Nikon Nikon Z f announced ...

[MoonMind]

Is part of that due to it's size? It might not be, just asking. Without having held either, the ZF seems nicer in the hands.

That's as may be - the Z f lacks a deep grip; if you can wrap your head around that (since you can't wrap your hand around it ... duh ...), it's a nice enough camera to handle, and its actual heft (not huge, yet considerable) actually helps with balancing heavier lenses. The SL felt huge in my (small-ish) hands, but with the equally huge Leica SL 24-90mm f/2.8-4 (I think it's called that, can't really remember), the combo was surprisingly well balanced. That said, it was well above two kilos in overall weight - not conducive to carrying it for longer periods of time. The Z f makes for considerably smaller and lighter packages, even when combined with a somewhat bigger lens like the Z 24-120mm f/4 S. The latter works really well with the camera, too - even handling and carrying it in the hand are unexptectedly pleasant, not least because the Z 24-120mm f/4 S balances really well on any body you put it on and isn't big for what it is. That said, it's substantial - which also renders the combo big, if manageable.

I'm currently faced with a conundrum as a result: Yes, the Z f works surprisingly well with bigger lenses, but I'd really love to have a small (well, small-ish) zoom lens for it. However, apart from the Z 24-50mm f/4-6.3 which simply isn't suitable for my needs (it's a bag of obvious compromises that, taken together, go too far for my taste), there's only one other native option, the Z 24-70mm f/4 S - and while that lens is optically really satisfying, I always struggled with its handling when I owned it previously: I've never been a fan of collapsible zooms, and the Z 24-70mm S has a very firm mechanism that makes extending the lens a non-trivial thing. It's also pretty big when extended (that's not the case for other, similar lenses), and its center of gravity is noticeably forward. So, while it's not heavy and pleasantly compact when collapsed, it feels somewhat unwieldy when in shooting position. Again, this is most probably also due to my hands being rather small, but it is what it is. In fact, even the considerably larger Z 24-120mm f/4 S doesn't feel any worse, rather the contrary ...

So, while I can always break out the optically superb and mechanically great Z 24-120mm S, I'm stuck. There's really only one lens I could adapt for the purpose at hand (I own the Megadap ETZ21), the Sigma 28-70mm f/2.8 C. But ... while it's not hugely expensive, it's still not a cheap lens, and I'd lose some of the definite assets of the Z 24-70mm f/4 S (great weather resistance, lens corrections). Which means I'd end up with compromising either on desirable features or on usability. And I also suspect that the Z 24-70mm f/4 S is optically superior (if slightly) ...

I'd probably better stop thinking about this.

M.

 

[Matero]

Is part of that due to it's size? It might not be, just asking. Without having held either, the ZF seems nicer in the hands.

Actually SL has quite good design and fairly good grip on the camera itself. My concern is the buttons, how they work and menus. I just keep repeating try&error cycles in the way it affects the picture taking process

 

[gryphon1911]

I'm currently faced with a conundrum as a result: Yes, the Z f works surprisingly well with bigger lenses, but I'd really love to have a small (well, small-ish) zoom lens for it. However, apart from the Z 24-50mm f/4-6.3 which simply isn't suitable for my needs (it's a bag of obvious compromises that, taken together, go too far for my taste), there's only one other native option, the Z 24-70mm f/4 S - and while that lens is optically really satisfying, I always struggled with its handling when I owned it previously: I've never been a fan of collapsible zooms, and the Z 24-70mm S has a very firm mechanism that makes extending the lens a non-trivial thing. It's also pretty big when extended (that's not the case for other, similar lenses), and its center of gravity is noticeably forward. So, while it's not heavy and pleasantly compact when collapsed, it feels somewhat unwieldy when in shooting position. Again, this is most probably also due to my hands being rather small, but it is what it is. In fact, even the considerably larger Z 24-120mm f/4 S doesn't feel any worse, rather the contrary ...

M.

On the wide side, I'm pretty happy to shoot with either the Z 28/2.8 or the Z 50/1.8S...but am looking for something smaller on the mid to long telephoto. I still have the 50-250/4.5-6.3 if I want really small, but as you say, the compromise is that I don't get to use all of that glorious 24mp BSI sensor in the Z f. I can take the Z 70-180/2.8, but that is not the full range I am accustomed to having (70-300 is the sweet spot), so I can opt to throw the TC2.0 on the 70-180 and get close to that with a constant f/5.6....but that is a rather larger option. Even looking at the F 70-300/4.5-5.6 AF-P FX lens on an FTZ, it is not really any smaller.

I still would love it if Nikon would bring out some 135mm and 200mm f/3.5 or f/4 primes (I wouldn't turn my nose up at f/2.8, but recognize the size may be an issue) - don't have to be S line. The 28/2.8 and 40/2 lenses are fantastic, non S-Line gems...and the longer primes in SE bodies would be fun too....but a dream for me would be the 28/2.8, 50/1.8, 85/2.8 and either a 135 (can't do the Plena - too big, too expensive - not for me anymore since I don't do portraits like i used to and the 70-180 is fine for when I do) 200mm....thinking E series size or a little larger - plastic except for the lens mount to keep the weight down. Nikon take my money!

OK - and with that, I'll stop harping on the long economical prime lenses for a while. I've been nagging on that point for a while - hope someone at Nikon is listening!

 

[MoonMind]

@gryphon1911 I've seen your work with the Z 70-180mm f/2.8 - truely a fine lens, especially in your hands.

I'm usually fine with primes; the real problem is that I've been (somewhat subconsciously, I'm working my way towards more clarity on the issue) trying to turn the Z f into my true everyday camera. And for that, I'd need a zoom for those occasions when taking my time and taking a step forwards or backwards simply won't work.

The Sigma 28-70mm f/2.8 is as small and a little lighter than the Z 24-70mm f/4 S (the Megadap adapter would add the weight back in, but that's marginal). However, weather sealing is such a good thing to have on an everyday setup - because every day means every day for me, regardless of the weather. The Z 24-70mm f/4 S offers that. But ... well, I've already said what there is to say. If only the Z 28-75mm f/2.8 wasn't so long physically ... It's on sale right now around here, which makes it viable (the original price was kind of rich ...). But it's not what I'm looking for, to be honest.

The real solution might be to simply switch bags. I could carry any of my two "smaller" zooms (the Z 24-200mm f/4-6.3 and the Z 24-120mm f/4 S) in a differently configured bag; true, I'd lose a little bit on practicality (compartments), but the problem I'm perceiving would, on practical terms, more or less vanish. The divider in my old, pretty worn ONA Bowery is ruined anyway ...

I'll get over this issue this week, one way or another. It's nothing but nagging ... however one approaches it, really.

M.

 

[MoonMind]

Another little note: The Voigtländer 40mm f/1.2 is so much fun on the Z f that I've now had the Z 40mm f/2 SE and the Voigtländer swap roles: The Voigtländer now "lives" on the camera as a "normal" lens, the Z 40mm f/2 SE is the backup. The Z 40mm is a fine lens, but I found myself reaching for the Voigtländer all the time, so I might as well have it "live" on the camera. On days (or in times) with bad weather, the Z 26mm f/2.8 will do "tough conditions" duty - it's a great little lens for that.

However, here's to hoping that Nikon will take heart and gift us with a Z 45mm f/2.8 - I'd love that, even (or rather, specifically so) if it had the old Tessar based formula of the Ai-P pancake. I still love my Contax Tessar 45mm f/2.8 (C/Y mount), but once adapted, it's no longer a small lens, and the Z 40mm f/2 is tough competition at that stage ...

M.

 

[CraigC]

Another little note: The Voigtländer 40mm f/1.2 is so much fun on the Z f that I've now had the Z 40mm f/2 SE and the Voigtländer swap roles: The Voigtländer now "lives" on the camera as a "normal" lens, the Z 40mm f/2 SE is the backup. The Z 40mm is a fine lens, but I found myself reaching for the Voigtländer all the time, so I might as well have it "live" on the camera. On days (or in times) with bad weather, the Z 26mm f/2.8 will do "tough conditions" duty - it's a great little lens for that.

I could see how that could happen. The Voigtlander 40 puts out stunning images, add the aperture ring for a full tactile experience that pairs well with the Zf.

How are you finding the manual focus aids versus your previous Z bodies - eye/subject tracking and green box confirmation?

 

[gryphon1911]

Wanna have some fun? Slap an adapted Voigtlander 12mm f/5.6 in m-mount onto the Z f!

 

[MoonMind]

Wanna have some fun? Slap an adapted Voigtlander 12mm f/5.6 in m-mount onto the Z f!

I don't have that lens - but the Laowa 9mm f/5.6 sounds like an interesting option. Or the huge, but really quite appealing Lomography Atoll 17mm f/2.8 ...

Thanks for reminding me. However, weather is constantly wet right now - not a good time for experimentation.

How are you finding the manual focus aids versus your previous Z bodies - eye/subject tracking and green box confirmation?

I don't use subject tracking with manual focus lenses - possibly a mistake, but I'm rarely using MF when out shooting action.

Generally, focus confirmation is quick and reliable - but the added precision can also lead to the system needing me to work very, very accurately. Not easy when one's tired. But otherwise, it works just as well or better than on the Z fc, Z 6 and Z 7 II (I don't much like using MF lenses on the Z 50 - things get a bit cramped and fiddly; the compact size of the camera and its great handling with AF lenses, even bigger ones, don't translate into an equally great experience with MF lenses in my experience; of course, on that issue, YMMV).

M.

 

[agentlossing]

Lomography has their 32mm Minitar-1 with the Nikon Z adapter on sale for $249. That could be fun.

 

[MoonMind]

Lomography has their 32mm Minitar-1 with the Nikon Z adapter on sale for $249. That could be fun.

If you're into somewhat trashy IQ, that is. I've tried the Minitar briefly - not my kind of lens. TTArtisan $70 lenses, just as an example, are a much better bet.

The TTArtisan 50mm f/2 isn't a good lens per se, but clearly better than the Minitar in all respects - sharpness, aberration control (except field curvature - that's pretty bad on both), character - though I don't like the strong colour cast on either; very different, however: cool and somewhat washed out on the TTArtisan; punchy, but smeared and partly downright strange on the Minitar. The TTArtisan does work and does what it says on the tin - and with a bit of work in post, the images are pretty usable. I'm not so sure about the Minitar - but I've never used it for real shooting, so I may be wrong.

The Minitar has something going for it on an M body: pancake size. That's it. Even the somewhat capricious (read: pretty mediocre, but sufficiently charming) Brightin Star 28mm f/2.8 is much better. The images look pretty pleasing right out of the box, corners are weak, but the rest is nice enough (not great, but usable), colours are warm with a bit of glow to them. In short, if someone has that kind of money to spend, I'd go for the Brightin Star, hands down. That lens actually does a pretty pleasant job on a M8, too (which eliminates those smudged corners through its crop factor).

All that said, the playfulness of the Minitar has its fans. I'm just not one of them.

M.

 

[gryphon1911]

I don't have that lens - but the Laowa 9mm f/5.6 sounds like an interesting option. Or the huge, but really quite appealing Lomography Atoll 17mm f/2.8 ...

Thanks for reminding me. However, weather is constantly wet right now - not a good time for experimentation.


I don't use subject tracking with manual focus lenses - possibly a mistake, but I'm rarely using MF when out shooting action.

Generally, focus confirmation is quick and reliable - but the added precision can also lead to the system needing me to work very, very accurately. Not easy when one's tired. But otherwise, it works just as well or better than on the Z fc, Z 6 and Z 7 II (I don't much like using MF lenses on the Z 50 - things get a bit cramped and fiddly; the compact size of the camera and its great handling with AF lenses, even bigger ones, don't translate into an equally great experience with MF lenses in my experience; of course, on that issue, YMMV).

M.

I'd like to see what you can do with that Atoll lens. IF I had not been able to find the Voigtlander 12mm, that may have been the 2nd lens I picked up for my ultra wide.
Thankfully, my GAS was satisfied with the 12mm. Weather here has been garbage as well, was reduced to taking some snaps of the dogs inside yesterday. LOL Poor me!

 

[CraigC]

I don't use subject tracking with manual focus lenses - possibly a mistake, but I'm rarely using MF when out shooting action.

Generally, focus confirmation is quick and reliable - but the added precision can also lead to the system needing me to work very, very accurately. Not easy when one's tired. But otherwise, it works just as well or better than on the Z fc, Z 6 and Z 7 II (I don't much like using MF lenses on the Z 50 - things get a bit cramped and fiddly; the compact size of the camera and its great handling with AF lenses, even bigger ones, don't translate into an equally great experience with MF lenses in my experience; of course, on that issue, YMMV).

M.

Thanks for the info Matt. I was thinking the tracking, particularly eye, would be great for portraits. Using my cameras mainly for documenting family life, I could see that being a great feature when wanting to use MF lenses.
______________________________________________________________________________________________________

For those of you with a Zf, and wanting a bit more grip, this addition from Neewer looks very cool with its Nikon red stripe inspiration. Arca Swiss and good price point too. Pricing looks good too.

NEEWER L-Shape Handle for Nikon Z f - NEEWER

Description Compatible with Nikon Zf- Compatible with the retro Nikon Z f camera, this baseplate is an homage to the classic film camera era. It attaches to the camera via a 1/4" screw and keeps the battery compartment fully accessible. An exquisite brass shutter button makes pressing the shutter release more tactile E

neewer.com

 

[MountainMan79]

Thanks for the info Matt. I was thinking the tracking, particularly eye, would be great for portraits. Using my cameras mainly for documenting family life, I could see that being a great feature when wanting to use MF lenses.
______________________________________________________________________________________________________

For those of you with a Zf, and wanting a bit more grip, this addition from Neewer looks very cool with its Nikon red stripe inspiration. Arca Swiss and good price point too. Pricing looks good too.

https://neewer.com/collections/pre-order/products/neewer-l-bracket-for-nikon-zf-camera-66603919

Hmmm. Getting an error with your link?

But yes, I agree. I think the focus aids functioning with manual focus lenses are a slick addition, and hopefully the way of the future for all brands.

 

[gryphon1911]

NEEWER L-Shape Handle for Nikon Z f - NEEWER

Description Compatible with Nikon Zf- Compatible with the retro Nikon Z f camera, this baseplate is an homage to the classic film camera era. It attaches to the camera via a 1/4" screw and keeps the battery compartment fully accessible. An exquisite brass shutter button makes pressing the shutter release more tactile E

neewer.com

It seems a decent grip...so right now we know that Smallrig and Neewer offer grips. Not sure I like the red strip thing on the Neewer though - if I had to nitpick something - that would be it.

 

[MountainMan79]

Hmmm. I don’t mind the red stripe, but it’s not really in the right spot. Either way, looks like a nice grip for a good price.

 

[MoonMind]

NEEWER L-Shape Handle for Nikon Z f - NEEWER

Description Compatible with Nikon Zf- Compatible with the retro Nikon Z f camera, this baseplate is an homage to the classic film camera era. It attaches to the camera via a 1/4" screw and keeps the battery compartment fully accessible. An exquisite brass shutter button makes pressing the shutter release more tactile E

neewer.com

It seems a decent grip...so right now we know that Smallrig and Neewer offer grips. Not sure I like the red strip thing on the Neewer though - if I had to nitpick something - that would be it.

I don't see an adavantage over the SmallRig grip; prices are (at least around here) very comparable, too.

The versatility of the SmallRig grip seems somewhat more desirable. But then, nothing wrong with the Neewer - it's got its own interesting assets. Still, owning both doesn't make a lot of sense.

But yes, good to know.

M.

 

[CraigC]

Hmmm. Getting an error with your link?

Sorry, I corrected my original post. But thanks to Andrew @gryphon1911 for providing the proper link.

Regarding the Neewer grip, aesthetically, I definitely prefer it over the SmallRig. Fits the Zf styling better imo, with or without the red stripe.

Back to the Zf itself... still out of stock everywhere here locally, so can't get my hands on one

 

[gryphon1911]

Sorry, I corrected my original post. But thanks to Andrew @gryphon1911 for providing the proper link.

Regarding the Neewer grip, aesthetically, I definitely prefer it over the SmallRig. Fits the Zf styling better imo, with or without the red stripe.

Back to the Zf itself... still out of stock everywhere here locally, so can't get my hands on one

I hope they will be able to get a few out to the local stores before the holidays are over. I'm sure plenty of people will want them as gifts or to use as a camera for recording Christmas festivities!

 

[MoonMind]

Another little piece of information: Today, I decided to switch AF mode to "3D Tracking" for a while (i.e. for a couple of days at least). First results are very interesting: If you get it to truely lock on, it's really great! What bugs me is that AF-S (small area) is still much quicker and more definite to lock on (see my image here - I was literally just pointing and shooting with AF-S, and not even central point, due to hasty operation). But with "3D Tracking", AF-C seems to work in a way I can absolutely live with, with all advantages of good, reliable AF-C. It's too early to say if I'm sticking with it, but I wouldn't even have considered AF-C and/or tracking previously for my day-to-day shooting with Nikon Z bodies. We'll see ...

M.