Finally in the Zf game, looking for recommendations for a stick on grip that helps the ergonomics. I have a Smallrig but I don’t have the desire to make the camera any larger/taller overall. I’ve used similar on the Zfc in the past that made a big difference. The Zfc has a different configuration though, so I’m wondering in the rear grip that seems slightly more popular is enough or if something to augment the front grip is helpful as well? Anyone use anything similar?
There is a thread comparing grips, but I cant find it. Anyway I prefer to use my Zf as it is, unless a very heavy lens is atached, then I use the smallrig.
I settled on the Smallrig personally after trying pretty much every option available in the US. I have a like new Nikon Japanese grip if you are interested in trying that, it's the smallest one available.
Small Rig here. I just noticed the IWood thumb piece and I’m thinking about trying that. That’d keep it smaller but I’m guessing it’d only be ok with the smallest lenses.
The Small Rig half case really transformed the handling for me. It adds the much needed thumb grip, a very slight addition/reshaping to the front grip, and a grippier material overall. It doesn't really change the profile or size/weight of the camera like the other grips I tried did.
This one looks nice, but it seems a bit high up on the camera for where my thumb wants to rest naturally (tip vs mid finger). Also not a fan of adhering things to my camera unless I am really sold on it. https://www.kamerakraft.com/product-page/zf-thumb-rest
rps_23 wrote:
The Small Rig half case really transformed the handling for me. It adds the much needed thumb grip, a very slight addition/reshaping to the front grip, and a grippier material overall. It doesn't really change the profile or size/weight of the camera like the other grips I tried did.
This one looks nice, but it seems a bit high up on the camera for where my thumb wants to rest naturally (tip vs mid finger). Also not a fan of adhering things to my camera unless I am really sold on it. https://www.kamerakraft.com/product-page/zf-thumb-rest
That half-case looks realy nice. It doesnt make the camera much bigger?
Thanks for surfacing the previous thread, I gave it a new read to make sure I hadn’t forgotten anything but every post but 1 was about the plate based grips, which are a hard no for me. Anything making the camera even larger are no goes. But the comments around the back thumb grip greatly helping probably make it worth a shot.
I found a black aluminum stick on thumb grip for sale on eBay, going to give it a try and see how it feels. Worth $20 to see if it can make a $1500 camera more tolerable.
Congratulations on this wonderful camera. Why not take some time to get used to the body first? In my opinion, there’s no need for an additional grip, but it does require a different handling technique that many modern photographers aren’t used to.
In short, you should support the weight of the camera with your left hand, not your right.
Unpopular opinion: if you're looking for a grip, get another camera, notably the Z5II.
The Zf is designed to mimic the shooting experience of the classic consumer film bodies (FE/FA). Those were consumer bodies for casual film photographers who would expose maybe 2-3 rolls (~100 shots) per trip/vacation. Infrequent. Low volume. No heavy lenses, a typical f/1.8 Nikkor from those times would be under 200g. These cameras would hang on one's neck strap, they weren't designed to be carried and operated by one hand.
If you use Zf this way, you'll never miss a grip.
But if you're feeling you need a grip, the Zf with a grip still won't compete with the Z5/Z6. It will be heavier, less comfortable, and less balanced. The Zf's body is just too wide, with the center of mass further to the left than traditional bodies. You need two hands to use Zf the way it was intended.
I bought the Zf-GR1 grip and it only confirmed what I've written above. I used it for 30 minutes and haven't touched since.
Old-gregg has a point. Im using the Zf in the same way as my Nikon FM2/FA bodies, maybe that is way I dont use the extra grip.
That said, yesterday I got the SmallRig half case which rps-23 pointed me to. Mainly as protection and because it seemed to not add to much to the over all size,
Not sure how I feel about the change in grip, but will try it out today..
Yeah, I hate neck straps though, so that means I’m carrying my camera in my right hand when I’m out and about. When I had the Zf the grip was a must. But it’s also why I eventually sold my Zf. Mostly it was the weight - it’s too heavy for these kinds of ergonomics. I have a Zfc as a secondary body now for when I want the retro feel, and I still use the Smallrig grip with that, but it’s small and light enough that it feels good even for extended shooting.
HendrikV wrote:
Congratulations on this wonderful camera. Why not take some time to get used to the body first? In my opinion, there’s no need for an additional grip, but it does require a different handling technique that many modern photographers aren’t used to.
In short, you should support the weight of the camera with your left hand, not your right.
After having used the Zf exclusively with the SmallRig grip for months, I surprisingly favour the handling of the naked camera now. However, this is with an aftermarket thumb rest and lighter lenses (up to about 500 g). With lenses like the Sigma 35/1.2 I, an add-on grip is a must.
