Preference for MF or AF lenses? That is: after experience with both

[TheSoaringSprite]

Using a Z9 and also for a while a Zf, mainly with FTZ-adapted F-mount Nikkors and some other brands with relevant adapters, I now have a degree of experience with these mirrorless Z-system cameras, which of course are different in style, size, ergonomics and controls.

To those of you who use a Zf and have shot it with AF glass (unadapted Nikon i.e. Z-native lenses) and MF glass (perhaps Voigtlander, also unadapted Z-native) which have you ended up preferring for general handheld photography of various sorts: the MF or the AF route?

I am very interested as each way has its own attractions. So to hear your experiences and personal preferences after trying both (and maybe still using both) would be fascinating. It doesn't have to be the Zf but if it is it wouldn't go amiss!

I will just say that in general I find the Z9 far better handling and more comfortable than I found the Zf, and that's why I'm actually particularly interested if you have been shooting MF and AF lenses on the Zf (don't ask!!)

Back in my DSLR days, I did not like using manual focus lenses and never bothered buying any, except for one 3rd party UWA.

With the Z8 and all the recent firmware updates, I really enjoy using manual focus. I like it so much, that a manual focus lens is attached most of the time, unless I'm shooting wildlife.

It helps me to slow down, it gives me precise focus exactly where I want it, and the slowing down means I'll think about the composition a bit longer. I'm also not going to bring home a 1,000 photos to store, because I shoot one or two at a time, instead of spray n' pray like I would with AF lenses.

I suppose you can use the AF lenses in manual focus mode as well, but there's something about the Voigtlanders, the smooth, slow turn experience, that I started to enjoy. Plus the APO-Lanthar models produce beautiful results from edge to edge, so that also motivates me to use them.

 

[Nebido]

Yes, I identify with your reply, for sure.

I enjoy all the camera and lens types that I have, for much the same reasons as you but I sometimes wish I had never discovered some of them, as I expect I would have been just as happy with a small percentage of them!

I feel exactly the same way.

As much as I love the diversity of my lens collection, sometimes less would really be more.