If anyone has any doubts about the Z lenses, I beseech them to try out the 50 1.8 S. It is simply incredible for a fairly light $600 lens. Excellent as the Sony 55 1.8 is, I think the Nikkor even resides a tier above it, and at a lower price.
You Sir, are a top tier presenter. Thank you, coffee break well spent and 85 ordered... we live in amazing times. My video work is now as critical as my still images and the Z Bodies and Lenses are fast becoming my most grabbed gear. I wish you well.
I love my Z6 . It’s a joy to use . The new firmware has helped a lot with the AF . Though the AF is not at Sony’s level I’m still able to do what I need to with the Z6 . Love using for portraits and landscapes . Looking forward to the 85 1.8 .
I’ve been very happy with my Z6. It’s a lot of fun to use, captures great images and video, and works very well with Nikon lenses that I own that go back 40 years. I’m into photography first and foremost, and this camera delivers in a lot of ways. Really glad I ignored all the buzz in the beginning from people anxious to get their vids up on RUclips. It’s been delightful.
I have a Z6 and Z7 and the 24 to 70 2.8 and the 50mm 1.8, I was a Sony guy and got extremely tired of paying 2k for each lenses. I can tell you Nikon is the sleeper. Nikon is doing a great job. Can't wait to see what they do next. And I can tell you the new Z glass can hold its own against any Sony G Master lenses and your wallet want be extremely empty.
I just bought a Z7 based entirely on the strength of the lenses at the price point they are offered. I believe great things are in store for this mount in the future.
The performance of the 24-70 f4 is truly amazing. I can't believe how good this lens is. Give them credit they are cranking out small and great lenses whereas Canon is making the biggest lenses ever.
Excellent commentary as always Hugh, so thanks, as always. I got a Z7 with 24-70 f4 yesterday and spent the afternoon setting up and test driving. I am an instant convert :) The Z7 delivers something quite close to what I would expect technology to be able to deliver in 2019. Just having so many settings so easily and consistently available through the i button is a revelation. It was a Wow moment for me. I am suddenly committed to migrating from my D810 and F mount lens set, including having the 85 f1.8 S on pre-order. Keep up the good work ... I shall be watching!
Nikon's Z-Mount lens selections are really starting to make sense to me now, optically excellent, practically priced, and sized to match the mirrorless body almost perfectly. You're evaluation (as usual) is spot on Hugh.
I agree but am a bit perplexed by the larger form factor of the 85mm offering in comparison with both the 1.8 and 1.4 F-mount alternatives with z-adapter attached. For the price (used) and potential outcomes the 1.4 F-mount with adapter may well remain a more attractive alternative, and more so if it already resides in ones bag.
@@lcador9 The S lens will be sharper with less CA than the 1.4G and half the price. I have the 1.4 D, G and 1.8G and use them on the Z6 and used them on the D850 before selling it, and use them on my D800. I have 4 S lenses now and each is better optically than their more expensive F mount. The 24-70 2.8 S is optically the best mid zoom available on any mount. The f/4 version is optically superior to either the 24-70 2.8 G or E versions. The 50mm 1.8 is spectacularly sharp corner to corner as is the 35. So we see a trend here and expect the 85 1.8 to be a killer lens. When testing the 24-70 f/4 S "kit lens" against both my 2.8 G and E the night I brought my Z6 home showed up weaknesses I never noticed with the F mounts before, Seeing such strong corners is not what we have learned to expect for any lens wide open but it was there, clearly visible. Later when the 2.8 version came out, the near-perfect little f4 showed weaknesses in comparison to the 2.8, but in very minor ways. The 24-70 2.8 S version at 50mm is better corner to corner than any 50 prime I have(5 in the 50-58mm range). The only lens I have that is marginally better is the 50 1.8 S. A zoom that performs like that is found nowhere else in the industry. And we are just at the beginning of the roadmap. The 70-200 2.8 S is very anxiously awaited. It will probably be $2500-2800 so I am saving now. F mounts work well on the FTZ but they chatter with activity constantly with focusing and VR.
I must admit to being rather critical of the Z mount cameras, which I think were an example of managements idea of what a camera should be, forgetting some of the little details, which photographers like. But I do completely understand Nikon not releasing high end lenses to begin with (and now they are). With Canon and Panasonic, they have released camera lenses, aimed at professionals or people with too much money to spend on equipment. This makes no sense with the Canon, where the cameras have been mid range at best. Canon has gone with decent lenses, which may be slightly over priced (though that is subjective) but they are far more tempting for non professional photographers to buy (and some pro's). So I think Nikon has been smart with their lens choice. It should also be noted that whilst Nikon announced the 58mm f/0.95 Noct, upon the release of the Z mount system, the lens still has not been released, almost a year later. So Nikon is going full tilt into the more affordable lenses and the f/2.8 zooms, which are the bread and butter of many a pro.
I can't help but wonder if it is like a new model car, in its first year of release. A "Rev 1.0" as it were. Perhaps a but buggy and quirky with some oversights. Hopefully Nikon will get it right in subsequent versions. Case in point- The early Sony mirrorless cameras which overheated like a mofo, and had various other quirks.
I have shot nothing but Nikon in my 27 year career and decided to jump in with both feet on the Z6 for film making. I have to say this is the best Nikon I have ever used! I almost feel like I’m carrying around my old FE2 and all the freedom I had with that camera to play.
That may be true but if they were gold ring glass one would expect better build quality. As a Nikon user l've noticed the general decline in quality of Nikon lenses over the last 10 years.
@@peterlemke3468 I understand. As noted, though, look at it differently: this kind of construction is the tradeoff for AF speed, silence, weather resistance, IQ, and affordability. No DSLR lens from Canon or Nikon other than the highest end pro telephotos approaches the build quality of my 1967 Canon FL 50mm f/1.8, for example, but that little guy weighs a LOT -- and doesn't hold a candle to the newest highest quality mirrorless glass. The Nikkor 105/1.4 is awesome as another example, but it is a beast.
@@peterlemke3468 What is it about the new S lenses that represents a decline in quality? Optically they are a match for Zeiss Otus. They are different looking, but so are the shirts you wear compared to 5 years ago.
@@gbye007 My comment pertained to build quality not optical quality. I've handled a few of them but not shot with them. I think Nikon's lenses generally over say the last 8-10 years aren't that well built certainly some of the 1.8 G ones l've bought. Only time will tell how well the Z lenses hold up. I'm not a fan of the OLED screen it's one more thing that can break or degrade. They certainly don't feel like a premium product and l much prefer the build of the Zuiko and Fujinon lenses.
I absolutely LOVE my Z6 even compared to my D850. I haven't had a chance to try the 85mm prime yet, but the 35mm and 50mm are simply amazing. Nikon should be commended for the Z-series cameras and lenses. They are great!
nikon Z6 and S primes lenses sparked my passion again for photography..before i always lug around my D750 24-70 2.8/70-200 2.8..how heavy it was and intimidating. now i look like a normal tourist again, can shoot anywhere without intimidating people..i almost went for Sony A7iii but i have waited..waited.. then finally came the Z series..
I also really want Nikon to be successful, but their current strategy is just to stay alive. During the DLSR era, they were fine being #2, and now they're fine being #3. I'm not sure it's the best strategy, especially in a contracting market. They're releasing lenses way too slowly, I think they need to do something more drastic, like open their Z-mount to third parties, or form an alliance to use the E mount (there's a third party adapter that lets you use FE glass on the Z mount, imagine if Sony and Nikon cooperate and make a perfect adapter). I'm just brainstorming now, to find some ideas of how they could survive.
Nikon is doing just fine. Stop being over dramatic. Nikon still makes some of the best cameras and lenses. Even today the nikon D850 DSLR is considered the best all round DSLR by most. Have you even used a Nikon Z6? If a company's first FF mirror-less offering is as good as Z6 is, I wonder what they are going to be in the subsequent generation.
For me that I have been photographing for over 40 years, the main point in a camera is ergonomics, mirrorless cameras for me are perfect nonsense, when I get a new dslr I immediately add the handle, not to have more autonomy, but to ensure better balance when I put on a 1kg lens, when I sometimes put on a 0.5kg flash, unless the accessories start weighing 1 tenth, for me the mirrorless, are toys for rich amateurs ..
For 99% of my shooting I'm well above f/4. I do have a sigma 105mm f/1.4 for that 1%. So I shoot the heck out of my 24-70mm f/4, while rarely touching the 14-30mm (I have hopes, it's a range I use a lot on the D500). The 24-70mm kicks butt and takes names. With all this hand wringing over specs (and they are good specs) composition is still king - I think we tend to loose sight of that. Having an f/1.2 lense vs an f/4 is usually just for bragging rights. As another youtuber that does mostly landscape work observed; shooting at f/5.6 or higher, carrying around an f/2.8 lense with all the extra weight and cost simply did not make sense all else being equal.
As usual, an opinion dictated by emotions and love for the craft. Thanks for being one of the few guys that doesn’t look (or not looks too much) at specifications but at the heart and meaning of a product. It's very sane and refreshing!
I always pass on watching your videos when going through my subscriptions, but then ultimately watch every one of them. There is something so satisfying about your cadence when you speak and the balance between high level technical specifications and laymen speak. Keep up the fantastic work!
You have a beautiful voice. I never care about what anyone thinks about this camera versus that camera when there is so much choice out there, but I can listen to you talk all day long.
Was there ever a review given of the Nikkor Z 85mm f/1.8 S lens once it was released? If so, I cannot find it. Would appreciate it if someone could point out that video.
I know this video is approaching 2 years old, but it's still spot on. I've just sold off my sigma art 14, 40, and 85. All are amazing lenses, but they don't do anything the Z lenses can't do cheaper and much lighter. The lens you end up with in you bag because it's smaller and lighter beats the heavy slightly faster lens you leave at home every time. These nikon lenses are seriously underrated. All the youtube comments focus literally and figuratively on eye AF. However, I mostly shoot astro, and these lenses are stunningly sharp all the way to the corners in the most demanding applications. The Sigma Art 40 is the gold standard of wide astro lenses. The 50m 1.8s comes really really close and the 35 1.8s is every bit as good for half the size, half the weight, and half the price. I don't feel like the lens performance is talked about enough. I loved my 70-200 Vrii f-mount lens, but when I upgraded to the 2.8s I was blown away. It is stunningly sharp.
Good to see you cut Nikon some slack. Mirrorless is a long term work in progress for them but at least they got the body ergonomics largely right. Nice to see some M4/3 💖 too Hugh!
Well said. Recently I purchased the Z6 with the 50 1.8 and have been completely blown away by the image quality. The camera also fits in my hands extremely well. I've preordered the 85 and will soon buy the 35 as well. The 24 will eventually find its way into my bag as well. I am hoping for a killer 135mm that rivals or exceeds the Milvus f2. I feel a round of Gear Acquisition Syndrome coming... and that is a very good thing. Photography is becoming fun again. Long live the Z system!
Bravo, Hugh! I was about to object that you hadn’t mentioned the autofocus shortcomings of the Z-cams, but you did slip it in at the end. I agree about Nikon;s mirrorless lens strategy, which seems to be refreshingly unlike Canon’s impressive-but-ridiculously-impractical mirrorless lens lineup. Nikon is producing stellar LITTLE gems in these lenses, so that the Z-Cams will not simply replicate Nikon’s already-Fantastic DSLR lineup, but actually allow photographers to pack light and take Nikon-class photographs. This is a great post, Hugh, and I applaud you for it.
Nikon Z 28-75 mm f/2,8 has a range to replace a 35, 50 and 85 primes. I feel like when taking pictures with it i am gonna feel a letdown when compared to the speed and crisp of 1,8 35, 50 or 85. I kind of got used to changing lenses and I found i dont wanna compromise on image quality. What is your opinion on thi Hugh
Well by now you I’m sure you own the 85mm f/1.8 S and know they again knocked it out of the park with this lens. I thought this was great video and I wish more people out there would watch this and realize the Nikon Z system is not as bad as a lot of people when they first reviewed it said it was. I love my Z system and all of lenses they have put out, my Nikon DSLR are going up for sale.
I was a Sony user who switched to Nikon. I agree with your assessment but you didn't talk about the three zooms currently available in the Z line. I own two of them and they're downright impressive.
Nice video, Hugh! I agree with you on all points. Personally, I think the "camera public & press" were unrealistic for "excoriating" Nikon for launching the Z system with "only" three lenses. Its important to remember Fujifilm launched X with only 3 lenses as well, & nobody took them to task for it in the way they did to Nikon (or Canon). It takes _time_ to do the R&D for an entirely new line of lenses, and IMHO, folks need to get a grip on reality and understand they can't have everything, all at once, yesterday. The Amazon Prime fulfillment model doesn't work for superior optics product development. BTW, all the pros I know that bought a Z-body really love it, and, none of them gave second thought to switching to another brand "just to go to mirrorless". Cheers! -Stephen.
Great video! I invested in the Z6 because it met my price range for a camera that was equal part strong at both photography and video. Coming up from the D750 the video capabilities alone were worth the purchase. It came down to the the A7III and the Z6 for what I needed in a single system, I mean what else is out there for that price range for an all-in-one camera (in later 2018)? At the time I was using the A7SII at work and was very pleased with the video output of that camera so I knew first hand that Sony could deliver on the video side. For me, the ergonomics of the Z6 faired much better in terms of comfort in my hand and ultimately became the deciding factor. I have shot a fair amount of video with the Z6 coupled with the Atomos Ninja V and it's been terrific. 10-bit has been glorious and I'm eagerly anticipating Atomos' 12-bit firmware update. I have the 24-70 f4 and the 50 1.8 native Z lenses and they've been fantastic. The 24-70 has been my video workhorse lens and the 50mm is so good at single portrait shoots. On a side note, the Z6 was the first system I have used for video tap-to-focus and that is simply glorious (being a run-and-gun videographer).
MFT only is considered of value when comparing within that company's products. Compare Oly with other Oly for a good relative indication just as the Nikon charts only relate to their standard test method within the brand.
Thank you for giving me hope that my purchase of the Z6 when it first came out was not a blunder. I still have my D500, but my camera of choice is the Z6. My photos are sharp, the viewfinder makes exposure almost flawless, and it is a little slow focusing for sports shooting, but if you track the right subject, it will be breathtaking. Hate all the negative from "experts". This amateur thinks Nikon hit a home run on their first time at bat. Your video was awesome!
I recently jumped from a D780 to a Z6ii and haven't looked back. The D780, whilst it had a great sensor (I believe the same sensor as the Z6ii) had a poor grip (compared to my old D750) and shocking build quality (I replaced 3 of the leather pieces within the space of 18 months). The Z6ii on the other hand has stellar build quality, a super comfortable grip, and the 35mm 1.8s is blowing me away every time I use it. My other concerns around battery life, EVF lag and boot up time are also non-existent in reality. As such, I am currently selling my Nikon 50mm 1.4G and 85mm 1.8G and have the new 85mm 1.8s on order and cannot wait to start using it for weddings, portraits and landscapes. I sincerely hope they will bring out a 105mm (non-macro) or 135mm lens soon, as these are two of my favourite focal lengths.
Excellent video, Nikon has been slow but they have the know how to return to the top of the heap. I’m a long time Nikon/Leica shooter from the 70’s. I have used Sony mirrorless extensively and they are currently best in class unless you are required to change settings frequently. Nikon is not going to fold its tent and go away, but they did miss the first train on mirrorless and the explosion of video. My guess they will catch up at a lower price point as will Canon....the great news is innovation is moving at warp speed and that benefits all of us!
Now that I have my 85, I must say Nikon has delivered. At 80 years old small and light are of great value. Therefor my kit is new 26 2.8, 40 2.0, and 85 4.0. Thinking about the 50 although I just bought a 50 1.8 G for $135 in perfect condition because my 1.4 did not auto focus to infinity and I did not like 1.4 manual focus or auto focus anyway and many have been tried. The new one hunts a little so it is limited with Z +ftz when you need fast AF. The pics are absolutely brilliant. The 40 was to replace 35 & 50 and it does it well for me. Con`t complain for $300.
I love your narration and unbiased delivery! I'm just on the edge of switching from my long standing Nikon DSLRs to Z6, and man oh man the reason is just what you said... size and performance of the lenses. I'm gonna subscribe and see how it goes for now.
Props to Nikon for choosing to start with sensible maximum aperture primes, although I would have loved to see what they could have done with an F:2.0 trinity 🙂
As a NIKON shooter with a Z6 coming from D850 and D810 I love this video. Reflects my change in lens collection going lighter. Yet those Z lenses offer better optical performance. I’m still on Sigma Art lenses but I’d like to have the Z lenses for their weight and size and video af capabilities
Love your work and videos! Love the link to Star trek in this one! Brilliant! :) I was a Nikon guy until I brought a Fujifilm X100 years ago. Now I couldn't imagine using any but Fuji, they inspire the art of photography through giving you easy access to the only 3 controls you need, shuttler speed, aperture and ISO.
IF you had to choose between the “best” lenses for manual focusing for the Z6 (ie using the Rhino Arc II / Focus slider) would you opt for: Nikkor Z 35mm 1.8S ($850) AF-S Nikkor 35mm 1.4G ($1500!) Sigma ART 35mm 1.4DG HSM ($650) Sigma has been recommended, as the Nikkor is overpriced... but - while fitting the Z lens directly onto the Z6 - has slight advantages... I heard you can’t EXACTLY pull focus with Z lenses based on exact position of the manual focus ring??? It’s electronic and relies on autofocus to correct.
Smaller lenses are always preferable for hobbyists like me. It has enough subject separation and are lighter for traveling. And honestly, I use my camera mostly for recording moments while traveling or other family moments. For that , these lenses are awesome. I ordered the Sony 35 f/1.8 because I am beginning to like the wide angle field of view for portrait and also for street photos. I am getting a bit weary of the kit lens and I am beginning to love these fast primes.
Ahahahaha ... not quite sure why exactly but you made me laugh (in a good way) during this preview. Love your story like presentation and your vocal tone, not to mention the speed and manner of delivery of the facts which makes me wonder if you poses some sort of super human abilities (like photographic memory) and on top of everything I couldn't agree more about what you said about Nikon and what they have accomplished in a relatively short period of time. Now I too am very interested in the Z 85mm and would love to hear your after thoughts only I can't find the follow up video. Hmmm ... I heard a rumour the 85mm might suffer from a little focus breathing, which I guess you might not be overly happy about. Mind you this probably isn't a huge issue for most who don't intend on using the 85mm for any sort of video work and are only concerned about how it compares to all the other Z primes. I saw a few decent reviews on it already which has tempted me sufficiently enough already, but it would be even more pleasing to hear your personal views on a lens you appeared quite keen on last year ... even if it's to say it's not as good as their 50mm :)
Gokul Rao Kadam we always (almost always 😉) list our gear in the show notes below each vid. In this case, it was the Nikon Z7 with Z 50/1.8 - fantastic combo. We usually rely on our Panasonic GH5 with Sigma 30/1.4, but we also use our Sony a6400 with wither E 50/1.8 OSS or FE 28/2.0z
Not sure how many occasions I've seen this particular review, 5, 6 times? Not sure; but hold that thought. What's more important, not to mention interesting is the fact that I've just gone out into the wild and got one, thanks for your views. Regards. I
Some interesting thoughts as always. I am hopping that is 2020 I will replace my love D800e with on of the Z cameras just as with a lot of people I am getting older :). I an so happy with the kit I have both form Nikon and Hasselblad I just do not see or what to change just for fashion. I have look at both the Z6 and Z7 both very nice but for what I do my D850 is supper. If I do get a Z camera am I then having to get one more set of lenses or just stick to the adaptor? I know that all my PC-E lenses work on the Z7 with the FTZ adaptor I have tested them. But (HOLD THAT THOUGHT) it is so nice to see some one giving Nikon so good press. I will look forward to see some of your test with this 85mm if you get your hands on one. Thank you for one more video.
If I had been involved in design and marketing for these lenses I would have made them f2.0 lenses thereby leaving behind the 'consumer' association with f1.8 and underlining this was a new breed of high performance but relatively compact lenses.
Agree completely. Considering f1.2 looks to be the new f1.4, these new f1.8's are a perfect blend of performance, size, weight and price for 95% of Z owners. The fact is Nikon nailed it when designing these lenses, which will become even obvious to the luddites as time passes.
What isnt talked about is that these arent your old generation 1.8 lenses The F4 24-70 is great general use. Cant imagine how stellar 1.4 S lenses would be..
As much as I consider going Nikon mirrorless, I shoot events and weddings and NEED dual card slots. I shoot for other businesses where I turn over one card to them as soon as the shoot is over while keeping the second card for my own edits and website. A one card camera body won’t cut it for me🤷🏻♂️
Hugh, to add another little detail to your comparison of the Sigma Art 50mm f1.4 vs the Sony 55mm f1.8, I have both lenses and used to love both of them. For DoF i guess the Sigma has the edge (I have not done a side by side test), but if you look at DXO Mark, for light to the sensor, the gains are even less than from F/1.4 to f/1.8 The Sigma has light transmission if T 1.7 or T1.8 depending on the test. Passing through all of those wonderfully crisp elements chews up some light and the smaller Sony/Zeiss is 1.8 T-stops. I almost never take out my Sigma EF 50mm, but will chuck the FE 55 into my back as a bonus lens, I am not ready to part with the Sigma yet, but it is getting pretty dusty.
I have longed looked for the chromatic aberration you speak of from the Leica 42.5mm f/1.2 Nocticron and I have yet to find any. I’d say it’s the sharpest lens I own. Underneath it are the Olympus 12-40 2.8 and Leica 8-18mm in terms of IQ. While the Leica 25mm f/1.4 Summilux isn’t as sharp, it’s still one of my favorite lenses to have on my G9 or compact GX85 body. Along with the L Monochrome picture profile makes for one serious set up. Light gathering is far more important to me than shallow depth of field. MFT offers equal light gathering at a smaller size. Albeit my main lenses aren’t exactly small except for the Olympus 17mm 1.8 (that’s exclusively used on my GX85) and the Leica 25mm. I have yet to try out the Olympus 75mm 1.8 which is said to be the sharpest lens for the system. Maybe one day, but for now I’m saving up for the near perfect Leica 50-200mm f/2.8-4. That’s the final lens to complete my perfect kit. The G9 and GX85 bodies along with the Leica 8-18, Oly 12-40mm, Oly 17mm, Leica 25mm, Leica 42.5mm, and the soon to have Leica 50-200mm will finish out the kit I’ve been building for nearly 4 years. I always love your appreciation for the Micro Four Thirds system as hardly any other channel out there does anymore.
danny _r27 Glad you’re experience with Nocticron has been without flaw. I find many modern lenses - even the best - exhibit longitudinal chromatic aberration in video that I cannot correct in post. With this said, the 50-200 Vario Elmarit is an INCREDIBLE piece of glass and has not gotten its due. We love it. Thanks for sharing your experiences with m43!
Nikon Z glass is fantastic, but the AF :( and AF controls just don’t feel right for me. The thumb control in the back should work more like Fuji X-T3, and the AF points on screen would be nicer if it were done the sony way
Though I doubt the masses are calling for it, and your insights here go some of the distance, would be great to see you revisit the lens with even more hindsight :)
I so wish that Nikon can make it. I always loved their old manual-focus cameras and lenses (left them for Canon for autofocus, but never loved what I got). I should take a closer look at the Z6 and the lens offerings …
There is not even the slightest concern that they may not make it. They have always delivered better than competition within a few years of entering a segment.
The reference that really piqued my interest was the praise for the G9/75 Oly combo. That lens is one of the m43 primes that I've long wanted but never used. And the Nocticron with the L.monoD output is simply beautiful. None of which has anything to do with the Z system, of course. A system that I hope is successful because the more choice we have, the better.
Great Video I am not a Nikon Fan boy but I am a practical photographer that is dedicated to the art. And I couldn't agree with every point that you brought out in the video. Thank you....I am a tech guy, I have worked in IT for 25 years. So I love gear. With that aside. Let's be artist and practical. Nikon is practical... Let be artist and bring that to society... Thank you Again for simply a good solid video.....
A little journey of the thought process that came in at the end real nice . Thanks and I think Nikons plan is a smart one . Do wish the Z6 and Z7 were a little more polished. But the lenses optically are very good especially for the price . Have heard the build is subpar .
You should try one before making rumors your knowledge. The Panasonic S1 and Z Nikon's are the best built and finished cameras out in mirrorless. Really solid. Other than the questionable tracking in some modes of AF, what is unpolished about these cameras? They are on another plane above Sony build and polish. Sony uses the cheapest parts that will last the warranty period unless it rains or the camera is dropped then it is totaled. The flange plate is the flimsiest in the industry and barely can support a lens without cracking. There are videos out there of people able to break them with the bare hands. Without weather sealing, it can be a very expensive mistake to shoot outdoors if there is any chance of rain.
The "pro" Z will probably be 61mpx and be of less use to most subjects of photographs. What features is it missing now? The only thing might be internal recording video since the CFExpress card will be available in 500Gb and 1 Terabyte that would be needed for 12 bit ProRes RAW. Most features that might be added are software since the hardware of the Z cameras was a bit overbuilt. Unless a new style of sensor is developed the difference in theoretical DR and current state of the art they are very close so don't expect much gain there. Larger buffer and fast bus to clear it with the super fast XQD might be desirable by sports and wildlife shooters. AF refinements are in software. The Z6 is already better in noise, detail, contrast and color fidelity up to 102,000 ISO than the D5. Maybe a larger body with integrated grip.
@@stanspb763 Would love a camera I could swap out the sensor on, but the practical difficulties of such a beast.... Plus you have to keep the sensor clean.
This is awesome! You sir is a gem of a reviewer with such unbiased perspectives and narration! I am still on the fence with the Z systems not for the absence of the dual card slot but for the lack of a usable battery grip! I am sure will get there some day!
Nikon Korea has filed for product registration for the grip that includes an RF emitter so it needs to be certified like in every country. The RF emitter suggests the grip has Bluetooth which would allow the grip to control any camera function. This sound interesting. I have grips on all my DSLR and expected to get one for the Z6/7 but after using it for 8 months I knew by the first week I did not need it since it would detract from the small size which is one of its very attractive features. It is also very comfortable to hold vertically so even if available I might not get it.
Well the new 85 has arrived, all I can say is OMG. Would love to hear your thoughts on it of course. It is going to be a while, a long while before I have the skills to properly it through its paces. Anxious to get the 24mm as I suspect it will be good as well and a wondervfulstreet photography too!.
Another great video. These three primes from Nikon will give you more 'perceptual MegaPixels" improvement than the jump from 45MP to 60MP in the new A7RIV, although I'll take both for sure. The bokeh on the 85mm Z lens sample shots from Nikon looks gorgeous as well.
Very happy with my Z6 and the new firmware has answered some of my quibbles re auto focus for the sports I cover.. D5 is still the work horse but I'm finding more excuses to use this one and when it comes to my wedding and indoor work silent shooting is the future
@@sunking9050 The RUclips gurus who want to sell other brands which offer more commissions and spiffs. They jumped on Nikon before they ever saw one for the 1 slot and never were honest about the fact that XQD is far more reliable than 2 SD. It is on any other technical playing field. Either they knew but tried to deceive or did not know so are a horrible source of valid information. XQD/CFExpress was one of many compelling reasons by the Z cameras needed to be considered very serious cameras suitable for critical applications. Any product that is announced long before they are in stock get run down by the same people who influence a lot of people. The reason is simple, money. Their deals with affiliates and manufacturers only pay based on completed sales(and youtube ad revenue). An exciting new product can freeze the market before it is available. So not getting the affiliate checks for as large of sums when they are pushing cameras in stock is a strong incentive to kill enthusiasm for a new product. Ad revenue is independent of sales kickbacks but RUclips ad revenue for channels with a million subs and frequent content can bring in well over a million dollars a year. A friend of mine works in that industry of internet influencers and listed some channels generating over $10 million a year in ad revenue and after seeing the links and data on one channel reviewing cameras estimated they earned $2,600,000 a year from Social media independent of and direct sales from their channel. Most of these influencers are not really photographers but are media personalities and as such are not great sources of information. They get ad revenue boosts every time they post controversial content that drives more eyeballs to their channels so great reviews generate more sales commissions, 10-20% of the sale price for the more active drivers of sales to online stores, which is a lot more than salesmen or the store nets on cameras. Cameras are low margin products. Lenses and accessories have higher margins. Bad reviews however generate more visitors and longer channel engagement so earn more in ad revenue. So they get more income when trashing a product not available yet both because or more channel views and by driving sales for products already in stock. They were pushing Sony because they have direct payments, which Nikon does not do. They wanted to kill off sales or people delaying to decide until the items are available and attacked the Nikon on the only features they could turn into negatives; 1 slot that they intentionally conflated all storage into a single class, SD, and AF performance. Sony had only one feature they could push, AF speed, everything else was poorer than the Z cameras. They pushed the 2 sd card slots(dissimilar types and speeds that slowed down the whole transfer rate to less than that of the slowest one) as being professional and 1 slot being amateur. That went viral in hours. But they intentionally neglected to cite Sony MTBF ratings of the XQD showing 1 card of that type was far more reliable than2 SD cards, and they failed to mention Sony reserved XQD for pro cameras in their pro video division, where cameras started at around $30,000 and up. How many slots? 1. Convincing people to buy these products is a very cost-effective move by manufacturers since print or media ad campaigns are far more expensive and far less effective than supporting a number of RUclips influencers. That is the weakest part of the Nikon conservative old fashion marketing policies of Nikon. It is a very conservative old school corporation.
It shouldn't matter, but it does. I find the Z cameras and lenses aesthetically unappealing when compared to the major rivals' products. Both strike me as first passes, rather like the saw tooth AF lenses of the last century. The Z bodies are in some ways minimum viable products. Who let a design out of the door without the capability to accept a vertical grip in this day and age? I'm going to pass on this first round and wait for the next generation.
As a first generation product the Z6 and Z7 got alot right especially the ergonomics. Agree totally though that the second or third generations will deliver exactly what existing Nikon DSLR users wanted.
@@youngalwyn1124 Yes, a battery box, not a proper grip with controls. It's not unusual for professional photographers to spend eight hours or more shooting uprights with no break. Doing that with one arm raised at 90 degrees would quickly result in a painful injury and where is the grip? Not having it ready at the same time as the camera is very bad. My expectation is it won't appear at all but the early Z cameras will be iterated fairly quickly and the missing features will be added.
@@Tom_RUclips_stole_my_handle The grip has an RF link so it is likely to have Bluetooth controls. It had to be registered in S. Korea aa an RF device so that was filed for last month. Every control function is controllable by BlueTooth now. More than 1 3rd party has announced their own controller grip. I normally have grips on all my DSLRs but after getting used to the lightweight and small size, I doubt I will bother with a grip despite shooting 18-hour weddings and events.
@@stanspb763 That would be engineering for engineering's sake. The only way in which that would make sense is if Nikon is trying to lock out the third party grip manufacturers via encryption. Why add additional power drain and possible reliability issues otherwise? Stan, are you holding a 70-200 2.8 for 18 hours, or small primes?
A thoroughly enjoyable and thought provoking monologue. I'm torn between the 1.8 glass or waiting for the 1.2 next year and building a 1.2 collection slowly.
@@peterlemke3468 I could probably manage maybe 2 over the next 2 years, but yes, they're pricey, and look like huge and heavy which means they may be no compromise on optical quality, so more suited to studio work and not a hobbyist returning to photography.
Thank You for this insightful commentary on Nikon & the Z lineup. I am an amateur and appreciate the Z6 and the Lens selection. I have committed to the mirror less idea for my future. For me it was a gamble to enter a system that will remain viable for years, as I only upgrade when something fails. Most of my Photography is Family & Vacation, so I mostly prefer a deeper dept of field, to show that family was there and also to see the sights. Full Stop
According to the lens roadmap the 50mm f1.2 is coming out next year. As for more 1.2 lenses there are 4 un-announced lenses coming next year, and 8 coming in 2021, so with some luck there will be some more 1.2 options then ;)
I must admit I wrote Nikon off when the Panasonic S Series was released and now the Sony A7RIV. But I've been seeing some reviews revealing significant noise from ISO800 on up in the new Sony which I happen to be a hater of ISO noise. Nikon seems to have done well in this area, and once again I'll be keeping my eyes open for the Z7. Next spring I'll be jumping on a new mount. I'm doubting Canon will be entering the game with something competitive. As you say "hold that thought". ;-) Nice ending with the Aaronic Blessing hand move
If you dislike ISO noise, you should be considering the Panasonic S1. The first big batch of new Panasonic and Sigma lenses will be hitting next month. Blowing away what Nikon currently has available. After that, Nikon will be hopelessly trying to catch up their lens offerings with what the L-mount alliance will be rolling out at double their pace, and what both Sony and Fuji already have available. I just don’t see how they can win that race.
@@keithgoreham1463 Yeah I had a chance to work with a S1 and their 24-105 for several weeks. To me that is what has set the bar for LOW noise at higher ISO's. At 12,800 it was like most others at ISO1600. GREAT color rendition and superb sharpness without artifacts. I'm still thinking REAL hard of a S1R next spring when I make the jump. I'm NOT convinced the A7RIV is all that and a bag of chips for my usage. The build on the S1 to ME was intoxicating. I LOVE that DSLR feel and build quality and not so much the tiny lightweight aspects of so many others. It's a personal thing indeed. The build quality and feature selections on the body are brilliant compared to virtually ALL other mirrorless cameras out there. Guess time will tell. If Canon were to come out with a R Pro with at least 8fps with focus, a 5.7mp viewfinder, and clean ISO's at least up to 6400 I'd have to take a look, but am betting they won't get there.
Here's my wishlist for the Z system: 1. 17-35 2.8 2. Dual card bodies. (I have experienced card failure mid shoot at a wedding. So I'm wary even though the xqd is superior than SD) Rest of the lenses I would need have been released or will be released this year. So close to switching from my D750.
@@sunking9050 camera failure can be just as likely as card failure but most wedding photographers shoot with 2 cameras. If a camera does fail they still have another camera to cover the wedding. But if a card fails and we are unable to retrieve the images from it, it's a disaster for the couple.
@@hagarthehorrible1391 That is why pros do not use SD cards, they are not intended for critical applications. They were not designed for any criteria than being very cheap to add to cameras. The XQD is many times more reliable by design and it uses a much more advanced bus, the PCIe+ whereas the SD cards are on dumb buses of the same architecture as the 1984 floppy disk.
All fine and good, and thank you for this great review.... But I have far too invested in NIKKOR GLASS starting with the 80-200 2.8 and the 12 other lenses that I have to TRY to sell to recoup some monies to Buy NEW.
I love my Z7, but I wish it was as focus accurate as my D850, and I don't know why it isn't; I still believe its a management error on Nikon's part to use a new autofocus method. If the North Koreans have cracked Sony, how come Nikon can't do it?
Very nice video. I've been on the verge of buying a z6 for quite some time, but the lack of a second card slot keeps me from ordering. It seems like a great system with very fine lenses, but I'm the kind of guy that need redundancy. I need to feel safe if I'm shooting for client and especially an event.
What is wrong with the AF? Compared to my D850 which is known for excellent tracking and speed is no better than the Z6 with 2.0 firmware. Tracking is excellent and translates to sharp focus, which is not the case with Sony, that locks onto eyes at twice the distance but often does not focus as finely as the Z6. The Focus Peaking is a lot more accurate with the Z cameras than Sony so few people bother with MF unless stopped down. In low light the new firmware tracks down to -6ev which is hard to beat. Other than speed and distance of acquiring eye lock, there are no functions or build, ergonomic or robustness that Sony does better. The Z6/7 are on another level of component quality and construction. I recently sold my D850 to finance adding the Z7 to the kit since some clients demand crazy large files. Otherwise, the Z6 has rejuvenated my enthusiasm for just shooting for the fun of it, every day. It is small enough with the f/4 24-70, and the incredibly sharp 50mm 1.8. The 24-70 2.8 S is by all accounts, the best mid zoom on the planet. Leaks from Nikon testers gives high expectations for the 85 1.8 being the best prime Nikon has produced other than the 200 2.0. The connectivity was lagging on Nikons for a while, SnapBridge was a cruel joke but the Z cameras have excellent connectivity and Snapbridge works great now. For events, I use s WT-7 wireless 1gigb/sec RF link that sends raw files up to 660 feet to an access point or any number of computers for backup. Raw files take about 1.5 second before it appears on the remote computer and my server at home. A large screen slideshow can be started seconds after the first shot is taken. Later this year, the ProRes Raw addition will be a big deal. I am just a beginning video shooter but so far the results of the Z6 have been very good. The two best built with high usability FF now are the S1 Panasonic and Z6/7, both lines built for long term reliability and durability so maximum return on investment but the Panasonics are heavier than gripped DSLRs and have few affordable lenses for the mount. Nikon has created a template with significant standards like the Z mount, use of highly reliable pro cards, the updated Expeed processor, the IBIS that is the best in FF, a high build quality, high usability with excellent touch screen and even better EVF, good connectivity, a very good F mount adaptor, great IQ and color, no non-defeatable RAW noise reduction like Sony uses that causes lost detail. The early detractors focused on the XQD slot without even bothering to learn about how it is different and far superior in ruggedness, data secure, error detecting and correcting, self-mapping of dead cells and using the proven and far more advanced PCIe+ bus and architecture. 1 XQD has a far longer Mean Time Between Failure than 2 consumer-grade system , SD, which was designed to be cheap as its main goal
If anyone has any doubts about the Z lenses, I beseech them to try out the 50 1.8 S. It is simply incredible for a fairly light $600 lens. Excellent as the Sony 55 1.8 is, I think the Nikkor even resides a tier above it, and at a lower price.
Tompie913 I love it!
You Sir, are a top tier presenter. Thank you, coffee break well spent and 85 ordered... we live in amazing times. My video work is now as critical as my still images and the Z Bodies and Lenses are fast becoming my most grabbed gear. I wish you well.
🙏🏻 Enjoy them!
I love my Z6 . It’s a joy to use . The new firmware has helped a lot with the AF . Though the AF is not at Sony’s level I’m still able to do what I need to with the Z6 . Love using for portraits and landscapes . Looking forward to the 85 1.8 .
I’ve been very happy with my Z6. It’s a lot of fun to use, captures great images and video, and works very well with Nikon lenses that I own that go back 40 years. I’m into photography first and foremost, and this camera delivers in a lot of ways. Really glad I ignored all the buzz in the beginning from people anxious to get their vids up on RUclips. It’s been delightful.
I'm delighted for you!
Photography will be poorer without Nikon. Best success indeed.
I have a Z6 and Z7 and the 24 to 70 2.8 and the 50mm 1.8, I was a Sony guy and got extremely tired of paying 2k for each lenses. I can tell you Nikon is the sleeper. Nikon is doing a great job. Can't wait to see what they do next. And I can tell you the new Z glass can hold its own against any Sony G Master lenses and your wallet want be extremely empty.
I just bought a Z7 based entirely on the strength of the lenses at the price point they are offered. I believe great things are in store for this mount in the future.
The performance of the 24-70 f4 is truly amazing. I can't believe how good this lens is.
Give them credit they are cranking out small and great lenses whereas Canon is making the biggest lenses ever.
Excellent commentary as always Hugh, so thanks, as always.
I got a Z7 with 24-70 f4 yesterday and spent the afternoon setting up and test driving. I am an instant convert :) The Z7 delivers something quite close to what I would expect technology to be able to deliver in 2019. Just having so many settings so easily and consistently available through the i button is a revelation. It was a Wow moment for me.
I am suddenly committed to migrating from my D810 and F mount lens set, including having the 85 f1.8 S on pre-order.
Keep up the good work ... I shall be watching!
Delighted for you - enjoy!
Nikon's Z-Mount lens selections are really starting to make sense to me now, optically excellent, practically priced, and sized to match the mirrorless body almost perfectly. You're evaluation (as usual) is spot on Hugh.
Carl Ryan 🙏🏻
I agree but am a bit perplexed by the larger form factor of the 85mm offering in comparison with both the 1.8 and 1.4 F-mount alternatives with z-adapter attached. For the price (used) and potential outcomes the 1.4 F-mount with adapter may well remain a more attractive alternative, and more so if it already resides in ones bag.
@@lcador9 The S lens will be sharper with less CA than the 1.4G and half the price. I have the 1.4 D, G and 1.8G and use them on the Z6 and used them on the D850 before selling it, and use them on my D800. I have 4 S lenses now and each is better optically than their more expensive F mount. The 24-70 2.8 S is optically the best mid zoom available on any mount. The f/4 version is optically superior to either the 24-70 2.8 G or E versions. The 50mm 1.8 is spectacularly sharp corner to corner as is the 35. So we see a trend here and expect the 85 1.8 to be a killer lens. When testing the 24-70 f/4 S "kit lens" against both my 2.8 G and E the night I brought my Z6 home showed up weaknesses I never noticed with the F mounts before, Seeing such strong corners is not what we have learned to expect for any lens wide open but it was there, clearly visible. Later when the 2.8 version came out, the near-perfect little f4 showed weaknesses in comparison to the 2.8, but in very minor ways. The 24-70 2.8 S version at 50mm is better corner to corner than any 50 prime I have(5 in the 50-58mm range). The only lens I have that is marginally better is the 50 1.8 S. A zoom that performs like that is found nowhere else in the industry. And we are just at the beginning of the roadmap. The 70-200 2.8 S is very anxiously awaited. It will probably be $2500-2800 so I am saving now.
F mounts work well on the FTZ but they chatter with activity constantly with focusing and VR.
I must admit to being rather critical of the Z mount cameras, which I think were an example of managements idea of what a camera should be, forgetting some of the little details, which photographers like.
But I do completely understand Nikon not releasing high end lenses to begin with (and now they are). With Canon and Panasonic, they have released camera lenses, aimed at professionals or people with too much money to spend on equipment. This makes no sense with the Canon, where the cameras have been mid range at best. Canon has gone with decent lenses, which may be slightly over priced (though that is subjective) but they are far more tempting for non professional photographers to buy (and some pro's).
So I think Nikon has been smart with their lens choice. It should also be noted that whilst Nikon announced the 58mm f/0.95 Noct, upon the release of the Z mount system, the lens still has not been released, almost a year later. So Nikon is going full tilt into the more affordable lenses and the f/2.8 zooms, which are the bread and butter of many a pro.
I can't help but wonder if it is like a new model car, in its first year of release. A "Rev 1.0" as it were. Perhaps a but buggy and quirky with some oversights. Hopefully Nikon will get it right in subsequent versions. Case in point- The early Sony mirrorless cameras which overheated like a mofo, and had various other quirks.
I have shot nothing but Nikon in my 27 year career and decided to jump in with both feet on the Z6 for film making. I have to say this is the best Nikon I have ever used! I almost feel like I’m carrying around my old FE2 and all the freedom I had with that camera to play.
Jon Heller Delighted for you!
My sad assumption is, if there were gold rings on these lenses, no one would question the price. Thanks for the great video.
I'm so grateful the lenses are aesthetically understated, and not Trump/Middle Eastern dictator chic circa 1985.
That may be true but if they were gold ring glass one would expect better build quality. As a Nikon user l've noticed the general decline in quality of Nikon lenses over the last 10 years.
@@peterlemke3468 I understand. As noted, though, look at it differently: this kind of construction is the tradeoff for AF speed, silence, weather resistance, IQ, and affordability. No DSLR lens from Canon or Nikon other than the highest end pro telephotos approaches the build quality of my 1967 Canon FL 50mm f/1.8, for example, but that little guy weighs a LOT -- and doesn't hold a candle to the newest highest quality mirrorless glass. The Nikkor 105/1.4 is awesome as another example, but it is a beast.
@@peterlemke3468 What is it about the new S lenses that represents a decline in quality? Optically they are a match for Zeiss Otus. They are different looking, but so are the shirts you wear compared to 5 years ago.
@@gbye007 My comment pertained to build quality not optical quality. I've handled a few of them but not shot with them.
I think Nikon's lenses generally over say the last 8-10 years aren't that well built certainly some of the 1.8 G ones l've bought.
Only time will tell how well the Z lenses hold up. I'm not a fan of the OLED screen it's one more thing that can break or degrade. They certainly don't feel like a premium product and l much prefer the build of the Zuiko and Fujinon lenses.
I absolutely LOVE my Z6 even compared to my D850. I haven't had a chance to try the 85mm prime yet, but the 35mm and 50mm are simply amazing. Nikon should be commended for the Z-series cameras and lenses. They are great!
Hey, is there an update to this video? Looking forward to your review of 85mm 1.8s. :)
Thanks
nikon Z6 and S primes lenses sparked my passion again for photography..before i always lug around my D750 24-70 2.8/70-200 2.8..how heavy it was and intimidating. now i look like a normal tourist again, can shoot anywhere without intimidating people..i almost went for Sony A7iii but i have waited..waited.. then finally came the Z series..
We definitely need Nikon to succeed! I have the Nikon Z6 and oh man it’s great especially video!
I also really want Nikon to be successful, but their current strategy is just to stay alive. During the DLSR era, they were fine being #2, and now they're fine being #3. I'm not sure it's the best strategy, especially in a contracting market. They're releasing lenses way too slowly, I think they need to do something more drastic, like open their Z-mount to third parties, or form an alliance to use the E mount (there's a third party adapter that lets you use FE glass on the Z mount, imagine if Sony and Nikon cooperate and make a perfect adapter). I'm just brainstorming now, to find some ideas of how they could survive.
Nikon is doing just fine. Stop being over dramatic. Nikon still makes some of the best cameras and lenses. Even today the nikon D850 DSLR is considered the best all round DSLR by most. Have you even used a Nikon Z6? If a company's first FF mirror-less offering is as good as Z6 is, I wonder what they are going to be in the subsequent generation.
For me that I have been photographing for over 40 years, the main point in a camera is ergonomics, mirrorless cameras for me are perfect nonsense, when I get a new dslr I immediately add the handle, not to have more autonomy, but to ensure better balance when I put on a 1kg lens, when I sometimes put on a 0.5kg flash, unless the accessories start weighing 1 tenth, for me the mirrorless, are toys for rich amateurs ..
For 99% of my shooting I'm well above f/4. I do have a sigma 105mm f/1.4 for that 1%. So I shoot the heck out of my 24-70mm f/4, while rarely touching the 14-30mm (I have hopes, it's a range I use a lot on the D500). The 24-70mm kicks butt and takes names. With all this hand wringing over specs (and they are good specs) composition is still king - I think we tend to loose sight of that. Having an f/1.2 lense vs an f/4 is usually just for bragging rights. As another youtuber that does mostly landscape work observed; shooting at f/5.6 or higher, carrying around an f/2.8 lense with all the extra weight and cost simply did not make sense all else being equal.
As usual, an opinion dictated by emotions and love for the craft. Thanks for being one of the few guys that doesn’t look (or not looks too much) at specifications but at the heart and meaning of a product. It's very sane and refreshing!
So appreciate your kind words!
I always pass on watching your videos when going through my subscriptions, but then ultimately watch every one of them. There is something so satisfying about your cadence when you speak and the balance between high level technical specifications and laymen speak. Keep up the fantastic work!
You have a beautiful voice. I never care about what anyone thinks about this camera versus that camera when there is so much choice out there, but I can listen to you talk all day long.
Russell Mondy Thank you!
Was there ever a review given of the Nikkor Z 85mm f/1.8 S lens once it was released? If so, I cannot find it. Would appreciate it if someone could point out that video.
I know this video is approaching 2 years old, but it's still spot on. I've just sold off my sigma art 14, 40, and 85. All are amazing lenses, but they don't do anything the Z lenses can't do cheaper and much lighter. The lens you end up with in you bag because it's smaller and lighter beats the heavy slightly faster lens you leave at home every time. These nikon lenses are seriously underrated. All the youtube comments focus literally and figuratively on eye AF. However, I mostly shoot astro, and these lenses are stunningly sharp all the way to the corners in the most demanding applications. The Sigma Art 40 is the gold standard of wide astro lenses. The 50m 1.8s comes really really close and the 35 1.8s is every bit as good for half the size, half the weight, and half the price. I don't feel like the lens performance is talked about enough. I loved my 70-200 Vrii f-mount lens, but when I upgraded to the 2.8s I was blown away. It is stunningly sharp.
Continue to enjoy!
Good to see you cut Nikon some slack. Mirrorless is a long term work in progress for them but at least they got the body ergonomics largely right. Nice to see some M4/3 💖 too Hugh!
Well said. Recently I purchased the Z6 with the 50 1.8 and have been completely blown away by the image quality. The camera also fits in my hands extremely well. I've preordered the 85 and will soon buy the 35 as well. The 24 will eventually find its way into my bag as well. I am hoping for a killer 135mm that rivals or exceeds the Milvus f2. I feel a round of Gear Acquisition Syndrome coming... and that is a very good thing. Photography is becoming fun again. Long live the Z system!
I like your choices!
I love my z6. Can't wait for a wildlife lens with lots of zoom for it !
Bravo, Hugh! I was about to object that you hadn’t mentioned the autofocus shortcomings of the Z-cams, but you did slip it in at the end. I agree about Nikon;s mirrorless lens strategy, which seems to be refreshingly unlike Canon’s impressive-but-ridiculously-impractical mirrorless lens lineup. Nikon is producing stellar LITTLE gems in these lenses, so that the Z-Cams will not simply replicate Nikon’s already-Fantastic DSLR lineup, but actually allow photographers to pack light and take Nikon-class photographs. This is a great post, Hugh, and I applaud you for it.
Arthur Johnson Arthur! Thank you, my friend!
"Canon’s impressive-but-ridiculously-impractical" And that's the truth.
Nikon Z 28-75 mm f/2,8 has a range to replace a 35, 50 and 85 primes. I feel like when taking pictures with it i am gonna feel a letdown when compared to the speed and crisp of 1,8 35, 50 or 85. I kind of got used to changing lenses and I found i dont wanna compromise on image quality. What is your opinion on thi Hugh
Well by now you I’m sure you own the 85mm f/1.8 S and know they again knocked it out of the park with this lens. I thought this was great video and I wish more people out there would watch this and realize the Nikon Z system is not as bad as a lot of people when they first reviewed it said it was. I love my Z system and all of lenses they have put out, my Nikon DSLR are going up for sale.
There is 35 1.8G ED, is it worth changing to 35 1.8Z, will there be a difference in sharpness and resolution?
I was a Sony user who switched to Nikon. I agree with your assessment but you didn't talk about the three zooms currently available in the Z line. I own two of them and they're downright impressive.
Andre L. I’ve got the 24-70/2.8 and 14-30 in-house for review. 24-70 is excellent- haven’t worked with the 14-30 yet. Hold that thought.
I love the Z6. It’s wonderful.
eric erickson thrilled for you!
Nice video, Hugh! I agree with you on all points. Personally, I think the "camera public & press" were unrealistic for "excoriating" Nikon for launching the Z system with "only" three lenses. Its important to remember Fujifilm launched X with only 3 lenses as well, & nobody took them to task for it in the way they did to Nikon (or Canon). It takes _time_ to do the R&D for an entirely new line of lenses, and IMHO, folks need to get a grip on reality and understand they can't have everything, all at once, yesterday. The Amazon Prime fulfillment model doesn't work for superior optics product development. BTW, all the pros I know that bought a Z-body really love it, and, none of them gave second thought to switching to another brand "just to go to mirrorless". Cheers! -Stephen.
Great video! I invested in the Z6 because it met my price range for a camera that was equal part strong at both photography and video. Coming up from the D750 the video capabilities alone were worth the purchase. It came down to the the A7III and the Z6 for what I needed in a single system, I mean what else is out there for that price range for an all-in-one camera (in later 2018)? At the time I was using the A7SII at work and was very pleased with the video output of that camera so I knew first hand that Sony could deliver on the video side. For me, the ergonomics of the Z6 faired much better in terms of comfort in my hand and ultimately became the deciding factor. I have shot a fair amount of video with the Z6 coupled with the Atomos Ninja V and it's been terrific. 10-bit has been glorious and I'm eagerly anticipating Atomos' 12-bit firmware update. I have the 24-70 f4 and the 50 1.8 native Z lenses and they've been fantastic. The 24-70 has been my video workhorse lens and the 50mm is so good at single portrait shoots.
On a side note, the Z6 was the first system I have used for video tap-to-focus and that is simply glorious (being a run-and-gun videographer).
When it comes to overall value and IQ for the MFT system, the Oly 75/1.8 ranks no.1, hands down.
MFT only is considered of value when comparing within that company's products. Compare Oly with other Oly for a good relative indication just as the Nikon charts only relate to their standard test method within the brand.
Thank you for giving me hope that my purchase of the Z6 when it first came out was not a blunder. I still have my D500, but my camera of choice is the Z6. My photos are sharp, the viewfinder makes exposure almost flawless, and it is a little slow focusing for sports shooting, but if you track the right subject, it will be breathtaking. Hate all the negative from "experts". This amateur thinks Nikon hit a home run on their first time at bat. Your video was awesome!
Paul Danesi glad to be of service! 😊
I recently jumped from a D780 to a Z6ii and haven't looked back. The D780, whilst it had a great sensor (I believe the same sensor as the Z6ii) had a poor grip (compared to my old D750) and shocking build quality (I replaced 3 of the leather pieces within the space of 18 months). The Z6ii on the other hand has stellar build quality, a super comfortable grip, and the 35mm 1.8s is blowing me away every time I use it. My other concerns around battery life, EVF lag and boot up time are also non-existent in reality. As such, I am currently selling my Nikon 50mm 1.4G and 85mm 1.8G and have the new 85mm 1.8s on order and cannot wait to start using it for weddings, portraits and landscapes. I sincerely hope they will bring out a 105mm (non-macro) or 135mm lens soon, as these are two of my favourite focal lengths.
Reads like a great call to me! Enjoy!
You remind me of the architect from the matrix movie. Even sound like him. 😁
Not a bad thing! 😊
Excellent video, Nikon has been slow but they have the know how to return to the top of the heap. I’m a long time Nikon/Leica shooter from the 70’s. I have used Sony mirrorless extensively and they are currently best in class unless you are required to change settings frequently. Nikon is not going to fold its tent and go away, but they did miss the first train on mirrorless and the explosion of video. My guess they will catch up at a lower price point as will Canon....the great news is innovation is moving at warp speed and that benefits all of us!
Star Trek
I love my Z 6 both for photos and video.
Cactus Tweeter so glad you’re enjoying it!
Now that I have my 85, I must say Nikon has delivered. At 80 years old small and light are of great value. Therefor my kit is new 26 2.8, 40 2.0, and 85 4.0. Thinking about the 50 although I just bought a 50 1.8 G for $135 in perfect condition because my 1.4 did not auto focus to infinity and I did not like 1.4 manual focus or auto focus anyway and many have been tried. The new one hunts a little so it is limited with Z +ftz when you need fast AF. The pics are absolutely brilliant. The 40 was to replace 35 & 50 and it does it well for me. Con`t complain for $300.
I love your narration and unbiased delivery! I'm just on the edge of switching from my long standing Nikon DSLRs to Z6, and man oh man the reason is just what you said... size and performance of the lenses. I'm gonna subscribe and see how it goes for now.
hovek1988 Welcome!
Props to Nikon for choosing to start with sensible maximum aperture primes, although I would have loved to see what they could have done with an F:2.0 trinity 🙂
Great idea! Leica did it with the Summicron-M series and is now doing it again with the Summicron-SL.
Edwin Parker - Did you intend to type “F/1.2 trinity?”
@@youngalwyn1124 l think he was referring to zooms not primes.
F:2.0 and primes is all I need, otherwise there are too many choices to make 😁
As a NIKON shooter with a Z6 coming from D850 and D810 I love this video. Reflects my change in lens collection going lighter. Yet those Z lenses offer better optical performance. I’m still on Sigma Art lenses but I’d like to have the Z lenses for their weight and size and video af capabilities
Happy to be of service. 😉
Love your work and videos! Love the link to Star trek in this one! Brilliant! :) I was a Nikon guy until I brought a Fujifilm X100 years ago. Now I couldn't imagine using any but Fuji, they inspire the art of photography through giving you easy access to the only 3 controls you need, shuttler speed, aperture and ISO.
IF you had to choose between the “best” lenses for manual focusing for the Z6 (ie using the Rhino Arc II / Focus slider) would you opt for:
Nikkor Z 35mm 1.8S ($850)
AF-S Nikkor 35mm 1.4G ($1500!)
Sigma ART 35mm 1.4DG HSM ($650)
Sigma has been recommended, as the Nikkor is overpriced... but - while fitting the Z lens directly onto the Z6 - has slight advantages... I heard you can’t EXACTLY pull focus with Z lenses based on exact position of the manual focus ring??? It’s electronic and relies on autofocus to correct.
Smaller lenses are always preferable for hobbyists like me. It has enough subject separation and are lighter for traveling. And honestly, I use my camera mostly for recording moments while traveling or other family moments. For that , these lenses are awesome. I ordered the Sony 35 f/1.8 because I am beginning to like the wide angle field of view for portrait and also for street photos. I am getting a bit weary of the kit lens and I am beginning to love these fast primes.
YES!
We are waiting on your review of the Z 85mm 1.8 🤔
Sony also has a 50mm f/1.8. This may cause the conclusions of your comparison a bit different (in size and price) than with 55 mm f/1.8 Zeiss.
Fair enough. I don’t consider the FE SEL 50/1.8 in the same league, but your point is well taken.
Ahahahaha ... not quite sure why exactly but you made me laugh (in a good way) during this preview. Love your story like presentation and your vocal tone, not to mention the speed and manner of delivery of the facts which makes me wonder if you poses some sort of super human abilities (like photographic memory) and on top of everything I couldn't agree more about what you said about Nikon and what they have accomplished in a relatively short period of time. Now I too am very interested in the Z 85mm and would love to hear your after thoughts only I can't find the follow up video. Hmmm ...
I heard a rumour the 85mm might suffer from a little focus breathing, which I guess you might not be overly happy about. Mind you this probably isn't a huge issue for most who don't intend on using the 85mm for any sort of video work and are only concerned about how it compares to all the other Z primes. I saw a few decent reviews on it already which has tempted me sufficiently enough already, but it would be even more pleasing to hear your personal views on a lens you appeared quite keen on last year ... even if it's to say it's not as good as their 50mm :)
Hello, one question - what camera do you use to record your videos? They look superb.
Gokul Rao Kadam we always (almost always 😉) list our gear in the show notes below each vid. In this case, it was the Nikon Z7 with Z 50/1.8 - fantastic combo. We usually rely on our Panasonic GH5 with Sigma 30/1.4, but we also use our Sony a6400 with wither E 50/1.8 OSS or FE 28/2.0z
Thank you !
I have watched many videos of your’s but this video’s image quality looks brilliant & stands out.
Gokul Rao Kadam agreed!
Always refreshing and insightful, Hugh. Thank you for being truthful and educational.
Jason N my pleasure and privilege. 🙏🏻
Not sure how many occasions I've seen this particular review, 5, 6 times? Not sure; but hold that thought. What's more important, not to mention interesting is the fact that I've just gone out into the wild and got one, thanks for your views. Regards. I
Some interesting thoughts as always. I am hopping that is 2020 I will replace my love D800e with on of the Z cameras just as with a lot of people I am getting older :). I an so happy with the kit I have both form Nikon and Hasselblad I just do not see or what to change just for fashion. I have look at both the Z6 and Z7 both very nice but for what I do my D850 is supper. If I do get a Z camera am I then having to get one more set of lenses or just stick to the adaptor? I know that all my PC-E lenses work on the Z7 with the FTZ adaptor I have tested them. But (HOLD THAT THOUGHT) it is so nice to see some one giving Nikon so good press. I will look forward to see some of your test with this 85mm if you get your hands on one. Thank you for one more video.
John Hughes if you love what you have...Then again, even Ansel Adams traded down to smaller, lighter kit (which in those days WAS Hassy!).
1.4 is not required in my opinion . Other things are also important
If I had been involved in design and marketing for these lenses I would have made them f2.0 lenses thereby leaving behind the 'consumer' association with f1.8 and underlining this was a new breed of high performance but relatively compact lenses.
Yes!
Agreed!
Agree completely. Considering f1.2 looks to be the new f1.4, these new f1.8's are a perfect blend of performance, size, weight and price for 95% of Z owners. The fact is Nikon nailed it when designing these lenses, which will become even obvious to the luddites as time passes.
What isnt talked about is that these arent your old generation 1.8 lenses The F4 24-70 is great general use.
Cant imagine how stellar 1.4 S lenses would be..
Can you a video on the Sony Zooms and what is your general impression ?
Buy a 35mm and a 85mm you have everything you need to make trip. Omg i love that
As much as I consider going Nikon mirrorless, I shoot events and weddings and NEED dual card slots. I shoot for other businesses where I turn over one card to them as soon as the shoot is over while keeping the second card for my own edits and website. A one card camera body won’t cut it for me🤷🏻♂️
Kenny Pringle fair enough!
When will we get the 85 1.8S review??? :)
Awesome info you have been delivering to many of us. Thank you so very much, Sir.
Hugh, to add another little detail to your comparison of the Sigma Art 50mm f1.4 vs the Sony 55mm f1.8, I have both lenses and used to love both of them. For DoF i guess the Sigma has the edge (I have not done a side by side test), but if you look at DXO Mark, for light to the sensor, the gains are even less than from F/1.4 to f/1.8 The Sigma has light transmission if T 1.7 or T1.8 depending on the test. Passing through all of those wonderfully crisp elements chews up some light and the smaller Sony/Zeiss is 1.8 T-stops.
I almost never take out my Sigma EF 50mm, but will chuck the FE 55 into my back as a bonus lens, I am not ready to part with the Sigma yet, but it is getting pretty dusty.
What a GREAT tidbit! LOVE that you brought up actual light transmission! I see these differences all the time. Thanks, Brian!
Nikon just updated the firmware again. The AF works great now in everyday. Why do you say it needs work?
I guess I need to update the firmware - I look forward to being able to update my view - thanks!
@@3BMEP Did you update to 2.00 ?
Cowboys 5 Group Yes, and now 2,1. Was better than GH5 for talking head, equal to our Sony a6400
i think it's the stigma from the old 1.8 lenses. i adapt my m mount lenses (35 f2 and 75 f2.4) on my z6 and they are superb!
The Summicrons make so much sense to me!
I have longed looked for the chromatic aberration you speak of from the Leica 42.5mm f/1.2 Nocticron and I have yet to find any. I’d say it’s the sharpest lens I own. Underneath it are the Olympus 12-40 2.8 and Leica 8-18mm in terms of IQ. While the Leica 25mm f/1.4 Summilux isn’t as sharp, it’s still one of my favorite lenses to have on my G9 or compact GX85 body. Along with the L Monochrome picture profile makes for one serious set up. Light gathering is far more important to me than shallow depth of field. MFT offers equal light gathering at a smaller size. Albeit my main lenses aren’t exactly small except for the Olympus 17mm 1.8 (that’s exclusively used on my GX85) and the Leica 25mm. I have yet to try out the Olympus 75mm 1.8 which is said to be the sharpest lens for the system. Maybe one day, but for now I’m saving up for the near perfect Leica 50-200mm f/2.8-4. That’s the final lens to complete my perfect kit. The G9 and GX85 bodies along with the Leica 8-18, Oly 12-40mm, Oly 17mm, Leica 25mm, Leica 42.5mm, and the soon to have Leica 50-200mm will finish out the kit I’ve been building for nearly 4 years. I always love your appreciation for the Micro Four Thirds system as hardly any other channel out there does anymore.
danny _r27 Glad you’re experience with Nocticron has been without flaw. I find many modern lenses - even the best - exhibit longitudinal chromatic aberration in video that I cannot correct in post. With this said, the 50-200 Vario Elmarit is an INCREDIBLE piece of glass and has not gotten its due. We love it. Thanks for sharing your experiences with m43!
Hey I met you at the Hillwood Estate Museum in the Eisenstaedt Exhibit, I'm the Security Officer.
Sumthnblu ? Hey, Blu!
@@3BMEP Hey, Hugh!
My favorite camera guy.
🙏🏻😊
Nikon Z glass is fantastic, but the AF :( and AF controls just don’t feel right for me. The thumb control in the back should work more like Fuji X-T3, and the AF points on screen would be nicer if it were done the sony way
Fair enough!
Though I doubt the masses are calling for it, and your insights here go some of the distance, would be great to see you revisit the lens with even more hindsight :)
I so wish that Nikon can make it. I always loved their old manual-focus cameras and lenses (left them for Canon for autofocus, but never loved what I got). I should take a closer look at the Z6 and the lens offerings …
Christian Augustin please keep me posted!
There is not even the slightest concern that they may not make it. They have always delivered better than competition within a few years of entering a segment.
I would love to see a 65mm or 75mm 1.8/2 from Nikon that would be a little smaller than the 85mm.
The reference that really piqued my interest was the praise for the G9/75 Oly combo. That lens is one of the m43 primes that I've long wanted but never used. And the Nocticron with the L.monoD output is simply beautiful. None of which has anything to do with the Z system, of course. A system that I hope is successful because the more choice we have, the better.
L-Monochrome D and the Nocticron are a killer combo.
Your video quality and presentation are so nice. I could watch you talk about mundane things and it would look and sounds nice.
Great video Hugh. I agree with your comments, being Z7 shooter and D850 owner (I’ve only used it twice in 8 months). I love the EVF & IBIS.
Dallas Thomas Thanks for weighing in!
This is a lot of speculation on not-as-yet released stuff. That Nikon deserves your loyalty clearly matters here. This is mostly speculation, though.
Great Video I am not a Nikon Fan boy but I am a practical photographer that is dedicated to the art. And I couldn't agree with every point that you brought out in the video.
Thank you....I am a tech guy, I have worked in IT for 25 years. So I love gear. With that aside. Let's be artist and practical. Nikon is practical... Let be artist and bring that to society... Thank you Again for simply a good solid video.....
does anybody else find the focus motor in this lens much louder than the other Z lenses
A little journey of the thought process that came in at the end real nice . Thanks and I think Nikons plan is a smart one . Do wish the Z6 and Z7 were a little more polished. But the lenses optically are very good especially for the price . Have heard the build is subpar .
They are not Leicas nor are they Nikon F2s - but I don’t think they should be.
You should try one before making rumors your knowledge. The Panasonic S1 and Z Nikon's are the best built and finished cameras out in mirrorless. Really solid. Other than the questionable tracking in some modes of AF, what is unpolished about these cameras? They are on another plane above Sony build and polish. Sony uses the cheapest parts that will last the warranty period unless it rains or the camera is dropped then it is totaled. The flange plate is the flimsiest in the industry and barely can support a lens without cracking. There are videos out there of people able to break them with the bare hands. Without weather sealing, it can be a very expensive mistake to shoot outdoors if there is any chance of rain.
Stan SPb I’m getting ready to pull the trigger on a z6. Thanks for the reply
Can't wait for the Pro body (a true D850 mirrorless) that fixes all the shortcomings of Z6 and Z7
What shortcoming?, I think it has it all after firmware 2,01 ... love it.
The "pro" Z will probably be 61mpx and be of less use to most subjects of photographs. What features is it missing now? The only thing might be internal recording video since the CFExpress card will be available in 500Gb and 1 Terabyte that would be needed for 12 bit ProRes RAW.
Most features that might be added are software since the hardware of the Z cameras was a bit overbuilt.
Unless a new style of sensor is developed the difference in theoretical DR and current state of the art they are very close so don't expect much gain there.
Larger buffer and fast bus to clear it with the super fast XQD might be desirable by sports and wildlife shooters.
AF refinements are in software.
The Z6 is already better in noise, detail, contrast and color fidelity up to 102,000 ISO than the D5. Maybe a larger body with integrated grip.
@@stanspb763 Would love a camera I could swap out the sensor on, but the practical difficulties of such a beast.... Plus you have to keep the sensor clean.
This is awesome! You sir is a gem of a reviewer with such unbiased perspectives and narration! I am still on the fence with the Z systems not for the absence of the dual card slot but for the lack of a usable battery grip! I am sure will get there some day!
Nikon Korea has filed for product registration for the grip that includes an RF emitter so it needs to be certified like in every country. The RF emitter suggests the grip has Bluetooth which would allow the grip to control any camera function. This sound interesting. I have grips on all my DSLR and expected to get one for the Z6/7 but after using it for 8 months I knew by the first week I did not need it since it would detract from the small size which is one of its very attractive features. It is also very comfortable to hold vertically so even if available I might not get it.
Well the new 85 has arrived, all I can say is OMG. Would love to hear your thoughts on it of course. It is going to be a while, a long while before I have the skills to properly it through its paces. Anxious to get the 24mm as I suspect it will be good as well and a wondervfulstreet photography too!.
David Jackson working to get both in-house shortly! In the meantime: enjoy!
Another great video. These three primes from Nikon will give you more 'perceptual MegaPixels" improvement than the jump from 45MP to 60MP in the new A7RIV, although I'll take both for sure. The bokeh on the 85mm Z lens sample shots from Nikon looks gorgeous as well.
Very happy with my Z6 and the new firmware has answered some of my quibbles re auto focus for the sports I cover.. D5 is still the work horse but I'm finding more excuses to use this one and when it comes to my wedding and indoor work silent shooting is the future
Thanks for sharing your take!
Owned a Z6 for a month now, the Z series is currently VERY underrated
Who is it underrated by ?
@@sunking9050 The RUclips gurus who want to sell other brands which offer more commissions and spiffs. They jumped on Nikon before they ever saw one for the 1 slot and never were honest about the fact that XQD is far more reliable than 2 SD. It is on any other technical playing field. Either they knew but tried to deceive or did not know so are a horrible source of valid information. XQD/CFExpress was one of many compelling reasons by the Z cameras needed to be considered very serious cameras suitable for critical applications.
Any product that is announced long before they are in stock get run down by the same people who influence a lot of people. The reason is simple, money. Their deals with affiliates and manufacturers only pay based on completed sales(and youtube ad revenue). An exciting new product can freeze the market before it is available. So not getting the affiliate checks for as large of sums when they are pushing cameras in stock is a strong incentive to kill enthusiasm for a new product. Ad revenue is independent of sales kickbacks but RUclips ad revenue for channels with a million subs and frequent content can bring in well over a million dollars a year. A friend of mine works in that industry of internet influencers and listed some channels generating over $10 million a year in ad revenue and after seeing the links and data on one channel reviewing cameras estimated they earned $2,600,000 a year from Social media independent of and direct sales from their channel. Most of these influencers are not really photographers but are media personalities and as such are not great sources of information. They get ad revenue boosts every time they post controversial content that drives more eyeballs to their channels so great reviews generate more sales commissions, 10-20% of the sale price for the more active drivers of sales to online stores, which is a lot more than salesmen or the store nets on cameras. Cameras are low margin products. Lenses and accessories have higher margins. Bad reviews however generate more visitors and longer channel engagement so earn more in ad revenue. So they get more income when trashing a product not available yet both because or more channel views and by driving sales for products already in stock.
They were pushing Sony because they have direct payments, which Nikon does not do. They wanted to kill off sales or people delaying to decide until the items are available and attacked the Nikon on the only features they could turn into negatives; 1 slot that they intentionally conflated all storage into a single class, SD, and AF performance. Sony had only one feature they could push, AF speed, everything else was poorer than the Z cameras. They pushed the 2 sd card slots(dissimilar types and speeds that slowed down the whole transfer rate to less than that of the slowest one) as being professional and 1 slot being amateur. That went viral in hours. But they intentionally neglected to cite Sony MTBF ratings of the XQD showing 1 card of that type was far more reliable than2 SD cards, and they failed to mention Sony reserved XQD for pro cameras in their pro video division, where cameras started at around $30,000 and up. How many slots? 1.
Convincing people to buy these products is a very cost-effective move by manufacturers since print or media ad campaigns are far more expensive and far less effective than supporting a number of RUclips influencers. That is the weakest part of the Nikon conservative old fashion marketing policies of Nikon. It is a very conservative old school corporation.
Stan SPb of course, I couldn’t agree more ! I’ve always doubted the authenticity of many negatively critical comments about the z cameras
It shouldn't matter, but it does. I find the Z cameras and lenses aesthetically unappealing when compared to the major rivals' products. Both strike me as first passes, rather like the saw tooth AF lenses of the last century. The Z bodies are in some ways minimum viable products. Who let a design out of the door without the capability to accept a vertical grip in this day and age? I'm going to pass on this first round and wait for the next generation.
Tom P - Nikon has stated that it is developing a battery grip that will pair with the Z6 and Z7, but has not disclosed a release date.
As a first generation product the Z6 and Z7 got alot right especially the ergonomics. Agree totally though that the second or third generations will deliver exactly what existing Nikon DSLR users wanted.
@@youngalwyn1124 Yes, a battery box, not a proper grip with controls. It's not unusual for professional photographers to spend eight hours or more shooting uprights with no break. Doing that with one arm raised at 90 degrees would quickly result in a painful injury and where is the grip? Not having it ready at the same time as the camera is very bad. My expectation is it won't appear at all but the early Z cameras will be iterated fairly quickly and the missing features will be added.
@@Tom_RUclips_stole_my_handle The grip has an RF link so it is likely to have Bluetooth controls. It had to be registered in S. Korea aa an RF device so that was filed for last month. Every control function is controllable by BlueTooth now. More than 1 3rd party has announced their own controller grip. I normally have grips on all my DSLRs but after getting used to the lightweight and small size, I doubt I will bother with a grip despite shooting 18-hour weddings and events.
@@stanspb763 That would be engineering for engineering's sake. The only way in which that would make sense is if Nikon is trying to lock out the third party grip manufacturers via encryption. Why add additional power drain and possible reliability issues otherwise? Stan, are you holding a 70-200 2.8 for 18 hours, or small primes?
A thoroughly enjoyable and thought provoking monologue. I'm torn between the 1.8 glass or waiting for the 1.2 next year and building a 1.2 collection slowly.
🙏🏻
You'd better start saving that fast glass won't come cheap.
@@peterlemke3468 I could probably manage maybe 2 over the next 2 years, but yes, they're pricey, and look like huge and heavy which means they may be no compromise on optical quality, so more suited to studio work and not a hobbyist returning to photography.
I know one thing for sure buddy! If Nikon releases a new 35mm or 85mm 1.2 i bet that thing is gonna cost 3000 dollars.🥺
@@JohnSmith-hm2ow Gosh, i hope not, I wish they'd do 1.4s around the price of Sony's.
Thank You for this insightful commentary on Nikon & the Z lineup. I am an amateur and appreciate the Z6 and the Lens selection. I have committed to the mirror less idea for my future. For me it was a gamble to enter a system that will remain viable for years, as I only upgrade when something fails. Most of my Photography is Family & Vacation, so I mostly prefer a deeper dept of field, to show that family was there and also to see the sights. Full Stop
Ian MacFarlane Thanks for joining the conversation!
Man, what a kilometric speech, nanonano Mr. Speak !!
Where are the f1.2 lenses all nikon devs used to talk about when they launched the Z mount, they are holding back for sure.
According to the lens roadmap the 50mm f1.2 is coming out next year.
As for more 1.2 lenses there are 4 un-announced lenses coming next year, and 8 coming in 2021, so with some luck there will be some more 1.2 options then ;)
I must admit I wrote Nikon off when the Panasonic S Series was released and now the Sony A7RIV. But I've been seeing some reviews revealing significant noise from ISO800 on up in the new Sony which I happen to be a hater of ISO noise. Nikon seems to have done well in this area, and once again I'll be keeping my eyes open for the Z7. Next spring I'll be jumping on a new mount. I'm doubting Canon will be entering the game with something competitive. As you say "hold that thought". ;-) Nice ending with the Aaronic Blessing hand move
If you dislike ISO noise, you should be considering the Panasonic S1. The first big batch of new Panasonic and Sigma lenses will be hitting next month. Blowing away what Nikon currently has available. After that, Nikon will be hopelessly trying to catch up their lens offerings with what the L-mount alliance will be rolling out at double their pace, and what both Sony and Fuji already have available. I just don’t see how they can win that race.
@@keithgoreham1463 Yeah I had a chance to work with a S1 and their 24-105 for several weeks. To me that is what has set the bar for LOW noise at higher ISO's. At 12,800 it was like most others at ISO1600. GREAT color rendition and superb sharpness without artifacts. I'm still thinking REAL hard of a S1R next spring when I make the jump. I'm NOT convinced the A7RIV is all that and a bag of chips for my usage. The build on the S1 to ME was intoxicating. I LOVE that DSLR feel and build quality and not so much the tiny lightweight aspects of so many others. It's a personal thing indeed. The build quality and feature selections on the body are brilliant compared to virtually ALL other mirrorless cameras out there. Guess time will tell. If Canon were to come out with a R Pro with at least 8fps with focus, a 5.7mp viewfinder, and clean ISO's at least up to 6400 I'd have to take a look, but am betting they won't get there.
Very thoughtful commentary.
Here's my wishlist for the Z system:
1. 17-35 2.8
2. Dual card bodies. (I have experienced card failure mid shoot at a wedding. So I'm wary even though the xqd is superior than SD)
Rest of the lenses I would need have been released or will be released this year. So close to switching from my D750.
Thanks for weighing in.
Pradhyumna Gupta card failure is a non issue and always has been. The camera Is just as likely to fail as the xqd card
@@sunking9050 camera failure can be just as likely as card failure but most wedding photographers shoot with 2 cameras. If a camera does fail they still have another camera to cover the wedding. But if a card fails and we are unable to retrieve the images from it, it's a disaster for the couple.
Pradhyumna Gupta I transfer my photos to my iPad using WiFi as they are taken
@@hagarthehorrible1391 That is why pros do not use SD cards, they are not intended for critical applications. They were not designed for any criteria than being very cheap to add to cameras. The XQD is many times more reliable by design and it uses a much more advanced bus, the PCIe+ whereas the SD cards are on dumb buses of the same architecture as the 1984 floppy disk.
All fine and good, and thank you for this great review.... But I have far too invested in NIKKOR GLASS starting with the 80-200 2.8
and the 12 other lenses that I have to TRY to sell to recoup some monies to Buy NEW.
I love my Z7, but I wish it was as focus accurate as my D850, and I don't know why it isn't; I still believe its a management error on Nikon's part to use a new autofocus method. If the North Koreans have cracked Sony, how come Nikon can't do it?
Very nice video. I've been on the verge of buying a z6 for quite some time, but the lack of a second card slot keeps me from ordering. It seems like a great system with very fine lenses, but I'm the kind of guy that need redundancy. I need to feel safe if I'm shooting for client and especially an event.
I understand.
Are you using two XQD now? If you are using SD, you are risking far more with 2 SD than a XQD.
I knew it! All Nikon photographers are Star Trek nerds!
What is wrong with the AF? Compared to my D850 which is known for excellent tracking and speed is no better than the Z6 with 2.0 firmware. Tracking is excellent and translates to sharp focus, which is not the case with Sony, that locks onto eyes at twice the distance but often does not focus as finely as the Z6. The Focus Peaking is a lot more accurate with the Z cameras than Sony so few people bother with MF unless stopped down. In low light the new firmware tracks down to -6ev which is hard to beat.
Other than speed and distance of acquiring eye lock, there are no functions or build, ergonomic or robustness that Sony does better. The Z6/7 are on another level of component quality and construction. I recently sold my D850 to finance adding the Z7 to the kit since some clients demand crazy large files. Otherwise, the Z6 has rejuvenated my enthusiasm for just shooting for the fun of it, every day. It is small enough with the f/4 24-70, and the incredibly sharp 50mm 1.8. The 24-70 2.8 S is by all accounts, the best mid zoom on the planet. Leaks from Nikon testers gives high expectations for the 85 1.8 being the best prime Nikon has produced other than the 200 2.0. The connectivity was lagging on Nikons for a while, SnapBridge was a cruel joke but the Z cameras have excellent connectivity and Snapbridge works great now. For events, I use s WT-7 wireless 1gigb/sec RF link that sends raw files up to 660 feet to an access point or any number of computers for backup. Raw files take about 1.5 second before it appears on the remote computer and my server at home. A large screen slideshow can be started seconds after the first shot is taken.
Later this year, the ProRes Raw addition will be a big deal. I am just a beginning video shooter but so far the results of the Z6 have been very good.
The two best built with high usability FF now are the S1 Panasonic and Z6/7, both lines built for long term reliability and durability so maximum return on investment but the Panasonics are heavier than gripped DSLRs and have few affordable lenses for the mount. Nikon has created a template with significant standards like the Z mount, use of highly reliable pro cards, the updated Expeed processor, the IBIS that is the best in FF, a high build quality, high usability with excellent touch screen and even better EVF, good connectivity, a very good F mount adaptor, great IQ and color, no non-defeatable RAW noise reduction like Sony uses that causes lost detail. The early detractors focused on the XQD slot without even bothering to learn about how it is different and far superior in ruggedness, data secure, error detecting and correcting, self-mapping of dead cells and using the proven and far more advanced PCIe+ bus and architecture. 1 XQD has a far longer Mean Time Between Failure than 2 consumer-grade system , SD, which was designed to be cheap as its main goal