Always. Protects the lens, shields the sensor from unwanted Byrd light. The only time I don’t use the hood is when zi use my neutral dendsity lens and the hood won’t fit over it,

A couple of comments. Typically the cost of the ball head equals the cost of the tripod. You want a sturdy yet light tripod which reduces the impact of the weight of your gear. These units are typically pricey but they do not physically depreciate. Don’t buy used unless you find something special, I don’t like the ‘toggle-type’ releases as I invariably catch my fingers and it hurts! I specifically chose a tripod which has the screw mechanism,

Beautiful composition . The timing of the day didn’t hurt.

Amusing replies! Thanks for the smiles after a challenging day.the manual is good if you can find the directive
Chinesec foodtonight. Sometimes one just needs comfort food

The 24-200 has the focal lengths of the 24-$70 but it is an entirely different lens. The 24-70that own is the f/4 throughout its focal lengths.Its a terrific lens. The 24-200 is a slower lens. I believe at maximum extension it is f/6 .3

The effects that you added are great. Because I don’t have appropriate software I limit myself in b& w photography
Beautiful shot!

Go for the Z6. Retain F lenses will work with the camera and the converter ; those with their dedicated drive motor. I bought the kit lens is 24-70 f/4 - fantastic as to weight and sharpness. I purchased the system last year whenI was 73. My children will tell you that I am wandering in the desert with respect to technology. Trade in everything else to defray your cash outlay. Do you have any ‘gem’ lenses?
This is my take I the issue you raised.

Isn’t the new Z lens f/4 70 - 200? I have the f f/4 70 to 200 plus z lenses 14-30 and 24-70 both f/4 throughout the focal length range. My query is ‘is the Z lens better than the F lens? And worth The cost differential of likely CD $1,000.

Isn’t the new Z lens f/4 70 - 200? I have the f f/4 70 to 200 plus z lenses 14-30 and 24-70 both f/4 throughout the focal length range. My query is ‘is the Z lens better than the F lens? And worth The cost differential of likely CD $1,000.

i only shoot manual for posed portraits and landscapes, in both cases employing a tripod. I use shutter speed priority for sports and slow shutter speed work an basically aperture priority for all the Rest. I find EC invaluable in obtains the exposure thaty eye Des versus the camera

What can I say! I have evidently engaged in a dialogue with a person that is learned in optics. The optic that I have of you is that you are tiresome, rude and quite opinionated and all that with unproven credentials.
You can have the last word, if you wish. I'm done.

Huh? If your post was in response to mine, in truth, you lost me. Your response was either sarcastic, disrespectful of my attempt to help or your were telling me a story of your illustrious past. Please, I don't want this to be a back and forth exercise. I will simply let it go and the next time that you might write a post, i will be sure not to respond.

Hello Sue
Does the Sigma lens have a motor drive enabling you to use the auto focus on the Z6? I find the Z lenses fabulous. I have the 14-30 f/4 and the 24-70 f/4. I'm not interested in the 24-200 as for me there is too much range and I want to get the best low light capability that I can afford. I am looking however at the 24-70 f/2.8 or I will be looking at it when I can get to a store to try it out. It's a trade-off - speed and sharpness and weight, not to mention the all important cost. However, if i have a mantra in photography (I actually have several), it is that the glass remau=ins the most important piece of equipment that one will carry.
I read that the 24-200 Z lens will be available some time in June of this year.
Eric

Jim-Pops stole my thunder. A great camera like the D850 requires a top-notch lens. I had the Nikkor 24-120 f/4 (which I think is an F lens, but regardless) and it was never up to my wishes for sharpness except at around 70mm. I have the Nikkor 7-200 f/4 and it is a very good lens. However, a bit long at its shortest end for a walk around lens. As above, take a look at Nikon mounts in Tamron or Sigma. Consider sacrificing some reach and getting a good 24-70 mm f/2.8 lens. I purchased the Z6 with the Z lens f/4, 24-70. What it lacks in reach, it makes up for in sharpness. Don't cheap out on a so-so lens, please.

so, with apologies to all, I'm tou hing on the topi but looking for some advice at the sme time. I would say that I am an advanced amateur photographer. I teach photography, I have written two books, not yet published and have sold images over the years. BUT, I use very basic editing software. For many years I used Picasa and since acquiring a MacBook Pro, I have used their Photos application. I am a senior and don't want to experiment with several different software products and am also 'afraid' of getting into a complex software product. The Photos program has some serious stability issues, at least my particular application has them, which Apple engineers have not ben able to resolve. It has tested my patience and won. Its time to move forward. I do not need to have editing software to manipulate - move heads around, as I spend a great effort on the composition of the image. Sometimes, it is the contrast for example that I cannot correct with basic software.What would my colleagues out there recommend? I am enclosing three images which are indicative of what I like to photograph and how I select scenes that may not require lots of manipulation.