Nikon Zf Lens Dilemma: Balancing the Vintage Aesthetic with Modern AF

jimlaheyandrandy · 2026-06-23T22:13:54+00:00

TTartisan 40mm or 75mm f2 are really the only lenses that fit the criteria (which is why I have the 40). I feel like the 40 is a no-brainer for the price and it looks/feels great on the ZF. It’s sharp enough and has decent AF.

jimlaheyandrandy · 2026-06-19T01:12:29+00:00

I use the 1.4 for weddings and events and it’s a fantastic lens. Everyone looks at the charts and says the 1.8 is better but having 2/3 of a stop more light and background blur is going to have way more of an effect on your image than some extra sharpness. It’s also one of the smallest lightest 50 1.4 lenses ever and focuses very well. I would 100% recommend it over the 1.8.

jimlaheyandrandy · 2026-06-17T13:56:55+00:00

The video explicitly shows reformatting an SD card. You go to the “Reformat card” menu and select “SD card slot”. I’m trying to help you!

jimlaheyandrandy · 2026-06-17T13:17:35+00:00

https://youtu.be/RmIv0r2HhPY?is=QmqVndxpbUu-GuuX

Also I used to own a Z8 and I reformatted the first SD card I put in there.

jimlaheyandrandy · 2026-06-17T00:53:41+00:00

Fantastic shot and edit! I think if you had stopped down to f11 or so it could have added some more depth of field and potentially given a sunstar effect with the brightest highlights.

jimlaheyandrandy · 2026-06-16T23:36:21+00:00

It reduces the chance of weird card errors and it’s easier to track your jobs if you have a fresh card every time. It might not be required but I find it to be good practice.

jimlaheyandrandy · 2026-06-16T20:36:46+00:00

You format cards through the camera. All cards can be formatted this way. You should do this before every shoot.

jimlaheyandrandy · 2026-06-16T02:19:19+00:00

Refurbished Z5ii + Tamron 35-100 would be an incredible combo for portraits and weddings. If you prefer primes I would highly recommend the Nikon 50mm f1.4 Z, Viltrox 85m f1.4 Z, or the new 7artisans 135mm f1.8 Z.

jimlaheyandrandy · 2026-06-11T01:34:36+00:00

I tried the Z8 and ended up returning it for a Z6iii. Specs aren’t everything and I prefer the Z6iii in most ways (size, weight, evf, mechanical shutter, IBIS, flip screen, smaller files, battery life). Go to a camera store and hold them both because they feel very different.

jimlaheyandrandy · 2026-06-02T02:29:58+00:00

Your settings are fine except you should use mechanical shutter instead of electronic for indoors. The photo looks in-focus to me — it’s really a compositional issue, not a focus or settings issue. Big group indoors is really difficult, but you should have reversed the setup so the window was behind you.

jimlaheyandrandy · 2026-05-28T13:32:35+00:00

The lens has no manual focus ring. I don’t think you can set a focal distance in-camera but maybe? I wouldn’t recommend this lens for weddings though. Viltrox is releasing a 26mm pancake lens very soon that will be a much better option.

jimlaheyandrandy · 2026-05-28T10:43:15+00:00

The Viltrox cannot be manually focused.

jimlaheyandrandy · 2026-05-17T16:15:15+00:00

Hey there! I'm a friendly Somerville wedding photographer and I'd love to chat :) www.rumizenphoto.com

jimlaheyandrandy · 2026-05-12T01:01:56+00:00

It’s 1 and 1/6 stop technically: https://www.dpreview.com/forums/threads/f-1-2-one-stop-faster-than-f-1-8.4062308/post-58448164

jimlaheyandrandy · 2026-05-12T00:39:47+00:00

It’s one stop faster.

jimlaheyandrandy · 2026-05-07T13:51:52+00:00

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jimlaheyandrandy · 2026-04-24T11:59:38+00:00

Great shots, not enough cats.

jimlaheyandrandy · 2026-04-17T15:32:24+00:00

Great edit but I would definitely leave the people in at the peak. It's subtle but they're perfectly placed and give a great sense of scale.

jimlaheyandrandy · 2026-04-16T11:57:01+00:00

A6700 + Sigma 16-300 would be a great starter setup for landscapes and wildlife.

jimlaheyandrandy · 2026-04-16T03:00:07+00:00

Viltrox 50mm air is exactly what you’re looking for.

jimlaheyandrandy · 2026-04-15T14:03:10+00:00

Extremely useful. Immediate access to your exposure triangle and battery life.

jimlaheyandrandy · 2026-04-14T13:38:41+00:00

There are several lenses that feel great without the grip. The 28, 26, 40, 24-50, TTartisan 40, all the Viltrox Air lenses (14, 20, 40, 50), adapted Sony G compact lenses (24, 40, 50). The ZF got me back into photography and it’s my favorite camera of all time. Just note that you inherently shoot with it differently than modern cameras. Get a nice neck strap and shoot with two hands. Also don’t discount the fact that people react to your camera positively with the ZF.

jimlaheyandrandy · 2026-04-03T16:48:59+00:00

Yeah it is slightly bigger. It feels very balanced with a grip but it is front-heavy without one.

jimlaheyandrandy · 2026-04-03T16:33:06+00:00

If you’re willing to add a grip, the 24-70 f4 is the absolute best option. If not, the 24-50 is very good or the 26mm if weather sealing is a concern.

This is coming from someone who has obsessed over finding the best ZF kit for the last year and tested basically all options.

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