Best nikon body (aside from Z8/Z9) for wildlife photography?

[Ausi]

Hi all, I am considering buying a nikon mirrorless camera for wildlife (mostly bird) photography, but can't afford the Z8/Z9 as a hobbyist. What would the next best option?
Currently using D7500 with 200-500mm lens.
(I live in Canada)
Thank you.

 

[wotan1]

you might look for a used z8 or 9 there have been good deals z8 for about 3k and z9 for 4k.

They are the best for birding in Nikon.

We expect Nikon to announce new cameras possibly this month you can wait and see what comes out.

The Zf is new and has some interesting features.

The problem with mirrorless and birding is you may also want other lenses.

IYou could get a used F mount 500 pf. That is a superb lens and there are deals to be had as people move up to Z mount lenses.

 

[StefanSC]

I think the Zf is the best AF body after the Z8 and Z9 but the ergonomics are sub-par for a wildlife body.

I've used the Z7 II and Z6 II and they will do fine as well, especially if you are mostly shooting static subjects.

The thing is, with both Z6 and Zf, if you are keeping your 200-500mm, coming from APS-C, you might find yourself a bit short on the lens department.

That beings said depending on your budget, I think the best upgrade paths would be as follow:

~1200$:
Stick with DSLRs and get a used D500/D850 for the better AF, buffer, build quality and burst speeds.

~ 2400$:
Sell your existing kit and try to score a used OM-1 and 300mm f4, or a Sony 6700 and 200-600 or a Canon R7 and 100-500mm. Maybe even an Sony A9 and 200-600.

~3000$:
Bite the bullet and get a used Z8 and use it with the 200-500mm.

 

[BLev65]

When people ask me this, I always return with... 3 Questions:
-> What's your budget?
-> What do you intend to photograph?
-> Do you know how to get close or do you like to stay far?
Without knowing one and two, it's hard to assemble a kit. Without knowing 3, helping you with a lens is a crap shoot.

Here's the honest truth... for about 50 years, a 500mm lens was considered an extreme telephoto focal length. A ton of wildlife photography was done with 400mm, and my first successful attempts with wildlife was with 300mm. These days, people like to stay in their car, shoot from the road, grab a shot, and crop the crap out of it (see what I did there ). There's nothing wrong with the latter, but it mostly results in "got it shots" that are just good enough for Insta and Facebook.

If you are willing to invest in your technique and accept that you will miss some shots of distant animals, I can suggest a kit that would be about $3300 out the door.
The Nikon Zf with 24MP sensor, though designed for more street-like photography, has a super capable AF and will allow for a high in-focus rate at 10fps. It costs $2000 new.
The Tamron 100-500 Z-mount is a very high quality lens and will out perform your 200-500... it is $1200 or so.

Probably the best budget kit in the Nikon ecosystem.

bruce

 

[Charles Loy]

I'm well away from the others, the Zf would be my last choice. I suggest dogging FM Forum and here on the buy/sell thread and grab a used Z8. However I notice Ausi name, may be from Australia?, but the Z8 is a real deal birding camera.

 

[Rassie]

In addition to what has been said above, I would advise waiting another month or so. Popular belief is that the launch of the Z6III is imminent. This may very well be an excellent lower-priced Nikon birding camera.

 

[Ausi]

you might look for a used z8 or 9 there have been good deals z8 for about 3k and z9 for 4k.

They are the best for birding in Nikon.

We expect Nikon to announce new cameras possibly this month you can wait and see what comes out.

The Zf is new and has some interesting features.

The problem with mirrorless and birding is you may also want other lenses.

IYou could get a used F mount 500 pf. That is a superb lens and there are deals to be had as people move up to Z mount lenses.

Thank you for confirming that Z8and Z9 are best for birding, and suggestion. Will wait for announcements.

 

[Ausi]

I think the Zf is the best AF body after the Z8 and Z9 but the ergonomics are sub-par for a wildlife body.

I've used the Z7 II and Z6 II and they will do fine as well, especially if you are mostly shooting static subjects.

The thing is, with both Z6 and Zf, if you are keeping your 200-500mm, coming from APS-C, you might find yourself a bit short on the lens department.

That beings said depending on your budget, I think the best upgrade paths would be as follow:

~1200$:
Stick with DSLRs and get a used D500/D850 for the better AF, buffer, build quality and burst speeds.

~ 2400$:
Sell your existing kit and try to score a used OM-1 and 300mm f4, or a Sony 6700 and 200-600 or a Canon R7 and 100-500mm. Maybe even an Sony A9 and 200-600.

~3000$:
Bite the bullet and get a used Z8 and use it with the 200-500mm.

Thanks for confirming that the Z6 and Z7 are for more static subjects. I guess the tracking is for much slower subjects.
I really appreciate the three options you provided. I've been thinking about the first one, but decided I would appreciate lighter gear (back issues) and tracking capabilities. Will look into the other options (#2). Thank you so much.

 

[Ausi]

When people ask me this, I always return with... 3 Questions:
-> What's your budget?
-> What do you intend to photograph?
-> Do you know how to get close or do you like to stay far?
Without knowing one and two, it's hard to assemble a kit. Without knowing 3, helping you with a lens is a crap shoot.

Here's the honest truth... for about 50 years, a 500mm lens was considered an extreme telephoto focal length. A ton of wildlife photography was done with 400mm, and my first successful attempts with wildlife was with 300mm. These days, people like to stay in their car, shoot from the road, grab a shot, and crop the crap out of it (see what I did there ). There's nothing wrong with the latter, but it mostly results in "got it shots" that are just good enough for Insta and Facebook.

If you are willing to invest in your technique and accept that you will miss some shots of distant animals, I can suggest a kit that would be about $3300 out the door.
The Nikon Zf with 24MP sensor, though designed for more street-like photography, has a super capable AF and will allow for a high in-focus rate at 10fps. It costs $2000 new.
The Tamron 100-500 Z-mount is a very high quality lens and will out perform your 200-500... it is $1200 or so.

Probably the best budget kit in the Nikon ecosystem.

bruce

Yes, I should have provided answers for the top 3 questions. I purposely did not.
I agree with your first comment... did start with a basic 70-300mm lens. Nothing wrong with it, except that the nature parks I visit restrict us to pathways, as well many small birds are high up in the trees. I have been enjoying taking photos with the 200-500mm lens, less post processing. A lot are still very far away and have accepted that those are out of reach.
Thank you so much for offering options. I will look into those.

 

[Ausi]

In addition to what has been said above, I would advise waiting another month or so. Popular belief is that the launch of the Z6III is imminent. This may very well be an excellent lower-priced Nikon birding camera.

Thanks. Will wait for what may be coming up.

 

[Ausi]

I'm well away from the others, the Zf would be my last choice. I suggest dogging FM Forum and here on the buy/sell thread and grab a used Z8. However I notice Ausi name, may be from Australia?, but the Z8 is a real deal birding camera.

Thanks for confirming that the Z8 is currently the best option for birding. I'm in Canada, the exchange rate really ups the cost. Will wait to see what Nikon will announce next. Thanks.

 

[MrFotoFool]

I think the Zf is the best AF body after the Z8 and Z9 but the ergonomics are sub-par for a wildlife body.

I've used the Z7 II and Z6 II and they will do fine as well, especially if you are mostly shooting static subjects.

This exactly. Though if you get one of the optional grips that are available, the Zf might work.

 

[Woodyg3]

It's my opinion that the next best thing to a Z8 or Z9 for wildlife in the Nikon line is still the D500 or D850. I also think it is just a matter of time before Nikon has a mirrorless at a lower price point than the z8/9 that will give Nikon users an affordable and highly capable choice for wildlife , sports, etc.

 

[mosoaringwings]

In my opinion, it is better to wait and save money and get Z8 later. D7500 is not bad. I used to shoot D500, which I think is about same as D7500. I upgraded to Z8 last year. I had Z7_ii when I shot my D500. But I only used Z7_ii for landscape and never used it for birds simply because D500 was much better. Yes, ZF or the new Z63 can do bird photography with bird detection. But these bodies aren't meant for wildlife. Nikon refurbished Z8 is $3200. I would strongly recommend getting Z8, buy nice and buy once!!!

 

[PhotoLover]

In my opinion, it is better to wait and save money and get Z8 later. D7500 is not bad. I used to shoot D500, which I think is about same as D7500. I upgraded to Z8 last year. I had Z7_ii when I shot my D500. But I only used Z7_ii for landscape and never used it for birds simply because D500 was much better. Yes, ZF or the new Z63 can do bird photography with bird detection. But these bodies aren't meant for wildlife. Nikon refurbished Z8 is $3200. I would strongly recommend getting Z8, buy nice and buy once!!!

I have a D500 and a D7500. The D500 is "better" but I don't think the difference is enough to justify "upgrading" as described in the original question. On both bodies, the 500 pf (also available used a lot cheaper than it used to be) and the 1.4 III teleconverter when you want serious reach work well.

From what I know, I'd save my pennies for a Z8.

 

[wotan1]

To amplify what has been said before here are the reasons the Z8 is the Best Buy at this point for birding. This assumes you follow the shooting approach recommended by Steve Perry:

1. 47 MP sensor, this gives you greater ability to crop and still have satisfactory resolution
2. Most effective autofocus performance for birding including bird subject detection.
3. High speed sensor, allows the ability to shoot high frame rates including 20 fps RAW. Shooting rapid bursts helps to increase the chance of capturing sharper images and capturing birds in interesting positions.

By comparison the Zf has some of the Z8 autofocus features but it is a 24mp sensor so lacks the ability of the Z8 to create high resolution RAW files that allow greater flexibility in cropping. It is also a "retro" design with controls that are contrary to the Z approach to camera buttons and configuration. The rumored Z6iii release may involve a camera with similar capabilities as the Zf but more modern Z layout and setup.

Deals can be had for the Z6ii and Z7ii. The Z6ii is a 24 mp sensor, the Z7ii has 47mp and can produce images at the same quality level of the Z8/9. However, these are old designs and their autofocus system is far below the level of the Z8/9 in performance. I have the Z7ii it is a nice camera but I would not choose to use it for birding. I find it useful for landscape or other static subjects. It is also lightweight and makes a nice street camera.

The d850 is a very remarkable camera and takes great images, but it does not have the autofocus capability or the data speed of the Z8/9. It does not have the advances in technology that are in the Z8 and Z9 and it is not as adept at tracking and capturing wildlife in motion.

In addition the move to the Z system results in a wider lens opening and closer distance between mounting flange and sensor. This has allowed for redesign of lenses with significant improvements all around. The Z cameras can use F mount lenses but the F mount cameras can't use Z lenses. This makes the F mount cameras a "dead end" in terms of future developments as all of Nikon's creative lens design is going into the Z mount.

Those of us who went z8/9 found them to be game changing cameras, they have hugely increased our capability and changed how we now do things.

Now there are some new cameras coming out shortly. Some of these new designs may bring some of the Z8/9 capabilities to less expensive models, and who knows these new models may even have new tricks.

 

[Jamie Baker]

Wait a short time for the Z6III announcement, I think that’ll be the best option.

 

[Abinoone]

Hi all, I am considering buying a nikon mirrorless camera for wildlife (mostly bird) photography, but can't afford the Z8/Z9 as a hobbyist. What would the next best option?
Currently using D7500 with 200-500mm lens.
(I live in Canada)
Thank you.

Since you specifically asked about more affordable alternatives to the Z8/9, I’d strongly encourage you to consider find g a good used copy of a D850. It’s arguably the best DSLR camera Nikon ever made, and great for bird photography, although I’m sure others might argue for the D500.

 

[fcotterill]

If you seek an affordable Mirrorless system, then it's a Zf (for the reasons stated above). Add a FTZ to adapt a 70-200 f4G with a 200-500 f5.6, or pair a 500 PF with a TC14 III and the 300 PF
The alternative affordable ILCs to buy with the above 3 f mount lenses is a D500 or D850. For lowlight, it's very hard to beat a D5
Functionally, IME the closest ILC to the Z9 judged on the criterion of sticky Autofocus is still a D6 (which has the superb D5 sensor for lowlight IQ).

 

[Ausi]

In my opinion, it is better to wait and save money and get Z8 later. D7500 is not bad. I used to shoot D500, which I think is about same as D7500. I upgraded to Z8 last year. I had Z7_ii when I shot my D500. But I only used Z7_ii for landscape and never used it for birds simply because D500 was much better. Yes, ZF or the new Z63 can do bird photography with bird detection. But these bodies aren't meant for wildlife. Nikon refurbished Z8 is $3200. I would strongly recommend getting Z8, buy nice and buy once!!!

Good point! Buy nice and buy once. I'm in no rush, will wait for the next announcement. Thanks!

 

[Ausi]

To amplify what has been said before here are the reasons the Z8 is the Best Buy at this point for birding. This assumes you follow the shooting approach recommended by Steve Perry:

1. 47 MP sensor, this gives you greater ability to crop and still have satisfactory resolution
2. Most effective autofocus performance for birding including bird subject detection.
3. High speed sensor, allows the ability to shoot high frame rates including 20 fps RAW. Shooting rapid bursts helps to increase the chance of capturing sharper images and capturing birds in interesting positions.

By comparison the Zf has some of the Z8 autofocus features but it is a 24mp sensor so lacks the ability of the Z8 to create high resolution RAW files that allow greater flexibility in cropping. It is also a "retro" design with controls that are contrary to the Z approach to camera buttons and configuration. The rumored Z6iii release may involve a camera with similar capabilities as the Zf but more modern Z layout and setup.

Deals can be had for the Z6ii and Z7ii. The Z6ii is a 24 mp sensor, the Z7ii has 47mp and can produce images at the same quality level of the Z8/9. However, these are old designs and their autofocus system is far below the level of the Z8/9 in performance. I have the Z7ii it is a nice camera but I would not choose to use it for birding. I find it useful for landscape or other static subjects. It is also lightweight and makes a nice street camera.

The d850 is a very remarkable camera and takes great images, but it does not have the autofocus capability or the data speed of the Z8/9. It does not have the advances in technology that are in the Z8 and Z9 and it is not as adept at tracking and capturing wildlife in motion.

In addition the move to the Z system results in a wider lens opening and closer distance between mounting flange and sensor. This has allowed for redesign of lenses with significant improvements all around. The Z cameras can use F mount lenses but the F mount cameras can't use Z lenses. This makes the F mount cameras a "dead end" in terms of future developments as all of Nikon's creative lens design is going into the Z mount.

Those of us who went z8/9 found them to be game changing cameras, they have hugely increased our capability and changed how we now do things.

Now there are some new cameras coming out shortly. Some of these new designs may bring some of the Z8/9 capabilities to less expensive models, and who knows these new models may even have new tricks.

Thanks so much for your response. Great overview/summary. I have not purchased a D850 because am looking for improved AF and tracking. Looking forward to upcoming announcements. Thanks again!

 

[JAJohnson]

The Nikon Zf with 24MP sensor, though designed for more street-like photography, has a super capable AF and will allow for a high in-focus rate at 10fps. It costs $2000 new.
The Tamron 100-500 Z-mount is a very high quality lens and will out perform your 200-500... it is $1200 or so.

While any Z-mount lens can attach to a Zf, I wouldn’t recommend using a telephoto lens with it. The imbalance would be tiring shooting handheld and perilous on a gimbal.

I expect the features of a Zf to be announced in the next month to two in a body more like the Z6 II. That would be a better choice, I think.

 

[Kev68]

Hi all, I am considering buying a nikon mirrorless camera for wildlife (mostly bird) photography, but can't afford the Z8/Z9 as a hobbyist. What would the next best option?
Currently using D7500 with 200-500mm lens.
(I live in Canada)
Thank you.

Well I currently use a Zf and actually its fine with the 400mm and 1.4 TC, it works far better than the z6ii before it and I would say overall better than my D500 before that. But yes, if a Z8 was an option I would go that route. We had an excellent Nikon hands-on day locally here and I would definitely go for Z9 with any lens weight equal or greater that the Z 800pf lens , anything smaller the Z8 felt perfect.

But if the budget won't stretch, the Zf with the small rig grip is great, a Z6iii may shift the balance again and at this point its worth waiting to see what that might bring. However, Z8 and shutterless tech / no black-out would be hard to beat especially paired with a Z600 pf...........

But I am happy and getting the best images ever in my 30 years of hobbyist photography. Having learnt photography with a film SLR / medium format cameras the tech today is just astonishing...... I couldn't have got this shot with my FM3a

 

[BLev65]

While any Z-mount lens can attach to a Zf, I wouldn’t recommend using a telephoto lens with it. The imbalance would be tiring shooting handheld and perilous on a gimbal.

I expect the features of a Zf to be announced in the next month to two in a body more like the Z6 II. That would be a better choice, I think.

I'm not sure I agree with this sentiment. I spent 16 days photographing wildlife and landscapes (mostly wildlife) in Japan with a Z9 on a 400 f2.8TC and a Zf w/ 24-120 or 180-600. I also took same combination to Bosque del Apache, NM in December. The Zf and the 180-600 were great together. In order to make the most of it, you'll need either the SmallRig or Nikon Grip, but the camera and lens performed admirably... I have countless images made with the Zf and 180-600. I've since added a Z8 to complete my wildlife kit, but felt as if I lost very little by relying on the Zf... see attached for a sample.

You can only see EXIF info for this image if you are logged in.

 

[JAJohnson]

The Zf and the 180-600 were great together. In order to make the most of it, you'll need either the SmallRig or Nikon Grip, but the camera and lens performed admirably...

I have the Zf will SmallRig grip. I found it unacceptably unbalanced with the 180-600 attached. I’m glad it worked for you, though!