Z7 over D850?

[Terrance Vacha]

Last year the D850 was touted as the best all around DSLR camera Nikon had made. Fast, high resolution, great focus -- good for landscape and sports.

So why are many switching from the D850 to the Z7? I would assume that there is something the Z7 can do that the D850 cannot. Or there is something the Z7 does much better than the D850.

I know that the Z7 is new and different. But for those that have the $3200 D850, why are you buying the $3700+ Z7?

Wouldn't one need to fill one heck of a shortcoming in the D850 to make the big investment? There are some great glass instead for that $3700+ .

So Why? Why are some leaving "the best DSLR ever made" ?

 

[Abe]

I'll preface my response with this: I'm an avid photographer, and sometimes sell my photos, but I'm not a pro.

I really like the smaller size and lower weight of the Z7. The D850 is a slightly better camera for stills (for me the AF is the most important D850 benefit), but the Z7 is a camera I'm more likely to take with me to more places. The difference in image quality and overall performance is quite small. I'll probably sell my D850.

--Abe

 

[ncsakany]

[No message]

 

[Lance B]

Last year the D850 was touted as the best all around DSLR camera Nikon had made. Fast, high resolution, great focus -- good for landscape and sports.

So why are many switching from the D850 to the Z7? I would assume that there is something the Z7 can do that the D850 cannot. Or there is something the Z7 does much better than the D850.

I know that the Z7 is new and different. But for those that have the $3200 D850, why are you buying the $3700+ Z7?

Wouldn't one need to fill one heck of a shortcoming in the D850 to make the big investment? There are some great glass instead for that $3700+ .

So Why? Why are some leaving "the best DSLR ever made" ?

The D850 is arguably the best DSLR ever made but I purchased the Z7 as an adjunct to not a replacement of my D850. It will be my lightweight travel, landscape and general photographic camera and the D850 will be used for my birding and action camera.
So, unless you need an action camera, then the Z7 should be more than enough camera for most people. Having said that, foe the less demanding birding duties, even the Z7 does a good job and adding the 500 f5.6 Pf to it means a well under 2.5kg rig and that's just silly light in comparison to a 500 f4 and D850 at over 4kg!

Z7 + 500 f5.6 PF

Being light and smaller and beautifully built it will appeal to possibly more people than the large and heavy D850. I was getting less enthusiastic about taking my D850 out with me due to size and weight for many general photo duties. Even taking it to family functions were putting me off. The Z7 makes me want to use it and is less of an "in your face" camera for general photography.

I think the small size and weight and (to some) the benefits of EVF (which is brilliant on the Z7) are reasons for owning it over the D850 if sports/action/birds etc are not your chief photography pursuits

--
Lance B
https://www.flickr.com/photos/35949907@N02/?
http://www.pbase.com/lance_b

 

[TQGroup]

Last year the D850 was touted as the best all around DSLR camera Nikon had made. Fast, high resolution, great focus -- good for landscape and sports.

So why are many switching from the D850 to the Z7? I would assume that there is something the Z7 can do that the D850 cannot. Or there is something the Z7 does much better than the D850.

I know that the Z7 is new and different. But for those that have the $3200 D850, why are you buying the $3700+ Z7?

Wouldn't one need to fill one heck of a shortcoming in the D850 to make the big investment? There are some great glass instead for that $3700+ .

So Why? Why are some leaving "the best DSLR ever made" ?

The D850 is arguably the best DSLR ever made but I purchased the Z7 as an adjunct to not a replacement of my D850. It will be my lightweight travel, landscape and general photographic camera and the D850 will be used for my birding and action camera.
So, unless you need an action camera, then the Z7 should be more than enough camera for most people. Having said that, foe the less demanding birding duties, even the Z7 does a good job and adding the 500 f5.6 Pf to it means a well under 2.5kg rig and that's just silly light in comparison to a 500 f4 and D850 at over 4kg!

Z7 + 500 f5.6 PF

For rosella, EXIF indicates Z7 at f4 and 560mm...

Possibly 400FL at f2.8 + TC14III?

Being light and smaller and beautifully built it will appeal to possibly more people than the large and heavy D850. I was getting less enthusiastic about taking my D850 out with me due to size and weight for many general photo duties. Even taking it to family functions were putting me off. The Z7 makes me want to use it and is less of an "in your face" camera for general photography.

I think the small size and weight and (to some) the benefits of EVF (which is brilliant on the Z7) are reasons for owning it over the D850 if sports/action/birds etc are not your chief photography pursuits

 

[TQGroup]

Last year the D850 was touted as the best all around DSLR camera Nikon had made. Fast, high resolution, great focus -- good for landscape and sports.

So why are many switching from the D850 to the Z7? I would assume that there is something the Z7 can do that the D850 cannot. Or there is something the Z7 does much better than the D850.

I know that the Z7 is new and different. But for those that have the $3200 D850, why are you buying the $3700+ Z7?

Wouldn't one need to fill one heck of a shortcoming in the D850 to make the big investment? There are some great glass instead for that $3700+ .

So Why? Why are some leaving "the best DSLR ever made" ?

The D850 is arguably the best DSLR ever made but I purchased the Z7 as an adjunct to not a replacement of my D850. It will be my lightweight travel, landscape and general photographic camera and the D850 will be used for my birding and action camera.
So, unless you need an action camera, then the Z7 should be more than enough camera for most people. Having said that, foe the less demanding birding duties, even the Z7 does a good job and adding the 500 f5.6 Pf to it means a well under 2.5kg rig and that's just silly light in comparison to a 500 f4 and D850 at over 4kg!

So why not compare a D850 (915 gms) + 500 PF (1460 gms) = 2.375kg;

to a Z7 (585 gms) + FTZ (135 gms) + 500 PF (1460 gms) = 2.180kg?

Difference between D850 and Z7+FTZ = 195 grams :-O

Have I missed something?

Z7 + 500 f5.6 PF

Being light and smaller and beautifully built it will appeal to possibly more people than the large and heavy D850. I was getting less enthusiastic about taking my D850 out with me due to size and weight for many general photo duties. Even taking it to family functions were putting me off. The Z7 makes me want to use it and is less of an "in your face" camera for general photography.

I think the small size and weight and (to some) the benefits of EVF (which is brilliant on the Z7) are reasons for owning it over the D850 if sports/action/birds etc are not your chief photography pursuits

 

[JonJonJam]

A year ago I was loving my D810 when the D850 came out. The new DSLR is better and I reluctantly decided to update but told myself I'll order one 'soon'. I still hadn't pulled the trigger when the Z7 was announced and I ordered one. BH finally charged my cc yesterday and the Z7 is arriving tomorrow.

For me the advantages of Z7:

• Smaller & lighter
• New S lenses allows for superior optics
• Video advantages including AF
• IBIS
• Peak focus aide for my MF lenses
• It is the future for awhile and DSLRs are the ICE vehicles, vinyl records, yellow cabs or whatever other analogy you prefer

 

[JimKasson]

A year ago I was loving my D810 when the D850 came out. The new DSLR is better and I reluctantly decided to update but told myself I'll order one 'soon'. I still hadn't pulled the trigger when the Z7 was announced and I ordered one. BH finally charged my cc yesterday and the Z7 is arriving tomorrow.

For me the advantages of Z7:

• Smaller & lighter
• New S lenses allows for superior optics

At their price points.

• Video advantages including AF
• IBIS
• Peak focus aide for my MF lenses

The D850 has that, too, but just in the LCD.

Let me add:

• Live histogram.
• WYSISYGish finder.
• No mirror slap
• Quieter, even without using ES.
• Ability to adapt more legacy lenses.

• It is the future for awhile and DSLRs are the ICE vehicles, vinyl records, yellow cabs or whatever other analogy you prefer

I think these comparisons are way too facile. I prefer to stick to the actual advantages and disadvantages.

Jim

 

[Lance B]

Last year the D850 was touted as the best all around DSLR camera Nikon had made. Fast, high resolution, great focus -- good for landscape and sports.

So why are many switching from the D850 to the Z7? I would assume that there is something the Z7 can do that the D850 cannot. Or there is something the Z7 does much better than the D850.

I know that the Z7 is new and different. But for those that have the $3200 D850, why are you buying the $3700+ Z7?

Wouldn't one need to fill one heck of a shortcoming in the D850 to make the big investment? There are some great glass instead for that $3700+ .

So Why? Why are some leaving "the best DSLR ever made" ?

The D850 is arguably the best DSLR ever made but I purchased the Z7 as an adjunct to not a replacement of my D850. It will be my lightweight travel, landscape and general photographic camera and the D850 will be used for my birding and action camera.
So, unless you need an action camera, then the Z7 should be more than enough camera for most people. Having said that, foe the less demanding birding duties, even the Z7 does a good job and adding the 500 f5.6 Pf to it means a well under 2.5kg rig and that's just silly light in comparison to a 500 f4 and D850 at over 4kg!

Z7 + 500 f5.6 PF

For rosella, EXIF indicates Z7 at f4 and 560mm...

Possibly 400FL at f2.8 + TC14III?

Oops, my mistake, it was the 400 + 1.4x TC.:-(

Anyway, here is another.

Z7 + 500 f5.6 PF, 1/200s f/5.6 at 500.0mm iso900

However, this Gang Gang Cockatoo is definitely the 500 f5.6 PF

Being light and smaller and beautifully built it will appeal to possibly more people than the large and heavy D850. I was getting less enthusiastic about taking my D850 out with me due to size and weight for many general photo duties. Even taking it to family functions were putting me off. The Z7 makes me want to use it and is less of an "in your face" camera for general photography.

I think the small size and weight and (to some) the benefits of EVF (which is brilliant on the Z7) are reasons for owning it over the D850 if sports/action/birds etc are not your chief photography pursuits

--
Lance B
https://www.flickr.com/photos/35949907@N02/?
http://www.pbase.com/lance_b

 

[Lance B]

Last year the D850 was touted as the best all around DSLR camera Nikon had made. Fast, high resolution, great focus -- good for landscape and sports.

So why are many switching from the D850 to the Z7? I would assume that there is something the Z7 can do that the D850 cannot. Or there is something the Z7 does much better than the D850.

I know that the Z7 is new and different. But for those that have the $3200 D850, why are you buying the $3700+ Z7?

Wouldn't one need to fill one heck of a shortcoming in the D850 to make the big investment? There are some great glass instead for that $3700+ .

So Why? Why are some leaving "the best DSLR ever made" ?

The D850 is arguably the best DSLR ever made but I purchased the Z7 as an adjunct to not a replacement of my D850. It will be my lightweight travel, landscape and general photographic camera and the D850 will be used for my birding and action camera.
So, unless you need an action camera, then the Z7 should be more than enough camera for most people. Having said that, foe the less demanding birding duties, even the Z7 does a good job and adding the 500 f5.6 Pf to it means a well under 2.5kg rig and that's just silly light in comparison to a 500 f4 and D850 at over 4kg!

So why not compare a D850 (915 gms) + 500 PF (1460 gms) = 2.375kg;

to a Z7 (585 gms) + FTZ (135 gms) + 500 PF (1460 gms) = 2.180kg?

Difference between D850 and Z7+FTZ = 195 grams :-O

Have I missed something?

Because then it wouldn't be FF and the D500 is only 24Mp not 46Mp of the Z7

Z7 + 500 f5.6 PF

Being light and smaller and beautifully built it will appeal to possibly more people than the large and heavy D850. I was getting less enthusiastic about taking my D850 out with me due to size and weight for many general photo duties. Even taking it to family functions were putting me off. The Z7 makes me want to use it and is less of an "in your face" camera for general photography.

I think the small size and weight and (to some) the benefits of EVF (which is brilliant on the Z7) are reasons for owning it over the D850 if sports/action/birds etc are not your chief photography pursuits

--
Lance B

Lance BB

Explore Lance BB’s 738 photos on Flickr!

www.flickr.com

Galleries by Lance B

www.pbase.com

 

[TQGroup]

Last year the D850 was touted as the best all around DSLR camera Nikon had made. Fast, high resolution, great focus -- good for landscape and sports.

So why are many switching from the D850 to the Z7? I would assume that there is something the Z7 can do that the D850 cannot. Or there is something the Z7 does much better than the D850.

I know that the Z7 is new and different. But for those that have the $3200 D850, why are you buying the $3700+ Z7?

Wouldn't one need to fill one heck of a shortcoming in the D850 to make the big investment? There are some great glass instead for that $3700+ .

So Why? Why are some leaving "the best DSLR ever made" ?

The D850 is arguably the best DSLR ever made but I purchased the Z7 as an adjunct to not a replacement of my D850. It will be my lightweight travel, landscape and general photographic camera and the D850 will be used for my birding and action camera.
So, unless you need an action camera, then the Z7 should be more than enough camera for most people. Having said that, foe the less demanding birding duties, even the Z7 does a good job and adding the 500 f5.6 Pf to it means a well under 2.5kg rig and that's just silly light in comparison to a 500 f4 and D850 at over 4kg!

So why not compare a D850 (915 gms) + 500 PF (1460 gms) = 2.375kg;

to a Z7 (585 gms) + FTZ (135 gms) + 500 PF (1460 gms) = 2.180kg?

Difference between D850 and Z7+FTZ = 195 grams :-O

Have I missed something?

Because then it wouldn't be FF and the D500 is only 24Mp not 46Mp of the Z7

D500???

Delayed jetlag?

Z7 + 500 f5.6 PF

Being light and smaller and beautifully built it will appeal to possibly more people than the large and heavy D850. I was getting less enthusiastic about taking my D850 out with me due to size and weight for many general photo duties. Even taking it to family functions were putting me off. The Z7 makes me want to use it and is less of an "in your face" camera for general photography.

I think the small size and weight and (to some) the benefits of EVF (which is brilliant on the Z7) are reasons for owning it over the D850 if sports/action/birds etc are not your chief photography pursuits

 

[Lance B]

Last year the D850 was touted as the best all around DSLR camera Nikon had made. Fast, high resolution, great focus -- good for landscape and sports.

So why are many switching from the D850 to the Z7? I would assume that there is something the Z7 can do that the D850 cannot. Or there is something the Z7 does much better than the D850.

I know that the Z7 is new and different. But for those that have the $3200 D850, why are you buying the $3700+ Z7?

Wouldn't one need to fill one heck of a shortcoming in the D850 to make the big investment? There are some great glass instead for that $3700+ .

So Why? Why are some leaving "the best DSLR ever made" ?

The D850 is arguably the best DSLR ever made but I purchased the Z7 as an adjunct to not a replacement of my D850. It will be my lightweight travel, landscape and general photographic camera and the D850 will be used for my birding and action camera.
So, unless you need an action camera, then the Z7 should be more than enough camera for most people. Having said that, foe the less demanding birding duties, even the Z7 does a good job and adding the 500 f5.6 Pf to it means a well under 2.5kg rig and that's just silly light in comparison to a 500 f4 and D850 at over 4kg!

So why not compare a D850 (915 gms) + 500 PF (1460 gms) = 2.375kg;

to a Z7 (585 gms) + FTZ (135 gms) + 500 PF (1460 gms) = 2.180kg?

Difference between D850 and Z7+FTZ = 195 grams :-O

Have I missed something?

Because then it wouldn't be FF and the D500 is only 24Mp not 46Mp of the Z7

D500???

Delayed jetlag?

Definitely!

Sorry, I thought you meant the D500 camera and lens.

I was trying to get across the fact that the Z7 and 500 PF is a very lightweight kit compared to what we used to have to use and that was a 500 f4 + a similar camera to a D850 and thus a kit well over 4kg. Now we can have a crazy lightweight system that allows us a 500mm lens and a camera at just over 2kg, which I think is quite amazing for us Nikon shooters.

Z7 + 500 f5.6 PF

Being light and smaller and beautifully built it will appeal to possibly more people than the large and heavy D850. I was getting less enthusiastic about taking my D850 out with me due to size and weight for many general photo duties. Even taking it to family functions were putting me off. The Z7 makes me want to use it and is less of an "in your face" camera for general photography.

I think the small size and weight and (to some) the benefits of EVF (which is brilliant on the Z7) are reasons for owning it over the D850 if sports/action/birds etc are not your chief photography pursuits

--
Lance B

Lance BB

Explore Lance BB’s 738 photos on Flickr!

www.flickr.com

Galleries by Lance B

www.pbase.com

 

[TQGroup]

Last year the D850 was touted as the best all around DSLR camera Nikon had made. Fast, high resolution, great focus -- good for landscape and sports.

So why are many switching from the D850 to the Z7? I would assume that there is something the Z7 can do that the D850 cannot. Or there is something the Z7 does much better than the D850.

I know that the Z7 is new and different. But for those that have the $3200 D850, why are you buying the $3700+ Z7?

Wouldn't one need to fill one heck of a shortcoming in the D850 to make the big investment? There are some great glass instead for that $3700+ .

So Why? Why are some leaving "the best DSLR ever made" ?

The D850 is arguably the best DSLR ever made but I purchased the Z7 as an adjunct to not a replacement of my D850. It will be my lightweight travel, landscape and general photographic camera and the D850 will be used for my birding and action camera.
So, unless you need an action camera, then the Z7 should be more than enough camera for most people. Having said that, foe the less demanding birding duties, even the Z7 does a good job and adding the 500 f5.6 Pf to it means a well under 2.5kg rig and that's just silly light in comparison to a 500 f4 and D850 at over 4kg!

So why not compare a D850 (915 gms) + 500 PF (1460 gms) = 2.375kg;

to a Z7 (585 gms) + FTZ (135 gms) + 500 PF (1460 gms) = 2.180kg?

Difference between D850 and Z7+FTZ = 195 grams :-O

Have I missed something?

Because then it wouldn't be FF and the D500 is only 24Mp not 46Mp of the Z7

D500???

Delayed jetlag?

Definitely!

Sorry, I thought you meant the D500 camera and lens.

I was trying to get across the fact that the Z7 and 500 PF is a very lightweight kit compared to what we used to have to use and that was a 500 f4 + a similar camera to a D850 and thus a kit well over 4kg. Now we can have a crazy lightweight system that allows us a 500mm lens and a camera at just over 2kg, which I think is quite amazing for us Nikon shooters.

OK. Maybe not jetlag... I think you're in love

Comparing apples to apples, the difference in weight between a D850 and the Z7+FTZ is 195 grams or under 7 ounces. It is the 500PF that makes it amazing!

Z7 + 500 f5.6 PF

Being light and smaller and beautifully built it will appeal to possibly more people than the large and heavy D850. I was getting less enthusiastic about taking my D850 out with me due to size and weight for many general photo duties. Even taking it to family functions were putting me off. The Z7 makes me want to use it and is less of an "in your face" camera for general photography.

I think the small size and weight and (to some) the benefits of EVF (which is brilliant on the Z7) are reasons for owning it over the D850 if sports/action/birds etc are not your chief photography pursuits

 

[JonJonJam]

This is Ming Thein's conclusion with regards to D850 vs Z7 on his review:

"If you’re not bothered by the D850’s size and weight, don’t need stabilization in all lenses, don’t shoot video, don’t use a lot of manual focus – then you can skip this generation*. But if any of those things apply to you for any meaningful portion of the time, you’re likely to find the Z7 is a worthwhile addition"

 

[TQGroup]

This is Ming Thein's conclusion with regards to D850 vs Z7 on his review:

"If you’re not bothered by the D850’s size and weight, don’t need stabilization in all lenses, don’t shoot video, don’t use a lot of manual focus – then you can skip this generation*. But if any of those things apply to you for any meaningful portion of the time, you’re likely to find the Z7 is a worthwhile addition"

I totally agree... note he said "a worthwhile addition". That does not mean replacement!

I have a Z6 on order as it will be a better addition to the D850 for me.

 

[Lance B]

Last year the D850 was touted as the best all around DSLR camera Nikon had made. Fast, high resolution, great focus -- good for landscape and sports.

So why are many switching from the D850 to the Z7? I would assume that there is something the Z7 can do that the D850 cannot. Or there is something the Z7 does much better than the D850.

I know that the Z7 is new and different. But for those that have the $3200 D850, why are you buying the $3700+ Z7?

Wouldn't one need to fill one heck of a shortcoming in the D850 to make the big investment? There are some great glass instead for that $3700+ .

So Why? Why are some leaving "the best DSLR ever made" ?

The D850 is arguably the best DSLR ever made but I purchased the Z7 as an adjunct to not a replacement of my D850. It will be my lightweight travel, landscape and general photographic camera and the D850 will be used for my birding and action camera.
So, unless you need an action camera, then the Z7 should be more than enough camera for most people. Having said that, foe the less demanding birding duties, even the Z7 does a good job and adding the 500 f5.6 Pf to it means a well under 2.5kg rig and that's just silly light in comparison to a 500 f4 and D850 at over 4kg!

So why not compare a D850 (915 gms) + 500 PF (1460 gms) = 2.375kg;

to a Z7 (585 gms) + FTZ (135 gms) + 500 PF (1460 gms) = 2.180kg?

Difference between D850 and Z7+FTZ = 195 grams :-O

Have I missed something?

Because then it wouldn't be FF and the D500 is only 24Mp not 46Mp of the Z7

D500???

Delayed jetlag?

Definitely!

Sorry, I thought you meant the D500 camera and lens.

I was trying to get across the fact that the Z7 and 500 PF is a very lightweight kit compared to what we used to have to use and that was a 500 f4 + a similar camera to a D850 and thus a kit well over 4kg. Now we can have a crazy lightweight system that allows us a 500mm lens and a camera at just over 2kg, which I think is quite amazing for us Nikon shooters.

OK. Maybe not jetlag... I think you're in love

Possibly, the Z7 is a fantastic camera, used within it's few limitations.

Comparing apples to apples, the difference in weight between a D850 and the Z7+FTZ is 195 grams or under 7 ounces. It is the 500PF that makes it amazing!

Very much so, but the point I was trying to put across initially, although obviously not very well, was that the Z7 and lenses will make for a very lightweight and small kit. Even though the 24-70 is only f4, it means that we now have a camera and 24-70 @ just over 1kg, whereas the D850 + 24-70 f2.8 is over 2kg. Makes for a very appealing travel kit and a set up that makes me want to take it more places than my big and heavy D850 kit.

Z7 + 500 f5.6 PF

Being light and smaller and beautifully built it will appeal to possibly more people than the large and heavy D850. I was getting less enthusiastic about taking my D850 out with me due to size and weight for many general photo duties. Even taking it to family functions were putting me off. The Z7 makes me want to use it and is less of an "in your face" camera for general photography.

I think the small size and weight and (to some) the benefits of EVF (which is brilliant on the Z7) are reasons for owning it over the D850 if sports/action/birds etc are not your chief photography pursuits

--
Lance B

Lance BB

Explore Lance BB’s 738 photos on Flickr!

www.flickr.com

Galleries by Lance B

www.pbase.com

 

[chambeshi]

Over the past week, I have been shooting the Z7 also with 500 PF but sometimes 300 PF or 400 f2.8E. I definitely have the Z7 to Complement the D850 (finally sold D500 with mixed feelings). Already I find the overlapping features of the D850 and Z7 makes more sense in practice.

My specific tasks of the Z7 are peripatetic work, in rougher terrain especially. The silent shutter is equally a boon for some of my wildlife subjects. Yes the D850 has focus-peaking, LV histograms et al, but having these features in EVF is a paradigm shift IME. More than justifies the cost

OTH, those sitting on the fence should wait until Nikon gets out a Firmware update to plug holes and bugs that undermine the means to optimize and realize the fuller potential of the Z7. Currently, these hamstring key areas in current performance, especially how Custom Settings work, or rather do not.

Concur with Lance on the weight factor. Sure the D850 will also provide this but 100-200g multiplies given time. The Z7 with 500 PF recalls my halcyon days with the 400 f5.6AIS IFED on a FM2. Back then I covered much rough country in the Zambezi valley and granite shield (Zimbabwe) This new rig is the closest I've had since is DSLR as a mobile rig that gets to (nearly) anywhere, and timeously. No extra leg(s) needed :-D:-D

 

[TQGroup]

Last year the D850 was touted as the best all around DSLR camera Nikon had made. Fast, high resolution, great focus -- good for landscape and sports.

So why are many switching from the D850 to the Z7? I would assume that there is something the Z7 can do that the D850 cannot. Or there is something the Z7 does much better than the D850.

I know that the Z7 is new and different. But for those that have the $3200 D850, why are you buying the $3700+ Z7?

Wouldn't one need to fill one heck of a shortcoming in the D850 to make the big investment? There are some great glass instead for that $3700+ .

So Why? Why are some leaving "the best DSLR ever made" ?

The D850 is arguably the best DSLR ever made but I purchased the Z7 as an adjunct to not a replacement of my D850. It will be my lightweight travel, landscape and general photographic camera and the D850 will be used for my birding and action camera.
So, unless you need an action camera, then the Z7 should be more than enough camera for most people. Having said that, foe the less demanding birding duties, even the Z7 does a good job and adding the 500 f5.6 Pf to it means a well under 2.5kg rig and that's just silly light in comparison to a 500 f4 and D850 at over 4kg!

So why not compare a D850 (915 gms) + 500 PF (1460 gms) = 2.375kg;

to a Z7 (585 gms) + FTZ (135 gms) + 500 PF (1460 gms) = 2.180kg?

Difference between D850 and Z7+FTZ = 195 grams :-O

Have I missed something?

Because then it wouldn't be FF and the D500 is only 24Mp not 46Mp of the Z7

D500???

Delayed jetlag?

Definitely!

Sorry, I thought you meant the D500 camera and lens.

I was trying to get across the fact that the Z7 and 500 PF is a very lightweight kit compared to what we used to have to use and that was a 500 f4 + a similar camera to a D850 and thus a kit well over 4kg. Now we can have a crazy lightweight system that allows us a 500mm lens and a camera at just over 2kg, which I think is quite amazing for us Nikon shooters.

OK. Maybe not jetlag... I think you're in love

Possibly, the Z7 is a fantastic camera, used within it's few limitations.

Comparing apples to apples, the difference in weight between a D850 and the Z7+FTZ is 195 grams or under 7 ounces. It is the 500PF that makes it amazing!

Very much so, but the point I was trying to put across initially, although obviously not very well, was that the Z7 and lenses will make for a very lightweight and small kit. Even though the 24-70 is only f4, it means that we now have a camera and 24-70 @ just over 1kg, whereas the D850 + 24-70 f2.8 is over 2kg. Makes for a very appealing travel kit and a set up that makes me want to take it more places than my big and heavy D850 kit.

I couldn't agree more

Z7 + 500 f5.6 PF

Being light and smaller and beautifully built it will appeal to possibly more people than the large and heavy D850. I was getting less enthusiastic about taking my D850 out with me due to size and weight for many general photo duties. Even taking it to family functions were putting me off. The Z7 makes me want to use it and is less of an "in your face" camera for general photography.

I think the small size and weight and (to some) the benefits of EVF (which is brilliant on the Z7) are reasons for owning it over the D850 if sports/action/birds etc are not your chief photography pursuits

 

[TQGroup]

Over the past week, I have been shooting the Z7 also with 500 PF but sometimes 300 PF or 400 f2.8E. I definitely have the Z7 to Complement the D850 (finally sold D500 with mixed feelings). Already I find the overlapping features of the D850 and Z7 makes more sense in practice.

My specific tasks of the Z7 are peripatetic work, in rougher terrain especially. The silent shutter is equally a boon for some of my wildlife subjects. Yes the D850 has focus-peaking, LV histograms et al, but having these features in EVF is a paradigm shift IME. More than justifies the cost

OTH, those sitting on the fence should wait until Nikon gets out a Firmware update to plug holes and bugs that undermine the means to optimize and realize the fuller potential of the Z7. Currently, these hamstring key areas in current performance, especially how Custom Settings work, or rather do not.

Concur with Lance on the weight factor. Sure the D850 will also provide this but 100-200g multiplies given time. The Z7 with 500 PF recalls my halcyon days with the 400 f5.6AIS IFED on a FM2. Back then I covered much rough country in the Zambezi valley and granite shield (Zimbabwe) This new rig is the closest I've had since is DSLR as a mobile rig that gets to (nearly) anywhere, and timeously. No extra leg(s) needed :-D:-D

Great practical review and advice! Peripatetic... love that word

I think the D850/Z7 or 6 pairing is at the very pinnacle for most uses (D5 being the obvious exception).

Enjoy your new mobility, roving wanderer

 

[chambeshi]

Over the past week, I have been shooting the Z7 also with 500 PF but sometimes 300 PF or 400 f2.8E. I definitely have the Z7 to Complement the D850 (finally sold D500 with mixed feelings). Already I find the overlapping features of the D850 and Z7 makes more sense in practice.

My specific tasks of the Z7 are peripatetic work, in rougher terrain especially. The silent shutter is equally a boon for some of my wildlife subjects. Yes the D850 has focus-peaking, LV histograms et al, but having these features in EVF is a paradigm shift IME. More than justifies the cost

OTH, those sitting on the fence should wait until Nikon gets out a Firmware update to plug holes and bugs that undermine the means to optimize and realize the fuller potential of the Z7. Currently, these hamstring key areas in current performance, especially how Custom Settings work, or rather do not.

Concur with Lance on the weight factor. Sure the D850 will also provide this but 100-200g multiplies given time. The Z7 with 500 PF recalls my halcyon days with the 400 f5.6AIS IFED on a FM2. Back then I covered much rough country in the Zambezi valley and granite shield (Zimbabwe) This new rig is the closest I've had since is DSLR as a mobile rig that gets to (nearly) anywhere, and timeously. No extra leg(s) needed :-D:-D

Great practical review and advice! Peripatetic... love that word

I think the D850/Z7 or 6 pairing is at the very pinnacle for most uses (D5 being the obvious exception).

Enjoy your new mobility, roving wanderer

Thanks

Actually, I see Peripatetic Photography complementing, and overlapping, with Extreme Photography (albeit Galen Rowell termed his strategy Participatory Photography). I use peripatetic for the genre in trying to pin down down the rationale for the Mobile System

I'm always seeking how to get a lighter optical system but without changing to a smaller camera system. Experiences in terrain, such as this, have shaped my thinking... Yes, a strong influence is the photography and writings of the late Galen Rowell , the articulate ambassador. of the mimimal lightest gear. Many of us owe Galen Rowell a great deal , and this includes the many who never had the privilege of knowing him. Tributes continue to his legacy: eg recent podcast interview with Gary Crabbe and blog tribute by Chip Phillips .

Since I posted on this topic in late July, we now benefit even more with the core of the compact and immensely powerful Nikon Z system, with almost seamless interface with Nikkor-F fit glass, not least lighter Nikkors. And now we have the TWO phase-fresnel Nikkors :-D

On a point of interest, I've been running preliminary tests to try and sketch out the limits to performance of the 500 PF on the Z7. I can confirm the camera gives surprisingly fast AF with TCE2 III with the 500, and even with TC17 II added into the daisy chain (the Z7 still says it's at f11). Confess I'm surprised! The IQ with TC2 looks decent but they're obvious IQ costs trying to reach even further with multiple TCs

We Nikonians are living in the best of times