Z8 and best 2nd body for traveling and hiking

[mrz1342]

Currentely, I own Z8 (1000 gr with L bracket and battery with cards) and Z lenses. For light traveling and hiking, I set 14-30+28-400 (= 1300 gr) and essential accessories and very light bag pack: Total 3.5kg minimum. for my age of 60, still its heavy for hiking and traveling (and bulky). Before I set Sony a7Cii and R with small lenses but I was not satisfy because of file quality and very small body that confused me to put my fingers in right places, besides very small VF. Earlier I set Fujifilm with lighter and smaller lenses with perfect picture quality but worms-issues! Finally I moved to Nikon Z series and I amazed for DR, IQ, and all in one features. Even non-S lenses are identical for quality performance. (Z lenses are heavy but worth to carry for best creating high quality). If I want to pack my gear for a project seriously I prefer to buy another Z8 to keep muscles memory and keeping same files for post. BUT, as I mentioned, I need higher body for hiking and traveling. Z6iii doesn't provide same DR as Z8 for photography and its with less MP resolution (although has same Prosecco tech). Z7 ii has older processor but same MP as Z8. Z5 ii full frame and 26 MP with all latest features is coming soon which is 600 gr only (Body) which is 500 gr less than my Z8 and with combination of 14-30+28-400 and essential accessories into light bag pack will be: 2.5 kg Max. (Just to save space and weight). I will be happy if anybody share opinion with me. Thank you

 

[Calson]

Why worry about a 32 ounce Z8 body? You can leave the second body in your car or hotel room if the extra two pounds is too much to handle.

When I reached 70 years of age I found that I needed to work out with dumbbells to stay in shape. Helps my shoulders and my lower back muscles as well as my arms. Planks are another good way to keep the upper torso in shape and works when traveling.

 

[peachfront]

My second body is the Z7ii. Actually, I guess it's my first body since I bought it first, but now my primary camera is the z8 because I'm trying to learn Bird Photography. Z8 and Z7ii take the same batteries so that's also nice but maybe that's true of some of the others as well?

 

[Anjin San]

Currentely, I own Z8 (1000 gr with L bracket and battery with cards) and Z lenses. For light traveling and hiking, I set 14-30+28-400 (= 1300 gr) and essential accessories and very light bag pack: Total 3.5kg minimum. for my age of 60, still its heavy for hiking and traveling (and bulky). Before I set Sony a7Cii and R with small lenses but I was not satisfy because of file quality and very small body that confused me to put my fingers in right places, besides very small VF. Earlier I set Fujifilm with lighter and smaller lenses with perfect picture quality but worms-issues! Finally I moved to Nikon Z series and I amazed for DR, IQ, and all in one features. Even non-S lenses are identical for quality performance. (Z lenses are heavy but worth to carry for best creating high quality). If I want to pack my gear for a project seriously I prefer to buy another Z8 to keep muscles memory and keeping same files for post. BUT, as I mentioned, I need higher body for hiking and traveling. Z6iii doesn't provide same DR as Z8 for photography and its with less MP resolution (although has same Prosecco tech). Z7 ii has older processor but same MP as Z8. Z5 ii full frame and 26 MP with all latest features is coming soon which is 600 gr only (Body) which is 500 gr less than my Z8 and with combination of 14-30+28-400 and essential accessories into light bag pack will be: 2.5 kg Max. (Just to save space and weight). I will be happy if anybody share opinion with me. Thank you

I have 2 Z8s and just carry one when weight is an issue along with a lens or two. The Z6III is a cheaper alternative…but size and weight wise isn't really much smaller than a Z8 body and the total weight with the same lens only is less by 5 ounces…which isn't really worth quibbling over. I take my bride's Z50 if I really want smaller/lighter.

 

[mrz1342]

Why worry about a 32 ounce Z8 body? You can leave the second body in your car or hotel room if the extra two pounds is too much to handle.

When I reached 70 years of age I found that I needed to work out with dumbbells to stay in shape. Helps my shoulders and my lower back muscles as well as my arms. Planks are another good way to keep the upper torso in shape and works when traveling.

I agree with you, workout helps a lot but still lighter and smaller is the priority for hiking and traveling. When you are carrying a bag pack with your gear and walk a lot or hike, every 100 gr feels 1 kg! Therefore always "Size and Weight" matter

 

[mrz1342]

My second body is the Z7ii. Actually, I guess it's my first body since I bought it first, but now my primary camera is the z8 because I'm trying to learn Bird Photography. Z8 and Z7ii take the same batteries so that's also nice but maybe that's true of some of the others as well?

but not same Processor, then the files are different in post!

 

[mrz1342]

I have 2 Z8s and just carry one when weight is an issue along with a lens or two. The Z6III is a cheaper alternative…but size and weight wise isn't really much smaller than a Z8 body and the total weight with the same lens only is less by 5 ounces…which isn't really worth quibbling over. I take my bride's Z50 if I really want smaller/lighter.

I am thinking to buy Z5ii as my camera C for traveling and hiking because of size and weight. Also its same processor and essential features on Z8. The full small bag pack with 14-30 and 28-400 will be min. 2 and max. 2.5 kg which is very convenient. Just I am not sure 20mp crop sensor if provides me what I need for coping in post for landscape or not?!

 

[mathjak107]

my wife and i both have zf cameras as a second body .

unless using our 70-200mm f2.8 or larger , we use the zf .

 

[mrz1342]

I have 2 Z8s and just carry one when weight is an issue along with a lens or two. The Z6III is a cheaper alternative…but size and weight wise isn't really much smaller than a Z8 body and the total weight with the same lens only is less by 5 ounces…which isn't really worth quibbling over. I take my bride's Z50 if I really want smaller/lighter.

having 2 Z8 is perfect to me because of same mussels memory and files in post. How is the image quality by Z5? are you satisfy for dynamic range and lack of cropping in post because of low mp? Recently Z5ii came to the market. Do you think for hiking and avoiding to lose image quality, this crop sensor 20mp Z50ii would be good choice?

 

[dabhand16]

having 2 Z8 is perfect to me because of same mussels memory and files in post. How is the image quality by Z5? are you satisfy for dynamic range and lack of cropping in post because of low mp? Recently Z5ii came to the market. Do you think for hiking and avoiding to lose image quality, this crop sensor 20mp Z50ii would be good choice?

With regard to the reservations in cropping a 24MP image, I have to mention my post #5 in this thread:

Old Glass, Treasures or Trash?

The shift to mirrorless platforms has left orphan glass on shelves and in camera bags. The once valued lenses have fallen out of favor for new designs. Well built glass by Nikkor, Canon, Takumar, and others have been thrown under the bus for the latest and greatest lenses designed for mirrorless...

bcgforums.com

Taken with my Z6ii and had only my normal sharpening in LR. The second smaller mage was cut from the original after enlarging it to about 6 feet high!!

 

[mrz1342]

With regard to the reservations in cropping a 24MP image, I have to mention my post #5 in this thread:

Old Glass, Treasures or Trash?

The shift to mirrorless platforms has left orphan glass on shelves and in camera bags. The once valued lenses have fallen out of favor for new designs. Well built glass by Nikkor, Canon, Takumar, and others have been thrown under the bus for the latest and greatest lenses designed for mirrorless...

bcgforums.com

Taken with my Z6ii and had only my normal sharpening in LR. The second smaller mage was cut from the original after enlarging it to about 6 feet high!!

many thanks for sharing your previous post by visual evidence. So, I shall trust (as my hiking camera) the crop sensor Z50ii's performance to create an image for cropping in post and avoid losing IQ! am I right?

 

[dabhand16]

many thanks for sharing your previous post by visual evidence. So, I shall trust (as my hiking camera) the crop sensor Z50ii's performance to create an image for cropping in post and avoid losing IQ! am I right?

Best to hire one so you can see what it can do. The lens and subject can make a difference. My image was a building, not a moving subject and all I was trying to show was that a 24MP image can be cropped. My image is architectural, not a nature subject. Cropping is not the answer for not having a long lens. I'm not aware of what DX Z mount lenses are available.

If weight is the prime factor I'd be taking a long look at an OM1 kit. I know people with them and they make stunning images.

I had a D850 and loved it. The same year I got it, I also bought a mint Fuji XT-1 to find out what all this mirrorless stuff was all about and I'd fallen in love with them as they look like my Pentax SV that I bought in 1964 or 5. That had 16MP - more than my beloved D700 but a lot less than my D850.

It did not take too long for my Fuji being used more than the D850 and I went to an XT-2, then 2 x XT- 4s and now also have an XH-2s. These all have between 24 and 26MP. I also bought a mint Sony a7ii for my vintage lenses as I could not stretch to a Z6. This also had 24MP. My Fuji kit was now bigger than my Nikon kit - and it weighed less too.

By now I was busting to go to the Z mount but still there was no Z8. The Z7ii was no equivalent so I researched Z7ii and Z6ii to find that they were brothers rather than one being further up the ladder. Each has advantages over the other so I opted for the better low light and high ISO performance and £1000 cheaper and got the Z6ii.

I have shown people and photographers pictures taken with all of the above mentioned cameras (except the Oly) and nobody can tell which camera took what image.

 

[mrz1342]

Best to hire one so you can see what it can do. The lens and subject can make a difference. My image was a building, not a moving subject and all I was trying to show was that a 24MP image can be cropped. My image is architectural, not a nature subject. Cropping is not the answer for not having a long lens. I'm not aware of what DX Z mount lenses are available.

If weight is the prime factor I'd be taking a long look at an OM1 kit. I know people with them and they make stunning images.

I had a D850 and loved it. The same year I got it, I also bought a mint Fuji XT-1 to find out what all this mirrorless stuff was all about and I'd fallen in love with them as they look like my Pentax SV that I bought in 1964 or 5. That had 16MP - more than my beloved D700 but a lot less than my D850.

It did not take too long for my Fuji being used more than the D850 and I went to an XT-2, then 2 x XT- 4s and now also have an XH-2s. These all have between 24 and 26MP. I also bought a mint Sony a7ii for my vintage lenses as I could not stretch to a Z6. This also had 24MP. My Fuji kit was now bigger than my Nikon kit - and it weighed less too.

By now I was busting to go to the Z mount but still there was no Z8. The Z7ii was no equivalent so I researched Z7ii and Z6ii to find that they were brothers rather than one being further up the ladder. Each has advantages over the other so I opted for the better low light and high ISO performance and £1000 cheaper and got the Z6ii.

I have shown people and photographers pictures taken with all of the above mentioned cameras (except the Oly) and nobody can tell which camera took what image.

you are right, its very difficult to recognize IQ between images specially if its not on paper print! But when yes are trained and sensitive to details, DR and deep colors shown in both monitor and print. last month I sold my beloved GFX100S because most of the time was in my dust-proof cabinet and I couldnt take it with me wherever I go and also was slow for action. But deep image quality was not comparable with any other camera brand I used. Then, I convinced myself since I am not going to print huge size, then 46mp would be sufficient.

Also I sold my Sony kit (a7CR and ii) since very small and uncomfortable body layouts for long time photography!

Recently for few months I found the amazing clean files created by Nikon processor 7 on my Z8.

Regarding 6iii (300 gr lighter than Z8 and 30% smaller) it would be good idea as second camera as well as for hiking and traveling. I can trust it more than crop sensor 50ii of course. (although both ar esame with processor 7). Also Steve's review "Nikon Z6iii Review For Wildlife And Bird Photographers (First Look Review!)" at 26:8" is very trustable advise for me.

P.S. Next year Q1 2025 I am expecting Z5ii full frame but I am sure it will be not featured as 6iii besides my Z8.

 

[Nimi]

you are right, its very difficult to recognize IQ between images specially if its not on paper print! But when yes are trained and sensitive to details, DR and deep colors shown in both monitor and print. last month I sold my beloved GFX100S because most of the time was in my dust-proof cabinet and I couldnt take it with me wherever I go and also was slow for action. But deep image quality was not comparable with any other camera brand I used. Then, I convinced myself since I am not going to print huge size, then 46mp would be sufficient.

Also I sold my Sony kit (a7CR and ii) since very small and uncomfortable body layouts for long time photography!

Recently for few months I found the amazing clean files created by Nikon processor 7 on my Z8.

Regarding 6iii (300 gr lighter than Z8 and 30% smaller) it would be good idea as second camera as well as for hiking and traveling. I can trust it more than crop sensor 50ii of course. (although both ar esame with processor 7). Also Steve's review "Nikon Z6iii Review For Wildlife And Bird Photographers (First Look Review!)" at 26:8" is very trustable advise for me.

P.S. Next year Q1 2025 I am expecting Z5ii full frame but I am sure it will be not featured as 6iii besides my Z8.

The best files I've gotten out of a compact camera came out of my Leica Q3 (the 28mm, not 43). Same sensor as the a7R V, combined with an incredible Summicron lens in a very small, almost pocketable body. Not as deep as my GFX100 (the OG), but close. My Nikons (Z9) are a good, much more versatile compromise.

 

[dabhand16]

But when yes are trained and sensitive to details, DR and deep colors shown in both monitor and print.

Maybe I ought to have mentioned that I'm a bit colour blind!! I could not do wet colour processing and that's where my love of mono sprung from. It stopped me from doing portraits for a long time, but now I think I can wing it good enough.

 

[mrz1342]

Maybe I ought to have mentioned that I'm a bit colour blind!! I could not do wet colour processing and that's where my love of mono sprung from. It stopped me from doing portraits for a long time, but now I think I can wing it good enough.

As medical point of view, now you can recognize much better dynamic ranges on monochrome photos. This is good opportunity to focus on B&W photography

 

[dabhand16]

As medical point of view, now you can recognize much better dynamic ranges on monochrome photos. This is good opportunity to focus on B&W photography

While I don't focus on mono, I do convert quite a few.

 

[MrFotoFool]

I bought a Z8 a year and a half ago and about three months ago bought an open box Z6iii as my second body. I will say they make an ideal pair because the Z6iii is a bit smaller and lighter, but not as small as the previous Z6ii or Z7ii (which are too small for my large hands). The layout is nearly identical, including the menu, which makes going between the two a seamless experience. Not to mention you can use the same lenses, which is obviously not the case if you get a Sony or Canon as your second body.

 

[Rodamu]

If you want to go very light, try the new Z50II. It is a DX format but a great lightweight travel camera. You can use your existing lenses or get the best value Z500II with two kit lenses: 14-50 & 50-250. The wide angle lens is so small that with it on the camera you can carry it in a large pocket. You will still get high quality photos for posting on the internet but maybe not good enough to large prints for exhibitions.

 

[abc123brian]

I have a Zf as a smaller, lighter travel camera. The files are great but the ergonomics and operation is very different. Lenses like the 24-400mm aren’t exactly small or lightweight. You might find better weight savings carrying a smaller, lighter lens with less range that covers just what you need for the particular planned subjects. Lenses like the 24-400 give a wide range and eliminate the need to carry multiple lenses so they may save weight overall if you require that much range, but I often carry just the 24-70mm F/4 unless I need more range.

 

[Anjin San]

having 2 Z8 is perfect to me because of same mussels memory and files in post. How is the image quality by Z5? are you satisfy for dynamic range and lack of cropping in post because of low mp? Recently Z5ii came to the market. Do you think for hiking and avoiding to lose image quality, this crop sensor 20mp Z50ii would be good choice?

Actually…as long as you don’t crop too severe 20MP is fine if you want the lighter weight kit…but if one picks it for the weight then I would use the DX lenses on it as FX lenses will bump the weight up and the overall kit won’t be that much smaller or lighter. What I do for a light kit is take a Z8 but remove the bracket and just a single lens either the 24-70 or 24-120…or we just take my wife’s Z50 kit if size/weight is the prime consideration. I offered to upgrade her to the Z50II but she declined as action isn’t her thing and the upgraded capabilities would do zippo for her flower and artsy-fartsy shots…and we don’t go ultralight enough to make an upgrade available…ultra light isn’t what we do if critters or action are available.

 

[mrz1342]

finally, I made a decision to wait for Z7iii (lighter, smaller than Z8) but higher mp and fully featured. I believe it's better than Z6iii with 24mp and mostly made for video performance.

 

[Doc Murdock]

I agree that the Z50 (or Z50ii) is a great lightweight companion to the Z8 for longer hikes. The 16-50 lens folds nicely into the Z50 body to make it easy to carry. And, that lens is impressively sharp.

 

[abc123brian]

finally, I made a decision to wait for Z7iii (lighter, smaller than Z8) but higher mp and fully featured. I believe it's better than Z6iii with 24mp and mostly made for video performance.

I haven’t seen any reliable rumors of a Z7iii so that could be a long wait. It would be nice if they did a mild refresh on it adding the expeed7 and the upgrades that come along with it.

 

[mrz1342]

I agree that the Z50 (or Z50ii) is a great lightweight companion to the Z8 for longer hikes. The 16-50 lens folds nicely into the Z50 body to make it easy to carry. And, that lens is impressively sharp.

thank you for sharing.