keywest305 Loc: Baltimore Md.

So I entered into the mirrorless world with the Z9 and my question is for anyone who used the f-mount lens with the adapter on the Z camera. Is there really a difference that's worth selling my F mount 70-200 2.8 and 105 1.4 e to get Z mount glass.

larryepage Loc: North Texas area

You will get many answers. Many of those will tell you to dump the old lenses. I have found that the real answer comes in understanding where you are coming from and where you want to go.

Both the cameras and the lenses offer some benefits over older technology. You do not have to move to new lenses to realize the camera benefits.

I will be adding to an array of professional-level DSLR cameras and lenses similar to the ones you have. My plan is to get the camera (Z8, in my case) and adaptor and see what I can do with them. Experience and results will determine which dedicated lenses I add, if any.

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

I don’t think there is any IQ loss using F-Mount lenses with the FTZ on a Z camera. One thing to remember is that the FTZ will add some weight. I suggest you use your F-Mount lenses while you get used to the camera before you start switching out lenses.

leftj Loc: Texas

Shoot your f mounts and rent a z lens version of your favorite f mount and make your own judgement.

sippyjug104 Loc: Missouri

An advantage of a mirrorless camera is that it will produce an image with nearly any lens that can be adapted to mount on it. I use several off-brand lenses manual lenses, enlarger lenses, and microscope objectives on mine.

The Nikon S mount lenses for the Z-series have features that can be programmed and communicate with the camera in ways F mount lenses cannot. The good news is that the high-quality F-mount lenses will produce the same quality of images as they do on the F-mount bodies and some of the classic lenses are jewels in the crown even though they may require manual focus.

jkm757 Loc: San Diego, Ca.

I have both F and Z mount lenses and use both regularly on my Z9 and I have not noticed any difference in image quality. The only difference I've noticed between the F and Z lenses is the Z lenses have L-fn buttons that are programmable and they are lighter.

Strodav Loc: Houston, Tx

Have around 15 f-mount lenses, at least a dozen of professional quality. Now have a Z9. I bought one lens with the body, a Z 70-200mm f/2.8 S, which is the lens I used most for general purpose photography on my D850. I still use quite a few of my f-mount lenses with the FTZ II adapter on the Z9 and I still use my D850 quite a bit. For some reason, all lens manufacturers I am familiar with put everything they got into the 70-200mm f/2.8 and into 85mm f/1.8 portrait lenses. I now have 4 Z mount lenses and will continue to collect them as money allows.

I compared my f mount 70-200 against the Z version and you have to look hard to find the differences, but the Z is a bit sharper and brighter in the corners and has less CA, but CA is easily corrected in Post. Is the slight difference in IQ worth buying the $2700 Z lens (now $2400 on sale)? All personal preference.

If you believe you are missing out unless you have the best possible IQ lens you can afford, then buy the lens. If you believe like I do that creating good photos is more about light, lines, shape, form, texture, color, story and composition, then don't hurry to buy the Z version, but it's nice not to have to use an adapter and I find the ability to program the focus ring and buttons convenient. BTW, the little LED display on the Z version is pretty much useless when shooting outdoors.

Bill_de Loc: US

That is probably the best way to make a decision.

Of course at UHH it's more important to find varied opinions of others.

---

mwsilvers Loc: Central New Jersey

In addition to the small amount of added weight of the FTZ, when using F mount lenses, Z mount lenses tend to be smaller and lighter which may be important to some shooters.

I agree that IQ when using F mounted lenses on a Z body should not be an issue. It's my understanding, though, that some of the new Z glass is superior in some respects compared to their F counterparts. Whether any improvements are significant enough to warrant the expense of new glass is not for me to say.

mwsilvers Loc: Central New Jersey

"If you believe you are missing out unless you have the best possible IQ lens you can afford, then buy the lens. If you believe like I do that creating good photos is more about light, lines, shape, form, texture, color, story and composition, then don't hurry to buy the Z version, but it's nice not to have to use an adapter and I find the ability to program the focus ring and buttons convenient.[/quote]"

Beautifully said.

jwreed50 Loc: Manassas, VA

Having just moved from a D850 to the mirrorless Z8, I decided to sell my F-mount lenses for the newer Z-mounts. Optically, the newer Z-mount lenses are generally better than their predecessors (esp. the "S" line). It's hard to make generalizations -- you really have to compare "apples to apples" -- but I'm impressed with the performance of these Z-mount lenses. I prefer not to use the FTZ converter. Is it worth it to make the upgrade? Depends on your budget. I'm glad I made the changeover, and I'm not looking back.

srherrmann Loc: Baton Rouge, Louisiana

I'm by no means an expert, but the Z glass with the S designation, aside from offering superb bokeh, especially with the f1.2 versions, is exceptionally sharp from center to edge.

Architect1776 Loc: In my mind

ELNikkor

The Z 70-180 2.8 weighs 28oz, half as much as the 70-200 2.8 AF-S (with adapter), $800 less expensive & made specifically for your Z camera. If I went mirrorless, I'd get the lenses made for my camera.

ProfEngineer Loc: Florida

I just got the Z9 with adapter for four of my lens. Both my 70-200 and 200-500 with 1.4 multiplier are giving me as good, if not better birds in flight images. I was using D5 before for birds. Have not used it on landscape as my D850 is hard to beat.