So you just picked up a new Nikon Z camera. Congratulations! Welcome to the Mirrorless revolution. Now, you may be thinking that you have to go out and spend some more hard earned cash on a shiny new Z series lens. Not so fast! With the Nikon FTZ adapter, you can still shoot older F mount lenses on your new Z series camera. Pretty sweet, right?
But, should you?
In this article, we are going to examine some situations in which buying or using F mount lenses makes the most sense and some situations where buying new Z mount lenses is the way to go.
Buy or Use F Mount Glass If:
You are on a tight Budget
F mount lenses can be had both new and used for a steal. As with most advances in technology, the price of older hardware begins to depreciate over time. The same rings true for cameras lenses. Nikon's latest F mount lenses can be found used for bargain prices. As everyone begins to switch from DSLR to Mirrorless, keep an eye out on different used camera sites for deals. Also, sites such as B&H and Adorama will have periodic sales on Nikon lenses. These are good times to pick up new glass at a discount.
You currently have F mount glass
No brainer here. If you currently own F mount lenses, then keep on shooting them! Yes, you need to buy a FTZ or FTZII adapter to use them. However, the cost of an adapter is pennies compared to all new glass. The FTZ adapter will help breath life into your older, F mount lenses for years to come.
There is no Z mount lens available (that you prefer)
Nikon has been releasing lenses for decades. However, they have only been producing Z mount lenses for the past 5 years. While there is a vast selection of F mount lenses to choose from, the Z series is rather limited. As of April 2023, there are no f1.4 primes, fisheye lenses and a limited selection of DX (crop sensor) lenses. If you are a die hard 24 f1.4 or DX shooter, then you might be better off using legacy F mount lenses.
Buy or Use Z Mount Glass If:
Your Budget allows it
I would argue that if everyone could only afford the very best camera gear, they would. However, we live in the real world and budgets are typically the deciding factor in what gear people buy. If you can afford a Z mount lens, then I would highly recommend buying one over a F mount lens. Z mount lenses are the latest and greatest in technology. Most importantly, their service life will be greater than that of F mount lenses. Most camera manufactures have moved away from DSLRs and DSLR mounted lenses. They are investing heavily in their Mirrorless line up. While they are more expensive (which is why I always say buy used), you will be buying into a system that has a longer life expectancy than that of older technology.
You only have a Z Mount Camera
If you only have, let's say a Nikon Z6II, then there is no real point in buying F mount glass. Yes, you can use the FTZ adapter and throw on F mount glass. But in this case, not only are you buying legacy glass, but a FTZ adapter to make them work. For the cost, you are better off just buying the native Z mount lenses.
There is an available Z mount lens you use a lot
If, for example, you love the 24-70 2.8, then buy the Z mount over the F mount. It is going to be more expensive initially, but you will save money in the long run if you plan on upgrading in the future.
You want to avoid lenses that are no longer supported by Nikon
Eventually Nikon will no longer support or make parts for all of its F mount lenses. In fact, they are no longer designing new F mount lenses. Their attention is instead focused on building out the Z series of lenses. By switching from F mount to Z mount, you are avoiding the possibility that you will be stuck with a lens that is no longer serviceable by Nikon. This might be more tolerable if you have $100 50mm f1.8 G that cannot be serviced than if you have a $5000 200mm f2 that needs servicing.
Do what feels right
At the end of the day, use what ever lens you think best suits your needs as a photographer. Yes, the Z series lenses are great and they are the latest and greatest in technology that Nikon has to offer. They will be supported longer than F mount lenses and are apart of the future of photography. But, not everyone needs the most current lenses to get the shot. Nikon F mount lenses are still optically amazing, are plentiful, come in a wider range of available focal lengths than the Z series and can be found for bargain prices.
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