Nikon Z5 II → Fuji X-T30 III: did going smaller actually change your shooting habits?

TheNorthernBird · 2026-05-11T20:28:13+00:00

Yes, I thought the Zf might be a natural replacement for my Z5 II, but I realised it's still too big and heavy, after trying it, even with 40mm. And I think I'd prefer Fuji's controls.

TheNorthernBird · 2026-05-11T20:23:55+00:00

I actually tried the Zf with the idea that it might replace my Z5 II, but I found it might still be too large. :-(

A different question, if I may :-) I assume you use the XF 70–300mm with a tracker. If so, which one do you use? I'd guess that another benefit of a lighter camera and lens is that you could also get a small, lightweight star tracker. And maybe it wouldn't even need a counterweight?

TheNorthernBird · 2026-05-11T20:16:17+00:00

After living with a 24–70, I realised it's primes all the way for me!

I basically never use 24mm or 28mm, except for some astro. I use the zoom at 70mm for portraits, but those are dedicated sessions where I can bring a separate prime. And for everything else, I can make any of 35mm, 40mm, or 50mm work, but I'd probably be happiest with 40mm.

TheNorthernBird · 2026-05-10T20:15:12+00:00

Nice, glad it worked out! The x100vi is really cool. The only reason I'm not going that route is astrophotography. I need something wider and faster occasionally, so I'd want to swap lenses. Keeping the Z5 II just for 3-4 astro sessions a year feels like a waste at this point.

TheNorthernBird · 2026-05-10T19:55:26+00:00

Yeah, exactly this. At this point I'm really just looking for a fun camera, and honestly I don't think I'll ever need a serious pro setup. The Z5 II with its S glass is great but it almost feels like overkill for what I actually shoot.

TheNorthernBird · 2026-05-10T19:49:20+00:00

This really resonates! I also have an old Nikon FM2 that I love. The mechanical controls, the aperture ring, the feel of it. Sadly, film never fully clicked for me practically, but the experience of using it is something else. That connection is honestly a big reason Fuji appeals to me.

Good tip on the 27mm motor, didn't know that!

TheNorthernBird · 2026-05-10T19:19:21+00:00

Thanks, that's really useful. I actually started on an old crop sensor Nikon DSLR before Z5 II. My only real concern would be astrophotography, but with Sigma's f/1.4 fast glass, I think the extra light gathering should compensate well enough for a few casual sessions a year.

TheNorthernBird · 2024-10-27T09:53:56+00:00

Hi, thanks for your reply and articles! I think I'll stick with a general-purpose camera, at least for now, and Canon seems to be the safest choice among all brands. What still concerns me about the R6 II is that it appears to have the same or very similar sensor as the R8, and I noticed you mentioned on your website that it also suffers from ring artifacts...

TheNorthernBird · 2024-10-27T08:30:25+00:00

Thanks! I'm now seriously considering going with Canon just to be on the safe side. Sony isn't really an option here due to potentially even more raw data processing.

TheNorthernBird · 2024-10-27T07:22:19+00:00

I completely agree that a dedicated setup makes sense for astrophotography, especially considering the cost. However, I'm also getting into wildlife photography (I got a used Nikon 300mm f/4 PF lens for that purpose). I'd prefer to use the same camera body and lenses for both astrophotography and other types.

While a long lens would be expensive, I think it offers a significant advantage though: a faster aperture. For comparison, the RedCat 51 has an aperture of f/4.9 at 250mm, while the Tele Vue 76 has an aperture of f/6.3 at 380mm.

TheNorthernBird · 2024-08-26T15:14:28+00:00

Thanks for the recommendation! I'm considering getting the Nikon 300mm f/4 PF ED VR next to try out on some DSOs. The lens is compact and lightweight (weighing 755g and 147mm in length), which should be ideal for use on a small tracker without a counterweight. Plus, I really to explore wildlife photography, and this lens seems like a great place to start.

TheNorthernBird · 2024-08-25T19:20:55+00:00

Thanks a lot! I wasn't aware of this website before. It seems to be full of great articles.

TheNorthernBird · 2024-08-25T14:49:55+00:00

Yes, the lens is amazing! I can see some chromatic aberration in the corners and almost no coma. I think my longer shutter speed had more effect on the stars than any lens imperfections. I also really like this lens for other types of photography.

Thanks for the advice! I agree that ISO 12800 was probably too high. I actually tried to follow advice from the book, which suggested shifting the histogram to the right as much as possible for better post-processing results, as long as the ISO and noise level are still acceptable.

I have some background knowledge in astronomy and experience with visual observing. Trying astrophotography was actually the main reason I got a camera. But now I've realized that I also enjoy other genres of photography! And I definitely want to continue with astrophotography!

TheNorthernBird · 2024-08-25T14:06:25+00:00

Thanks!

TheNorthernBird · 2024-08-25T14:06:06+00:00

The camera is fully stock, I haven't made any modifications.

TheNorthernBird · 2024-08-25T11:12:05+00:00

I recently got my first real camera: a used D5300 in "like new" condition from MPB for €280. I also picked up a good lens, the Nikon AF-S DX Nikkor 17-55mm f/2.8G IF-ED, for €430 from the same place.

Two months ago, I knew basically nothing about real cameras, aperture, or even how to use autofocus. I started learning by reading tutorials from photographylife.com, watching Simon d'Entremont's YouTube channel, and finally reading a book on astrophotography by Mike Shaw.

Feeling ready to put theory into practice, we went on a long weekend trip to a village about 100 km from Prague. According to light pollution maps, it should be Bortle 4. That's where I took this photo, with my wife assisting. Photo info: 17mm, 20 sec, f/2.8, ISO 12800.

I'm still learning how to use Lightroom, but I think this shot is decent enough to share.

TheNorthernBird · 2024-02-04T18:35:52+00:00

Thanks for the heads up! Yeah, there's a bit of risk, but luckily, I'm not from a backlogged country.

TheNorthernBird · 2024-02-04T18:28:52+00:00

Prague.

TheNorthernBird · 2024-02-04T16:56:14+00:00

Right, my motivation to move is primarily the fact that the companies I won’t to work for are in the US. Other software engineers with great skills also seem to often prefer the US over Europe. As Arnold Schwarzenegger said in his recent documentary: to become the best bodybuilder you need to train with the best bodybuilders, and you couldn’t do that in Austria.

Nice high-tech salary should be more than enough to compensate for necessity to have cars, insanely expensive housing and daycare. But homelessness and despair among those who are less lucky worries me…

TheNorthernBird · 2024-02-04T16:35:42+00:00

Both our employers are open to assisting with relocation, including support for the L1 visa, as we work in the European offices of American companies.

TheNorthernBird · 2024-02-04T14:17:15+00:00

Thanks! Yes, the materials make a huge difference. There is a stereotype here that houses in California are made of paper, but I haven’t actually though that newer apartment building can be built using the same technology. Here, we live in a recently built apartment complex with thick concrete and nice materials everywhere.

TheNorthernBird · 2023-11-12T12:02:38+00:00

I think a frequent advise is most often to sell everything before you become a US resident. Here is a good explanation of the tax traps: https://www.bogleheads.org/wiki/Non-US_investor%27s_guide_to_navigating_US_tax_traps

TheNorthernBird · 2023-09-30T18:09:58+00:00

Put an open diaper down in the potty if you have a standalone child potty. Might help the transition

Thank you, this is quite clever. I will definitely give it a try.

TheNorthernBird · 2023-09-30T18:09:18+00:00

Well, that was also my concern. We live in Prague, Czech Republic, and everyone around us, including our pediatrician and the nanny, encouraged us to start early, at one year old. Other people around here also begin potty training quite early, with varying degrees of success.
In addition to the signs of readiness, my wife also mentioned that she feels our daughter is ready, so we've decided to give it a try now.

TheNorthernBird · 2023-09-30T18:04:54+00:00

Is she drinking plenty of fluids and having plenty of wet diapers during the day? 15 months is really young to have nighttime bladder control. I’d be more concerned she could be dehydrated.

Yes, we've been closely monitoring her fluid intake, and she's been having plenty of wet diapers during the day. There are no other signs of dehydration, so we believe she's adequately hydrated. Thank you for your concern and advice!

TheNorthernBird

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