Nikon’s latest addition to their telephoto line is the Z 600mm F6.3 VR S lens. At US$4800 it’s definitely in the supertele range.
There already are some complaints (there always are…) that this lens is a f6.3, and not f5.6 – which is 1/3 of a stop difference. On the other hand it’s just 1 1/3 stops slower than the US$15,000 Z 600mm f4 TC lens and it is outright compact for such a lens.
Weight and size sets this lens apart from anything else – perfect for hand holding!
Why the 600mm f/6.3?
Thanks to the PF lens elements Nikon was able to keep the weight at just under 1.5kg, just a bit heavier than the Z 70-200mm f2.8. At 27.8cm it is only about 5cm longer as well. This makes for a truly portable 600mm f6.3 lens, and it can be easily used handheld. Add a 1.4 tele converter and it goes all the way to 840mm!
Yes, one can get the Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 at a much lower price of US$1700, but this zoom comes in at 2kg and adds another 5cm to the length. Close-up distance and therefore magnification is better on the zoom as well, but for many the price will likely be the deciding factor. If you’re on a budget – if one puts a $1.7k lens in that category – then the zoom is the obvious choice.
Sharpness – it can’t get much better than this, can’t it?
Choices
This is Nikon’s 7th long telephoto lens; within a short time the Z system evolved into perhaps the best wildlife/sports option available these days. Pick your choice according to price, size and capability!
Here’s the total long telephoto line-up so far:
Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S (launch price US$2,700) Z 400mm f/4.5 VR S (launch price US$3,250) Z 400mm f/2.8 TC VR S (launch price US$14,000) Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR (launch price US$1,700) Z 600mm f/6.3 VR S (launch price US$4,800) Z 600mm f/4 TC VR S (launch price US$15,500) Z 800mm f/6.3 VR S (launch price US$6,500)
The second Nikon Z lens with a name – Z 135mm f/1.8 S Plena
Nikkor Z 135mm F1.8 S Plena
After some teasers Nikon released the “Plena”, a 135mm f1.8 prime lens.
At US$2500 launch price and about 1kg this is not a light weight in any form or matter. Nikon choose to name this lens, and they don’t do that without a reason. ‘Full, filled, complete’ are the translations from Latin and this is likely aimed at the bokeh of this 135mm lens.
Not overly long (13.9cm) but definitely chunky (995g) – the Plena on the z8.
But what does it have to offer apart from the looks? Let’s take a look.Out of focus lights stay almost circular right to the edge of the image. This is something unique compared to the cat’s eye bokeh of other fast lenses. Nikon achieved this by designing the lens with an image circle larger than the 35mm frame. A first and hence the name is well deserved.
While having a beautiful, smooth out of focus rendering with beautiful transitions the lens is extremely sharp across the entire frame wide open. It’s a hefty lens, well made, and expensive, but that moment you look through the viewfinder for the first time – simply stunning.
Sharp across the field, combined with an incredible rendering of the background.
What is it good for?
While most regard the ‘Plena’ as the ultimate outdoor portrait lens, it can be used for a lot more if one doesn’t mind bringing it along. The excellent background separation allows for unique creations even in every day photography. Dreamy flowers, medium sized objects and detail, with wonderful background separation and transitions. Go and try it, there’s way more than just portraits to this lens!
To buy or not to buy?
I’m not much a fan of the big and heavy lenses. However, after trying the ‘Plena’ for a while and seeing a lot of images taken with it, I have to say this is one lens where I might make an exception. I always liked the 135mm view, and this ‘Plena’ view is definitely something exceptional. Here I am, seriously tempted to break my rule of buying just those lenses I absolutely need. That’s a first for the the Z system, and a first in a very, very long time.
Great build quality and fully weather sealed, as usual for Nikon’s S class lenses.
Nikon has announced the ZF as of today. And yes, it looks gorgeous.
Edit: And it feels that part, too! Having handled the Zf in the meantime I have to say there’s nothing cheap about it. It feels solid and dense, the brass dials click wonderfully in place.
But what does it have to offer apart from the looks? Let’s take a look.
The same 24mp sensor?
It seems the same sensor as in the z6/z6II is being used, perhaps slightly modified. Video specs are about the same, and so seems image quality.
Update: The Nikon Zf has been added to DPreviews studio comparison tool and it indeed performs very similar to the Nikon z6II. Check it out here.
That’s not a bad thing in my book. From iso6400 and onward it still is the best performing sensor out there. Personally I prefer that over the slight increase in Pixels as in the Sony a7 IV, which starts to fall behind at high iso. To sum it up the Zf brings the same solid performance to the table as the z6II.
It not only feels solid but is weather sealed to Nikon standards as well.
Anything new in this retro body?
Yes, of course. There’s Expeed 7 inside and with it the whole new AF system already known from the z8/z9. Some people will find some differences here, but to me it’s overall in the same ballpark after handling both cameras recently. The viewfinder experience is much improved over the z6II as well but it still is somewhat laggy at fastest FPS. All in all the performance is much better than the previous generation.
Then there is improved IBIS and pixel shift high resolution modi, a first for Nikon. There are several options, some will reduce noise in images, some will reduce noise and increase resolution to 96mp. The images must be combined on a computer, Nikon’s free NX Studio software allows to do this.
Two card slots are available, in the form of an SD card slot and – a first for a grown up Nikon – a micro SD slot. Some people will loathe this decision by Nikon, as those tiny cards can be fiddly. Based on my experience with my little Nikon, the j5, I think it’s a good move to save some space. In the Zf I would use it like an in-build backup memory, using the SD card in slot 1 to transfer images to the PC.
Swivel screen for content creators – or hide it entirely for the full retro experience!
Monochrome mode
Being a retro camera the Zf sports a new monochrome mode. With the flick of a switch the camera goes over to B&W. However, only JPEG images are in B&W, the underlying RAW files remain in color. There are new B&W picture profiles to go with the monochrome mode as well.
And of course – the dials!
It’s already the biggest debate on the net – the dials and the handling of the Nikon Zf. It’s possible to use the Nikon Zf like any other Nikon, via front and rear dials. If used this way the pretty dials – and yes, they beautifully click step by step – are just decoration. Of course you can then decide if you want to use one, two, or all three dials (ISO, shutter speed, exposure compensation.) Aperture typically stays at the front dial, with a small window on the top plate showing the dialed in f-stop.
Of course there are those who want lenses with clickable aperture rings. If you point them to the beautifully crafted Voigtländer lenses made for the Z system, they will complain about those being manual focus only. Yes, of course you can find your niche, why a Nikon ZF doesn’t work for you.
The same goes for the ISO dial and PSAM switch. Nikon’s dials function differently from those from Fujifilm and if you expect it to be the same you will be disappointed. The PSAM switch works the same as it did on my Nikon FA form the 80ies, so no problems for me. The same goes for the ISO dial, it’s not the same as on a Fujifilm. To switch from autoISO to manual you have to go into the menu (make it the top item of ‘My Menu’ to have it handy) or program a button (video recording for example) as a toggle.
What the ISO dial does in autoISO mode is simply rising your minimum ISO setting. That’s an interesting and useful function when for example in aperture priority mode. C in this case is full autoISO (as you’ve set it in the menu). If you then change the ISO dial it changes/raises your minimum ISO. Let’s say your lens is wide open, your minimum speed set in autoISO is 1/15sec, and that’s what you end up with. However, suddenly there are people in your image, you want a faster shutter speed. Instead of going into another mode you can simply up the ISO dial, with the shutter speed getting faster as a result. Done. This can be very useful if you actually can wrap your head around it.
Top plate with dials and aperture LCD.
Which lenses for the Zf?
Another complaint is that there aren’t really any suitable lenses for the Nikon Zf. They are either too big, don’t have an aperture ring, or don’t look the part. As usual I disagree. In my opinion the Zf isn’t made for those who plan to use large lenses in photo sessions lasting for many hours. It’s more for those who take some images, carry it on the strap or in a bag, take some more images, carry again. If you do like a grip there’s one (edit: several in the meantime) available and it looks like it has always been there if mounted. Apart from that all but the biggest lenses (super teles, 1.2 primes, big S class f/2.8 zooms) are a great match for the Nikon Zf. Contrary to many other’s opinion I think the modern, minimalist look of the Z lenses suits the Zf very well – see the sample below, with the 17-28mm f/2.8 lens attached. Add to that the 1.8 S series prime lenses and you already have a wide choice of lenses. That said I wouldn’t be surprised if Nikon comes up with a limited set of retro lenses with aperture ring – let’s say a 35/58/85mm f/1.4 trio at about US$1500 each.
Nikon’s minimalist Z lenses go well with the retro body – ZF with 17-28mm f/2.8
How about manual focus?
The manual Voigtländer lenses were mentioned above, but of course you can adapt about every manual lens to the Nikon Zf using various adapters. The cool thing about manual focus on the Zf is that it works with all the modern AF tech. You will get face and eye detection for your manual lenses. Simply zoom in by a single button push, focus, and take the image. Accurate focus full manual, easy and fast.
No film simulations
Over at Fujifilm-land many users rave about the film simulations available. Nikon doesn’t offer film simulations – likely for copyright reasons – but calls it ‘creative picture controls’ with names such as ‘Dream, Morning, Pop, Sunday, Somber, Dramatic, Silence, Bleached, Melancholic, Pure, Denim, Toy, Sepia, Blue, Red, Pink, Charcoal, Graphite, Binary, Carbon’. Personally I prefer the standard setting and apply style during post processing, but for those who wish there are plenty of choices. Those are ‘burned in’ if you use JPEG format for your images. However, using NEF these profiles might not show in anything Adobe (or other software) and you would have to use Nikon NX Studio to have them display correctly with your NEF files. You can modify such styles or even create your own in Nikon’s Picture Control Utility.
Color options
Six colours – available exclusively at Nikon stores only.
Last but not least the Nikon Zf comes in six different colours in addition to the standard black. Usually, those have to be ordered through Nikon and it might take a while until you get yours. If I ever get a Zf for myself, then I sure would want one of those gorgeous colours. There are more subtle brown or grey options available, real classy looking, but I would likely go for the blue or even the crimson red one. It’s eye-catching, definitely a beauty!
While it largely is a Zfc in design there are a few differences. One difference is the larger viewfinder piece. While it doesn’t seem to be much higher seen from the front the shape where the logo is seems blockier, with steeper sides. It is definitely quite a bit wider when looked at from the rear. Consequently the viewfinder toggle button was moved into the viewfinder piece. This might indicate a larger viewfinder panel than the Zf.
The second difference is the shape of the sides. While the Zfc is flush from top to bottom and angles slightly inward like a soap bar, the Zf angles outwards below the top cover and is more square in shape on the grip side. It’s not visible if the body is wider by a few mm or not, but that’s well possible, too. The reason for these slight changes in size could be to accommodate the IBIS system, card slots, and perhaps the larger battery known from the z5/6/7 series.
How much will it cost?
Pricing, if indeed coming in at the rumoured US$1999, is a hint, too. A hint that the z6 III will be higher in price – perhaps closer to $2500 launch price of the Canon R6 and Sony A7 series. But as the Zfc sits above its z50 counterpart in terms of price this indicates the Zf rather sitting above the z5 series than being z6 III type of camera. In this sense I expect the z6 III to bring some substantial differences to the table when compared to the Zf – definitely more than just a grip and different cards.
Will it sell?
Of course there will be – and already are – people complaining about it, a swivel screen, playback button position on the left, viewfinder bump too clunky/not big enough, no AF joystick, or whatever. Nothing new there. Ah, and one thing for sure: Thom ‘Buzz Buzz’ Hogan will complain, too. All of these complaints won’t have any impact on how successful this Zf will be, however. This small but vocal group of people does by no means represent the broad spectrum of people who buy cameras.
My guess…
I add one guess here: this camera will launch very soon, and I doubt the gap between this camera and the next (perhaps z6/7 III) will be as large as between z9 and z8. January-May latest for that next big launch. As said, just a guess, and yours is as good as mine…
The new Z 70-180mm 2.8 – a rather compact setup considering it’s an f2.8 lens!
Add one more to the Z line: the Nikon Z 70-180mm f2.8.
This lens completes the compact and affordable f2.8 zoom series based on Tamron lenses. Of course they are a little more expensive than their counterparts but they offer certain advantages. Being Nikon means firmware compatibility is taken care of, this alone is worth the extra money in my opinion. In the case of the Z 70-180 f2.8 there are Nikon AF stepper motors being used instead of Tamron’s and unlike the Sony E-mount version of this lens the Nikon can be used with tele converters.
A compact option
The most interesting part about this lens is its size, however. It’s hardly bigger than the AF-P 70-300mm f4. 5-5.6 VR E – just 5mm longer than that lens – and that’s without the Ftz converter for the older zoom! Weight wise it’s about 100g heavier, but overall it’s broadly the same size/weight than the AF-P 70-300mm – a much more compact solution than the top of the line Z 70-200mm f2.8 VR.
19 elements in 14 groups (5 ED elements (yellow), 1 Super ED element (red), 3 aspherical elements (blue).
No VR inbuild
One of the downsides of this lens is not having VR in the lens. As all Nikon Fx bodies do have IBIS this is certainly not as much of an issue for the lens itself. Compared to the AF-P 70-300mm it is more than a stop faster in its native 70-180mm range, and this alone more than negates the lack of in-build VR in my opinion.
Range and teleconverters
The 70-180mm range – and the fact that the lens extends when zooming – is understandable when aiming for a compact solution. That said I do like a bit more range than 180mm. However, this lens can be used with tele converters, turning it into a 100-250mm f4 or a 140-360mm f5.6 depending on which converter is used. I would definitely add a converter to this lens to extend its range when needed.
The picture changes however when adding converters. With the same f-stop at 300mm when using the 2x converter the advantage goes to the AF-P 70-300mm with its inbuilt VR system. On the other hand the 70-180mm f2.8 now reaches out an additional 60mm when used with the 2x converter, all the way to 360mm f5.6.
Nikon’s MTF charts show good performance in terms of sharpness.
Overall I don’t consider the lack of VR a deal breaker; it’s only really at some disadvantage when used with converters here. However, many subjects photographed at around 300mm need certain shutter speeds to begin with to freeze motion plus I usually carry a small tripod for long exposures, so overall it should be manageable.
On a bright day I would likely mount the 1.4x tele converter by default when carrying this lens. On dark and gloomy days or once the light goes down I would unmount the converter and carry the lens without it by default. This enables me taking advantage of the extended reach when there’s enough light and profit from the fast f2.8 as soon as there’s less light.
Close-up capability
Another important aspect is the lens’ close-up capability. It is 27cm with a magnification of 0.48x (about 1:2). At 180mm it is 85cm at about 1:4. This is quite useful for close-ups of smallish subjects, be it lizards, snakes, butterflies or other larger insects.
With the 2x tele converter close-up capability gets a boost to almost 1:1 at 140mm, and about 1:2 at 360mm. It will be interesting to try this in the field, but the 70-180mm f2.8 seems to have the potential for some decent close-up work, further adding to the versatility of this lens – in particular when used with converters.
Use case
If you need more than 200mm reach there’s the option to pair this lens with converters. 70-180mm f2.8, 180-360mm f5.6, with 1:1 or 1:2 close-up, on a body with IBIS. A very versatile, yet still fairly compact option. However, not that cheap, at a total of US$1850 with the 2x converter. That’s a lot more money that the AF-P 70-300mm f4.5-5.6 VR E on the Ftz adapter.
Another question is how well this new zoom will pair with the 2x converter. I would think it will do well enough for most, but there will be a hit in terms of sharpness. It should do better with the 1.4x converter and that’s what I would choose for this lens. Field tests will sure explore the quality of these combinations in the near future and show its usefulness for those who want to go beyond its range of 70-180mm.
If you need a comparatively compact zoom out to about 200mm at a reasonable price this lens is a great choice. The large aperture of 2.8 makes up for the lack of VR when compared to slower lenses of similar size. Added bonus is a quite decent close-up capability. The Z 70-180mm f2.8 doesn’t get the bragging rights of it’s bigger sibling, the Z 70-200mm f2.8 VR S, but due to its more compact size one might carry it more often – and a lens with you will take the better images than a lens at home.
I’m sure this lens will do well as it is a very interesting and versatile option for a tele zoom at the medium price tier.
Personally, I keep this lens as an option in mind, with a converter. However, for now I will continue using the AF-P 70-300mm VR E, it still does the job for me. Who knows what will pop up in the future? I think that at one point Nikon will introduce some more budget friendly (under US$1000) lenses, and both, a tele zoom and a wide angle zoom might be among them. Z line successors to the 18-35mm and 70-300mm, sort of. As I do use the 300mm end of my 70-300mm quite often such a lens would be more suitable for me – plus quite a bit cheaper! Let’s wait and see.
The new Z 70-180mmmm is weather resistant to Nikon standards.
Finally it’s here – the Nikon Z 180-600 f/5.6-6.3 VR
Two new lenses launched by Nikon. The bigger one comes first, of course. It’s the long awaited 180-600mm zoom, continuing in the line of the F-mount 200-500mm lens, but with quite a few improvements.
Unlike the older lens this one is internal focusing. This means it won’t extend when zooming, resulting in better balance. It adds to the weather sealing of this new lens as well, which its older F-mount counterpart lacked. Additionally the new lens zooms in one short turn on the zoom ring from 180mm to 600mm – unlike the older lens, where it wasn’t really possible to zoom over the entire range in one throw. And it gets even better: despite these significant improvements Nikon managed to keep the price at US$1700 – this compares well to the US$1400 launch price of the F-mount lens from 2015.
25 lenses in 17 groups according to Nikon – with internal zoom.
It’s not an S lens however, and this shows in lacking certain buttons. To switch VR on or off you will have to go into the i-menu for example and it’s not a constant aperture. However, most will keep VR engaged most of the time anyway and I would say the the loss of 1/3 of a step in the aperture is a good trade off for an additional 120mm more reach – whilst keeping size, weight and price down at the same time.
At 2kg it’s no light weight but reasonable for a 180-600mm super telephoto lens. It’s not small, but the size is OK for a non-extending zoom, with 31.6cm in length. The older 200-500mm was similar in weight and about 4cm shorter, but it would extend when zooming and at less reach, of course.
Magnification is 1:4 at 600mm, at a distance of 2 meters. It’s not a real Macro lens, but allows for some good close-ups. That should do nicely for larger objects, like good sized butterflies, dragonflies, lizards or snakes for example.
Nikon’s MTF charts show sharpness across the frame.
The possibility of using tele converters with this zoom adds even more to its versatility. With the Z x1.4 converter you will get a 840mm f/9.0 lens. The sensors used by Nikon’s current cameras perform so well at higher ISO that this shouldn’t be too much of an issue, unless it’s already/still really, really dark. The 2x converter, turning it into a 1200mm f13 will be more problematic here.
There are some excellent examples at Tony Whitehead’s site, click on the images for higher resolution, with all the detail:
Add in over 5 stops for the VR – if critters don’t move – and a competent AF drive – if they scurry or fly – and this new lens is one versatile far reaching telephoto zoom at a very reasonable price. If one doesn’t want to spend the US$3k or more on a super telephoto lens then the new Z 180-600mm f5.6-6.3 VR sure is a great option. Go and get it if it fits your needs!
Nope, it’s not for me, too large for my compact setup. Nevertheless a great addition to the Z system!
The new Z 180-600mm is weather resistant with plenty of seals used in its construction .
After many rumors and much speculation Nikon finally released the z8. Some thought it would be a high megapixel body, the way the D8xx series was to the pro DSR’s. Others thought it would be a lower megapixel, fast action camera along the lines of Sony’s a9 series. And then there were those who argued it would be a ‘baby z9’, more or less the same as Nikon’s flagship but without the large battery and the integrated grip. I was with the high megapixels camp, and I was wrong as it turned out to be the ‘baby z9’.
Well, maybe I should point out that there was a fourth group, those who said there wouldn’t be a z8 body. Among them was ‘industry sage’ Thom Hogan. He claimed as late as 4 week before the launch to know what’s happening in Tokyo:
“The real background noise in Tokyo right now concerns two other imminent camera bodies, lenses (both announcements and road map), software, and perhaps a new flash, but not the Z8. “
And: “Of all these things, the only details I’ve learned seems to suggest that a Z6 III might be one of those two bodies, and that the SnapBridge/Nikon Image Space type software might be getting some attention.”
Now, with the z8 launched he comes up with more claims, namely that he knew there were three testbeds out there:
“I want to once again write a bit about the three mule/prototypes that circulated during the last 18 months:
61mp existing Sony sensor. New Nikon sensor. It might have been 67mp (certainly 60mp+). 45mp existing Nikon sensor.”
I would say this is a bit of a contradiction, from going ‘no z8’ to three testbeds, one with ‘existing 45mp sensor’, but of course he remains vague, not mentioning the z8 moniker in connection with the testbeds. He always does this, so he can deny later on – the ‘I never said that’ approach.
For once he admits he was wrong:
“Back on March 15th I posted that I believed that a Z8 was not Nikon’s next camera announcement. I obviously have been proven wrong.”
That’s all right, but then he goes on finding excuses:
“I’m not sure that most of Nikon outside of Tokyo knew exactly what was going to be launched until fairly recently, let alone those who were given gear to try or test and from which a lot of the rumors originally generated.”
Maybe he should talk to Ricci, who has been testing the z8 for two months, or a good month earlier than his ‘no z8’ claim coming direct from Tokyo.
Of course he got something right, too:
“The part I got right in that earlier article was basically the sequence of announcements that were to come.”
The problem here is that this is very…vague. Again. You always gonna be right that way. “Nikon is going to launch a second body later this year, and it’s going to be a sequence of announcement.” Bingo, I said it – and I’m pretty sure I will be right because there still are several lenses on the road map and Nikon usually launches more than one body per year. The difference is that I don’t pretend to know what’s going on in Tokyo, let alone inside Nikon.
Now let’s look at the z8, which magically appeared out of nowhere in the eyes of the industry sage “Buzz Buzz” Hogan – while Nikon Rumors reported about it since last autumn, and was quite firm about it being a smaller, 45mp version of the z9 on the 8th of March, a good two months before the launch.
Rear controls of the Nikon z8.
z8 – the little z9
And that’s exactly what it is. A smaller version of the z9, without the big battery. There are several other changes, like the top-left drive mode dial, the secondary card slot being of the SD type, or the missing fn3 button in the front. However, apart from minor changes, it is very much a grown up z9. Same video, same EVF, same burst rates, same sensor. The only real big difference seems to be battery life, of course.
How about that lil’ battery?
Officially the z9 is rated for 700 images per charge when using the EVF. The z8 is rated at 330 images, or roughly half. But since we all know that one usually gets quite a bit more images than those CIPA ratings, the question arises what does this mean in real use?
My z7 has a rating of 330 images per charge, similar to the z8. If I go on a photo walk downtown, with a full battery, I usually get a out 800-900 images before the indicator drops to red. Then I swap the battery. This involves the camera being out of the bag and switched on at all times. LCD off, shooting single images at times, but short bursts quite often. If the cam is not being used at times it goes into sleep mode. Under those conditions it takes about 4hrs until I get the red low battery warning sign. A second battery somewhere in a pouch or pocket is always enough for such an afternoon walk. Now that would take me out to 8hrs, and if that isn’t enough I would need to tuck another battery into my bag. Easy, those batteries are neither big nor heavy.
For some people is seems a big problem having to change batteries. A non-issue again in my opinion. If you can’t find the few seconds it takes to swap a battery then you probably don’t know your game well enough. If you shoot endless video you can use an external power supply. Again, this should not be an issue for anyone who knows what they are doing.
…and the overheating?
Some overheating has been reported. Need extreme long recording times in highest quality video modes? Then use an external battery source and choose the right memory cards. Nikon Ricci shows that certain cards have the camera overheat, certain don’t. Of course there’s always the bigger sibling, the z9, if you do that kind of work a lot. For most it won’t be an issue ever in real use.
The z8 features on CFexpress B and one SD card slot.
What does it do?
Bottom line is the z8 delivers much of what the z9 does in a smaller format at US$1500 less and is currently the best performing mirrorless hybrid body out there at this price level. It’s quite a bit larger than the z6/7 series, but its ergonomics are very good, you get the same excellent AF system as the z9, and the same viewfinder. Despite it’s lower specs compared to some other cameras out there it is fantastic. Bright and natural, great for the composition of images in a fast changing environment. The z8 is a joy to hold, the viewfinder a joy to use, a great image taking tool.
Is it for me, is it for you?
I prefer the smaller size of the z6/7 series so I will wait for a while and see what will happen there. Depending on what an update will bring to the z6/7 series – perhaps in early/mid 2024? – I will decide which way to go. Z8, a bit too large but otherwise perfect, or z6/7III, whatever those might be. No need to rush, I’m not a professional, plus I get the results I want with my z7 first gen, and it hasn’t stopped working just because the z8 was launched.
If you’re coming for a d800/810/850 then the z8 should tick all your boxes if you want to go mirrorless. It does everything that the dSLR did and more. Of course you might stick with your dSLR, if it still does what you want it to do. Nothing wrong there – even if it ‘does more’ that doesn’t mean you ‘need more’. Perhaps you’re perfectly fine with what you have. However, if you waited for the mirrorless, which ticks all the d800/810/850 boxes, then there it is: the z8.
Of course the z8 won’t be Nikon’s last mirrorless body, and of course their teams are already working on the next projects by now. In fact, some of those projects will be in an advanced state as development and testing is a time consuming process. New options could include an advanced Dx body or a retro Fx body. Furthermore, several bodies are in need of an update. In this sense Nikon z70/90 and z6/7 III are all possible, and some of those – or even all – are certainly already in the works. The question is just what the sequence of the releases will be, and with what kind of technology.
I wouldn’t be surprised if the addition of a new body line would be Nikon’s next step, to be released later this year. An upmarket Dx would be more of a priority than a retro Fx body I think, and it would go great with the 180-600mm telephoto lens on the roadmap. The next step would be the update of the z6/7 series, perhaps early/first part next year. However, it’s a just guessing – as everybody does. There’s no-one who has anything concrete, except Nikon themselves. And they won’t tell…
The rear LCD screen can be flipped out horizontally and vertically as in the z9.
Ooops, Nikon did it again! Dx 12-28mm f3.5-5.6 PZ VR
My Nikon z30 was mainly intended as a 1-lens 1-body setup, a very compact and cost effective yet high IQ solution at home in my office bag at all times.
After seeing Sony’s Powerzoom 10-20mm f4.0 at a whooping US$ 750 I was quite sure that I wouldn’t buy anything similar from Nikon, even it would be 100 or 200 bucks cheaper. After all I would need another, longer lens to pair it with, and the extreme compactness would get lost as well (my z7 with 14-30 and 70-300E is quite compact, too).
Then there comes Nikon and announces the Dx 12-28mm f3.5-5.6 PZ VR – at US$ 360. Ooops.
z30 with 12-28mm and 50mm MC/85mm 1.8 or 12-28mm and 50-250mm
Two very intriguing 2-lens setups for my z30, and at not much extra cost. Hmmmm. Do I really need it? Nope, my z7 with two zooms (or two primes) is quite compact, as already mentioned. But at that price, why not…? ☺️
At just 205g the Dx 12-28mm 3.5-5.6 PZ VR is a light weight.
So yes, it’s likely to end up in my bag at one point. Very likely. Used in combination with the 50mm 2.8 MC or the 85mm f1.8 – the 50-250mm is the less likely combination as long telephoto lenses are awkward to use on cameras without viewfinder. My experience with the Nikon j5 showed that finding your subject, framing it and keeping it framed is a cumbersome task with such long lenses.
What do we get?
A fairly small, minimalist, all-plastic zoom lens, at a very reasonable price of just US$ 360 at launch. Comes with VR and features a Power Zoom (for steady zooming speeds when taking vids) and a very useful range from Dx 12-28mm (18-42mm in FF parlance). IQ will be no issue I think – I’m guessing here, but there aren’t any lemons among the Z lenses so far and MTF charts look somewhat better than the surprisingly good 16-50mm Dx kit lens. It’s weather sealed as well, and internal focus and zoom – the lens does not extend when focusing or zooming.
Zoom and focus does not extend the lens – an advantage when using the lens on a gimbal.
So what’s there not to like?
It’s ‘only’ f3.5-5.6. Well, that was quite the norm for a zoom during film days, when I shot 100iso Fuji Provia. So nope, that’s not a concern for me. The opposite, it keeps the lens fairly compact and affordable, and those two factors are more important to me in this case.
It doesn’t have a metal mount, it’s all plastic. A lens is a tool. I’m interested in the results, it’s capability of getting me the images I want. Plastic is no issue here, it does the job. I don’t wanna win a camera beauty contest, I don’t have a ‘pride of ownership’ (from the internet), it’s all about functionality, and a metal mount doesn’t improve anything here. In particular not with such a lightweight lens. 205g of IQ is what counts here, not metal bits and pieces.
MTF charts look very good for a lens in this class.
There’s no hood included. I don’t carry hoods, they take up too much space. Hands do the job at times when I need one. If you need a hood get the Nikon HB-112 for 40 bucks or wait until someone like JJC makes one for 10 bucks.
Power Zoom is terrible for still photography. Can’t comment on this really as I haven’t handled the lens yet. However, I’ve got the feeling I will do fine, as I don’t remember being annoyed by the 10-30mm power zoom of my Nikon j5. Yes, one will have to adapt to the PZ feature, but after a while you should get the feel when to let go of the zoom button to get the angle of view you want. This is likely more of a personal issue (or non-issue) depending on yourself. Can you adapt to new things easily or do you tend to be with the ‘yesteryears’ crowd? If the latter then PZ is perhaps a deal breaker for you.
How does it fit into the Nikon Z system?
It turns the z30 into an even better vlogging camera. With a very useful range of 18-42mm (in FF), VR in the lens and no crop at 4k/30p it is a very attractive vlogging option at just about US$1000. The comparable Sony ZV-E10 with the 10-20mm f4 (18.5-37mm in FF when using 4k/30p) comes in at US$1450, without VR.
For Nikon Dx users (z30/z50/Zfc) focusing on stills it is ideal for a compact 2/3 lens setup. Combine it with the Z 50-250mm Dx telephoto zoom and throw in later on the upcoming Dx 34mm prime and you’ve got a very capable setup, yet fairly compact and affordable. Other interesting options are combinations with a longer prime. Currently the z 50mm 1.8, z85mm 1.8, z 50mm 2.8 MC or even the z 40mm 2.0 are all possible candidates depending on your preferences and budget.
My 1.7 Baht (5 cents in Thai currency)
Lightweight, quite compact, useful zoom range, VR and PZ – lots of good stuff in a very reasonably priced package. No deal breakers really so far – and I don’t expect this to change. Yes, I’m looking forward to this new Dx wide angle zoom. Very much so, in fact. And that’s coming from a convinced Fx user.
Weather sealing is included, the plastic mount should make the rear gasket superfluous.
The z8 (my mock-up) is supposedly as large as the d850.
Rumors, rumors, rumors…
Currently there are a lot of rumors going around about the upcoming new upper tier Nikon body, usually called z8. Who knows, it could be a z7III as well. Or both, or none and something else.
It’s all rumors.
The main source is Nikonrumors.com if course, and Peter, who runs that site, mentioned just now, March 14, in the comments of his daily article “Maybe all rumors so far are wrong and will get a high MP cmara as initially expected (sic).” This shows that he doesn’t trust his ‘sources’ and everything is possible. He has nothing, really. There were other instances where he used the terms ‘confirmed’ or ‘quite sure’ but not this time. Not since the ‘Nokishita’ source has disappeared, in fact.
All we know is that there are Nikon meetings around the end of March. Nobody really knows what those meetings are about so far, albeit it is said that they usually involve a major product launch. However, as above, nobody really knows what it will be. Everyone seems to be just guessing right now.
Thom ‘annoying Buzz Buzz’ Hogan, revered by many and seen as an ‘industry wizard’ by his fans, has nothing either. On January 9, 2022, after the launch of the z9 he had 90% odds for a z6 III to be launched that year, 85% for a z7 III, z30 at 50%, Zf at 50% and z90 at 20%. The z8 didn’t even get a % in that list. The only things that happened was the z30, but none of his 85-90% odds materialized.
In the meantime he categorized the e-mails he receives into made up/hopeful thinking/educated guesses/informed sources. Note that this is all he mentions as ‘sources’ – e-mails he receives from whoever. He claims that the ‘informed sources’ have told him about more than a dozen different bodies in various stages, from paper sketches to prototypes.
This makes me really wonder if those ‘informed sources’ actually do have any real information, or if they should not rather be included into the other categories. Or perhaps they don’t even exist. In my opinion it’s rather questionable if ‘Buzz Buzz’ actually has such sources. All he ‘shares’ is that some Nikon ‘executive’ has told him he’s going to be very, very busy soon.”
Well, that’s not very surprising. After all everyone can figure out that z6/7 need the III update, plus there’s space for a z70/z90/z8/z3/Zf, plus then a z50/z5 II at one point. Add in the six yet to be announced/released lenses on the roadmap and guess what – it’s gonna get busy…
August 11, 2022 he mentioned that the z8 won’t be happening anytime soon. However, he talked about that body by then, but his prediction was the z6 III being the next launch. On March 5, 2023 he brings up his same predictions as above, but without percentages and minus the Zf but with a z70 added. He adds as well that he can’t predict the future Z lineup because of ‘lots of secrecy and a widely divergent set of input’. Bottom line: he’s got nothing.
Oh, he does claim to have one bit of information, one ‘leak’, but he’s not going to tell us. “I know, but I’m not going to tell.” Kids do that, if they don’t know. And as already said, that’s the bottom line for ‘Buzz Buzz’, too.
So at the end of the day nobody knows anything. It’s all made up, in the best case going by educated guesses, in the worst case by wishful thinking. So sit back, wait and relax. Because one thing is for sure, they will launch new products this year.
The rumor kitchen is hot these days. Indeed Nikon released just one body in 2022 – or two if you count the z9 in as it got into the hands of the first customers only very late in ’21. Therefore it’s about time for some updates to existing bodies – or even a new launch or two to augment the Z lineup.
Nikon’s problem is that there’s a lot of updates to be done, and quite a few new launches are possible as well. Let’s take a look:
Updates: z6 III z7 III z50 II
Launch: z8 z70/z90 Zf z3
Looking a priorities I would put the z6/7 III updates plus the z70/z8 launches as top priorities. Not necessarily in that order, but those four bodies. That alone would be quite a feat for one year.
How about the z8 rumors?
There has been a rumor that the z8 should have been launched late 2022 but got delayed for whatever reasons – perhaps the supply chain issues. That’s well possible, but nobody knows really except those involved in the projects.
On top of that the only reliable source – called Nokishita and usually posted first on Nikon rumors – seems to be gone. More recent launches, such as the 85mm f1.2, came with very few rumors prior to official statements. Accidentally shipped warranty cards as posted on Nikonrumors were the first concrete indicators, by mid December 2022. First leaked pictures were on January 3, just one day ahead of Nikon’s official development announcement on January 4, 2023.
For the Nikon z30, Nikonrumors first announced “Nikon is rumored to announce a new Nikon Z30 APS-C mirrorless camera soon” on June 6, 2022. Then there were a few more articles but no additional concrete information really until the leak (June 27) of the official announcement (June 29). So first rumors were roughly one month before the official launch.
Bottom line is that Nikon currently controls the rumors very well, about one month in advance is all there is in terms of substantial leaks, if that much. Everything else is nothing but internet fog, made up by people like you and I. Some ‘experts’ even go the “I know but I don’t tell you” route now these days. Kids do that if they don’t know more than other kids do – and in my opinion that’s about as much as such an approach/expertise is worth. Zippo, zilch, nada. Apart from Nikonrumors I haven’t seen anything convincing on the net recently, and even there it’s down to one month in advance at the most.
So anything can happen really, and nobody knows really right now.
What will Nikon launch next?
The reasons for my priority launch list above are:
z8 – Nikon thought something when leaving that moniker empty when they came up with the numbering system for the Z bodies. There will be something going in there at one point. The 8-series has been their high-res one since they moved it from above the flagships (D3x) to below (D800). Add the launch of the Z 85mm f1.2 S and the Z 35mm f1.2 S on the roadmap and a high-res body makes sense in this slot for this year. It could come with an entirely new sensor design and made by Sony (more expensive) or use the existing 61mp Sony sensor, with Nikon’s in-house modifications (likely cheaper). They would have had certainly enough time to modify that sensor. Overall this seems quite a plausible approach for a z8, and such a high-res body would not cannibalize/collide with the z9.
z6/z7 III – Those are definitely up for their next sequel as I think Nikon launched the II’s more to rectify some of the initial complaints than as a real sequel. Hard to say what they will be, but I guess mainly a more matured product. Tweaked sensors for faster readout resulting in more speed, better viewfinder experience and improved AF with z9 goodies. I don’t think Nikon will go stacked sensor here – except if they can pull it off to put the z9 sensor in the z7. Cost saving by eliminating the shutter – and expensive precision part – plus ordering the sensor in much larger quantities just might make it possible to keep the z7 III around US$3300-3500. In my opinion this would not cannibalize z9 sales as those who use large telephoto lenses and shoot thousands of images in a very short time period would not go for the much smaller, grip-less design of the z6/7 with much shorter battery life. Internet claims that the sales of the d3 ‘tanked’ because of the launch of the d700 have no data to back up their claim. If you head over to www.photosynthesis.co.nz you will see that the d3 was one of their most successful full-sized pro bodies ever. The Data there certainly is not complete but it is the only data we have. I much prefer it over made up voices from the internet.
z70/z90 – A fast Dx camera with IBIS sure would be popular among the budget birders, in combination with the upcoming Z 200-600mm zoom. While the d500 didn’t sell that well in comparison to its Fx peers, the bird/wildlife niche is one that likely didn’t shrink in the past few years. In this sense it might be more important in the lineup these days. The question here is will Nikon go in full monty or economy? A cheaper z70, along Canon’s R7 lines and around US$1500-1700 would certainly result in more sales. Combined with the Z 200-600mm a good birding machine for about or under US$3500 in total, yes, that would appeal too many.
Of course there are those who want an even better Dx body, a mirrorless version of the d500, perhaps called z90. The big question here is the sensor. A stacked sensor will cost more, add to that a higher quality body and I think you’re looking at rather US$2500 or even more l. Throw in US$2000 for the Z 200-600mm and you’re looking at US$4500 – that’s quite a bit more than the US$3400 of the d500/AF-S 200-500 combo. Of course one never knows, perhaps they can pull it off by omitting the shutter, z90 with stacked sensor at US$ 2000-2200? Who knows, maybe we’re in for a surprise, and at one point they will likely need a stacked sensor anyway. Still, I tend to lean towards the cheaper option here, I think a z70 would make more sense.
Zf/z3 – Those are rather ‘nice to have options’ right now. I think for now Nikon’s focus should be on those 4 bodies mentioned above. Of the two I see the z3 making more sense – there are likely more video creators who like an affordable but more capable ‘creator’ camera than enthusiasts and hipsters who like a more capable and rather expensive ‘retro’ Fx body.
Each of the z50/Zfc/z30 triplet serves the same purpose – providing different users an entry into the Z system. This is not the case with a Zf or z3, as those would be already advanced products. The Df sold in small numbers only – looking at the serial numbers it was Nikon’s worst selling body during its time period. It was a pet project and had its fans, but it is questionable if such a project is still viable these days, with a much smaller market putting pressure on the companies.
It’s not just ‘taking parts from the bin’ as sometimes claimed on the internet – these parts have to be made work with each other, firmware has to be adjusted/reprogrammed, a production line set up. These development costs are significant, even if some parts are reused, and must result in a return.
Only Nikon knows…
Based on their experience and data Nikon knows best if and in what form such cameras would be viable. Internet forums and comment sections dominated by a few hundred enthusiasts are not representative, they don’t reflect the market. If such cameras come – and they might well do at one point – I think they would be rather on the lower end in terms of price, unlike the Df.
In any case Nikon will announce new bodies, the absurd ‘Nikon doesn’t want to launch new bodies to be able to milk the success of the z9 for longer’ is just that – absurd.
It’s just a question of what will be first and when. If you have a camera enabling you to create images right now you can likely wait. If you think you can’t, go ahead, buy something available right now – just be aware that having the ‘best’ camera is like chasing rainbows. There always will be another ‘best’ camera around the corner.
Another good strategy could be picking up a good second hand z6 or z7 if it has to be now. Those are available at good prices right now and will give you something to work with and start your Z glass collection. After all even if the perfect body for you will launch this year it might take quite some time until you get one in your hands. The more so if you plan to wait for a good deal.
That’s why I got a z7 some three years ago – to get into the Z system, knowing that it will take a few years until I get to hold my ‘perfect’ Z body. And yes, it’s still going strong, and it’s a very capable camera, despite what some folks claim on the internet.
