1 Year Later: Nikon Z5 & Sigma 60-600mm Sports Review. Deal or Dud?

[@goolgol2000]

Welcome back Super Mario. i just bought a new 100-400 sigma lens

[@MarioKilianPhotography]

Hi Shmuel, thanks! And you bought a 100-400? Wow, that's a challenge, what will you use that lens for? Do you like sports or event photography? I know that in wildlife, or at least in wildlife of small animals, it is very challenging to use that lens, very interesting purchase!! Shmuel God bless you and have a beautiful weekend.

[@goolgol2000]

@@MarioKilianPhotography Hi - i will photo a wildlife - thank you!

[@musiqueetmontagne]

Lovely to see you back Mario... Yes the Z5 can produce amazing files like all the Nikon cameras. I think it is incredible value for the quality output you get. The tracking is the same with the Z6 and Z7 cameras, the Expeed 6 chip just hasn't got the power to utilize these modern AI algorithms and shoot fast. I have a Z6ii and it's the same. I do as you do and just use traditional methods for tracking and it's OK. I bought a Z8 and that with the new very powerful chip is really 21st century tech, amazing but not always needed. I still have some DSLRs and love them with some of the characterful F glass. However I'm still quite happy to use the Z6, it's a fine camera in all other ways as the Z5 is, just not for fast "AI subject tracking". Thanks for the video, Cheers. Robert.

[@MarioKilianPhotography]

Hi Robert, nice to read you again. Robert, exactly what you say. The Z5 is a wonderful camera, but its weak point is precisely for wildlife, the 24 mp are quite fair if you don't have a teleconverter or you don't have a way to get close to the animals. But for landscapes... Incredible, the Z5 is at the highest level, and for the price it is a great offer. I have printed landscapes in A1 format from the Z5 photos and they are really phenomenal. My problem is that where I photograph animals it is difficult to get close. Robert, you have the Z8, that is a GREAT camera!!! Adam also has it and has sent me some photos and the truth is that it is a camera at another level, in terms of features and functions. A hug Robert and have a beautiful weekend that is coming up soon!!

[@janneroz-photographyonabudget]

I have this lens, f mount, adapted with the FtZ adapter. I use it on my Z6 and Z7. It's a behemoth. I got light headed when using it with a neck strap, I think I cut my circulation off a little. I have it for sale, but I'm still in two minds as whether to actually get rid of it or not. I look at the alternatives, they just haven't got the same reach. That with the 10X zoom, I can't find a decent, affordable Z mount lens that can do the same thing.

[@MarioKilianPhotography]

Hi Janner, I'm glad to read you and know that I'm not the only one who thinks that about the weight of the lens, I also use it with the FTZ. For a moment I may have thought that I'm getting old and losing strength... My great solution has been to use a monopod, but it limits my freedom of movement a lot. Regarding the change of lens, well, there is no other with that zoom feature, and that makes it a very versatile lens. I have thought about changing it for the Z 180-600, which is a beautiful lens, but its initial focal length is even higher!! and it would force me to have a 70-200, perhaps the Z 70-180 which is half the price of the 70-200, but in the end it bothers me to carry more than one lens, but for sporting events it is definitely a solution. Janner, if you find a solution let me know.... A hug and have a good weekend!!

[@janneroz-photographyonabudget]

@@MarioKilianPhotography I know it's a super telephoto, but at 60mm, if I'm only carrying that one lens, and I want to do a landscape and get every part in sharp focus, , you can't focus shift with F mounted lenses adapted to Z mount either. This is a shame because I do get okay results at 60mm, but it could be sharper across the whole shot.

[@fabioralvarez]

Hello, y have a question. I have the Sigma 150-600 mounted on the Z5 with the FTZ adapter, what happens with the image stabilizer? Why does the camera's image stabilizer get disabled when I mount it? Thanks

[@MarioKilianPhotography]

@@fabioralvarez Exactly, unfortunately that's how it is, when using the FTZ and a DSLR lens, it is deactivated, and only the stabilizer integrated in the lens remains operational. In this case, you can see that when you turn on the OS on the lens to position 1 or 2, the Stabilizer on the camera is activated, and when you turn off the OS, the stabilizer on the camera is turned off, the control is taken by the OS of the lens and not the IBIS of the camera. Fabio, quizas en castellano me es mas sencillo explicarte, pero resulta que al utilizar un lente sin montura Z, el control de la estabilizacion lo da precisamente el lente. Pero puedes estar tranquilo, yo utilizo el otro lente de sigma, el 60-600, tambien con el adaptador ftz en la Z5, y la estabilizacion funciona perfecto, solo debes asegurarte de tener el OS en el lente encendido en la posicion 1 o 2, ya sea para fotografiar accion o motivos estaticos. Un abrazo y saludos de un Chileno en Alemania !!

[@fabioralvarez]

@@MarioKilianPhotography Gracias Mario por la respuesta, yo estoy conforme con el 150-600 de sigma ya varios años con el pero montado en una d500, ahora hace un año me compre la z5 para paisaje pero a veces le monto ese lente con el adaptador y como uso velocidades altas siempre me quedo la duda si estaba estabilizando o no. saludos desde Uruguay.

[@Scooter-dm3qo]

As noted a do it all lens with this much range is going to be heavy. Subject Tracking Autofocus, for this mode to work at its best you MUST use Back Button Focus. Which means holding the AF ON button down fully throughout any sequence. If you try and use the shutter release button it is very difficult to not lift off too far. As a result odds are about 80/20 that you snap the shutter it will disengage the AF and this results in the AF system losing it's lock on the subject. Finally only the Z6 III, Z8, Z9 and perhaps the new ZF have the current generation AF systems. All of the other models are a generation behind, the flaws you have with your Z5 are the same flaws I find with my Z7 II. BTW, I've noticed that the base Auto Area mode seems to work best for Face and Eye Detection with my Z7 II so do some testing with this mode. One thing I've noticed is that the mirrorless cameras are much more sophisticated than the DSLR's were so there is a much steeper learning curve to figuring out how to use them.

[@MarioKilianPhotography]

Hi Scooter, exactly, bird tracking is not easy, I think that only the highest level cameras work optimally. In my Z7 the detection level is identical to that of the Z5, only in the Z7II is it much better, but as far as people are concerned, not animals. A hug and have a good weekend.

[@adamromek5386]

Hi Mario, it's great that you're back with us. As always, your videos are priceless. Speaking of a heavy set, you can't "have your cake and eat it too". Unfortunately, telephoto lenses have to be heavy because the lenses are big. Something for something. I carry a Nikon Z8 set and a Nikon Z180-600 lens on 10-11 km mountain trails and I'm almost 72 years old. But if I want to photograph a golden eagle, I have to make an effort. You, Mario, due to your vast experience, are able to squeeze everything out of this equipment. When you have a Z8 or Z9, you will be able to focus on the bird's eye and have many more useful functions. Then your photos and videos will be amazing and I wish you that.

[@MarioKilianPhotography]

Adam, I'm glad to hear from you, I was already getting worried. Adam, the 60-600 is definitely a marvel, I wouldn't change it for anything right now. The weight is definitely something, but it will help me to be in better physical condition.😄 On the other hand, the Z5 is a monster for Landscape, and I have managed to get some impressive images. Well, and something I have always said, if you have the opportunity to have better equipment, you should do it, but you should never forget that the equipment does not make the photographer. I still remember that one of my best-selling photos was taken with a D50 at the end of 2005. A hug Adam and take good care of yourself.

[@55whiplash]

Considering I don't have very good results with my Z6 using adapted Nikon glass (80-400)I think it did okay. The new processor in the Z9, Z8, ZF, and Z6 III, supposedly work much better with adapted F mount lenses. Thanks for the review, a lens with this range definitely has a lot of uses. I also adapted a Sony E Mount Zeiss Batis 25mm with a Megadapt, Sony to Z and that works fantastic. I'm not sure Nikon has caught Canon in AF yet even with the newest bodies, but it should be way better than the first generation.

[@MarioKilianPhotography]

Marc, good point about the adapter. I've done a lot of tests with the lens, since it's the DG model and not the DN one could say that it's not "perfect" for mirrorless cameras, and that's where I'm going with the fact that in all the tests I've noticed that the lens is sharper with my old D5600 than with the Z5 plus the adapter. Now, to be more sure, I'll use the lens with a Z50, a Z8, and a D850, videos of which I'll also publish. And there I could confirm that the adapter does cause a loss of sharpness, but we'll see. A hug and have a nice Sunday.

[@mauriciolee7349]

Thank Mario for this updated review of shooting photos & videos with Sigma 60-600mm. I love its range, stabilization, image quality but I hate its weight 2.5kg. Well, nothing is perfect.

[@MarioKilianPhotography]

Hi Mauricio!!!, thanks for your comment, and if it is indeed as you say that nothing is perfect, in any case, despite the weight, I love the lens, and I have found its perfect use for my nephews' soccer games, the focal range of 60 to 600 makes it perfect for that. Now if the game is on a cloudy day or with artificial lighting, well, then I suffer a little.😁.. A hug Mauricio.

[@mauriciolee7349]

@@MarioKilianPhotography One question please, for indoor sport game if you use HIGH ISO to compensate, will the video exposure look OK? and the grain in the dark area look acceptable with your Nikon Z5?

[@MarioKilianPhotography]

@@mauriciolee7349 Mauricio, first of all, you’re talking about video, right? Well, the good thing about video is that the exposure is higher. The bad thing is that for a sports video to look fluid, you have to use at least 60fps and maybe a shutter speed of 1/100, just because it’s a sport. Now, if the light is very low and the exposure is at high ISOs, and these are more than 6400, and you don’t have software to reduce noise… Yes, the video won’t turn out good. For me, the limit on the ZII, I haven’t tested it on the Z5, for a good video is around ISO 3200. But Mauricio, let me come back to your question on Sunday. I’m going to do some filming with the Z5 in low light conditions and see how it behaves. A big hug.

[@mauriciolee7349]

@@MarioKilianPhotography Thank for your DETAILED & QUICK REPLY and your hug!

[@NatureSoundsImages]

Amazing video Mario, I loved the images. It is nice to see you back again. About the Z5, well I would love to have it, I have de Z50 with the sigma 150-600 and it works well for wildlife but for landscape or any other cat...not my game.

[@MarioKilianPhotography]

Hello Nature!! Thanks for your comment, the Z50 is an excellent camera, in a while I will have the opportunity to try one, I will do it with the Sigma 60-600 and I will take advantage of the crop factor, I have faith in the good photos that will come out!! A hug!!

[@tootoochannel249]

Is it good enough for video if using this lens with FTZ adapter?

[@MarioKilianPhotography]

Hi TooToo, yes, the FTZ does not change the qualities of the video, nor have I noticed any differences in the AF when using the lens on my old DSLR. What you should consider is a tripod, good light, etc., which is what is necessary for a good video with a 600 and f6.3 lens. Regards.

[@fangli]

I have Z5, Z5 is not for fast moving subject,, Good for portrait Z6 is little better for sport coz have 11 fps

[@MarioKilianPhotography]

Exactly Fangli, as I mentioned in the video, it is one of the aspects that I hated about the camera, 4.5 fps is almost useless in sports or active wildlife. A hug.

[@fangli]

@@MarioKilianPhotography yup,, but my Z5 used for Wedding and portrait and i love it , the color ia nicer than the z6 and when doing video you have Ibis and eye AF, while z6 doesnt have eye in video side