Here’s where I am this week: I tried to buy a Z-mount camera before tariffs hit Nikon prices again on Monday, September 1, but I couldn’t push the buy button. It wasn’t about money. It was one of those gut checks.
Nikon Z7 II is still sold as new under 2K USD
Quick background on why I’m even considering the jump. We recently started a lens cap line for super telephoto lenses, and I’ve been spending time with some excellent Nikon Z telephotos like the Z 800mm F6.3 VR S, Z 400mm F2.8 TC VR S, and Z 600mm F4 TC VR S. Somewhere between testing and tinkering, I fell a little in love with Nikon’s long-lens game and figured a Z body would help me test them properly. Another bonus for me is that I can run many of my E-mount lenses on Z bodies with an E-to-Z adapter such as the Megadap ETZ21 Pro and get close to full functionality, which keeps the transition practical.
Best Trio of Prime Lenses of any mount?: Nikon Z 600mm F4 TC VR S vs Nikon Z 800mm F6.3 VR S vs Nikon Z 400mm F2.8 TC Lenses
Here is the snag. There isn’t a Nikon body that hits both of my must-haves: high megapixels and a reasonably compact size. My main camera is the Sony A7R V. I’m very used to 60MP and the flexibility it gives. Dropping all the way to 24MP is tough for me. I’m happy in the 45–50MP range. On the Nikon side, that basically means Z7 , Z7 II, Z8, or Z9 with their 46MP sensors. I ruled out the Z7 and Z7 II quickly because the tech and AF feel dated now. That leaves Z8 and Z9. The Z9’s built-in grip makes it a no for my daily work. It is a beast, even among grip-body cameras.
Nikon Z9 vs Z8 vs Z7 II vs Z6 III
The Z8 is closer, but it still feels like a thick brick to carry all day. Great ergonomics, sure, but plenty of smaller cameras also feel great in hand.
The new Z6 III and Z5 II hit my comfort zone for size, but they are 24MP. That puts me in a weird corner where nothing checks both boxes at once.
The dream camera in my head is a “Z7 III” style body: Z6 III size, 46MP sensor, modern AF, and a sensible price around 3,000 dollars.
It doesn’t have to be fully stacked to keep costs down. Even a partially stacked approach like the Z6 III could work if Nikon avoids the dynamic range quirks at certain ISOs.
Nikon Z8 vs Canon R5 II vs Sony A7R V
Funny twist: this search pushed me to peek at Canon. The EOS R5 Mark II looks closest to what I want, basically Z8-level capability in a more compact body. The catch is Canon’s RF super telephoto lineup. Nikon’s is simply more interesting for wildlife and birds in my opinion. The RF 100-300mm f2.8 L IS USM is a gem, but for most birding days it is not ideal. The 400mm to 1200mm RF primes are EF carryovers at heart. The RF 200-800mm is interesting (read our real-life review) but I reviewed it, and I own a Sony FE 400-800mm F6.3-8.0 G OSS , and the Sony is already better in every way, well except the wide end!
Some of the more interesting Super Telephoto Zoom lenses for Sony E and Canon RF mounts
So that’s where I’m stuck. I may order a Z8 and try to make peace with the size. Or I might grab a Z5 II just to test the waters without spending much, then decide from there. Either way, I’ll be quietly rooting for a Nikon Z7 III to finally appear.
If you shoot Nikon Z, what would you pick in my shoes and why?
