I've been a Nikon shooter for a long time (now with D5 and D6 bodies and assorted lenses, with the 70-200 f/2.8 my favourite). I also have a Fuji X-Pro2 with a 35 f/1.4 lens, which I bought some time ago as a walkaround, throw-in-the-backpack-type camera. I recently took it on a couple of trips and while the pictures were fine, I really longed for a longer lens for shooting street scenes, people, etc.
I'm thinking of selling the Fuji kit and picking up a Nikon mirrorless camera and maybe the 24-120mm lens, which I see is getting rave reviews (I like shooting with a longer lens, so don't need anything wider than 24). I'm undecided on a body . . . the ZF looks like it would be nice and compact, the Z6iii is another option and moving to a Z8 would provide me with a body that I could use for shooting sports and other events when not travelling.
I'll probably rent one of the cameras to see how I like it. In the meantime, looking for some suggestions.
Thanks!
I have a Nikon ZF and it's really not that compact compared to the other full frame Z bodies, especially if you end up using the optional grip add on or attaching a larger lens like the 24-120. I would definitely recommend using an online camera size comparison tool or even better holding it in person to see.
The Z8 is about the same size as a DX series DSLR's.
The Z7, Zf, etc. are all smaller than the DSLR's, but they are all roughly the same size. Athough the Zf has a smaller grip so it doesn't jive well with larger lenses. 24-120 is borderline. I use this configuration, but it might be uncomfortable for long hold times. I would not do a wedding with it. You can add a handgrip though.
There isn't an obvious compact Nikon full frame that I can think of... you can look into the new Z50C, but no viewfinder.
Still, I think the Z7, Z6 series are all small enough compared to the DX series that you'll be pleased.
pjheller wrote:
ZF looks like it would be nice and compact, the Z6iii is another option
I have both. The Z6 III is more compact and feels lighter in hand due to more ergonomic shape. However, I still prefer the Zf because of how it makes me feel while I'm using it. Also, the EVF on the Z6 III is much nicer, I even prefer it to the Z8 which I also used to own. I shoot the Z6 III exclusively with the 24-120mm, and the Zf with 28+40mm primes.
BTW, there's also the Nikon Z5 II. It's basically the Zf in Z6-like body.
I traveled the Baltic Sea region this past July with a Z8 and the 24-120 f4 took most of the photographs. This combo did it all with the exception of some Baltic Seascapes, where a 14-24mm was deployed.
Can't help with a body suggestion as I shoot with the Z9, but definitely get the 24-120 lens for whatever body you decide on, as it is a wonderful lens.
I’d keep the Fuji for now, maybe consider switching to a 23mm f2 + 50mm f2 combo for a bit more reach. Still a much more compact setup than those full frame Z setups.
Also think the Z6III only makes sense for someone interested in video, otherwise the Z5II or Zf are much better value. Z5II + 24-120 or 24-200 or the Zf + 24-70 f4 would be my picks.
(Btw you don’t need the Z8 to shoot sports, all those other bodies like the Z5II, Zf, Z6III have very similar AF performance and decent fps, just no blackout free viewfinder)
pjheller wrote:
I've been a Nikon shooter for a long time (now with D5 and D6 bodies and assorted lenses, with the 70-200 f/2.8 my favourite). I also have a Fuji X-Pro2 with a 35 f/1.4 lens, which I bought some time ago as a walkaround, throw-in-the-backpack-type camera. I recently took it on a couple of trips and while the pictures were fine, I really longed for a longer lens for shooting street scenes, people, etc.
I'm thinking of selling the Fuji kit and picking up a Nikon mirrorless camera ...
fjablo wrote:
Also think the Z6III only makes sense for someone interested in video, otherwise the Z5II or Zf are much better value. Z5II + 24-120 or 24-200 or the Zf + 24-70 f4 would be my picks.
+1
The Z5II has better ergonomics, thanks in part to the grip; it handles better with any lens attached, and even more so with the 24-120, which is longer and heavier than the 24-70/4.
I use m Zf with a couple of manual focus Voigtlanders. I wouldn't want to put anything too long and/or heavy on it. For example I tried it with a 58G and a Tamron 180 macro and it just isn't nice handholding that. So you'd need one of those third part grips if you want to use the 24-120, but then what's the point, you might as well use a body with a proper integrated group.
I have both the Z6III and Z8 plus the 24-120mm f/4 S and that lens on either body is great for a wide variety of photography. Both bodies can be used for action. Normally, I use the Z8 when I want more resolution and the Z6III in lower light, although the Z8 does pretty well in that department as well.
On vacation the Z6III and 24-120mm combo is great. If I want wider than 24mm, I take a 2-shot pano with 75% overlap and stitch it together in Photoshop.
The 24-120 is the perfect travel lens for me. I've travelled a lot with it.
Body choice is different. I have, and LOVE, the Zf... but for a very particular reason - I prefer dials (over comfort!). I like to look down and see how I'm set up and *which direction to turn the knobs* in one glance. I don't care about the "retro look" though I grew up with an FE and other old film cameras so there was a bit of conditioning to check camera config that way (it's better, to me - an amateur - than cluttered displays and LCD readouts).
If dials don't matter to you, I'd get a more comfortable model; the smallest & lightest, too.
I have a Z8 as my regular body. It’sa little large for travel. I purchased the zf for travel and everyday carry but found it to be just as bulky for my bag. It’s beautiful and the image quality was great. I recently sold it and purchased the ZR. It is more compact even though the controls aren’t set up for photography. I use Voigtlanders and really enjoy the large screen and zoom rocker for quickly nailing focus. The sensor is the same as the z6iii so the images are lovely. For my travel and walk around body, I’m really happy with the switch. I may get tired of not having an evf but for the time being, it was the right choice for me.
I'm rally surprised that no one mention about Nikkor Z 24-105/4-7.1 lens. It's ideal for travel because of its compact size and very low weight. Sharpness across the frame rivals N 24-120/4 (I've tested both)
Apart moderate flare resistance, there is rally nothing to complain about Nikkor Z 24-105/4-7.1
Thanks to all for the suggestions. I'm pretty settled on picking up a 24-120 f/4 lens but am still debating between the Z6iii or the Z8. Definitely first world problem.
