Z9 back up camera

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Thank you Karen! That is very helpful. I’m struggling enough as it is going from the D850 to the Z9. I thought perhaps that the Z7ii would be similar to the Z9.
Yeah…they're similar but the 6/7/6II/7II are not something like a Z9 lite. U modes vs banks are just different and require a slightly different user approach. Slower FPS and not as good AF are also a drawback…but I'm not willing to carry 2 Z9s in the field and buying a body that expensive for 'just in case' on trips seems foolish to me. Shifting back to the Z7II in a 'the Z9 broke' situation means I still can continue shooting, just maybe not as good as before but one works with what one has. I've been known to still carry my Z7II these days on some outings instead of the Z9 because it's lighter and I don't need the high FPS or really good AF stuff for traveling.
 
Yeah…they're similar but the 6/7/6II/7II are not something like a Z9 lite. U modes vs banks are just different and require a slightly different user approach. Slower FPS and not as good AF are also a drawback…but I'm not willing to carry 2 Z9s in the field and buying a body that expensive for 'just in case' on trips seems foolish to me. Shifting back to the Z7II in a 'the Z9 broke' situation means I still can continue shooting, just maybe not as good as before but one works with what one has. I've been known to still carry my Z7II these days on some outings instead of the Z9 because it's lighter and I don't need the high FPS or really good AF stuff for traveling.
Anjin, thank you for your insite!
 
Currently have a D850 and and a D500 for my backups; as soon as Nikon releases a body that would be the mirrorless equivalent of the D500, I'll probably go completely mirrorless (depending on how that body specs out RE no-blackout, no mechanical shutter, etc.). Not in a hurry, but I am curious as to what may be on the horizon for them.
Thanks CoachJohn, I also easily went back and forth with a D500 and D850.
 
While I appreciate the simplicity of having a 'backup' camera be the same as the 'primary' camera for the ease of use and no issues with 'muscle memory' between different cameras (I have owned multiple identical Z bodies in the past and appreciate the ease of use of same bodies), I can no longer justify the expense of a second expensive camera like a Z9 (and the nearly extra $1K for required Z9 supporting accessories) at nearly 76 years of age. I love my Z9 but one is enough at this point in my "photo life". My second camera is a really terrific Z7-II. I've set up the menu choices and programmable buttons to have some similarity or purpose between the Z9 and Z7-II, albeit the common choices are not many. And I'm trying to practice using and switching between the them 'on the fly' to at least remember how to do some basic things when switching. But I understand the limitations. and why a second Z9 is a popular choice.

Moreover, as I've learned from some of you who have experienced some Z9s becoming inoperable bricks mysteriously during photo trips, I do appreciate that my Z7-II is reliable in case I experience a Z9 lock up while on a trip, for example to Canada for bear photography in June. At least I'll have one dependable body to lean on. I do have confidence in my Z9, but the Z7-II is my ace in the hole if by chance something happens to my Z9.
Thanks Jim for sharing your thoughts and experience!
 
I tried using the Z7 II as a back up to my Z9. They are two very different cameras - with different features and ergonomics. I got confused and frustrated and sold the Z7 II. I'm now using 2 Z9's....... My learning curve increased a lot once I focused on one camera model. (BTW - previously I shot the D5 and D850 and had absolutely NO problem picking up either one and working smoothly.)

YMMV............
Good to know. I have a Z9 and have been considering adding the Z6ii for use in lower light situations. It's my understanding that the Z6ii is basically the lower resolution HMP) version of the Z7ii. Switching back and forth between 2 cameras with very different button layouts and ergonomics would quickly drive me insane. In the meantime, I've been using my D500 as my second camera with no issues. Thanks for the info.
 
Good to know. I have a Z9 and have been considering adding the Z6ii for use in lower light situations. It's my understanding that the Z6ii is basically the lower resolution HMP) version of the Z7ii. Switching back and forth between 2 cameras with very different button layouts and ergonomics would quickly drive me insane. In the meantime, I've been using my D500 as my second camera with no issues. Thanks for the info.

Surely the D500 also has different buttons and ergonomics too? My 2nd camera is a Fuji XT- 4, and for a time I also had a Sony a7ii and did not find any real issues with using the 3 cameras.
 
In the years past a second body was recommended when taking a trip to use as a "Backup" in the event the first body malfunctioned. I do not think of my second Z9 this way. I use both Z9s at the same time with different lenses on each. Typically I have 3 lenses that I use for wildlife. A 500PF along with a 300 PF and a Z100-400. Depending on lighting, location and subject matter determines the lens choise. I do not have to fumble with changing lenses. Before I bought my second Z9 I had a D500, D850, Z6II and a Z7. I took a D850 and Z9 to an Air Show recently and the frustration switching back and forth like Karen said "I tried using the Z7 II as a back up to my Z9. They are two very different cameras - with different features and ergonomics. I got confused and frustrated" I made up my mind then to sell the 4 mentioned camera bodies and get another Z9. I do not regret the decision one bit. Muscle memory cannot be under estimated when in the "heat" of action especially when switching from a long telephoto to a mid range one when the subject gets to close.
 
I’m in the process of transitioning from a Nikon D850 to a Z9. I’m also collecting Z lenses to replace my DSLR lenses. For now I am keeping the 500pf to ise with the Z9. I’m wondering for you that are in similar circumstances what are you using as a back up camera? I don’t really want to hang onto the DSLR lenses just so I can use the D850 as a back up. The obvious (but expensive) option is another Z9 but I don’t think I want to make that investment based on the rumors of other Nikon cameras soon. Is a Z7ii the answer? I am not a professional and do predominately wildlife photography as a hobby.
I've had to rely on my last D850 as a backup to my Z9.
Switching between them scrambles my head but my Z6 just isn't up to the job.
Mayby Nikon will release the long awaited Z8 this year and solve our problems ... 🦘
 
My Z9 back up is a Z6II.

When I saw how much I liked Z100-400 and features and had the Z800 on the way last spring I took a leap of faith and bailed out of the DSLR and F mount world while the bailing was good.

D6, D850 and 2 D500 and a bunch of f mount lenses from Nikon, Tamron and Sigma from wide angles to 600 f/4 E were sold. I got really lucky and hit the used market just before prices dropped a lot and that paid for my Z9 & Z6II, Z800, Z100-400, Z400 f/4.5, Z70-200, Z24-120, Z50, Z14-30, Z 1.4TC and Tamron Z mount 70-300.
 
Good to know. I have a Z9 and have been considering adding the Z6ii for use in lower light situations. It's my understanding that the Z6ii is basically the lower resolution HMP) version of the Z7ii. Switching back and forth between 2 cameras with very different button layouts and ergonomics would quickly drive me insane. In the meantime, I've been using my D500 as my second camera with no issues. Thanks for the info.
Just before I switched to Z 9 and Z6II I used 2 D500s one with a battery grip and the big EN EL 18 battery and one without that I used with a Tamron 18-400 photographing my falconer friend on chukar hunts in rough steep terrain. I also used a D850 with the battery grip and big battery and a D6. The only one that I had a bit of an issue moving back and forth between was the D500 without the grip .... balance and where my hand fell when I brought it up to shoot birds.

I found that the button placement on the Z9 was better ergonomically for me than the D6. I had sold the other DSLR's when I got the Z6II that I got while waiting on a Z9. As soon as the Z9 arrived I sold the D850.

I have no issue going between the Z9 and Z6II which I have the aftermarket battery grip on so it feels more like the Z9. I use the Z6II and the Z9 at the same time using a Black Rapids double strap when photographing events at church indoors and outdoors. Z6II with the Z24-120 on it and the Z9 with the Z70-200 makes a great set up for indoors where I have crazy variable light and can not use a flash.

There are fewer programmable buttons on the Z6II but the important ones that match my Z9 use are easy to use without thinking about it.
 
Even if I had two Z9s (I have only one at this point), I think I would still want a Z7II or Z6II for situations where the performance of the Z9 is not needed and where a smaller body is nice to have — say for non-wildlife travel or family events.
 
Even if I had two Z9s (I have only one at this point), I think I would still want a Z7II or Z6II for situations where the performance of the Z9 is not needed and where a smaller body is nice to have — say for non-wildlife travel or family events.
My first mirrorless camera was a fuji that I bought for travel first In the footsteps of Paul trip Greece, Turkey, Italy and then to Israel and Jordan and it worked great for that purpose. If going on the same trip today I would probably pop off the grip from the Z6II and take it with the Tamron Z mount 70-300 and the Z24-120.
 
Just before I switched to Z 9 and Z6II I used 2 D500s one with a battery grip and the big EN EL 18 battery and one without that I used with a Tamron 18-400 photographing my falconer friend on chukar hunts in rough steep terrain. I also used a D850 with the battery grip and big battery and a D6. The only one that I had a bit of an issue moving back and forth between was the D500 without the grip .... balance and where my hand fell when I brought it up to shoot birds.

I found that the button placement on the Z9 was better ergonomically for me than the D6. I had sold the other DSLR's when I got the Z6II that I got while waiting on a Z9. As soon as the Z9 arrived I sold the D850.

I have no issue going between the Z9 and Z6II which I have the aftermarket battery grip on so it feels more like the Z9. I use the Z6II and the Z9 at the same time using a Black Rapids double strap when photographing events at church indoors and outdoors. Z6II with the Z24-120 on it and the Z9 with the Z70-200 makes a great set up for indoors where I have crazy variable light and can not use a flash.

There are fewer programmable buttons on the Z6II but the important ones that match my Z9 use are easy to use without thinking about it.

More great, helpful info. Sounds like a Z6ii as my new back-up camera to my Z9 might be the way to go for me. I usually had the battery grip on my D500, and the Z9 is comfortable in my hands so I'd purchase the battery grip for the Z6ii.
 
My Z9 back up is a Z6II.

When I saw how much I liked Z100-400 and features and had the Z800 on the way last spring I took a leap of faith and bailed out of the DSLR and F mount world while the bailing was good.

D6, D850 and 2 D500 and a bunch of f mount lenses from Nikon, Tamron and Sigma from wide angles to 600 f/4 E were sold. I got really lucky and hit the used market just before prices dropped a lot and that paid for my Z9 & Z6II, Z800, Z100-400, Z400 f/4.5, Z70-200, Z24-120, Z50, Z14-30, Z 1.4TC and Tamron Z mount 70-300.
That's exactly what happened to me. After buying the Z9, I intended to keep the D500/300mm PF as the backup camera/lens, but after using the 400mm f/4.5, I knew my backup camera had to be a Z so that I could use that lens. So I sold the D500 and bought a Z6II.
 
I'm renting a Z9 to pair with the Z9 that I own for an upcoming wildlife trip. I sold my D500 a few months ago (probably shouldn't have done that quite so soon), or I probably would have taken it as my backup.
 
I am in the predicament right now.... just got back from a workshop with my Z9. Took a D850 as a backup... but then had to lug more F glass with me.....
Considering a Z6II or Z7II since they on rebate now..... but I know the Z8 is right around the corner.....
 
I ended up with a second Z9 for my "backup" and camera with a second lens on and ready to shoot.

First thing I used the new Z9 for was to have a camera while I sent my original into Nikon for a cleaning and check over as part of what I pay for with NPS platinum+ membership.

Today I used both Z9's doing fill in shots for our church directory. One set up with Z70-200 for outdoor staff portraits and one with 24-120 for the outside of the building.

My wife had been pretty exclusively using our backup the Z6II with Tamron Z mount 70-300 while using the Z50 with Z400 f/4.5 for a light weight birding set up.
 
I am in the predicament right now.... just got back from a workshop with my Z9. Took a D850 as a backup... but then had to lug more F glass with me.....
Considering a Z6II or Z7II since they on rebate now..... but I know the Z8 is right around the corner.....
Since I had no confidence the mythical Z8 would be available before my two big trips in the first half of the year, I ended up getting a used Z6II and... it's a little disappointing.

I really don't like the control layout, especially. But the AF just isn't comparable to the Z9 either. And I'm super annoyed that all my 10-pin remotes won't work with it, had to buy a new one with both 10-pin and whatever this other connector is for it.

After much debate between taking the Z6II or my D850 as a backup, I landed on taking the Z6II with me to Costa Rica in June, so I could reduce weight and take primarily Z glass (except my 600mm, which is F). I'll probably end up using it for some macro, which is the main reason it beat out the D850 (I tested and focus stacking was faster and quieter with the Z6II, plus the Z macro lens is nicer than the F glass).

But I'm just not happy with the Z6II overall. When a more suitable backup comes around, I'll probably either sell it or have it IR converted.

I really hope if/when the Z8 comes out, it doesn't disappoint. I don't really want to buy a second Z9 as backup, I'd much rather have something smaller and lighter as my secondary. But until the Z8 actually appears out of the ether... ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
 
Resale values of F-mount lenses have abseiled over the past 2 years. I managed to trade in 3 lenses when the crash started. Going forward I'm keeping my F-mount system in operation, as previously.
I find the D6 is an extremely capable camera with a 500 PF or 180-400. In a vehicle, I also pair a well worn D850 with the 70-200 f2.8E. The Z9 is usually on the 800 PF.

I've expanded into Mirrorless using the FTZ adapter as a highly capable "enabler", where and when necessary. I first tried a Z7 but traded it in 3 years ago. While it proved capable in many situations photographing Wilde, it still fell distinctly short of a D850 or any Prosumer DSLR when Cross-Type AF sensors conferred their advantages.

Obviously the Z9 brings key features unavailable elsewhere, including the unique lenses, besides silent shooting, higher fps, subject detection etc...

There's currently no Z-mount alternative to the Z9 that performs as reliably in wildlife photography. This situation should change soon, probably next month. Either one adds a new baby-Z9 or benefits from the inevitable pulse of lightly Used Z9's :)
I’m in the process of transitioning from a Nikon D850 to a Z9. I’m also collecting Z lenses to replace my DSLR lenses. For now I am keeping the 500pf to ise with the Z9. I’m wondering for you that are in similar circumstances what are you using as a back up camera? I don’t really want to hang onto the DSLR lenses just so I can use the D850 as a back up. The obvious (but expensive) option is another Z9 but I don’t think I want to make that investment based on the rumors of other Nikon cameras soon. Is a Z7ii the answer? I am not a professional and do predominately wildlife photography as a hobby.
 
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This old thread has returned just as I realized how challenging it is to use any Nikon Z body other than the Z9. I was perfectly happy with Z6/Z7 (I or IIs) when I was shooting them w/ a D500 for fast wildlife. About a year ago I reluctantly purchased a Z9 (price reluctance) and sold all my other cameras but the Z6II. My Z6II is more of a 2nd camera rather than a back-up, as a back-up implies that this is the camera to be used if the primary fails in the field.
With the exception of using the Z6II for landscape and macro subjects, it is unused... in fact, it almost seems primitive in comparison to the Z9. Nikon's slow release of a smaller camera with the Z9 button layout has been frustrating. In fact, I'd be fine if they produced a Z6III that has the Z9 configuration w minor improvements. As Karen points out at the beginning of the thread,... the switching of the UI in the heat of the moment is a formula for frustration.
However,... with all of this said, I am not sure I am up to yet another $3000 ++ purchase, thus if Nikon does introduce a smaller Z9/Z8/Z6ii, I will probably be in the "wait and see" mode.

bruce
 
I examined the other Z cameras and none are a suitable backup to my Z9. Do I really need another Z body, no. I have the D500 and still use it, but seldom. Since the D500 is darn near worthless (pricewise) I'll keep the D500 camera, it's fantastic. Selling the D - G lenses is not selling, it's giving them away.
 
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I am in the predicament right now.... just got back from a workshop with my Z9. Took a D850 as a backup... but then had to lug more F glass with me.....
Considering a Z6II or Z7II since they on rebate now..... but I know the Z8 is right around the corner.....

Yes. This is a dilemma exacerbated by the rumors which have the “Z8’s” name and capabilities all over the map.

Two years ago I would not have recommended the Z7ii, but after two years of firmware updates, it is now a very capable camera, provided you are not shooting action. I use it and a Z6ii interchangeably with the Z9 in my event work.
 
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