Nikon mirrorless definitely on the way

[gad-westy]

Can someone explain to a simpleton like me why adapted lenses don't/can't work as well on a mirrorless nikon as they would on a DSLR? I'm maybe overlooking something, but my assumption would be that the critical aspect is getting the separation from lens to sensor correct and then after that it's simply electronics isn't it? I know there is a mechanical aperture lever but I'd assume that can be replicated either mechanically or electronically. I can't see what the problem would be? Or is this simply that a mirrorless system and mirrorless AF system requires different design requirements from the lens itself?

 

[snerkler]

There’s no reason to think that Z mount lenses (longer than say 50mm) will be inherently smaller / lighter than equivalent F mount. And until Nikon mirrrorless dominates the Nikon lens mount; a near perfect adaptor and continue f mount lenses makes sense so you can sell your new lenses to the whole of the market. Yes Z mount wide angle makes sense and “specialist” lenses such as the rumoured 35 f/1.1 and 50mm f/0.95 but Nikon (IMO) will want to continue F mount sales for a long time even beyond any future discontinuation of F mount cameras.

New lenses in the future may work better - just like 70-200 f/2.8E is better than 70-200 f/2.8G Mk2 is better than 70-200 f/2.8G ... but that might not be inherently from being native Z mount vs adapted F mount.

I think you may have misinterpreted what I was saying tbh. I know like for like FF glass won't have any significant difference in weight, but what I was referring to is producing lenses not already in the F-mount range (such as 24-70mm f4 and 400mm f4) which would clearly be lighter than the f2.8 counterparts, thus allowing for a lighter system (although not like for like obviously)

Also with the speed of the lenses I was not meaning that z-mount will be faster, but as you say due to the fact that they will be newer, most likely with the AF-P motor, and maybe slightly lighter elements it they use the Friesnal glass (or whatever it's called) meaning that the elements can be moved faster/easier

 

[Eloise]

I think you may have misinterpreted what I was saying tbh.

Don’t you hate it when you’re trying to have a good argument and the person you’re arguing with actually agrees with you?!

 

[snerkler]

Can someone explain to a simpleton like me why adapted lenses don't/can't work as well on a mirrorless nikon as they would on a DSLR? I'm maybe overlooking something, but my assumption would be that the critical aspect is getting the separation from lens to sensor correct and then after that it's simply electronics isn't it? I know there is a mechanical aperture lever but I'd assume that can be replicated either mechanically or electronically. I can't see what the problem would be? Or is this simply that a mirrorless system and mirrorless AF system requires different design requirements from the lens itself?

I don't get it either tbh, I mentioned as such previously. The way I see it is that the camera sends and electrical signal to the focus motor and also the aperture lever which then controls the lens. Why they can't send these exact controls through an adapter I don't know, to me all you're doing is extending the electrical pathway a few mm

 

[snerkler]

Don’t you hate it when you’re trying to have a good argument and the person you’re arguing with actually agrees with you?!

 

[Eloise]

Or is this simply that a mirrorless system and mirrorless AF system requires different design requirements from the lens itself?

That’s correct (as I understand it) however I wouldn’t be surprised if recent Nikon lenses have taken that into account.

 

[Swiss Toni]

I don't get it either tbh, I mentioned as such previously. The way I see it is that the camera sends and electrical signal to the focus motor and also the aperture lever which then controls the lens. Why they can't send these exact controls through an adapter I don't know, to me all you're doing is extending the electrical pathway a few mm

If Canon/Nikon do decide to produce an adapter for their own lenses then they will have all the information they need to do the job properly, unlike Sigma who had to reverse engineer their adapter.

 

[snerkler]

That’s correct (as I understand it) however I wouldn’t be surprised if recent Nikon lenses have taken that into account.

Interesting, I just thought the mount had to be different due to the flange difference, I didn't realise the lenses actually required a different design for AF reasons

 

[snerkler]

If Canon/Nikon do decide to produce an adapter for their own lenses then they will have all the information they need to do the job properly, unlike Sigma who had to reverse engineer their adapter.

But then Nikon rolled out that flawed adapter for the V1

 

[Riz_Guru]

The main reason for a new z-mount is to make money, yes a new mount has other technical advantages too but Nikon could have kept their existing mount and built a mirrorless body around the already established lens collection.
The current lenses will not perform like their new z-mount counterparts .....

 

[Moreorless]

Honestly I tend to think the camera/s themselves were never really going to be much of a supprise, probably the biggest potential divide between them and Sony is I'd imagine likely to be handling where as I'v be surprised if performance isn't pretty close.

I'd say whats likely to offer potential difference to Sony is how Nikon go about releasing lenses for the new system. In Sony's case I'd say the FE system has basically been treated like a direct replacement for a DSLR system, besides perhaps the lack of exotic tele lenses(although some are now being released) they've pretty much tried to get out the kind of lenses that would be a core of FF DSLR use. I mean I can see the sense in that as mirrorless for them was a alternative for a DSLR market they weren't really making much headway in. Nikon on the other hand though find themselves in a rather different position were they do still have a healthy share of the FF DSLR market and releasing a mirrorless is more about getting a part of that emerging market.

I could see Nikon's releases for this new mount differing rather from Sony's in that respect, perhaps less focus for example on putting out F/2.8 zooms and little focus on tele lenses generally. Instead view F/4 zooms that offer more size saving as your standard and make sure those lenses offer high end performance plus heavy focus on primes in the wide/normal range including potential ultra fast exotics the F-mount can't handle.

I mean personally speaking as a current D800 user the three lenses I would be most interested in for this system would be normal and ultra wide F/4 zooms with the highest sharpness possible(beyond say the current Nikon F/4 and variable aperture offerings on the F-mount), a smallish 35mm prime and maybe an ultra fast 50mm provided it doesn't cost the earth.

 

[Swiss Toni]

But then Nikon rolled out that flawed adapter for the V1

I didn't say they couldn't cock it up.

 

[f/2.8]

Honestly I tend to think the camera/s themselves were never really going to be much of a supprise, probably the biggest potential divide between them and Sony is I'd imagine likely to be handling where as I'v be surprised if performance isn't pretty close.

I'd say whats likely to offer potential difference to Sony is how Nikon go about releasing lenses for the new system. In Sony's case I'd say the FE system has basically been treated like a direct replacement for a DSLR system, besides perhaps the lack of exotic tele lenses(although some are now being released) they've pretty much tried to get out the kind of lenses that would be a core of FF DSLR use. I mean I can see the sense in that as mirrorless for them was a alternative for a DSLR market they weren't really making much headway in. Nikon on the other hand though find themselves in a rather different position were they do still have a healthy share of the FF DSLR market and releasing a mirrorless is more about getting a part of that emerging market.

I could see Nikon's releases for this new mount differing rather from Sony's in that respect, perhaps less focus for example on putting out F/2.8 zooms and little focus on tele lenses generally. Instead view F/4 zooms that offer more size saving as your standard and make sure those lenses offer high end performance plus heavy focus on primes in the wide/normal range including potential ultra fast exotics the F-mount can't handle.

I mean personally speaking as a current D800 user the three lenses I would be most interested in for this system would be normal and ultra wide F/4 zooms with the highest sharpness possible(beyond say the current Nikon F/4 and variable aperture offerings on the F-mount), a smallish 35mm prime and maybe an ultra fast 50mm provided it doesn't cost the earth.

Sony won’t be able to compete on lenses though E mount is a crop sensor mount and with some wizardly skilled they have managed to squeeze a full frame sensor in there which is why there is such a lack of fast lenses. The new Nikon mount will allow for f/0.95 lenses. Sony just won’t be able to compete with that.

 

[Dave Semmens]

Why not get a D850 (or a used D810) and be done if you want a body upgrade?

Mirrorless cameras tend to be small and fiddly, chew batteries, not as robust and cost a mint. Given what you do I'm not sure it is a good fit.

My Sony A7R3 gives me around double the battery life I was getting on my D810. I use live view most of the time and the A7R3 is built for that.

 

[twist]

Sony won’t be able to compete on lenses though E mount is a crop sensor mount and with some wizardly skilled they have managed to squeeze a full frame sensor in there which is why there is such a lack of fast lenses. The new Nikon mount will allow for f/0.95 lenses. Sony just won’t be able to compete with that.

Mitakon 50mm 0.95 and meyer optik, 85 1.2 and canon 85 1.2.... it's definitely possible and been done on e mount.

 

[Riz_Guru]

Sony won’t be able to compete on lenses though E mount is a crop sensor mount and with some wizardly skilled they have managed to squeeze a full frame sensor in there which is why there is such a lack of fast lenses. The new Nikon mount will allow for f/0.95 lenses. Sony just won’t be able to compete with that.

I find that statement hard to digest, Sony was originally ridiculed for not having a decent lens line-up, something which is now mostly addressed (bar high-end low volume super telephoto primes).
Nikon will most likely face the same complaints / ridicules and it will be Sony who has the better FE mount lenses.
It will be Nikon who can't compete.

I will probably take Nikon the next 1-2 years, until they flesh out their z-mount to stand a chance at competing with the Sony FE lens line-up.

I believe the f0.95 is a very specialist lens segment so the demand may not big that high.

If having the ability to use f0.95 lenses is Nikon's only advantage I am not sure their mirrorless body will appeal to a wider audience...... Professionals will demand the staple lenses like 12-24mm f2.8, 24-70mm f2.8, 70-200mm f2.8 etc.

Until this happens they will probably move to Sony FE or stick with Nikon DSLR's.

 

[Brazo]

Sony won’t be able to compete on lenses though E mount is a crop sensor mount and with some wizardly skilled they have managed to squeeze a full frame sensor in there which is why there is such a lack of fast lenses. The new Nikon mount will allow for f/0.95 lenses. Sony just won’t be able to compete with that.

There isn’t a lack of fast lenses in the Sony FE line up though. Perhaps a lack of ultra fast (af*) specialist lenses but let’s be honest such lenses are available in other dslr mounts and attract few users.

Plenty of manual focus 0.95 for Sony e mount.

 

[Moreorless]

I find that statement hard to digest, Sony was originally ridiculed for not having a decent lens line-up, something which is now mostly addressed (bar high-end low volume super telephoto primes).
Nikon will most likely face the same complaints / ridicules and it will be Sony who has the better FE mount lenses.

I doubt Nikon will be able to compete with the Sony FE lens line-up for the next 1-2 years, until they flesh out their z-mount.
I believe f0.95 is a very specialist lens segment so the demand may not big that high, not sure its such a big deal in the long-run if Sony's mount can't handle f0.95 lenses.

If having the ability to use f0.95 lenses is Nikon's only advantage I am not sure their mirrorless body will appeal to a wider audience...... for professionals they will want the staple lenses like 12-24mm f2.8, 24-70mm f2.8, 70-200mm f2.8 etc.

One situation that comes to mind for me though is Canon's entry into the APSC mirrorless market. There lens lineup was obviously much smaller than Sony's E-mount and indeed even today its still significantly smaller however last I heard they'd surpassed Sony in sales in Japan, Part of that might be down to branding but I suspect a lot of it is down to making sure they have the lenses people actually want performing well at a decent price. I do think moreso than DSLR's the size saving aspect of mirrorless naturally tends to push users towards a smaller potential number of lenses than exploit that. Most obviously Sony has a rep for poorly performing kit zooms both on APSC and FF, If Nikon put out a strongly performing 24-70mm F/4 as a kit option that instantly gives them an edge I would say.

If Nikon can put out a 0.95 50mm with AF that isn't prohibitively expensive/large I do think that might end up having a significant draw as well.

 

[SFTPhotography]

My Sony A7R3 gives me around double the battery life I was getting on my D810. I use live view most of the time and the A7R3 is built for that.

It's come of age - I've had two clients turn up with A7's (not the 3) and the battery life has been laughably bad. They all had spares mind.

 

[HoppyUK]

Can someone explain to a simpleton like me why adapted lenses don't/can't work as well on a mirrorless nikon as they would on a DSLR? I'm maybe overlooking something, but my assumption would be that the critical aspect is getting the separation from lens to sensor correct and then after that it's simply electronics isn't it? I know there is a mechanical aperture lever but I'd assume that can be replicated either mechanically or electronically. I can't see what the problem would be? Or is this simply that a mirrorless system and mirrorless AF system requires different design requirements from the lens itself?

The main difference between DSLR and mirrorless lenses is in AF requirements.

DSLRs use phase-detection that knows which direction to move the focusing, and exactly how far. Bam, and it's there. Mirrorless traditionally uses contrast-detection that has no idea where the sharpest focus position is until it's gone just past it, then it backs up to that point. Contrast-detect AF therefore involves a bit of hunting and shunting back and forth and to make that work efficiently the lens needs a lightweight focusing element or focusing group that can be moved very fast and accurately. Older lenses designed primarily for phase-detect AF with DSLRs may be a bit sluggish.

Newer mirrorless cameras have hybrid-AF where on-sensor phase-detect pixels get the lens moving in the right direction and to the approximate focusing position fast, then contrast-detect takes over for fine tuning and it works well. The new Nikon will most likely have some version of hybrid-AF that will perform best with lenses designed for that. Nikon lenses manufactured in recent years should have been designed with that in mind.

 

[snerkler]

The main reason for a new z-mount is to make money, yes a new mount has other technical advantages too but Nikon could have kept their existing mount and built a mirrorless body around the already established lens collection.
The current lenses will not perform like their new z-mount counterparts .....

Yes they of course want to make money, but I’m not convinced that’s the main/sole reason for a new mount. I’m sure they could ‘fudge’ a mirrorless body, somehow incorporating an adapter type part to increase the flange distance but whether that would be optimal and would create other issues I don’t know.

I find that statement hard to digest, Sony was originally ridiculed for not having a decent lens line-up, something which is now mostly addressed (bar high-end low volume super telephoto primes).
Nikon will most likely face the same complaints / ridicules and it will be Sony who has the better FE mount lenses.
It will be Nikon who can't compete.

I will probably take Nikon the next 1-2 years, until they flesh out their z-mount to stand a chance at competing with the Sony FE lens line-up.

I believe the f0.95 is a very specialist lens segment so the demand may not big that high.

If having the ability to use f0.95 lenses is Nikon's only advantage I am not sure their mirrorless body will appeal to a wider audience...... Professionals will demand the staple lenses like 12-24mm f2.8, 24-70mm f2.8, 70-200mm f2.8 etc.

Until this happens they will probably move to Sony FE or stick with Nikon DSLR's.

I don’t think Nikon will have anything to trump Sony tbh, at least as far as native stuff goes. 0.95 lenses might appeal to the odd person but nothing significant. Nikon need to make sure performance is as good, and then after that the only other way I can see Nikon trumping Sony is in better build/weather sealing, and continuing to produce nicer colours and skin tones.

 

[gad-westy]

The main difference between DSLR and mirrorless lenses is in AF requirements.

DSLRs use phase-detection that knows which direction to move the focusing, and exactly how far. Bam, and it's there. Mirrorless traditionally uses contrast-detection that has no idea where the sharpest focus position is until it's gone just past it, then it backs up to that point. Contrast-detect AF therefore involves a bit of hunting and shunting back and forth and to make that work efficiently the lens needs a lightweight focusing element or focusing group that can be moved very fast and accurately. Older lenses designed primarily for phase-detect AF with DSLRs may be a bit sluggish.

Newer mirrorless cameras have hybrid-AF where on-sensor phase-detect pixels get the lens moving in the right direction and to the approximate focusing position fast, then contrast-detect takes over for fine tuning and it works well. The new Nikon will most likely have some version of hybrid-AF that will perform best with lenses designed for that. Nikon lenses manufactured in recent years should have been designed with that in mind.

Thanks Hoppy. That's a great explanation.

 

[Eloise]

But then Nikon rolled out that flawed adapter for the V1

Flawed compared with the current technology...

 

[Eloise]

The main reason for a new z-mount is to make money, yes a new mount has other technical advantages too but Nikon could have kept their existing mount and built a mirrorless body around the already established lens collection.
The current lenses will not perform like their new z-mount counterparts .....

Those designed with a future mirrorless camera in mind might.

But then using a 70-200 f2.8G on a D850 won’t perform like using a 70-209 f2.8E on the same camera.

 

[Eloise]

I don’t think Nikon will have anything to trump Sony tbh, at least as far as native stuff goes. 0.95 lenses might appeal to the odd person but nothing significant. Nikon need to make sure performance is as good, and then after that the only other way I can see Nikon trumping Sony is in better build/weather sealing, and continuing to produce nicer colours and skin tones.

I guess, in terms of lenses, what will be important is how (for example) a Nikon mirrorless body with F mount adaptor and 400mm f2.8E performs compared with the Sony A7III with the Sony 400mm f/2.8. If the Nikon with adaptor performs as well then it matter little that (again for example) a Nikon 24-70 Z mount performs better than the existing 24-120 F mount with adaptor.

 

[HoppyUK]

I find that statement hard to digest, Sony was originally ridiculed for not having a decent lens line-up, something which is now mostly addressed (bar high-end low volume super telephoto primes).
Nikon will most likely face the same complaints / ridicules and it will be Sony who has the better FE mount lenses.
It will be Nikon who can't compete.

I will probably take Nikon the next 1-2 years, until they flesh out their z-mount to stand a chance at competing with the Sony FE lens line-up.

I believe the f0.95 is a very specialist lens segment so the demand may not big that high.

If having the ability to use f0.95 lenses is Nikon's only advantage I am not sure their mirrorless body will appeal to a wider audience...... Professionals will demand the staple lenses like 12-24mm f2.8, 24-70mm f2.8, 70-200mm f2.8 etc.

Until this happens they will probably move to Sony FE or stick with Nikon DSLR's.

This obsession with Sony misses the point. The new camera will be a huge success for Nikon if it attracts existing Nikon users, and it will achieve that if it's seen as a good alternative to a D610, D750 or D850 (regardless of what Sony does) and the key to that is an F-mount adapter which brings millions of existing Nikon lenses into the new mirrorless system. That's something Sony can't compete with and will secure the #1 sales position for Nikon, at least until Canon comes along.

Of course, if the new Nikon mirrorless turns out to be a Sony-beater in its own right (far from impossible IMHO) then the boot is on the other foot

 

[Cagey75]

The main reason for a new z-mount is to make money, yes a new mount has other technical advantages too but Nikon could have kept their existing mount and built a mirrorless body around the already established lens collection.
The current lenses will not perform like their new z-mount counterparts .....

This all over!

I'm already sick of hearing about these bloody Nikon cameras. How cringey was the 'sneak peek'? why a sneak peek at all? just show us the f**king thing already. Reveals, promos, guessing games ... it's a bloody camera!

 

[Riz_Guru]

This obsession with Sony misses the point. The new camera will be a huge success for Nikon if it attracts existing Nikon users, and it will achieve that if it's seen as a good alternative to a D610, D750 or D850 (regardless of what Sony does) and the key to that is an F-mount adapter which brings millions of existing Nikon lenses into the new mirrorless system. That's something Sony can't compete with and will secure the #1 sales position for Nikon, at least until Canon comes along.

Of course, if the new Nikon mirrorless turns out to be a Sony-beater in its own right (far from impossible IMHO) then the boot is on the other foot

Perhaps, I guess we will have to wait and see what Nikon does. Exciting times ahead for us all

 

[Riz_Guru]

This all over!

I'm already sick of hearing about these bloody Nikon cameras. How cringey was the 'sneak peek'? why a sneak peek at all? just show us the f**king thing already. Reveals, promos, guessing games ... it's a bloody camera!

Its to build up hype...... I am actually excited and looking forward to it.... imagine if it was a ground-breaking Sony A9 killer with a 46mp sensor........ dribble dribble.

 

[Cagey75]

Its to build up hype...... I am actually excited and looking forward to it.... imagine if it was a ground-breaking Sony A9 killer with a 46mp sensor........ dribble dribble.

I get their intent, but it's ridiculous. It's like revealing bit by bit the latest toy craze to kids! I want to see what it's all about, but I can't be bothered with this promo b*****ks. The ones who are going to buy will do so without all the BS. Me, I won't be able to afford it so meh

 

[snerkler]

The main difference between DSLR and mirrorless lenses is in AF requirements.

DSLRs use phase-detection that knows which direction to move the focusing, and exactly how far. Bam, and it's there. Mirrorless traditionally uses contrast-detection that has no idea where the sharpest focus position is until it's gone just past it, then it backs up to that point. Contrast-detect AF therefore involves a bit of hunting and shunting back and forth and to make that work efficiently the lens needs a lightweight focusing element or focusing group that can be moved very fast and accurately. Older lenses designed primarily for phase-detect AF with DSLRs may be a bit sluggish.

Newer mirrorless cameras have hybrid-AF where on-sensor phase-detect pixels get the lens moving in the right direction and to the approximate focusing position fast, then contrast-detect takes over for fine tuning and it works well. The new Nikon will most likely have some version of hybrid-AF that will perform best with lenses designed for that. Nikon lenses manufactured in recent years should have been designed with that in mind.

I thought at times the new Sony’s use phase detect only which is why in certain scenarios it’s shown to have the same focus errors as DSLR? I know Calvin has had issues and has shown me examples from other users too, although from memory these were all using AF-C on static subjects.

 

[snerkler]

Its to build up hype...... I am actually excited and looking forward to it.... imagine if it was a ground-breaking Sony A9 killer with a 46mp sensor........ dribble dribble.

I think camera manufacturers have adopted Apple’s marketing strategy over the past few years, and seemingly to great effect. People want the new products before they’re released, ultimately taking a punt on whether it’ll be any good or not. They certainly have Jonney hook line and sinker

(Just banter Jonney )

 

[Eloise]

This all over!

I'm already sick of hearing about these bloody Nikon cameras. How cringey was the 'sneak peek'? why a sneak peek at all? just show us the f**king thing already. Reveals, promos, guessing games ... it's a bloody camera!

It’s a response to rumours sites...it’s also “don’t buy the competition, we’ll have something “soon” you want more.

I get their intent, but it's ridiculous. It's like revealing bit by bit the latest toy craze to kids! I want to see what it's all about, but I can't be bothered with this promo b*****ks. The ones who are going to buy will do so without all the BS. Me, I won't be able to afford it so meh

I guess you never bought part works of “build you own model of the Mary Celeste”?

 

[Cagey75]

It’s a response to rumours sites...it’s also “don’t buy the competition, we’ll have something “soon” you want more.

I guess you never bought part works of “build you own model of the Mary Celeste”?

Oh somewhere in my parent's old attic there be 3 parts of a steam train, numerous tiny engine parts for fighter jets and tanks ... I remember being tipped off by one of my very clever mates that it would cost me about a million quid to finish them!

 

[HoppyUK]

I thought at times the new Sony’s use phase detect only which is why in certain scenarios it’s shown to have the same focus errors as DSLR? I know Calvin has had issues and has shown me examples from other users too, although from memory these were all using AF-C on static subjects.

Different manufacturers and models use hybrid-AF in different ways with different bias. It seems like a good combo though, the marriage of phase-detect and contrast-detect AF to make the best of both, at least for now. As on-sensor phase-detect gets better its inherent advantages should shine through, and it doesn't suffer from calibration issues like DSLRs so any errors there are likely down to technical shortcomings with the current state of development.

 

[HoppyUK]

For me, the elephant in the room is how third-party lenses will work with the new F-mount adapter. For many Nikon users, and obviously for manufacturers like Sigma and Tamron, it's a huge question.

 

[PaulButler]

For me, the elephant in the room is how third-party lenses will work with the new F-mount adapter. For many Nikon users, and obviously for manufacturers like Sigma and Tamron, it's a huge question.

The real answer to that is for Nikon (and Canon btw) to license the interface of their lenses to the various third part manufacturers, it could only help to grow the system ... but I suspect that it will be a cold day in hell before it happens.

 

[Moreorless]

For me, the elephant in the room is how third-party lenses will work with the new F-mount adapter. For many Nikon users, and obviously for manufacturers like Sigma and Tamron, it's a huge question.

Unless Nikon go with an adapter than only works with the new E lenses(which seems unlikely to me) then I don't see why there would be any functional issues, they might potentially try and block third party lenses I spose but the same is true for any new DSLR body and in this case it would seem like a questionable choice if they want to court existing DSLR owners who might have 3rd party lenses plus of course it might just mean people buy a third party adapter instead.

 

[HoppyUK]

Unless Nikon go with an adapter than only works with the new E lenses(which seems unlikely to me) then I don't see why there would be any functional issues, they might potentially try and block third party lenses I spose but the same is true for any new DSLR body and in this case it would seem like a questionable choice if they want to court existing DSLR owners who might have 3rd party lenses plus of course it might just mean people buy a third party adapter instead.

There will surely be a way around any potential difficulties, but I'd be surprised if it's all plain sailing. Compatibility issues are common with third-party lenses when a new camera model is introduced. The same applies to a lot of third-party flash guns, usually fixed with a firmware upgrade, but it can be a major inconvenience at the very least. "They like to play tricks with us" as one senior representative from a third-party lens maker told me.

On this occasion, Nikon has a one-off opportunity to make things seriously difficult and send a strong message to consumers to stay on-brand. I hope they won't, but both Canon and Nikon have never shown any inclination to embrace third-parties. I don't want to take the shine off things, and there will be workaround solutions one way or another, but the risk is real.

 

[StewartR]

Unless Nikon go with an adapter than only works with the new E lenses(which seems unlikely to me) .....

I dunno. The mechanical aperture coupling in pre-E lenses deserves to be made obsolete.