Nikon FTZ for D lenses: I'm pretty sure that Nikon doesn't have plans for an adapter that would allow autofocus with D lenses on the Z line of cameras. Of course it would need to have...

jeweler53

I'm pretty sure that Nikon doesn't have plans for an adapter that would allow autofocus with D lenses on the Z line of cameras. Of course it would need to have a motor in it. Do you folks think a third party might do it? There must be an awful lot of really good D glass out there!

JD750 Loc: SoCal

jeweler53 wrote:

I'm pretty sure that Nikon doesn't have plans for an adapter that would allow autofocus with D lenses on the Z line of cameras. Of course it would need to have a motor in it. Do you folks think a third party might do it? There must be an awful lot of really good D glass out there!

Lots of people want an FTZ that will autofocus with D lenses.

BebuLamar

Lots of people want but there won't be one.

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

So much for Nikon's much vaulted F-mount and upward compatibility.

whfowle Loc: Tampa first, now Albuquerque

All F-mount lens will mount going back to 1959. However, focus and aperture control remains manual on anything before AF-S.

ClarkJohnson Loc: Fort Myers, FL and Cohasset, MA

[quote=jeweler53]I'm pretty sure that Nikon doesn't have plans for an adapter that would allow autofocus with D lenses on the Z line of cameras. Of course it would need to have a motor in it. Do you folks think a third party might do it? There must be an awful lot of really good D glass out there![/quote

As a person who has come to the hobby in the past 10 years and only used AF-S and similar lenses, I’m wondering if “D” lenses can stand the test of time, and perform satisfactorily on Z bodies? Optical design has evolved in the interim. An FTZ for D lenses might save some money for D lens owners, but will there be a sacrifice in IQ? I’m not challenging anyone or trying to start a flame war, just asking for clarification.

whfowle Loc: Tampa first, now Albuquerque

There have been continuing advances in technology over the years and overall, lens IQ has improved a lot. However, there are some pretty good lenses from the 60's onward. I use my pre Ai, Ai, and Ai-s lenses often. My style of photography rarely needs auto anything except when I'm shooting race cars. I find the results from these old lenses to be somewhat better when mounted on a digital camera than on a film camera but it varies from lens to lens. I figure I already own the lenses so why not use them. Then, I've picked up some real bargains in the last 10 years since these old lenses are not popular. I don't care whether Nikon ever makes a motor drive FTZ adapter. I wouldn't buy it. The only people who would benefit are those who own D glass.

ELNikkor

Z lenses for Z cameras

Thomas902 Loc: Washington DC

"...Z lenses for Z cameras" much wisdom and savvy latent within...

Albeit there is another option for Canon shooters...
The new Fringer Canon EF to Nikon Z Adapter

https://www.kenrockwell.com/tech/fringer/ef-nz.htm#compat
It has a removable Arca-Swiss foot... how cool is that!

Many of Canon's finest lenses are often equal and/or superior to Nikon's best...
Both make stellar "Pro-Level" optics so it's nice to be able to enjoy cross platform mobility...

jeweler53 please realize that there are actually epic "D" variant Nikkors that work very well with the Nikon FTZ adaptor... One that I'm currently negotiating to purchase...
The stellar Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 300mm f/4D IF-ED Lens
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/207356-USA/Nikon_1909_Telephoto_AF_S_Nikkor_300mm.html
This lens works well on Nikon Z bodies... So it's not the "D" variant that is limiting only want of an in lens focusing motor...

However you might keep in mind that there are a number of third party "adapters" which allow AI and AI-S glass to be used on Nikon Z bodies sans AF... Many options... As my dad always said... "You pay you money and take your choice."

All the best on your journey jeweler53

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

I don't like adapters. If I ever go the Z-Route, I'd sell what I have and go Z all the way.

bengbeng Loc: Houston, Texas

My D780 is my ‘FTZ’ for Screw mount lenses. Same live view and eye AF as a z6 … :)

JD750 Loc: SoCal

Thomas902 wrote:

"...Z lenses for Z cameras" much wisdom and savvy latent within...

Not so much.

Nikon advertised “use all your old lenses to full performance.” Well loss of auto focus is not full performance.

Very shortsighted on Nikons part to not include the focus motor. Marketing thinks they will sell more Z lenses but they are taking a chance on losing existing customers.

Because if a customer has to buy new lenses then that user is wise to look at all the options, Canon and Sony included.

You mention aftermarket converters but why would Nikon want to give up that potential profit.

It seems as though people who think it makes sense don’t own any existing D lenses. Methinks too many of them are in Nikons marketing department.

Bill_de Loc: US

jeweler53 wrote:

I'm pretty sure that Nikon doesn't have plans for an adapter that would allow autofocus with D lenses on the Z line of cameras. Of course it would need to have a motor in it. Do you folks think a third party might do it? There must be an awful lot of really good D glass out there!

There was some chatter a while back about a third party working on it. As time goes by there will probably be fewer and fewer people who would be interested in such an adapter.

I have my original 3 Nikkor lenses, 24mm, 50mm, and 105 micro. Rather than buy an adapter I would just make sure to keep a camera that was designed to use them. There will be plenty around for a long while.

--

therwol Loc: USA

ClarkJohnson wrote:

I’m wondering if “D” lenses can stand the test of time

While the overall IQ of lenses may have gone up over time, some individual lenses from the past do hold up well, or the difference isn't enough to justify replacing them. I have some very sharp D primes including 2 of their Micro (macro) lenses. I have a little 28-105 f/3.4-4.5 D zoom that is noticeably sharper than the 24-120 f/4 VR that I bought for my D810. I'm not interested in replacing my lenses at considerable cost. I'll keep the camera too. If I were starting from scratch, I'd buy Z everything, but I'm not.

MT Shooter Loc: Montana

It still amazes me to this day that people still have no clue as to what a "D" means on a Nikon lens! LOL
The D is not an autofocus designation of ANY kind!