WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHERS look at the new Nikon Z6 II. Hands on first thoughts review.

Hey Guys,
Tom here, It's been a while I know, but its been a funny year with lots going on! I'm back today with a first look at the new Nikon Z6 II. I was lucky enough to be loaned a PRE PRODUCTION camera from Nikon (Without the final firmware but with the hardware upgrades) for a quick test over the last week. As a long term Nikon Z6 user I was impressed. The new iteration has given us faster processing, buffer performance and video spec upgrades as well as giving a noticeable boost to the AF speeds from my preview testing.
Of course we have two card slots now and the camera was released along with a new grip that's going to be ideal for handling when using larger lenses - Like the 70-200 S I'm using in the video along with the new 1.4 TC.
Can't wait to see more from the Z series and if the new Z6 II is anything to go by I think we could be in for some treats!
I'd love to know your thoughts about the new cameras - the Z6 II and the Z7 II - what do you guys think? Are you looking forward to what's coming with the new Z models and any lenses on that roadmap you have your eye on! I know I'm looking forward to the new supertele lenses that were added on, the 400mm and 600mm fixed primes could be rather spectacular!
I'll be back soon with some new videos in the run up to Xmas, some local wildlife photography (cheers lockdown 2.0) as well as sone gear and tips and tricks. Very much looking forward to getting back to the channel and making some new content!
You can pick up the new camera over at Wex tidd.ly/32KJ7kd
(Any purchases help me and this channel keep building and working on new videos!)
Also be sure to check out my friend Ricci.He has some great first looks at the latest Nikon products! / riccitalks
If you enjoy the content be sure to like and subscribe and click the bell to keep notified of new videos. More videos on the way soon so I'll catch you in the next one for some more wildlife photography!
For more of my work be sure to check out my Instagram @TomMasonPhoto or on the web - www.tommasonphoto.com
In my bag : (UK affiliate links help me fund the channel and cost you nothing)Lowepro Whistler 450 AW II - (travelled flawlessly on all my flights with ALL the gear below inside!)tidd.ly/ee5e459a
Nikon Monarch HG 8x30's - Simply love these. tidd.ly/3df767bbNikon
D850 + Grip + D5 batteries tidd.ly/5e9ce68e
Nikon D5 tidd.ly/4fb4af7b
Nikon Z6 and 24-70S - (All video for the channel now shot on this - love this little camera!) tidd.ly/18f827ed
Nikon 300mm 2.8 VR II (My all time favourite lens) tidd.ly/c3774d0f
Nikon 70-200 FL tidd.ly/50423b68
Nikon 35mm 1.4 G tidd.ly/74102f76
Nikon 20mm 1.8G tidd.ly/792d72d0
Nikon 1.4 TC tidd.ly/51bb49a8
Nikon 2.0 TC tidd.ly/6d38e4fe
Nikon SB-700 tidd.ly/40a57f1a
Spare D5 battery tidd.ly/3c45d8ba
Gitzo Mini Traveller tidd.ly/eda4b0c
Petzel Headlamp amzn.to/2LX80SW
G-tech external drives amzn.to/2Yil63y
Macbook 12" amzn.to/2ZBQ57e
Rocket Blower (however i'd get this one) tidd.ly/8d6a3ab4
I also carry a trusty Gitzo Tripod and Monopod, Gitzo 2 series mountaineer tidd.ly/56738206Gitzo monopod tidd.ly/bb4c85ecIf you have any Gear questions drop them below as well, I'm always happy to help! Or hit me up on Twitter or Instagram @TomMasonPhoto.
#wildlifephotography #NikonZ6II #NikonZ

[@TomMasonPhoto]

Hey guys, Little update RE viewfinder lag as a few were asking, did a quick look using my Z6 and the Z6 II (not final firmware) and the lag certainly seems less, following a bird in flight, its certainly improved for tracking and blackout wise using the high 14FPS, of course still not a DSLR, but certainly more than useable - again I still need to work on switching modes, but really want to see firmware upgrade where the joystick can be pressed like in my D850 to swap modes, this would really change the game (PLEASE NIKON) ! - however still need to do more testing but will have to wait till I can get a full version for a more extended timeframe as the Z6 II is heading back tomorrow. Very much looking forward to what the next year holds for the Z series - bring on those tele lenses! Cheers, Tom

[@jfphotography69]

You have no idea what they have in store for you and the rest of humanity. Stay safe, today's generation is completely brain dead.

[@scottscrufari]

So are you saying d850 or maybe d500 is better for wild life?

[@jfphotography69]

@@scottscrufari the D850 and the D500 are both fantastic tools for wildlife or any other photography. The only thing mirror less has over the DSLR is video. I still am able to get some nice video footage with both the D850 and the D500.

[@koolkutz7]

Nicely put Tom. I am waiting to see what the upcoming Nikon Z 200-600 lens will be like.

[@adammacsween3230]

Thanks Tom for the content, I took delivery of my Z6 ii a little over a week ago and love it. Just waiting to be able to process images on lightroom.

[@TomMasonPhoto]

Enjoy it and I too want to process some of the Raw I shot last week!

[@64viji]

Never clicked a notification this fast!😁 Love your content 🙂 keep it up 🔥

[@TomMasonPhoto]

Legend! Thanks for that, I hope to have more videos on route soon!

[@bensutcliffe3463]

Long time no see. Great to see you out in the field again doing what you do best!

[@TomMasonPhoto]

Hey, thanks! It has been a while - TBH I've spent a lot of lockdown back doing what I love, making images right on the doorstep. Spent time working hard one developing my own photography as well as a lot of client jobs that have kept me busy! Looking forward to doing more KZbin over the next few months!

[@arcadium86]

@Tom, I am waiting the Z6II to become available at my trusted local store, can you tell me if the AnimalEye-AF is working with birds and Wildlife in general or is limitated to cats and dogs as was the first version of AnimalEye-AF on the sony?

[@hein_Solo]

One of the best Reviews on KZbin for the Z6II. And your video quality is amazing!

[@TomMasonPhoto]

Wow, thanks! Glad you enjoyed it, the video quality I have to thank the Z6 for and the beautiful 35mm 1.8 S lens!

[@hein_Solo]

@@TomMasonPhoto i orderd the Z6II. schould be getting it next week, with the 50mm f1.8. im hyped af :)

[@johansmitphotography]

Once again a new camera. Thank you for your thoughts on this incredible new beast. It helps me select my dream camera🤣 I'm 16 year old now, I'm a wildlife and nature photographer as a hobby, and an event/portrait photographer doing matric farewells and events and family shoots, couple shoots for money. I have a KZbin channel and hope to one day only do wildlife photography as a job. Your videos really inspire me and you are actually one of the few channels that I get tips from. I'm far from accomplished (if that's the correct word to use, I'm Afrikaans), but I know basically everything when it comes to technique and camera setup. I only have a D3200 but I can do wonders with that camera. One day when I have bigger and better cameras I'll be able to apply the things I know now about more complex camera settings that my D3200 can dream to have(I'm using manual focus most of the time because I'm very good at focusing and a loooot faster than my camera🤣). I live in South Africa and the nature here really is something to photograph, even if it's with a $600 setup. 😂 Thanks Tom.

[@SuperFucdat]

Hi Tom. Will the Z7 11 come with an adapter like the Z7 to enable you to use F-mount lenses? Also, does it have any affect on the images when using the adaptor? I did hear somewhere that the eye tracking isn’t particularly good for wildlife like BIF & is more aimed at human subjects & the odd dog & cat image? Will be great to watch your full review once you’ve had time to test it.

[@lolfirepoisonftl]

Excellent first thoughts review Tom! I think I'm ready to make the switch to mirrorless with my 200-500mm (really looking forward to the mirrorless lens). How's the EVF lag with the Z6 II when shooting quick moving wildlife? Is it improved over the first gen Z6?

[@mavericktherider]

Hey Tom, with all these upgrades can Z6 ii be considered for wildlife photography specially actions like flying birds, please suggest as I'm planning to upgrade my camera

[@gearkar]

I have a question, can you help me I mainly shoot portraits and events. I have 105mm 1.4E Will z6 2´s eye-AF and IBIS feature benifit. Is it a good choice to move from d850 to z6 2 or should i continue with d850 for some more time.

[@johanwiklund9195]

How is it working with f-mount such as 200-500? Is the af faster even with f-mount than z6?

[@MDMiller60]

Did Nikon fix the VF lag for tracking moving subjects in the Z6 II?

[@NikCan66]

Always brilliant video and thought provoking content

[@TomMasonPhoto]

Thank you!

[@antonoat]

Great to see another film by you Tom. The secret with the Z6 I is as soon as you see your subject, tap the shutter release and the time you get the camera to your eye it's ready to go! Guessing you love the new 70-200! Take care and stay safe matey.

[@sh1209macro]

Have you tried the z6-2 with the ftz adaptor and f mount glass? Not sure if something is wrong with mine but using the ftz adapter and any f mount glass while using afc the focus is abysmal. I own a first generation z6 and Z7 that work flawlessly with my ftz and f mount glass. The z6-2 works fine with my z mount lenses and works in afs with the f mount lenses but whenever trying to use f mount with afc it’s just about unusable. I’ve went through the settings numerous times to no avail and have contacted Nikon. Hopefully I’ll get some answers soon.

[@darrylharrisberg6803]

Just a question: What is the low light performance like? Same as Z61? Thanking you

[@steveebbrell9490]

Thanks for the review Tom. Trying to decide whether to upgrade my D810 to a new Nikon Z for its inbuilt VR to use with a Nikon 300mm 2.8 AF non VR lens I have, or upgrade the old lens for good used 300mm 2.8 VRII. Any thoughts.

[@TomMasonPhoto]

Upgrade the lens. My 300mm VR II is an all time best investment I’ve made. Cameras will keep developing but TBH the D810 is a sound camera and so the lens would be my choice

[@steveebbrell9490]

@@TomMasonPhoto Cheers thanks Tom.

[@georgefourlaris7948]

Hi Tom, I noticed that you attach the teleconverter to the camera and then the FTZ to the teleconverter and then lens. I have never seen that before. I usually attach the FTZ to the camera and then the teleconverter. Is there a difference in performance? Thanks

[@TomMasonPhoto]

Hi there I’m not using the FTZ here, really important. This is the NEW 70-200 S lens for Z mount with the Z mount teleconverter. You can’t use these new TCs with the FTZ / older F mount lenses. For my F mount 70/200 2.8 VR II the Tc just goes on the back between the body and lens however if using this on my Z6 the TC goes between the FTZ and the 70-200. TCs can never be used between the z mount cameras and the FTZ sadly

[@harshkuttan4421]

bought one just now and on the way to home, super excited! 🙈🤪🤪🤪

[@paulrainford70]

The big issue I had with the Z6 and Z7 was the EVF blackout, which made it really difficult to track fast moving subjects. Nikon claim the refresh rate is better, but it would still be interesting to see how much of an improvement there is?

[@bradwillis6591]

I picked up the z6 ii a couple weeks ago. The blackout is still there, but it's noticeably better. It's definitely more than acceptable, in my mind. Of course it's not to the point of an ovf yet, but maybe someday they'll get to eliminating blackout completely. On a side note, the battery life with a EN-EL 15c in this camera is insane. 2700 clicks in cold conditions, and still 20% left.

[@bassoon2118]

Hi what is the telephoto you were using in the video? I'm not familiar with Nikon kit but as a M4/3 user I'm kept away from full frame by the huge tele lenses - that one looked manageable.....

[@TomMasonPhoto]

This is just a 70/200 2.8 S lens with a 1.4 TC - will be roughly the same size as the 100/400 lens that I hope we will see in the next year, the 70/200 is very manageable for holding but some people might feel it’s a little “short”

[@alpinist3178]

i have a 55-250mm lens and i am planning to upgrade it so any reccomendations?i love wildlive photography as was planning to upgrade to a canon 300mm f4.2

[@ZaberAnsaryOfficial]

If you have the budget get the 100-400 IS II. Killer Bird/Butterfly/Landscape/Wildlife/Mammal lens. Doesnt matter if you get a minty second hand either. Highly recommended.

[@sctm81]

Hi Tom, it would be great if you could make a video some time on your experience of resolution vs print size.

[@michaelgoodwin1423]

Great video Tom keep up the great work and stay safe.

[@TomMasonPhoto]

Thanks, will do, Have some new products to test out over the next few months as well as some local wildlife photography projects that have been keeping me busy!

[@_birder1]

Really great video tom, now thinking about upgrading to the Z6 II! As always well filmed and presented. I know this comment is really out of date from the video, but I have 2 questions which I really need to have a answer! First question is: I have a sigma 150-500mm lens, and want to use the FTZ mount adapter with the Z6II; can I do so without losing AF etc or image quality? Second question is: Does the joystick swap autofocus area modes, like the D500 or D850? Please help! Love your videos; always inspires me to get out and take even more images! Thanks again. PS... if I can't use the FTZ adapter on my lens, I will probably upgrade to ether a D750 or D850; which one would you recommend more?

[@kontrolla1]

Great to hear your thoughts on the Z6 II Tom. I have pre ordered the Z7 II and the battery grip and I am excited to start using them with the 70-200 and the 1.4 TC. Exciting times 😃

[@TomMasonPhoto]

Enjoy it! The 70-200 S is very nice especially with the 1.4 TC, I was very sad to send that back to Nikon! For myself, I really want to try the new 14-24!

[@BellonsFPV]

Great review Tom!

[@TomMasonPhoto]

Glad you enjoyed it, cheers, Tom

[@chuckwalla2967]

Was that the 200-500 Nikkor lens you had on there?

[@TheUberSchattenjager]

did you notice a lag between the viewfinder and the action?

[@mikeyb9819]

Hi Tom, thanks for this video. Have you noted much sensor dust accumulating on your Z cameras? I have owned several Nikon DSLRs and have never had to clean a sensor. The exposed nature of Nikon’s Z sensors would lead me to think dust/dirt could be an issue.

[@TomMasonPhoto]

On my Z6 I’ve cleaned it a few times, nothing major though - I just tend to use my blower when lens changing but might do a “wet clean” every few months especially if I’m working on a project where I’m doing lots of images with greater depth of field f8-11 range as the dust is more obvious - but I also do this with my DSLRs to reduce any editing cleaning I have to do! I think there is a little more just because it’s open to the elements more for dust but the blower sorts it out. So isn’t too much of an issue for me. Also I like to keep it nice and clean for video as of course you can’t dust spot them out as easily!

[@seantomlinson3320]

Any change in the evf blackout? That's my main question.

[@coltoncyr2283]

i heard it wasnt as bad/ its better

[@dhg1960]

Hallo Tom, this evening I came across your channel and saw your vid on the z6ii, very interesting. What intrigued me, you said you were in Hertfordshire - I was born and bred in HAtfield but have lived in Austria the past 30 years. I too have a z6 and z50, so will definetly be looking at more of your videos.

[@TomMasonPhoto]

Hatfield! I know that place, spent a lot of time St Albans way but other side of the shire at the moment! I too have the Z6 and Z50 right now and am very much looking forward to the new lenses and cameras, glad you found the channel and are checking out a few more vids! Cheers, Tom

[@dhg1960]

I too know St Albans, I we to school there and was involved in motorcycle safety and training there for many years.

[@SolamenteVees]

Any truth to the Z6ii non-compatibility with Lightroom? What lens are you shooting with?

[@2klember]

Nice to see you back. Any chance for more videos about shooting with 300mm f2.8G?

[@TomMasonPhoto]

Oh for sure! Won’t be putting my 300 down anytime soon! More videos will be on route over the next few weeks

[@joelcrow]

Thanks for pointing out user experience improvements! Unfortunately, nikon doesn't market these enough, and they're never mentioned in spec sheets.

[@luap1983]

This means I might finally be able to afford a Z6 😀

[@johansmitphotography]

Haha yes. Other people are excited for new gear because of newer better gear. We are excited because the older stuff gets cheaper. 🤣🤣🤣

[@luap1983]

@@johansmitphotography only way to be when you’re skint 😂😂

[@joakimgranberg1366]

Good! A a lot of d750 users will switch to z6. That means there will be cheap d750s. That will probably make it possible for me to by a d7200 when they make the move. Nice!

[@johansmitphotography]

@@joakimgranberg1366 Oh yes. Mabe. I have a D3200 now and if I upgrade I'm looking at the Z50. I first thought that my upgrade is going to be to the D7200 aswell, but it's video capabilities is nothing more than what I have now. And I want video too because of my KZbin channel and I want to start doing video work aswell. And the Z50 is quite a beast in the video apartment. But this is off course just dreams. I'm 16 and it takes me forever to make enough money to buy something. But my photography business is growing. So I'm praying that I will be able to afford a Z50 or it's successor in mabe 3 years. I shoot people for the money and wildlife for fun and as my personal hobby. But business is picking up for me at the moment so I'm very great full for that.

[@theshutterbug5071]

@@johansmitphotography Congratulations on your growing success✌🏼 wishing you for more👍🏻

[@Markitosgm]

Brilliant Tom!. Thanks for the review. Been considering getting the Z6 for a while, but as soon as I had news of the new Z6 II coming out I decided to wait and I think now it would be the right move to make.

[@brucejastrow3575]

What do you think of color banding on the Z6 II

[@TomMasonPhoto]

Hey, I haven’t done any tests so can’t really comment - also early firmware so not the full production camera. Sorry!

[@manu.pixels]

I was thinking 2yrs back but I hold up but now I think I cant hold back...I am still enjoying my D500 and D850, My main concern is not camera but I have so many lenses dont know how fast those will work with FTZ adapter? Landscapes is not problem but dont know about wildlife.

[@TomMasonPhoto]

The FTZ adaptor works very well in my own use, having paired it with my 300mm 2.8, 70-200, 24-70 2.8, 20mm 1.8 and many more. Focus seems fast and similar to the speeds on my other cameras, although the native Z lenses certainly improve on that. For landscape as you say no issue, for wildlife and tracking, largely since the 3.0 Z6 upgrade its been really good. BIF still isnt D850/D5 level however now with the Z6 II things have improved again but I think I need to get my head around mode switching for certain jobs, where as in the D850 etc I would just stay put in AF-C single point mainly! Certainly can't wait for the new Z stuff, I think us Nikon photographers are going to be in for some treats!

[@manu.pixels]

@@TomMasonPhoto Thank you very much for your feedback. Even if I buy this camera I have no plan to get rid of my D500 and D850 as I still enjoy shooting with both of them. Regards

[@hans-olovbond266]

What about blackout compared too Z6 ?

[@AdamGell]

Looking at the Z6 for landscapes...any need to upgrade to Z6II?

[@VentoCruiser]

To be honest, don’t think so. Most improvements come in handy for (fast) moving subjects.

[@AdamGell]

@@VentoCruiserok with that squared away ... then what about used z7??

[@VentoCruiser]

@@AdamGell still, mainly for landscape, the Z7 would be an even better choice and if the bucks don’t hurt you, an upgrade to the Z6. Most landscape users prefer camera models with higher resolution/more megapixel.

[@reghickin2250]

Would the camera still perform well with nikon F mount glass, as a large amount of people have got a large amount of money invested in this.

[@TomMasonPhoto]

My original Z6 works great with F mount glass with the FTZ and so the Z6 II will do this and better - Ive never had any issued using the FTZ with all my lenses - and I have a fair few!

[@Bloggerky]

I do think that's an important question. I shoot with the AF-S 200-500 f/5.6, with good results on my Z7. I am not shooting BIF, though.

[@TomMasonPhoto]

@@Bloggerky I've used the FTZ with the 200-500 on the Z6 and found it fine for wildlife with Firmware 3.0 - Looking at the improvements here I think the Z6 II will improve on this even more regarding tracking, speed and focus. I think the biggest thing to get your head round is mode swapping sometimes for better performance - using the wide area for tracking rather than single point as we may have used to with the D850 etc. One thing I will feedback is I wish we could program the press of the joystick to change mode and initiate AF like we can with the D850/D5, this would really help in the field, especially for BIF.

[@dh9987]

Those glasses are iconic....

[@ZaberAnsaryOfficial]

Dont like the too blurry vlog cam tbh. Glad that you like the Z6 II. Enjoy.

[@ianbachanek2538]

Great video Tom! I love my Z6. Just a fyi but the original Z6 can use CF Express cards since firmware 2.6. Got one in mine. Cheers!

[@TomMasonPhoto]

Yes, I know they can but with the new processor the new II's can make the most of the advanced speeds especially with that larger buffer!

[@ianbachanek2538]

@@TomMasonPhoto absolutely agree. I went CF Express to "future proof" myself. I'm excited to see Nikon continuing to improve.

[@martinfairbairn2820]

currently using D500 BUT DEFINITLY moving to the Z6ii series

[@thomasmarais9277]

What lens did you in this video? Aweosme video Tom👍👍

[@TomMasonPhoto]

I've got the 70-200 2.8 S lens on the Z6 II along with the 1.4 TC. Really nice combo, very sharp and fast!

[@patrickmolloy6994]

@@TomMasonPhoto I got the TC-2 and there's no loss there either. terrific job by Nikon

[@MrPetebuster1]

what lens is that?

[@TomMasonPhoto]

The new 70/200 2.8 S lens with a 1.4 TC Z

[@Elbwobbler77]

Sehr schön, hat Spaß gemacht sich anzuschauen. 👍👍👍Viele Grüße Jörn

[@TomMasonPhoto]

Danke fürs zuschauen! Prost, Tom

[@thorstenbabetzki3638]

Great video, good to see you back. I would really like to know why you’ve chosen the z6 over the z7.

[@johansmitphotography]

Frame rate I think is a big one.

[@TomMasonPhoto]

Well largely it comes down to what I already have and was looking to gain. Owning a D850 I didn’t need another high res cam but the better ISO and video performance was more what I was after. Added the RAW support and then I’ve got a little filmmaking camera to pair alongside my other gear. The FPS is also a major benefit and the Clean ISO is great for low light shooting.

[@johansmitphotography]

@@TomMasonPhoto And really yes, 45 MP is nice to have but 24 really is enough for everyone. And that's all that the Z7 offers that the Z6 doesn't. Further the Z6 is the better all around camera and for video obviously far better.

[@thorstenbabetzki3638]

@@TomMasonPhoto Thanks Tom. I’m a 100% still shooter (75% landscape, 20% wildlife and 5% astro). I’m making the jump to mirrorless this year but couldn’t really make my mind up... trying to square the circle. I’m leaning towards the Z7ii, coming from a d810.... The cleaner ISO is certainly a good point for me too. I’m not too bothered about the FPS as the buffer issue has been addressed. Looking forward to your next videos, keep them coming...and looking at Ricci, the 20k are well in reach :))

[@alfredconqueror4422]

@@thorstenbabetzki3638 I'd love to hear which Z camera you choose! I'm too torn between getting the Z6 ir Z7

[@Saintsen]

Great video! I like the coat. Please tell me the name of it. Thank you!

[@TomMasonPhoto]

It’s a Paramo Smock, I mentioned it In my previous video, picked it up this year and love it, wear it as my over layer and works great. Nice large pocket too!

[@martinsepion]

Will be good to see how the firmware develops for the Z II, I suspect extra processing power gives more options for Nikon developers. I have been impressed with what Nikon have done with the Z6 firmware. Only thing I worry about is more processing power equals higher battery drain. Will have to see what the impact is once production versions have been in the field for a few weeks.

[@TomMasonPhoto]

Yeah the processing power might be hungry but the new battery grip will help + new larger battery. USB C charging as well could be useful. Really hope we see some great utilisation of the processors going forwards

[@martinsepion]

@@TomMasonPhoto Thanks Tom, great video by the way.

[@unoengborg]

I wish they had chosen to have the battery grip contacts at the bottom of the camera like on the D8?? series cameras whery you can have a battery in the camera together with the battery in the grip

[@TomMasonPhoto]

Personally I think this method is better - as you get a more solid integration between camera and grip - also when you have a battery in the camera you have to unscrew and change it ever so often as to keep things charged inside + also be good for the battery so having two in the grip makes life easier if you like me almost always have the grip on full time! One of the reasons I love the pro bodies like tree D3/4/5 is you have only one larger battery and I hope we see a Z cam like this!

[@unoengborg]

@@TomMasonPhoto When I used various Nikon D8?? models I used grips with EN-EL18 batteries. The battery in the camera was used as a spare, that I could always have power even when changeing batteries, there are also likely other ways to provide just as solid integration. Modern cameras allow for in camera charging using usb, so you would probably not need to unscrew the grip that often. Nowdays, I use Sony with similar design for battery grip. And now I need to keep track of the battery door. Yes there is a slot in the grip to put i in but it is fiddly to remove and put back.

[@sergiollag1]

i heard from theoria apophasis channel that the evf blackout time is really bad and the auto focus tracking is not great. did u noticed that?

[@robbiedeville]

I’m upgrading from the D500 to the z6ii.

[@robbiedeville]

How do you find the z glass ? Hopefully the 400/600mm aren’t to expensive.

[@TomMasonPhoto]

The Z 70-200 2.8 here in this is the first time I've used a Z tele and i've got to say its very nice, the focus is fast, quiet and smooth. the feel of the lenses are very nice too. The 200-600 I hope will be "affordable" with the 100-400 an S line premium lens along with the fixed 400 and 600mm. really hope we see some super sharpness and performance. I certainly know I'll be after at least one of them!

[@FlyersNation98]

@@TomMasonPhoto I currently have a D500 and a Fuji XT-4 so I'm not new in terms or mirorless but I'd be curious to get your take on the Z6 mk II vs the D500. Do you picture it as a serious replacement of the beast that the 500 is for wildlife? Weigh is obviously an issue here as I start to get fed up carrying a D500+grip+200-500 :P Super combo in terms of image quality but boy it's heavy when hiking a full day with it.

[@TomMasonPhoto]

Its a hard one - reasons for this are really down to user need. for example - video is a big deal for me now doing the channel etc, so a single camera that can do both is major, minimised the gear I carry and makes life easier. The D500 is an excellent camera, for action and wildlife its super fast in the original style of shooting - AF-C with single point/ groups. You can basically learn your favourite and it will work. the Z system is still evolving and so the way the AF works is slightly different, the Z6 II now has certainly upped the game in single point AF, much faster, accurate and responsive and thats from first impressions without having weeks to dial in my settings - blocked shot response - track speed etc , so It will only be better moving forwards and remember the Z6 Ii I have hear is pre release firmware, so not the final stuff. The AF development is also a lot about what the tech side and firmware can do in regards to processing looking forward - the machine learning in regards to AF EYE Tracking, subject tracking etc is moving at pace and in this version is far more advanced than the D500 dslrs etc. This means that for AF applications its only going to improve the performance BUT it's going to require photographers - myself included - to re style our AF use, learn about how to make the best of the new system for better performance and THIS IS WHERE I feel currently we are seeing the drop in AF performance from Nikon DSLR-> Nikon Z, is because we haven't yet found the best ways to utilise the system - its going to be a learning curve and part of the reason why I still have to have two systems - because for work purpose sometimes I have to nail a shot and so my DSLRs provide that safety having worked with them for many many years however on less important shoots the Z is in my hand as I learn the system to make sure im moving forwards with the tech. Sorry for the super long winded reply, but take home notes - the new AF is very good, works well but will require you as the photographer to learn the system in order to start really getting the best out of it in the same way you might be used to with the D500 etc. Hope that helps!

[@jlm300185]

@@FlyersNation98 i’m comparing between the X-T4 and Z6ii in terms of AF tracking for moving objects...basically kids...what do you think of the X-T4 and which one do you think is better??

[@paulnchrismorris5707]

Love the review, but please make the background music a little less intrusive. Listening via Airpods at times the music was louder than you.

[@BearGun2020]

using Z6 II for a week now... the camera is not bad, but for Birds in flight? Forget it ...

[@bivouacphotography4768]

I've just moved 'back' from a Sony a9 to a Nikon with a mirror. 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@burritobrosvideos8060]

Where are the pics bud?

[@Tilburger72]

Thanks for your great movie again. Still a bit in a debate because Nikon again dropped the price of the D850. Buying that camer with the 200-500 is still cheaper then a Z body with the lens I guess...... Difficult choice. Proven technology or the greatest and latest, that’s the question:-)

[@TomMasonPhoto]

Hmm now thats a hard one, I love my D850 and if I could only have one stills camera it would be my pick. If video isn't your bag as much, I'd be tempted to go for the D850 with the 200-500 as thats a great all round combo for wildlife!

[@Tilburger72]

@@TomMasonPhoto Thanks for your reply. Yes, I almost never shoot video. I didn't see the 200-500 in your 'bag' list. Do you have experience with it on your Z6 with the adapter?

[@Stefan1968ful]

Is that a Nikon paid promotion video? 14fps yes but in 12bit and without AES - really great 😂 A buffer of 120 RAW? Yes but in 12bit. And so on. Based on my experience this is a camera from 2017.

[@jacobkuruvilla420]

Might be funny. But would you please take a few wildlife shots with a 500 or 600 mm lens on nikon D5600. Thank you

[@yervantparnagian5999]

You know why people were disappointed in the original Z series cameras? It was because people listened to the fanboys in videos such as this one. When people got there own Z and expected, (based on reviews), fantastic performance, they were disappointed that honest first hand performance was not what was promised from the reviews. Sorry, but your all talk. We heard this story from all the fanboys with the original Z's. Talk a big game, but where's the real proof? Why not post a full shot sequence of say 10-20 shots and let's see how many keepers their are? All the yacking about how great it is, yet a smidgeon of pics to back it up? Sorry, but I'm not buying that bologna. Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me.

[@Stefan1968ful]

Face the fact, the Nikon Z6 II and Z7 II are 1-2 generations behind the competition. Especially the autofocus performance of the Zx II is garbage for fast moving subject. If you want something excellent for Wildlife, go for a Sony A9 II or Canon EOS R5 but not this Nikon garbage.

[@pxlhobo8259]

So the mark 1 was pretty crap then.

[@TomMasonPhoto]

Not at all, I still love my Z6 and filmed this video on it. Perfect for my needs, just nice to see the continued developments!

[@maximme]

14 fps and flagship should not be in the same sentence.... have you been looking at cameras lately, even the humble olympus em1 mk1 exceeded that 5 years ago

[@thomastuorto9929]

No long lens auto focus tracking with photo examples from a wildlife photographer? Are you kidding me. It was basically a spec overview. Nothing that 30 you tubers have already put up. Even Nikon's approach to film maker's firmware available in Febuary. It will not be proven to work until it is proven. Any body who purchases this camera in advance of that is taking a chance & probably setteling for less when it comes to Sony & Canon & this is coming from a guy who owns Nikon equipment. They play the game so they can sell a more professional cameras like the D4,5,6 FOR MORE MONEY & BIGGER PROFITS. LOOK WHERE EVERYONE IS GOING TO THESE DAYS. They bring it on them selves. With the competition that is out there, it is not buisiness as usual.

[@martintassev9674]

Only bla-bla-bla... You had to show what the camera really can do, not retell the specs we've all know...

[@harshkuttan4421]

bought one just now and on the way to home, super excited! 🙈🤪🤪🤪

[@TomMasonPhoto]

Hope you enjoy it!