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Any Nikon converts here?
  
 
Xysterz
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p.4 #1 · Any Nikon converts here?


aerospace99 wrote:
Been enjoying the Sony system and my new lens choices. Just for old time sake, I did grab a 58 1.4 and a Commlite adapter for my "character lens" choice on a A7RIII. Actually works pretty good. So I did not totally abandon Nikon. Maybe a 105 and 28 1.4.....hmmmm.

Nice! Does the autofocus work properly? I wouldn't mind using my 50 1.4...
Apr 13, 2026 at 09:00 AM
aerospace99
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p.4 #2 · Any Nikon converts here?


It works ok, but certainly not like a native lens. For portraits and various stills its ok. Eye focus is perfect.

The biggest gripe is that if you are a fair amount off from the required focus, the lens will hesitate to focus. The 58 has a built in manual assist however that negates this problem.

While I am at it, the 58 1.4 on the Sony A7Riii has allowed me to see "the true state of affairs" between the AF accuracy of a earlier Sony vs its Nikon equivalent (Z7II). I have owned several copies of the 58 over many years and run this lens on several DSLRs and mirrorless Nikons and have loads or archived photos. The results I am at getting at sub 2.0 apertures is the best I have seen out of this lens. The iris focus under a variety of conditions is virtually perfect. Typically I would have to stop down to 2.0 or higher but I am using this lens wide open with DXO PL9 with the best results ever. This validates that my decision to move from Nikon to Sony was worth it. Muscle memory for controls is coming along and I am still developing customizations. Have developed my PP methodologies and landed on all of my lens replacements. Could not be happier with my equipment right now. Should have made the switch years ago. The option to add back in some choice Nikon character lenses (lets be clear, Nikon has some winners to be sure) is icing on the cake.

To the OP. HTH

A couple of other points of interest. I was drawn away from Nikon after experimenting with Samyang lenses adapted with a Megadap (I really like the way some of their lenses render). I immediately noted the extra stickiness of eye focus and the additional consistency of iris focus on my Nikon. This has given me some more insights into the AF system. For years I have known that the camera and lens form a system with incredible handshakes between the processors. Some lenses work better than others. When I had a Z7 and a Z7II side by side I could tell differences between Z and F mounts in the way they operated between the cameras (each camera handled Z mounts and F mounts differently, suggesting that the Z7 was setup primarily for adapted F mounts, where as Z7II was optimized for Z mount lenses.). All of this to say that not all of the AF detail is in the camera. The last straw for me was the misses I was getting with the 50 1.2 Nikon in lower light. A huge lens with a super wide aperture, 82mm front element, and still could not always deliver on critical must get the shot situation. I do not see that happening with the Sony. This was Jason Laniers point going all the way back to 2019. If you are serious about pictures of human subjects, the Sony "system" appears to be more precise and consistent in its technology. I am aware of improvements Nikon has made on newer cameras, and found the Zf much better but not perfect. My point is you have to look at the lenses as well for the complete system.

This is why the 58 got my attention. It was a notoriously finicky lens on DSLRs, better on adapted Nikon mirrorless but still had its share of misses at certain distances and light levels. On the Sony, some of those nits have cleared up, suggesting that the AF is more robust (which I do not think anybody disputes that, its just nice to see the results directly).

My Samyang 35 1.4 Series II on a A7RIII will absolutely destroy a Nikon 35 1.4Z on a Z7II as an example. For rendering, AF accuracy in low light, bokeh.....there are other lens comparisons but I will let it drop from here.
Apr 14, 2026 at 05:43 PM
Xysterz
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p.4 #3 · Any Nikon converts here?


Thanks for the insights! I was also looking at the Monster LA-FE1 adapter, but you've helped me have much more realistic expectations.
Apr 15, 2026 at 04:12 PM
ramesesthe2nd
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p.4 #4 · Any Nikon converts here?


I’ve been using the Nikon Zf for a few weeks now, and yesterday I picked up my X100VI again for my nephew’s birthday. It immediately reminded me how light and fun it is to shoot with. I don’t think the Zf can replace the X100VI for me. The portability and true point‑and‑shoot nature of the X100VI just can’t be matched by an ILC in my opinion.

The problem now is that I really enjoy the Zf too, and I don’t want to juggle a full Sony kit, a Nikon kit, and the X100VI. That’s just too many cameras and lenses for me as a hobbyist.


May 03, 2026 at 09:36 AM
EB-1
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p.4 #5 · Any Nikon converts here?


I use Sony because of the 61MP sensor. Nikon AF is very good assuming Z9 or Z8 and modern lenses and Nikon should have a Z9 II soon enough. The full line of Nikkor teles are unmatched.
I suggest renting any gear from other systems. Coming fron Nikon and Canon (each 25+ years, though only partly overlapped) Sony is the most uncomfortable to use for full-sized, human hands, though they are getting better. Sony does have the best sensors and they have 3 control dials unlike Nikon with only 2. Canon has the best ergonomics for me (3 dials and many buttons accessible to the right hand), but a worse sensor.
If you think about the borkahs more than once in blue moon, you might like the open Sony E mount for primes and all that Chinese stuff.

EBH
May 03, 2026 at 10:32 AM
nineblade
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p.4 #6 · Any Nikon converts here?


I'm in both Sony and Nikon camps. Full disclosure, I have a Z8, Z7II, Zf and a A7V, and A7R4. I have never touched an A1II.

Z8 vs. A7V: I don't think the difference in AF performance is enough to warrant you pick one over the other, and especially not to jump ship if you have a firm base planted in 1 ecosystem. I mostly shoot sports... I don't do BIF, which is significantly more difficult (IMO). With Z8, in every cluster of bursts, you will get some pics that are slightly front/back focused. With the A7V, I notice that it's slightly better, but when it misses, I'll get situations where the entire cluster is missed. So for me at least, it's a wash. Lenses, the Z telephoto library is newer and strong. Sony's library of telephotos can be hit or miss, you have to be careful to check which ones are capable of going at full FPS, and the third-party ones are mostly incapable of running at full FPS.

Landscape: The Z7 and A7R series are both amazing for landscape, for different reasons. The Z7 series has native ISO64 base, and the A7R series obviously has that sweet 60MPx sensor. So you pick and choose. The ultrawide and prime selection on Sony is pretty amazing. Nikon's 1.8 primes are amazing. Their 1.2 primes are *huge* and expensive. Sony's prime selection are stellar, 1.2 and 1.4 especially, though some of them really on software correction to fix things like focus breathing. That's all really...

So... I'm in both camps.
May 04, 2026 at 07:24 PM
nineblade
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p.4 #7 · Any Nikon converts here?


old-gregg wrote:
Interesting turn in a conversation! Because you're describing more or less what I've been up to lately. My primary system is the A1+A7R combination with a set of GM primes. I was looking at either the ZF or X100VI to add a more lightweight fixed-lens camera. I had the same reservations regarding ZF's size so I ended up getting both to experiment and compare.

The ZF's ergonomics is absolutely fine if you use it the way FM/FE camers were historically used. Either have it hang on a neck strap, or keep it in a small shoulder bag pulling only to take...Show more →

I don't know if Nikon consciously did this, but it feels like Nikon tickles all those satisfying fidgety stimming needs for photographers. It's like the clicky pen, bubble wrap popping itch that you have to scratch. If you mount a Voigtlander or a Sigma I Series (via adapter)? Good lord that thing will be addictive.
May 04, 2026 at 08:53 PM
old-gregg
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p.4 #8 · Any Nikon converts here?


nineblade wrote:
I don't know if Nikon consciously did this, but it feels like Nikon tickles all those satisfying fidgety stimming needs for photographers. It's like the clicky pen, bubble wrap popping itch that you have to scratch. If you mount a Voigtlander or a Sigma I Series (via adapter)? Good lord that thing will be addictive.


Agreed! Unexpectedly, the Zf instead of being a side quest, survived the honeymoon period, avoided the one-way ticket to the Buy&Sell section on FredMiranda, and ended up becoming my primary camera! :-) The experience of shooting with a Voigtlander (I have the 35mm and 40mm Noktons) is fantastic, and the recently released sub-200g Septon 40mm is a perfect match.

I really hope they will continue polishing it. Most of my asks could be solved with a firmware update, but some will probably have to wait until Zf Mk2:

- Even better manual focus assist, with some kind of a directional needle + distance to perfect focus.
- Focus trap, i.e. have the shutter automatically fire when the focus is achieved.
- Better power management to avoid the EVF dropping into frame-skipping energy-saving mode so quickly.
- Remove the PASM idiocy and adopt the Fuji X-T series' approach to physical dials and software automation.

I am rooting for Nikon to outfuji Fuji.

P.S. Oh, and all of their S-primes under 100mm need to be completely redesigned: made 20% smaller, given aperture rings, and not be housed in PVC pipes. Sorry, couldn't resist.
May 04, 2026 at 09:23 PM
Seabassius
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p.4 #9 · Any Nikon converts here?


old-gregg wrote:
Agreed! Unexpectedly, the Zf instead of being a side quest, survived the honeymoon period, avoided the one-way ticket to the Buy&Sell section on FredMiranda, and ended up becoming my primary camera! :-) The experience of shooting with a Voigtlander (I have the 35mm and 40mm Noktons) is fantastic, and the recently released sub-200g Septon 40mm is a perfect match.

I really hope they will continue polishing it. Most of my asks could be solved with a firmware update, but some will probably have to wait until Zf Mk2:

- Even better manual focus assist, with some kind of a directional needle +...Show more →

Focus trap is doable on the Zf, I just posted some instructions for it on the Zf with manual focus board (I think it was) and Fred confirmed he got it working. It's better with lenses that are higher contrast was his finding I think
May 05, 2026 at 09:55 AM
old-gregg
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p.4 #10 · Any Nikon converts here?


Seabassius wrote:
Focus trap is doable on the Zf, I just posted some instructions for it on the Zf with manual focus board (I think it was) and Fred confirmed he got it working. It's better with lenses that are higher contrast was his finding I think

Maybe I am missing something, but I saw those instructions, they did not work for me and they didn't work for Fred either: the shutter fires regardless of focus (even with a lens cap on). I just checked the last couple of pages on that thread again, looks like this topic was dropped. Am I missing something? Do you mind pointing me at a spot where Fred got it working? His only comment was consisent with my experience. I'd kill to get this feature to work!
May 05, 2026 at 11:07 AM
 


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RoamingScott
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p.4 #11 · Any Nikon converts here?


old-gregg wrote:
Maybe I am missing something, but I saw those instructions, they did not work for me and they didn't work for Fred either: the shutter fires regardless of focus (even with a lens cap on). I just checked the last couple of pages on that thread again, looks like this topic was dropped. Am I missing something? Do you mind pointing me at a spot where Fred got it working? His only comment was consisent with my experience. I'd kill to get this feature to work!

https://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/1828981/60#17030316

As Fred said (reading is important, kids!) it doesn't work with many native or even adapted E lenses, its down to the adapter.
May 05, 2026 at 11:27 AM
old-gregg
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p.4 #12 · Any Nikon converts here?


RoamingScott wrote:
As Fred said (reading is important, kids!) it doesn't work with many native or even adapted E lenses, its down to the adapter.

Nobody said anything about adapters, the Z-mount has its own native manually focused lenses that I need focus trap for. The trick only works with an adapter which masquerades a MF lens as an AF lens, but that's a niche within a niche.
May 05, 2026 at 12:28 PM
Seabassius
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p.4 #13 · Any Nikon converts here?


old-gregg wrote:
Nobody said anything about adapters, the Z-mount has its own native manually focused lenses that I need focus trap for. The trick only works with an adapter which masquerades a MF lens as an AF lens, but that's a niche within a niche.

The problem from what I've read is those report themselves as manual focus so it over-rides the camera being able to trap focus vs. chipped M glass on a ttartisan or other adapter trick the camera into allowing it. I'm paraphrasing what another thread talked about I found in a google search. I don't have any native manual focus z mount just M so it works for me.


May 05, 2026 at 02:07 PM
nineblade
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p.4 #14 · Any Nikon converts here?


old-gregg wrote:
Agreed! Unexpectedly, the Zf instead of being a side quest, survived the honeymoon period, avoided the one-way ticket to the Buy&Sell section on FredMiranda, and ended up becoming my primary camera! :-) The experience of shooting with a Voigtlander (I have the 35mm and 40mm Noktons) is fantastic, and the recently released sub-200g Septon 40mm is a perfect match.

I really hope they will continue polishing it. Most of my asks could be solved with a firmware update, but some will probably have to wait until Zf Mk2:

- Even better manual focus assist, with some kind of a directional needle +...Show more →

I know this is Sony thread, but I don't mind leaving Nikon crumbs all over the Sony fanboy tables



My wishlist for a Zf II would be like:

- Stacked sensor (not like I'd use it, but nice to have. The mechanical shutter sound is too svelte to pass up most of the time)
- 33-36 megapixel
- On the ISO, and shutter speed dials, include an "A" setting to avoid making the setting in the menu. I suppose if this happens, you can finally get rid of the PASM dial
- An adapter with an AF screw drive for AF-D lenses, and an aperture indexing tab for AI-S lenses (would be nice to have but the camera still works without it)
- Low profile lenses with real aperture rings

The shallow handgrip, I can tolerate because I treat it more like a rangefinder style, but might be good to have an official add on handgrip, similar to how Sony A7CR's provide.

Between this and a Z7III, I think there'd be a line around the block for these.
May 06, 2026 at 03:48 PM
nineblade
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p.4 #15 · Any Nikon converts here?


old-gregg wrote:
Agreed! Unexpectedly, the Zf instead of being a side quest, survived the honeymoon period, avoided the one-way ticket to the Buy&Sell section on FredMiranda, and ended up becoming my primary camera! :-) The experience of shooting with a Voigtlander (I have the 35mm and 40mm Noktons) is fantastic, and the recently released sub-200g Septon 40mm is a perfect match.

I really hope they will continue polishing it. Most of my asks could be solved with a firmware update, but some will probably have to wait until Zf Mk2:

- Even better manual focus assist, with some kind of a directional needle +...Show more →

I know this is Sony thread, but I don't mind leaving Nikon crumbs all over the Sony fanboy tables



My wishlist for a Zf II would be like:

- Stacked sensor (not like I'd use it, but nice to have. The mechanical shutter sound is too svelte to pass up most of the time)
- 33-36 megapixel
- On the ISO, and shutter speed dials, include an "A" setting to avoid making the setting in the menu. I suppose if this happens, you can finally get rid of the PASM dial
- An adapter with an AF screw drive for AF-D lenses, and an aperture indexing tab for AI-S lenses (would be nice to have but the camera still works without it)
- Low profile lenses with real aperture rings

The shallow handgrip, I can tolerate because I treat it more like a rangefinder style, but might be good to have an official add on handgrip, similar to how Sony A7CR's provide.

Between this and a Z7III, I think there'd be a line around the block for these.
May 06, 2026 at 03:48 PM
ramesesthe2nd
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p.4 #16 · Any Nikon converts here?


For the Zf II to be a real win for me, a few things need to change:

1. Ergonomics that actually work. Keep the retro charm but fix the grip since the current one is pretty useless.
2. Higher resolution. In 2026, 24MP feels low.
3. A proper green focus box with manual lenses. It should work natively without any adapter tricks.
4. A smaller and lighter body. It would make a big difference even though Nikon likely won’t go in that direction.
5. Better looking lenses. Nikon once made beautiful lenses but most of the current lineup looks like black PVC pipes.
6. Improved build quality. The plastic lens mounts need to go. If Viltrox can use metal mounts on lenses under 200 dollars, Nikon should be able to do the same.

The current Zf is simply more fun to use than Sony bodies in my experience. I wish Sony would release a retro‑styled camera and borrow some of Nikon’s manual‑focus magic, but Sony doesn’t have Nikon’s heritage and manual‑focus features are probably nowhere near the top of their priority list.
May 06, 2026 at 05:07 PM
Logan Nolag
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p.4 #17 · Any Nikon converts here?


My first digital camera was a Nikon D50. I later upgraded to a D7000 and then a D800. I was never happy with the autofocus on the D7000 or D800 which both had notoriously bad AF. I had a full set of professional Nikon lenses. 14-24 f2.8, 24-70 f2.8, 70-200 f2.8, 24 tilt shift, 45 pancake, 50 f1.2, 50 f1.4 G, 105 macro and 300 f2.8.

Sold it all in 2017 and switched to the Sony A7RII a few months before the A7RIII came out which I promptly bought. I later upgraded to a pair of A7RVs and now a single A1II.

At the time it felt like nobody else was taking mirrorless seriously except maybe Fuji with the X/GFX systems. I tried out a GFX50s at the time but it felt really half baked.

I initially got the 16-35 f4 Zeiss, 24-70 f4 Zeiss, 70-200 f4 G, 35 f2.8 Zeiss, 55 f1.8 Zeiss, and 90 f2.8 macro G.

I later replaced the 16-35 f4 Zeiss with the 12-24 f4 G. I then upgraded to the 12-24 f2.8 GM and finally replaced that lens with the 16-35 f2.8 GM II which I currently have.

I at some point replaced my 24-70 f4 Zeiss and 70-200 f4 G with the 24-240. I later sold that lens and got the 24-70 f2.8 GMII and 70-200 f2.8 GMII which I have now replaced with the 28-70 f2 GM and 50-150 f2 GM.

As for the primes I eventually replaced my 35 f2.8 Zeiss with the 40 f2.5 G and I replaced the 55 f1.8 Zeiss with the 50 f1.2 GM. I also owned the 24 f1.4 GM and 135 f1.8 GM at one point. I have since sold all of my primes after getting the 28-70 f2 and 50-150 f2.

I also bought the 200-600 when it came out but have since upgraded to the 400-800.

I also own both TCs.

At my worst with Sony I had the 12-24 f2.8 GM, 16-35 f2.8 GMII, 24-70 f2.8 GMII, 70-200 f2.8 GM II, 200-600 G, 24 f1.4 GM, 40 f2.5 G, 50 f1.2 GM, 90 f2.8 G, 135 f1.8 GM, both TCs and a pair of A7RVs.

Currently I only have the 16-35 f2.8 GMII, 28-70 f2 GM, 50-150 f2 GM, 400-800 G, both TCs and a single A1II.

I sometimes wish I had waited for Nikon to release a full frame mirrorless camera but at the time it really felt like they were never going to. One more year and I could have bought the Z7 and probably saved a bunch of money in the long term.

From time to time I still think about switching back to Nikon since I really like some of their current lenses like the 26mm pancake, 28-400, 400 f4.5, 600 f6.3, and 800 f6.3 but I’m so invested in the Sony system that switching now would feel really bad even though due to Nikon’s lower prices I could more or less break even with a switch.
May 06, 2026 at 06:36 PM
snegron7
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p.4 #18 · Any Nikon converts here?


The more I think about this topic, the more disappointed I get with Nikon. I was a diehard Nikon fan for several decades starting with my first Nikon film camera back in 1984. Nikon truly was "the king of film cameras" back then.

Unfortunately, when Nikon decided to go with their Z line, they didn't produce an adequate adapter that would let me use my old AF-D lenses on the new mirrorless Z bodies. AF from AF-D lenses was unusable on Z bodies; only metering worked.

I sold off all my Nikon gear except for my Nikon film cameras, AiS lenses, and a few really good AF-D lenses.

I currently have a Canon R6II, 7dmk2, and a bunch of EF and RF lenses. I also have an old A7c and an A7iv plus a couple of micro four thirds cameras and lenses. I have contemplated buying either a Nikon Z5ii or a D7500 just for fun/nostalgic reasons, but I refuse to give Nikon any more of my money. Even though my A7iv feels like a cheaply made toy, the menu system is unnecessarily complicated, and removing a Sony lens is the most awkward process of any camera ever, I prefer to stick with Sony than contribute to the Nikon corporation.


May 06, 2026 at 08:29 PM
nineblade
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p.4 #19 · Any Nikon converts here?


snegron7 wrote:
The more I think about this topic, the more disappointed I get with Nikon. I was a diehard Nikon fan for several decades starting with my first Nikon film camera back in 1984. Nikon truly was "the king of film cameras" back then.

Unfortunately, when Nikon decided to go with their Z line, they didn't produce an adequate adapter that would let me use my old AF-D lenses on the new mirrorless Z bodies. AF from AF-D lenses was unusable on Z bodies; only metering worked.

I sold off all my Nikon gear except for my Nikon film cameras, AiS...Show more →

I think that's a little harsh given that Canon abandoned FD mount. But just so you know:

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1949006-REG/monster_adapter_la_fz1_nikon_f_lens.html
May 07, 2026 at 01:02 PM
BeautifulMoment
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p.4 #20 · Any Nikon converts here?


Hi, I am new to the forum and a Nikon convert. The main reason to change is that I am mostly a travel photographer and love the light but high quality setup with the RVI, the 20-70 and 70-200 G II. For me that is a perfect, small travel setup that I cannot get with Nikon.
Jun 02, 2026 at 09:30 AM
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