Approaching The Scene 334: Nikon Z50II Review, Example Images and Recommended Accessories

[@andrewthomas3278]

Really appreciate how you give people interested in gear like the Z50II the same level of guidance and support as you do for much more expensive cameras and lenses. Thank you!

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

@@andrewthomas3278 awww thanks. Of course!

[@AlexFeldstein]

Love this video - new to Z (old FX/DX shooter moving to the times) - Thanks for posting!

[@pjimmbojimmbo1990]

It's a Great little Camera. I picked one up for a Friend the Day it was released. He really likes it, and the Images it makes certainly Impressed Me, and while it isn't a Z9, it certainly is an Exceptional Value

[@IIISentorIII]

I bought the Z50 II a couple of days ago with the two-lens kit and the Viltrox 56. To my surprise, it included two batteries and a four-year warranty; not bad! :) I have already taken some fantastic pictures of my Husky and Samoyed sled dogs with the 50-250 and Viltrox (the bokeh at 1.7 is amazing). The 250 (375) for bird pictures, in combination with the 1-second JPG pre-capture mode and 30 fps, is also really enjoyable, I must say. I am planning to use it for snowboarding and mountain biking this year as well. Cheers from Switzerland

[@jeffreystulin8130]

I owed the z50 as a fun travel camera. I always thought it was greatly underrated in the "camera" world. I had been waiting a long time for a new model with a few more pixels and IBIS. Initially very disappointed in the z50ii release. But after grumbling and swearing at Nikon for a few days I rebooted my brain and looked at the specs. When I looked with fresh eyes at everything they were giving us for $910 I had a "HOLY SH*T" minute. It was very amusing to see, in this video, your ability to create a very impressive complete system in under $2K. What a bargain! Thank you for your video.

[@craigthompson6519]

Good review, convinced me to get the Z50ii upgrade (from Z50) for my wife. She has gotten some great wildlife shots with the Z50 and with the subject detection upgrades, looking forward to even more. The setting videos are very helpful. Thanks. Needs to also be recommended for those with weaker hands/arms that can't hand hold a Z8-9 with a long lens. The Z50/ii with a Z100-400 mm is relatively quite light that my wife can easily handle and gives a 150-600 mm field of view.

[@stanobert3475]

I am pleased that the Z50II still uses the 21 megapixel sensor. This is why the images are so clean at high isos. Two years ago I switched to the Fuji X system for my cropped sensor cameras (I still use full frame Nikon Z cameras and lenses) due to Nikon's lackluster Z DX cameras and lenses. Nikon has finally released an excellent DX camera body!

[@cullenphotographic]

Excellent, thank you. Bought Z50 11 two lens kit on your recommendation. Greetings from Scotland!

[@speedbumpmedia9584]

I really like the compactness and serious punch in the little Z50II. It’s a stellar extra body to add to my kit but even as a first body it’s a steal. Now for Smallrig to send me the base plate that’s been on order for weeks.

[@kokhualow3419]

They should work with viltrox to bundle a viltrox lens with the body. It will be a killer combo!

[@davidroberts6766]

I use my Zfc as my cycling, hiking, any day I don’t want to lug a heavy unit, camera. I love the 12-24mm PZ and 18-140mm zooms. I use lots of budget primes… Nikkor 24mm f1.7, Viltrox 56mm f 1.7, Pergear MF 35mm f1.4….want the Viltrox 35mm f1.7 and that 75mm f1.2. I am an experienced amateur, shooting for over 40 years, and as I age, especially after recently suffering a serious injury, weight of my kit is getting more and more important. I am very intrigued by the Z50II

[@boblozano]

It really is quite a package - way more than the specs might suggest. So far using it when space is at a premium, want to have a couple of different lenses, and/or don't want to bring a Q for one reason or another. The complete bonus is that with lenses this cheap, easy to try multiple primes. In addition to the ones you mentioned, the voigtlander d35 f1.2 and the sigma 56 f1.4 are excellent.

[@jasonmiley2645]

black friday i ordered my first camera set up. the z50ii, z 16-50mm, tamron z 50-400mm, viltrox 27mm pro, 3 legged thing alana, and ulanzi treeroot tripod. been having so much fun with it. looking forward to learning more about how to use it from your content.

[@IIISentorIII]

How is the tamron? I got the set16-50mm, and 50-250mm (375) and love it. Right now I wish sometimes I had a 400.. (600) for those small birds :) I did go with the Viltrox 56 and love it! I also found a Sirui T-025SK Traveler Ultralight (Carbon) for 100 Euro online. Cheers

[@jasonmiley2645]

@IIISentorIII I love the tamron. I leave it on most of the time. I can't wait for the 17-70 to come out for Z mount.

[@BenitoF2009]

Than's for the review! I've got my Z50ii kit with a 16-50 lens today. Same size as my D5000 but a better grip. Feels really nice. Took some pictures to try it out. Even w/o IBIS - so far so good. Except: The battery was empty after 25 shots and some look around in the menu. Seems like it can only be charged with the original (60 cm long) USB C to USB C cable. That takes the fun a little bit out of it. So now back to amazon to buy some additional stuff... Lens hood, hot shoe cover, Display protection, USB C adapter (A>C), longer cable (all not included in the pack), 2 Batteries with charger.

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

@@BenitoF2009 get that Anker PD battery bank. It charges it no problem with the included cable. Oh and only usbc cables are rated for PD (power delivery). It has to be a PD capable adapter, cable and or battery bank. I've got my favorite linked with he camera: Www.hudsonhenry.com/atslinks

[@brucekraft744]

Thanks a lot for your review, Hudson! I'm probably an ideal target for your review; a very happy Zf shooter. The idea of "going light" is getting more and more appealing at my age (70'ish), so your take would always be of interest. I admit to being a bit of a lens snob, so discussion of some good 3rd party stuff is greatly appreciated. Best Wishes!

[@Ben_Stewart]

I miss my Z50 dearly for its size and weight but mostly how nice the photo's came out. The last firmware update had pretty good AF performance. I went down to the camera store to see the new Z50ii and how it compared to the older Z50. I wasn't happy with the increase in size but for its price and punch I will probably buy one when it goes in sale.

[@AsDoomas]

Just ordered with an 18-140 lens... Second camera along to ZF 🙂

[@skyrunr]

I'm enjoying pairing the Z50II with my Z6III that much more, because they are nearly identical. It still feels that much smaller. I just need the cycle through AF area, to customize the illumination button, and customize the multi-pad. My wish list for the next one would be EN-EL15 battery, partially stacked sensor, and/or a few more MP's. I put the Sigma 56f1.4 on it.

[@pascalhibon7928]

Viltrox is doing great things. I own the small 20mm and 40mm lenses, which are FF lenses. Both great and light weight lenses with fantastic IQ. I love the 20mm on my Z50 as a general walk around lens. You should have a look at the 27mm Viltrox lens too; that is another amazing lens and I'm pretty sure you will like it too! My Voigtlander 35mm f1.2 arrived this week. This is an absolute beautiful made lens. I'll be experimenting with that lens on my Z50 in the coming days and hope I'll get used to manual focusing down to f1.2...

[@estubee]

I just upgraded my Z50 to a Z50ii for use traveling, and in a pinch backing up a Z8 for action/wildlife. I would reach for the Z8 first, but the Z50ii is a pretty competent little action camera. It can shoot 15 fps Raw with the electronic (Silent) shutter and 11 fps with the mechanical shutter, with AF that is similar to the Z8.

[@johnray424]

Good review Hudson. I currently use the Z50 for wildlife photography and for the most part enjoy this with my 400 f/4.5, 500f/4, and Tamron 150-600G2. Only items purchased new were the Z50 and Tamron. I don't do a lot of birdphotography and have yet to see someone do an actual review of wildlife like deer, elk, moose, etc. with the Z50II. No IBIS and same sensor is a deal breaker. Hopefully the rumors of a Z replacement for D500 is still coming.

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

@@johnray424 at least demo the Expeed 7. Having owned or done extensive testing of all the Zs so far. That's the biggest leap. The much, much more advanced tracking and elimination of all (z8/9) or nearly all (Zf/6iii/50ii) of the blackout. I've got plenty of videos on the Expeed 7 with my Z9 shooting lots of other wildlife in Costa Rica, Glacier and Yellowstone. It's amazing. I'm pretty sure that nikon plans to keep the Aps-c as their entry level/budget line. I'd not hold my breath for a more sophisticated, expensive DX body anytime soon. I'd love a 36mp'ish dx with ibis too, but I doubt it's coming. Nikon's large focus is clearly full frame.

[@DerJohnnyWalker]

Mine is coming next week together with the 16-50, 35 1.7, 56 1.7 and 85 1.8 My goal was to have a small, powerful and affordable package. If i am satisfied i will add the 50-250 or 18-140 as well. I am coming from fuji x-t3 with 35 1.4, 60 2.4, 90 2.0, 16-80 and 50-250.

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

I think you'll dig it!

[@dafyddthomas7299]

Most excellent video and love the MK 2 Z50 - superb camera abeit couple of grumbles: No Ibis and wished was slight bump in resolution to 24mp + introduce 1-2 Z DX new lenses, e.g., 16-80 F2.8 - F4, 18-140 PZ. Also For Nikon to have done prior to Z50 MK2; a Z70 24mp, IBIS; 20 FPS Electronic Shutter in a Z6 III Body (rival to R7) with that tech flowing down to Z50 MK 2 abeit 20mp and current specs of Z50 Mk 2 6 months down the line to scoop more sales in DX

[@Euphabone]

Does the z50ii support older TTL flashes in the hotshoe like the original z50 does? Nikon seems to have removed this ability in the Z6iii and z9 (presumably the z8 also). My Mitros+ flash works in TTL on the z50.

[@RonSkinnerPhotographer]

I like using the Nikon 10.5mm DX fisheye with the Z50II, you have to use the FTZ and it’s manual focus but it works great

[@christielombard7357]

YIP, my Christmas wish to get both my Kids one each, 20 and 17yrs old. Both are very creative and love photography, My son more video, my daughter more stills..... They are using my D80 with amazing results. My son had some access to a Canon RP and the videos he made blew me away....

[@hpaula1946]

I'm sorry to ask in this particular episode, but I just discovered your channel, and I've been considering the Zf, as well as the Z6III, to add on to my Fuji X-H2 and X-T4. I'm looking for a camera with better auto focus, but even more importantly, with great low light capabilities. I've been in the fuji system since the X-T2, but had Nikons for many years, the last one being the D750, which I still have. I know that you love the esthetics of the Zf, in addition to its other great attributes, but if you didn't own the Z8 or Z9, and could only pick one camera, between the Zf and the Z6III, which one would you choose? My X-H2 doesn't have the knobs, and it works fine for me. I take a lot of pictures of my 4 year old and 7 year old grandchildren playing various games indoors in our home, and the low light, high ISO performance on my X-H2 could be better. Thank you very much!

[@deanmalencik]

Good work. What do you think of the 24-70 f4 kit lens on thenikon z50II

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

@@deanmalencik that's a nice sharp lens even wide open on full frame. I only ditched it because the 24-120 is even better and more versatile. The 24-70 has no vibration reduction though and it's bigger since it throws a full frame image circle. The 16-50 dx VR is really very nice on the Z50ii and gives you a wider perspective {24mm equivalent instead of 36mm} with VR in a tiny, cheap package.

[@lalachristopher]

What an amazing resource! I have not gotten my camera yet! Curious what you think of the 24-400mm Nikkor zoom? I want to capture birds. Thank you so much!

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

It's better than it should be as an ultra zoom range lens. Those extreme wide to long range all in ones always have to make massive compromises, but that one is surprisingly ok. I had a workshop participant with one in Scotland this fall and it surprised me.

[@clarkejones8090]

Great to hear your thoughts on the Z50 II and on building a system around it. Thank you Hudson.. I live in a scenic and rainy region (of New Zealand). I enjoy hiking/tramping . Have you any thoughts or opinions on rain covers for the Z50 II plus lens, ideally one that permits viewing through the EVF ? [ I think I would want a rain cover even if both the camera and lens were claimed or specified to be "weather-sealed "]. Do you do macro photography? Do you think that the Z50 II would be a good camera for macro photography ? Do you have an APSC macro lens recommendation or two to pair with the Z50 II ?

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

I tend to not use rain covers with Nikon. I've had no issues with the Z50 over the past several years. I'd just get a cheap i-Optron set of two plastic ones if needed. ;-) Man the 105 1.4 is an insanely great Macro. The 100-400 focuses so close I use that too. On a DX. budget, I'd consider a Z-mount extension tube with your current lenses. Smaller sensors are great a macro just like they are at telephoto. You can more easily fill the frame from further away. :-)

[@clarkejones8090]

@@HudsonHenryPhoto Thank you Hudson.

[@smkunder1]

Just purchased Z50ll today, fantastic video, very helpful. I am having trouble finding the power bank you described. I thought you mentioned 29 bucks.

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

@@smkunder1 it's linked in this video's full description (click the title or show more on KZbin under it) as well as with the camera here: Www.hudsonhenry.com/atslinks

[@smkunder1]

Maybe I am missing it but when I click more, I do not see the power bank, thank you.

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

@@smkunder1 oh shoot! Your totally right. My bad. Here it is. I'll fix that. amzn.to/49L9eZz

[@amaimani]

Can you provide a link for that silver side acra-swiss plate to add it to my neweer plate for vertical mount on tripod please?

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

AS I mentioned in the video, it's a titanioum plate from the now shuttered Luma Labs. There are no more of those to obtain. :-(

[@cam7375]

Great review Hudson! I’ve been shooting birds here in FL with my new Z50ii and Z400 4.5 and WOW! Lightweight fun! I have Voightlander 50 1.0 on order for my Zf. Have you tried the V 50 1.0 on Z50ii yet?

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

@@cam7375 nah. That lives on my Zf. :)

[@baobo67]

Great review thank-you. How would my surplus Z24-70 f4 S Lens and also other Z mount FX lenses perform on this camera? Cheers from Australia.

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

@@baobo67 fabulously, but it crops in on them.

[@MrTwstws]

Great overview, thanks! I'm curious how you think the viltrox lenses compare to the nikon 40 f2 and 28 f2.8. I've been really pleased with the 40 on my z 50

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

@@MrTwstws I think that those are good on DX, but I wasnt a fan on full frame. I think the Viltrox 35 is a bit sharper and much cheaper.

[@MrTwstws]

@@HudsonHenryPhoto Thanks!

[@jos3zavalar3cillas]

A question please!! What is more interesting for you 24 DX 1.7 or 26 Z F 2.8 for this kind of cameras and image quality. The 24 for grow best results should be at F2.8 and 26 is 2.8. Thank a lot your attention. Saludos🇲🇽

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

I love the bokeh and the ability to work low light that 1.7 buys you even if it's not as sharp as 2.8. The Viltrox 35mm 1.7 thumps them both to be honest. It's so sharp at 1.7 and I love it as a versatile prime on DX.

[@jos3zavalar3cillas]

@ I thank a lot your comments!! I already have a powerful 35 DX F1.8 (but I feel it a little large) so I’lm think I’m covered but on your test I impressed but your sharp of viltrox!. Thank you again🇲🇽

[@jos3zavalar3cillas]

@ halo again! relatively recently I saw a video of Peter Coulson where used lens relatively old and no-good!! And he grow them on edition using his programs. Do you thing the 24 DX Z, could be the same case?. Saludos

[@starbucksguitarM-jc5oy]

I am a pro for decades. I just purchased this as my first mirrorless as a small camera I can take on a cruise ship and not drag my Nikon D800 around. I paired it with the kit lens and a tt artisan 75mm (112mm on dx). I will keep it in my truck for the just in case moments. I may jump into a z8 at some point. I would recommend this camera for anyone at any level for its small size. I would hope nikon comes out with a battery grip for this, my only complaint is battery life is not great if you switch to video.

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

I had the D850 and 500 back in 2018 when the Z7 launched to much derision. I took one trip to Cuba with the Z7 instead and never used a DSLR again. I'd hated the other mirrrorless options I'd tested from Panasonic, Lieca and Sony, but the Z7 and Sony A7RIII is where they clearly left the DSLR behind. I can't imagine going back. Wait till you try some of the S glass. The F4 glass blows the doors off the old AF-S F-mount 2.8s.

[@hchavez]

Why did they use a smaller battery.

[@TejasManake]

this camera is extremely capable

[@alancandusso7334]

Hudson, awesome video! I have a Z8. It’s a great camera. But I got tired of lugging it around on vacations and weekend getaways. So I bought the Z50II with the 16-50mm last weekend. I can’t praise this camera enough. The focusing is amazing and on par with the Z8. And in such a small package. The amount of technology packed in this camera is amazing. One can call it an entry camera only because of its price. Yes the sensor is old but the IQ is excellent. This camera will be with me anytime I go somewhere. My advice is get this camera. No it’s not my “backup” camera. It’s not meant to be. Just a delight to use. So light and unobtrusive. As a comparison, Z50II with 16-50mm lens weighs 22 oz, whereas the Z8 with the 40mm lens comes in at 38 oz. That’s the lightest combo for the Z8 and my walk around lens is normally my 24-120mm. With this lens the weight goes to 54 oz. Ouch. Can’t wait to get the Viltrox 56mm or the new 35mm lens.

[@RudiZimmerer]

For blogging, the Viltrox 20mm F2.7 is optimal, light, cheap, and great! The Bluetooth remote control from the Nikon Z50 is not working at all!!! So there is only one option, the MC DC-3 remote control.

[@thecorley]

Would it be worth upgrading from the original Z50?. The USB-C power and the wired remote really make me want to upgrade, but everything else seems good also.

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

@@thecorley 100% yes. The AF tracking will blow your mind. :)

[@thecorley]

@HudsonHenryPhoto Thanks. Great video. Now to convince the spouse that I need to replace the camera I just bought last year.

[@craigcarlson4022]

I’ll give that Viltrox a closer look. I tried the Nikon dx24 1.7. Sorry, i found it really disappointing. Have you tried Sigma’s 23mm f1.4 on any of the brands for which it is available? I’ve been hoping it’ll come to our Z mount in 2025.

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

@@craigcarlson4022 you'll like the Viltrox. I'm not a big sigma guy, but when they get to Z mount, I'll test it. I just find what they've done for Nikon in the past duplicitive of Nikon's offerings I like better, but not at affordable price points or smaller size. I really like the 24 1.7 for video and it's nice bokeh, but it's not critically sharp. Agreed. The Viltrox 35 1.7 is very sharp.

[@willgreig8912]

Bit disappointed with Z50 images, just felt like a smartphone plus, is this camera better

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

I think you're going to find it is light and lens dependant. It's certianly no smartphone sensor. Haha. It's the same as the D500 with many modern tweaks and it's pretty darned clean right up to 10,000 ISO. Amazing dynamic range. Try it with a fast prime. You can see plenty of examples in this video that no smart phone can come close to.

[@Bethos1247-Arne]

A 35 mm 1.7 on crop is not like a 50 mm f/1.7, it is like a 50 f/2.5.

[@petey4018]

Hudson spreads lots of GAS (Gear Aquisition Syndrome)

[@petey4018]

My wife wants your channel blocked. 🙂

[@richardgorski23]

Its so great then sell all your Z('s and Z8's and use it.

[@richardgorski23]

Lack of lenses. No IBIS

[@fredmuellerphotographer4532]

lack of lenses?? ... you need , like, 30?

[@richardgorski23]

@@fredmuellerphotographer4532 no but what is it 3. did I upset a fanboy. Ha HA so sad