What 4\6 lenses would be in your collection for your Z9? What F mount lenses would you keep or add? With approximately . 87 F mount lenses still offered and so far 33 Z mount lenses as listed as current stock on Nikon's website. List your collect or recommendations as General, Wildlife, Landscape, Macro or Astro.
What 4\6 lenses would be in your collection for your Z9? What F mount lenses would you keep or add?
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John Navitsky
Well-known member
the only f-mount i’d keep at this point would be the nikon 120-300 2.8
jadewolf
Well-known member
For me, from F-mount glass I'm keeping my 500PF, my 20mm f/1.8 (love this for landscapes), the 105mm micro (which can take a TC, unlike the z-mount version), and I just picked up a used 600mm f/4 for a good price.
Things I upgraded to Z-mount were the full f/2.8 zoom trinity.
I thought about getting the Z 105mm, but the inability to use a TC on it held me back. I may think more on it later, though. I'd love to get the Z 600mm TC someday, too... but it's out of my budget for the near term. I'll stick with the F-mount until that changes.
That's pretty much my standard Z9 kit now.
However, I'm keeping a lot of F-mount glass anyway. I still shoot film sometimes on an FM and a F100, I kept my D850, and I have some cool vintage glass that can be fun to use. None of it is going to be my regular working kit, but it has its purposes and I'll be keeping it. The only ones I'm on the fence about maybe getting rid of are a couple of my short D primes which I rarely find any use for now. But they're also not worth much for resale, so no harm in keeping them too.
Things I upgraded to Z-mount were the full f/2.8 zoom trinity.
I thought about getting the Z 105mm, but the inability to use a TC on it held me back. I may think more on it later, though. I'd love to get the Z 600mm TC someday, too... but it's out of my budget for the near term. I'll stick with the F-mount until that changes.
That's pretty much my standard Z9 kit now.
However, I'm keeping a lot of F-mount glass anyway. I still shoot film sometimes on an FM and a F100, I kept my D850, and I have some cool vintage glass that can be fun to use. None of it is going to be my regular working kit, but it has its purposes and I'll be keeping it. The only ones I'm on the fence about maybe getting rid of are a couple of my short D primes which I rarely find any use for now. But they're also not worth much for resale, so no harm in keeping them too.
The only F mount glass I have now are:
105 f1.4E as there is no Z mount equivalent
500 f5.6 PF as there is no Z mount equivalent
400 f2.8E FL VR, the Z mount is way too expensive for me to justify an upgrade.
I still have all 3 F Mount TC's - 1.4x TCIII, 1.7x TCII and 2x TCIII.
All my other F mount lenses and cameras were sold off just prior to getting the Z9 in December 2021.
So, I have a Z9 and Z7II and all my other lenses are Z mount:
Z 24mm f1.8S, Z 35mm f1.8S, Z 50mm f1.8S, Z 50mm f1.2S, Z 85mm f1.8S, Z 105mm f2.8 MC, Z 14-30 f4S, Z 14-24 f2.8S, Z 24-70 f4S, 24-70 f2.8S, Z 70-200 f2.8 VR S, Z 100-400 f4.5-5.6 VR S. I have the 800 f6.3 PF on order. I also have both the Z mount TC's - Z 1.4x TC and Z 2x TC.
105 f1.4E as there is no Z mount equivalent
500 f5.6 PF as there is no Z mount equivalent
400 f2.8E FL VR, the Z mount is way too expensive for me to justify an upgrade.
I still have all 3 F Mount TC's - 1.4x TCIII, 1.7x TCII and 2x TCIII.
All my other F mount lenses and cameras were sold off just prior to getting the Z9 in December 2021.
So, I have a Z9 and Z7II and all my other lenses are Z mount:
Z 24mm f1.8S, Z 35mm f1.8S, Z 50mm f1.8S, Z 50mm f1.2S, Z 85mm f1.8S, Z 105mm f2.8 MC, Z 14-30 f4S, Z 14-24 f2.8S, Z 24-70 f4S, 24-70 f2.8S, Z 70-200 f2.8 VR S, Z 100-400 f4.5-5.6 VR S. I have the 800 f6.3 PF on order. I also have both the Z mount TC's - Z 1.4x TC and Z 2x TC.
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Rick Kibbey
Well-known member
I traded all my F-mount cameras and lens except the 500mm PF. I'm all in with these Z lens 14-24mm, 24-70mm, 24-120mm, 100-400mm, 800mm and the 50mm f1.2. These seem to be all I need. If I had an unlimited budget, I would replace the 500mm PF and 800mm with the 600mm TC and maybe the 70-200mm. Right now, I have all I need to get all my uses done. I'm an everything photog. Landscape, portrait, wildlife, sports, and space launches. My lens cover all my needs.
Not a simple question to answer given the multiple types of photography I engage in (film, infrared, macro, wildlife, landscape) With regards to my Z mount bodies (Z6, Z9) I will keep my 14-24 F; 28-300 F; 500 PF lenses because I do not have unlimited funds to replace them and I use them on my older bodies. And then there is the 70-180 D Macro just because I love it. No help to you here, And a few more not listed.
However, for Z lenses my kit includes the 24-70 f/4; 85 f/1.8; 70-200 f/2.8; 100-400 S; 105 MC, plus the 50 MC for use with the ES2 for slide copying with the 800 PF on order. No other additions currently planned.
However, for Z lenses my kit includes the 24-70 f/4; 85 f/1.8; 70-200 f/2.8; 100-400 S; 105 MC, plus the 50 MC for use with the ES2 for slide copying with the 800 PF on order. No other additions currently planned.
The list of TC's that can be used with the Z lenses is slim.
jadewolf
Well-known member
Yeah, definitely. And I'm still waiting on my Z 1.4 TC that's on order to show up. Been a while now and still waiting. Mostly want it for on the 70-200mm in certain scenarios, but doesn't look like I'll be getting it any time soon.
One thing I did forget in my list is a 14mm Rokinon f-mount that I'm keeping, too. It's pretty much exclusively an astrophotography lens for me. But with the 14-20mm f/2.8, I'll probably only be using it for destinations I can drive to and have extra gear space. I'm hoping the 14-20mm Z can pull decent double duty for landscape and astro on plane-based trips now.
I primarily do wildlife photography, some landscape, some macro and occasional nighttime/Milky Way. I've decided to go all Z lenses and I've traded in almost all my F-mount lenses. My main Z lenses are 105mm macro, 14-24 f2.8, 24-120mm, 100-400mm, 400 f4.5 and TC 1.4X and 2X. I also have the 800mm but I will sell that when I get the 600mm f4 TC which is still on order.
fcotterill
Well-known member
The Mirrorless winds of change keep stirring up the desire to "go Mirrorless', or extend one's camera system. Or one waits to see how MILC systems mature. Some photographers choose to carry on regardless with their trusted gear.
I'm most content with a hybrid F and Z system, thanks be the FTZ adapter and excellent products in both mount systems. The reason is all these reliable cameras and lenses work well: wildlife, macro and landscapes too, and portraits less often
Any ranking (eg Nikkor Telephotos recently on Photography Life) of these lenses is subjective, in personal needs and also awe, nostalgia etc. Some Z lenses are definitely better, Unique in fact. There are many F mounts that are also excellent and more importantly they continue to capture high quality images. There's also the interesting rule that many older lenses focus more precisely on a mirrorless camera.
Admittedly, the numbers of these top tier F mounts that make the grade today exhibits a distinct slope from E, through G, to AFD (s'driver AF) down to AIS. (However, some Hobbyists might buy MILCs to adapt older Classics!) My working F Nikkors are mainly E types, and 2 AFD, the 70-180 Micro and 85 f1.4
I'm most content with a hybrid F and Z system, thanks be the FTZ adapter and excellent products in both mount systems. The reason is all these reliable cameras and lenses work well: wildlife, macro and landscapes too, and portraits less often
Any ranking (eg Nikkor Telephotos recently on Photography Life) of these lenses is subjective, in personal needs and also awe, nostalgia etc. Some Z lenses are definitely better, Unique in fact. There are many F mounts that are also excellent and more importantly they continue to capture high quality images. There's also the interesting rule that many older lenses focus more precisely on a mirrorless camera.
Admittedly, the numbers of these top tier F mounts that make the grade today exhibits a distinct slope from E, through G, to AFD (s'driver AF) down to AIS. (However, some Hobbyists might buy MILCs to adapt older Classics!) My working F Nikkors are mainly E types, and 2 AFD, the 70-180 Micro and 85 f1.4
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I shot mostly wildlife with a small mixture of macro and city stuff. I have sold all my FX glass except for the 500 PF (hoping to replace it with a 600 F/5.6 similar to the 400 F/4.5) and a Sigma 150 macro (yes, it has a collar unlike the 105 Z macro).
My Z lens range from the F/2.8 trinity w/ 24-120 as a great walk around lens, 100-400, 400 F/4.5 and 800 PF. Love to see Nikon make a 600 F/5.6 but not sure if they will.
My Z lens range from the F/2.8 trinity w/ 24-120 as a great walk around lens, 100-400, 400 F/4.5 and 800 PF. Love to see Nikon make a 600 F/5.6 but not sure if they will.
F mount I have are:
500 f5.6 PF
400 f2.8E FL VR,
plus the 1.4x TCIII,
I have a Z9 and Z6II and Z mount:
Z 50mm f1.2S, Z 85mm f1.8S, Z 14-30 f4S, Z 24-70 f4S, 24-70 f2.8S, Z 70-200 f2.8 VR S, also the Z 1.4x TC
I'd love to upgrade to the Z 400 2.8 VR TC however the cost is outside my budget.
500 f5.6 PF
400 f2.8E FL VR,
plus the 1.4x TCIII,
I have a Z9 and Z6II and Z mount:
Z 50mm f1.2S, Z 85mm f1.8S, Z 14-30 f4S, Z 24-70 f4S, 24-70 f2.8S, Z 70-200 f2.8 VR S, also the Z 1.4x TC
I'd love to upgrade to the Z 400 2.8 VR TC however the cost is outside my budget.
I have a Z9 and Z6ii. I tend to use 4 lenses (wildlife, macro and some landscape). Z mount: 24-70 f4S, 100-400, 1.4TC F mount: Sigma 150 f2.8, 500pf, 1.4TC
I still have the F mount 70-200 f2.8 and 300pf but they only come out rarely now and probably need to be sold. My safari battered 80-400 still functions very well but won't be used again and will be passed on to my son when I next head for Australia......
I still have the F mount 70-200 f2.8 and 300pf but they only come out rarely now and probably need to be sold. My safari battered 80-400 still functions very well but won't be used again and will be passed on to my son when I next head for Australia......
arbitrage
Well-known member
My ideal kit would be 100-400, 400/4.5, 400TC, 600TC. I might find a way to do 800PF instead of one of those TC lenses.
I'm a minimalist when it comes to cameras and lenses. In addition, I prefer shooting on less than perfect weather days and live in a state where the weather truly restricts one's capacity to change lenses. For example, it ill be -6 deg F (-21 deg C) on Saturday, and I will suck it up for about an hour during sunrise. As such, I'd prioritize two Z bodies (which I have done) over 4 lenses. For a brief time I had the 24-120, 100-400S, 400 4.5S, and 800PF. I sold the 100-400S and kept the 400 f4.5... From a flexibility point of view, this was an absolutely horrible decision!... However, the 400 f4.5S is a such a great lens. It might be the sharpest lens I've ever owned, as I think it surpasses the 300mm f2.8VR and 500PF for sharpness, and is the perfect "tweener" when considering those lenses. As of today, I have the 24-120, 400 4.5, and 800PF...
So what would be my perfect kit?... 20S, 24-70 2.8S, 70-200S, 400mm f2.8S, and a 1.4x
I can't afford this, but it would make me very happy to pack and use.
So what would be my perfect kit?... 20S, 24-70 2.8S, 70-200S, 400mm f2.8S, and a 1.4x
I can't afford this, but it would make me very happy to pack and use.
abc123brian
Well-known member
I don’t do any Astro work, so I cannot comment on that. I have 14-30mm F/4, 24-120mm F/4, 100-400mm, 28mm F/2.8, 40mm F/2, 50mm F/1.8, 105mm MC, 400mm F/4.5, and 1.4x TC. I currently have two f mount lenses, 24mm PC and 500mm PF. I plan to replace the 500mm when I get a Z lens longer than 400mm and don’t have any F mounts I’d want to add. To complete the Z lenses, I’m considering the upcoming 200-600mm and the 800mm PF. For my use, that covers everything really well. My must haves from that list are the 24-120mm, 100-400mm, and 400mm 4.5, 1.4x TC.
my "style" wouldn't justify the Z9 but I have only Z lenses :
14-24/2.8
24-70/4
24-120/4
70-200/2.8
MC105/2.8
24-200
2x TC
Of these, I'd probably be happy to trade in the 24-200 as I only used it once, last July on holiday - it's exactly that: a great holiday lens. My 24-70*4 is back in its cox having been replaced by t he 24-120
14-24/2.8
24-70/4
24-120/4
70-200/2.8
MC105/2.8
24-200
2x TC
Of these, I'd probably be happy to trade in the 24-200 as I only used it once, last July on holiday - it's exactly that: a great holiday lens. My 24-70*4 is back in its cox having been replaced by t he 24-120
Maljo
Well-known member
I have kept the F mount 35 mm f1.4 which really shines wide open on the Z bodies and never did on the D850.
I have a pair of Z9s with all my Z lenses. But I also have a Z7II. And I have the Z 24-200. For me, if I am not traveling for my wildlife photography, but instead am going to Paris or Italy, the Z7II + the 24-200 make a great extremely light weight and compact solution to be able to easily walk the streets of the city with the small camera and lens in a small bag around by waist.
fcotterill
Well-known member
To quote:
"If you’re still a DSLR-only user, let me frame this discussion a bit differently. If you’re primarily using 20-100mm optics, the mirrorless S-line user is getting better pixel data than you are. I’d even say that if you’re using a Zeiss Otus on your DSLR, as you’re manually focusing that lens and the manual focus tools on the Z cameras are simply better and more accurate. Plus Sensor VR, since you’re probably not using a tripod ;~).
Below 20mm we have a lot to talk about, and I believe that even with the two 14mm-x S-line zooms the DSLR user may find some advantages. Personally, I use the 19mm PC-E on my Z7 II for landscape these days, but I don’t like the extra adapter involved.
Above 100mm, and Nikon’s telephoto options with a fixed maximum aperture have always been superb, even back into the film SLR days. The advantage the S-line telephotos are bringing isn’t necessarily optical, but in terms of size, weight, and handling. "
"If you’re still a DSLR-only user, let me frame this discussion a bit differently. If you’re primarily using 20-100mm optics, the mirrorless S-line user is getting better pixel data than you are. I’d even say that if you’re using a Zeiss Otus on your DSLR, as you’re manually focusing that lens and the manual focus tools on the Z cameras are simply better and more accurate. Plus Sensor VR, since you’re probably not using a tripod ;~).
Below 20mm we have a lot to talk about, and I believe that even with the two 14mm-x S-line zooms the DSLR user may find some advantages. Personally, I use the 19mm PC-E on my Z7 II for landscape these days, but I don’t like the extra adapter involved.
Above 100mm, and Nikon’s telephoto options with a fixed maximum aperture have always been superb, even back into the film SLR days. The advantage the S-line telephotos are bringing isn’t necessarily optical, but in terms of size, weight, and handling. "
Do I Need Better Than S? | Thom Hogan
How good are the S-line Nikkor lenses for the Z system?
www.zsystemuser.com
lwan
Well-known member
I only own the Z 24-70/4 and the f 400/2.8G so that's a quick one for me 
The only additions i will consider in the near future are the Z macro and a very wide angle one.
But the day the money is here, a Z 600/4 TC, of course.
The only additions i will consider in the near future are the Z macro and a very wide angle one.
But the day the money is here, a Z 600/4 TC, of course.
So many great lenses to choose fromI only own the Z 24-70/4 and the f 400/2.8G so that's a quick one for me
The only additions i will consider in the near future are the Z macro and a very wide angle one.
But the day the money is here, a Z 600/4 TC, of course.
But as a wildlife photographer my most used lens is the 100-400 because of its great versatility especially for mammals and large birds
In Homer Alaska that was the perfect lens for eagles in flight since the eagles were large and often flew in close where 400mm was too much but could easily zoom lens out
Z 20 1.8 astro/landscape, Z 24-70 f4 general, 300 f4 pf, 500 f5.6 pf and Z 100-400 f4.5-5.6 for wildlife are my five. Waiting for a 150-200 mm macro to add to my collection.
The trinity, 105, 85, 50, all Z, 500pf for stills. 24-120 and a handful of Ai-S for vid.
All of my F mount lenses have been sold. The last to go were:
105 f/1.4, an excellent portrait lens with not direct Z mount replacement. the Z 85 & 105 are good but I lost a little going mirrorless
500 PF f/5.6, hardest to give up but it finally was sold to help pay for the 400 TC giving me 560 mm f/4 but I miss the lighter lens.
I have Z6ii, Z7ii and Z9 camera bodies and seven Z lenses that I use frequently
20 f/1.8 Astro/Landscapes
50 f/1.8 Events/Travel/Family Photos
85 f/1.8 Fashion/Lifestyle
MC 105 f/2.8 Macro/Portraits
24-70 f/2.8 Fashion/Events/Landscapes
70-200 f/2.8 Runway Fashion and with TC14 Indoor Sports and Some Larger Wildlife
400 TC f/2.8 Birds/Wildlife/Field Sports
I have the TC 20 but rarely use it.
For all of the lenses except the 400 TC, I justified the replacement after comparing image quality from F mounts on a D850 and D5 to the mirrorless cameras. The 400 TC was not a replacement for an F mount lens. I never owned an F mount exotic prime. The transition took nearly three years. I used the FTZ converter and continuerd working with my older lenses for quite some time and was fully satisfied.
I think about adding the 100-400 zoom. The flexibility of the zoom is attractive. So far the loss of low light capability and the cost have stopped me from going there. Maybe someday.
105 f/1.4, an excellent portrait lens with not direct Z mount replacement. the Z 85 & 105 are good but I lost a little going mirrorless
500 PF f/5.6, hardest to give up but it finally was sold to help pay for the 400 TC giving me 560 mm f/4 but I miss the lighter lens.
I have Z6ii, Z7ii and Z9 camera bodies and seven Z lenses that I use frequently
20 f/1.8 Astro/Landscapes
50 f/1.8 Events/Travel/Family Photos
85 f/1.8 Fashion/Lifestyle
MC 105 f/2.8 Macro/Portraits
24-70 f/2.8 Fashion/Events/Landscapes
70-200 f/2.8 Runway Fashion and with TC14 Indoor Sports and Some Larger Wildlife
400 TC f/2.8 Birds/Wildlife/Field Sports
I have the TC 20 but rarely use it.
For all of the lenses except the 400 TC, I justified the replacement after comparing image quality from F mounts on a D850 and D5 to the mirrorless cameras. The 400 TC was not a replacement for an F mount lens. I never owned an F mount exotic prime. The transition took nearly three years. I used the FTZ converter and continuerd working with my older lenses for quite some time and was fully satisfied.
I think about adding the 100-400 zoom. The flexibility of the zoom is attractive. So far the loss of low light capability and the cost have stopped me from going there. Maybe someday.