DX Lens on a Z Full-frame Body?

[billpics]

I am still trying to come up with an affordable solution to get more telephoto reach on a Z5. Budget is limited in my twilight years.

1. A used 70-300mm AF-P and FTZ would come to $700-$750 (tax and shipping). Not interested in the older AF-S version.

2. A refurb Z 24-200mm from Nikon runs $780 with tax. Seems like a lot of money for limited reach.

3. A used Z 24-200mm from Roberts comes to $575 (tax and shipping).

4. Downside of using the Z 50-250mm DX lens on FF body? Would a 10MB file be unsuitable for web publishing? Would the IQ of a smaller area of a FF sensor somehow be unacceptable?

I’ve been at this since 1970 and used all cameras and formats up to 8x10 professionally. The last several years I lived in Europe and relied upon a D500 with the 70-300 AF-P DX, and the IQ was decent enough to post 5MB images on Unsplash.

So, because of this experience, I’m wondering if the Z 50-250mm DX could be a workable and affordable solution for general purpose photography?

Thoughts?

 

[Clovishound]

Of the options you list, I would go with the Nikon AF-P Nikkor 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6E ED VR. There are several FX 70-300 lenses out there, my understanding is that this is one of the best in terms of image quality unless you get into the faster, more expensive models. My daughter has one, and I tried it out on my Z5 and was going to go that route when Nikon put their 200-500 F5.6 on sale, and I opted for the extra reach. I'm glad I did, as bird photography is my backup genre when the insects are out of season.

MPB has this lens in "excellent" condition for just under $400. A used FTZii will run you another $225, or you can save about $75 and get the original FTZ. The only difference is the older FTZ has a 1/4-20 tripod mount. Some folks don't like the bulge at the bottom of the adapter to accommodate the mount. You might prefer to mount on the adapter rather than the camera with this lens, so it might be a good choice for you, as well as saving a little money.

I would not go with a DX lens, unless you already have one. Yes, the resolution would probably be adequate for posting online, if you don't crop much at all. Still, I would hate to throw away half my resolution. I would imagine noise is increased as well. I recently went from a 24 MP camera to a 45.7 MP. I hate to switch back to my 24 MP camera, and it remains a backup body. Of course I shoot a lot of macro and wildlife, so cropping, sometimes heavily, is frequent.

Out of curiosity, what type of photography do you shoot most of the time?

​

 

[billpics]

Thanks, I know the 70-300mm AF-P + FTZ would solve the problem, just didn't want to spend $750+ at the moment. I imagine when Nikon finally comes out with a Z equivalent, it will be pricey... which leads back to the 70-300 AF-P being a sound purchase. I'll now put these deliberations to rest.

What do I shoot? I meander about urban neighborhoods (or nearby beaches) taking pics of any composition that interests me. I've never had an instinct for landscape and nature, never done weddings or lifestyle portraiture. My background is photojournalism, so my visual style is a bit on the coarse side. I lived in Paris for six years roaming the streets with D500 in hand, and have been back a little over a year now and switched to a Z5, Z 50mm 1.8, and a Z 24-70. Thanks.

 

[BF Hammer]

The Camera Company of Madison, WI is showing a Z24-200mm in the used listing for $560 (this is the new list that is updated on Tuesdays).

And there is a used FTZ-II adapter for $180. And I will quote this one from the list... USED NIKON 70-300MM F4.5-6.3 AF-P ED VR (NIKON AFP) $159.99

I thought your prices quoted looked inflated. I have no idea what the shipping and possible tax would add on.

Used Camera Equipment | The Camera Company

Shop some of our used gear!

cameracompany.com

Scroll down the page and click on the blue box for a pdf file of the current used items.

EDIT: $780 for a refurbed Z24-200mm?? That's nuts considering brand new they are currently marked down with $100 instant savings at $799.99 in a brick-n-mortar store.

 

[BF Hammer]

I will add that speaking for myself, I think I would trade down to a Z50 before I would seriously consider using a DX lens regularly with the FF body. I actually had a similar crisis when I changed from a D7000 to a D750. Only I had FX telephoto lenses and DX lenses for wide to normal range. I actually tried to use my Sigma 18-35mm f/1.8 mounted on the D750 and take some Milky Way shots. Same thing, DX mode on the 24MP D750 gave me some disappointing results. 10MP is basically turning your Z5 into a D40x from 2008, but with nicer autofocus. Don't do it.

 

[BF Hammer]

I have another option here. KEH has 3 of these (used) in stock right now just under $400. Z-mount, full frame 70-300mm by Tamron.

Tamron 70-300mm f4.5-6.3 Di III review | Cameralabs

www.cameralabs.com

 

[billpics]

Thanks BF, the Tamron does get good reviews. But my aging hands are a bit on the shaky side, so VR is a practical benefit for me. The Tamron lacks VR... am I correct?

The Camera Company of Madison, WI is showing a Z24-200mm in the used listing for $560 (this is the new list that is updated on Tuesdays).

And there is a used FTZ-II adapter for $180. And I will quote this one from the list... USED NIKON 70-300MM F4.5-6.3 AF-P ED VR (NIKON AFP) $159.99

I thought your prices quoted looked inflated. I have no idea what the shipping and possible tax would add on.

Used Camera Equipment | The Camera Company

Shop some of our used gear!

cameracompany.com

Scroll down the page and click on the blue box for a pdf file of the current used items.

EDIT: $780 for a refurbed Z24-200mm?? That's nuts considering brand new they are currently marked down with $100 instant savings at $799.99 in a brick-n-mortar store.

The 70-300mm 4.5-6.3 AF-P is a DX lens, non VR. I've used the VR version extensively. For the Z5 I would need the70-300mm 4.5-5.6E AF-P ED VR.

I checked the Camera Company website, the FTZii is as you say. That's a good price, indeed.

 

[billpics]

The Camera Company of Madison, WI is showing a Z24-200mm in the used listing for $560 (this is the new list that is updated on Tuesdays).

And there is a used FTZ-II adapter for $180. And I will quote this one from the list... USED NIKON 70-300MM F4.5-6.3 AF-P ED VR (NIKON AFP) $159.99

I thought your prices quoted looked inflated. I have no idea what the shipping and possible tax would add on.

Used Camera Equipment | The Camera Company

Shop some of our used gear!

cameracompany.com

Scroll down the page and click on the blue box for a pdf file of the current used items.

EDIT: $780 for a refurbed Z24-200mm?? That's nuts considering brand new they are currently marked down with $100 instant savings at $799.99 in a brick-n-mortar store.

Nikon's refurb store has the Z 24-200mm at $719. That comes to $780 with tax for here in Southern California. So, the used one for $560 is a good deal (not including tax and shipping).

 

[BF Hammer]

Your Z5 has IBIS (In Body Image Stabilization) so you are not really losing VR with Tamron. But you would have to cycle on or off through the i-menu instead of a physical switch on a lens.