It took a lot of courage to make this video. Thanks for your honest impressions and opinions. Yes, the balance and clunkiness of certain lenses on certain bodies is definitely something worth considering. No matter how well it adapts, mounting a lens on the camera that is heavier than the body is something just too awkward for me. New shooter here. I have two mirrorless cameras, the Z50 and Z6, but my latest acquisition is a D700. It’s my first DSLR and although not as technically advanced as the D780 or 750, focusing in low light is rarely an issue. It locks fast. Also, it’s good to have access to the F mount glass, and yes, there is definitely something special about the colors and even the black and whites that come out that camera.
I have both DSLR (D780) and mirrorless (Z6; found a body/lens combo at a great deal) bodies and yet, I'm glued to my D780. The durability, design and features of the body keeps me hooked. I also agree that the F Mount glass has more character/style than some of the Z Mount versions. Despite camera companies focusing on mirrorless, there are a lot of people who still have an appreciation for DSLR bodies. As long as they still produce the images/videos one wants, they are still revelant, in my opinion.
I have the D850 and z6ii. There are things I like about mirrorless: the EVF does let you see exposure, the shutter is quieter with less shutter/mirror slap and IBIS. But overall I prefer shooting with the D850. The combined snappier response, simpler autofocus and OVF just make it feel more satisfying and engaging. As for lenses...the good F-mount glass is more than sharp enough plus there is so much variety and lenses that have been developed to display particular character. I am quite happy to run both the D850 and Z6II with F-glass and just accept the extra length of ftz on the z camera. However I wouldn't restrict myself to only F-mount glass if there was a particular z mount I wanted. You don't have to be all in on one or the other. I find running DSLR and Z cameras together fine. Each has there own use case and with the ftz you have the *added benefit* of being able to use F-mount lenses on both.
There are some great F mount lenses. But I can’t go back to DSLR. I find the the AF area severely limiting. And not all points are equal. I’d rather have the best IQ to start and then dumb it down if needed. And f mount lenses for video are too loud and chattery. If I really want lenses with character I find the old manual focus lenses, especially for video, fantastic. But looking back at DSLR is like looking back at an old girlfriend. You remember the good times (image quality, lenses) and forget the struggles that lead to the breakup (the need for AF fine tune. Slow as molasses LV AF. Loudness. Lack of stabilization. Lower end video etc).
It's funny. I just bought a Z6 and searched high and low for my first lense and ended up buying the 40mm. Maybe it's because of it not being an S series lens it gives a particular character on my photos when shooting black and white Street portraits. I love it.
I think we need a Z8 with a slighty bigger pro body. With a little more grip and a spot to put my pinky. So we have a nice balance with the bigger lenses. And yes the D850 was perfect with the F lenses. But i am starting to like the new gear. It feels fresh. And SHARP!!!
Agree 100%! I've gone from Nikon FF DSLR's to Fuji for years, just dumped my Fuji kit for a Z5 and 4 f4 lenses. The image quality is beautiful! but it's slow.....and soulless to me....much prefer to shoot the fuji's and DSLR's.
I know what you mean and I went through exactly the same rationale when I moved over from my D750 and really pondered over a D780. However, working with mirrorless is day and night easier and quicker plus having a stabilised body is a complete joy. As for the new 1.2s I’m fortunate to have both the 85 and 50 both of which are stunning and even better when used on my Z9. Having that bigger body for me is hands down the way to go and am sure if the much anticipated Z8 ever materialises will most definitely be a force to recon with. At the end of the day use the kit that suits you and not what you think you should be using. Let’s face it Nikon can’t seem to win because if they don’t keep up with Sony and canon then they’re bemoaned at and when they do they’re not producing a so called charactered lens. Imo modern f mount lenses look rubbish on z bodies albeit I’d absolutely love to own a 105 & 28 1.4 because they’re stunning lenses.
Good points, though I feel Nikon have gone the wrong direction as they are known for their rich true colours SOOC, but now I feel that isn't true with mirrorless. Also have a combination of old and new lenses which don't really suit each other properly as much as I like mirrorless advantages of shooting.
I prefer lenses with character as well. The 35, 58 and 85mm G lenses make such beautiful photographs, I can’t part with them. However, the focus accuracy of these lenses is hugely improved on a mirrorless body. Plus, they all become stabilized. Manual focus of older Nikon AIS lenses is pure joy with viewfinder magnification; something that’s very frustrating on dslr’s. I had a Nikon Df. Not a camera for everyone, but I loved mine and never wanted to shoot with anything else. But after 2 years with a Z6, I sold it as I had to admit the the advantages of mirrorless, as far as getting the shots I wanted, far outweighed the desire to stay with an F mount camera. One other option, if you don’t mind manual focus, are the Voigtlander lenses. Their Z mount lenses have more sharpness and corrections than their F mount lenses but they still manage to have character. The Viltrox lenses are also interesting though I haven’t tried them.
I haven’t shot mirrorless so can’t say much on that experience, but shoot DSLR and film Nikons. I have always felt that it will be a matter of time before people start to look at DSLR’s the way film is seen and that people will want to go back. Forget CA, there is a charm with each and as each technology gets sharper I seem to miss the feel of the older images. Great honest video and is great to see someone appreciating what existing technologies can do!
When I had my DSLR, I had a few good pieces of glass. The one I always ended up using was "the Beast" the 28-70/2.8. Loved its rendition of any image. In transitioning I traded that lens in along with many others. Enjoying the kit I have due to the size and weight etc. but miss the "look" of certain pieces of kit. I am hoping, as time goes on, we will be treated to some truly gorgeous (if not technically perfect glass)
So here's a thing. During 2021 I swapped both my 750's for a Z6 and Z62, I'm a commercial photographer so it's imperitive I have a system that works for me. After a few months I realised they weren't going to cut it. Autofocus was awkward and unreliable and I wasn't enjoying the look they gave. I too used the S 35/1.8 and there 85/1.8 and yes there're sharp but I'm not sure about them. I now use two D850 bodies and couldn't be happier - yes they're obsolete but I don't care, they work. I still have a Z62 but it doesn't see much action.
I agree the 1.8 z lenses do have a strange look about them despite their sharpness and nice size. If I was to go back to dslr it might be the d780 which is best of both maybe
I had a D600, then a D750 and have just bought a Nikon D780 panicking that Nikon may not release a new model DSLR and it is a cracking camera. Also have a Lumix S5, both have a place in my photography. Will always have a DSLR and if Nikon never make a new model, it is a hell of a last hurrah.
To be honest I really do like the look of the mirrorless Nikkor lenses especially the 14-30mm. But I am really considering buying DSLR as a second body as I have a quite few F mount lenses and who knows when the Z6 iii will come out. This video has come at the perfect time I didn’t consider/ forgot about the D780.
All of the z-zooms are better than the f-mount zooms, I don't think anyone disputes that anywhere. For primes it's a totally different story with a lot of varied opinions.
grateful for russ and these videos because they mirror a lot of the ways I feel and talk about gear. Feelings that are far too often dismissed on photography boards as rubbish and solvable in post. Fully reinvested in DSLR's and F mount to go alongside my Z system. Love my Z9 but shooting the D700/D850 combo is a completely different kind of joy.
Yes I still enjoy the colours of my f mount lenses. Issue is it’s hard to use in combination with z glass for consistency. But the z8 and zf are amazing ability cameras
Taking white balance out of auto and set to Cloudy brings back that warmth and colour to most Nikon Z cameras images SOOC for me. But still love my D800 for ergonomics / feel / experience, However the benefits of my Z7 / Z6 II do out way the cons most of the time in most situations.
I still actively purchase F glass. I see the merit in both a modern clean, and an older character look. I usually just pick up the lens depending on the mood I want in my shots. But, yeah, the 105 F1.4, the 28 1.4, and the 70-200 2.8 E are on my bucket list.
Maybe you should try some 3rd party lenses (like viltrox): even with the z mount they aren't optically perfect and maybe you could find that F mount feeling. About richer or contrasted images I think that in post you can correct everything from that point of view so no worries, keep enjoying taking pictures without overthinking about gear!
@@russandloz After my first week (many years ago) with mirrorless, my conclusion was similar to your arguments. Posted a post about this on a Nikon page and was flabbergasted.
I'm new to the mirrorless line and recently purchased a Nikon Z30, mainly for the video aspects. As for the Nikon line itself, my first one was a Nikon 8008 film camera that also introduced me to autofocus which, as a newspaper photographer, was ideal. The AF and AF-D lenses made since 1986 still hold up really well and work with my D80 and my more recent D7500. If you still have a lot of F-mount glass, why wouldn't you get a body like the D780 and use that as your second camera? One mirrorless and one DSLR seems like the right move. I just wish Nikon would produce a FTZ adapter with a focus motor drive. I bet it would make a lot of people happy. You can run all the sharpness tests you like and compare ergonomics and looks and function, but it does not mean anything if the time is spent documenting it all on a spreadsheet instead of putting it through its paces. Get out there and take some stunning photos, mister. There are moments in life and memories you need to capture.
Nice channel, keep it up! I'm just a hobbyist and I've never owned a mirrorless camera yet. I saved up to buy a 5-10-15 year lasting camera and was ready 2019. I choose between a D850 and Z7 and I rolled with the D850. Have never looked back since, during the pandemic i tried to find good second hand deals on lenses. One 1.4 F-mount lens you should avoid is the 50mm 1.4G, go for the 58mm and wait for a good deal. The 50mm 1.4 is extremely unremarkable compared to your 105mm or 28mm. The 58mm has so much more character. The 50mm 1.8G or even the 1.8D renders much nicer than 50mm 1.4G I think. I also bought a D700 a couple of months ago as a F-mount backup, retro and nostalgic camera (it was a teenage dream camera). If I hadn't bought the 850 and saved up money today I maybe had got a Z9 but probably not, I much prefer the feedback of a DSLR, AF with D-lenses and OVF. I hope my DSLRs will stay functional as long as I live. But I will for sure get an additional mirrorless Nikon within 4-8 years to use in quiet situations when my newborn grows up. In short I think your answer as a pro is a Z9 (more counterweight and improved performance, both with AF-S and the great Z-lenses you already have and more futureproof) or just wait until a client says that your camera looks weird with the FTZ ;)
Hello! I also fell out of love with z lenses and returned to f, because they have no soul, they do not have that airy picture, those emotions, they are technical, correct, sharp, but they are not beautiful. I sold my 50 mm a 1.2s and 70-200 mm f 2/8 s and 35 mm f 1.8s , 24 mm f1,8s, and bought excellent Nikon 105mm f1.4e , 28mm f1,4e, 85mm f1,4g , 58mm f1.4g, these lenses are special, they are the best Nikon has ever made and I love the way they look. I recommend everyone to try old school glasses, you will find something unique in them. Thank you. Sorry for my english, google translate helped me.
@@russandloz Now I'm using Z6 II, also my second camera is D780. From Nikon, I only expect z6 III or z7 III, as the autofocus system does not suit me. Z8 in Russia is a very expensive camera, unfortunately I can't afford it yet. There is no decent middle segment of cameras, and this is sad.
@@russandloz The only possible reason the Old lenses look better on a DSLR because of the old Nikon sensors I guess. Which is your fav DSLR body? (I own D800 (and Z6ii) )
@@russandloz for sure but I meant that the only reason the old lenses look better on a DSLR rather than the new Mirrorless, is the older Nikon sensors. Obviously the old lenses have a lot of characteristics regardless if you mount them on a DSLR or mirrorless. Also there’s a lot of talk about the old Nikon factory in Japan, who made the classic lenses we love so much - Which does not exist anymore. My own theory is that great 1.4 glass is expensive to make, therefore Nikon released the 1.8 (easy to profit as the manufacturing cost isn’t high) and the 1.2 (to be able to charge 1.2 $$$ to cover the high cost) 1.4 is expensive to make but not as profitable, that’s my theory. Let’s remember that the classic glass we all do love is 1.4
You're bang on about the f-mount lenses and the holy trinity. There's something about them that's different than the Z-mount lenses IQ-wise. Not to say one is better than the other because I believe it is really about the appeal of the image. The Z-mount lenses are more predictable and pure......good for commercial use. The f-mounts are less reliable (especially on f-mount bodies), but have a character to them that's lovely. The 28mm f1.4E, 58mm f1.4G, 105mm f1.4E and 200mm f2 vrii are all fantastic lenses. The 58mm frustrates the heck out of many people but has the special sauce when all goes well (the 8mm difference vs a 50mm is meaningful for its own look). For those who are cost-aware but still like professional gear, the f-mounts are fantastic. But the holy trinity in the Z-mount is top tier (as is the 100-400). When Nikon mirrorless has improved the AF in more affordable bodies, I'm a happy man and will gladly keep the ftz for the portrait lenses. I won't go back to DSLRs.
@@russandloz The 58mm is very artistic but you have to stop down to f2 or keep the subject closer to the middle of the frame in order to have a sharp set of eyes. Somehow it keeps the special sauce even when stopped down to f1.8 - f2 though. It's a nice small lens and also really great for nature close ups. Enjoy!
I just bought myself a Nikon D2Xs and a 28mm f1.8g and the 16-35f4g, I was looking to reconnect to my photography to the challenge of settings and composition to the challenge of low resolution and the beauty in grain and noise. I feel for myself personally having a dslr in my kit is extremely important and refreshing, there was something I was missing! Maybe it’s a technology fatigue
Late comment however I recently moved from DX SLR (D7500) to Full Frame Mirrorless (25) That's what I am willing to pay as a hobbyist. The Z5 and 24-200 is like a whole new hobby compared to the D7500 and lenses. never going back
Wooow, I think you had a great moment of lucidity. You're talking about the "character" you see in DSLR photos that you don't see using the Z system. And it is quite strange that before a comparison of sharpness, for example, and enlarging the image, one is convinced that a Z lens, even zooms, sometimes has better image technically than a prime lens of the F line but, worst “character”. And what is more important: a "technical perfect" photo or one that you like despite the technique. There are many wedding photographers who still prefer the D700 for “character”. Character means, to use more concrete terms, better and more pleasing color reproduction, better and friendlier reproduction of skin tones. You can see on Allan Bladsell’s chanel or on The Monochrome Memoirs chanel’s, but there are several more. Perhaps a mirrorless camera can be "easier" to work in certain conditions for a wedding photographer but overall I think the old DSLR workhorses (in Nikon’s world the D700; D3 and D4) still shine for their reliability, speed and a beautiful still human imperfection. Thanks!
Yes I’m appreciating colour tones like with skin tones that seem more pleasing. Though really could we say as long as they are good photos capturing something the clients will be happy. Content is king?
I have gone through same way had D750 with 35,58,85 1.4G all and moved to mirrorless Z6 and used it for 2 years and it was okay for job but not character in lenses especially that 58mm 1.4G it was gem and I regret to sell it and I never liked ZtoF mount that looks awkward so now I have Nikon D700 and Canon 6D mark ii and they both produce amazing images better than mirrorless. I also had Canon Eos R for a year it was better than Z6 but not better than Dslr. My future lense collection will be 28mm,58mm and 105 1.4 series with Nikon D780.
Maybe try some of the Sigma f1.4 primes for the Z system, or some older manual lenses (I have a Voigtlander manual focus and use the peaking for focus, which I wouldn't be able to do with the DSLR) I've moved from Canon to Nikon, mainly because of all the lens choices, the older F mounts, the new S lenses, third party lenses. I've yet to spend a decent amount of time shooting with the Z7ii professionally yet and do wonder if I will miss a DSLR, but I doubt it. Love the trinity lenses for work. I'm glad to see the end of chromatic fringing though, thats for sure.
Z-mount lenses use too many aspherical elements in their designs to get their high resolution; especially, the S-line lenses. One caveat, though, when too many aspherical elements are used: the bokeh loses its smoothness and it reveals too much textures of the structures of the defocused background. Compare the bokeh of the 50mm/1.2S, 50mm/0.95Noct, 135mm/1.8Plena vs the old Nikkor 200mm/2, the 85mm/1.4AF-S, Zeiss Milvus 135mm/2. The latter group has bokeh to die for but not the former group. Not get me wrong, I have a cabinet full of S lenses and I love their resolution but not their bokeh. I'd suggest getting a D850. Nikon has been discounting them a lot lately.
I took the plunge after all the hype about the mirrorless game, on a Z7II . After two weeks of frustration and disappointment ( I primarily shoot birds and wildlife),I returned it and swapped it with a D6. I am really happy and enjoying the OVF and the shutter noise again and vowed to never go with a mirrorless camera until technology permits zero time lag and simpler and better focusing and tracking . Maybe when the Z11 comes along. But for now and the foreseeable future it’s gonna be the D6 all around.
@@russandloz I did my research and there's two things that are a deal breaker for me personally. First and foremost, the Z9 user must toggle between three (minimum) different area focus modes in accordance with the scene that develops at any one time. If you happened to be in the wrong setting then you missed the shot. Yes the camera is great in acquiring and maintaining accurate critical focus BUT you have to be using the appropriate focus mode,.And this , to me again, is a headache I could happily live without, and caused me to have that "disconnected" feeling while I was using the Z7II.. The second is the fact that I spend long periods of time looking through my OVF observing and anticipating animal behavior . The associated time lag with the EVF , although the Z9 suffers the least from , is again an issue . OVF is still my preferred system , all day long. What you see is what you get, simple!. And then the Z9 will demand a new set of very expensive glass , which with the F mount I either already own or would be cheaper and more readily available for me to acquire. And all the changes involved with jumping onto the Z9/mirrorless train will not realistically substantially make me any better of a photographer or help me make any better images for that matter. There still are lots of photo contest winning images today that have been made with the D4 and the D810s! Therefore my conclusion is that if the new gear cannot help me make significantly better images then why change a tested and proven system?
Thank you for saying out loud what I've been feeling. My z70-200 feels cold and clinical compared to my older FX lenses which are creamy, fuzzy, saturated and warmer. The image is just more pleasing with the older lenses. The images with the new lenses looks like iPhone to me. therefore, People I think will tend to pay more if your images have some artistic quality to them rather then clinical sharpness iPhone like images. So my conclusion is the perfect compromise would be to use the new mirrorless bodies with FTZ and DSLR "Made in Japan" lenses for professional work. You're getting the best of both worlds. And as a hobby and for the art sake use your old DSLR bodies for fun and artistic experimentation.
Now that f mount lenses have dropped massively in price I just bought a whole range of lenses which I never could have dreamed of owning 5 years ago. They take great photos and it makes me feel like I can take professional style photos as someone who's just a hobbyist
My experience and feelings are similar to yours ~ since I switched from dlsr's Nikon D750, d810 to mirrorless of Nikon Z7 and Sony A7R3 Cameras. But I still keep the Nikon 105mm/f1.4 and 200-500 mm/f5.6 lens. Later I sold the Prime lens like Nikon Z35mm/f1.8, these Nikon Z series Prime lens seems to lack the warmth and colorfulness of the Nikon F/f1.4 series lens, and seems to be closer to the Sony lens.
I agree with a lot of what you said about the differences between older F mount and the new Z mount lenses. Both have their place, but I do prefer the look of the F mount glass. I find the Z (and RF mount) glass too clinical at times. My main reason for a DSLR though is just the speed, I find the Z7ii painfully slow to use at times (I tend to do street / documentary), a DSLR is still more responsive.
I think I like the feelings of Dslr cameras in my hands way better The only positive thing I feel with the mirrorless cameras are that they are smaller so when you have injuries it’s easier to carry but I cant let go of the salt cameras just yet
I used Z9 for a while and that was it forever. I am using 50mm f1.2 Ai-s for its rich colour and 55mm f1.2 Ai-s for its sharpness both manual focus. I guess the Z series are good for movie-making and business-oriented people rather than artists and people who care about the quality of composition. I've got 42 Nikkor from 1977 till now all F-mounts, 4 Voigtlander, one Carl Zeiss and two reflex mirror Russian 500 & 1100mm. I still use D800E, D810, D850, D500 and D4s. Quality does matter not the newest series.
@@russandloz exactly. Try Nikkor 58mm f1.2 and the fog of daylight secondary to its magnificence bokeh makes your pictures and videos like seeing your dream in real life… nothing comes close to it.
@@russandloz It is Nikkor Nocte 58mm f1.2 Ai-S made in 1977-78. It is the fastest Nikon lens so far until Nikkor Z 58mm f0.9 presented. I still don’t think that Z mount giant lens is even close to mine. That Ai-S lens in mint condition is around 10,000 USD. I had an offer of 12,000 AUD (Australia) and didn’t sell it.
Hi Russ, This video sums up a lot of thoughts that I have had recently comparing DSLRs and mirrorless cameras! You do mention the 28mm f/1.4 E and the 105 f/1.4 E in your video! These two tenses are some of the finest Nikon has ever produced to date! These are great with the POS FTZ/FTZII adapters on an F camera, however, mounted on any DSLR like the D850, there is absolutely no comparison whatsoever to when shot on the mirrorless with the crappy adaptor.
Your concerns are definitely valid for you. For me, I just buy gear that I know is good enough for what I do and don’t look back. It seems you have an emphasis on gear, and maybe I have more of an emphasis on pictures, but I could be wrong.
@@russandloz I just think if you’re taking good photographs, that’s going to transcend any subtle quality differences you see between different cameras and lenses. Assuming, of course, that your gear reaches at least the minimum quality threshold. And I believe that the Nikon mirrorless cameras and lenses fully meet my quality requirements. Maybe for you, not. 📷😃👍
Love your thoughts. Make me appreciate the F lenses more and more. Using the lenses with my ZF and super happy with the result. Btw, what is the title of the background music starting at 8:08 ?
I am happy with Nikon Mirrorless - Getting rid of all DSLR stuff exept lens that are not replaced yet - like Tilt Shift but they will cost an arm and a leg then ;-) Just ordered the 85 1.2 - because the 1.4 G lenses have such terrible CA, what makes them nearly unusable in extreme light and Color.
DSLR AF was confined to the centre portion of the frame, and it wasn't accurate in that the focus sensor was not the main sensor plane. I had the 24mm f/1.4G and the focus was never consistent. I think this video talk is like a trip down memory lane with rose-coloured glasses. However, I do agree that Nikon's f/1.2 primes are too large and too expensive: Nikon, or Tamron, should eventually bring back a series of f/1.4 glass for Z Mount. BTW, that 58mm f/1.4G has large focus errors at short distance wide open: it's a difficult lens to use in fast-paced situations if you want somewhat sharp images.
I think I’m being nostalgic too and forgot the advantages of mirrorless. Maybe the next body will squash my issues with it. Interesting about the 58, I’m so tempted to try it but it sounds only suitable for slow paced portrait
@@russandloz The 58 G has gorgeous bokeh, but use it on a mirrorless Z camera to overcome its focus shift problems. Don't. Be tempted to use it on a D780.
@@gbye007 Yes I was hoping the 58 would be improved on mirrorless. Have you experience with the lens? Interested to know about sharpness and if it is really much different than a 1.8 s
@@russandloz It's a lovely lens. Not very sharp at f/1.4, but good enough. It's the rendering that's great. It works well on Z cameras, because you can rely on focus accuracy. Many peoples say it's too soft, but it's designed that way - it has uncorrected spherical aberration. Get it if you can find one for a good price. Great lens for weddings I would say.
d780 and z5 share the same sensor. I had the d780 for a week after getting the z6 and owning d850. d780 is not as nice as the z6, but you will see if you get it.If you really want the old nikon look, get the d lenses. They will focus faster on the d850 then the d780, smaller, lighter(most of the time). D850 will be much faster to focus and take pictures with the d5 battery. D780 view finder is not as nice and bright as the d850 view finder. I to have the 50 1.2s from the 50 1.8s , i don't regret upgrading. Now i have the 85 1.2s from 85 1.8s and is amazing. The 105 f1.4 didn't clicked for me. If i feel bored after 2-3 wedding with the z9 and the 50 1.2s i go out with the z6 and the voigtlander 50 1.2, get my "fix" after which i enjoy my z9 more. P.S. i also have my first FX camera, d700 with the 50mm f1.8g, i get it out from time to time and i see the big upgrade in technology. After 2-3h of shooting with it i start to miss the features of mirrorless body's.
I hear your concerns about the autofocus. Now that I have the Z9 it has become perfect and at the level of Sony and Canon. I am not preaching about always buying the latest and greatest but Nikon sure did took their time to perfect it (and because of that and other factors many people switched to Sony). You will be even happier with your old F mount lenses on a Z8 or a Z9. PS: I also just purchased the 70-200 S lens and it is optically perfect. I wish they had put more metal in it though. When I grab my old 300m F4 and feel that sturdy, all metal body it is just different.
Yes I am hoping my f mount will be even better but it wasn’t bad before really. Interesting to see how my 200-500 does. I know what you mean about using plastic over metal but at the moment I prefer lighter equipment
To be fair....the 105 F1.4 and 28 f1.4 are two of the very best Nikon lenses ever. So not a fair comparison to the 50/1.8. But theres the rub....Photography is an art and ur own taste and style will bias what you think is best. Its normal to want to try it all to see what suits you best. Your point about the Z poor light autofocus is really truthful.....its no match for my contrast based D750.
You are dead right, but I thought it was only me being paranoid. I have the Z 1.8 in 24mm, 35mm and 50mm. Particularly the 50mm is the sharpest lens I've ever owned, and believe me in 40 yrs of photography, I have owned literally dozens of lenses. I have a cheap, crappy, AFS lens 50mm 1.8G. I truly believe photos from that on my Z6ii with adapter, are nicer with more character than my Z lenses. It is funny how we seek the Nirvana of sharpness all of our photographic lives, but once we obtain it, if it doesn't have that 'magic sauce' character (like My Fuji XF 16mm 1.4 lens had), then we are not happy. Mercifully, the thing that saved my photographic hide, is that for my paid events work (I tried the 24-120 F4 Z, but didn't like it), I needed a high quality zoom and got the 24-70 Z 2.8 and it is a magic lens. I love that thing to bits and have stopped my search for the 'Nirvana' lens. I use it for everything now and as you say it is beautifully made and the images are out of this world. I would not normally travel with a lens like this, but I'm going to Japan in October and India at the end of the year, and guess which will be the only lens I bring?
Yes the 50 1.8 is so good and nearly as good as the 50 1.2! I am curious to find a deal on the 58 1.8 to experience the best character lens made! Sure the 2.8 z is amazing. Though sometimes looks over sharpened and clinical for me. For travel I actually took the 14-24 and the 28 1.4. Both optically wonderful but too heavy
I have a ZF and a D850. The ZF shoots video for the most part, and the 24/120 zoom is great. But the character of the photos is lacking. And I won’t ever buy a Z lens beyond the 24/120 because their size is ridiculous. I have an F mount 50mm f1.2 that’s one fourth the size of the new 50 1.2 Z.
Yes, very well said. I have a Z6 and very happy with it love the viewfinder information of live Histergram but I recently bought a mint D500 for my F mount lenses and I love it so now consider I have the best of both worlds as the D500 with battery pact is way better balanced for bigger lenses.
You could possibly consider the d780, which is hybrid of mirrorless and dslr. For auto eye focusing with birds and people, the zf, z8 and z9 are incredible now too
Yes, the Z 1.2 lenses are amazing but huge and heavy. I find the 1.8S 85 and 50mm totally fine for everyday stuff.. Small and light too on the Z6/7 range.
I think the overall lack of native z Mount lenses compared to the f Mount is the issue. Just picked up a used z6 and either 1-priced out of the z lenses (coz they reall are mad expensive at the moment) or 2-finding myself looking at older f Mount to put on Ftz. Once we get more glass and prices (hopefully) drop, it wouldn’t be much of an issue.
I prefer my Nikon F mount lenses over my Z mount lenses on my Z9 camera seems better built than the Z mount lenses. The camera manufacturers to maximise profits have pushed the mirrorless cameras as cheaper to manufacture over the dslr cameras saving on the moving parts for the mirror and pentaprism and offer less moving parts so less inventory to repair the older F mount cameras & lenses. This approach is being followed by other camera manufacturers and in turn to force people to switch to mirrorless cameras.
It is great to have so many options.... Have both !!!!! If you have noticed the prices of the Canon cameras and very expensive lenses, that can focus in very low light. Then if you were to buy a Z8 ,, You would have a Canon equivalent (at about the same or lower cost)!!!!! There is no all perfect camera :( I really enjoy watching You (young man) going thru these situations... Live, Love, and Take Photographs
Thanks for the video. This pretty much explains the dilemma I've been having also. I've shot with 2 x z6ii's for over a year and in that time used only adapted f-mount glass (28 1.4e, 58 1.4G and 105 1.4e) with them. Love these lenses and the character they give. But I recently upgraded one body to the Z9, and decided at the the time that I should probably swap out some of my f- mount lenses for z mount. I got the 35 and 50mm 1.8 lenses but was fairly uninspired by them. I also got a great deal on a 50mm z 1.2. I've no doubt that the z-mount glass is technically better but I do miss the rich colours and character of the f-mount. I don't want to own multiple copies of similar focal lengths, so I expect I will end up with a mixture of f and z glass. Likely the 28e, 50 z 1.2 and 105e.
@@russandloz It's quite a light lens so it balances very well on the z6/z7 and especially the z9. It had a reputation as being a bit unreliable focus-wise on DSLR, and needing a lot of AF fine-tuning for optimum sharpness. So those problems are solved automatically on a mirrorless body. It's weakness is that it's quite soft any wider than f/2. Newer f- mount lenses such as the 28 and 105 are more or less perfect. Sharp enough wide open but still with the rich colours and gorgeous bokeh. The 58 is less optically perfect, but it has more character as a result.
@@russandloz for nighttime club shoots, yes! Having lower ISO produces overall better images. The 1.8 isn't that good in low light unless the subject is somewhat lit. But the 1.4 is simply still amazing.
The inevitable romanticising of last generation. Was the same with f-mount G-Lenses for DSLRs who where once themselves considered "cold" and "lifeless" and "flat" compared to the old D-Lenses who had "magical" qualities and the "3D-Look". All noctalgic nonsense really. Real reason for all this: The market is saturated with mirrorless hype and content-creator need new angles to bait peole into watching, so now that everybody was convinced to throw out their DSLRs and G-Lanes and buy expensive Z-Mount Stuff, now all of a sudden it is not as good? cheap tricks.
I just re-purchased a Nikon D810 to use with my favorite Nikon F glass: the 105mm f1,4, the 58mm f1,4 and the 300mm f4 PF. These lenses are great and don't have a real equivalent in my mirrorless Sony system - especially the 300mm PF.
@@russandloz Not as much as you might think. Great lenses will always be expensive. Even a 50 years old Minolta 58mm f1.2 Rokkor in great condition can be $500. The D810 camera with around 1000 shutter actuations was of course a lot cheaper than 10 years ago, but also close to $900.
I agree with your final comments. During poorer weather why don't you try creative indoor photography or macro? At the risk of being too personal can I say that your, 'affect' ( in the psychological sense) seems a bit 'flat' to me.
I really don't want to be intrusive or pretend to have more insight than is the case. However to me, you seem less happy than you have been. Your speech is probably slower. The ideas you have expressed signal discontentment. You are having difficulty motivating yourself despite the really faboulous gear that you have and wanted. You perhaps want a bit of shopping therapy. You give the impression that you might be a bit down or perhaps you need something else in your life other than photography. Wishing you well !
@@russandloz the Z8 or Z9 are in my future too. Just not now as I have tons of DSLRs I can use 😉. Perhaps 2030 when there are a few good ones on the market! Take care and happy shooting!
I think this is a bit unfair. There are no native f1.4 Z lenses. Furthermore, there are no great native 24mm or 28mm prime options. The 28mm 2.8 is a joke, there is no 1.8 (or 1.4). Meanwhile the 28mm f1.4E is one of the best, if not the best, non-exotic f-mount prime ever made. For 24mm the 1.8S is okay, not great, and it's not a 1.4. The 50mm 1.2S is worlds(!) better than the 58mm 1.4G. The G is great when it hits but it's a terribly frustrating lens in dynamic situations. I used it for years and it was a bipolar nightmare. It is never very sharp wide open, especially close uo. It's so good sometimes but it's also unreliable most of the time. Stick with the 1.2, it's better for your mental health. Finally, Canon and Sony blow Nikon away for autofocus. It's just a fact, a very sad and unfortunate fact. Nikon is far behind and their rate of progress is discouraging at best and dismal if honest. I'm a lifelong Nikon shooter and it pains me to admit this, but it is plainly evident. If the D780 doesn't have a shutter as loud as gunshots like the D750 I may pick one up myself.
I find the 50 1.8z very close to the 1.2 version, so that would have been a better comparison which we've covered in a previous video. But sure the 1.4g wasn't good really if i remember. I also forget that the z system is almost silent which is great for wedding ceremonies and more importantly the in body stabilisation for low light work. It really is a mixed bag atm, hoping the next body will make it a clear choice. But then the lenses will always not the look I like..
@@russandloz I feel like you didn't really read my comment but perhaps that is my fault, it is long. The 50mm 1.2S and the 58mm 1.4 (note the EIGHT here, the lens you talk about potentially adding to your kit in this video) is the appropriate comparison. These are the two portrait focused primes in the general focal length. The 50mm 1.4G, 50mm 1.8G, and 50mm 1.8S are general purpose lenses and not very relevant to this comparison. You don't have a video comparing the two, but there really isn't a need because the 50mm 1.2S is vastly superior to the 58mm 1.4g at the expense of size, weight, and cost. The reason that Nikon's midrange mirrorless bodies and their best ever DSLR's are "close at the moment" is because Nikon has yet to release an excellent midrange mirrorless body. Sony and Canon have. In Sony's case it happened five and half years ago. The other reason is that there are no native Z FF f1.4 primes. When we have those things, Nikon mirrorless will have well and truly surpassed Nikon DSLR's. Sony and Canon reached that milestone years ago. It looks to be 3 or 4 years before we see Nikon pass the same mark, which makes the D780 tempting. As you noted though, giving up IBIS feels like a big step backwards.
Yes, stop whining please. You have a z8 right? Stop using your z6ii in low light conditions… and use your z8. The 50mm is big, but if used on the z8 it balances nicely. The 105mm way out shined by both the 85mm z and 135mm Plena. And yes, you are over thinking it. The Z9 and Z8 are where it’s at for Nikon if you are using anything else you will get mediocre results in the AF department. I have a few nice f mount lenses as well.. 200mm f2, 8-15mm and newly acquired 28mm 1.4 E which is great. That being said if you shoot Nikon the 85mm z, 135mm Plena are worth having if you want the best. Nothing wrong with liking older lenses.. but in general they are just not sharp enough and in time as viewing screens improve… it will be easy to see that. I hear a lot of people on RU-vid complaining about the size and weight of the 1.2 Nikkor primes.. please stop complaining and enjoy the results. Or just start shooting with Sony. Just my 2 cent. Not meant to upset anyone.
I very much enjoy the z8 and zf which are solutions to the issues I had in this video. Some f mount still have nicer renditions but sure not as sharp. You won’t need to put about upsetting people if you remove words like stop whining. But you make good points otherwise 😊
@@Stop-All-War I did love my 850. But now a lot of mirrorless issues have been resolved with the latest cameras and more lens choice. I feel quite happy again. For now lol
