Nikon ZF with largish lenses?
p.2 #1Nikon ZF with largish lenses?
I’ve used it with a 24-70/2.8, 105MC, 105/1.4, and 28-400. No big deal.
The 105E is really front heavy on the FTZ, and the 28-400 is a bit long, but I carry either in a sling or on a shoulder strap, and even the 28-400 hangs fine at the hip on a shoulder strap.
I don’t really mind the “missing” grip versus a Z6 with these lenses because I’m holding them with two hands anyway. I only find the Zf awkward with a 100-400 sized lens.
The 105E is really front heavy on the FTZ, and the 28-400 is a bit long, but I carry either in a sling or on a shoulder strap, and even the 28-400 hangs fine at the hip on a shoulder strap.
I don’t really mind the “missing” grip versus a Z6 with these lenses because I’m holding them with two hands anyway. I only find the Zf awkward with a 100-400 sized lens.
Apr 14, 2026 at 06:50 PM
p.2 #2Nikon ZF with largish lenses?
DWOfPaul wrote:
Good idea on checking the manuals, the Nikon marketing pages are a bit confusing too.
ZF User manual:
https://onlinemanual.nikonimglib.com/zf/en/release_mode_39.html
Z5II User Manual:
https://onlinemanual.nikonimglib.com/z5II/en/release_mode_39.html
Does this mean both cameras top out at 8.2 fps if you want raw and mechanical shutter?
11fps for raw with mechanical shutter, 8.3 for silent electronic shutter.
I don't know why the electronic shutter is slower than mechanical for raw when its faster (14 vs 15fps) for jpeg.
I don't agree with RoamingScott at all about H+ speed being unusable, I was panning rally cars shooting 14fps jpg bursts with my Z5ii on Sunday and it wasn't a problem.
I can see how it might be a little harder to track really quick unpredictable movement with the way the viewfinder works in in that mode though, cars are fast moving but generally predictable movement to follow.
Good idea on checking the manuals, the Nikon marketing pages are a bit confusing too.
ZF User manual:
https://onlinemanual.nikonimglib.com/zf/en/release_mode_39.html
Z5II User Manual:
https://onlinemanual.nikonimglib.com/z5II/en/release_mode_39.html
Does this mean both cameras top out at 8.2 fps if you want raw and mechanical shutter?
11fps for raw with mechanical shutter, 8.3 for silent electronic shutter.
I don't know why the electronic shutter is slower than mechanical for raw when its faster (14 vs 15fps) for jpeg.
I don't agree with RoamingScott at all about H+ speed being unusable, I was panning rally cars shooting 14fps jpg bursts with my Z5ii on Sunday and it wasn't a problem.
I can see how it might be a little harder to track really quick unpredictable movement with the way the viewfinder works in in that mode though, cars are fast moving but generally predictable movement to follow.
Apr 14, 2026 at 07:30 PM
p.2 #3Nikon ZF with largish lenses?
AdaptedLenses wrote:
The ironic part is that it’s not great with small lenses either as the body is unnecessarily large.
It’s almost comical how big the Zf feels compared to my A7RIV and the X100VI. I think Nikon is simply stuck with larger bodies because of the sheer size of the Z‑mount. That said, I have large hands and actually prefer a bigger camera, so the Zf works well for me once I attach a grip. The smaller lenses feel fine on it too, at least the 40mm f/2 SE does.
The ironic part is that it’s not great with small lenses either as the body is unnecessarily large.
It’s almost comical how big the Zf feels compared to my A7RIV and the X100VI. I think Nikon is simply stuck with larger bodies because of the sheer size of the Z‑mount. That said, I have large hands and actually prefer a bigger camera, so the Zf works well for me once I attach a grip. The smaller lenses feel fine on it too, at least the 40mm f/2 SE does.
Apr 14, 2026 at 08:35 PM
p.2 #4Nikon ZF with largish lenses?
ramesesthe2nd wrote:
It’s almost comical how big the Zf feels compared to my A7RIV and the X100VI. I think Nikon is simply stuck with larger bodies because of the sheer size of the Z‑mount. That said, I have large hands and actually prefer a bigger camera, so the Zf works well for me once I attach a grip. The smaller lenses feel fine on it too, at least the 40mm f/2 SE does.
I have used the a7rIV and Z8 side by side for over 2.5 years. Overall, I prefer the feel and size of the Z8 as my main camera. But I would definitely like a smaller body as a second camera. The Z5II is sounding more and more like the move.
AdaptedLenses wrote
The ironic part is that it’s not great with small lenses either as the body is unnecessarily large.I have used the a7rIV and Z8 side by side for over 2.5 years. Overall, I prefer the feel and size of the Z8 as my main camera. But I would definitely like a smaller body as a second camera. The Z5II is sounding more and more like the move.
Apr 15, 2026 at 02:57 PM
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RoamingScott
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p.2 #5Nikon ZF with largish lenses?
ramesesthe2nd wrote:
I think Nikon is simply stuck with larger bodies because of the sheer size of the Z‑mount.
I keep saying this. There will never be a Z mount X-E5 or similar body, physics doesn't work that way.
It's not like the Sony has a free lunch, though, plenty of optical path compromises from having a mount that narrow.
AdaptedLenses wrote
The ironic part is that it’s not great with small lenses either as the body is unnecessarily large.I keep saying this. There will never be a Z mount X-E5 or similar body, physics doesn't work that way.
It's not like the Sony has a free lunch, though, plenty of optical path compromises from having a mount that narrow.
Apr 15, 2026 at 02:59 PM
RoamingScott
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p.2 #6Nikon ZF with largish lenses?
DWOfPaul wrote:
The Z5II is sounding more and more like the move.
If you don't care about the aesthetics factor, there's very few reasons to get a Zf over the Z5 II. I wish I could care less so I could side-grade
The Z5II is sounding more and more like the move.
If you don't care about the aesthetics factor, there's very few reasons to get a Zf over the Z5 II. I wish I could care less so I could side-grade
Apr 15, 2026 at 03:23 PM
p.2 #7Nikon ZF with largish lenses?
RoamingScott wrote:
If you don't care about the aesthetics factor, there's very few reasons to get a Zf over the Z5 II. I wish I could care less so I could side-grade
I wish I could say I didn't care at all about aesthetics, if so, the Z5II would have probably been ordered already. I liked the ZF style since the DF came out. Long term, I feel like it would be fun to use my CV and maybe Zeiss ZF lenses on the ZF. But currently, my "need" is to be able to use my Nikon Z zooms on a second Z body. Nikon hasn't made this easy on us.
My luck I get the Z5II and the next month Nikon puts our a ZF with a higher res sensor
DWOfPaul wrote
The Z5II is sounding more and more like the move.I wish I could say I didn't care at all about aesthetics, if so, the Z5II would have probably been ordered already. I liked the ZF style since the DF came out. Long term, I feel like it would be fun to use my CV and maybe Zeiss ZF lenses on the ZF. But currently, my "need" is to be able to use my Nikon Z zooms on a second Z body. Nikon hasn't made this easy on us.
My luck I get the Z5II and the next month Nikon puts our a ZF with a higher res sensor
Apr 15, 2026 at 04:05 PM