Category Archives: Reviews

The Image Doctors #142

Nikon 800mm f/6.3 PF lens review

This week, we’re joined by our good friend and colleague, Eric Bowles. Eric is the Director of the Nikonians Academy, and he recently purchased the Nikon 800mm f/6.3 PF lens for Z-mount. We sit down to discuss his initial thoughts on this super-telephoto lens, and how he’s been using it in his own photography.

Example Images (© Eric Bowles)

South Dakota – Custer State Park
Packing the 800mm f/6.3 PF lens in a Think Tank backpack

The Image Doctors #129

Nikon Z9 Hands-On Review

Nikon Z9 camera with lens

Jason recently received a Nikon Z9 mirrorless camera, and we both had a chance to use it in the field. This week, we’ll discuss the major new features it offers Nikon users, and discuss how those features can change your approach to photography in the field.

The Image Doctors #126

Hands-on with the Nikon 24-120mm f/4 S

This week, we just got evaluation copies of the two newest Z-mount Nikon lenses. Since we haven’t had a lot of time to put the lenses through their paces yet, we’ll give our first impressions. This week, we’re primarily discussing the 24-120mm f/4S lens, including build and handling, features, and how it compares to other similar Nikon lenses.

Special thanks to our site sponsor B&H Photo for getting us test copies of these new lenses! Shopping from this link will help support this podcast.

New Infrared Lens Tests for Nikon Z

Thanks to some readers, I’ve been able to update the Nikon Z Infrared Lens Performance Chart with some new glass.

  • Nikon 40mm f/2 Z Nikkor (tested by R. Walker)
  • Nikon 18-140mm f/3.5-6.3 DX Z Nikkor (tested by R. Walker)
  • Samyang 14mm f/2.8 for Nikon Z (tested by S. Cella)
  • TTArtisans 11mm f/2.8 fisheye for Nikon Z (tested by S. Cella)

Of these, the 40mm Nikon appears to be the best performer; not perfect, but definitely good enough for most situations. Another interesting result was that the 18-140mm DX Nikkor Z performed reasonably well, which bodes well for Nikon DX mirrorless users contemplating an infrared conversion.

Review: Small Rig Grip for Nikon Z fc

Lightweight grip adds Arca-Swiss plate to Nikon Z fc mirrorless camera

I recently received the SmallRig grip for the Nikon Z fc mirrorless camera. This lightweight aluminum grip also includes a cold shoe and Arca-Swiss style bottom plate. The grip is very comfortable to use, and extremely lightweight. In addition, the silver finish perfectly matches that of the Nikon Z fc mirrorless camera. The plate attaches to the bottom of your Nikon Z fc using a thumb-screw; no tools are needed. I found the fit and finish to be excellent, and I plan on leaving the grip attached to my Nikon Z fc.

Disclosure Statement: I received a complimentary grip from SmallRig to test and review.