Appropriate body for the situation
- Thread starter Juliette
- Start date
-
- Tags
- nikon z50ii nikon z6iii
If you would like to post, you'll need to register. Note that if you have a BCG store account, you'll need a new, separate account here (we keep the two sites separate for security purposes).
O
Well-known member
Z6III or Z50III ?
Flick the Z6III into DX mode, you have two cameras in one body along with all the performance of a Z6III especially iso.
The Z6III clearly rivals the Z50II in many ways.
The Z6III being full frame has mathematically better iso.
The Z6III clearly allows for utilizing better glass options.
It would be a backward step to let go of the Z6III.
Weight difference is negligible to other options.
You have in the Z6III more room to develop in a broader range of subjects.
The Z50 II is a nice little camera, its not a Z6III.
I assume the pixel density is higher in the Z50II due to the smaller sensor, but the trade off usually is less low light performance.
90% of what we achieve comes from you,
90% of the outcome from the tools we use comes from your glass.
If cost is a serious concern for acquiring FF glass then that sets the course.
I don't know your effects or limitations from your procedure but i would really try and work around it, there are techniques and means to do so, one being is a ultra-light mono pod, i use one all the time doing street photography or Forrest walks, its actually incredibly good and effective once you embrace it, but its not for everyone.
Short answer..i think you may regret letting go of the Z6III.
Why not rent a Z50 II for a day or two.
Good luck hope it all works out for you.
Its only an opinion in the spirit of helping from a different point of view.
Last edited:
I guess the first question is what you (OP) want to accomplish or what do you want to happen differently that is not happening now. Next, if weight is the issue then the crop bodies can save as much as 7oz. but that difference can become buried depending upon choice of lenses. AND ergonomics is an issue. I tried the Zfc but could not comfortably handle it. I prefer lighter weight, but found my older fingers impose limitations on my choices. "your mileage may vary".
Juliette
Active member
Hi all, thanks for the comments. I elaborated a couple of times exactly on what I wanted differently in my previous comments but it's been resolved. I decided a couple of weeks ago not to pursue the Z50II after all. I have the Z6iii and it will continue to be me #1 camera for wildlife for reasons commented.
For short plane travels that do not incorporate wildlife, I'll either bring my Zf with the 40mm unless it's a very short trip with little time to photograph and in that case, I did buy the Olympus EM-1 II which will be fine for casual shooting. Thank you!
For short plane travels that do not incorporate wildlife, I'll either bring my Zf with the 40mm unless it's a very short trip with little time to photograph and in that case, I did buy the Olympus EM-1 II which will be fine for casual shooting. Thank you!
Juliette
Active member
Hello again, just reviving this thread for a minute. I want to address the lens need I mentioned in my December question about travel set up. I currently have the Z6III. Here are my requirements and some options. Would anyone care to suggest a path? Thank you in advance!
Requirements:
Requirements:
- The lightest possible option to take on a plane and fit underneath the seat in front me. Bag should share space with an iPad Pro and various peripherals, so we're talking one of those small rolling bags. Weight is primary concern due to previous hand injury. Current at home set up and for short car trips, 2-3 hours max, I usually bring my Nikon Z6iii (weight 1.68 lbs) plus the Tamron 150-500mm (weight 4.14 lbs.) so I'm already pushing it with almost 6.5 lbs.
- Must be a Nikon set up. I tried going the MFT route, but I have decided that by the time you add on pro lenses, the weight differences are negligible, therefore, why bother with two different systems?
- Must not exceed $1,500.00. That's a random number, but I cannot justify paying that much for a lens that I only plan to use once a quarter. My Tamron is just fine for local purposes.
- Z6III + converter + Nikon 300mm PF 1.66 lbs (total weight = 3.34lb). The only cost is a used lens less than 800.00 USD
- Z50II with kit lenses, forget full frame - I know I said I would not do this previously but that kit is $1,200.00 and I could use the Z50 as a back up at home.
- Original z50 + converter + (original, less than a pound) + Nikon 300mm PF 1.66 lbs (total weight = 2.56 lb). Cost is the lens and a used Z50 is about 500.00. This gives me a tilt screen I could use for street as well.
I haven't read the entire thread, so I don't know what your subject is.
For regular travel (street, people, architecture, indoor ambience...) I fall back on my Z7ii with either the 24-70mm f/4 or 24-120 f/4. Usually the latter. If it's a low-light, street or interiors scene, I may take a Z6ii and the 24-70mm f2.8.
For wildlife, I like your 300mm PF option. Or maybe even the 500mm PF although weight and cost may exceed you requirements.
For regular travel (street, people, architecture, indoor ambience...) I fall back on my Z7ii with either the 24-70mm f/4 or 24-120 f/4. Usually the latter. If it's a low-light, street or interiors scene, I may take a Z6ii and the 24-70mm f2.8.
For wildlife, I like your 300mm PF option. Or maybe even the 500mm PF although weight and cost may exceed you requirements.
Juliette
Active member
Sorry, I should’ve mentioned that I would be using this just specifically for travel that incorporates a little bit of street a lot of landscape and some large bird situations… rarely BIF.
Ok. Then, 24-120mm f4 S or 24-70mm f4. A super tele is too inflexible to justify the weight and bulk.
I am biased towards the S-series lenses because of quality, durability and the programmable buttons which I use to help with cross-functionality between my various Nikon models. So, I would choose the 70-120mm. But the 24-70mm f4 is also great--smaller and lighter.
Juliette
Active member
I think I'm going to need more reach than that though. For large birds, most tend to be at a distance until and unless I get lucky enough to approach. I was thinking no les than 200-300mm.
I missed the "Large Birds". I think the range of focal lengths you have in mind involves compromises between size and weight, lens quality and convenience, cost, focal range and f-number that only you can make.
O
Well-known member
The ZF is a hugely underrated camera
Juliette
Active member
Indeed it is!
Still testing. Have not found the "perfect" lens for it yet, and unfortunately there aren't many from which to chose.
fcotterill
Well-known member
Yes the 300 f4E PF is the minimum for bird subjects , which often need more focal length. Note a 400 f4.5S is hardly more weight than the 300 PF+ TC with FTZ, and it also pairs very well with the ZTC14, and ZTC2 if needed
Nonetheless, the 300 PF is such an light FX prime with several advantages.
One is the excellent IQ pairing with all 3 F-mount Teleconverters
Second is light weight and small size
Third is the macro performance thanks to its close focusing distance, particularly on large arthropods, flowers, herps etc
Nikon 300mm AF-S F/4 PF ED VR lens review
I recently upgraded from a nikon D7500 to a D850. I'm still using my tamron 150-600g2. I never shot with a prime lens and was thinking of a getting a nikon 300 to start. I like the idea of the light weight PF model, but I read a lot of mixed reviews. I often carry my camera while kayaking...
bcgforums.com
Nikon 300PF with 1.7 Teleconverter Experiences?
I would be interested to hear members views on using a 1.7TC with the 300PF. im seriously thinking of swapping my 200-500 f5.6 due to weight issues, I like to walk around my local nature reserves and find after a short time I’m uncomfortable with the weight. The reason I mention 1.7tc, is that...
bcgforums.com
Second lens to use with 800PF for birding
For birding, I am using a Z9 with 800PF almost all the time. I just ordered a Z8 to use as my second camera. For all you bird photographers what would be the most useful lens to use alongside the 800? 500PF (which I have), Z400 4.5, Z100-400 or F mount 600 F4 (which I have but would only...
bcgforums.com
One issue is that the DX lenses…although pretty good for kit and DX lenses…are limited in number and will likely IMO remain limited as DX is the consumer low priced line. If you get the Z FX lenses…then the lighter kit argument falls apart pretty quickly. That said…if the DX lens selection meets your needs and light is important…the Z50II could be the right choice.
Juliette
Active member
@fcotterill - I was looking to see if I can find the 400mm used but yes, would be ideal. It's a little over my budget though. Since I have the Tamron 150-500 already it would be a bit of an overlap there and more ideal for home use in lieu of travel. You just can't beat the weight of the 300mm but do you think I'll have trouble selling it later though? Also, how can I test for the VR issue to make sure I don't get a bad copy?Yes the 300 f4E PF is the minimum for bird subjects , which often need more focal length. Note a 400 f4.5S is hardly more weight than the 300 PF+ TC with FTZ, and it also pairs very well with the ZTC14, and ZTC2 if needed
Nonetheless, the 300 PF is such an light FX prime with several advantages.
One is the excellent IQ pairing with all 3 F-mount Teleconverters
Second is light weight and small size
Third is the macro performance thanks to its close focusing distance, particularly on large arthropods, flowers, herps etc
Nikon 300mm AF-S F/4 PF ED VR lens review
I recently upgraded from a nikon D7500 to a D850. I'm still using my tamron 150-600g2. I never shot with a prime lens and was thinking of a getting a nikon 300 to start. I like the idea of the light weight PF model, but I read a lot of mixed reviews. I often carry my camera while kayaking...
Nikon 300PF with 1.7 Teleconverter Experiences?
I would be interested to hear members views on using a 1.7TC with the 300PF. im seriously thinking of swapping my 200-500 f5.6 due to weight issues, I like to walk around my local nature reserves and find after a short time I’m uncomfortable with the weight. The reason I mention 1.7tc, is that...
Second lens to use with 800PF for birding
For birding, I am using a Z9 with 800PF almost all the time. I just ordered a Z8 to use as my second camera. For all you bird photographers what would be the most useful lens to use alongside the 800? 500PF (which I have), Z400 4.5, Z100-400 or F mount 600 F4 (which I have but would only...
At this point, it's either the 300mm PF ED or the Z50II with kit lenses and deal with smaller sensor, lack of IBIS and weather-sealing. I got what I need for home. I need just a good travel option that won't hurt my hands and the options are sort of limited right now.
Last edited:
Juliette
Active member
if the Z50II had IBIS and was weather sealed, since I shoot a ton around beach areas, it would be a no-brainer for travel!
I’ve recently seen listings for the 400mm f/4.5 at KEH (like new-, $2470) and mpb (like new, $2429).
fcotterill
Well-known member
Hi Juliette, see below....
My philosophy is my cameras and lenses are tools that depreciate in reselling value. Their primary value is to capture images unique to a time/place event....as tones lifetime ticks away, and I ran out of 9 Lives a couple of decades ago in any case
In any case it's a few years now since these reported bug(s) with DSLRs + 300 f4 PF was fixed in copies with serial numbers above 205101
https://www.dpreview.com/articles/5...m-f4-vr-to-fix-blur-at-certain-shutter-speeds
I would only buy a Used copy above this Serial # from a reputable Retailer, under a reasonable warranty period in order to test it out properly.
Absolutely
Personally I don't think about photography gear as a fiscal 'investment" although incidentally I have recovered a surprisingly large chuck of the original costs on a couple of trade in/ resales of exotic lenses...
My philosophy is my cameras and lenses are tools that depreciate in reselling value. Their primary value is to capture images unique to a time/place event....as tones lifetime ticks away, and I ran out of 9 Lives a couple of decades ago in any case
The VR problem appears to be in the past and it was mainly with D8*0 FX DSLRs
In any case it's a few years now since these reported bug(s) with DSLRs + 300 f4 PF was fixed in copies with serial numbers above 205101
https://www.dpreview.com/articles/5...m-f4-vr-to-fix-blur-at-certain-shutter-speeds
I would only buy a Used copy above this Serial # from a reputable Retailer, under a reasonable warranty period in order to test it out properly.
I agree a 300 PF should serve you well, in light of your needs
abc123brian
Well-known member
The Df was a camera that caught my interest when it came out and I checked it out at a Nikon event. Overall I found the size bulkier than expected but liked the concept. I also was a canon shooter then so didn’t have any compatible lenses. I think the Zf is a completely different camera than the Df in a good way. There are are great manual focus aids, can adapt just about any lens to it, shoot like a retro camera or a modern camera, and there isn’t really any trade offs with the exception of lack of customizable buttons. The Zf is a fantastic camera and I use it all the time, even once in a while for wildlife. If you’re thinking of trying a mirrorless to complement your DSLR, I’d highly recommend trying it.
Juliette
Active member
@fcotterill - all very wise statements. I think you've set my mind at ease about the 300mm. This would actually be a re-purchase. I had the lens for a while but sold it when I sold my DSLRs. I think for now, this will suit me. Thank you for your help! I'll also be sure to verify serial numbers within the 14 day period.Hi Juliette, see below....
Absolutely
Personally I don't think about photography gear as a fiscal 'investment" although incidentally I have recovered a surprisingly large chuck of the original costs on a couple of trade in/ resales of exotic lenses...
My philosophy is my cameras and lenses are tools that depreciate in reselling value. Their primary value is to capture images unique to a time/place event....as tones lifetime ticks away, and I ran out of 9 Lives a couple of decades ago in any case
The VR problem appears to be in the past and it was mainly with D8*0 FX DSLRs
In any case it's a few years now since these reported bug(s) with DSLRs + 300 f4 PF was fixed in copies with serial numbers above 205101
https://www.dpreview.com/articles/5...m-f4-vr-to-fix-blur-at-certain-shutter-speeds
I would only buy a Used copy above this Serial # from a reputable Retailer, under a reasonable warranty period in order to test it out properly.
I agree a 300 PF should serve you well, in light of your needs
Juliette
Active member
Happy to say that I found the lens on Adorama in mint condition and cashed in some points, totaling it just under 1,000 USD, which satisfied the spouse as well
. I could have picked up an "Excellent" condition and saved myself a little more cash, but not much. I usually buy beat up bodies but baby my lenses. I will be happy-to have this lens again and excited to have a travel option now. Thank you again!
O
Well-known member
DF - ZF Nikon
The ZF is clearly so much more superior technically on that alone there is no comparison to the DF,
that said,
the DF is basically a D600 carcass with a retro top and manual dials, its about 50 gms heavier, this is negated actually making the DF lighter as carrying so many extra batteries with mirror less is usually needed.
The DF has the unique D4 sensor which is optimized for stills as there is no video, its 16mp having a very large pixel pitch which makes very remarkable images, especially when higher ISO performance is needed, Or you want to shoot black and white.
My favourite lens on the DF is the Zeiss 50mm 1.4, 28-300, 300 F2.8 VR II.
What the DF has over the ZF is absolute total simplify, so refreshing, along with incredibly long battery life, and again that the DF is a super simple, therefore i call it the DUMB camera, is that good or bad, its a individuals choice.
When using of brand lenses like Zeiss or Voigtlander etc all only with manual focusing there is no extra weight of a mirror less adapter at 135gms again no need for a bag full of batteries LOL.
Clearly the ZF is packed with so many of the latest benefits in technology and video capability makes it a no brainier. Its a joy to use.
Yes you can dial down any Mirror less camera to be like the DF other than battery life and weight if your using DSLR lenses.
But if you want a simple relaxing to use camera that makes you think and rely on your skill sets, or you want to immerse yourself in the simple art of photography, using only time light and speed, again combined with your skills, the DF doesn't disappoint, in fact it excels with a unique look, even with black and white photos, it actually makes you really think before you shoot.
The very low resale price of the DF today versus the cost of a ZF and adapter with a swag of batteries makes the ZF a expensive update, if you don't need the new tech benefits you can simply get what you want or need easily out of the DF.
This ships mast image was snapped hand held on the DF with the travel lens 28-300 using the VR on the lens only.
the battery lasted more than 3 days with several hours of shooting each day. I dint need to ever carry a spare battery all day.
Yes the ZF is excellent and clearly a singe of what is to come.
Only an opinion
You can only see EXIF info for this image if you are logged in.
You can only see EXIF info for this image if you are logged in.
You can only see EXIF info for this image if you are logged in.
.
You can only see EXIF info for this image if you are logged in.
Last edited: