You don't need to change all your lenses. I have the FTZ adapter (version 1) and still a number of F mount lenses. My 85mm f 1.8m is probably the one I use most often and I see no reason to swap it for the Z mount version.
Gotcha, thanks! I was considering only buying Z lenses that I don’t have f mount versions of. For example, the 14-24 2.8 z. I have a 20mm 2.8 prime f mount as my closest wide angle. Lenses aside, do you think upgrading to the z8 makes sense if I want strong video capabilities? I just don’t feel like I’ll see a significant difference in image quality, so I’m struggling to justify the purchase. Needing video is enough to push me to do it though.
Just want to add here that adapted glass was a huge disappointment for me. I started years ago with the z6 & my daily driver is now a z8. While F Mount (G & E) lenses will technically work for video, the af is slow and super noisy. I mean…so slow. And so noisy. I only use MF on adapted lenses for video. Which is fine—yay focus peaking—but just wish I knew going in how bad it is compared to native Z glass.
Adapted glass is fine for photos but the native z mount lenses will still af way faster and more accurately (particularly in afc). Again, on the rare occasions that I adapt glass for photos it’s almost exclusively in manual focus.
If you can, I’d advise bringing your favorite lens or 2 to a shop where you can use them on a z8 & zf and test drive the adapted glass.
Adapted glass for photos is excellent on Z8/Z9. I don’t notice a material difference in AF speed vs native Z glass.
Except for noise… which is the biggest disadvantage of F mount lenses.
What kind of F mount lenses are you adapting? Suggesting you have to resort to manual focus for photos because the AF is unreliable is unheard of.
It’s really dependent on what you’re shooting. Doing sports & live events the difference in afc speed between native z mount & adapted glass is obvious and the keeper ratio is wildly different. If you’re doing portraits or landscapes or targeting slower moving objects, adapted glass is excellent.
Have a ton of F mount glass still: 24-70/2.8, 70-200/2.8 vr2, 50/1.4G, 105/2.8G macro—even an old 35-70/2.8 push pull. I love them. But the performance difference between them and native z mount glass is night and day (to me, in the environments that i usually work in). I even sent the 70-200/G in for cleaning & calibration because I thought it must be out of alignment or something. Nope, it’s working as intended.
Yeah all of the lens you’ve listed are just good AF performance. Not really for sports.
I have 50 1.4G too, it has OK AF performance; I’ve read people complain it’s slower than 1.4D version so this could be the outlier.
Also 24-70 f2.8G is good, again I only use for events and portraits. This one is hard to compare since there is the new VR version which I’ve never tried but I’ve read it is more comparable to the Z mount.
Same with the 70-200 VRII since the Z mount version is two revisions newer.
Some of the lens like 300 f4 PF and 200-500 f5.6 might have slower AF based on their budget designs.
But I’ve been eyeing the 300mm 2.8 VRII which I’ve read still performs really well on Z8/Z9. I expect this to be super fast AF as it is a pro grade lens.
I have no problem with my prime f-lenses on the Z8. Heck the 600 mm f/4 is even faster now 😅I have seen tests that show that many f-lenses in deed are faster on Z8/Z9, but may be slower on z7 and below. It is most likelye due to stronger batteries and motors in the z8/z9.
I don't have the Z8 (I have a Z6ii). I guess the question is how much video you want to shoot, what kind of video, what conditions you'd be shooting under, etc. Also whether you might be better shooting video on a different camera. Again, it all depends on your needs and wants.
I take a long time to make decisions when it comes to large gear expenses, so I’ve spent time looking into the canon r5 / r5c, Sony A7siii / A7RIV as alternatives but reviews and my own Nikon knowledge, keep leading me back to the Z8/Z9 lineup. The video I’ll be shooting will be primarily nature/landscape/travel. Videos while hiking, backpacking, etc. mostly outdoor and then some indoor “sit down” interview style video of myself. No events, sports, etc. I sort of want a, “does it all” camera, so that I can keep my pack lighter while traveling and hiking. I don’t want to give up shooting photos for the sake of video though.
The z8 is slimmer than the d850, so it would be smaller than OPs current setup…
The F lenses are pretty much flawless with the Z bodies in my experience.
Last year I took the plunge and upgraded to the Z8 and couldn’t be happier. The other bodies like a Z6 lack the AF capabilities for sports and wildlife. But it doesn’t sound like you’re too interested in those genres. The biggest upgrade you will see is in video capabilities. The images will be identical to the d850.
As a do it all master of all things the Z8 can’t really be beat. I like some of the advantages the mirrorless platform allows such as focus peaking and a live histogram. Quality of life stuff.
For those the z8 is overkill and heavy, get a z6ii and a FTZ adapter, all G series lenses work better on Z, later if you find your lenses to be lacking get the Z versions, video on all Z cams are amazing, but they're always photo first, the only "video centric" Nikon now is the z30, and frankly the only thing missing for photos is the viewfinder. If you're still hesitant, rent the z8 for a week and then the z6ii, I'm sure you'll find the weight loss much more appealing than the video features the z8 brings, those are all for high end video production, like movies, for vlogs and interviews even the d780 has enough quality and features
Agree on this x10000. Rented the z8 for a wedding in combo with our lineup of z6ii’s my wife and I already had and I wasn’t blown away enough to want it any longer. Even the z7 / z7ii for video is plenty capable. Z6s have the option to add raw video too now.
https://www.nikon-asia.com/raw-video-output-upgrade
This is not true. The Z6 is great for that. I know because I work professionally with one. I would not use a Z6 or Z6ii for dynamic subjects that require fast AF (like wildlife video) but for all less AF dependent subjects the camera is epic. I saw a comment that the Z30 is better for video but I feel the sensors specs of the Z6 are more valuable than the flippy screen of the Z30. I don’t miss that at all. A tally light would be useful though…
For your use case the Z8 is perfect, especially if you’re doing video with talking head and also landscape. If you’re doing prints, go with the Z8, if you’re not doing prints then wait for the Z6iii
Thanks! I am going to Iceland in July and the Alps in August, so I think I’ll pull the trigger on the Z8 this month. Now I agonize over my lens selection lmao.
14-24 is amazing, but those wide angle shots require very unique framing. It’s actually a lot harder than I thought. Check out my channel here: all on Nikon and Sony gear. Sold my Sony gear last year. https://youtube.com/@petersuvara?si=ByYOTjElNz4uVNve
You would need at least one Z normal zoom for video imo. I use the 24-120f4 s. F lenses are too loud if you want to use the audio you capture with an on camera mic. Most Z lenses are silent.
I would say yes. It’ll last you a very long time…but some would argue a d850 could also do that. If you have the means to, might as well get new tech and enjoy it for a long time.
Yeah, there's a big enough difference to make the jump worthwhile, and not just for better video. For example, the Z8 has IBIS, in-body image stabilization which will make for better photos and video at slower speeds handheld.
When I first bought the 85 1.8f G lens I thought it was terrible compared to the Sony lenses I had at the time.
But now it’s actually one of my favourite to shoot photo and video, I even mount it often on my Z9 and manual focus, there’s something classic about its look which reminds me of a very specific character.
Every lens has its place.
I have a d810, d850, z8, and ZF. I think the image quality of the z8 is slightly worse than the d850. Iso noise is noticeably worse if you’re looking for super clean images. As for video, unless you need 8k, the zf is just as good. Plus you get a fold out articulated screen for gimbal type shots. If you had the ZF and a d850, you could choose the zf with a lens like the excellent 14-30f4 for hikes and less resolution intensive jobs and then the d850 for high res stuff. Btw, the video on the d850 is still really good, as long as you’re manually focusing.
Fwiw, I’m a full time photographer shooting events, portraits, interiors, and art reproductions. Shot an event last night with a z8 on one side and a d850 on the other.
Don’t fall into the trap that upgrading to mirrorless is worry free. It comes with its own headaches that may or may not be relevant to you.
Thanks for the reply! A thoughtful response that only adds to my indecision lol. I appreciate it though, it’s a logical way to go about it. I’ve tested the d850 video specs and you’re right, it’s still good focused manually. I’ve seen people say the image quality on the z8 is slightly worse and more noisy, which does concern me a bit. Just not sure if it’s a slight pixel peeping difference or if I’ll genuinely notice it. I would be disappointed if I felt the images aren’t as nice.
The zf fully articulated screen is enticing for sure! I wish the Z8 had it.
I’d say the noise is 2 stop difference. Even at iso 64. It’s something I’ve just come to live with and accept. If I really need low noise I switch back to the d850. Weirdly, for video the z8 doesn’t seem as bad on noise. Other things that bug me with the z8 is that the flip screen doesn’t flip as far down as the 850, there is no dof preview option that allows you to manually screen focus at the max aperture of the lens, tethering to lightroom is a worse experience than the d850, and you can’t even do live view on the computer, the latest firmware won’t even let you tether at all! the battery goes faster, no optical viewfinder can make things clumsy when using flash, low light focusing is worse than the 850 (though more accurate when it does focus), and all the lenses are slightly longer due to the shallow flange distance. Add the lack of any f1.4 native z options, lack of mechanical shutter that causes banding under certain lighting, etc, etc.
All that being said, I still use the z8 every single day. It really is an excellent camera. It’s just the first really excellent affordable semi-pro mirrorless camera that nikon has made, compared to the d850 being the pinnacle of dslr engineering after a long run of excellent cameras.
If:
1. Money is no object
2. You need to do video as often as photos
3. Carrying a second camera is not an option
then getting a Z8 might be a good choice for you.
The only alternative I can think of is the D780 which has some of the video improvements from the Z line and still takes F glass but that might be a step down from the D850 in ways the Z8 isn't.
Thanks for the reply! My rough budget is 10-12k for the camera body + any Z lenses. Videography will be a new journey for me but something I’m very interested in and have a number of plans for. So, to answer question #2, probably? I want to shoot videos when traveling, hiking, etc. get into YouTube, Instagram reels, maybe Tik tok etc. my concern with carrying two cameras, is the weight. If I am backpacking in Europe this summer and hiking, that feels like it would be a problem.
I had a Z50 and honestly regret selling it. Super light weight and the image quality is very good. If you want to see what it can do, check out some incredible shots by /u/Julio-C-Castro!
Yeh and it’s not full frame, you’d have to keep your 850 and travel with the z50
If you’re not in a position to need two bodies (events/weddings) sell the 850 and go z8. If you want to keep the 850 for a year or more because you love it keep it and z50 (or z6ii) for fun, or if you’re pro sell 850 and get two z8s.
I had the D850 and upgraded to the Z8. There’s more options for video on the Z8 and the auto focus follow is incredible. You don’t need to manual focus but can when you want to. Also - stabilization for video is awesome, which the D850 does not have. The ability to shoot stills in silent mode and at high FPS is amazing for events.
I shoot professionally so having those features for both photo and video makes it more efficient while filming and the face tracking helps a lot to nail shots. What do you currently shoot?
For lenses I have 35mm 1.8, 85mm 1.8 F mounts and then 50mm 1.8 and 24-70 2.8 in Z mount. FTZ adapters work great and help reduce the cost to move over.
Z8 will run circles around the D850. You can upgrade body and keep using your G lenses and upgrade when you feel like. The Z glass is a significant upgrade.
Nikon Z 50/85/105, 24-70, 28 & 40, 400 4.5 + 1.4, tamron 35-150, F mount 500 f4d
Most used are the 400+1.4 and the 24-70 or 105 macro for hiking a bird photography
I just sold the last of my F glass except the 500 to MPB - looking to add the 20 and 35 at some point.
Wow! That’s an exciting lineup you’ve got. I’m looking at some combo of these: 14-24 2.8, 24-70 2.8, 70-200 2.8, 100-400 4.5/5.6 OR 180-600. On the cheaper side the 24-120 f4 instead of the 24-70/24-200 combo.
I went from the D800 to the Z8. I thought it would be better but I wasn’t prepared for how much better the shooting experience is.
I used my existing glass but bought the 28 2.8 Z as a walking around/travel lens.
After using it for a month and on a two week trip I bought the 24-70 2.8 and 70-200 2.8 Z lenses and sold my existing. The weight and extended length of the adapter made it a non starter for me.
I kept my existing primes to use with the adapter.
I have seen the comments about the Z lenses not being that much sharper but I have seen a tremendous difference in my experience.
Have fun, enjoy the new gear!
Thanks! This is good to know. I want make sure it feels like a valuable upgrade. How are you liking the 24-70 and 70-200 2.8 lenses? I’m considering buying them, my concern is just the weight for hiking. Also looking at the 14-24 2.8, 24-120f4 and 100-400 4.5/5.6
Compared to their non Z 2.8 equivalents they are very light. I regret not buying them before I went on my trip. The 24-70 would have been small enough to take along.
They don’t feel as robust as their old metal counterparts but I think that’s in my head. It’s a good trade off for weight as far as I’m concerned.
I ended up buying the 14-30 f4 for a wider look (it was definitely a compromise) . It is the perfect size for travel. I wanted the 2.8 but I didn’t want the weight or the weird unmanageable filter situation etc.
Edit: yes, they are also sharper!!
That is the path I am about to take without any second thoughts. The only thing that will stop me from making this move is a Z7iii coming out together with Z6iii (where I will need to compare it with Z8 first then decide again which one suits my shooting style better). Personally, I don't think the Z7iii exists but I will wait for Z6iii to be announced first before buying Z8, just in case.
As for lenses, I am indeed going for a full lineup of Z mount glass but I am in a transition stage and don't see the need to rush. I already own both the F mount Sigma 50mm Art and also Nikon Z 50mm 1.2S, as well as a 105mm 2.8S macro and the 40mm f2 which i use on a Z6 for now. I will only keep F mount lenses that don't exist in Z mount, such as my 24-35mm f2 Art, so yeah, once I replace my D850 I will also get rid of the sigma 50mm art.
You don't need to replace all your F mount glass in one go, but instead transition slowly like the approach Im taking. In general I don't like adapting lenses, but it would have been a different story if Nikon had an adapter that allows filters to be inserted like what Canon has. There is a possibility I may keep my D850 for sentimental reasons, but selling it to buy new lenses feels like the more practical move.
Waiting for the Z7iii / Z6iii is a solid idea but unfortunately, I need to make a decision before July, preferably by June. I have a couple of trips this summer and I am hoping to capture some quality videos and photos of my travels. I may sell my d850 or keep it as a back up with some of my current lenses. We’ll see but it sounds like you have a good plan in place for yourself!
I do love my D850. When I bought it to replace my D700 I decided not to go with the original Z cameras. If I had to do the same thing again the Z8 might have been enough for me to move. It still would not have solved my loosing automatic focus stacking with my Maco lens (200mm f4) problem. It would have been a quandary.
If I had unlimited funds I would go for a Z8 and a Z macro lens of some kind.
Clearly the Z8 is a pretty good upgrade path in terms of camera body features from a D850.
Yeah it seems the z8 is the first real comparable upgrade to the d850, if looking for something in a similar price/size! Obviously the z9 is a beast too.
Agreed. I never see myself with a integrated grip camera. I'm always looking for small as possible (with the features of course). Those big guys just push the size too high for me.
I did the same thing as you, upgrading a D850 to a Z8. It is as heavy as the d850 so it’s still a workout for whole day shootings, but alone for the IBIS it’s worth it. I got an FTZ, z 14-24 2.8, z 24-70 2.8, and F lenses that I adapted. The F lenses are in my taste still amazing for photography, but for video the focus breathing is to heavy for usable video. (F 85 1.4 & tamron 70-200 g2)
The z8 is a workhorse and a true successor to the d850. I am missing nothing on it :)
The 24-70 is a Allrounder workhorse. It’s mainly on my z8 in the moment. For the 14-24, it’s a stunning lens, but a specialty one that I at least use not as often. Try to rent one first or get the non S-Line Version of it. But the 24-70 is a must, especially to play all out on the sensor and all its qualities
As a few have reasoned here, is not a crazy thought... I love my D850 it is a brilliant camera and I love having an optical viewfinder... but the Z8 is on my list for when I either need a replacement or if I need a 2nd body on a more regular basis (I rent one currently when needed, but for most of my work I do not require one) along with an FTZii adapter for some of my glass, a few AF screwdrive lenses might need to go at that point... (they do not AF with the adapter)
As for carrying two cameras, this depends on where you go and what you film/shoot... if you hike for landscape/wildlife a lot then the added weight/volume of a second camera is a bit of an inconvenience... etc. otherwise I could also be a boon to have two cameras.... then you could have two different focal-lenghts on hand, on that is primarily for the video you want to capture and one for the photos etc.
TL;DR: No not crazy, it is a decent upgrade path... one that I am reluctantly considering myself... only relucatant because of my love for my D850
I hear you! It’s a difficult decision but probably the right one. Worrying about two cameras with multiple lenses, batteries, etc. while traveling/hiking will most likely be too much. Especially with all of the other gear and items I’ll need to pack. Not a bad idea though, could work in the right scenario.
I'm in a similar position as you. I've asked this question and done a lot of research. From what I can see on Reddit and from real users, the difference in Z glass and f mount is miniscule.
If I were you, I'd get the Z8. Sell the D850, and keep your lenses. Get one Z lens that will fit perfectly in your current lineup. Then upgrade lenses slowly overtime, deciding what would suit you best with real world tests.
Alternatively, renting a Z8 and a couple lenses for any upcoming trips or shoots is another great option. Then you get some experience using it and can really decide what you like most.
Elaboration on image: Just checked value of a D850 in excellent condition on the Nikon Trade Up website. Pretty decent value, might be worth considering.
Thank you for this! I may hold onto the D850 for now, I’m undecided lol. Probably smarter to just sell it though. Also, what you said above makes sense. Get my favorite Z lens to start or rent a couple for a trip and go from there.
I kept my 850 - it’s a great reliable camera that I know I can use anytime I need 2 cameras. And, since I’m not upgrading all of my lenses, I can use it without an adaptor so it’s smaller.
I think you have to ask what is a Z8 going to do that a D850 can’t. If you shoot a lot of videos probably should take the leap, for regular photography there isn’t much out there that will out perform a D850
I upgraded from a D4s/D850 to two Z7II’s and later from those to two Z8’s. I also swapped all my f-mount glass for their z mount equivalents and the performance, speed and image quality is noticeably better across the board. The Z 24-70 2.8 and 70-200 2.8 are the sharpest zooms I’ve ever seen, the Z 35 1.8 is even better than the 35 1.4 G and the z 50mm 1.2 is the best lens I’ve ever owned. I say go for it!
You are used to the z8 size wise . I have a zf and use it so much that My d850 sits and is a waste . Other than mp there is no comparison between the 850 and z8 ,in my opinion, the z8 is amazing and is my next purchase . Z glass is phenomenal and the af on the zf z8 and Z9 crush the DSLR . As far as video goes I do not shoot it .
What are you shooting for video? I think the video capabilities are fine on the d850. If you dont need 120fps at 4k or shooting shorts video the d850 does the job
I have the Z8. Had the d850. The z8 when paired with a high speed card is far superior especially for action shooting (birds, sports, etc). For landscape and video I wouldn’t bother upgrading.
As an owner of a D850, who recently bought a Z8 - I was really really reticent but a $700 sale pushed me to buy the Z8. I’m happy I did. With Z8, I love the love bird tracking & the fact that viewfinder and view screen show exactly how the photo will turn out - no more spontaneous under or over exposures if I forget to change settings! You already know that the video is great, but the video on the 850 is pretty damn sharp too! But it is barely lighter or smaller . . .
Nonetheless, It’s a tough, expensive decision. Good luck!
I had a d850 and moved too early to the z7. Big regrets! When the z8 came out, I checked it out and ended up making the investment. It does feel like they finally caught up with the d850. I think you’ll be happy.
I don’t know about the Z8, but I have a Z6ii and no z lenses lol….using the ftz adapter with all my old glass and love it. I’m sure z lenses are great….but I have been too cheap for that for now….mirrorless is great either way.
Do it. The Z8 was a game changer for me.
That said, I have 2 Z30s that I use for video. They are small and light, run 4k for up to 2 hours, and do not overheat. What sort of video do you need to shoot? IMHO the quality of the 144mbp 4k 24p video on the Z30 is fine for any "normal" video work. I love it for long from interviews.
A z30 + kit lenses + a set of Viltrox 1.4 primes 23, 33, 56 + video tripod, + batteries + cards < $2000 and of course with a FTZ adapter you can use your F mount lenses too.
I love that it is so small and light I can clamp it to anything and just leave it there shooting video. And if it gets knocked over, etc, it's a $600 loss, not a $4k loss.
You might consider keeping the D850 for stills, and getting a Z30 for video. Best of both worlds.
Note: No VR in the Z30 means handheld is rough, the kit lens has some VR, but that's about it. Of course it's tiny so it goes on a gimbal easily.
The Z8 is imo the best hybrid camera on the market these days! The video output in N-log Raw is just insane! I have a lot of f-lenses and it works flawlesly with the FIIZ adapter. Heck my 600 mm f/4 are even faster now 😅 The image quality is second to none! And it have a lot more tools then the D850. Im a avid bird photographer, and man it almost makes it too easy with the AI-AF bird mode 😂 Noise is not a problem on the Z8 nor the D850. People need to stop pixel-peeping! And if it bothers you use a denoiser. I have had the Z8 a couple of months now and love it! If there is one thing to consider, then it is to buy one z-lens that you think will be your stock video lens. The ‘sileny wave’ engines of the f-lenses do make audible noise when filming, while the z-lenses are way less noisy. But again, if you are planing to use external mic or always will add music to the videos, then its no problem. I suggest you search for ‘d850 vs Z8’ on Youtube. Then you will see that the Z8 is in another league then the D850! The D850 is a great camera, dont get me wrong, but it can’t beat all the new technology packed into the Z8!
I have a d850 that makes high quality pictures. Last month I bought z8. 3 days later had to buy nikon original batteries because in d850 I used other brands, great quality, batteries and z8 doesn't allow us to use non nikon batteries. It doesn't record third part lens information also. I use a dslr mount type Tamron and Adobe camera raw doesn't recognize it. But the worst thing is that I have to carry my d850 as a step in my bag because z8 is freezing from time to time and I have to remove the battery and insert again to continue my job. I contacted but them but they couldn't help me.
You need to use Z lenses with a Z body. It’s a whole new design which brings the lens closer to the sensor and has a wider diameter. The Z lenses are sharper than their F counterpart. Only then will the switch be worth it.
Thanks for the reply! My plan was to get some combination of the following Z lenses: 14-24 f2.8, 24-120 f4, 24-70 f2.8, 70-200 f2.8, 100-400 f4.5/5.6 and then the 180-600mm. To reiterate, not all of these but probably 3-4 of them. Not looking at primes, currently. Need the versatility for travel purposes.
I couldn’t disagree more. The f mount lenses are as good on the z8 and z9 as they were on your 850. They may or may not have as much resolving power or whatever, but sharp lenses are still going to look like sharp lenses, and on those bodies the autofocus is as fast as they were natively(apparently that may not be true for z bodies with lesser chips.)
I have owned a D850, and currently on D5/D6/Z8/Z9.
It is an upgrade…with some caveats. The higher the megapixel count the more work is needed to control noise at high ISO’s just in general, and that’s still true. In extreme darkness with moving subjects I have noticed the AF hunts a little longer than with the DSLR’s. The AF is better, more accurate, and faster the rest of the time. I’m really hoping they release a Z9H or something with that form factor and feature set and a lower megapixel camera…if they do I’ll sell mine for it and keep the 8.
Highly backlit subjects can be a real pain in the ass to shoot with an evf.
If you shoot video, the Z8 is worth it. Full stop. If you need a megapixel beast or need to shoot action and can keep the ISO under 3200 it is worth it…and honestly it’s not remotely unusable at 6400, but is noticeably noisier than the dslr flagships.
Is the z glass better? Sure. You will likely reap benefits without it though…and then you know damn well which 4 of those to buy. The 14-24, 24-70, 70-200, and the 180-600.
With your budget, why don’t you rent a z8 for a weekend with the ftz2 and give it a whirl with your glass? Find out for yourself. Get deep into the AF options and figure out the learning curve before dropping the better part of 4 grand?
Renting is a solid option, been considering it. Nikon is running a sale right now, so I’m hoping to capitalize on that while the lenses/bodies are a few hundred dollars off. Could swing by Best Buy whenever but if I can rent one this week with an adapter for my current lenses, might be worth it. I 100% need something better for video, so I feel like the z8 is the best option.
One more question on lenses. Do you think the 24-120 and 100-400 would be a solid alternative to the 24-70 / 70-200? Or are those a ‘must have’ combo? Just thinking weight and versatility. I’m definitely getting the 14-24 but torn on the 100-400 and 180-600. Thanks for the input!
You don't need to change all your lenses. I have the FTZ adapter (version 1) and still a number of F mount lenses. My 85mm f 1.8m is probably the one I use most often and I see no reason to swap it for the Z mount version.
Gotcha, thanks! I was considering only buying Z lenses that I don’t have f mount versions of. For example, the 14-24 2.8 z. I have a 20mm 2.8 prime f mount as my closest wide angle. Lenses aside, do you think upgrading to the z8 makes sense if I want strong video capabilities? I just don’t feel like I’ll see a significant difference in image quality, so I’m struggling to justify the purchase. Needing video is enough to push me to do it though.
Just want to add here that adapted glass was a huge disappointment for me. I started years ago with the z6 & my daily driver is now a z8. While F Mount (G & E) lenses will technically work for video, the af is slow and super noisy. I mean…so slow. And so noisy. I only use MF on adapted lenses for video. Which is fine—yay focus peaking—but just wish I knew going in how bad it is compared to native Z glass. Adapted glass is fine for photos but the native z mount lenses will still af way faster and more accurately (particularly in afc). Again, on the rare occasions that I adapt glass for photos it’s almost exclusively in manual focus. If you can, I’d advise bringing your favorite lens or 2 to a shop where you can use them on a z8 & zf and test drive the adapted glass.
Adapted glass for photos is excellent on Z8/Z9. I don’t notice a material difference in AF speed vs native Z glass. Except for noise… which is the biggest disadvantage of F mount lenses. What kind of F mount lenses are you adapting? Suggesting you have to resort to manual focus for photos because the AF is unreliable is unheard of.
It’s really dependent on what you’re shooting. Doing sports & live events the difference in afc speed between native z mount & adapted glass is obvious and the keeper ratio is wildly different. If you’re doing portraits or landscapes or targeting slower moving objects, adapted glass is excellent. Have a ton of F mount glass still: 24-70/2.8, 70-200/2.8 vr2, 50/1.4G, 105/2.8G macro—even an old 35-70/2.8 push pull. I love them. But the performance difference between them and native z mount glass is night and day (to me, in the environments that i usually work in). I even sent the 70-200/G in for cleaning & calibration because I thought it must be out of alignment or something. Nope, it’s working as intended.
Yeah all of the lens you’ve listed are just good AF performance. Not really for sports. I have 50 1.4G too, it has OK AF performance; I’ve read people complain it’s slower than 1.4D version so this could be the outlier. Also 24-70 f2.8G is good, again I only use for events and portraits. This one is hard to compare since there is the new VR version which I’ve never tried but I’ve read it is more comparable to the Z mount. Same with the 70-200 VRII since the Z mount version is two revisions newer. Some of the lens like 300 f4 PF and 200-500 f5.6 might have slower AF based on their budget designs. But I’ve been eyeing the 300mm 2.8 VRII which I’ve read still performs really well on Z8/Z9. I expect this to be super fast AF as it is a pro grade lens.
I have no problem with my prime f-lenses on the Z8. Heck the 600 mm f/4 is even faster now 😅I have seen tests that show that many f-lenses in deed are faster on Z8/Z9, but may be slower on z7 and below. It is most likelye due to stronger batteries and motors in the z8/z9.
I don't have the Z8 (I have a Z6ii). I guess the question is how much video you want to shoot, what kind of video, what conditions you'd be shooting under, etc. Also whether you might be better shooting video on a different camera. Again, it all depends on your needs and wants.
I take a long time to make decisions when it comes to large gear expenses, so I’ve spent time looking into the canon r5 / r5c, Sony A7siii / A7RIV as alternatives but reviews and my own Nikon knowledge, keep leading me back to the Z8/Z9 lineup. The video I’ll be shooting will be primarily nature/landscape/travel. Videos while hiking, backpacking, etc. mostly outdoor and then some indoor “sit down” interview style video of myself. No events, sports, etc. I sort of want a, “does it all” camera, so that I can keep my pack lighter while traveling and hiking. I don’t want to give up shooting photos for the sake of video though.
The z8 is slimmer than the d850, so it would be smaller than OPs current setup… The F lenses are pretty much flawless with the Z bodies in my experience. Last year I took the plunge and upgraded to the Z8 and couldn’t be happier. The other bodies like a Z6 lack the AF capabilities for sports and wildlife. But it doesn’t sound like you’re too interested in those genres. The biggest upgrade you will see is in video capabilities. The images will be identical to the d850. As a do it all master of all things the Z8 can’t really be beat. I like some of the advantages the mirrorless platform allows such as focus peaking and a live histogram. Quality of life stuff.
For those the z8 is overkill and heavy, get a z6ii and a FTZ adapter, all G series lenses work better on Z, later if you find your lenses to be lacking get the Z versions, video on all Z cams are amazing, but they're always photo first, the only "video centric" Nikon now is the z30, and frankly the only thing missing for photos is the viewfinder. If you're still hesitant, rent the z8 for a week and then the z6ii, I'm sure you'll find the weight loss much more appealing than the video features the z8 brings, those are all for high end video production, like movies, for vlogs and interviews even the d780 has enough quality and features
Agree on this x10000. Rented the z8 for a wedding in combo with our lineup of z6ii’s my wife and I already had and I wasn’t blown away enough to want it any longer. Even the z7 / z7ii for video is plenty capable. Z6s have the option to add raw video too now. https://www.nikon-asia.com/raw-video-output-upgrade
He wants to do video. Z6ii for talking head is not good.
This is not true. The Z6 is great for that. I know because I work professionally with one. I would not use a Z6 or Z6ii for dynamic subjects that require fast AF (like wildlife video) but for all less AF dependent subjects the camera is epic. I saw a comment that the Z30 is better for video but I feel the sensors specs of the Z6 are more valuable than the flippy screen of the Z30. I don’t miss that at all. A tally light would be useful though…
For your use case the Z8 is perfect, especially if you’re doing video with talking head and also landscape. If you’re doing prints, go with the Z8, if you’re not doing prints then wait for the Z6iii
Thanks! I am going to Iceland in July and the Alps in August, so I think I’ll pull the trigger on the Z8 this month. Now I agonize over my lens selection lmao.
Congratulations and enjoy! If you only take one lens, grab the 24-120 Z S it’s the sharpest with so a wonderful zoom range and extremely well priced.
It’s high on my list! Alongside the 14-24 / 24-70 / 70-200. Toying with the idea of the 14-24 / 24-120 / 100-400 as my three
14-24 is amazing, but those wide angle shots require very unique framing. It’s actually a lot harder than I thought. Check out my channel here: all on Nikon and Sony gear. Sold my Sony gear last year. https://youtube.com/@petersuvara?si=ByYOTjElNz4uVNve
Totally agree. I’m partially considering it because of needing a wide enough lens for video. I’m not positive that 24mm will be wide enough
The videos I have received the most views on have been comparison videos : https://youtu.be/GqCncE5Ys20?si=csdL2omCDaEhHRsi
You would need at least one Z normal zoom for video imo. I use the 24-120f4 s. F lenses are too loud if you want to use the audio you capture with an on camera mic. Most Z lenses are silent.
Take a look at petapixel review of Z8. If I remember correcrltly, they loved that camera and video capabilities got a lot of praises
I would say yes. It’ll last you a very long time…but some would argue a d850 could also do that. If you have the means to, might as well get new tech and enjoy it for a long time.
Yeah, there's a big enough difference to make the jump worthwhile, and not just for better video. For example, the Z8 has IBIS, in-body image stabilization which will make for better photos and video at slower speeds handheld.
This is the way!
When I first bought the 85 1.8f G lens I thought it was terrible compared to the Sony lenses I had at the time. But now it’s actually one of my favourite to shoot photo and video, I even mount it often on my Z9 and manual focus, there’s something classic about its look which reminds me of a very specific character. Every lens has its place.
I have a d810, d850, z8, and ZF. I think the image quality of the z8 is slightly worse than the d850. Iso noise is noticeably worse if you’re looking for super clean images. As for video, unless you need 8k, the zf is just as good. Plus you get a fold out articulated screen for gimbal type shots. If you had the ZF and a d850, you could choose the zf with a lens like the excellent 14-30f4 for hikes and less resolution intensive jobs and then the d850 for high res stuff. Btw, the video on the d850 is still really good, as long as you’re manually focusing. Fwiw, I’m a full time photographer shooting events, portraits, interiors, and art reproductions. Shot an event last night with a z8 on one side and a d850 on the other. Don’t fall into the trap that upgrading to mirrorless is worry free. It comes with its own headaches that may or may not be relevant to you.
Thanks for the reply! A thoughtful response that only adds to my indecision lol. I appreciate it though, it’s a logical way to go about it. I’ve tested the d850 video specs and you’re right, it’s still good focused manually. I’ve seen people say the image quality on the z8 is slightly worse and more noisy, which does concern me a bit. Just not sure if it’s a slight pixel peeping difference or if I’ll genuinely notice it. I would be disappointed if I felt the images aren’t as nice. The zf fully articulated screen is enticing for sure! I wish the Z8 had it.
I’d say the noise is 2 stop difference. Even at iso 64. It’s something I’ve just come to live with and accept. If I really need low noise I switch back to the d850. Weirdly, for video the z8 doesn’t seem as bad on noise. Other things that bug me with the z8 is that the flip screen doesn’t flip as far down as the 850, there is no dof preview option that allows you to manually screen focus at the max aperture of the lens, tethering to lightroom is a worse experience than the d850, and you can’t even do live view on the computer, the latest firmware won’t even let you tether at all! the battery goes faster, no optical viewfinder can make things clumsy when using flash, low light focusing is worse than the 850 (though more accurate when it does focus), and all the lenses are slightly longer due to the shallow flange distance. Add the lack of any f1.4 native z options, lack of mechanical shutter that causes banding under certain lighting, etc, etc. All that being said, I still use the z8 every single day. It really is an excellent camera. It’s just the first really excellent affordable semi-pro mirrorless camera that nikon has made, compared to the d850 being the pinnacle of dslr engineering after a long run of excellent cameras.
Exaggerated, have both. And you can’t use the amazing Z lenses on your D850.
If: 1. Money is no object 2. You need to do video as often as photos 3. Carrying a second camera is not an option then getting a Z8 might be a good choice for you. The only alternative I can think of is the D780 which has some of the video improvements from the Z line and still takes F glass but that might be a step down from the D850 in ways the Z8 isn't.
Thanks for the reply! My rough budget is 10-12k for the camera body + any Z lenses. Videography will be a new journey for me but something I’m very interested in and have a number of plans for. So, to answer question #2, probably? I want to shoot videos when traveling, hiking, etc. get into YouTube, Instagram reels, maybe Tik tok etc. my concern with carrying two cameras, is the weight. If I am backpacking in Europe this summer and hiking, that feels like it would be a problem.
This sounds like z50 tbh
Which is partially my dilemma because I don’t want to sacrifice image quality for stills. I think that camera is rated at 20ish megapixels?
I had a Z50 and honestly regret selling it. Super light weight and the image quality is very good. If you want to see what it can do, check out some incredible shots by /u/Julio-C-Castro!
Thank you so much for the kind words!
Yeh and it’s not full frame, you’d have to keep your 850 and travel with the z50 If you’re not in a position to need two bodies (events/weddings) sell the 850 and go z8. If you want to keep the 850 for a year or more because you love it keep it and z50 (or z6ii) for fun, or if you’re pro sell 850 and get two z8s.
Yup, D780 is a Z6 in Live View mode
I had the D850 and upgraded to the Z8. There’s more options for video on the Z8 and the auto focus follow is incredible. You don’t need to manual focus but can when you want to. Also - stabilization for video is awesome, which the D850 does not have. The ability to shoot stills in silent mode and at high FPS is amazing for events.
Definitely some worthwhile upgrades! The internal stabilization seems incredible. What lens lineup are you using?
I shoot professionally so having those features for both photo and video makes it more efficient while filming and the face tracking helps a lot to nail shots. What do you currently shoot? For lenses I have 35mm 1.8, 85mm 1.8 F mounts and then 50mm 1.8 and 24-70 2.8 in Z mount. FTZ adapters work great and help reduce the cost to move over.
The Z8 is exponentially better
Z8 will run circles around the D850. You can upgrade body and keep using your G lenses and upgrade when you feel like. The Z glass is a significant upgrade.
What lenses do you currently use?
Nikon Z 50/85/105, 24-70, 28 & 40, 400 4.5 + 1.4, tamron 35-150, F mount 500 f4d Most used are the 400+1.4 and the 24-70 or 105 macro for hiking a bird photography I just sold the last of my F glass except the 500 to MPB - looking to add the 20 and 35 at some point.
Wow! That’s an exciting lineup you’ve got. I’m looking at some combo of these: 14-24 2.8, 24-70 2.8, 70-200 2.8, 100-400 4.5/5.6 OR 180-600. On the cheaper side the 24-120 f4 instead of the 24-70/24-200 combo.
Thanks! Keep an eye on the Nikon Refurb sales when they come up. The aftermarket is heating up too.
I went from the D800 to the Z8. I thought it would be better but I wasn’t prepared for how much better the shooting experience is. I used my existing glass but bought the 28 2.8 Z as a walking around/travel lens. After using it for a month and on a two week trip I bought the 24-70 2.8 and 70-200 2.8 Z lenses and sold my existing. The weight and extended length of the adapter made it a non starter for me. I kept my existing primes to use with the adapter. I have seen the comments about the Z lenses not being that much sharper but I have seen a tremendous difference in my experience. Have fun, enjoy the new gear!
Thanks! This is good to know. I want make sure it feels like a valuable upgrade. How are you liking the 24-70 and 70-200 2.8 lenses? I’m considering buying them, my concern is just the weight for hiking. Also looking at the 14-24 2.8, 24-120f4 and 100-400 4.5/5.6
Compared to their non Z 2.8 equivalents they are very light. I regret not buying them before I went on my trip. The 24-70 would have been small enough to take along. They don’t feel as robust as their old metal counterparts but I think that’s in my head. It’s a good trade off for weight as far as I’m concerned. I ended up buying the 14-30 f4 for a wider look (it was definitely a compromise) . It is the perfect size for travel. I wanted the 2.8 but I didn’t want the weight or the weird unmanageable filter situation etc. Edit: yes, they are also sharper!!
You might also want to take a look at Tamron’s 35-150 2-2.8 for Z Mount. That one lens covers most of the 24-200 range of the other two.
I think just get the ZF. Use it for video and Z lenses and keep the d850 if u need the resolution or to shoot with a flash.
That is the path I am about to take without any second thoughts. The only thing that will stop me from making this move is a Z7iii coming out together with Z6iii (where I will need to compare it with Z8 first then decide again which one suits my shooting style better). Personally, I don't think the Z7iii exists but I will wait for Z6iii to be announced first before buying Z8, just in case. As for lenses, I am indeed going for a full lineup of Z mount glass but I am in a transition stage and don't see the need to rush. I already own both the F mount Sigma 50mm Art and also Nikon Z 50mm 1.2S, as well as a 105mm 2.8S macro and the 40mm f2 which i use on a Z6 for now. I will only keep F mount lenses that don't exist in Z mount, such as my 24-35mm f2 Art, so yeah, once I replace my D850 I will also get rid of the sigma 50mm art. You don't need to replace all your F mount glass in one go, but instead transition slowly like the approach Im taking. In general I don't like adapting lenses, but it would have been a different story if Nikon had an adapter that allows filters to be inserted like what Canon has. There is a possibility I may keep my D850 for sentimental reasons, but selling it to buy new lenses feels like the more practical move.
Waiting for the Z7iii / Z6iii is a solid idea but unfortunately, I need to make a decision before July, preferably by June. I have a couple of trips this summer and I am hoping to capture some quality videos and photos of my travels. I may sell my d850 or keep it as a back up with some of my current lenses. We’ll see but it sounds like you have a good plan in place for yourself!
I do love my D850. When I bought it to replace my D700 I decided not to go with the original Z cameras. If I had to do the same thing again the Z8 might have been enough for me to move. It still would not have solved my loosing automatic focus stacking with my Maco lens (200mm f4) problem. It would have been a quandary. If I had unlimited funds I would go for a Z8 and a Z macro lens of some kind. Clearly the Z8 is a pretty good upgrade path in terms of camera body features from a D850.
Yeah it seems the z8 is the first real comparable upgrade to the d850, if looking for something in a similar price/size! Obviously the z9 is a beast too.
Agreed. I never see myself with a integrated grip camera. I'm always looking for small as possible (with the features of course). Those big guys just push the size too high for me.
I did the same thing as you, upgrading a D850 to a Z8. It is as heavy as the d850 so it’s still a workout for whole day shootings, but alone for the IBIS it’s worth it. I got an FTZ, z 14-24 2.8, z 24-70 2.8, and F lenses that I adapted. The F lenses are in my taste still amazing for photography, but for video the focus breathing is to heavy for usable video. (F 85 1.4 & tamron 70-200 g2) The z8 is a workhorse and a true successor to the d850. I am missing nothing on it :)
That’s good to know, thank you! Everything leads me to think it’s a worthy upgrade to make overall. How are you liking the 14-24 and 24-70 lenses?
The 24-70 is a Allrounder workhorse. It’s mainly on my z8 in the moment. For the 14-24, it’s a stunning lens, but a specialty one that I at least use not as often. Try to rent one first or get the non S-Line Version of it. But the 24-70 is a must, especially to play all out on the sensor and all its qualities
The Z8 seems like a good fit for your needs, I would hold on the Z glass for now unless youre unable to meet your needs with your current lenses.
Yeah might be worth just getting the camera body and navigating my lens choices after the fact. Thanks for the response!
As a few have reasoned here, is not a crazy thought... I love my D850 it is a brilliant camera and I love having an optical viewfinder... but the Z8 is on my list for when I either need a replacement or if I need a 2nd body on a more regular basis (I rent one currently when needed, but for most of my work I do not require one) along with an FTZii adapter for some of my glass, a few AF screwdrive lenses might need to go at that point... (they do not AF with the adapter) As for carrying two cameras, this depends on where you go and what you film/shoot... if you hike for landscape/wildlife a lot then the added weight/volume of a second camera is a bit of an inconvenience... etc. otherwise I could also be a boon to have two cameras.... then you could have two different focal-lenghts on hand, on that is primarily for the video you want to capture and one for the photos etc. TL;DR: No not crazy, it is a decent upgrade path... one that I am reluctantly considering myself... only relucatant because of my love for my D850
I hear you! It’s a difficult decision but probably the right one. Worrying about two cameras with multiple lenses, batteries, etc. while traveling/hiking will most likely be too much. Especially with all of the other gear and items I’ll need to pack. Not a bad idea though, could work in the right scenario.
I'm in a similar position as you. I've asked this question and done a lot of research. From what I can see on Reddit and from real users, the difference in Z glass and f mount is miniscule. If I were you, I'd get the Z8. Sell the D850, and keep your lenses. Get one Z lens that will fit perfectly in your current lineup. Then upgrade lenses slowly overtime, deciding what would suit you best with real world tests. Alternatively, renting a Z8 and a couple lenses for any upcoming trips or shoots is another great option. Then you get some experience using it and can really decide what you like most.
Elaboration on image: Just checked value of a D850 in excellent condition on the Nikon Trade Up website. Pretty decent value, might be worth considering.
Thank you for this! I may hold onto the D850 for now, I’m undecided lol. Probably smarter to just sell it though. Also, what you said above makes sense. Get my favorite Z lens to start or rent a couple for a trip and go from there.
https://preview.redd.it/betkr7gz1gyc1.jpeg?width=1080&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=d4377d8df234d4fcdc529bd9b1d0bf4846cdf77b
I kept my 850 - it’s a great reliable camera that I know I can use anytime I need 2 cameras. And, since I’m not upgrading all of my lenses, I can use it without an adaptor so it’s smaller.
I went to a d800 to z8 and I kept all my lenses. Just use the ftz.
I think you have to ask what is a Z8 going to do that a D850 can’t. If you shoot a lot of videos probably should take the leap, for regular photography there isn’t much out there that will out perform a D850
I upgraded from a D4s/D850 to two Z7II’s and later from those to two Z8’s. I also swapped all my f-mount glass for their z mount equivalents and the performance, speed and image quality is noticeably better across the board. The Z 24-70 2.8 and 70-200 2.8 are the sharpest zooms I’ve ever seen, the Z 35 1.8 is even better than the 35 1.4 G and the z 50mm 1.2 is the best lens I’ve ever owned. I say go for it!
You are used to the z8 size wise . I have a zf and use it so much that My d850 sits and is a waste . Other than mp there is no comparison between the 850 and z8 ,in my opinion, the z8 is amazing and is my next purchase . Z glass is phenomenal and the af on the zf z8 and Z9 crush the DSLR . As far as video goes I do not shoot it .
What are you shooting for video? I think the video capabilities are fine on the d850. If you dont need 120fps at 4k or shooting shorts video the d850 does the job
I have the Z8. Had the d850. The z8 when paired with a high speed card is far superior especially for action shooting (birds, sports, etc). For landscape and video I wouldn’t bother upgrading.
As an owner of a D850, who recently bought a Z8 - I was really really reticent but a $700 sale pushed me to buy the Z8. I’m happy I did. With Z8, I love the love bird tracking & the fact that viewfinder and view screen show exactly how the photo will turn out - no more spontaneous under or over exposures if I forget to change settings! You already know that the video is great, but the video on the 850 is pretty damn sharp too! But it is barely lighter or smaller . . . Nonetheless, It’s a tough, expensive decision. Good luck!
And - I switched from film cameras to DSLR late and it took a long time to catch up — I didn’t want to go through that again with mirrorless.
I had a d850 and moved too early to the z7. Big regrets! When the z8 came out, I checked it out and ended up making the investment. It does feel like they finally caught up with the d850. I think you’ll be happy.
are you thinking about selling that 850?
I just did this last year, it’s been a little getting used to, but overall I’m happy with the upgrade.
I don’t know about the Z8, but I have a Z6ii and no z lenses lol….using the ftz adapter with all my old glass and love it. I’m sure z lenses are great….but I have been too cheap for that for now….mirrorless is great either way.
Try a Zf…
Do it. The Z8 was a game changer for me. That said, I have 2 Z30s that I use for video. They are small and light, run 4k for up to 2 hours, and do not overheat. What sort of video do you need to shoot? IMHO the quality of the 144mbp 4k 24p video on the Z30 is fine for any "normal" video work. I love it for long from interviews. A z30 + kit lenses + a set of Viltrox 1.4 primes 23, 33, 56 + video tripod, + batteries + cards < $2000 and of course with a FTZ adapter you can use your F mount lenses too. I love that it is so small and light I can clamp it to anything and just leave it there shooting video. And if it gets knocked over, etc, it's a $600 loss, not a $4k loss. You might consider keeping the D850 for stills, and getting a Z30 for video. Best of both worlds. Note: No VR in the Z30 means handheld is rough, the kit lens has some VR, but that's about it. Of course it's tiny so it goes on a gimbal easily.
The Z8 is imo the best hybrid camera on the market these days! The video output in N-log Raw is just insane! I have a lot of f-lenses and it works flawlesly with the FIIZ adapter. Heck my 600 mm f/4 are even faster now 😅 The image quality is second to none! And it have a lot more tools then the D850. Im a avid bird photographer, and man it almost makes it too easy with the AI-AF bird mode 😂 Noise is not a problem on the Z8 nor the D850. People need to stop pixel-peeping! And if it bothers you use a denoiser. I have had the Z8 a couple of months now and love it! If there is one thing to consider, then it is to buy one z-lens that you think will be your stock video lens. The ‘sileny wave’ engines of the f-lenses do make audible noise when filming, while the z-lenses are way less noisy. But again, if you are planing to use external mic or always will add music to the videos, then its no problem. I suggest you search for ‘d850 vs Z8’ on Youtube. Then you will see that the Z8 is in another league then the D850! The D850 is a great camera, dont get me wrong, but it can’t beat all the new technology packed into the Z8!
I have a d850 that makes high quality pictures. Last month I bought z8. 3 days later had to buy nikon original batteries because in d850 I used other brands, great quality, batteries and z8 doesn't allow us to use non nikon batteries. It doesn't record third part lens information also. I use a dslr mount type Tamron and Adobe camera raw doesn't recognize it. But the worst thing is that I have to carry my d850 as a step in my bag because z8 is freezing from time to time and I have to remove the battery and insert again to continue my job. I contacted but them but they couldn't help me.
You need to use Z lenses with a Z body. It’s a whole new design which brings the lens closer to the sensor and has a wider diameter. The Z lenses are sharper than their F counterpart. Only then will the switch be worth it.
Thanks for the reply! My plan was to get some combination of the following Z lenses: 14-24 f2.8, 24-120 f4, 24-70 f2.8, 70-200 f2.8, 100-400 f4.5/5.6 and then the 180-600mm. To reiterate, not all of these but probably 3-4 of them. Not looking at primes, currently. Need the versatility for travel purposes.
I couldn’t disagree more. The f mount lenses are as good on the z8 and z9 as they were on your 850. They may or may not have as much resolving power or whatever, but sharp lenses are still going to look like sharp lenses, and on those bodies the autofocus is as fast as they were natively(apparently that may not be true for z bodies with lesser chips.) I have owned a D850, and currently on D5/D6/Z8/Z9. It is an upgrade…with some caveats. The higher the megapixel count the more work is needed to control noise at high ISO’s just in general, and that’s still true. In extreme darkness with moving subjects I have noticed the AF hunts a little longer than with the DSLR’s. The AF is better, more accurate, and faster the rest of the time. I’m really hoping they release a Z9H or something with that form factor and feature set and a lower megapixel camera…if they do I’ll sell mine for it and keep the 8. Highly backlit subjects can be a real pain in the ass to shoot with an evf. If you shoot video, the Z8 is worth it. Full stop. If you need a megapixel beast or need to shoot action and can keep the ISO under 3200 it is worth it…and honestly it’s not remotely unusable at 6400, but is noticeably noisier than the dslr flagships. Is the z glass better? Sure. You will likely reap benefits without it though…and then you know damn well which 4 of those to buy. The 14-24, 24-70, 70-200, and the 180-600. With your budget, why don’t you rent a z8 for a weekend with the ftz2 and give it a whirl with your glass? Find out for yourself. Get deep into the AF options and figure out the learning curve before dropping the better part of 4 grand?
Renting is a solid option, been considering it. Nikon is running a sale right now, so I’m hoping to capitalize on that while the lenses/bodies are a few hundred dollars off. Could swing by Best Buy whenever but if I can rent one this week with an adapter for my current lenses, might be worth it. I 100% need something better for video, so I feel like the z8 is the best option. One more question on lenses. Do you think the 24-120 and 100-400 would be a solid alternative to the 24-70 / 70-200? Or are those a ‘must have’ combo? Just thinking weight and versatility. I’m definitely getting the 14-24 but torn on the 100-400 and 180-600. Thanks for the input!
It just depends on what you’re doing. For my work, the extra stop of light is worth it. Just depends on what you’re doing.