I bought the Z50 II a couple of days ago with the two-lens kit and the Viltrox 56. To my surprise, it included two batteries and a four-year warranty; not bad! :) I have already taken some fantastic pictures of my Husky and Samoyed sled dogs with the 50-250 and Viltrox (the bokeh at 1.7 is amazing). The 250 (375) for bird pictures, in combination with the 1-second JPG pre-capture mode and 30 fps, is also really enjoyable, I must say. I am planning to use it for snowboarding and mountain biking this year as well. Cheers from Switzerland
Really appreciate how you give people interested in gear like the Z50II the same level of guidance and support as you do for much more expensive cameras and lenses. Thank you!
Hudson, awesome video! I have a Z8. It’s a great camera. But I got tired of lugging it around on vacations and weekend getaways. So I bought the Z50II with the 16-50mm last weekend. I can’t praise this camera enough. The focusing is amazing and on par with the Z8. And in such a small package. The amount of technology packed in this camera is amazing. One can call it an entry camera only because of its price. Yes the sensor is old but the IQ is excellent. This camera will be with me anytime I go somewhere. My advice is get this camera. No it’s not my “backup” camera. It’s not meant to be. Just a delight to use. So light and unobtrusive. As a comparison, Z50II with 16-50mm lens weighs 22 oz, whereas the Z8 with the 40mm lens comes in at 38 oz. That’s the lightest combo for the Z8 and my walk around lens is normally my 24-120mm. With this lens the weight goes to 54 oz. Ouch. Can’t wait to get the Viltrox 56mm or the new 35mm lens.
black friday i ordered my first camera set up. the z50ii, z 16-50mm, tamron z 50-400mm, viltrox 27mm pro, 3 legged thing alana, and ulanzi treeroot tripod. been having so much fun with it. looking forward to learning more about how to use it from your content.
I use my Zfc as my cycling, hiking, any day I don’t want to lug a heavy unit, camera. I love the 12-24mm PZ and 18-140mm zooms. I use lots of budget primes… Nikkor 24mm f1.7, Viltrox 56mm f 1.7, Pergear MF 35mm f1.4….want the Viltrox 35mm f1.7 and that 75mm f1.2. I am an experienced amateur, shooting for over 40 years, and as I age, especially after recently suffering a serious injury, weight of my kit is getting more and more important. I am very intrigued by the Z50II
I owed the z50 as a fun travel camera. I always thought it was greatly underrated in the "camera" world. I had been waiting a long time for a new model with a few more pixels and IBIS. Initially very disappointed in the z50ii release. But after grumbling and swearing at Nikon for a few days I rebooted my brain and looked at the specs. When I looked with fresh eyes at everything they were giving us for $910 I had a "HOLY SH*T" minute. It was very amusing to see, in this video, your ability to create a very impressive complete system in under $2K. What a bargain! Thank you for your video.
I really like the compactness and serious punch in the little Z50II. It’s a stellar extra body to add to my kit but even as a first body it’s a steal. Now for Smallrig to send me the base plate that’s been on order for weeks.
It really is quite a package - way more than the specs might suggest. So far using it when space is at a premium, want to have a couple of different lenses, and/or don't want to bring a Q for one reason or another. The complete bonus is that with lenses this cheap, easy to try multiple primes. In addition to the ones you mentioned, the voigtlander d35 f1.2 and the sigma 56 f1.4 are excellent.
Than's for the review! I've got my Z50ii kit with a 16-50 lens today. Same size as my D5000 but a better grip. Feels really nice. Took some pictures to try it out. Even w/o IBIS - so far so good. Except: The battery was empty after 25 shots and some look around in the menu. Seems like it can only be charged with the original (60 cm long) USB C to USB C cable. That takes the fun a little bit out of it. So now back to amazon to buy some additional stuff... Lens hood, hot shoe cover, Display protection, USB C adapter (A>C), longer cable (all not included in the pack), 2 Batteries with charger.
@@BenitoF2009 get that Anker PD battery bank. It charges it no problem with the included cable. Oh and only usbc cables are rated for PD (power delivery). It has to be a PD capable adapter, cable and or battery bank. I've got my favorite linked with he camera: Www.hudsonhenry.com/atslinks
I'm enjoying pairing the Z50II with my Z6III that much more, because they are nearly identical. It still feels that much smaller. I just need the cycle through AF area, to customize the illumination button, and customize the multi-pad. My wish list for the next one would be EN-EL15 battery, partially stacked sensor, and/or a few more MP's. I put the Sigma 56f1.4 on it.
Viltrox is doing great things. I own the small 20mm and 40mm lenses, which are FF lenses. Both great and light weight lenses with fantastic IQ. I love the 20mm on my Z50 as a general walk around lens. You should have a look at the 27mm Viltrox lens too; that is another amazing lens and I'm pretty sure you will like it too! My Voigtlander 35mm f1.2 arrived this week. This is an absolute beautiful made lens. I'll be experimenting with that lens on my Z50 in the coming days and hope I'll get used to manual focusing down to f1.2...
Thanks a lot for your review, Hudson! I'm probably an ideal target for your review; a very happy Zf shooter. The idea of "going light" is getting more and more appealing at my age (70'ish), so your take would always be of interest. I admit to being a bit of a lens snob, so discussion of some good 3rd party stuff is greatly appreciated. Best Wishes!
I am a pro for decades. I just purchased this as my first mirrorless as a small camera I can take on a cruise ship and not drag my Nikon D800 around. I paired it with the kit lens and a tt artisan 75mm (112mm on dx). I will keep it in my truck for the just in case moments. I may jump into a z8 at some point. I would recommend this camera for anyone at any level for its small size. I would hope nikon comes out with a battery grip for this, my only complaint is battery life is not great if you switch to video.
YIP, my Christmas wish to get both my Kids one each, 20 and 17yrs old. Both are very creative and love photography, My son more video, my daughter more stills..... They are using my D80 with amazing results. My son had some access to a Canon RP and the videos he made blew me away....
Great overview, thanks! I'm curious how you think the viltrox lenses compare to the nikon 40 f2 and 28 f2.8. I've been really pleased with the 40 on my z 50
Great review Hudson! I’ve been shooting birds here in FL with my new Z50ii and Z400 4.5 and WOW! Lightweight fun! I have Voightlander 50 1.0 on order for my Zf. Have you tried the V 50 1.0 on Z50ii yet?
@@smkunder1 it's linked in this video's full description (click the title or show more on UA-cam under it) as well as with the camera here: Www.hudsonhenry.com/atslinks
A question please!! What is more interesting for you 24 DX 1.7 or 26 Z F 2.8 for this kind of cameras and image quality. The 24 for grow best results should be at F2.8 and 26 is 2.8. Thank a lot your attention. Saludos🇲🇽
I love the bokeh and the ability to work low light that 1.7 buys you even if it's not as sharp as 2.8. The Viltrox 35mm 1.7 thumps them both to be honest. It's so sharp at 1.7 and I love it as a versatile prime on DX.
@ I thank a lot your comments!! I already have a powerful 35 DX F1.8 (but I feel it a little large) so I’lm think I’m covered but on your test I impressed but your sharp of viltrox!. Thank you again🇲🇽
@ halo again! relatively recently I saw a video of Peter Coulson where used lens relatively old and no-good!! And he grow them on edition using his programs. Do you thing the 24 DX Z, could be the same case?. Saludos
Would it be worth upgrading from the original Z50?. The USB-C power and the wired remote really make me want to upgrade, but everything else seems good also.
I’ll give that Viltrox a closer look. I tried the Nikon dx24 1.7. Sorry, i found it really disappointing. Have you tried Sigma’s 23mm f1.4 on any of the brands for which it is available? I’ve been hoping it’ll come to our Z mount in 2025.
@@craigcarlson4022 you'll like the Viltrox. I'm not a big sigma guy, but when they get to Z mount, I'll test it. I just find what they've done for Nikon in the past duplicitive of Nikon's offerings I like better, but not at affordable price points or smaller size. I really like the 24 1.7 for video and it's nice bokeh, but it's not critically sharp. Agreed. The Viltrox 35 1.7 is very sharp.
I bought the Z50 II a couple of days ago with the two-lens kit and the Viltrox 56. To my surprise, it included two batteries and a four-year warranty; not bad! :)
I have already taken some fantastic pictures of my Husky and Samoyed sled dogs with the 50-250 and Viltrox (the bokeh at 1.7 is amazing). The 250 (375) for bird pictures, in combination with the 1-second JPG pre-capture mode and 30 fps, is also really enjoyable, I must say.
I am planning to use it for snowboarding and mountain biking this year as well.
Cheers from Switzerland
Really appreciate how you give people interested in gear like the Z50II the same level of guidance and support as you do for much more expensive cameras and lenses. Thank you!
@@andrewthomas3278 awww thanks. Of course!
Hudson, awesome video! I have a Z8. It’s a great camera. But I got tired of lugging it around on vacations and weekend getaways. So I bought the Z50II with the 16-50mm last weekend. I can’t praise this camera enough. The focusing is amazing and on par with the Z8. And in such a small package. The amount of technology packed in this camera is amazing. One can call it an entry camera only because of its price. Yes the sensor is old but the IQ is excellent. This camera will be with me anytime I go somewhere. My advice is get this camera. No it’s not my “backup” camera. It’s not meant to be. Just a delight to use. So light and unobtrusive.
As a comparison, Z50II with 16-50mm lens weighs 22 oz, whereas the Z8 with the 40mm lens comes in at 38 oz. That’s the lightest combo for the Z8 and my walk around lens is normally my 24-120mm. With this lens the weight goes to 54 oz. Ouch.
Can’t wait to get the Viltrox 56mm or the new 35mm lens.
black friday i ordered my first camera set up. the z50ii, z 16-50mm, tamron z 50-400mm, viltrox 27mm pro, 3 legged thing alana, and ulanzi treeroot tripod. been having so much fun with it. looking forward to learning more about how to use it from your content.
Excellent, thank you. Bought Z50 11 two lens kit on your recommendation. Greetings from Scotland!
I use my Zfc as my cycling, hiking, any day I don’t want to lug a heavy unit, camera. I love the 12-24mm PZ and 18-140mm zooms. I use lots of budget primes… Nikkor 24mm f1.7, Viltrox 56mm f 1.7, Pergear MF 35mm f1.4….want the Viltrox 35mm f1.7 and that 75mm f1.2. I am an experienced amateur, shooting for over 40 years, and as I age, especially after recently suffering a serious injury, weight of my kit is getting more and more important. I am very intrigued by the Z50II
I owed the z50 as a fun travel camera. I always thought it was greatly underrated in the "camera" world. I had been waiting a long time for a new model with a few more pixels and IBIS. Initially very disappointed in the z50ii release. But after grumbling and swearing at Nikon for a few days I rebooted my brain and looked at the specs. When I looked with fresh eyes at everything they were giving us for $910 I had a "HOLY SH*T" minute. It was very amusing to see, in this video, your ability to create a very impressive complete system in under $2K. What a bargain! Thank you for your video.
Just ordered with an 18-140 lens... Second camera along to ZF 🙂
I really like the compactness and serious punch in the little Z50II. It’s a stellar extra body to add to my kit but even as a first body it’s a steal. Now for Smallrig to send me the base plate that’s been on order for weeks.
It really is quite a package - way more than the specs might suggest. So far using it when space is at a premium, want to have a couple of different lenses, and/or don't want to bring a Q for one reason or another. The complete bonus is that with lenses this cheap, easy to try multiple primes. In addition to the ones you mentioned, the voigtlander d35 f1.2 and the sigma 56 f1.4 are excellent.
Than's for the review! I've got my Z50ii kit with a 16-50 lens today. Same size as my D5000 but a better grip. Feels really nice. Took some pictures to try it out. Even w/o IBIS - so far so good. Except: The battery was empty after 25 shots and some look around in the menu. Seems like it can only be charged with the original (60 cm long) USB C to USB C cable. That takes the fun a little bit out of it. So now back to amazon to buy some additional stuff... Lens hood, hot shoe cover, Display protection, USB C adapter (A>C), longer cable (all not included in the pack), 2 Batteries with charger.
@@BenitoF2009 get that Anker PD battery bank. It charges it no problem with the included cable. Oh and only usbc cables are rated for PD (power delivery). It has to be a PD capable adapter, cable and or battery bank. I've got my favorite linked with he camera: Www.hudsonhenry.com/atslinks
I'm enjoying pairing the Z50II with my Z6III that much more, because they are nearly identical. It still feels that much smaller. I just need the cycle through AF area, to customize the illumination button, and customize the multi-pad. My wish list for the next one would be EN-EL15 battery, partially stacked sensor, and/or a few more MP's. I put the Sigma 56f1.4 on it.
Viltrox is doing great things. I own the small 20mm and 40mm lenses, which are FF lenses. Both great and light weight lenses with fantastic IQ. I love the 20mm on my Z50 as a general walk around lens. You should have a look at the 27mm Viltrox lens too; that is another amazing lens and I'm pretty sure you will like it too! My Voigtlander 35mm f1.2 arrived this week. This is an absolute beautiful made lens. I'll be experimenting with that lens on my Z50 in the coming days and hope I'll get used to manual focusing down to f1.2...
Thanks a lot for your review, Hudson! I'm probably an ideal target for your review; a very happy Zf shooter. The idea of "going light" is getting more and more appealing at my age (70'ish), so your take would always be of interest. I admit to being a bit of a lens snob, so discussion of some good 3rd party stuff is greatly appreciated. Best Wishes!
I am a pro for decades. I just purchased this as my first mirrorless as a small camera I can take on a cruise ship and not drag my Nikon D800 around. I paired it with the kit lens and a tt artisan 75mm (112mm on dx). I will keep it in my truck for the just in case moments. I may jump into a z8 at some point. I would recommend this camera for anyone at any level for its small size. I would hope nikon comes out with a battery grip for this, my only complaint is battery life is not great if you switch to video.
YIP, my Christmas wish to get both my Kids one each, 20 and 17yrs old. Both are very creative and love photography, My son more video, my daughter more stills.....
They are using my D80 with amazing results. My son had some access to a Canon RP and the videos he made blew me away....
I like using the Nikon 10.5mm DX fisheye with the Z50II, you have to use the FTZ and it’s manual focus but it works great
Great overview, thanks! I'm curious how you think the viltrox lenses compare to the nikon 40 f2 and 28 f2.8. I've been really pleased with the 40 on my z 50
@@MrTwstws I think that those are good on DX, but I wasnt a fan on full frame. I think the Viltrox 35 is a bit sharper and much cheaper.
@@HudsonHenryPhoto Thanks!
Great review Hudson! I’ve been shooting birds here in FL with my new Z50ii and Z400 4.5 and WOW! Lightweight fun! I have Voightlander 50 1.0 on order for my Zf. Have you tried the V 50 1.0 on Z50ii yet?
@@cam7375 nah. That lives on my Zf. :)
Just purchased Z50ll today, fantastic video, very helpful. I am having trouble finding the power bank you described. I thought you mentioned 29 bucks.
@@smkunder1 it's linked in this video's full description (click the title or show more on UA-cam under it) as well as with the camera here: Www.hudsonhenry.com/atslinks
Maybe I am missing it but when I click more, I do not see the power bank, thank you.
@@smkunder1 oh shoot! Your totally right. My bad. Here it is. I'll fix that. amzn.to/49L9eZz
this camera is extremely capable
A question please!! What is more interesting for you 24 DX 1.7 or 26 Z F 2.8 for this kind of cameras and image quality. The 24 for grow best results should be at F2.8 and 26 is 2.8. Thank a lot your attention. Saludos🇲🇽
I love the bokeh and the ability to work low light that 1.7 buys you even if it's not as sharp as 2.8. The Viltrox 35mm 1.7 thumps them both to be honest. It's so sharp at 1.7 and I love it as a versatile prime on DX.
@ I thank a lot your comments!! I already have a powerful 35 DX F1.8 (but I feel it a little large) so I’lm think I’m covered but on your test I impressed but your sharp of viltrox!. Thank you again🇲🇽
@ halo again! relatively recently I saw a video of Peter Coulson where used lens relatively old and no-good!! And he grow them on edition using his programs. Do you thing the 24 DX Z, could be the same case?. Saludos
Would it be worth upgrading from the original Z50?. The USB-C power and the wired remote really make me want to upgrade, but everything else seems good also.
@@thecorley 100% yes. The AF tracking will blow your mind. :)
@HudsonHenryPhoto Thanks. Great video. Now to convince the spouse that I need to replace the camera I just bought last year.
I’ll give that Viltrox a closer look. I tried the Nikon dx24 1.7. Sorry, i found it really disappointing. Have you tried Sigma’s 23mm f1.4 on any of the brands for which it is available? I’ve been hoping it’ll come to our Z mount in 2025.
@@craigcarlson4022 you'll like the Viltrox. I'm not a big sigma guy, but when they get to Z mount, I'll test it. I just find what they've done for Nikon in the past duplicitive of Nikon's offerings I like better, but not at affordable price points or smaller size. I really like the 24 1.7 for video and it's nice bokeh, but it's not critically sharp. Agreed. The Viltrox 35 1.7 is very sharp.
Hudson spreads lots of GAS (Gear Aquisition Syndrome)
My wife wants your channel blocked. 🙂