" | In response to Reply # 18
bobmeinhard Registered since 02nd May 2010Sun 25-Oct-20 02:01 AMHi Dave - I am a long-time Nikon shooter (since film days) I currently shoot with a D810 and a D500. My favorite lens for the D810 is the 24-120 f4 - love it. Thinking about making the switch to the Z-series as well. I have not gotten as far as you, though - thanks for sharing your story on here! BobVisit my Nikonians gallery.
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#31. "RE: Taking the Z Train" | In response to Reply # 18
Mon 16-Nov-20 04:45 PMYou will be pleasantly surprised that the Z cameras have far less dust issues than DSLR. There is anti-dust coating and the exposed sensor is easier to clean in the rare event that dust sticks.. Dust enters the cavity in a DSLR and even if the mirror in down, any dust particles floating in that cavity is likely to end up on the sensor due to static charge buildup from the reading the pixel cells. I have been shooting almost every day for 2 years and the only time I cleaned it was after getting sprayed by a crop duster. Even then,only 1 spot ended up on the sensor. In my daily walking around sling bad that is with me most of the time, I usually have the 24-70 f/4 S and 1 or 2 S primes,usually 85 1.8 and or 50 1.8, one Sb900 and a flash controller. I use that kit for causal and commercial work and Z6 with S lenses ( have the 14-30, 24 1.8, 35 1.8 50 1.8 85 1.8 and 24-70 2.8, plus 18 1.2, 1.4 F primes and 2.8 zooms.None of those F lenses get used anymore. The last one was an 85 1.4 Sigma ART on the D850 but the 85 1.8 is about the same in the very center but moving away from the center,all the S lenses trounce the F glass. The 50 is the sharpest lens I have ever used corner to corner regardless of brand and mount. The 50 and 85 handle strong backlight or or the sun in the frame better than any F glass. The 24-70 2.8 is slightly better than the low-cost light f/4 version so it stays home unless on a commercial shoot that needs 2.8. Both those S 24-70s are optically superior to the G and E F version. The E is very good in the center but falls off when moving off the center and the S lenses are great right to the edge.
Given that the performance of the S glass is so good, I suggest starting with the 24-70 f/4 and get used to the camera and hold off on other lenses for a while. I suspect you are going to see such a difference that your plan to use legacy glass will be questioned after a week of Z camera shooting. Like most users, their DSLRs gather dust after a few days of shooting with the body and an S lens or two. I am likely to dump all my DSLRs, and all the F glass and get the Z7 2 as the high res body for picky art directors. All my portraiture, theater, event, and 90% of my studio work is with the Z6 and S lenses. It has been that way since one week after getting the camera. I feel guilty for all my DSLRs and lenses are not being used, considering how long I saved and scraped by to get them.
Give it week of shooting before deciding to invest in any non-s or F mount lenses or keeping any F mount lenses. Another thing to consider if you need longer lenses, the 70-200 2.8 S is probably the best short zoom ever made by any company and when mated with the new teleconverters, there's almost no fall-off in resolution with even the 2.0x, unlike TCs of the past on F mount, so you would be covered to 400mm in Fx and 600mm in Dx crop. With the two pulse silent motors, it is fast focusing.
Stan
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#32. "RE: Taking the Z Train" | In response to Reply # 31
Mon 16-Nov-20 05:22 PMStan-
You may have said before, but are you using the 24-70 as your goto portraiture?
"Today is the tomorrow that yesterday you spent money like there was no."
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#21. "RE: Taking the Z Train" | In response to Reply # 0
Sun 25-Oct-20 06:31 AM
Best of luck with the Z6 Dave. I think you will really like it...My own appreciation of its capabilities relates to its form factor compared to a DSLR & the WYSIWYG in the viewfinder & the LCD...also its abilities at high ISO’s are great...It’s a fun camera to work with. I have found the `kit’ 24-70 to be excellent & recently got the 24-200–also excellent for my purposes. The FTZ works well with my F lenses.
Have fun & look forward to seeing your `Z’ images,
Norm
Have fun & look forward to seeing your `Z’ images,
Norm
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#22. "RE: Taking the Z Train" | In response to Reply # 0
Tue 27-Oct-20 04:03 PM
And...the Z train arrived! Now begins the climb up the learning curve.
The FTZ adapter is chunkier than I'd imagined -- a motivation to acquire some Z glass!
Dave
The FTZ adapter is chunkier than I'd imagined -- a motivation to acquire some Z glass!
Dave
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#23. "RE: Taking the Z Train" | In response to Reply # 22
Tue 27-Oct-20 06:55 PMDave, most Z bodies still use ISO, aperture, and shutter speed. Charge the battery and go shoot some pics.
Seriously, the major differences from your DSLRs:
• There are some EVF settings to play with
• The i-menu allows you to put menu settings of your choice closer at hand
• If you shoot any action and use AF modes other than single point, the modes are different.
Jon Kandel
An Alexandria, VA Nikonian and Team Member
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#25. "RE: Taking the Z Train" | In response to Reply # 23
Tue 27-Oct-20 08:37 PMAfter going through the menus to set things up and shooting a few shots around the house, my basic take is that "it's a Nikon."
So far I've noticed a couple of ergonomic cheese-moving things: (1) What, no BKT button? Well, THAT'S going on the iMenu! (2) What's the Menu button doing way over there?? (I'm sure there will be a few more.)
So far I really like the EVF. As far as AF goes, I'm going to stick with single point initially (you can measure my shot rate most of the time in frames/minute) and mine Steve Perry's e-book guide to the Z AF system for the details.
As for shooting -- we are off to Death Valley and the Alabama Hills in a few days, so I think i'll know a lot more about the Z6 behaves in the field compared to Nikon DSLRs after that trip.
Davehttp://davidmsoderlund.com
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#24. "RE: Taking the Z Train" | In response to Reply # 0
Tue 27-Oct-20 07:33 PM
Enjoy, Dave - you’ll forget the FTZ adapter is there. It’s pretty seamless. The EVF is easy to get used to, then you find you can depend on it.
David
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#26. "RE: Taking the Z Train" | In response to Reply # 24
Tue 27-Oct-20 08:39 PMDavid,
So far, so good! The Z6+FTZ winds up being about the same weight/bulk as a D750, but clearly less than a D850.
Davehttp://davidmsoderlund.com
http://www.flickr.com/photos/davidsoderlund/Visit my Nikonians gallery
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#27. "RE: Taking the Z Train" | In response to Reply # 26
Wed 28-Oct-20 07:39 AMCongratulations on the new camera. I think you'll have a lot of fun with it. I've made two trips to Alabama Hills and Death Valley shooting mainly with the Z6. You're in for a treat.
In addition to programming the iMenu, if you need room for more settings you can set one of the options to bring up MyMenu. I use that for things like Battery, Format, Focus Shift, etc. that I don't use very often but still want quick access.
I found it very useful to program the Fn buttons and the Movie button while in Stills mode. I left the Fn2 button at the default - Focus. My Fn1 button is programmed to zoom to 100%, and I use it both before the shot and during image review.
If you are using AF-On to focus, keep in mind that you can hold AF-On down and invoke Manual focus with Focus peaking simply by adjusting the focus ring. It's an easy way to check focus or fine tune focus.Eric Bowles
Director - Nikonians Academy
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#28. "RE: Taking the Z Train" | In response to Reply # 27
Wed 28-Oct-20 10:05 AMThanks, Eric! It may take a bit of shooting to figure out the best use of the programmable buttons For my needs. I didn’t know that focus peaking would work in MF override — neat trick!
Davehttp://davidmsoderlund.com
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#29. "RE: Taking the Z Train" | In response to Reply # 28
Wed 28-Oct-20 08:12 PMDave like you I am settling into my used Z7. I have reprogrammed some of my buttons to free up my thumb. So the back button focus has been moved to Fn1, The back button focus has now become my Zoom, and I have moved other functions to the movie button. Steve Perry explains all these buttons in a clear way, and although I did not change all my buttons to the same values he uses, I did learn what was available. I think I will take Eric's advice and set up my menu which I have not yet done. The only drawback to changing functions around, it will take a bit of time to put the changes in your memory. But most all of the functions are reprogrammable in a way that you will have quick access to any function you want between the Menu button, I button etc.Bob Baldassano
My Nikonians Gallery
"Nikonians membership - My most important photographic investment, after the
camera"
Retirement is a gift of time - Don't waste it!
Old age is a special gift that very few receive. Be thankful if you get it.
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#30. "RE: Taking the Z Train" | In response to Reply # 0
Sat 14-Nov-20 01:01 PM
OK, I'm sold! After spending a week shooting the Z6+Z24-200 combo in Death Valley and the Alabama Hills, I now know what all the noise is about.
Things I particularly like:
•it's still a Nikon -- most of the controls are in the expected places.
•the EVF! Being able to see and compose in the dark, seeing the live histogram, and overriding AF to check critical focus using focus peaking -- wow!
•the compact size and lighter weight (compared to my D850)
•the handy extra reach of the 24-200 lens -- I found myself able to carry a 2-lens kit (24-200 + F-mount 20mm f/1.8) and leave the 70-300 AF-P in the car.
So far, the images are just fine.
Dave
Things I particularly like:
•it's still a Nikon -- most of the controls are in the expected places.
•the EVF! Being able to see and compose in the dark, seeing the live histogram, and overriding AF to check critical focus using focus peaking -- wow!
•the compact size and lighter weight (compared to my D850)
•the handy extra reach of the 24-200 lens -- I found myself able to carry a 2-lens kit (24-200 + F-mount 20mm f/1.8) and leave the 70-300 AF-P in the car.
So far, the images are just fine.
Dave
http://davidmsoderlund.com
http://www.flickr.com/photos/davidsoderlund/
Visit my Nikonians gallery
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#33. "RE: Taking the Z Train" | In response to Reply # 30
Mon 16-Nov-20 10:32 PMSo Dave, when are we going to see some images from that Z6?
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#34. "RE: Taking the Z Train" | In response to Reply # 33
Tue 17-Nov-20 09:53 AMJust getting started on processing
http://davidmsoderlund.com
http://www.flickr.com/photos/davidsoderlund/Visit my Nikonians gallery
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#35. "RE: Taking the Z Train" | In response to Reply # 30
Tue 17-Nov-20 10:25 AM
LOL
The first time I was in those two locations with my Z6 and D850, I shot 100% of the images with the Z6. Even though the D850 in theory was better for landscapes, the Z6 is just so much fun to shoot. The Z6 images were fine - even for large prints.
One more thing I noticed - it was much easier to focus on a star or a nearby camp lantern for astrophotography than with my D850. With the D850 in dim light, you don't really know that you are getting the shot. With the Z cameras and the EVF - you really know you are in sharp focus before a shot is ever made.
Glad to hear you are enjoying the camera.
The first time I was in those two locations with my Z6 and D850, I shot 100% of the images with the Z6. Even though the D850 in theory was better for landscapes, the Z6 is just so much fun to shoot. The Z6 images were fine - even for large prints.
One more thing I noticed - it was much easier to focus on a star or a nearby camp lantern for astrophotography than with my D850. With the D850 in dim light, you don't really know that you are getting the shot. With the Z cameras and the EVF - you really know you are in sharp focus before a shot is ever made.
Glad to hear you are enjoying the camera.
Eric Bowles
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The Z6 will come with the FTZ adapter, and for the time being I'll just use my F-mount glass while I'm figuring out the new camera. At the moment I am undecided about which Z lens I want to build a new system around. Having used the 24-120 f/4 as my main lens for six years, first on a D750 and then on a D850 (and the equivalent focal length 16-80 DX on a D7100 before that), I'm not sure I'll be happy with the more limited focal length range of the Z 24-70 f/4 (though I plan to explore this by putting a my 24-85 f/3.5-4.5 -- a lens I've barely used -- on the Z6 to begin with). I am also not sure that the Z 24-200 will be an adequate replacement. The Z lens I'm really interested in is the S-line 24-105 that's on the roadmap but not yet announced. Once the 24-200 becomes more widely available I may get one both as a place-holder and as a future one-lens travel alternative, assuming we ever get the chance to travel again(!). Alternatively, a good idea on a used 24-70 f/4 could call my name...
Unless I am unexpectedly disappointed in the Z6, I think my D850 will be going out the door. Although I've used it as my main camera for three years, I have never grown to love it -- it just feels like a brick in my hands (unlike the D750, which for some reason felt like an extension of me). Also, a look back over three years of images showed me that I haven't really taken advantage of the extra resolution afforded by the D850's sensor. If I decide later that I just can't live without 45.7 MP for some reason, there's always the Z7...
We are headed to Death Valley and the Alabama Hills soon, and I plan to take the Z6 to shoot along side the D850. It should be a good test.
Now -- where's the club car or the Z Train???
Dave