A while ago on this thread, we started a discussion about Arca-compatible baseplates for the Z6/7 which will not protrude from the camera's base, allowing mounting the FTZ adapter with the baseplate attached.
I now found my personal solution: The camera sits on a SmallRig L-bracket, while for the adapter I found the SIRUI TY-C10 quick release plate.
The TY-C10 is small enough to be flush with either the FTZ's or camera's bottom (or both, for that matter) and allow mounting/unmounting the FTZ with baseplate attached (while the L-bracket is on the camera!). See photos below: there's a gap between the TY-C10 and the bottom of the L-bracket, allowing for free movement. There's enough space that I can attach either the camera or the FTZ to my tripod with both baseplates on.
Just wanted to share this in case someone else was still looking for his/her perfect solution.
turbodude wrote:
its not hockey, but put the z6 thru some heavy load for boxing last night. though i must report an issue... the thumb wheel of one of my z6's stopped working. its currently stuck at 1/2000 of a second and iso 4000. ive contacted my NPS rep and hopefully be dropping it off tomorrow in LA (if they are open for MLK day)
Fantastic images! Great to see they were taken with the 24/70. Can you give a ballpark number on the percent of images in focus?
ilogiman wrote:
Fantastic images! Great to see they were taken with the 24/70. Can you give a ballpark number on the percent of images in focus?
Nick
I have no idea, but if I were to guess 90% were in focus, the ones out of focus were not the camera, it was likely me grabbing the wrong thing or not acquiring a good lock before firing. Regarding to the 24-70, it's the oldest one too, just the standard 2.8G non VR.
ilogiman wrote:
Fantastic images! Great to see they were taken with the 24/70. Can you give a ballpark number on the percent of images in focus?
Nick
I have no idea, but if I were to guess 90% were in focus, the ones out of focus were not the camera, it was likely me grabbing the wrong thing or not acquiring a good lock before firing. Regarding to the 24-70, it's the oldest one too, just the standard 2.8G non VR.
turbodude wrote:
I have no idea, but if I were to guess 90% were in focus, the ones out of focus were not the camera, it was likely me grabbing the wrong thing or not acquiring a good lock before firing. Regarding to the 24-70, it's the oldest one too, just the standard 2.8G non VR.
That's what I find is key for the z6. Acquiring a good lock. Once the camera is locked on it does a great job of tracking the subject I find as long as there is enough contrast. I also find initial acquisition is aided by using faster lenses than F4 too. My 105mm F1.4 is better on my z6 than my D850.
In any case, Turbodude seems to have it figured out.
Quite a good read.
Those hockey/boxing shots are fantastic and is more about the skills of an outstanding photographer (timing), but it's not the same as with a small birds.
For me static shoots are perfect (when I have time), but I struggle in continuous mode (need more practising).
Time will tell if I'll manage.
In any case, Turbodude seems to have it figured out.
If the autofocus takes thousands of shots and hours of practice to figure out, then it should be no surprise that there are many complaints and bad reviews out there. The general trend of any camera, from phone cameras to prosumer cameras, over the past 5-8 years has been focused on taking the thought out of using them. The photography space has grown so much over the past decade because cameras as a whole have become easier to use.
While I love my Z6, I don't believe all the talk around the autofocus system problems is off base and it is certainly a problem that Nikon needs to address.
Thom is right: any camera needs consistent dedicated practice to use it to its fullest potential. Ralph Gibson tells a story where when he first got his Leica rangefinder, he'd sit in a movie theater and practice setting the camera for various things in the dark, so it'd be automatic when he needed it. And that was for a simple film camera! Today's AF cameras are way more complicated.
I've been using my Z6 for stills and video, and I need to learn how to give the camera the best circumstances for success, which is different than my D850 or D500. For example, I need to be aware of EVF lag when I'm trying to get peak action. The AF has its own quirks, and I need to be aware of them to use it well. Even when using AF-F in video mode, which is probably the best AF mode on the Z right now in terms of acting like the DSLR 3D tracking mode, there are still issues I need to be aware of and that I need to actively direct the camera to do the right thing (not that there's always a way to do that, so there's much room for improvement). The camera can't read my mind, so I need to tell it what to do.
I rented a Z6 for a week - I have never even shot with a Nikon before (I shoot Fuji) - and I found the AF to be quite good, even with just the 24-70 f/4s. I used mostly AF-C Dynamic AF, Continuous H+, jpeg.
My dog running at me full bore is a decent test of AF I think - he is leagues faster than any human sports for sure . I certainly did not get 100% keepers but I was pretty happy with the performance......
I just received Nikon Z 35mm S. Very nice lens. I just switched from Sony and starting from the scratch....This 35 1.8 S is my second native Nikon Z lens, besides 24-70/4 S. When I had my A7 series (A7II then A7RIII), I never owned a Sony 35mm 1.4 because of its size/weight. Nikon made it right, appropriate size and weight for mirrorless system and f1.8 is fast enough for my needs.
However, I think I like the design of lens barrels of Sony GM line more, they look more expensive. (indeed, they are more expensive $$$ ;-)
I have no idea, but if I were to guess 90% were in focus, the ones out of focus were not the camera, it was likely me grabbing the wrong thing or not acquiring a good lock before firing. Regarding to the 24-70, it's the oldest one too, just the standard 2.8G non VR.
Thank you. I was thinking you were shooting with a Z 24-70. This is very interesting. I appreciate the info.
Wondering when/if Zeiss will make a line of manual-focus lenses for the Nikon Z/Canon R or if we will be expected to adapt Milvus indefinitely. I would think they could simply update the mount on the Loxia line for either.
NPS got my camera today and already tore it apart and found the problem. So far so good. Seems like a freak incident, they told me I'm the only person so far that has had the scroll wheel issue. I'll keep you guys in the loop. For the record, I Built a good relationship with my NPS rep over the years and suggest everyone do the same.
