grandpaw

Considering purchasing the Nikon Z6ii to add to my D500 and D810 and was wondering how well the F mount glass works on this camera. I would appreciate any comments, either pro or con, on this possible purchase. I have watched several videos but would like some input from as many sources as possible. Thanks, grandpaw

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

The adapter is Nikon's own equipment. It sets the F-mount lens to the proper distance from the sensor to allow for infinity focus. The focus should be as accurate as ever, if not better. The mirrorless sensor may have a higher resolution vs your current bodies, possibly making the lenses seem even better through more resolution of the details. Or possibly, that new sensor could expose legacy flaws in the lens similar to how the original mega megapixel D800 showed the flaws in older F-mount lenses.

But what you should be most concerned about is upward compatibility since not all F-mount lenses are the same. The FTZ adapter (literally F to Z) works properly (autofocuses) only with Nikon's newest lenses, which are those with built-in AF motors (AF-I, AF-S and AF-P). With all other lenses: autofocus does not work. AF and AF‑D lenses become manual focus only.

So, you need to review your F-mount inventory and assess the potential loss of autofocus on a Z-body. You may have no risk or some risk or maybe substantial pending issues.

grandpaw

Good thought, I am pretty sure all mine meet that requirement but will check to make sure. I don't know anyone that has gone mirrorless so I thought I would get some input from our members. Thanks for your response. Getting a full knee replacement Monday so I will have plenty of time to research and check out videos.

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

Good luck and quick recovery. The compatibility issue is reworded from Rockwell's review of the FTZ adapter. His newest reviews of the cameras show the newest Z-mount lenses. But, if you scroll all the Z-body reviews, including the older / original models, he also has example images in large colorful format of results from the legacy F-mounts.

craggycrossers Loc: Robin Hood Country, UK

Jeff, greetings from a namesake (but spelled with a "G") from a well-locked down UK.

I want to wish you well with your up-coming op - but yes, you'll certainly have some time to get a good handle on "mirrorless" as you recuperate.

I read that you've been a Nikon user all your "hobby life" - would I be right to assume you're aware of your fellow American Nikon "guru" Thom Hogan ? Celebrated for his 20+ yrs as a Nikon user and creator of "guides" for Nikon cameras.

What you may be less aware of is that Thom has been writing about mirrorless cameras for some considerable time now in his second website ........ http://www.sansmirror.com/newsviews/

When Nikon finally decided they'd better get properly involved in full frame mirrorless (after Sony had jumped the gun and stolen a march not only on them but on Canon also) and launched their "Z"-series, Thom decided to launch a third website purely for Nikon's "Z"-series cameras. I think you could do a lot worse while you're recuperating than to fully immerse yourself in this site. Many things have been said on this UHH site, and on many others, by folks about mirrorless cameras - and many comments have been proven to be way off "the truth", and for all sorts of reasons.

I just want to point you in the right direction to get the right answers about Nikon's "Z" cameras and lenses. Yes there are a few on here now who can and will, I hope, give you valid opinions, but would suggest that you also use Thom's "Z" series site as a major mainstay.

First, here's what he says about the FTZ adapter and how you can, or cannot, use your F mount lenses ..... note, this was way back in early Sept 2017 ......

http://www.sansmirror.com/lenses/lens-database/lenses-from-camera-makers/nikon-z-mount-lenses/ftz-adapter-compatibility.html

And here's the link to his Z Mount User System site .....

https://www.zsystemuser.com/

I used to use Nikon, but added Fuji X-series to my D700 back in 2013, used both systems alongside each other until 2016, before finally deciding the X-Series Fujis were "good enough" for me ......

Good luck with your op, and have fun learning ..... !!

IDguy Loc: Idaho

Newest is a relative term. AFS lenses were introduced in 1998.

An advantage of AFS and AFP lenses is that many include VR. Some new Z lenses do not.

My AFS and AFP lenses work fine with my Z6 and FTZ. But FTZ adds weight and size. So I’m turning to Z lenses as they become available. Latest is 14-30 (came yesterday). It lacks VR compared to 16-35 it replaces. But it is much smaller and lighter than the 16-35 plus FTZ. I appreciate that and not having to fuss with FTZ. The Z6 IBIS replaces VR.

The Z 24-200 is awesome. Trading in my 24-70 that came with the camera. Size, weight, and picture quality about the same.

I’ll have a dilemma when they come out with Z 200-500. The FTZ adds little weight or size to it and it is where the FTZ stays most of the time.

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

So much for Nikon's much vaulted F-mount and upward compatibility .... All electronic solutions, like Canon's 1980s revolutionary EOS / EF-mount, continue to pay dividends as camera technology continues to march forward in the 21st century.

Strodav Loc: Houston, Tx

I have not tried it for myself, but I follow Steve Perry on BackCountryGallery.com and the associated forums. From what I read, AF speed with F-mount glass on a FTZ adapter is about 1/2 of what it is with the same lens on a dslr body.

IDguy Loc: Idaho

That claim is nonsense. I notice no difference compared to using the AFS and AFP lenses on my predecessor D800 and D5600.

e.g. https://www.dpreview.com/forums/thread/4377941

Strodav Loc: Houston, Tx

I find Steve Perry's experience pretty reliable. Have you tried it for yourself?

IDguy Loc: Idaho

Yes, look above for my edited reply. Use them on both Z6 and Z50.

Do you have Perry’s Nikon Mirrorless Autofocus book? It is very good.

He states the Zs aren’t as good as the DSLRs in some situations. But it isn’t due to using adapted lenses.

User ID

Even where AF is a nonissue there’s a deficiency. There’s no mechanical stop down lever. So, legacy F and AI lenses are now less convenient ... no auto iris function. I’m used to that for AI lenses on Sony, but that adapter is only $25.

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

Backwards compatibility used to be Nikon's strength, but now it's Canon's. (And Sony)

IDguy Loc: Idaho

You ought to get off this case. It is nonsense. Go commiserate with the other Canon acolytes.

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

If you want to make enemies, say something true about Nikon.