Thoughts on ZR vs ZF for travel, and Viltrox Airs
p.1 #1Thoughts on ZR vs ZF for travel, and Viltrox Airs
Family trip over the last several days, good chance to put my new ZR through its paces, along with my compact lens trio- Viltrox 20, Nikon 40, and Viltrox 50.
I also brought the trusty 7A 35/1.4, but it stayed in the hotel most days, just easier to carry the lighter lenses with AF.
Thoughts-
The ZF is certainly easier to get great shots with in all conditions, especially bright sunlight.
The ZR is stealthy. People literally think it's a point and shoot. I've been able to get some wonderful images and video with it, although truth be told I will fully admit I'm not pushing the video capabilities over what my ZF can do.
The ZR's lighter weight and lack of a finder makes it pack and carry easier.
The Viltrox Air lenses are truly excellent. The 50 isn't particularly exciting, there have been a few moments where I feel I would have enjoyed the images more from my 50/1.4Z, but I've still gotten good stuff from the MUCH smaller Viltrox.
The 40Z has been great. I grabbed another copy a few days before the trip when I saw one cheap at a local store, and was able to try it on the ZR. I could immediately see better performance than the SE that came with my ZF, so I jumped on it. It's basically converted me, I'm not sure I will keep looking for a daily carry 35 anymore.
NZR_0809 by chris lynch, on Flickr
DSC_7737 by chris lynch, on Flickr
DSC_7743 by chris lynch, on Flickr
DSC_7746 by chris lynch, on Flickr
DSC_7748 by chris lynch, on Flickr
DSC_7792 by chris lynch, on Flickr
I'm REALLY happy with that one lol
DSC_7827 by chris lynch, on Flickr
DSC_7837 by chris lynch, on Flickr
Viltrox 50 killing it
PXL_20260307_090811522 by chris lynch, on Flickr
Dynamic duo with the Viltrox's, with Myanmar and Laos behind them at the Golden Triangle.
DSC_7892 by chris lynch, on Flickr
DSC_7910 by chris lynch, on Flickr
PXL_20260307_115339216 by chris lynch, on Flickr
I also brought the trusty 7A 35/1.4, but it stayed in the hotel most days, just easier to carry the lighter lenses with AF.
Thoughts-
The ZF is certainly easier to get great shots with in all conditions, especially bright sunlight.
The ZR is stealthy. People literally think it's a point and shoot. I've been able to get some wonderful images and video with it, although truth be told I will fully admit I'm not pushing the video capabilities over what my ZF can do.
The ZR's lighter weight and lack of a finder makes it pack and carry easier.
The Viltrox Air lenses are truly excellent. The 50 isn't particularly exciting, there have been a few moments where I feel I would have enjoyed the images more from my 50/1.4Z, but I've still gotten good stuff from the MUCH smaller Viltrox.
The 40Z has been great. I grabbed another copy a few days before the trip when I saw one cheap at a local store, and was able to try it on the ZR. I could immediately see better performance than the SE that came with my ZF, so I jumped on it. It's basically converted me, I'm not sure I will keep looking for a daily carry 35 anymore.
NZR_0809 by chris lynch, on FlickrDSC_7737 by chris lynch, on FlickrDSC_7743 by chris lynch, on FlickrDSC_7746 by chris lynch, on FlickrDSC_7748 by chris lynch, on FlickrDSC_7792 by chris lynch, on FlickrI'm REALLY happy with that one lol
DSC_7827 by chris lynch, on FlickrDSC_7837 by chris lynch, on FlickrViltrox 50 killing it
PXL_20260307_090811522 by chris lynch, on FlickrDynamic duo with the Viltrox's, with Myanmar and Laos behind them at the Golden Triangle.
DSC_7892 by chris lynch, on FlickrDSC_7910 by chris lynch, on FlickrPXL_20260307_115339216 by chris lynch, on FlickrMar 08, 2026 at 01:52 AM
p.1 #2Thoughts on ZR vs ZF for travel, and Viltrox Airs
Very nice shots! Quick question: In the pic of the cameras, what strap is that on the Zf?
Mar 23, 2026 at 07:55 AM
p.1 #4Thoughts on ZR vs ZF for travel, and Viltrox Airs
How do you like the bokeh of those lenses?
Mar 23, 2026 at 02:21 PM
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p.1 #5Thoughts on ZR vs ZF for travel, and Viltrox Airs
Xysterz wrote:
Very nice shots! Quick question: In the pic of the cameras, what strap is that on the Zf?
Thank you! It's the Peak Design "Form" leather strap. I posted about it a few months back, it's amazing. I love it. I have one for every camera of mine at this point.
Very nice shots! Quick question: In the pic of the cameras, what strap is that on the Zf?
Thank you! It's the Peak Design "Form" leather strap. I posted about it a few months back, it's amazing. I love it. I have one for every camera of mine at this point.
Mar 23, 2026 at 04:22 PM
p.1 #6Thoughts on ZR vs ZF for travel, and Viltrox Airs
NickThenotTexan wrote:
How do you like the bokeh of those lenses?
The 20 Air doesn't really have any bokeh, as it's a 20/2.8.
The 50/2 is ok- a little busy.
Truth be told, neither of these lenses would be my first choice for image quality and overall "look", but they are REALLY good for the price and size; they are super easy to travel with, and "get the shot" vs not bringing a camera and lenses.
How do you like the bokeh of those lenses?
The 20 Air doesn't really have any bokeh, as it's a 20/2.8.
The 50/2 is ok- a little busy.
Truth be told, neither of these lenses would be my first choice for image quality and overall "look", but they are REALLY good for the price and size; they are super easy to travel with, and "get the shot" vs not bringing a camera and lenses.
Mar 23, 2026 at 04:25 PM
p.1 #7Thoughts on ZR vs ZF for travel, and Viltrox Airs
thanks! i'll have to check it out!
Mar 24, 2026 at 08:09 AM
p.1 #8Thoughts on ZR vs ZF for travel, and Viltrox Airs
Great travel shots. You're making me think about the ZR more.. I didn't even think of how stealthy it would be as a "point and shoot". Probably even stealthier than a Z50ii, plus the video on it is great
Mar 24, 2026 at 10:58 AM