p.1 #1 · What F mount lenses are worth picking up, for the Z platform?
I have a Z5 that came with an FTZ adapter. I'm wondering if there are any F mount lenses that are substantially better value than their Z mount counterparts, that you all think are worth picking up?
p.1 #3 · What F mount lenses are worth picking up, for the Z platform?
AF-D lenses work in MF.
lzrmo0s wrote:
I'm wondering if there are any F mount lenses that are substantially better value than their Z mount counterparts
Some F-mount AF-S lenses are not available with Z-mount at present (e.g., f/1.4 primes, 200/2, 300/2.8, 300/4 PF, 500/5.6 PF, 120-300/2.8, 180-400/4).
If you look at Nikon lenses available both in F- and Z- mount, I'd suggest the AF-S 70-200/2.8 FL and the AF-S Micro 105/2.8G VR; both are very good, even on higher res cameras, and can be found in the 2nd hand market, in like-new conditions, for half the money required to buy the Z-mount counterparts.
Highly specialized Nikkor lenses (new and/or used) are available only in F-mount: AF ED Micro-Nikkor 200/4 IF (it's discontinued and doesn't AF on Z bodies though, but it can be used in MF) and PC (tilt & shift) lenses.
Finally, there are so many MF lenses (Nikkor, Zeiss, Voigtlander, etc.) that can be adapted through FTZ. Some of those third-party lenses outperform even Nikon S counterparts.
However, to provide more precise suggestions, I need to know which are the lenses you intend to use the most.
p.1 #4 · What F mount lenses are worth picking up, for the Z platform?
Obviously depends on what you want to shoot, how sensitive you are to weight and awkward ergonomics with the adapter and if you can find a good deal used. That said I would look into the following:
- f/1.8G primes are all solid, though not as good as the Z f/1.8S versions. So really a price / performance question..
- AF-S 60mm f/2.8 Micro is better than the Z 50mm f/2.8
- AF-P 70-300mm (make sure it’s the FX version)
- AF-S 70-200mm f/4
- Sigma Art series and 100-400mm contemporary
- Tamron G2 series and 35mm f/1.4 SP
There are also some „special“ f/1.4 Nikkors like the 28mm E, 105mm E and 58mm G. But they are on the more expensive side.
p.1 #7 · What F mount lenses are worth picking up, for the Z platform?
It becomes somewhat subjective regarding your IQ needs but I would say any F mount lens that you were satisfied with on F mount will likely have just as good IQ on Z mount.
I’m in a similar situation as I have a Z9 and use the FTZ. While I plan to add Z mount lenses in the future, I don’t find an urgent need as my F mount zooms and primes perform to my satisfaction with the adapter and I have many.
There are many opinions about Z lens superiority but that doesn’t make the F mount lenses perform any less than they did on DSLR’s.
I wouldn’t hesitate to use a G or E version lens with the FTZ.
p.1 #8 · What F mount lenses are worth picking up, for the Z platform?
Some F-mount AF-S lenses are not available with Z-mount at present (e.g., f/1.4 primes, 200/2, 300/2.8, 300/4 PF, 500/5.6 PF, 120-300/2.8, 180-400/4).
If you look at Nikon lenses available both in F- and Z- mount, I'd suggest the AF-S 70-200/2.8 FL and the AF-S Micro 105/2.8G VR; both are very good, even on higher res cameras, and can be found in the 2nd hand market, in like-new conditions, for half the money required to buy the Z-mount counterparts.
Highly specialized Nikkor lenses (new and/or used) are available only in F-mount: AF ED Micro-Nikkor 200/4 IF (it's discontinued and doesn't AF on Z bodies though, but it can be used in MF) and PC (tilt & shift) lenses.
Finally, there are so many MF lenses (Nikkor, Zeiss, Voigtlander, etc.) that can be adapted through FTZ. Some of those third-party lenses outperform even Nikon S counterparts.
However, to provide more precise suggestions, I need to know which are the lenses you intend to use the most....Show more →
Thanks for all the suggestions all! I'm looking for a a lens with reach, something like the 70-200 you recommended or a 70-300 would fit the bill. On the other end of the spectrum, I would be interested in an UWA lens for landscapes/astro. I was eyeing the 14-24 Nikon F lens, or something like it.
p.1 #9 · What F mount lenses are worth picking up, for the Z platform?
Based on the criteria mentioned 85mm 1.8G and 70-200mm F2.8 E FL come to mind.
Problem is I haven't used the Z mount versions so it'd be based on the F mount reputation and price savings against awkwardness of the adapter and benefits of the new lens.
p.1 #10 · What F mount lenses are worth picking up, for the Z platform?
Really any optically well regarded AF-S D/G/E lens is a better value than the S mount lenses because of the cost so it really comes down to your shooting needs, budget, and reticence to use adapters. I'm very happy with my 58G and old manual focus primes and don't want the cost of something like the 50 1.2 S even though it's a great lens.
I’ve shot/owned all of the above lenses in the past 12 months and found them incredibly sharp.
Out of the above list, I currently have the following lenses still in my kit:
Sigma 28mm 1.4 Art
Nikon 200mm 2.0 VRII
Nikon 300mm 2.8 VRII
The 50mm 1.8G was the sole lens I picked up, and was underwhelmed with sharpness wise. Rendition and color were wonderful…. Also, I knew it wasn’t the sharpest lens when I bought it, but wanted a cheap 50mm for our trip.
If you have any questions on a specific lens above ask away.
p.1 #12 · What F mount lenses are worth picking up, for the Z platform?
lzrmo0s wrote:
Thanks for all the suggestions all! I'm looking for a a lens with reach, something like the 70-200 you recommended or a 70-300 would fit the bill. On the other end of the spectrum, I would be interested in an UWA lens for landscapes/astro. I was eyeing the 14-24 Nikon F lens, or something like it.
I own the 14-30/4 S and I find it's a good lens. I own a Zeiss ZF.2 21/2.8 too, which is (not surprisingly) a better (but less versatile) lens; I've never used it for astro though.
p.1 #13 · What F mount lenses are worth picking up, for the Z platform?
The 500mm PF lens is very good lens to use with the Z cameras and there is nothing comparable with the S lenses. Also there are only f-mount PC-E lenses and so I continue to use mine with the FTZ adapter.
