MattG Loc: New Jersey

I need some suggestions regarding a telephoto lens.

I have Nikon D850 and Nikon Z6II. I’m looking to get either Nikon 200-500 f5.6 or a new Nikon 180-600 f5.6-6.3 Z lens. My dilemma is regarding how good the Z6II would be with this new Nikon Z telephoto lens.

I can get the older Nikon 200-500 f6.6 lens with FTZ Adapter and use it with Z6II as well as with Nikon D850.

If I get the new Z lens ( which I prefer) I’m stuck using exclusively with Nikon Z6II.

Howe good would Z6II be with FTZ Adapter and Nikon 200-500 f5.6

Any impression regarding using Nikon D850 and Nikon 200-500 f5.6

Any thoughts from someone who is using or has used the above combination…!

Thanks

Architect1776 Loc: In my mind

If you are going to continue with 2 different systems I would go with the lenses compatible with both.
I have done this with my R7 and 7D and kept the EF lenses as they are excellent lenses and work the same on either camera.
This way if you want to use the F mount camera alone for what ever reason you have a lens that works with it. The other way around you lose your options.
Your call but I have no regrets staying with the EF system lenses that can be swapped between EF and RF bodies.

pendennis

I can only speak for my results. I have the 200-500 Nikkor, and it works equally well with my D8510, and my Z7ii with the FTZ adapter. Before my Z7ii, I used the Nikkor with both Z5 and Z7 models and it worked flawlessly.

As an aside, I also have the Nikkor 80-400 G model, and it works flawlessly as well with F and Z mounts.

RoswellAlien

Have 850 and Z7ii with FtZ and 200-500. Works fine. Keep ‘em.
(I’d like the Z100-400 but mainly for weight issues. Getting old😉)

ricardo00

This is a conundrum that many Nikon shooters have faced. What are you shooting? Wildlife? Sports? (ie fast action) If so, the D850 will out focus the Z6II. On the other hand, as you note, you are better off getting the newer 180-600mm lens versus buying the 200-500mm. So in my view, neither are "great" choices. So maybe look for a used 200-500mm that you can get for "relatively cheap" and then when you can, buy the Z8 to potentially upgrade to the 180-600mm? Or do you need the longer lens for a specific trip? If so, maybe just rent the 200-500mm for that short time? The 200-500mm works fine on a D850 and even better on a Z8.

ClarkJohnson Loc: Fort Myers, FL and Cohasset, MA

As noted, this has a common dilemma and journey for Nikon shooters for the past few years. I have owned all the items mentioned.

Although you are asking about a telephoto lens, you hava already faced this issue with every other focal length already. Have you duplicated « standard » zooms? Do you use each camera for different types of shooting? Or did you get the Z6II as a test and first step into mirrorless?

IMHO, straddling the fence is not a satisfactory long-term solution, as you will be tied to increasingly older lenses to accommodate the F-mount. While you quite rightly struggle with the many pros and cons involved in this immediate issue, the tide of technology has gone mirrorless. Your « next » camera, whenever that is, will be mirrorless. My suggestion is to get the Z lens and future-proof your gear.

larryepage Loc: North Texas area

Which camera do you use most? Which is your favorite camera? The Z6ii and the D850 are very different cameras with very different capabilities, as you have apparently discovered.

Of the two cameras, which are you most likely to choose to use with a large, heavy, awkward lens?

Despite prevalent conversation here, your D850 remains a completely competent camera. It can do things that the Z6ii cannot even dream of. I'm sure that the reason you still have it is that you are well aare of that truth.

I have no business telling you which of the two lenses to buy. Neither does anyone else. But these are the thoughts I would consider as I decided for myself.

billnikon Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont

Sadly, the future belongs to mirrorless, not your D850. I was in that situation several years ago using the D850 and the 200-500 lens.
I wanted more fps and the proposed Nikon 200-600 about 2 years ago. Nikon continued to drag it's feet on both. So, reluctantly I went to Sony, got the 30 fps I wanted and the Sony 200-600, it was sad selling off my Nikon equipment after a nearly 70 year love affair.
I watch Nikon as they bring out new models, z8 and z9, but sadly they cannot quite measure up to my a1 for quick focusing on birds in flight, don't get me wrong, the z8 and z9 are great, but my commitment to Sony is complete now so no going back and I am very pleased with my choice.
OK, getting back to you, if I were you I would plan for the future, not the past, I would go with the newer and more advanced Nikon 180-600. Besides I believe the Z6II has 14 FPS* continuous shooting at full resolution—RAW or JPG—with a buffer 3.5X larger than the previous generation and minimal EVF blackout between shots.
Which is a lot faster than your D850, plus, as you know, the D850 is not the quietest camera on the market and your Z can shoot silently.
So, taking all this into consideration, move on and get the 180-600.

keywest305 Loc: Baltimore Md.

I have a Z9 and 850 and the 200-500 worked equally well on both. I put in for a 180-600 in August and told 2 weeks ago they just filled orders for June people. Insane.

DaveyDitzer Loc: Western PA

Matt, I use the D850 and D500 with the 200-500 f5.6 lens and am satisfied with the results. It's a heavy bugger but prices are coming down. Nikon has refurbs for about $1095. I'm sure used excellent condition examples from highly rated sellers on Ebay are considerably less. The MILC adapter will add a few oz. and cause the set up to be bulkier. As usual for many of us, budget is a consideration.

GLSmith Loc: Tampa, Fl

I bought the 200-500 for my D850 when they first came out....Nice glass....just barely noticeable weak when fully extended to 500 mm

I sold it within 6 months

Reason: I typically shoot targets 2-3 miles away (Rocket Launches) & when fully extended to 500mm I need the hood....The hood is ridiculously long & wide. On a tripod with any wind more than 3-4 mph, it acts as a sail...Also if you are using the 200-500 handheld, take the hood off, vs leaving it in a reversed attachment..Extremely wide

B4 chunking down any $$ for either lens, I would rent both for a day and put them to the test o determine which suits your needs better.

Jimmy T Loc: Virginia

"B4 chunking down any $$ for either lens, I would rent both for a day and put them to the test o determine which suits your needs better."
Considering the $$$ involved, this is the best advice.
I would make an offer to purchase an acceptable rental lens.
"Try it before you buy it" type of deal?
In your quest for the elusive, "Perfect Lens" . . . .
Best Wishes,
JimmyT Sends

camerapapi Loc: Miami, Fl.

I agree with Mr. Johnson even when I do not own the 200-500 or the 180-600 Z lenses. My retired ophthalmologist was recently in Africa with his new Z8 and the 180-600 lens. He sent me a group of wildlife images made with the lens and they looked spectacular at their size. I asked him about the originals and he told me every single detail he saw was there. In the Canadian Rockies he also used the lens with excellent results from the images he sent me.

Because the new trend is now mirrorless and if I were in your shoes, I would go with the 180-600Z lens.

mikeroetex Loc: Lafayette, LA

I went ahead and jumped over to mirrorless, trading off DSLRs and lenses over a 2-3 year period. I was one of the lucky few who got a 180-600 Z lens in the first early release. It is a terrific lens, slightly lighter and definitely more reach than the 200-500.

I was using a 300mm PF and a 500mm PF with my D500, and then with my Z9 on an FTZ. Sold them all when the 180-600 arrived and it is one fine tool on my Z9. I keep my old Z6 for astro and backup, but it is headed to the sale rack when the Z6III comes out. I had a Z8 but sent it back after 30 days because I feel the longer lenses balance better on the Z9 and I found myself using it more.

In a perfect world, I'll have a Z6III with my 17-28, 24-120 and 70-180 and the Z9 with 180-600 for wildlife and sports. Lastly, I'll probably add a Z400 4.5 prime too. I haven't missed and F mount lenses and feel like these Z lenses are superior in sharpness. Since the Z9 4.1 update, the AF now stands toe to toe with Canon and Sony equipment.

Architect1776 Loc: In my mind

Excellent point.