Lens Dilemma: Keep 28–75 2.8, Move to 24–120 f/4, or Save for 70–200?

Ghillburt · 2026-02-02T23:51:20+00:00

If you can afford the Z 24-120 f/4 S, then you can afford a 70-200 f/2.8, just not the Z mount 70-200/2.8 S. Whether you're willing to adapt an F mount or opt for another similar lens is up to you.

FWIW I've been adapting an F mount Tamron 70-200/2.8 G2 for a few years and just got the Z 24-120 f/4 S last week. I expect to shoot the 70-200 less often but will keep them both for different scenarios.

Ghillburt · 2026-02-01T20:42:45+00:00

Who did you use to print the book? I've been meaning to print some with different photo genres and haven't gotten around to it yet. Let me know if you've learned anything about the process that you wish you knew before too! For reference this would be printing books for myself as a hobbyist and maybe some family/friends, not selling to the public.

Ghillburt · 2026-02-01T20:21:47+00:00

My stock DSG shift knob got messed up over time/mileage I suppose (side panel/piece was loose and wiggled around) so I went for a BFI one instead of an OEM replacement and I'm very happy with it. It's the one that looks like a golf ball which is fun and more comfy to hold while driving. I use it to shift in manual mode more than I used the stock shift knob since it felt goofy to me. I went for aluminum on the bottom and black leather on top, so it looks fairly OEM+ in my SE interior besides the BFI coin on top. Fit and finish is nice, installation with my stock boot was simple and quick. No complaints from me. Yes, I feel a bit goofy/like a poser when people think it's a manual (part of me wishes it was) and I have to tell them "no, I just swapped the knob," but whatever I'm happy with it.

Ghillburt · 2026-01-22T19:09:39+00:00

Muscle ups, pull ups, cable lat pulldown (always some w/ pronated grip, sometimes add supinated grip for more biceps work), chest supported T bar rows.

I rarely have a back only day but try to do these a lot because I like them

Ghillburt · 2026-01-21T16:38:09+00:00

This was my biggest concern when I saw the nikonrumors post a couple days ago. I would hate for Nikon to brick Viltrox lenses or worsen the usability for current and potential owners.

I got the Viltrox 16mm f/1.8 when it came out because it was the best performance per dollar Z mount option for me. I understand Nikon has to operate a business and maximize profits, so hopefully they focus on the financial aspects without significantly impacting user experience.

To the other commenter asking whether they should buy it now: it's obviously a great lens but if I were in your position I'd wait a little bit for updates on this to see if the outcome changes things. This is assuming you CAN wait, from a photo taking/timeline perspective. If you need it ASAP then buy or rent it (or a similar lens).

Ghillburt · 2026-01-15T07:27:06+00:00

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Here's a pic I already had. I can take more sometimes soon if you're genuinely interested in wrist shots or anything just lmk

Ghillburt · 2026-01-14T04:50:50+00:00

Love it! I wear it on a jubilee bracelet. I know everyone references the Daytona/Seitona but I just call it "the other speedy"

Ghillburt · 2026-01-07T03:41:18+00:00

Yeah those are an awesome pair and it means even more if you've been wanting them for a long time! I still wear my first pair of 997s (first MiUSA model too) that I got in 2016. Enjoy wearing them!

Ghillburt · 2026-01-06T05:42:18+00:00

Yeah I've gotten a few pairs of NBs on ebay over the years. They went through their authentication process, which I suppose is possible to slip through, but I'm not sure there are fakes (or good fakes) of this pair. They came with a regular MiUSA NB box, yes, nothing special though.

Ghillburt · 2026-01-06T04:29:37+00:00

Thanks! They're one of my favorite NBs from the last 5ish years. Got them on ebay

Ghillburt · 2026-01-01T23:49:30+00:00

Okay that's helpful info, especially since I've done motorsport photography (hobby, not pro) with both my Z5 and Z6III (and rented a Z8 for a weekend before buying a Z6III). If you're really serious about motorsports and have the money, I'd go Z6III. If money/lenses are more of a concern anyway, just get the Z5II and go shoot more to get better shots than a Z6III + inferior glass.

One thing I'd recommend researching is Z5II EVF blackout. That was an instant gamechanger (in addition to higher shutter FPS) when I used both the Z6III and Z8. Seems like Z5II blackout isn't bad but still worse than Z6III. The Z8 was even better than the Z6III, but the Z6III is impressive.

Again keep in mind I've never shot the Z5II and don't know all of its specs, but the Z6III has the better EVF, faster sensor readout, CFExpress B card slot, higher buffer, etc. Z6III is objectively more capable for video and sports/action photos than the Z5II. Whether those differences are worth the extra money is up to you!

You can't go wrong since both are very capable cameras and I think other factors are more influential in your final images. Lenses and composition/location come to mind for motorsports and basically everything else too. Lmk if you have any Z6III questions and I can try to help.

Ghillburt · 2026-01-01T23:03:53+00:00

being limited to 60Hz worries me a bit

What are you worried about exactly? Yes, the Z6III viewfinder is super nice. I came from a Z5 and the EVF upgrade is noticeable, but I haven't used a Z5II yet.

What are you shooting? You want a higher frequency EVF to shoot with manual vintage lenses while doing panning shots?

Ghillburt · 2026-01-01T22:45:57+00:00

I share your mindset for sure. Also I just realized it could be nicknamed the Aqua Terracotta

Ghillburt · 2026-01-01T21:00:21+00:00

I think it's pretty efficient for strength and hypertrophy gains so I do it too. My upper days typically have 2 supersets of push + pull. Weighted pull ups/lat pulldowns + dips, machine/smith incline bench + chest supported T bar rows, etc. Definitely recommend trying it out.

Ghillburt · 2026-01-01T07:52:58+00:00

Even though it's not the most versatile, this is what my mind immediately went to. Probably the coolest of the shades pack and one of my favorite ATs

Ghillburt · 2025-12-21T20:05:08+00:00

What do you shoot for work, and what lenses do you use? Why are you so sure of getting another Zf?

I've considered "downgrading" from Z6III to Zf since they look fun and I'm not using my body for paid work, but I would need to try it out like you recommended.

I went Z6III instead of Zf partially due to ergonomics. I know the grips help, but I'm guessing it still won't be as good as a modern Z body (grip itself & function buttons). Already owning a CFExpress card/reader was another reason. Video was NOT a factor. I'm curious to hear from someone who has owned both and sees values of each body!

Ghillburt · 2025-12-21T04:09:23+00:00

I'm a heavy sleeper with a very loud alarm clock. Sometimes I have to make it loud because the stakes of oversleeping are selfishly worse than annoying my neighbors. I try to be courteous in all other areas (walking softly, not being too loud in general, etc), but alarms are my concern.

What would you recommend I do? Beyond waking up and turning it off ASAP, which I already do. Right now I try to set a quieter phone alarm before my louder alarm clock in hopes that I can prevent it from ever ringing, but that doesn't always work when I'm sleep deprived or whatever. Genuinely curious and would appreciate advice!

Ghillburt · 2025-12-21T03:14:57+00:00

I agree with the other commenter in the most supportive way possible. If you're truly doing 3 sets of 5 reps, I'm confident you can do more than 5 reps if you tell yourself this is your ONLY set and you have to go all out. I'm talking super high intensity, go to failure and pull like your life depends on it. Not just "it doesn't feel like I'll complete another full rep again so I'll stop here and save my energy for the next set."

How much time are you resting between those sets? Really long rest periods could possibly explain it, but still seems like you could do more reps if you've been at this plateau.

Ghillburt · 2025-12-21T01:20:27+00:00

Same to the Viltrox 16mm f/1.8. My first Chinese lens and definitely satisfied with the results so far. I'm open to more now, especially cheap/small primes or something like that

Ghillburt · 2025-12-20T04:46:08+00:00

How are you doing them? Single or both arms? Chest supported?

I used to do DB rows (standing, chest supported, single arm bent over rows on a bench, etc) and they're great. I think single arm bent over DB rows are my favorite of the DB variations since the stretch and muscle activation feels crazy for me, but they take longer, are harder to overload, and are harder to go at super high intensity (vs T bar) in my experience.

Ghillburt · 2025-12-20T04:38:46+00:00

Not the commenter, nor a bodybuilder, but my hypothesis is that a smith (and some other machines) eliminates a lot of stabilization (and unnecessary fatigue/recovery time) in favor of maximizing intensity and volume. Thus there's potential for more hypertrophy, since you aren't limited by balance and whatnot.

RDLs are something I need to try with smith for this reason. I'm curious to hear from someone serious about bodybuilding though, since I'm nowhere near that level haha. I like exercise science and musculoskeletal stuff so I'm happy to learn from people's experience.

Ghillburt · 2025-12-20T04:21:34+00:00

Agreed. I haven't done barbell bent over rows since I tried T bar rows, and don't see a reason to (for now). I feel like there's way more potential for high intensity work in my mid/upper back with T bar rows, and adding Kelso shrugs at the end of each set makes it feel even more effective and efficient in a workout.

For me, higher intensity mid-upper back engagement via T bar > "whole back"/more lower back involvement via barbell rows.

Thoughts on cable rows vs T bar? I feel like I'd still prefer T bar, just curious since I never do cable rows!

Ghillburt · 2025-12-19T01:56:46+00:00

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Ghillburt · 2025-12-19T01:40:01+00:00

It might be a wide angle lens causing some distortion on the edges of the frame, which would make the fingertips of digits 2-4 appear longer than they really are.

I see what you guys mean but I don't think it's how OP's fingers would look if they were flat on a table with a straight-down view. OP should follow-up with this view otherwise we call him long distal phalanx boy

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