MIng Thein reviews the Nikon Z7: “enough solid improvements over the D850, and not too many compromises”

Ming Thein reviews the Nikon Z7:

On an absolute scale, what we have here is not revolution but thorough evolution – much as the D3 was in its day. And as the D3, this represents a massive quantum leap of innovation for conservative Nikon; though the Z7 isn’t the second coming of sliced Jesus there are enough solid improvements over the D850, and not too many compromises (some of which are firmware-fixable). For a first try, it’s remarkable effort. Put another way: I don’t care what the fanboys say, but we’re now on the third generation of Sony A7 (fourth, if you count the A9) and they still don’t operate as smoothly.

If you’re not bothered by the D850’s size and weight, or need stabilization in lenses that don’t have it, or shoot video, or use a lot of manual focus – then you can skip this generation. But if any of those things apply to you for any meaningful portion of the time, you’re likely to find the Z7 is a worthwhile addition. Just remember that there are some differences in control paradigm, with heavier reliance on customizable menus and far fewer customizable buttons. Don’t get me wrong, though: Nikon has managed something impressive: a mirrorless device retaining all of the advantages of mirrorless, but still feeling and operating with the immediacy of a good DSLR.

Sigma press text: Operating condition of Nikon “Z7” and SIGMA’s interchangeable lenses for Nikon mount

Sigma just issued this press text today:

Operating condition of Nikon “Z7” and SIGMA’s interchangeable lenses for Nikon mount

Thank you for purchasing and using our products.

We would like to announce that we have confirmed that SIGMA’s interchangeable lenses for Nikon mount in the current lineup do not have any issues with general operation when they are used on the “Z7”, released by Nikon Corporation, via their “Mount Adapter FTZ”.

In addition, please note the information below when using the following lenses.

・Interchangeable lenses that do not incorporate an AF drive motor will operate only in manual focus.
・Some interchangeable lenses shipped out before November 2013 that are not compatible with the latest DSLR cameras will not operate.

We will continue verification and provide updates on the operating conditions including discontinued models.

For further information, please contact your nearest authorized SIGMA subsidiary / distributor.
https://www.sigma-global.com/en/about/world-network/

We appreciate your continued support for our company and products.

Nikon Z7 is now shipping out in the USA. First unboxing video.

Finally the new Z7 is now shipping out in the USA!

Nikon Z preorder links:
Nikon Z7 at BHphoto, BestBuy, Amazon, Adorama, Calumet Germany. WexUk. Jessops. CameraPro.
Nikon Z6 at BHphoto, BestBuy, Amazon, Adorama, Calumet Germany. WexUk. Jessops. CameraPro.
Nikon 24-70mm at BHphoto, BestBuy, Amazon, Adorama, Calumet Germany. WexUk. Jessops. CameraPro.
Nikon 35mm at BHphoto, BestBuy, Amazon, Adorama, Calumet Germany. WexUk. Jessops. CameraPro.
Nikon 50mm at BHphoto, BestBuy, Amazon, Adorama, Calumet Germany. WexUk. Jessops. CameraPro.
Nikon FTZ adapter at BHphoto, BestBuy, Amazon, Adorama, Calumet Germany. WexUk. Jessops. CameraPro.

Reflex launches three manual focusing Full Frame lenses for Nikon Z

REFLEX will launch a new Kickstarter campagn in November to fund three new Z lenses:

Ahead of the anticipated release of the Reflex model I. later this year and in a Photokina 2018 preview special, we are proud to present to its audience, the first in a line up of three full frame lenses; The Reflex 40mm f/1.8 comes ahead of a 75mm f/1.8 and a 24mm f/1.8, completing a series of large aperture primes.

The Reflex I accompanying lens series have been optimized for both SLR and mirrorless photography with a compact form factor, carrying a double gauss lens design that signs for an organic look and smooth bokeh, making it a light and ideal daily shooter for both analog and digital photography. Furthermore, it features a clicked/step-less aperture ring for videography and cine adaptation and a large focus-ring rotation angle which enables for highly accurate focusing.

While being presented at Photokina in a native Reflex AR-i, Sony E and Canon EF mount, mirrorless versions will also become available in Nikon Z, Canon RF and Leica/Lumix L mount or to Fuji X and Micro 4/3 via adaptors with the EF version. The lens will be launched on Kickstarter mid November and will ship January 2019.

Anticipated retail price will be under $400.

Via Chassimages. Thanks Mistral!

Weird prototype Sigma lens spotted at Photokina. Can you guess what it is? :)

Let’s see if someone knows what this Sigma lens actually is 🙂