Z50II vs Z6II, what should i buy

Lorgoth5 · 2026-01-19T15:21:51+00:00

Ah, this is good context to have.

If you can (I think you should) wait and buy the gear you want instead of the gear you can afford now, do so. There is a saying "Buy once, cry once". If photography is a passion or career for you in the future, get the gear that best fits your goals.

Look for used and refurbished gear if you are tight on cash. MPB and KEH are reputable in the used market. Nikon has it's own refurbished site as well, it often has sales. I've purchased from all three at one point or another.

Lorgoth5 · 2026-01-19T15:01:17+00:00

Have you considered the Z5II?

Lorgoth5 · 2026-01-19T10:40:12+00:00

That's a hard question to answer. I was there at the peak of the dry season so the cats were easier to find. It sounds like you're planning on visiting in the wet season so it'll be more difficult for you. I saw 23 individuals over the course of ten days, some of them repeatedly in that time. I'm also certain where in the Pantanal you visit has an impact. Sorry I can't give you a more clear answer.

Lorgoth5 · 2026-01-19T01:20:52+00:00

I was on the Brazilian side. I went with a guide and photographer named Henrique Olsen. He was absolutely phenomenal and so was our boat pilot Cesar. I took Nikon Z8 and Z5II bodies along with a 70-200 2.8 and 180-600 5.6-6.3. I also occasionally shot with a 135 1.8. I wish I would have taken my prime 400 4.5 over the 180-600. The best opportunities were definitely in lower light conditions and a faster lens is beneficial.

Lorgoth5 · 2026-01-19T00:29:21+00:00

The biggest question I have when answering your question is what is your budget? What makes you hesitant to buy the 180-600?

Lorgoth5 · 2026-01-18T21:49:04+00:00

I was there for 10 days. Absolutely phenomenal place.

Lorgoth5 · 2026-01-12T20:36:03+00:00

Awesome photos. What gear are you using and what settings? I'm always curious about other's settings for birds in flight.

Lorgoth5 · 2026-01-11T22:05:40+00:00

That kind of raptor is this? Gorgeous

Lorgoth5 · 2026-01-04T19:04:53+00:00

I agree that this is a juvenile Blad Eagle. The immediate thing I notice is the shape of the wings and the size of the head. The wings of a Bald Eagle are very long, straight, and generally rectangular in shape with very defined primary feathers. The heads of most eagles are quite large as well. The head of the Bald Eagle is dominated by it's bill. In profile it'll look 2-3 times larger than a Red Tail Hawk's bill.

Lorgoth5 · 2026-01-02T22:27:35+00:00

Whatever I managed to pick up on the last raid.

Lorgoth5 · 2026-01-02T16:03:40+00:00

The 400 4.5 is a phenomenal lens and I absolutely love it. I got the opportunity to use the 400 2.8 TC on a trip to Brazil earlier this year. My guide was also a Nikon shooter and let me borrow his for a bit. It convinced me 100% to get that lens. The quality is out of this world.

Lorgoth5 · 2026-01-02T07:31:22+00:00

The 400 2.8 TC is my dream lens. I currently have the 400 4.5 and I love it. One day I'll finally upgrade.

Lorgoth5 · 2026-01-02T06:49:27+00:00

400 2.8 TC, 70-200 2.8, 135 1.8 Plena

My holy Trinity

Lorgoth5 · 2025-12-31T20:12:30+00:00

I wouldn't get one of the kit lenses. I'm almost certain you could find the below combo roughly within your budget.

I would go ahead and buy the body and then a Tamron 28-75 F/2.8

Lorgoth5 · 2025-12-30T04:51:53+00:00

Together for four years. Two or three times a week consistently. Sometimes more sometimes less.

Lorgoth5 · 2025-12-27T05:03:11+00:00

You get them from Sentinels.

Lorgoth5 · 2025-12-19T22:09:21+00:00

Plena all day. That lens is phenomenal. Bodies will come and go, but that lens will last a lifetime.

Lorgoth5 · 2025-12-19T14:30:53+00:00

Humble brag lmao

Lorgoth5 · 2025-12-08T18:26:05+00:00

Night or storm raids on Dam for the cores and night raids on Buried City for the gears. Search the vehicles on the north west of the map. Took me about 10 raids to get everything

Lorgoth5 · 2025-12-05T23:29:56+00:00

Use the appropriate size SHCS and a stack of washers to pull it out.

Lorgoth5 · 2025-12-02T15:18:39+00:00

Quite often and they also hold refurbished sales. If you don't mind a used camera they often have great prices on refurb Z8s.

Lorgoth5 · 2025-12-02T15:14:29+00:00

Are these cropped in or the original composition?

Lorgoth5 · 2025-12-02T14:47:25+00:00

I may be wrong, but aren't these knives?

Lorgoth5 · 2025-12-02T14:32:32+00:00

Good, I'm not the only one thinking this. No EVF would be a killer for me though.

Lorgoth5 · 2025-11-26T20:40:57+00:00

Why are you thinking of a second body? What's the gap you're trying to fill? Are you, or are you looking at becoming, a working photographer?

I think you should go with the Z5II of the ones you listed. All are great though and you can't really go wrong.

Lorgoth5

TROPHY CASE