At this point, I would council nature photographers interested in the D780 to buy a Z6. I only shoot wildlife and landscapes. I spend many months over a year in the field and have a wide variety of lenses. My primary wildlife cameras are (3) D500 bodies. I use these with a 500PF, 200-500VR, and 70-200E. Each lens has a camera specifically devoted (fine-tuned) to a lens, and is exclusively used with their respective lenses. In addition we (my wife and I) have a pair of Z6 bodies. These are our "flex" bodies and used w/ Z lenses for wide-angle work, and with older G F-mount lenses. Specifically, I use my Z6 on my 200-400mm f/4 VR1, and my wife uses her Z6 on the original 70-200 f/2.8G VR1.
So why buy a Z6 instead of a D780?... I'll offer you two reasons:
1. Nikon's Z-series lenses are nothing short of amazing (optically & sized). They are the future of the Nikon ecosystems, so it is worth dipping a toe in.
2. Compatibility with G-lenses... with the FTZ, the Z-series bodies get the most out of the optics of your old G-series lenses. If you are using a zoom lens where different focal lengths exhibit optical shortcomings due to an inability to infinitely optimize AF-fine tune settings, one tends to avoid specific focal lengths. In my case, I would never shoot my 200-400mm f/4 @ f/4 because if I fine-tuned it for that combination w/ a D500, it throws off my 200mm to 300mm focus... this type of thing drives one nuts. With the Z6, I have fallen in love with my 200-400VR again!.. The focus is now accurate throughout the entire zoom range, and I am able to access 400mm f/4 bokeh goodness that I often need... I suggest you look at these bear pic shot at ISO800 and ISO6400 w/ the Z6 ( https://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/1303584/6#15264425 ). While I could have done this in live view w/ the D780, I find live view wildlife photography awkward and cumbersome.
Anyway, I am now contemplating the sale of a D500 to buy another Z6... had the Z50 been based on the Z6/Z7 body (w/ matching battery, XQD, menu, and top deck LCD) I'd own one yesterday
regards,
bruce
At this point, I would council nature photographer interested in the D780 to buy a Z6. I only shoot wildlife and landscapes. I spend many months over a year in the field and have a wide variety of lenses. My primary wildlife cameras are (3) D500 bodies. I use these with a 500PF, 200-500VR, and 70-200E. Each lens has a camera specifically devoted (fine-tuned) to a lens, and is exclusively used with their respective lenses. In addition we (my wife and I) have a pair of Z6 bodies. These are our "flex" bodies and used w/ Z lenses for wide-angle work, and with older G F-mount lenses. Specifically, I use my Z6 on my 200-400mm f/4 VR1, and my wife uses her Z6 on the original 70-200 f/2.8G VR1.
So why buy a Z6 instead of a D780?... I'll offer you two reasons:
1. Nikon's Z-series lenses are nothing short of amazing (optically & sized). They are the future of the Nikon ecosystems, so it is worth dipping a toe in.
2. Compatibility with G-lenses... with the FTZ, the Z-series bodies get the most out of the optics of your old G-series lenses. If you are using a zoom lens where different focal lengths exhibit optical shortcomings due to an inability to infinitely optimize AF-fine tune settings, one tends to avoid specific focal lengths. In my case, I would never shoot my 200-400mm f/4 @ f/4 because if I fine-tuned it for that combination w/ a D500, it threw off my 200mm to 300mm focus... this type of thing drives one nuts. With the Z6, I have fallen in love with my 200-400VR again!.. The focus is now accurate throughout the entire zoom range, and I am able to access 400mm f/4 bokeh goodness that I often need... I suggest you look at these bear pic shot at ISO800 and ISO6400 w/ the Z6 ( https://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/1303584/6#15264425 ). While I could have done this in live view w/ the D780, I find live view wildlife photography awkward and cumbersome.
Anyway, I am now contemplating the sale of a D500 to buy another Z6... had the Z50 been based on the Z6/Z7 body (w/ matching battery, XQD, menu, and top deck LCD) I'd own one yesterday
regards,
bruce
Jun 26, 2020 at 06:18 AM
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