I have had the Z8 with the 24-120 f4s for just over 6 months, as a Nikon shooter for many decades the Z8 is a real pinnacle in their line up, I have had the Z711 since it came out although the resolution is the same the Z8 is just so snappy and the ergonomics superb. The 24-120 is a wonderful lens, so sharp and contrasty, with my 14-30 f4s it cover almost all my Landscape needs. enjoy your new set up, you will love it.
Thanks Douglas, glad to hear about your experience with your gear. Although I’ve only had my gear for a short period I echo everything you’ve said; I can tell the Z8 is a great camera. The Z 14-30 f4s is a lens I’ve got on my list for a future purchase!
Excellent choice, I switched from Fuji to a Nikon Z9 over a year ago and could not be happier. Currently have 5 lenses (all naitive Z mount): 14-30 f/4, 24-120 f/4, 50 f/1.8, 85 f/1.2 and the 70-200 f/2.8. I'll probably add the 400 f/4.5 at some point as well as the Z6iii when it finally arrives!
Thanks John, it's good to hear that you are happy with your choice and gear! That's a nice selection of lenses that you have, I'm really pleased with the two that I have so far. How do you find the 14-30 f/4? That's one I have on my mind as a possible future purchase.
@@WayneRobertsonPhotography I really like the 14-30, I don't shoot ultra wide that often so couldn't justify the 14-24 so the 14-30 is more than adequate for me . I look forward to your next video, good luck and enjoy your awesome new kit! BTW I agree that the 24-120 is an amazing lens :)
Hi Wayne. Very interesting video. I've just sent off my xt5 and lenses for trade in after buying a very discounted z7ii and 24-120mm. I've definitely been bitten by the nikon bug but I'm wondering if I should stick to the z7ii and get a zf to use alongside (and scratch the retro itch) with its excellent low light capabilities or just go all in on a z8. I also do landscape and wildlife. My first lens will be the 180-600 followed by the 14-30 f4. Thanks again.
Hi Craig, thanks for watching. The Z 24-120mm is a great lens and the Z7 II is a great camera for landscapes. I don't have a lot of experience with the Z7 II for wildlife but I suspect it's absolutely fine for static/slower moving wildlife and generally wildlife which is "easier" to photograph. A Z8 would clearly have better AF for wildlife but it really depends on your needs. I can't comment on the ZF as I haven't used one. Good luck.
Very well done video with informed and intelligent decision making. As a life long Nikon shooter I can tell you you will not be disappointed in the gear you purchased. As I get older (57) I have found that weight matters! Like yourself I have found that the Z8 is the perfect camera for me. I shoot portraiture and sports for work and landscape and wildlife for fun. I do have the luxury of having a lot of my old glass that works just fine on the Z mount with the FTZ II adapter. As far as your choices of glass I think you have made a couple of really good decisions. Going forward, you should rent the 180-600 for a weekend and shoot as much wildlife as you can to see if the 5.6-6.3 is an aperture that you can be happy with. The 180-600 should give you the proper image separation and isolation you desire with proper shot planning and execution. A couple of things I think you will be very happy with will be the results, speed (AF), and weight. It is a very light but well constructed lens.
Thanks very much Toby for watching and for your nice comment. It's good to hear how long you have been using Nikon gear for and I'm certainly enjoying what I have purchased so far. The 180-600mm certainly sounds like a great lens for wildlife and is definitely one I will be considering in the future; it should be a great partner for the Z8.
I am a railway photographer and my current set-up is, surprise, surprise, a Nikon Z8 + Z24-120 S series lens. Perfect. A railway friend of mine uses the same combination. I am sure you will continue to be happy.
I also recently purchased the Nikon Z8 to basically upgrade from my Nikon D3S. I already have the F2.8 24-70 and F2.8 70-200 lenses and the 2X teleconverter, which gives me a range from 24-400mm. In order to use these two lenses, I purchased the F - Z adapter and have had great results so far. The 2X added to the 70-200 retains excellent sharpness. However, I have decided to expand and ordered the 180-600mm lens and the 1.4X adapter to push it out to 840mm. The adapter came today, but the 180-600mm lens is on back order with B&H Camera. So, I simply hope that the order gets filled soon! Hoping to have a fun summer with great photos of wildlife.
That sounds like a nice collection of lenses. I hope you get the Z 180-600mm soon, it seems like many people love that lens and it should be great for wildlife. Good luck this summer!
Great choice, I made the same switch from fuji to z8 in September. Only a couple of nonths later and I got the 180-600 and 800 PF, both absolutely brilliant and relatively affordable, for what they offer. I'm sure you'll enjoy the new gear, I sure haven't been disappointed. 😁
Thanks very much. Glad to hear you are enjoying those two lenses; they would be a great combination for wildlife. I’m really enjoying using the gear that I’ve bought 😊
I own the Z8 and 100-400mm with the 1.4 TC and I can’t tell the difference in image quality with the TC but I haven’t had it a long time. I like it. My next purchase is something in the 24-70 range…liked your perspective. Thanks.
I didn’t have a 102MP GFX so I can’t compare to that camera. I imagine 99% of photographers would be happy with the Z8 and some quality lenses is the best thought that I can offer.
Check out Ricci Talks, he is a Nikon employee and only compares Nikon equipment to other Nikon equipment, he is very good at this and you may be surprised to find that he rates the 180-600 higher than the more expensive 100-400.
Thank you Michael. I’m really impressed with the Z 100-400mm so the 180-600mm must be excellent as well. I went with the 100-400mm for weight reasons as I’ll be carrying it in combination with other lenses on long hikes for landscape photography. Also it means I don’t have any focal length gaps for landscapes. I’ll certainly be considering the 180-600mm in the future for wildlife photography, it sounds like a great lens. Best wishes.
Was there any reason you didn't stick with the 24-200? I'm looking at getting one and although it might be a slight soft in the corners at some focal lengths I think that's something I can live with. I think it would be nice if Nikon released a 70-300 as a lighter option to the 100-400, I know Tamron has one but the field curvature issues and lack of VR would be a deal breaker for me.
Hi, that's a good question. The 24-200mm lens is a fantastic versatile lens and it offers great value. I could definitely take great images with it and make great prints. I personally felt the lenses I discuss in this video are better for my needs and I accepted I would carry both or one of them depending on my needs, how far I have to hike etc. etc. I did also notice the softness at certain focal lengths in the 24-200mm that you mentioned so while not deal breaking I do get better results with the S lenses. It's very much a personal thing depending on your requirements; people will have different opinions and preferences.
@@WayneRobertsonPhotography Yeah definitely personal preferences although the S lenses are a bit better. I use the mid to mild telephoto range a lot which means I switch lenses a lot with my current setup which is annoying or impossible if the weather is bad. I also usually crop to 4:5, 4:3 or 19:9 so any corner softness is less of an issue.
I’m trying to do macro photography. I have a nikon z5, with a nikkor 24-200 zoom lens. My shutter release doesn’t work past 70mm zoom. Why can’t I do macro at full zoom?
Hi there. Very nice video. I look forward to seeing some of your work in the future. Personally I would have gone for the 180-600 or even the 400 f4.5 with or without the 1.4 tele but you can’t really go wrong either way. I briefly owned the 180-600 but opted for the 800PF because reach was my ultimate problem. I would rather have a 800 vs a 600 when it comes to meeting a bear…. Enjoy the Nikon! 📸
Thanks very much Ben. If I only did wildlife I’d have chosen a different super-telephoto but I felt doing both landscape and wildlife this would be a good starting setup. So far the 100-400mm has been a great lens but I definitely hope to add something longer in the future. When it comes to bears I certainly understand wanting the 800mm! Best wishes and thanks for watching.
I’ve always looked over the fence at the Z system but the lack of a 70-200 f4 and the cropping of RAW files if shot in an aspect ratio other than the 3:2 have always been deal breakers for me. The 24-120 & 100-400 is a good two lens setup though. Enjoy your new system
I do wish that Nikon wouldn't pixel bin when shooting in crop modes, but it's not a deal breaker for me. I prefer to crop in post anyway. There are grid lines available in 5:4, 1:1 and 16:9 to aid in composition if needed (Zf, Z8 & Z9 have them - not sure about Z6/7), and they don't charge you $150 for them unlike a certain manufacturer. Nikon do have a budget line of f2.8 lenses available as well and the 70-180 f2.8 is significantly lighter than the Nikon 70-200mm f2.8 lens (28 oz vs 48 oz). It won't be as sharp as the 70-200mm and has 20mm less reach, but it might be a good compromise. I suspect that at some point they'll introduce a 70-300mm f4 or maybe variable f4.5 - f5.6 similar to what they have in their F-mount range. Which is another option. With the FTZ adapter you can use any Nikon lens from their SLR and DSLR eras so there are a vast variety of lens choices. Plus, with Nikon's Z-mount being the largest diameter and having the shortest flange to sensor distance, just about any lens from other manufacturers can be adapted to be used on a Nikon Z camera. The only one that you might not be able to adapt are Canon RF mount lenses since the differences in mount diameter and flange distance are two small, but many Canon RF lenses are the same as their EF mounts with just a different flange, so you could easily adapt the EF mount version.
I have had the Z8 with the 24-120 f4s for just over 6 months, as a Nikon shooter for many decades the Z8 is a real pinnacle in their line up, I have had the Z711 since it came out although the resolution is the same the Z8 is just so snappy and the ergonomics superb. The 24-120 is a wonderful lens, so sharp and contrasty, with my 14-30 f4s it cover almost all my Landscape needs.
enjoy your new set up, you will love it.
Thanks Douglas, glad to hear about your experience with your gear. Although I’ve only had my gear for a short period I echo everything you’ve said; I can tell the Z8 is a great camera. The Z 14-30 f4s is a lens I’ve got on my list for a future purchase!
My Standard Lens on my Z8 is the 24-120 f4 ..a real Swiss Army Knife of a lens
Excellent choice, I switched from Fuji to a Nikon Z9 over a year ago and could not be happier. Currently have 5 lenses (all naitive Z mount): 14-30 f/4, 24-120 f/4, 50 f/1.8, 85 f/1.2 and the 70-200 f/2.8. I'll probably add the 400 f/4.5 at some point as well as the Z6iii when it finally arrives!
Thanks John, it's good to hear that you are happy with your choice and gear! That's a nice selection of lenses that you have, I'm really pleased with the two that I have so far. How do you find the 14-30 f/4? That's one I have on my mind as a possible future purchase.
@@WayneRobertsonPhotography I really like the 14-30, I don't shoot ultra wide that often so couldn't justify the 14-24 so the 14-30 is more than adequate for me . I look forward to your next video, good luck and enjoy your awesome new kit! BTW I agree that the 24-120 is an amazing lens :)
@johnbanks9392 Thanks very much and glad to hear you like the 14-30 👍🏻
Hi Wayne. Very interesting video. I've just sent off my xt5 and lenses for trade in after buying a very discounted z7ii and 24-120mm. I've definitely been bitten by the nikon bug but I'm wondering if I should stick to the z7ii and get a zf to use alongside (and scratch the retro itch) with its excellent low light capabilities or just go all in on a z8. I also do landscape and wildlife. My first lens will be the 180-600 followed by the 14-30 f4. Thanks again.
Hi Craig, thanks for watching. The Z 24-120mm is a great lens and the Z7 II is a great camera for landscapes. I don't have a lot of experience with the Z7 II for wildlife but I suspect it's absolutely fine for static/slower moving wildlife and generally wildlife which is "easier" to photograph. A Z8 would clearly have better AF for wildlife but it really depends on your needs. I can't comment on the ZF as I haven't used one. Good luck.
@@WayneRobertsonPhotography thanks for the reply. Lots to think about. Either way keep the videos coming.
Glad you are enjoying the move over to Nikon Wayne ❤
Thanks Fiona, I hope you are doing well!
Thanks Wayne. I'm doing good thanks and enjoying my photography ❤
Very well done video with informed and intelligent decision making. As a life long Nikon shooter I can tell you you will not be disappointed in the gear you purchased. As I get older (57) I have found that weight matters! Like yourself I have found that the Z8 is the perfect camera for me. I shoot portraiture and sports for work and landscape and wildlife for fun. I do have the luxury of having a lot of my old glass that works just fine on the Z mount with the FTZ II adapter. As far as your choices of glass I think you have made a couple of really good decisions. Going forward, you should rent the 180-600 for a weekend and shoot as much wildlife as you can to see if the 5.6-6.3 is an aperture that you can be happy with. The 180-600 should give you the proper image separation and isolation you desire with proper shot planning and execution. A couple of things I think you will be very happy with will be the results, speed (AF), and weight. It is a very light but well constructed lens.
Thanks very much Toby for watching and for your nice comment. It's good to hear how long you have been using Nikon gear for and I'm certainly enjoying what I have purchased so far. The 180-600mm certainly sounds like a great lens for wildlife and is definitely one I will be considering in the future; it should be a great partner for the Z8.
I am a railway photographer and my current set-up is, surprise, surprise, a Nikon Z8 + Z24-120 S series lens. Perfect. A railway friend of mine uses the same combination. I am sure you will continue to be happy.
Thanks Keith! It’s good to hear that you are enjoying the same camera and lens too 👍🏻
I also recently purchased the Nikon Z8 to basically upgrade from my Nikon D3S. I already have the F2.8 24-70 and F2.8 70-200 lenses and the 2X teleconverter, which gives me a range from 24-400mm. In order to use these two lenses, I purchased the F - Z adapter and have had great results so far. The 2X added to the 70-200 retains excellent sharpness. However, I have decided to expand and ordered the 180-600mm lens and the 1.4X adapter to push it out to 840mm. The adapter came today, but the 180-600mm lens is on back order with B&H Camera. So, I simply hope that the order gets filled soon! Hoping to have a fun summer with great photos of wildlife.
That sounds like a nice collection of lenses. I hope you get the Z 180-600mm soon, it seems like many people love that lens and it should be great for wildlife. Good luck this summer!
Great choice, I made the same switch from fuji to z8 in September. Only a couple of nonths later and I got the 180-600 and 800 PF, both absolutely brilliant and relatively affordable, for what they offer.
I'm sure you'll enjoy the new gear, I sure haven't been disappointed. 😁
Thanks very much. Glad to hear you are enjoying those two lenses; they would be a great combination for wildlife. I’m really enjoying using the gear that I’ve bought 😊
I own the Z8 and 100-400mm with the 1.4 TC and I can’t tell the difference in image quality with the TC but I haven’t had it a long time. I like it. My next purchase is something in the 24-70 range…liked your perspective. Thanks.
Thanks Jim it’s good to hear your thoughts on the TC.
Are you satisfied with Z8 at 14bit 45.7mp versus gfx at 16bit and 102mp for dynamic range, colour rendering and image quality?
I didn’t have a 102MP GFX so I can’t compare to that camera. I imagine 99% of photographers would be happy with the Z8 and some quality lenses is the best thought that I can offer.
Check out Ricci Talks, he is a Nikon employee and only compares Nikon equipment to other Nikon equipment, he is very good at this and you may be surprised to find that he rates the 180-600 higher than the more expensive 100-400.
Thank you Michael. I’m really impressed with the Z 100-400mm so the 180-600mm must be excellent as well. I went with the 100-400mm for weight reasons as I’ll be carrying it in combination with other lenses on long hikes for landscape photography. Also it means I don’t have any focal length gaps for landscapes. I’ll certainly be considering the 180-600mm in the future for wildlife photography, it sounds like a great lens. Best wishes.
Was there any reason you didn't stick with the 24-200? I'm looking at getting one and although it might be a slight soft in the corners at some focal lengths I think that's something I can live with. I think it would be nice if Nikon released a 70-300 as a lighter option to the 100-400, I know Tamron has one but the field curvature issues and lack of VR would be a deal breaker for me.
Hi, that's a good question. The 24-200mm lens is a fantastic versatile lens and it offers great value. I could definitely take great images with it and make great prints. I personally felt the lenses I discuss in this video are better for my needs and I accepted I would carry both or one of them depending on my needs, how far I have to hike etc. etc. I did also notice the softness at certain focal lengths in the 24-200mm that you mentioned so while not deal breaking I do get better results with the S lenses. It's very much a personal thing depending on your requirements; people will have different opinions and preferences.
@@WayneRobertsonPhotography Yeah definitely personal preferences although the S lenses are a bit better. I use the mid to mild telephoto range a lot which means I switch lenses a lot with my current setup which is annoying or impossible if the weather is bad. I also usually crop to 4:5, 4:3 or 19:9 so any corner softness is less of an issue.
Sounds like it could be a useful lens for you.
I’m trying to do macro photography. I have a nikon z5, with a nikkor 24-200 zoom lens. My shutter release doesn’t work past 70mm zoom. Why can’t I do macro at full zoom?
Hi there. Very nice video. I look forward to seeing some of your work in the future. Personally I would have gone for the 180-600 or even the 400 f4.5 with or without the 1.4 tele but you can’t really go wrong either way. I briefly owned the 180-600 but opted for the 800PF because reach was my ultimate problem. I would rather have a 800 vs a 600 when it comes to meeting a bear…. Enjoy the Nikon! 📸
Thanks very much Ben. If I only did wildlife I’d have chosen a different super-telephoto but I felt doing both landscape and wildlife this would be a good starting setup. So far the 100-400mm has been a great lens but I definitely hope to add something longer in the future. When it comes to bears I certainly understand wanting the 800mm! Best wishes and thanks for watching.
I’ve always looked over the fence at the Z system but the lack of a 70-200 f4 and the cropping of RAW files if shot in an aspect ratio other than the 3:2 have always been deal breakers for me. The 24-120 & 100-400 is a good two lens setup though. Enjoy your new system
Thanks very much Paul. Those are fair points and things I thought about too.
I do wish that Nikon wouldn't pixel bin when shooting in crop modes, but it's not a deal breaker for me. I prefer to crop in post anyway. There are grid lines available in 5:4, 1:1 and 16:9 to aid in composition if needed (Zf, Z8 & Z9 have them - not sure about Z6/7), and they don't charge you $150 for them unlike a certain manufacturer. Nikon do have a budget line of f2.8 lenses available as well and the 70-180 f2.8 is significantly lighter than the Nikon 70-200mm f2.8 lens (28 oz vs 48 oz). It won't be as sharp as the 70-200mm and has 20mm less reach, but it might be a good compromise.
I suspect that at some point they'll introduce a 70-300mm f4 or maybe variable f4.5 - f5.6 similar to what they have in their F-mount range. Which is another option. With the FTZ adapter you can use any Nikon lens from their SLR and DSLR eras so there are a vast variety of lens choices. Plus, with Nikon's Z-mount being the largest diameter and having the shortest flange to sensor distance, just about any lens from other manufacturers can be adapted to be used on a Nikon Z camera. The only one that you might not be able to adapt are Canon RF mount lenses since the differences in mount diameter and flange distance are two small, but many Canon RF lenses are the same as their EF mounts with just a different flange, so you could easily adapt the EF mount version.
@Robert-R Thank you Robert some good points there. I’ve been finding the grid lines to be very useful.
As a Fuji X user, I still found this very interesting!
Thanks very much that’s a nice comment 👍🏻
Great choice
Thanks John.
Good choice!
Thanks Robert!
nikon is based. and so are you now