DI Seller Loc: Knoxville, TN

I purchased a Nikon Z6II and a Nikkor lens about a month ago. I just learned that Nikon will not be permitting Z lenses to be made by third-party vendors (i.e. tamron, sigma, et al). I know Nikon makes great glass, but they are expensive, as everyone knows. So now I'm faced with keeping the Nikon or returning it for what was my close 2nd choice, a Sony a7iii. As some one here on UHH mentioned to me, there are a great many 3rd party Sony lenses. While I realize I could purchase the Nikon Mount Adapter FTZ II, it is $250.00 on top of the cost of whatever lenses I might buy. You may also sacrifice some lens functions with the when using other lenses with the adapter. I don't have a big budget for extra glass. I shoot pretty much everything, regardless of its nature (i.e. landscape, portrait, fast moving subjects and so on). I'm pressed for time so I need you input ASAP. Please, please no lectures, just advice. Many, many thanks.

mwsilvers Loc: Central New Jersey

Actually, that information is only partly correct. Nikon is allowing 3rd party vendors to make lenses for the Z mount if they are different from the existing Nikon offerings. It is a much more open policy then Canon's which is currently restricting all 3rd party lenses for the Rf mount.

User ID

You refer to the Sony as a "close second" choice, so it seems youll be very happy if you switch. Clock is ticking.

I use the Sony and the Z interchangeably, and their differences are easily ignored. The a7III and Z6II are each the principal workhorse models in their lines. Theres no upgrade or downgrade when switching between them.

Mac Loc: Pittsburgh, Philadelphia now Hernando Co. Fl.

Here is a link to an earlier thread on this subject: https://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-764656-1.html#13720317

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

Your commitment to Nikon mirrorless doesn't seem very deep. Third-party lenses will never perform as well as the native brand, as they all need a third-party adapter to place mount-x onto camera mount-y via 3rd-party adapter-z. At least Nikon's older models will mostly adapt to Nikon's mirrorless with Nikon's adapter. It may seem like you have better options on Sony, but to the question of critical performance, rather than cost, is 3rd-party the better overall choice for either Sony or Nikon? Should you look deeper at your decisions and reconsider mirrorless?

rmorrison1116 Loc: Near Valley Forge, Pennsylvania

There are good quality adapters for way less than $250. Although I own several Nikon DSLRs, I don't own a Nikon MILC. I do own 3 Canon MILCs and only one RF mount lens. All three of my Canon MILCs, an R5 and two R7s, have EF to RF adapters on them and I have not had a single problem using any of my EF lenses on them. If I were in your situation I'd seriously consider going with Nikon and the adapter or seriously consider Canon, as Canon's selection of EF and RF lenses is better than Sony and Nikon's current offering.

Thomas902 Loc: Washington DC

DI Seller on December 26th 2022 you made the follow announcement...
"I'm ready to make the switch to mirrorless after using a Nikon D60 since it's release in 2008."

Yet on Nov 4, 2013 you made the follow claim...
"I am employed by Best Buy at the Turkey Creek location in Knoxville, TN. I work primarily in Digital Imaging (cameras/camcorders) department..."

So after shooting your D60 for 7 years you're working in a Digital Imaging Department in a Big Box Store?

And now you are still claiming after what it appears to be 14 years you have finally decided to change format from a D60 DSLR to Mirrorless?

Some how there is a disconnect here...

Again on Apr 4, 2017 you posted
"...In the last few years I've begun to develop an interest in astrophotography. What am I looking at as far as equipment is concerned to get started? Want to try and hold it down to about $5K. I've heard the Nikon D810a an excellent camera body for this pursuit and don't have a problem with used equipment as long as it's from a reputable vendor. Does anyone have suggestions for lenses, and other gear etc.?

I'm clueless as to what your mission purpose actually is DI Seller...
And my takeaway from these Post is you may not even realize what your focus is either...

Best Advice is to cherish the tools you have a master them... It appears you have no clients and thus no compelling need to meet expectations with deliverables... Do you find it important to establish a "Persona" via the brand/model of kit you use? I've noticed this seems to be somewhat rampart here on UHH.

Maybe just step back a little and chill... Please simply enjoy what you have... and invest time in finding a genre you actually cherish working in... Then maybe your path forward will reveal itself grasshopper...

Maybe others here on UHH can help you sort out this dilemma.

Wishing you all the best on your photographic journey DI Seller

ScottWardwell Loc: Maine

I don't see why you must have native Z-glass when there is a whole universe of Nikon F-glass that will adapt to your Z6 with full functionality with the same image quality it had before and at greatly discounted prices if you shop wisely. Nikon's supposed partial-ban on third-party glass should have no practical impact on you enjoying your Z6II.
Stop worrying about how Nikon's action is going to effect your market options. Look at the legacy F-mount as just as good as anything a third-party brand might create. You are right about Z-glass sky-high costs.
For the next few years, it will remain probably the best system that most of us will never own.
Unless you are a working professional who feels he must have the latest; just relax.
Typical Tempest-In-A-Teapot delivered courtesy of YouTube.

uhaas2009

There is always something better out there especially when we can’t afford it. I would first check what kind of lenses you really use.
I don’t know what you used before the z6. Look the equipment you before z6 ….just saying

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

PHRubin Loc: Nashville TN USA

It is the 3rd party lenses with a Z mount that is being discussed. If allowed, they wouldn't need adapters. There are some fine lenses made for Nikon and Canon and they can perform as well as OEM lenses, but for DSLRs. They also provide ranges that the OEM doesn't offer. Too bad there are these restrictions on lenses for mirrorless.

DI Seller Loc: Knoxville, TN

That's right. I think they said only if it "compliments" their lens line up. Thank you for your comment.

DI Seller Loc: Knoxville, TN

I hadn't thought about the legacy glass. I guess I was being very narrow minded and a bit panicky. They are outstanding lenses. I remember when Nikon first released the Z cameras they actually included the adapter at no charge. I imagine it was a way for them to encourage users of the FF cameras to make the switch to mirrorless without having to sacrifice the customer's lens collection. I am so glad you mentioned this. Many, many thanks

DI Seller Loc: Knoxville, TN

thank you for reminding me about the initial posting. I will take your advise and chill.

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

If you're going to respond to individual posts, you probably want to use <quote reply> so your reply has context.