Feiertag
Well-known member
Has anyone tried their Z lens on a D850, D5, D500, etc? If so, were you happy with the results?
(Nikon) Using a Z lens on a DSLR?
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Can't be done. There is no adapter to make the Z lens fit a DSLR. It only works with the FTZ adapter when mounting an F-mount lens to a mirrorless camera.
Feiertag
Well-known member
Yes, I have that FTZ adaptor. I was hoping there was a way to do the verse for the DSLR. I would buy one, in a heartbeat if Nikon or a third-party manufactured one. I hope it happens.
Given the 'advantage' of the Z lenses is that much larger diameter of the opening of camera and lens (camera end) -- can you tell I'm not an engineer
-- I suspect a ZtF adapter simply wouldn't work or reduce the image size as the diameter was stepped down so much as to produce results not equal to simply using an f mount lens on the DSLR.
abc123brian
Well-known member
The issue is Z cameras have the shortest flange distance of current cameras. The FTZ adapter and adapters for other mounts, fills space (adds distance). While someone could technically make an adapter to fit the Z lens on a DSLR or other camera, it would be like adding an extension tube so you would be limiting the range the lens could focus.
Feiertag
Well-known member
I just wrote to Nikon:
It would be wonderful if Nikon manufactured a "reverse" FTZ adaptor for Z lenses to be mounted on a DSLR (D850, D500, etc.). I currently own, the Z9, D5, and D850.
I am sure that they would be a hot seller. I would buy one in a heartbeat. People with no interest in a mirrorless camera may be inclined to buy Z lenses due to the hype or reputation.
If I get a reply, I will post it.
StefanSC
Well-known member
Why would Nikon make such an adapter?
(Theoretically it can be done with some complex optics in it that would make the Z lenses perform worse...).
It makes zero sense from a business point of view...
You want the shiny new lenses, you get the shiny new bodies as well.
(Theoretically it can be done with some complex optics in it that would make the Z lenses perform worse...).
It makes zero sense from a business point of view...
You want the shiny new lenses, you get the shiny new bodies as well
.
Feiertag
Well-known member
I don't agree with you. If that's the case, why did Nikon make the FTZ adapter? If you want a mirrorless camera, you would be forced to buy the new Z line of lenses.Why would Nikon make such an adapter?
(Theoretically it can be done with some complex optics in it that would make the Z lenses perform worse...).
It makes zero sense from a business point of view...
You want the shiny new lenses, you get the shiny new bodies as well
It's not always about the mighty dollar. Keeping the customers satisfied, goes a long way.
Nikon made the FTZ adapter becasue there were only a couple of Z lenses when they introduced their mirrorless cams...and you can't sell many cameras that way. It was an immediate bridge folks could use to get started with Mirrorless using their F mount lenses.
There is no way to adpat a Z mount lens to a DSLR without additional optics that may [likely] end up changing the focal length and aperture of the Z mount lens.
I don't see any advantage to Nikon doing this.
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I am virtually certain it would NOT be a hot seller. People are going mirrorless because of the advantages (real exposure in viewfinder, silent shutter, etc) of mirrorless bodies. The lenses are sharper when paired with a mirrorless body due to larger opening and shorter distance to sensor. There is no advantage that I know of to putting a mirrorless lens on an SLR. There are still plenty of great SLR Nikon lenses; currently a better selection than what is available for mirrorless (with the possible exception of the two super teles with built-in teleconverters).
They made the FtZ adapter because their existing client base has invested in f mount lenses, all of which have fit every Nikon camera since forever, and the FtZ adapter doesn't degrade the performance of the f mount lenses (and in fact on Z cameras can enhance the performance of those lenses). The Z mount is about producing great quality images, allowing an improvement in lens optics; producing an adapter so it fits the technology it was meant to improve upon, and in doing so erasing those performance improvements, makes no sense.
SoCalRick
Well-known member
This makes zero sense to me. While it's theoretically possible, I don't believe Nikon would ever consider doing this.
Here is a link to essentially this same discussion on another forum: Poll: Would you buy a Nikkor Z to Nikon F mount body adapter?
Here is a link to essentially this same discussion on another forum: Poll: Would you buy a Nikkor Z to Nikon F mount body adapter?
Feiertag
Well-known member
Thanks, I get it now. End of discussion.
Feiertag
Well-known member
Good comment. Thank you.
It would need to be a negative extension tube. The lens is designed to focus a very small distance behind the rear of the lens with a flange distance of 16mm. That distance is less than the 44mm flange distance between the mount and sensor on an F-mount body. With the FTZ, you have a spacer that adds 28mm to the flange distance. It's impossible to design a spacer with a negative 28mm distance. If it was 1-2mm difference, it might be possible, but not 28mm.
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