Light reduction when using ZTF adaptor

SteveH

Senior Member
Hi All,
I'm not sure it is an important question, but more out of interest really - But if the Z mount lets in around 1/3rd more light to the sensor than the F-Mount, then is there a trade-off when using F-mount lens with the adaptor, that you are reducing the amount of light hitting the sensor?
Every single review I have read or seen say that the F-Mount lens work 100% with the Z-Mount, but none make any mention of this - I even asked in a camera shop and they couldn't decide for sure between them either!
 

Patrick M

Senior Member
Well it is right on Nikon's site that more light is captured - I guess it is more down to the lens than the adapter.

"By creating a mount with a large inner diameter and short flange focal distance, compact lenses can be designed that allow more light in, to hit the sensor." - https://www.nikonusa.com/en/learn-a...innovation/nikon-z-series-z-mount-system.html

The key wording is “...lenses can be designed ...” and it’s because there’s that short flange distance which is the z design.



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Needa

Senior Member
Challenge Team
Think of it this way the adapter is a spacer to project the image on the sensor at the correct size. The F-mount lens will then have the same characteristics on an F-mount or Z-mount. Any advantage will come from lens made for the Z-mount which is both closer (light loss over distance) and larger diameter (less correction required within the lens). There was an video of a Nikon engineer discussing the why the new mount, cant seem to find it.
 

Patrick M

Senior Member
Think of it this way the adapter is a spacer to project the image on the sensor at the correct size. The F-mount lens will then have the same characteristics on an F-mount or Z-mount. Any advantage will come from lens made for the Z-mount which is both closer (light loss over distance) and larger diameter (less correction required within the lens). There was an video of a Nikon engineer discussing the why the new mount, cant seem to find it.

Like this maybe...


https://www.diyphotography.net/nikons-new-z-mount-explained-by-a-nikon-engineer/


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BF Hammer

Senior Member
Z mount has the potential for a wider-aperture opening. But the aperture is what is limiting the light reaching the sensor. F/1.8 Z or f/1.8 F is still the same f/1.8 opening. But the bigger hole can help with autofocus operation in some situations with more light reaching the sensor. And of course you physically can make a lens that has a wider f-stop.
 
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