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Getting lost in the GAS rabit hole. Finally saw the light.

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Barnie25

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Was convinced my Z50 wasn't good enough, after looking at different cameras. Going to camera stores and trying out different things I have come to the conclusion that selling my Z50 and my gear at a big loss isn't going to be useful. Instead I will get a FTZ adapter and get maybe invest in a f4 VR lens or some of the Sigma lenses that were released for DSLR's.

I'm looking at the 105 2.8, the 17-70 2.8-4 and the Nikon 24-85 3.5-4.5.

Perhaps someday Nikon will release a Z60/Z70 with IBIS to complement it.

Have you guys gone through such GAS periods?
 
Hi!

Just happened to stumble across your thread.

What do you find lacking with the Z50?

I think if you put it out in words, you can see more clearly whether it's GAS or really something essential for improving your photography!
 
fluffycat said:
Hi!

Just happened to stumble across your thread.

What do you find lacking with the Z50?

I think if you put it out in words, you can see more clearly whether it's GAS or really something essential for improving your photography!
Click to expand...
These are the issues:

On the one hand you can clearly see that the Nikon strategy going forward is mainly fullframe focused with lots of very expensive, high quality lenses and no real premium APS-C lenses. So either you can get older lenses with an adapter, lower quality glass like the compact primes or the 2 kit lenses, or the more expensive S line lenses designed for fullframe.

On the other hand the body doesn't have IBIS, which combined with non stabilized lenses does hamper my ability to shoot in lower shutter speeds / lower ISO. The Z50 is also just a tad short, even with an L bracket, my pinky doesn't sit very comfortably on the camera. Furthermore the autofocus on the Z50 in my experience has been kind of a let down. Since the Z50 doesn't have the Wide area with eye AF. It isn't uncommon for my Z50 to want to focus on the forehead of someone, especially my baby who tends to shift quite a bit. The Z50 just can't keep up. Something like a Sony A6400 would do a much better job I think.

I've contemplated switching to something like A G9, which has the best ergonomics I've tried out. But is a m43 sensor, which hampers people photography to a certain extent.

Switching to something like a X-H1, again a nice big camera with more dedicated lenses but I would lose quite a bit of money on this exchange and the autofocus on the camera from what I gathered also isn't the greatest.

I have taken some great pictures in my opinion with the Z50 and the picture quality I feel is actually quite good for landscapes and portrait work (as long as people sit reasonably still. But its in situations with more movement and or in lower light where the camera just kind of disappoints in my opinion.

To combat this I will most likely just stick to lower aperture stabilized lenses as much as possible like the Sigma 17-70 or the stabilized f4 zoom lenses.
 
Barnie25 said:
fluffycat said:
Hi!

Just happened to stumble across your thread.

What do you find lacking with the Z50?

I think if you put it out in words, you can see more clearly whether it's GAS or really something essential for improving your photography!
Click to expand...
These are the issues:

On the one hand you can clearly see that the Nikon strategy going forward is mainly fullframe focused with lots of very expensive, high quality lenses and no real premium APS-C lenses. So either you can get older lenses with an adapter, lower quality glass like the compact primes or the 2 kit lenses, or the more expensive S line lenses designed for fullframe.

On the other hand the body doesn't have IBIS, which combined with non stabilized lenses does hamper my ability to shoot in lower shutter speeds / lower ISO. The Z50 is also just a tad short, even with an L bracket, my pinky doesn't sit very comfortably on the camera. Furthermore the autofocus on the Z50 in my experience has been kind of a let down. Since the Z50 doesn't have the Wide area with eye AF. It isn't uncommon for my Z50 to want to focus on the forehead of someone, especially my baby who tends to shift quite a bit. The Z50 just can't keep up. Something like a Sony A6400 would do a much better job I think.

I've contemplated switching to something like A G9, which has the best ergonomics I've tried out. But is a m43 sensor, which hampers people photography to a certain extent.

Switching to something like a X-H1, again a nice big camera with more dedicated lenses but I would lose quite a bit of money on this exchange and the autofocus on the camera from what I gathered also isn't the greatest.

I have taken some great pictures in my opinion with the Z50 and the picture quality I feel is actually quite good for landscapes and portrait work (as long as people sit reasonably still. But its in situations with more movement and or in lower light where the camera just kind of disappoints in my opinion.
To combat this I will most likely just stick to lower aperture stabilized lenses as much as possible like the Sigma 17-70 or the stabilized f4 zoom lenses.
Click to expand...
I see.

I do agree with you that Nikon's current strategy with APS-C is to have a small capable casual system, and are pushing the compact full frame prime lenses onto it instead of developing APS-C specific prime lenses. However if you take a note of the compact prime lenses' performance in the APS-C framing, they are indeed pretty exceptional and better performing than similar F-mount APS-C lenses. So I won't really pass them off as low quality, while they are no S-Line they do perform very well in the APS-C region, and would be useful if you ever intend to go to FF in the future.

Of course if you want ultimate image resolution and quality the S-line full frame lenses are there, but to be honest most of them are made in such a way that they maintain very good performance all the way to the FF edges, which when mounted on an APS-C would be quite wasted.

Ergonomics is really subjective, though I'd admit that the Z50 while being a nice small carry around camera, isn't something that I'd like to be permanently hand holding continuously for an hour! To improve comfort, you could look at adding a hand grip (like the Peak Design clutch) to it, which would remove a lot of stress from holding and gripping the camera!

Finally on the point of autofocus, I agree that Eye-Af for Nikon still has room for improvement. But in my actual use case I actually do not rely on Eye-Af much, but rather single point Af-C or dynamic AF when shooting slightly erratic objects as I would have more control over the camera. You might want to try out dynamic AF (which tbh works really well!) and see if it suits your needs!

In summary, I think that while the grass on the other side looks greener, they too have their fair share of problems (G9 being m43, a6400 having even worse ergonomics than Z50). And it seems like you're happy with the images the Z50 produces, so perhaps take some time to experiment with the other AF modes to see if they suit your shooting style!

And keeping this to the very last, on the point of getting other lenses, I'd say put that thought on hold first unless you're very certain that you have outgrown your current lenses (I believe the 16-50 and the 50-250?). Using 3rd party lenses with adapters will introduce new problems (AF and ergonomics), and I'd actually recommend going native Z lenses if possible. But that being said, first try to improve ergonomics with a hand grip, then try out the other AF modes before deciding on a getting new lens or not!

Just my two cents!
 
Think you've handled the GAS pretty well :-)

You can always review things in say a year's time to see how things look. In the meantime, enjoy your Z50.
 
NCB said:
Think you've handled the GAS pretty well :-)

You can always review things in say a year's time to see how things look. In the meantime, enjoy your Z50.
Click to expand...
That is certainly a good plan. Though I suspect that for the holiday season I will probably get a wide angle prime for indoor photos. Maybe something like a Viltrox 24 1.8 or 23 1.4.
 
I think the FTZ ruins the whole compact experience of the Z50. This is coming from someone who put a 70-300E on a J5 with the FT1, lol.

The 50-S you own should beat just about every other Z lens. If you can't get decent results with that combination, you're not going to get better results with the other lenses. You may have to adjust your expectations. I'd consider putting a helmet on, posting a problem image, and seek feedback on which settings/technique might improving it.

The 16-80VR is a great lens, but it is over priced for what it is and prone to dust. Maybe another z-prime would help. However, the 14-30F4S and 24-70F4S are great on the Z50. A monopod can make up for not having VR when needed. Most of my favorite images are of people so I don't post them online. MANY photos I'm happy with, aren't great or critically sharp, but I also know what I did wrong capturing them.

(IBIS and VR are often life savers on my Z7II!)
 
I have used the Sigma 17-70 for years on Nikon DSLR. That's a good lens. In terms of sharpness, the Z DX 16-50 may be better, however. I believe that Nikon will make more prime lenses for the Z system. Those will work very nicely on the Z50. The 40mm is a start. After all, it should be a very nice portrait lens on the Z50, but without any image stabilization. Just wait.

I was considering selling my Z5 and get the Z50, by the way. But the full frame sensor is so nice that I won't do that. And it has IBIS.
 
Last edited:
skyrunr said:
The 50-S you own should beat just about every other Z lens. If you can't get decent results with that combination, you're not going to get better results with the other lenses.
Click to expand...
I am getting very good images with the lens I feel like. A trick I use often as well is using it portrait orientation and combine 4 images into a higher resolution landscape orientation image. I've gotten a few good 48 megapixel landscape shots in that way.

Getting a second S prime would be a good set up but my issue is with the price. The 24mm S would be very very good on the Z50 I feel like but at a €1000 its kind of hard to justify. However I think that the 28mm 2.8 should probably be a good budget alternative and at f4 FF equivalent on my Z50 I should get still enough separation for some nice bokeh shots.
 
Barnie25 said:
Have you guys gone through such GAS periods?
Click to expand...
This week I fell down. I pre-ordered the Z 40 mm f/2 and with the Z 50 f1/8 and Z 24-70 f/2.8, I don't think that I need it. But it is so nice lens. Pure GAS
 
Barnie25 said:
Was convinced my Z50 wasn't good enough, after looking at different cameras. Going to camera stores and trying out different things I have come to the conclusion that selling my Z50 and my gear at a big loss isn't going to be useful. Instead I will get a FTZ adapter and get maybe invest in a f4 VR lens or some of the Sigma lenses that were released for DSLR's.

I'm looking at the 105 2.8, the 17-70 2.8-4 and the Nikon 24-85 3.5-4.5.
Click to expand...
nikon 16-80 VR secondhand may be another option IMO. Or wait for the new S 18-180 VR lens ?
Barnie25 said:
Perhaps someday Nikon will release a Z60/Z70 with IBIS to complement it.
Click to expand...
Yes, they will one day with a Z70/90 , but their lens strategy will not change IMO.
Barnie25 said:
Have you guys gone through such GAS periods?
Click to expand...
Yes : D40->D5100->D7200->Z6 and better lenses ...

In the end nikon wins and I went fullframe with the Z6 and the stellar 24-70 f4 "kitlens", still use my D7200 with the 10-20AF-P lens mostly.

I have no plans to step into dx again at this moment.

For a dx system I would look to fuji with a good lens selection ( but not cheap if you want f1.4 lenses , nikon fullframe with the S f1.8 lenses are maybe a better solution ).
 
skyrunr said:
I think the FTZ ruins the whole compact experience of the Z50.
Click to expand...
Me too. It takes away the most important part of the Z50, which is carry along compactness. I just picked up the Viltrox 23mm (wow, I'm starting to sound like a shill for that thing) and it was a huge improvement.

I do have some of the same issues as the first person posting, the lack of VR isn't my favorite, but the 23mm makes up for it a bit with a 1.4 aperture. I did also add the UUrig plate to make it all fit my hand a bit better. It's a nice little kit now.
 
I've suffered from GAS all my photographic life, although the rational part of my brain tells me that it doesn't make me a better photographer. I did have a Z50, but the small range of lenses and the lack of IBIS was what shifted me to full frame. I think I've reached a state of contentment at the moment, and the GAS has more or less gone away. I have my Z7 II for landscape and general purpose, and my D500 for wildlife, and a reasonably small set of lenses that covers what I want to do. My usual kits are:

Z7 II plus 24-200

D500 plus 300mm PF/1.4 TC

Z7 II plus 14-30 f/4, 50 mm f/1.8 S, 70-300 mm AF-P (sometimes leave out the 50 mm)

Sometimes I like to use my old AI and AI-S lenses when I'm feeling nostalgic.

I also have a Sony RX100 VI for when I want to travel very light.

These are keeping the GAS at bay for the time being, although I do want the 28mm f/2.8 (normal or SE - don't really care) when I can get my hands on it. I was tempted by the 40mm f/2 but I can't really justify it alongside the 50mm.
 
dtc25 said:
I've suffered from GAS all my photographic life, although the rational part of my brain tells me that it doesn't make me a better photographer. I did have a Z50, but the small range of lenses and the lack of IBIS was what shifted me to full frame. I think I've reached a state of contentment at the moment, and the GAS has more or less gone away. I have my Z7 II for landscape and general purpose, and my D500 for wildlife, and a reasonably small set of lenses that covers what I want to do. My usual kits are:

Z7 II plus 24-200

D500 plus 300mm PF/1.4 TC

Z7 II plus 14-30 f/4, 50 mm f/1.8 S, 70-300 mm AF-P (sometimes leave out the 50 mm)

Sometimes I like to use my old AI and AI-S lenses when I'm feeling nostalgic.

I also have a Sony RX100 VI for when I want to travel very light.

These are keeping the GAS at bay for the time being, although I do want the 28mm f/2.8 (normal or SE - don't really care) when I can get my hands on it. I was tempted by the 40mm f/2 but I can't really justify it alongside the 50mm.
Click to expand...
Whatever you buy to-day, tomorrow something else comes along with just that little bit of extra this n that.. A good guideline:- when you get 75-80% of the days shoot as keepers..L
 
mrbr said:
Barnie25 said:
Was convinced my Z50 wasn't good enough, after looking at different cameras. Going to camera stores and trying out different things I have come to the conclusion that selling my Z50 and my gear at a big loss isn't going to be useful. Instead I will get a FTZ adapter and get maybe invest in a f4 VR lens or some of the Sigma lenses that were released for DSLR's.

I'm looking at the 105 2.8, the 17-70 2.8-4 and the Nikon 24-85 3.5-4.5.
Click to expand...
nikon 16-80 VR secondhand may be another option IMO. Or wait for the new S 18-180 VR lens ?
mrbr said:
Perhaps someday Nikon will release a Z60/Z70 with IBIS to complement it.
Click to expand...
Yes, they will one day with a Z70/90 , but their lens strategy will not change IMO.
mrbr said:
Have you guys gone through such GAS periods?
Click to expand...
Yes : D40->D5100->D7200->Z6 and better lenses ...

In the end nikon wins and I went fullframe with the Z6 and the stellar 24-70 f4 "kitlens", still use my D7200 with the 10-20AF-P lens mostly.

I have no plans to step into dx again at this moment.

For a dx system I would look to fuji with a good lens selection ( but not cheap if you want f1.4 lenses , nikon fullframe with the S f1.8 lenses are maybe a better solution ).
Click to expand...
 
I'm still shooting my D7500 & 6 lenses as my main kit. But I wanted something small & light so went to a camera store (about 1.5 mos ago) thinking I'd buy a z50. Maybe the FTZ in case I wanted to play with my F mount lenses on it.
I ended up not really loving the z50. It's comfortable enough and the control layout is familiar. A bit more awkward (pressing ISO and trying to turn front dial to switch to & from Auto ISO seems convoluted compared to my D7500 somehow). Mostly, I disliked the build of the 16-50.
I ended up with a Fuji X-S10. Actually, I walked out with an X-T30, but within the 1-month return period (I bought it used) I decided the retro controls were not for me. The X-S10 is nice enough - I certainly like it a lot for its intended purpose (compact, carry-everywhere camera). But I couldn't say what I'd want for a mirrorless replacement for my DSLR. Nikon FX Z, Sony FF or Fuji all look like equally likely choices at this point.
It's tough to decide whether you're making the most of an investment or throwing good money after bad. I've done that before. I kept adding to a Sony e-mount system - after a number of years, I had two bodies and several lenses before I finally acknowledged that it just wasn't right for me. I only ever used it with the smallest lenses I had; otherwise, I just preferred my trusty DSLR.
The nice thing for me about the Fuji is that I'm treating the camera & lens like an expensive p&s - cost wasn't much more than a high end RX100. If I don't get GAS, then that's all it is :) The danger is that I add another lens ... and then another ... when I haven't really decided that X is the mirrorless system that's going to replace my DSLR.
- Dennis
--
Gallery at http://kingofthebeasts.smugmug.com
 
cheap Chinese or older manual-focus lenses tend to address my GAS. Though I am still thinking about that 40mm F2, and an older 70-200mm AF-D lol
 
We all get GAS on occasion. When I do, I try to force myself to be more analytical and practical. It doesn't always work, but often it does.

I find that giving in to GAS is a bit like hopping the car and then wondering where you should go. It's much better to know the destination and then decide how to get there. Gear-wise, decide what your priorities are and don't lose track of them.

Say you have X amount of money saved and it's not enough to get what you really want. You could compromise and get lesser gear, but then you've wiped out your savings and may still feel disappointed. Instead, why not get one piece of your 'dream kit'? That will be money well spent and later, when you can add another piece, it will be a logical step forward, filling out a cohesive system that fits your use case. And you won't lose money having to sell off gear that wasn't right for you in the first place.

Sometimes people get GAS as a means to reinvigorate their photography. New gear always makes you want to get out and shoot. Instead, challenge yourself to find better subjects, improve your technique, composition skills, photographic eye, etc. It's free and will transfer equally to any system you invest in later.

Keep your kit lean. Having multiple brands, different mounts, sensor sizes, adapters, etc. all add clutter and spread your budget too thin. Pick a system and build it with a purpose. Obviously, those with more funds can build multiple systems, but those like me who have to be frugal, one good system is a worthy goal.
 
Barnie25 said:
mrbr said:
Barnie25 said:
Was convinced my Z50 wasn't good enough, after looking at different cameras. Going to camera stores and trying out different things I have come to the conclusion that selling my Z50 and my gear at a big loss isn't going to be useful. Instead I will get a FTZ adapter and get maybe invest in a f4 VR lens or some of the Sigma lenses that were released for DSLR's.

I'm looking at the 105 2.8, the 17-70 2.8-4 and the Nikon 24-85 3.5-4.5.
Click to expand...
nikon 16-80 VR secondhand may be another option IMO. Or wait for the new S 18-180 VR lens ?
Barnie25 said:
Perhaps someday Nikon will release a Z60/Z70 with IBIS to complement it.
Click to expand...
Yes, they will one day with a Z70/90 , but their lens strategy will not change IMO.
Barnie25 said:
Have you guys gone through such GAS periods?
Click to expand...
Yes : D40->D5100->D7200->Z6 and better lenses ...

In the end nikon wins and I went fullframe with the Z6 and the stellar 24-70 f4 "kitlens", still use my D7200 with the 10-20AF-P lens mostly.

I have no plans to step into dx again at this moment.

For a dx system I would look to fuji with a good lens selection ( but not cheap if you want f1.4 lenses , nikon fullframe with the S f1.8 lenses are maybe a better solution ).
Click to expand...
That's the other option. Not buy any lenses, and either buy new or buy a second hand Z5 somewhere early next year.

The 24/70, 50mm 1.8 and a 28 2.8 seems like a really nice 3 lens setup... But most likely I would want the 24-105 S when it comes out. That's the perfect lens on a FF body for me.
Click to expand...
Yes, maybe wait until the S 24-105mm comes as a kit with a Z5 (or its successor), you already own the S 50 f1.8 ( you can keep or sell the Z50+ kit lenses then ).
 
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