Autofocus speed comparisons - Nikon Z bodies with equivalent F- versus Z-mount lenses

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Rassie

Rassie

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We all know the Nikkor F-mount lenses focus slower on a Z body compared to the same lens on a DSLR body.
How about someone who owns both similar lenses, say Nikkor 70-200mm F2.8 and Nikkor Z 70-200mm F2.8 compare their autofocus speed on a current Z body?

My Nikkor 200-500mm focuses too slowly on my Z6, causing me to miss shots of fast-moving animals and little birds. What I'd like to know is when the new Nikkor Z 200-600mm arrives, whether it will focus faster on the Z6 than the current 200-500mm. This knowledge will advise me whether I should replace the Z6 body for the Z6 (11), or whether to wait for the new lens. It's really the only lens where I need the fast-focus ability.
 
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Rassie said:
We all know the Nikkor F-mount lenses focus slower on a Z body compared to the same lens on a DSLR body.
How about someone who owns both similar lenses, say Nikkor 70-200mm F2.8 and Nikkor Z 70-200mm F2.8 compare their autofocus speed on a current Z body?

My Nikkor 200-500mm focuses too slowly on my Z6, causing me to miss shots of fast-moving animals and little birds. What I'd like to know is when the new Nikkor Z 200-600mm arrives, whether it will focus faster on the Z6 than the current 200-500mm. This knowledge will advise me whether I should replace the Z6 body for the Z6 (11), or whether to wait for the new lens. It's really the only lens where I need the fast-focus ability.
Click to expand...

Check out this video at the 51.13 time stamp (the complete discussion goes on a few minutes before where the video below will start).


In short, at least with the 24-70 2.8, the Z mount is faster than the adapted E version, but not as fast as the E on a DSLR.

However, the 200-500 is REALLY slow compared to other Nikon telephotos, and I have very serious doubts that the 200-600 will be as sluggish. The Sony 200-600 is very quick and I would think that Nikon would at least want to try to keep up :)
 
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I am eagerly waiting for the Z6/7 II models to show up to see if the problem is with the F mount lenses being used on the Z bodies using the adapters and the AF motors on the F mount lenses are not so optimal for mirrorless tech or if it is really the first gen Z bodies not having enough power to drive the bigger lenses. I feel it is the latter and Canon lenses seem to work flawlessly on their R5/R6 using adapters so there is no reason why Nikon can't do it.
 
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thelordofthelight said:
I am eagerly waiting for the Z6/7 II models to show up to see if the problem is with the F mount lenses being used on the Z bodies using the adapters and the AF motors on the F mount lenses are not so optimal for mirrorless tech or if it is really the first gen Z bodies not having enough power to drive the bigger lenses. I feel it is the latter and Canon lenses seem to work flawlessly on their R5/R6 using adapters so there is no reason why Nikon can't do it.
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I'm very curious about this too and it's one of the first things I'm going to test.
 
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Keeping my fingers crossed Steve! Your results will decide if my wallet gets lighter or otherwise 😆 Nikon had enough time to get this right. They know exactly what they didn't do well with the Zs and what the competition has done with their mirrorless tech so I'd be shocked/surprised if the new bodies aren't good for wildlife action.
 
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thelordofthelight said:
Keeping my fingers crossed Steve! Your results will decide if my wallet gets lighter or otherwise 😆 Nikon had enough time to get this right. They know exactly what they didn't do well with the Zs and what the competition has done with their mirrorless tech so I'd be shocked/surprised if the new bodies aren't good for wildlife action.
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Same here. The thing is, everyone uses the exact same system for PDAF - masked pixels. There's no "af module" anymore, it's all software looking at phase differences. In theory, everyone should have the same AF performance given proper software / firmware / processor. The dual processors make me think it's going to be good, but we'll see. I was super expected when the first cameras were coming and then wildly disappointed at the announcement. So, I'm cautiously optimistic.
 
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Steve said:
Check out this video at the 51.13 time stamp (the complete discussion goes on a few minutes before where the video below will start).


In short, at least with the 24-70 2.8, the Z mount is faster than the adapted E version, but not as fast as the E on a DSLR.

However, the 200-500 is REALLY slow compared to other Nikon telephotos, and I have very serious doubts that the 200-600 will be as sluggish. The Sony 200-600 is very quick and I would think that Nikon would at least want to try to keep up :)
Click to expand...
Thanks, Steve. Lots to think about here.
 
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