What Did I Buy?

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[@thedrunkweddingphotographer]

4:24 Correction, the D700 can auto focus while manually rotating the aperture ring. You can set it under custom function F8 and F9. I use the same setup for wedding receptions.

[@RussandLoz]

WOW! Yes F9 in the custom settings! It can autofocus and I can use the aperture ring! Amazing, thank you so much! I love aperture rings! So glad I said it in the video and shows how useful putting things out there can be!

[@AAhmed_Alii]

D700+35 f/2d is an amazing combo!

[@RussandLoz]

Yes, just made a few videos with fog and frost!

[@AAhmed_Alii]

@RussandLoz yes I also watched and enjoyed both video today 😀

[@thomaschamberlin2485]

I bought the 180-600mm recently, also, so glad to hear it is better than you expected. I bought mine because I thought the bird and animal detection autofocus would work better on the native Z lens than it does on my 500mm PF. I have had only one outing and the animal detect didn't find the eye of a deer any better than the 500 PF would have (it failed completely). I am eager to see how much of a lower shutter speed I can get away with in low light with the additional stops of IBIS with the 180-600. I also passed on the Z6iii, preferring to keep my Zf. If the Z6iii had bird detection autofocus and a tilt screen instead of the flippy screen I might have been more tempted.

[@RussandLoz]

@@thomaschamberlin2485 Yeah I have never really seen any difference with focus ability with different lenses. It’s all about the camera. Now I do expect flawless eye detect but in reality it’s not with animals and depends how big it is in the frame I think. Still improvements to be made compared to Sony and Canon. Very odd they haven’t put bird detect in z6iii yet too

[@bobmorse5896]

I bought a Z6III, an upgrade from my trusty Z6. Compared to the one slot Z6, a bit of a bugger getting the XQD or CFexpress card out; not a confidence builder. The autofocus is noticeably improved; the whole camera is much quicker in response. Great deals at Hunt's Photo in the Boston area, also prompt assistance from their knowledgeable staff when I had post purchase questions. Their matching B&H Photo's "we pay the sales tax" offer was a quick $139 savings, added to Nikon's discount and the store's "canned goods for the hungry" discount of $75 made it too good to pass up. No regrets; a lot to learn, especially on the video side.

[@RussandLoz]

I think my cards got slowly damaged from the tight slots on the mirrorless? But yes it's a big improvements in autofocus especially.

[@NikonJohnny]

Just picked up Z 50ii. With two kit lenses. To replace my D7000. Haven't even opened the box. Waiting on a Viltrox 16mm 1.8 Z for my Z6ii

[@RussandLoz]

It'll seem like a very different camera! What will the 16mm be used for? Astro?

[@Karanja59]

I bought a pixapro 2x2.3 black white collapsable backdrop, larger than I usually use but nice to have the extra area. I made the mistake of unfolding it in a confined area just to have a look, really struggled to get it back into the circular storage bag😂

[@RussandLoz]

Lol, I have a backdrop but rarely use it now, the demand for studio portraits has gone unfortunately.

[@Karanja59]

@ I’ve an unmentionable source lol

[@dogdadoutdoors]

Love the D700, still have mine. Nice to see these still out in the wild.

[@RussandLoz]

@@dogdadoutdoors Yes it’s a very different experience to mirrorless. Still getting used to it. Do you think it has a charm?

[@dogdadoutdoors]

@@RussandLoz I don't know about a charm, but it has a familiarity, like an old friend. My D700 and I shot about 130 wedding together, portrait sessions and countless photos of the kids growing up. From baby bump pictures in the studio to first day at school. I pick it up and it just feels like...me. I got on pretty good terms with my D750. The Zf still feels just like a tool, but its starting to warm on me. I think it was just the amount of time I spent with that thing in my hand. The Rubber grip has been glued back on a few times its seen so much use!

[@RussandLoz]

@ I wonder if I will gain that attachment for the d700 as I’m new to it

[@izziereal2010]

I recently bought the Nikon Z7II refurbished from the Nikon Store, the new Sirui Aurora 85mm F1.4 lens for the Z mount, and a Df.

[@owenwilliams9582]

D700 and the 35 f2, hopefully u will find the colors will be fantastic. Thinking of purchasing Z6iii or Zf, not sure if Zf has built long exposure > 30 sec, (for landscape & Astro) and i think you can't use a remote cable on the Zf. Price just jumped up on to £2200 in the UK for Z6iii, ... 'faffing around too much Williams'. Great content and vids from you both.

[@RussandLoz]

On the used market the z6iii is still below £2000, if you don't mind used from a camera store

[@owenwilliams9582]

@@RussandLoz Cheers Russ, have a good one

[@pedrobartolomei7707]

If you really want a treat use your d700 with vintage Nikon glass (I have the Ais 50mm, 24, 105, 135 and it’s the closest to shooting film I have seen).

[@RussandLoz]

Interesting, I was hoping the 35d would go someway towards that? SO the 50mm 1.4 AIS?

[@GarryM66]

Agree with you and we all have different opinions and use cases. There simply isn’t a one size fits all. I’ve had my delkin black for nearly 2 years now and no problems to date. Z6iii not for me and mainly because of the floppy flippy screen. I don’t film myself so do not feel it is necessary and much prefer a screen the same as Z8/9. I can forgive the zfc and zf because you can close the back off to truly immerse yourself as if shooting film. We’re all gear mad as a community and there’s nothing wrong in that and adds to the excitement imo 😊 Not bought a thing for Black Friday promotions but mainly because we needed a 2nd 24-70 2.8 so both me and the wife had one for our first professional wedding shoot. It’s slowly become our go to event and everyday lens.

[@loihpatli]

These Sony XQD cards tends to loose it's small plastic parts. Mine lost a few, and it's really frustrating, especially when the price is so high

[@---us7qf]

No, I haven't bought anything across these "promo" sales. I did only just return from Hokkaido, and whilst stopping off in Tokyo I picked up 2 Zeiss Otus lenses, so no need for more gear. I terms of purchase considerations, yes, I will be getting the Nikon D850 to go with these Otus lenses.

[@RussandLoz]

@@---us7qf I bet you got them on a good price though? I’ve Never used Zeiss lenses before

[@---us7qf]

@RussandLoz Thank you for the reply @RussandLoz. Yes, YES and YEEESSS! MapCamera in Shinjuku is the best place (well, one of the best places) to go for deals on lenses and other camera equipment. The shopping experience isn't bad either. Indeed, the prices under the Japanese Yen, were stellar. Had I bought these 2 Otus here in Europe, they would have costed me an additional 35-45% on top. Ah, as I slowly build up my kit, having found a few good deals here and there, just makes everything (almost everything) right with the world.

[@MrTSAS]

I also experienced the chipping of the plastic on the Sony XQD Card. In fact, a bit had chipped off from the card and got stuck in the card slot of one of my Z8s. I had to send it in to Nikon for the repair (it happened during the recall for the camera strap lug debacle, so it all worked out).

[@RussandLoz]

I think Nikon owe us free cards! It seems common.

[@edc5338]

I just bought the Fuji 16-55mm 2.8ii. Lighter, smaller than the original. That's the range I mostly shoot in, so it qill be great. I have Nikon DSLRs also. Love the vintage models like the D4.

[@RussandLoz]

@@edc5338 I’m very intrigued to use a Fuji to see what it’s all about. I’m so used to Nikon mirrorless

[@edc5338]

@@RussandLoz I still love my Nikons but bought Fuji for the smaller size and weight.

[@finesse49]

I neither needed nor wanted anything so no purchases. When I got my Z8 I bought a Delkin Black card. They are supposed to run cooler than most other brands. No regrets on that choice.

[@RussandLoz]

I think @lozzom had an overheated Delkin card this week!

[@I_dont_need_another_lens]

35mm2 af-d used to be favorite lens on the d750. Now the 40mm2 Z on Z f. Looking forward to the review of the 35mm for Z.

[@RussandLoz]

I love the build of the D lens, the 40mm f2 is also good but a bit plastic in comparison.

[@cameraprepper7938]

This year I bought the Sigma 500mm 5.6 DG DN OS Sports Lens, easy to use and handle, I can carry it for several hours in my hand, hiking in the Nature, I also bought the Sony A7RV Camera on a really good offer, it has a great EVF and IBIS, the last two buys is the Lenses Sony 85mm 1.4 GM II and the Voigtländer Nokton 50mm 1.0 Aspherical, I really do not like the focal lengt 50mm, but I wanted the aperture 1.0 aperture for night photography in the city without pushing the ISO, after using the 50mm 1.0 for some time, I am now used to the 50mm focal length, I am very happy with all 4 buys I have made this year and I can highly recommend both the Camera and the 3 Lenses.

[@billmoyer3254]

Nikkor 35mm f2D renders like magic...it's incredible.

I’ve been wanting so many lenses. Existing ones (14-30, 35-150, 24-120, 28-400) and non existing ones (for instance, I would love to see a lightweight 300mm 2.8 with built in TC to attach to my Z8 and also a 28-70 f2 but only if lightweight like the Sony version and not heavy like the Canon one). Getting a second mirrorless body would be great as well since my D810 cannot mount interesting a Z lenses. For now I just got a 1.4 TC, a Nikon ml-3, and some other accessories to help me doing wildlife. For the D700 I recommend the 50mm 1.8D! Let us know about the 35mm 2D, I’ve always wanted to try it. Cheers

[@RussandLoz]

I would love a light 28-70 f2, but knowing Nikon it would be too heavy. There are always nice lenses to get but I’ve been trying to tell myself a trip would be better. How often would you use a second body?

@@RussandLoz, I use a second body most of the time. But I don’t have a 24-70 or any zoom in the focal range for z mount. Therefore, while my second body uses my 24-70 2.8 f mount lens, upgrading the second body will be a must when I upgrade some lenses. Remember that the 24-70 z is lighter than the f mount and the 14-24 as well, the only that remained almost the same is the 70-200. So, I would not count on the thought that a 28-70 would necessarily be heavy. Cheers

[@garybeat6637]

I recently added a Nikon 28-400mm f/4-8. The images are better than expected across the entire focal range.

[@RussandLoz]

A very interesting lens, can't image the zoom range, is it heavy?

[@garybeat6637]

@@RussandLoz When combined with my Nikon Z 8 it is a little heavier than I would like, but not as heavy as my D850 with that lens.

[@loihpatli]

I just ordered z6iii. Now i'm thinking to upgrade my wildlife game with this 180-600 you have. I have my good old tamron 150-600 g2, but i wish the sharpness could be better at the longer end. The question is - does this new 180-600 worth the investment. What do you think?

[@RussandLoz]

@@loihpatli still testing. Stay turned

[@jph364]

I traded in my d700 for a z7 (regret ... anyway, z7 is fantastic but d700 photos have something special). I do have the 35 f2 d , On my f100 film camera autofocus does work at any diafragm settings. You are sure your d700 is fine and your body is set to autofocus?

[@RussandLoz]

They are very different cameras! But have fun. My d700 does autofocus when the lens is set at f22. But not otherwise, shame as its a nice ring to use

[@MGriff-q1i]

I sympathise. Decisions are tough (BTW, I have. T-shirt in about the same condition as yours (yes it’s comfy too) 😢😮It’s nice to keep stuff you are comfortable with. I haven’t bought any photography gear for months. Back in February, I did trade in aD500, D800, a 300 F2.8, a 50 F1.8, a16-35 TC 20eIII plus an 85 F1.8, and a70-200 F2.8 VrII G series. In other words all my F mount gear. I got a 180-600 and a 14-30 F4 for my Z mount gear. The gave me some cash as well. It was sad but necessary. I don’t regret the sale. If you are not using it, why keep it. I had stopped using the F-mount gear after I got the Z6ii and two S series lenses. I love both lenses I got.via the trade in. The prices were not bad really. (40-50%) I had to face the fact that it is just not sensible to have camera gear you are not using at all any more. It was only after I had owned the Z9 for about six months that I realised I had been ignoring my old F-mount gear. I wanted a decent longish telephoto but was reluctant to get a zoom until the 180-600 came out. Eventually I realised I had to accept that I needed to trade in the F-mount stuff. I am glad I did. I use the Z9 and a Z6ii but no Z6iii seems worth it to me. I do still have a G series 500 F4 in very good condition. I should trade it in too but then I would start thinking too much about the Z 600 6.3 PF or 800 PF. (I don’t need either, but I want both) It is therefore much less expensive to simply keep the 500 and use it with my TC 1.4 for low light etc. On the Z9 it is fast, sharp and the images are really really nice. I don’t have a zoom covering the 70-200 range but I am happy with my Z lenses ( Z24-70 F4S, the Z105 f2.8 , a Z 50mm 1.8S and the wonderful Z 85 1.8S.) I looked at the 24-120 which is pretty good. I borrowed one for two week safari and decided I will not be getting one. I am having too much fun with the 14-30.

[@RussandLoz]

@@MGriff-q1i Yeah I was in my comfy clothes as it was a normal day on the computer and not going out in the rubbish weather. But didn’t realise how scruffy it looked until editing lol. Seems like you made a good decision, I was happy to get rid of my first gen mirrorless as I hated the tracking. I also think the z6iii will have a different colour tone to my z8 which won’t help me with editing. So two z8’s it’ll be when I can afford it or find a great offer.

[@Gr1ff1D0]

I was actually wearing one of my T-shirts when I saw the video. 😂 I bought the Z9 as soon as it was released. If I had the money a Z8 would be perfect as a second body. I have taken the 180-600 on 2 birding safari tours. It is a great lens especially if you use DXO PURE RAW for the selected images you want to print. It goes from very good to great.

[@57sapke]

I bought a Z8 a couple of months ago and now with the discount I doubt to buy a second camera (Z6iii) or a prime lens. I already have a AF-S 50mm f/1.8G, Z85mm 1.8 and Z180-600mm, perhaps a Z35mm 1.4 or 1.8?

[@RussandLoz]

The new 1.4's aren't for me with slower focussing, rendition and price, but do you need a second camera?

[@57sapke]

@@RussandLoz not really, but use it as a backup camera

[@markturriff994]

For Christmas - a second 24-120mm (I live in 2 countries and wanted one in each place, it’s so good and useful), a 14-24mm and a new D5000 speedlight.

[@RussandLoz]

Did you get a good deal?

[@markturriff994]

@@RussandLozGrays of Westminster are offerring pretty good prices until the end of January

[@RussandLoz]

@@markturriff994 Yeah they all seem to be, excellent really, it also drops the prices of the used market for now

[@markturriff994]

@@RussandLoz I like your idea for a new Delkin Black card or two as well; heading to Namibia for a workshop trip in April with Photography Online/Mc2 Photography so will need more MBs of card storage

[@RussandLoz]

@@markturriff994 I got it for £150 which is a fair price

[@tommoodie-cy7dr]

Ordered Z50ii & z180-600 but camera on backorder. Will replace my D7500 & Sigma 150-600 Contemporary when they arrive.

[@RussandLoz]

Seems to be a popular combo! It'll sure be a different experience but its good the lens has VR to open up your options

[@hilarywhite0]

I bought a VILROX 35mm f1.7 Z-Mount and was blown away with its light gathering awesomeness, sharpness and bokeh, I’ve now had to buy a TTArtisan 35mm f0.95 (used) Will I notice the difference I wonder!

[@RussandLoz]

I think you will with DOF, and dreaminess, but the 0.95 won't be autofocus which limits it use?

[@hilarywhite0]

@ I once had a MF Macro lens on my D850 & absolutely hated it! I’m hoping that on my z7ii I’ll cope with the focusing? We shall see!

[@RussandLoz]

@@hilarywhite0 100% zoom and focus peaking can help for sure! I have a laowa 105 manual macro but the Nikon version has autofocus which is tempting

[@arndtbc]

What's your thoughts on the 100-400 vs the 180-600? considering these at the moment, cheers!

[@RussandLoz]

Yeah for me it's focal length vs portability. I like bird photography so it was an easier choice. Buy the focal length you need. But our review will be out once Loz comes back with his 100-400 to compare

[@markthorpe108]

I bought three things with Nikon promotion and Black Friday deals. Nikon promotion was Z 20mm f/1.8 and Black Friday was Kase magneitic pro filter Kit and two Shimado camera bags.

[@RussandLoz]

@@markthorpe108 I had the 20mm a few years ago. Great quality lens but prefer my wide zoom I guess. For landscape?

[@markthorpe108]

@ I was torn and nearly bought the 14-24 but considered the hassle with filters and did I need to go wider than 20mm. Nearly bought the 180-600 but held off until you have given your honest review.

[@RussandLoz]

@@markthorpe108 The 180-600 is very good, so far, haven't compared it to Loz's 100-400 yet, which I nearly got instead. Especially if you can get it a good price

[@markthorpe108]

All the reviews that I have watched, and I have watched a lot, suggest that the 180-600 is sharper than the 100-400. The only one that beats it for sharpness is the 400mm Z prime that you just gotten rid of.

[@RussandLoz]

@@markthorpe108 Yeah I think there is very little in all three of them really. I think the available light and user settings override anything else

[@comment_below]

I bought a lot….. since you mention the 50 1.2 I bought the sigma 135 and 40mm instead. While the 40mm is great, and will fit some needs for now, the color rendition isn’t great (not z lens quality) and it distorts faces, bukeh is a bit distracting, way too big and heavy - not really a pro lens by todays standards imo…ill eventually sell and get the 50 1.2 probably.. the 135 is better than the plena imho but the color/contrast is maybe 10% less, if that. Bought z 24-70s -its a really good lens -wish min focus distance was better. Bought z6(3) -its alright -i pretty much have a lot a regret staying in Nikon and not going Sony -i super hate you cant change the distance of the viewfinder sensor that switches the feed from screen to view finder -this is a huge flaw. also the popout function for the sd card is annoying -super annoying to get the card out ….but overall the lens selection is crap -even the sigmas I bought are discontinued for Nikon…. Got the ftz mount -was really surprised how well it works -no problems with me there. …. and not Nikon but bought a bunch of Neewer stuff (video light, flash, stands, etc…) - the company lacks customer/technical support, but I’m super impressed with the products I got -thoughtful, well designed, and great price -hopefully they last.

[@davidroberts6766]

D700 + 35 f2D is a fantastic combo. I use it quite often. I also often combine it with D200 and its CCD sensor, to generate out of camera images that mimic old positive slide film. I have a long wish list, but given I have purchased both the 100-400mm Z and 70-180 f2.8 in 2024, I cannot honestly look my wife in the eyes and justify more. However, if a money truck arrived at my home, these would be my top 10 wishes, in no particular order 1) Voigtlander 50mm f1 Z lens 2) Tamron 28-75mm f2.8 for Z 3) Voigtlander 35mm f1.2 DX lens 4) 28mm f1.4 E AFS F mount 5) 105mm f1.4 E AFS F mount 6) Loawa 10mm for Z 7) Sigma 135 mm f1.8 Art F Mount Nikon 8)Sigma 40mm f1.8 Art F Mount Nikon 9) Viltrox 75mm f/1.2 AF Lens (Nikon Z APC) 10) Nikon Z6III

[@RussandLoz]

Nice, have you ever use AIS lenses? I've heard they have a film quality

[@davidroberts6766]

@ Yes, all the time…Nikkor 28mm f2, 50mm f1.4, 85mm f2 and 105mm f2.5, plus voigtlander 40mm f2 Ultron & Voigtlander 58mm f1.4. For older AF lenses, I also like the Nikkor 20mm f2.8 AFD and Nikkor 35-70 f2.8 AF zoom

[@nevvanclarke9225]

It's really funny. I've made a fair bit of money this year from my photography and I don't do it full-time but I do shit professionally and I've got about $15,000 sitting in my photography account but this is the first year where I actually don't need to buy anything at all, I've got everything I need so I'm gonna plan some small trips with that money instead of buying gear. There is probably one lens maybe that I would like but I found a secondhand one at a really good deal so I'll probably buy that but even though I don't really need our gear obsession has to stop.

[@RussandLoz]

@@nevvanclarke9225 I was thinking the same. A trip using the stuff I have would be better as I have amazing gear now. Where would you go?

[@nevvanclarke9225]

@RussandLoz I live in southern half of Australia 🇦🇺 it's a.little bit like UK. Albany Western Australia It's stunning and touch warmer than UK . I'm going to hit the the road and see where it takes me.

[@RobertS1946]

I bought a Nikon Z50II and brought in my old Z50. The Z 50 is a very good camera, but th Z50 II has a much better AF system. The Z50 is /was my secondary camera for the Z8.

[@RussandLoz]

Makes sense, old gen for new, will you use it for wildlife?

[@RobertS1946]

@@RussandLoz Yes, mainly my Z8 is for landscape and some wildlife. In the past I had a D500 and that was a great wildlife camera.

[@mpstein1976]

2x Lexar 64GB silver pro v60 uhs-ii for my z5 £15 each

[@RussandLoz]

Pretty good, but i need bigger cards but mine was £150

[@joerg_koeln]

I bought a Nikon F3/T (= Titanium) 🥳

[@RussandLoz]

In good condition?

[@joerg_koeln]

@@RussandLoz In Mint Condition with original packaging, manual, 6 months guarantee from the dealer - was a steal for 590 EUR.

[@cyrilhamel8289]

You got mixed-up with "autofocus" and "auto-exposure" when talking about the 35mm F/2... Camera doesn't need to be on F/22 to autofocus ! ;-)

[@RussandLoz]

Yes, another commenter suggests F9 in the custom menu so I can use aperture ring and autofocus

[@chrishilton6378]

No purchase for now as I'm still waiting on the 35mm f/1.2. Come on Nikon, let's see it.

[@RussandLoz]

That lens is the biggest mystery of the last 4 years as it's the only one left on the old roadmap. Nikon are very much lacking pro lens choices from 28-45mm. I don't like the 35 1.8S...

[@tonyhayes9827]

Hmm, buyer's remorse? Left of centre POV here I think. I'm a deadly serious hobbyist and its not my full time job. I feel the `image maker' is `within' me and my true `vocation'. So it depends on my state of being. When I'm feeling good no buyer's remorse. When I'm feeling down and wondering what its all about I have buyer's remorse for everything because it's all a waste of time right? Oh dear ..... us human beings... lol But mostly no buyer's remorse.

[@RussandLoz]

Yeah, same for me really. All my very expensive wildlife gear including z8 is for my hobby. Really all I need for work is z6iii and a 24-70 most the time lol

[@ericerickson6537]

bought the nikon z50.2

[@RussandLoz]

It seems to be a popular buy, did you trade or have another Nikon?

[@stevecrump6253]

Nothing purchased! (Phew)

[@RussandLoz]

You've made it so far...

[@NetvoTV]

Would you like to buy the logo I'm going to craft for you and you can use it as merch print to sell to your fans and tat way you got mroe income to buy more lens for review or just want to too, a small investment for big opportunities? Im the freelance logo designer who reached out to you last time

[@RussandLoz]

No thanks

[@NetvoTV]

@RussandLoz hahaha okay, cheer!

[@jpdj2715]

I have resisted G.A.S. for a long time now.