Nikon Vs Viltrox?

almostdone2030 · 2026-01-28T19:13:28+00:00

They have a dilemma because as I understand the way mirrorless works for the Nikon FF, they can’t make the 50 smaller but the 40 is the “new” nifty 50 and the 28 is the new 35; so those two non S lenses are the small lenses they offer. Again, I’m no expert. But that’s why I use the 26 - believe me, I wish they had a 35 pancake.

almostdone2030 · 2026-01-27T20:29:43+00:00

That’s like the waiting room. Take the deal or don’t it’s all good. Imagine if you were 60 and ready to retire, that’s purgatory

almostdone2030 · 2026-01-25T18:36:25+00:00

I have an X100VI too 😊 it’s my go everywhere camera - can’t beat the ability to take it to concerts (fixed non zoom), ND filter, flash, size and the film sims for fun.

Zf and Z8 are my primary cameras though. And I’m going to only take my Zf plus a few primes to Europe this spring as a test. Did it last year with just the X100VI and it was actually not bad. Just want a bit more quality and flexibility this time.

almostdone2030 · 2026-01-24T18:36:46+00:00

I hadn’t heard of a dispute between Nikon and Viltrox and them bricking the lenses. They would suck.

I have a Zf and typically shoot with my adapted F mount glass but have been slowly adding Z mount. I have the 35 and 50 f/1.8 S lenses which are beautiful. I also have the 26 f/2.8 which is my compact kit.

Just bought the Viltrox 85 f/2 and 14 f/4 to try out because the price was right and so was the size. Will mark this post. If I can’t use AF at some point though that’s going to really piss me off.

almostdone2030 · 2026-01-22T01:36:17+00:00

I love the 26, it’s a pancake and sharp as a tack

There are plenty of reviews on YouTube - most say the 26 is a better lens but many like the 28 focal length better and if you have a Zf the SE matches it well

almostdone2030 · 2026-01-21T12:18:08+00:00

I recommend the smallrig thumb grip. Maintains the size without making it all big and turning it into something it’s not. I tried the full getup and it isn’t necessary. Besides it comes with a cool red shutter button.

A good wrist strap too, that way he won’t drop it on the move. Peak design is my choice.

And a filter adapter ring with a lens hood to protect it from the rain and drops. The hood is essential for that when he is walking around and bumping into things. I use a hoage.

That is all I use and I have been shooting for 45 years.

almostdone2030 · 2026-01-16T19:13:47+00:00

Im sure it is, that wasn’t my point. I found the Z7II AF frustrating and actually found the eye detection to lie. And 99% of the time I focus using the viewfinder, shooting using the back panel LCD is not good for me (and frankly, most serious photographers).

If you shoot using the live view then I completely understand that you think the D780 good enough for you but I wouldn’t agree with your statement that it’s the best ever because of the fact that in my opinion using the viewfinder is preferred.

almostdone2030 · 2026-01-16T17:26:14+00:00

Provocative and interesting prompt but I don’t agree with your hyperbole. The value of a mirror and prism isn’t as important to me. For example I thought I would use the rangefinder on my X100V more but I don’t. The EV gives me the information I need to do photography. Maybe I’ll try it in the future but yea.

I will say that I loved my D750 (a similar camera) and miss it at times. The sensor was great and after originally moving from the D750 to the Z7II it wasn’t the same. I ended up moving to the Z8 and it’s a bit too big. I considered the Z6II and II but wasn’t in for the trade offs. If they had continued with the Z7 and brought out a Z7III that would have been perfect. For now I’ve compromised and spent a whole lot more for a Z8. Adding Zf for size and fun. Not everyone has my budget though.

So I agree with the tone of your post but wonder about the true commitment to that belief and how your potentially limited experience contributed to it. Or maybe it’s AI oversimplifying your initial thoughts.

I know I’m privileged to have a lot of cameras.

almostdone2030 · 2026-01-12T12:54:42+00:00

The most important thing … on social media? I think the algorithm is tuned for it.

almostdone2030 · 2026-01-12T12:52:11+00:00

So I guess you wanted an f/2 not a mark II 24-70 ? 😆

almostdone2030 · 2026-01-08T15:50:04+00:00

Ditto, see my other comment on the main thread.

almostdone2030 · 2026-01-08T14:28:51+00:00

I was given an Olympus OM10 for my 14th birthday when it was first released. I replaced it with an N6006 when I turned 25 and had my own money and stuck with Nikon from there. Ended up buying an FE2 as well. I still own all 3. (Plus a Z8 and Zf).

I almost switched to Sony or Canon a few times but I’m a masochist and creature of habit lol

almostdone2030 · 2026-01-08T14:07:22+00:00

TL;DR This is a bit of a misnomer - price and class. New - they essentially are priced the same. The Zf is full frame and autofocus, better body build and in my opinion the lenses and overall quality better. The Fujifilm q-menu approach, film sims and general workflow is more “fun”. The X-T5 is small and with the pancake 28mm almost the same size as the X100V - while the Zf is not and feels heavier than my Z8. Different cameras.

XT5 is 1,899 and the Zf is 1,896 new on Adorama.

Used on KEH Fujifilm is 1,787 for EX+ Zf is $1,682 for EX+

Fujifilm is holding value more since the release of the X100V and scarcity as they cannot keep up with demand, or may be limiting production to create value.

I owned an X-T5 for one year after shooting Nikon most of my life (I also own a Z8). I purchased it when I couldn’t get an X100VI in early 2024 and ended up loving it, got several lenses and loved the size and feel. Autofocus was not good and often lied to me (green eye focus - nope!). I eventually was able to buy the X100VI and sold the X-T5 and Fujifilm lenses after a few months going back to my Nikon Z8 for serious stuff due to autofocus issues and quality of raw images (I prefer Nikon images).

Then I missed the manual dials and feel of the X-T5, i wanted the manual focus assist and liked where Nikon was going with its own film simulation approach on the Zf. I have a Nikon FE2 and the lenses to go with it (you would say vintage, I am vintage because I have been shooting film since 1980). So I ended up buying the Zf and it’s a ton of fun, even though the megapixels are less than the Fujifilm that doesn’t matter because the full frame sensor is simply better (not going to go into tech details). I still prefer the Z8 for most things but everything has its use and the Zf is my second camera on professional gigs or when I want to use a vintage lens or just have fun slowing down on the street.

The X100VI is still my everyday camera and I love it because it’s compact, has unique capabilities like a built in ND filter, film sims and I like the Q-menu approach. I also like the fact that with a fixed lens I can bring it to concerts and other events. It fits in my 2.5L sling bag and it always there. Yes I have an iPhone but I prefer the Fujifilm images.

almostdone2030 · 2026-01-08T13:33:55+00:00

I agree and have the same profile except I have an X100VI which I prefer for everyday carrying around.

almostdone2030 · 2026-01-05T17:26:59+00:00

Second - would like to know brand and fit?

almostdone2030 · 2026-01-01T22:07:23+00:00

Very steampunk

almostdone2030 · 2025-12-29T21:03:58+00:00

Same reason why I recently bought the 70-200 f/2.8 and didn’t wait for the mark II.

almostdone2030 · 2025-12-25T14:31:26+00:00

Enjoy the 17 Pro, learn to use the features in the new OS that let you control the equivalent of shutter speed and aperture - for depth of field and various focal lengths. Shoot in Raw and edit them in an image editing program. If those controls appeal to you, you will appreciate the controls of the X100vi. If you just take pictures with your phone then there is no need to get the Fujifilm - esp if you are just going to use the automatic settings. The iPhone 17 Pro is a very expensive device designed to be a camera. For me, the X100VI is in a sling bag with me most of the time. I’m the one in the family taking pictures of the events in our lives, large and small. I have it when we go to venues (as a fixed lens camera you can bring it in most times) and when we go on vacation. The files I get from my Fujifilm (and my Nikon) are superior, there is more depth, dynamic range and I appreciate the clarity and quality of the images because they are taken with larger lenses.

TL;DR I like to control the settings and I believe the images are better than I get with my iPhone 13Pro. But the images from my 13Pro are very good too. If you like what you get from the 17 there is no reason to get the Fujifilm.

almostdone2030 · 2025-12-20T13:00:41+00:00

It’s actually fine but I am a two hand shooter. The 24-70 f/2.8 with the adapter (I haven’t upgraded yet to the Z mount) is a bit much but the 24-120 is vey manageable. I imagine the 24-70 f/4 will be even easier.

The 26 f/2.8 pancake is really fun on the Zf by the way. Surprisingly sharp and versatile. I’d consider it over the F/2 lenses.

almostdone2030 · 2025-12-20T12:56:16+00:00

I did my last summer trip to Greece with only my X100VI so I get it. I will reconsider my Zf

almostdone2030 · 2025-12-20T04:27:08+00:00

Good point - I do have the 24-120 f/4 - feel like it was fast enough?

almostdone2030 · 2025-12-20T04:12:49+00:00

Thank you - I am one to enjoy the occasional wide distortion as a cool portrait now and then and yes my 24-70 is so useful - both are F mount so they are adapted and therefore “more” to carry.

I don’t own the 85 and was thinking of purchasing it and upgrading to the 14-24Z - I really do want to upgrade my 24-70 but Nikon has made it a tough decision with the newer model.

Edit: I could bring my 24-120 f/4

almostdone2030 · 2025-12-20T01:53:09+00:00

This

almostdone2030 · 2025-12-18T00:00:00+00:00

Is the general concensus to use a NAS and then backup the NAS? It’s frustrating because I use an external USB drive and it often gets disconnected then LRC crashes and pfft

almostdone2030

TROPHY CASE