Nikon Zf vs Fujifilm X-T5 | Lenses from Viltrox, Artra Lab, Voigtlander, TT Artisans

[@ogonzilla]

Felt like I was hanging with you guys! Very fun.

[@btonelli]

Thank you! Btw big fan of your content 👍

[@stanobert3475]

I use Nikon Z for my full frame and Fuji for my aps-c. I have the best of both worlds. My two favorite camera brands!

[@btonelli]

Great combo

[@stevendente9270]

Nicely done guys. This is all about the fun factor in photography. Which of course is the main thing for enthusiasts. Voigtlander lenses are the saving force for the wonderful Nikon Zf camera. The Nikon native Z lenses fall short of the Zf aesthetic for me. But the native Z mount Voigtlanders Ergonomics, build quality, optics, and looks, complete the Zf theme perfectly.

[@btonelli]

Thanks for watching. Agree, Voigtlander really is helping the Zf system with some great glass. Hopefully in the future we see the Sigma I series lenses come into play. F2, with a bit of that retro styling will match perfectly to these cameras.

[@ezekielkok1848]

Was thinking bout the zf. But then I already have my favorite M9, A7s for low light and XT1 and 18mm for a fun lightweight walk about. It’s hard to see how I can find time to fit in another camera system. Not forgetting my film cameras too haha. Love your shadings guys! Keep it coming!

[@btonelli]

Thanks for watching!

[@RuiciTio]

I’m a Fujifilm die hard and just added the Zf to my collection, so far I’m just shooting vintage F glass until I figure out if I really want/need the Nikon Z primes. I’m hanging on to my trusty XT-2, but have sold some Fuji gear to make room for this Nikon. Funny thing, after watching your other video on the Zf, I saw you over at Peninsula today!

[@btonelli]

Haha small world! Both can be in the camera gear kit. I would say try the Z40mm f2 and maybe some of the 1.8 lenses. All really solid choices

[@manilamartin1001]

I just realized I wasn't subbed to you Bobby. I always enjoy your videos. My first time to see Ivan. Looks like a very knowledgable person. Thanks for another fun video. Now I am finally subbed.

[@btonelli]

Thanks for the sub! Ivan is a wealth of knowledge for photography and all things Fujifilm. Give him a follow on IG. His handle is Fujifanboys

[@fjphoto23]

Both great cameras when in the hands of skilled photographers. Viltrox is really killing it providing choice to budget conscious Fuji and Nikon users.

[@btonelli]

Agree 💯

[@kingNO0614]

Thank you for the interesting video. I'm Korean, and I've already experienced Nikon's zf, and now I have Fuji's x-t5. Nikon's ZF performance and fast AF system are better than Fuji, but other than that, we decided that Fuji x-t5 was better. 1. The difference in body size and weight 2. Fujiman's film simulation 3. Retro-style lens 4. Manual lens has increased operability. 5. It's true that Fuji's x-t5 has more advantages over the current zf, such as the difference in the rear LCD. Nikon will use Nikon's zf body again if the zf's miniaturization, retro colors other than black and white, and retro lenses are released. And since I used a translator, please understand if the content is weird.

[@btonelli]

Thank you for commenting and watching the. Video. The translation did well:) yes Fujifilm has a more mature system overall but happy to see Nikon expand on this range of camera and hopefully more lenses

[@nevvanclarke9225]

The ZF is a lot heavier so it's not really a competition really in a lot of ways I feel the XT5 is probably a better camera for most people because it's a little bit smaller a little bit more nimble. I don't think crop sensor cameras these days are bad in low light. In fact, they are usually very good in lowlight situations. You dynamic range Shaw is gonna be less but overall you get great image quality out of the XT5 and megapixels discount it allows you to crop where is 26 megapixels it's okay. It's enough for a lot of people but it doesn't give you a lot of cropping ability and I always think that the general photographer outside of the professionals do you like to crop because you're going to miss shots, maybe I'm a little bit bass because I own the XT5, but I came from Nikon. I actually had a Nikon D850 I then went to the XT5 and now I also have a Fujifilm GFX for my landscape photography, so I've kinda got a foot in each camp. Which camera would I choose? I love the film simulations I would choose the Fuji. If I was had the choice I would choose the Fuji XT5 over the ZF from Nikon. That said, I think the Nikon is a great camera too. But I don't understand why they went with a video centric flip out screen for the ZF when everyone could've told you that that is a screen that photographers don't like that's a videographer screen. It's really simple. If your video you get the flip out if you are a photographer, you like the tilt down, and for whatever reason they put the tilt out screen on the ZF Nikon.... And that is a reason why I would not buy that camera

[@btonelli]

Thanks for your comment. Understand your viewpoint and you have valid points. What I would say is the newer Nikon cameras also have “film simulations” but call them by a different name. Also Nikon with the Expeed 7 processor does make this a formidable video camera as well as a strong camera for photography. The display won’t be for everyone but I appreciate the ability to rotate the display inwards so I don’t need to use it unless I want to. Again all personal preferences

[@nevvanclarke9225]

@btonelli yeah it's also that people now can only maybe afford one camera 📷 and want that one camera to do it all ...hybrid THE XF Is hybrid retro.....retro with modern hybrid tech.

[@chee-f3i]

you guys do a great combo, for a moment you guys reminded me of Wang Sa and Ye Fong, good job !

[@btonelli]

lol! Thanks 🙏 😂

[@domtomas1178]

Thanks for this video very interesting chat. That was such a refreshing approach. Showcasing the two retro style systems and lens options. I've been a Fuji shooter (X-Pro2) for a 6 years now. Using vintage and Fuji lenses. But Nikon has really made me think about getting the Zf. Only thing holding me back is the lack of decent Nikon lenses with the same style and function to the Zf. Yes the little plastic SE lenses are available. But they don't even have an aperture ring. I've been on the fence on whether to get the Zf and hope that Nikon (or others) come out with some more compact AF primes for it. Or stay with Fuji (Been waiting for the X-Pro4 forever😅) and get that 35mm f0.9 Voigtlander lens for when I want to go full manual. So many great choices we have now... it's actually difficult to decide 😂

[@btonelli]

Thanks Dom much appreciated. Ivan and myself really enjoy photography so it’s not a one camera is good or bad it’s how we can use to create along with some cool lenses. I understand your feelings about the Zf and lenses and as a user myself it’s something I have given feedback to Nikon about. I think seeing the popularity of the Zf and perhaps future retro cameras (speculation of course) they will come out with a series of lenses to complement the system. Right now there are some exciting moves in Fujifilm so when you think the time is right to explore try it out. I can say, 40f2 and 28 f2.8 optically are fantastic from Nikon and enjoy using them.

[@niclightfoot4329]

Thanks for a great video, I really enjoyed the discussion regarding the various lenses - a lot to put on my wish list. I do have a lot of F mount Nikon glass and an F2Z converter so I too use the older lenses on my Z series cameras. But just to let you know, I think Nikon were the first in the retro style cameras when they started their homage back to their own FM and FE (released in 1977 & 1978 respectively) range of cameras in 2013 when they released the Nikon Df. This was also a full frame camera, but it had only an optical viewfinder and no video support. It's a great camera and I still use mine today, but I now prefer my Nikon Zfc and Zf, both of which are smaller and more functional. But, I think, the retro homage began 10 years ago with the Df, which I think predates anything from Olympus (including the Pen F) or Fujifilm. I wish Nikon would put actual click-stop aperture rings (not just mapping the focus ring - which works perfectly fine, but...) on their lenses like Fujifilm - a big score for Fujifilm in my opinion. I own Nikon, Fujifilm, Olympus and Sony cameras (film, DSLR and mirrorless) and I now almost always chose to carry the Zf and/or Zfc. But this may easily change. Before the Zf, I thought the XT4 was the best reasonably priced camera on the planet.

[@btonelli]

Thanks for watching and commenting. Yes I forgot to bring up the Df. I believe the Olympus came out before that with a retro inspired camera hence Ivan’s comments but yes the Df was definitely worth the mention. The Zf and X-T5 both offer users a great experience. Just depends on budget and overall needs

[@Cleverconveyence]

Enjoying the Artralab 35mm 1.4. very nice lens. Looking forward to doing a bit of street shooting

[@btonelli]

Would love to try this lens sometime as well as their M mount lenses

[@thomaspampillonia5163]

The reason why I bought the Fujifilm is for the quantity of reduced lens size and quality. It's still possible for me to shoot landscapes with Sigma 10-18 and 18-50 in small sizes, street photography with the Fujifilm F2 and wildlife photography with the zoom lenses. The nikon looks fabulous but sorely lacks a compact lens, and the landscape lenses are HUGE and HEAVY. FR ! La raison pour la quel j'ai acheter le fujifilm est pour la quantité d'objectif à taille réduite et qualité. Il m'est toujours possible de faire du paysage avec Sigma 10-18 et 18-50 en petite taille, de la street photo avec les F2 fujifilm et de l'animalier avec les zoom. Le nikon semble fabuleux mais manque cruellement d'objectif compact, et les optiques paysages sont ENORME et LOURD.

[@btonelli]

Yes something Nikon needs to improve over time and I’m sure they will

[@mauricerijnders3507]

The reason that some lenses are easier to focus is that these lenses probably have better contrast which helps the focus assist features in digital camera’s 🙂

[@btonelli]

For the Voigtlander perhaps. The Artralab the focus ring is very precise

[@marleenvandam6931]

I recently bought the Zf and kills my XT5 on IQ , especially high iso noise!

[@btonelli]

It’s a great low light camera for sure.

[@Eliehbk]

Another amazing video. Tony, which lens do you prefer: the Voigtlander 50mm f1, or the Nikon 58mm f1.2? Thanks!

[@btonelli]

Thanks! Btw my name is Bobby but yes sometimes people say Tony :) Hmm I would say I prefer both depending on the look I’m after but for the price the f1 is a no brainer

[@Eliehbk]

SOS sorry! My bad. Of course, Bobby. Thanks for your input.

[@btonelli]

@@Eliehbk no prob 👍

[@Photojouralist123]

Damn lucky to have a Nikon 59 Noct Bobby! Great video! I love my Zf so much ❤

[@btonelli]

Thanks John! I was lucky to find one in good condition. Zf is fantastic!

[@Photojouralist123]

@@btonelli just finished watching you and Ivan . Loved this video. I like that lens he had the Altton and the 35mm 0.9

[@btonelli]

@@Photojouralist123 he is the go to for anything Fujifilm

[@Photojouralist123]

@@btonelli ya he's famous !! Thats why I have my GFX100s. BTW speaking of Fujifilm you might ask him about the controversy brought out by Peta Pixel Chris Nickols regarding the GFX100ll that in single shot the images are 16bit but once its on continuous to 8fps the bit rate drops to 14 and 12 bit. This important piece of information was never disclosed by Fujifilm and now confirmed by Fujifilm Singapore. Just wonder what your thoughts are on this matter.

[@peterback3561]

The original Zf-grip looks so much better than the one from small-rig!

[@btonelli]

Agree. Not sure why Nikon only sells these in Japan. A bit odd

[@ofeykalakar1]

Zf should have used an advance lever like the Leica M10-D advance lever thumb rest as part of the grip. Made it 36 Mpx instead of 24.

[@btonelli]

That would be cool to see. Not sure it’s feasible but would be nice. Yes 36 is ideal

[@nurana1209]

Apparently Artra Lab 35mm do have z mount for nikon mirrorless system. They also have 2 types of retro lens... a 1960 retro and 1980 retro.

[@btonelli]

Yes I saw after the fact. Definitely keen to review these. Even the M mount lenses look really good

[@kennethtan1822]

Are Artra Lab Z mount lenses fullframe autofocus? Thanks

[@btonelli]

@@kennethtan1822 they are full frame but manual focus

[@kennethtan1822]

@@btonelli i just got a ZF and im looking for a good replacement to my 50mm kit lens. Any nice retro looking z mount, full frame, autofocus lens you can recommend?

[@btonelli]

@@kennethtan1822 nothing in AF and retro design to be honest. Hopefully more offerings come this year

[@NetvoTV]

I hope there will be a real, true and functional rangefinder OVF FF with EVF hybrid camera that come with Sony A7RV 4 ways screen and the design isn't retro but forward modern and futuristic looking yet tactile and fun! If Sony want to go into the retro train, I hope this is what they do instead sell it for the nostalgia! Zeiss ZX1 has the classic dials and ring but isn't retro design which is nice! By the way if I want to shoot with all these manual tilt shift lens,, should I get them with Sony A7RV with the practical 4 ways screen or Nikon ZF for the classic dial experiences? I shoot video with Panasonic HC-X1500 camcorder mainly but when I want low light or specialised video scenes, I do want to shoot with the camera?

[@btonelli]

Will see what design they go with but I feel Sony will probably be more modern than nostalgic even though it would be cool to see one. I think the Zf is better for manual focus lens adaption vs Sony but again depends on your preference

[@Getoffmycloud53]

The artra Nonikkors are really nice, but where is the distribution?

[@btonelli]

They are really nice. Not sure but you can see more of their lenses online

[@alex-chicago-80]

If Nikon comes out with a new retro inspired 55, 1.2, that’ll be hard to find anywhere.

[@btonelli]

Agree. I think this is something they need to do :)

[@christophergibbons8748]

Used both my XT5 and the Nikon over a week with the idea to switch to Nikon. Nikon is lovely but as a tool its terrible, the ergonomics would litrally cause injury to most people over a long time. Having better AF and better photos at night is all good and everything but if the camera feels so horrible in the hand you will end up not wanting to use it. (Admittedly did not get the grip as it didn't come with the loan deal). I would happily use the Nikon Zf as a walk around camera with the pancake lens, and would love to own one, just those ergonomics imo make it horrible for long term use.....

[@btonelli]

Hmm while I understand that the ergonomics may not be to everyone’s preference especially without the grip, to cause injury is slightly dramatic :). Many photographers used the FM2 and other film cameras with Nikon with no issue. Try the grip when you get a chance, you may find it more to your liking.

[@christophergibbons8748]

I would try the grip but no camera loan in UK seems to include the grip with it. TJ did a good video about the issue when used long term as a tool. kzbin.info/www/bejne/a4TPnmljqJhriZI@@btonelli

[@btonelli]

I saw this. Like I said many of Nikon lenses outside of these two SE editions are very big and not designed for the Zf. The 1.8 lenses will fair better but the 50 1.2 not so much. Obviously his video is designed to be a bit more click bate, but common sense would state not using a very heavy lens on the system if you already have some physical issues.

[@mikefoster6018]

As a happy X-T5 user, I can say the Zf's extra weight and strange ergonomics are a no-no .... despite me being massively jealous of its superior low light performance.

[@btonelli]

Understand. I hear this from some that the camera is a bit too big and hefty. For me I welcome it but also appreciate the size snd balance of the X-T5

[@mikefoster6018]

@@btonelli Yeah. I've never tried the Nikon Zf, but the X-T5 has served me well :) When I put my hefty 16-55mm lens on, I liked my little wrist strap to take a bit of the weight. So I messed around with the underside of my X-T5 until I could get a bit of tension/support from the strap. Which worked nicely and I walked around with that heavy lens in my hand all summer :) But with my current, lighter 33mm f1.4 Fuji lens I can pretty much carry the camera with my fingers for hours regardless of the strap. Lovely.

[@tedk2814]

very enjoyable chat,

[@btonelli]

Thanks!

[@MARZILLI]

you guys together is like a fine wino… I mean wine! 🍷 ❤

[@btonelli]

Thank you. Very kind of you to say 🙏😊

[@MARZILLI]

@@btonelli Been a fan forever! Funny, insightful, what more… Love Nikon & Fuji!

[@AdamAllen]

Patiently waiting for Nikon to release more SE glass...

[@btonelli]

Likewise

[@leebaggins]

Is there a fuji x-mount artralab or he just adapted it to his x-t5?

[@btonelli]

It’s X-mount

[@leebaggins]

@@btonelli Thanks! Can’t find it online. Maybe it’s on back-order. Thanks for all the content you make. Your page is my go-to for Leica, Fuji, and Voigtlander stuff!

[@btonelli]

@@leebaggins thanks for watching and the support. Prob will be back online soon. They have been quite popular as of late

[@ck81818]

Can these mentioned lenses autofocus on Zf and XT-5?

[@btonelli]

The Viltrox yes, the rest are manual focus

[@watarchives]

Viltrox Cinema lenses are the best and the cheapest on the market. Artisan is good, but not great as Viltrox

[@btonelli]

Never tried the Cinema lenses yet. This is my first experience with their lenses and I’m impressed.

[@watarchives]

@@btonelli try it and compare it with Sirui

[@btonelli]

SIRUI won’t sent me lenses yet. I’ve asked but no luck

[@watarchives]

@@btonelli they probably didn't see your email. Don't lose hope. Fighting

[@btonelli]

@@watarchives usually they will offer lenses to channels with larger subscriber counts so will probably just need to keep creating and when the time is right

[@AndySnap]

The only lens company that has given up on the classic, iconic Nikkor lens 'design language' is Nikon. The Z lenses are so dull... Now the emerging Chinese lens makers are bringing back Nikkors!

[@btonelli]

Wouldn’t say the given up but there wasn’t a need to make them but now with the popularity of the Zf I’m sure more will follow

[@n1ngnuo]

The Zf is better than the X-T5, there is no doubt about it. Fuji will be losing customers back to Nikon. And I think Nikon will issue 2 more retro bodies, one with a huge grip homage to Nikon F5, and another rangefinder homage to Nikon SP.

[@btonelli]

Hmm I think it’s not as clear cut. The Zf has arguably better AF and video specs but the one thing missing is lens lineup to take advantage of the size. That will come hopefully but you have to give Fujifilm credit for this. As for future retro Nikon cameras, F5 is too similar to Z9 so don’t think so. More than likely F3 and the SP like you mentioned.

[@kentkochheiser911]

I know they’ll never do it, but I’d love a Zf Monochrome. Failing that I’d be happy adding a silver chrome Zf.

[@btonelli]

The B&W mode on the camera I think is the closest we will get to that. Perhaps a silver one in the future? Never know

[@doogieham]

I doubt that Fujifilm is really worried about losing existing customers to the Zf. There are just too many limitations to the camera from an experienced Fuji user’s perspective. Nikon might pick up new customers who are undecided about Fuji or Nikon or they might pick up Fuji users who want a second camera to play around with. I use both Nikon and Fuji systems and there are still many great things about my X-T5 that I’m not prepared to give up to move to a Nikon-only set-up. I also doubt that Nikon will release another retro camera for awhile. They have too many other priorities to focus on, e.g. Z6iii/Z7iii, Z50 replacement, etc. If anything, I think we might see a refined version of the Zf in 2-3 years.

[@btonelli]

@@doogieham both systems offer benefits for sure and reality is one isn’t better than the other. Just different. I see Nikon probably working on some retro stuff sooner than later. The Zf arguably is selling better than Z6II and Z7II so they will probably allocate resources to build it out more. That’s not saying the other camera updates won’t come, but Nikon is taking stock to what’s driving sales currently.

[@bubbachua]

First!

[@btonelli]

Thanks for watching!

[@bubbachua]

@@btonelli the artra lab lens is a real discovery, looks super interesting, pity its already sold out!

[@btonelli]

@@bubbachuayeah it does. Will see if I can get one to review