Opinions on Nikon Z50II?
p.3 #1Opinions on Nikon Z50II?
Ripolini wrote:
Spending more than US$1500 to photograph Christmas decorations may be fun for some people.
Same logic as North Americans who drive giant SUVs because they need the extra space for buying furniture, when all I see in Rome is Fiat 500!
Spending more than US$1500 to photograph Christmas decorations may be fun for some people.
Same logic as North Americans who drive giant SUVs because they need the extra space for buying furniture, when all I see in Rome is Fiat 500!
Jan 05, 2026 at 06:51 AM
p.3 #2Opinions on Nikon Z50II?
ekam wrote:
Same logic as North Americans who drive giant SUVs because they need the extra space for buying furniture, when all I see in Rome is Fiat 500!
Yes, you know, Rome was founded 27 centuries ago, so we have narrow streets and we need small cars, even old ones!
P.S.: even the old lenses still work.
FIAT 500; NIKON Z6 w/AI 50/1.4
Same logic as North Americans who drive giant SUVs because they need the extra space for buying furniture, when all I see in Rome is Fiat 500!
Yes, you know, Rome was founded 27 centuries ago, so we have narrow streets and we need small cars, even old ones!
P.S.: even the old lenses still work.
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Jan 05, 2026 at 09:37 AM
p.3 #3Opinions on Nikon Z50II?
Ripolini wrote:
Yes, you know, Rome was founded 27 centuries ago, so we have narrow streets and we need small cars, even old ones!
P.S.: even the old lenses still work.
https://download.nikonimagespace.com/a411e260b423b017e4ecdefc2e03cd5e/Roma_20220212_14_1600px.jpg
FIAT 500; NIKON Z6 w/AI 50/1.4
I'm not sure if I can fit into that as I am 190cm, but I fit in my Abarth just fine.
FIAT 500 ABARTH; NIKON Z9 w/24-70/2.8
Edited on Jan 05, 2026 at 10:35 AM · View previous versions
Yes, you know, Rome was founded 27 centuries ago, so we have narrow streets and we need small cars, even old ones!
P.S.: even the old lenses still work.
https://download.nikonimagespace.com/a411e260b423b017e4ecdefc2e03cd5e/Roma_20220212_14_1600px.jpg
I'm not sure if I can fit into that as I am 190cm, but I fit in my Abarth just fine.
Edited on Jan 05, 2026 at 10:35 AM · View previous versions
Jan 05, 2026 at 10:25 AM
p.3 #4Opinions on Nikon Z50II?
Ripolini wrote:
Spending more than US$1500 to photograph Christmas decorations may be fun for some people.
But this is a technical section of the forum, so it's perfectly legitimate to discuss the features of a camera in a 3D entitled "Opinions on Z50II", what we like and what we don't like, right?
Do you know what "confirmation bias" is? Technical sections of forums aren't necessarily "echo chambers".
Wow, you really think you are the arbitrator of opinion here.
bcaslis wrote
... everyone wants to get caught up in a spec war... I wasn't interested in the Z50 II because it didn't have IBIS for a year. But the new lenses tempted me to try it and I'm amazed at the amount of fun it is to use. I started the thread to see if others have discovered this also, but like every camera forum it has devolved into a "it has to have the ultimate specs to be good enough for me". I thought the purpose of photography was to have fun!But this is a technical section of the forum, so it's perfectly legitimate to discuss the features of a camera in a 3D entitled "Opinions on Z50II", what we like and what we don't like, right?
Do you know what "confirmation bias" is? Technical sections of forums aren't necessarily "echo chambers".
Wow, you really think you are the arbitrator of opinion here.
Jan 05, 2026 at 10:33 AM
p.3 #5Opinions on Nikon Z50II?
StanOPhoto wrote:
ISO1600 wrote
StanOPhoto wrote
ISO1600 wrote
Well yeah, but I have IBIS now and I don't want a camera without it lolStanOPhoto wrote
ISO1600 wrote
I keep thinking about getting a DX Z camera, but the lack of IBIS bugs me. I like to shoot primes and most that aren't telephotos lack VR/OIS, which would make it a sub-par experience compared to all the full frame Z bodies.Talking about IBIS in an entry-level camera is silly, especially when Nikon left it out to cost of entry down. The Z50ii offers so much bang for your buck. I just wish Nikon would release a D500 replacement that is larger and can use a vertical grip.
An entry level body, paired with cheap third party fast primes and IBIS, can get images (and video!!!) that looks far better than a phone.
Just because it's not how you shoot doesn't mean it's not needed.
That's exactly my point though... And I said it in my first comment in this thread. I don't want any of the DX zooms. Maybe I'm mistaken, but I don't think any of the shorter FL z primes have VR either.
I would probably wind up getting one DX super zoom with VR, but I like the small fast third party lenses available for Z (in dx format).
Jan 06, 2026 at 04:37 AM
p.3 #6Opinions on Nikon Z50II?
And let's imagine to add a Z 70-180 to the DX 16-50/2.8 VR for a comlete, lightweight f/2.8 travel set ...
We could buy the Z-mount Tamron G2, but I much prefer Nikon service to Tamron's, at least in my country.
We could buy the Z-mount Tamron G2, but I much prefer Nikon service to Tamron's, at least in my country.
Jan 06, 2026 at 05:16 AM
p.3 #7Opinions on Nikon Z50II?
Ripolini wrote:
And let's imagine to add a Z 70-180 to the DX 16-50/2.8 VR for a comlete, lightweight f/2.8 travel set ...
We could buy the Z-mount Tamron G2, but I much prefer Nikon service to Tamron's, at least in my country.
The Tamron G2 has VC ( their equivalent of Nikon’s VR) while the Nikon 70-180 doesn’t have VR. This is more relevant on the Z50ii than it is on Nikon’s FX Z bodies that have IBIS.
And let's imagine to add a Z 70-180 to the DX 16-50/2.8 VR for a comlete, lightweight f/2.8 travel set ...
We could buy the Z-mount Tamron G2, but I much prefer Nikon service to Tamron's, at least in my country.
The Tamron G2 has VC ( their equivalent of Nikon’s VR) while the Nikon 70-180 doesn’t have VR. This is more relevant on the Z50ii than it is on Nikon’s FX Z bodies that have IBIS.
Jan 06, 2026 at 07:23 AM
p.3 #8Opinions on Nikon Z50II?
pwschladen wrote:
The Tamron G2 has VC ( their equivalent of Nikon’s VR) while the Nikon 70-180 doesn’t have VR. This is more relevant on the Z50ii than it is on Nikon’s FX Z bodies that have IBIS.
Thank you for translating what I meant (I thought it was clear enough, but probably it wasn't). You forgot to translate the second part of my phrase though.
I rephrase it differently. Why should a DX user be forced to buy a 3rd party, Z-mount 70-180/200 lightweight lens to get VR?
In other words, suppose you have a Z8 and a Nikkor Z 70-180/2.8 lens. You buy the Z50II, as the person who started this 3D did, and you can't use the 70-180 in the same way you did with the Z8, with the added complication that on the DX body you have a 105-270 equivalent...
The Tamron G2 has VC ( their equivalent of Nikon’s VR) while the Nikon 70-180 doesn’t have VR. This is more relevant on the Z50ii than it is on Nikon’s FX Z bodies that have IBIS.
Thank you for translating what I meant (I thought it was clear enough, but probably it wasn't). You forgot to translate the second part of my phrase though.
I rephrase it differently. Why should a DX user be forced to buy a 3rd party, Z-mount 70-180/200 lightweight lens to get VR?
In other words, suppose you have a Z8 and a Nikkor Z 70-180/2.8 lens. You buy the Z50II, as the person who started this 3D did, and you can't use the 70-180 in the same way you did with the Z8, with the added complication that on the DX body you have a 105-270 equivalent...
Jan 06, 2026 at 08:22 AM
p.3 #9Opinions on Nikon Z50II?
Realistically, the ZFc (or ZFc II) is more what I'm looking for since I'd be pairing it with my ZF.
I would like it to act as a "little brother" to the big heavy ZF, mounting smaller and lighter lenses on it. There are SOOO many cool 3rd party primes for DX Z mount, the Viltrox Airs, 7A and TTA both have options.... and none of those lenses have VR/OIS.
I mostly use my "real cameras" when I'm travelling, or out of the house on the weekends going into the city or riding my motorcycle. I like to shoot in low light, handheld, and VR/IBIS help in those cases tremendously. I know there's a LOT of photographers who would rather not carry a tripod, rather not use a superzoom, and essentially have the same or similar shooting habits to me.
Look at the tremendous popularity of cameras like the X100 and GR. this is largely because they are small, have a reasonably fast lens, and can give much higher-quality images than a phone. I want similar lenses/capabilities from a slightly-more-capable camera (ZFc, Z30, Z50/etc).
I would like it to act as a "little brother" to the big heavy ZF, mounting smaller and lighter lenses on it. There are SOOO many cool 3rd party primes for DX Z mount, the Viltrox Airs, 7A and TTA both have options.... and none of those lenses have VR/OIS.
I mostly use my "real cameras" when I'm travelling, or out of the house on the weekends going into the city or riding my motorcycle. I like to shoot in low light, handheld, and VR/IBIS help in those cases tremendously. I know there's a LOT of photographers who would rather not carry a tripod, rather not use a superzoom, and essentially have the same or similar shooting habits to me.
Look at the tremendous popularity of cameras like the X100 and GR. this is largely because they are small, have a reasonably fast lens, and can give much higher-quality images than a phone. I want similar lenses/capabilities from a slightly-more-capable camera (ZFc, Z30, Z50/etc).
Jan 06, 2026 at 05:46 PM
p.3 #10Opinions on Nikon Z50II?
I just picked up a Z50ii, and I'm a big fan of it. I love how easy it is to shoot with one hand. It is just fun to use, and I forgot how awesome it is to use a smaller crop sensor for my walkaround camera. My favorite little camera bag, the Ona Bowery, can take the Z50ii with lens mounted and at least 2 other lenses. I currently have the 16-50 kit lens and 24 1.7 nikon and trying to decide what else to get for it. I think when I'm on the road next month, I'm going to bring the 24-120 f4, 16-50 kit, 24 1.7, 14-30 f4, the Z8 and Z50ii. Perhaps a 50 1.8 S to round out the midrange focal length for primes.
I thought I would miss having an AF joystick on it, but I am finding the directional pad works pretty well as a substitute. The n-log video on it looks great.
I don't care that it doesn't have IBIS myself, as I don't use it for video (I turn it off on my Z8 and Z9 for video), especially considering IBIS would add weight, cost and potentially size to the package. 24 mp would be nice, but in the real world, the difference between a 20 mp and 24 mp file isn't very much, when this is going to be for mostly travel snapshots.
I thought I would miss having an AF joystick on it, but I am finding the directional pad works pretty well as a substitute. The n-log video on it looks great.
I don't care that it doesn't have IBIS myself, as I don't use it for video (I turn it off on my Z8 and Z9 for video), especially considering IBIS would add weight, cost and potentially size to the package. 24 mp would be nice, but in the real world, the difference between a 20 mp and 24 mp file isn't very much, when this is going to be for mostly travel snapshots.
Mar 28, 2026 at 09:17 PM
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p.3 #11Opinions on Nikon Z50II?
just got one and it's a lot of fun to play with. dirt cheap compared to fuji alternatives. pretty good af-c.
remember that thing as teenagers where you'd add '...in the bedroom' or something silly to every sentence? imo z50ii (apsc really) discussions should have 'in good light' as a sticker on every post.
so, imo, wonderfully built camera body, better than expected kit lenses but not awesome...but needs good light.
remember that thing as teenagers where you'd add '...in the bedroom' or something silly to every sentence? imo z50ii (apsc really) discussions should have 'in good light' as a sticker on every post.
so, imo, wonderfully built camera body, better than expected kit lenses but not awesome...but needs good light.
Mar 28, 2026 at 10:03 PM
p.3 #12Opinions on Nikon Z50II?
bcaslis wrote:
I'm happy to buy a camera that produces great images and is a pleasure to use. The age of the sensor is irrelevant to that. And IBIS is not dependent on the sensor, it's dependent on the housing of the sensor.
Why do all gear discussion devolve into having the best specs? I have a Z8 also which is better in every way to the Z50 II except for size, and that size is a large part of why the Z50 II is so much fun.
Yeah 20mp with reasonable shutter speeds, I don't think it's necessary either. I've owned the Z30, Z50 and ZFC and the Z50ii is by far the most fun camera out of all of them. I wasn't sure if the Z50ii was worth the premium over the other crop bodies, but it's a camera that is much more impressive than its spec sheet. Plus having 4k n-log and a 2 hour recording time in such a tiny body is amazing.
I find that I take more photos with the Z50ii than I do with my Z8 around the house, mainly because it always seems a little silly to use such a beast of a camera to take random pics of a squirrel outside or a self portrait with my cat. The faster processor just makes the Z50ii easier to use. Image review, menus, AF etc. I hope Nikon comes out with a 16mm prime with a similar form factor to the 24mm, as I'm wary to get a Viltrox for fear that Nikon makes it incompatible with a firmware update..
I'm happy to buy a camera that produces great images and is a pleasure to use. The age of the sensor is irrelevant to that. And IBIS is not dependent on the sensor, it's dependent on the housing of the sensor.
Why do all gear discussion devolve into having the best specs? I have a Z8 also which is better in every way to the Z50 II except for size, and that size is a large part of why the Z50 II is so much fun.
Yeah 20mp with reasonable shutter speeds, I don't think it's necessary either. I've owned the Z30, Z50 and ZFC and the Z50ii is by far the most fun camera out of all of them. I wasn't sure if the Z50ii was worth the premium over the other crop bodies, but it's a camera that is much more impressive than its spec sheet. Plus having 4k n-log and a 2 hour recording time in such a tiny body is amazing.
I find that I take more photos with the Z50ii than I do with my Z8 around the house, mainly because it always seems a little silly to use such a beast of a camera to take random pics of a squirrel outside or a self portrait with my cat. The faster processor just makes the Z50ii easier to use. Image review, menus, AF etc. I hope Nikon comes out with a 16mm prime with a similar form factor to the 24mm, as I'm wary to get a Viltrox for fear that Nikon makes it incompatible with a firmware update..
Mar 29, 2026 at 09:35 PM
p.3 #13Opinions on Nikon Z50II?
I had the Viltrox 75 1.2 for Fuji and would LOVE that for the Z50ii. Need this current hullaballoo to pass for me feel ok spending 2x their Air series lenses though. Do have 35 1.7 Viltrox and man oh man it totally wakes this camera up vs the kit zooms! As said by others fast compact primes on a nice apsc body are just plain fun.
Mar 30, 2026 at 06:06 AM
p.3 #14Opinions on Nikon Z50II?
Superscroll wrote:
I had the Viltrox 75 1.2 for Fuji and would LOVE that for the Z50ii. Need this current hullaballoo to pass for me feel ok spending 2x their Air series lenses though. Do have 35 1.7 Viltrox and man oh man it totally wakes this camera up vs the kit zooms! As said by others fast compact primes on a nice apsc body are just plain fun.
Wow, thanks for the recos on that.
I am just wary of Nikon suddenly bricking them with a firmware update. The 75 1.2 looks incredible, like verging on the 105 1.4 in terms of rendering.
I had the Viltrox 75 1.2 for Fuji and would LOVE that for the Z50ii. Need this current hullaballoo to pass for me feel ok spending 2x their Air series lenses though. Do have 35 1.7 Viltrox and man oh man it totally wakes this camera up vs the kit zooms! As said by others fast compact primes on a nice apsc body are just plain fun.
Wow, thanks for the recos on that.
I am just wary of Nikon suddenly bricking them with a firmware update. The 75 1.2 looks incredible, like verging on the 105 1.4 in terms of rendering.
Mar 30, 2026 at 07:11 PM
p.3 #15Opinions on Nikon Z50II?
I think the 75/105 (112 I guess?) focal length really is versatile.
Mar 30, 2026 at 08:06 PM
p.3 #16Opinions on Nikon Z50II?
sungphoto wrote:
Superscroll wrote
I had the Viltrox 75 1.2 for Fuji and would LOVE that for the Z50ii. Need this current hullaballoo to pass for me feel ok spending 2x their Air series lenses though. Do have 35 1.7 Viltrox and man oh man it totally wakes this camera up vs the kit zooms! As said by others fast compact primes on a nice apsc body are just plain fun.I am just wary of Nikon suddenly bricking them with a firmware update. The 75 1.2 looks incredible, like verging on the 105 1.4 in terms of rendering.
I don’t believe Nikon would do that. Even if they block Viltrox from future production it would be incredibly bad form to render people’s lenses useless. Canon hasn’t even done that with Samyang lenses and they halted their production years ago.
Also, Nikon firmware updates are reversible, so you can downgrade to a previous firmware if they ever did take that egregious step.
Mar 30, 2026 at 10:49 PM
p.3 #17Opinions on Nikon Z50II?
sungphoto wrote:
Wow, thanks for the recos on that.
I am just wary of Nikon suddenly bricking them with a firmware update. The 75 1.2 looks incredible, like verging on the 105 1.4 in terms of rendering.
People really need to read up on lawsuits before worrying about things like this. The lawsuit is for a patent threat on Nikon's mount during a pending but protected patent decision. Viltrox owes Nikon licensing compensation, just like every other third party brand pays to Sony, Leica, and Nikon. The lawsuit is a requirement of Patent Law - one must actively defend your patent or you lose any protection a patent provides.
If Viltrox does not pay, Nikon won't brick old lenses, Viltrox just won't be able to make new ones.
Superscroll wrote
I had the Viltrox 75 1.2 for Fuji and would LOVE that for the Z50ii. Need this current hullaballoo to pass for me feel ok spending 2x their Air series lenses though. Do have 35 1.7 Viltrox and man oh man it totally wakes this camera up vs the kit zooms! As said by others fast compact primes on a nice apsc body are just plain fun.I am just wary of Nikon suddenly bricking them with a firmware update. The 75 1.2 looks incredible, like verging on the 105 1.4 in terms of rendering.
People really need to read up on lawsuits before worrying about things like this. The lawsuit is for a patent threat on Nikon's mount during a pending but protected patent decision. Viltrox owes Nikon licensing compensation, just like every other third party brand pays to Sony, Leica, and Nikon. The lawsuit is a requirement of Patent Law - one must actively defend your patent or you lose any protection a patent provides.
If Viltrox does not pay, Nikon won't brick old lenses, Viltrox just won't be able to make new ones.
Apr 01, 2026 at 10:58 AM
p.3 #18Opinions on Nikon Z50II?
StanOPhoto wrote:
Wow, thanks for the recos on that.
I am just wary of Nikon suddenly bricking them with a firmware update. The 75 1.2 looks incredible, like verging on the 105 1.4 in terms of rendering.People really need to read up on lawsuits before worrying about things like this. The lawsuit is for a patent threat on Nikon's mount during a pending but protected patent decision. Viltrox owes Nikon licensing compensation, just like every other third party brand pays to Sony, Leica, and Nikon. The lawsuit is a requirement of Patent Law - one must actively defend your patent or you lose any protection a patent provides.
If Viltrox does not pay, Nikon won't brick old lenses, Viltrox just won't be able to make new ones.
I'd rather just buy 1st party lenses and not have a bunch of what ifs looming on functionality. No offense I trust legal speculation on forums about as much as I do anything on forums. There is no guarantee that the lenses won't get bricked in some way.
sungphoto wrote
Superscroll wrote
I had the Viltrox 75 1.2 for Fuji and would LOVE that for the Z50ii. Need this current hullaballoo to pass for me feel ok spending 2x their Air series lenses though. Do have 35 1.7 Viltrox and man oh man it totally wakes this camera up vs the kit zooms! As said by others fast compact primes on a nice apsc body are just plain fun.I am just wary of Nikon suddenly bricking them with a firmware update. The 75 1.2 looks incredible, like verging on the 105 1.4 in terms of rendering.
If Viltrox does not pay, Nikon won't brick old lenses, Viltrox just won't be able to make new ones.
I'd rather just buy 1st party lenses and not have a bunch of what ifs looming on functionality. No offense I trust legal speculation on forums about as much as I do anything on forums. There is no guarantee that the lenses won't get bricked in some way.
Apr 01, 2026 at 11:30 AM
RoamingScott
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p.3 #19Opinions on Nikon Z50II?
This isn't legal advice, it's critical thinking...which, I know is tough
In regards to the 75/1.2, you can easily adapt it to Z.
In regards to the 75/1.2, you can easily adapt it to Z.
Apr 01, 2026 at 11:31 AM
p.3 #20Opinions on Nikon Z50II?
I think someone here needs to buy that 75 and post some shots. I have two from my fuji version hanging on my walls (one home, one in office) and even after many months still enjoy studying them.
Apr 01, 2026 at 04:18 PM