Z8 or R5

stickytape

stickytape

Messages
2,405
Edit My Images
Yes
Here's the thing - I've had the R5 before, got bored and sold it, and decided to go with Leica for the SL2. But the AF is just not quite.. there.

So once I've sold the Leica, I'm going to put those funds into either a Z8 or an R5.

R5 is great, and I've still got a few good lenses for Canon. However, I've got the terrific adapter that allows for an EF lens on Nikon Zin full AF (literally as good as an EF lens on the R via adapter) so lens mount is not a huge issue...

Similar prices for each, and I just can't quite decide. I know on paper, the Z8 is better. I had a Z7 for a while and loved everything about it - apart from the not-so-great AF in comparison and no animal eye detection.

Just interested in getting anyone else's 2 cents worth!
 
Why would you even contemplate the r5 when you have stated you got bored with it? Personally wait for the rumoured z6iii and compare against the z8.
 
dcash29 said:
Why would you even contemplate the r5 when you have stated you got bored with it? Personally wait for the rumoured z6iii and compare against the z8.
Click to expand...
Because it is a remarkable camera - I’ve got some of my best shots and video with it. I just fell for the Leica.. but you’re probably right, I might as well hang on a bit longer with the Leica until the R5 ii and the Z7 iii launch, if no thorn else it will help prices be reduced a little. The Leica has lot most of its value anyway, very little more to drop I suspect so probably not loose too much there
 
hi stickytape if it was me wait as nikon will release the z6iii and i think october the z7iii hopefully 60mpx the canon r5ii sounds interesting but i prefer nikon lenses just a personal choice im selling my z9 which is an amazing camera as i want something the same size as the old z7 but with pixel shift and 60 plus mpx sensor then im a happy photographer thats all i want personally even though i have hasselblad and leica myself
 
Personally I'd take Z8 over most bodies any day.
I am not a fan of adapters and RF doesn't have many glass that I'd to own tbh.

But if you like adapting, Z bodies you can adapt the largest range because you can even adapt e-mount glass on to them.
Not to mention they are getting decent 3rd party support too unlike RF.
 
I think the next few months are going to see a mini avalanche of new camera releases, if you’re in no hurry best to wait and see the battle of the camera giants. :)
 
Mintchocs said:
I think the next few months are going to see a mini avalanche of new camera releases, if you’re in no hurry best to wait and see the battle of the camera giants. :)
Click to expand...
The trouble is, you can chase and wait forever. There will always be something "better" in the pipeline. The longer you wait, the lower the value of existing kit.
 
I’m sorry but these 2 sentences are contradictory.
stickytape said:
I've got the terrific adapter that allows for an EF lens on Nikon Zin full AF (literally as good as an EF lens on the R via adapter) so lens mount is not a huge issue...
Click to expand...

stickytape said:
I had a Z7 for a while and loved everything about it - apart from the not-so-great AF in comparison and no animal eye detection.
Click to expand...
I’ve never read anything to suggest that an EF lens will AF as well on a foreign camera as it will on a native EF or an RF mount camera. And your experience underlines that, but only after you’ve suggested the opposite.

Not a fanboy; you should buy whatever makes you happy; but you’re kidding yourself if you think adapting Canon lenses to Z is the same as converting them to RF.
 
Phil V said:
I’m sorry but these 2 sentences are contradictory.



I’ve never read anything to suggest that an EF lens will AF as well on a foreign camera as it will on a native EF or an RF mount camera. And your experience underlines that, but only after you’ve suggested the opposite.

Not a fanboy; you should buy whatever makes you happy; but you’re kidding yourself if you think adapting Canon lenses to Z is the same as converting them to RF.
Click to expand...
Hmm I was just speaking from my experience - I have the 200 2.8 and 24-105L and the 50 1.4 - and they worked fine on my Z7.
 
No but that’s definitely out of my price range for at least another couple years or so!
 
Phil V said:
Except I quoted where you specifically stated…
Click to expand...
Ah I mean in comparison to the R5. So using the R5 with any lens, whether adapter or native clearly delivered better AF than the Z7, not least because of the (prettt well known) more sophisticated AF system. However, taking the Z7 AF in isolation and vs using Z lens (24-70 and 24-200) and EF lens on the fringes adapter. There is no difference. Hope that clears it up for you.
 
I've used both and they're both very capable cameras. The Z8 is newer and with rumours of the R5II, the R5 will depreciate very quickly once purchased.
I have the Z8 myself and find it excellent, the AF is far beyond the Z7/Z7II which I also owned.
My advice is to get a Z8 in your hands to try it out or wait for the rumoured soon to be released R5II.
 
robinsslee said:
If I were in your shoe I'd wait for R5II before making the decision.

Latest tech does not yield better photos on the same condition.
Click to expand...
trouble is even if it matched or surpassed Z8 it still won't accept Viltrox 16mm or any of the Sigma ART DN glass even with an adapter. For example each of their trinity f/2.8 zooms is worth £1-2k savings over rather mediocre canon's own RF versions. You may not need it today, but I bet you'd want that option at some point.

I think I would take £1.5k warrantied R5 at some point over next 18 months because that allows me to get rid of 5Ds + R6 all in one go and at least move into the right direction somewhat. But it is clearly not something over which I would fancy to empty my pockets
 
Last edited:
LongLensPhotography said:
trouble is even if it matched or surpassed Z8 it still won't accept Viltrox 16mm or any of the Sigma ART DN glass even with an adapter. For example each of their trinity f/2.8 zooms is worth £1-2k savings over rather mediocre canon's own RF versions. You may not need it today, but I bet you'd want that option at some point.

I think I would take £1.5k warrantied R5 at some point over next 18 months because that allows me to get rid of 5Ds + R6 all in one go and at least move into the right direction somewhat. But it is clearly not something over which I would fancy to empty my pockets
Click to expand...
If the Viltrox 16mm or any Sigma Art are the lenses you are using to choose a camera body then the choice is narrowed down. That said, RF lenses isn't mediocre but I am a bit surprised that they are quite large, and yet Sony manages smaller packages and similar in performance if not surpasses them (UWA option).
 
robinsslee said:
If the Viltrox 16mm or any Sigma Art are the lenses you are using to choose a camera body then the choice is narrowed down. That said, RF lenses isn't mediocre but I am a bit surprised that they are quite large, and yet Sony manages smaller packages and similar in performance if not surpasses them (UWA option).
Click to expand...
For £3K a piece I would expect something with fewer compromises really. Like 5 stop vignette and still soft corners. No way in hell I'm ever paying that for something that even looks like a cheap tamron lens from last decade
 
robinsslee said:
Which lens are you referring to?
Click to expand...
15-35mm f/2.8
24-70mm f/2.8 not much better actually.

I just wouldn't pay over £700 for either or about what ef versions go for
 
Last edited:
LongLensPhotography said:
15-35mm f/2.8
24-70mm f/2.8 not much better actually.

I just wouldn't pay over £700 for either or about what ef versions go for
Click to expand...
I see, Canon isn't the best when it comes to f/2.8 UWA but the f/4 is good.

I do like my EF 24-70mm 2.8 though, but I don't use it so often now.

Then buy the camera based on your UWA and 24-70mm f/2.8 requirement. If Sigma does well then go Sony. If you prefer Nikon version go Nikon.

Simples.
 
Sounds to me like you enjoy changing equipment, so I'd suggest you won't be happy until you buy a Z8. Personally I buy something and stick with it, even if it's not the latest, state of the art bestest body. Others are different. Will an R5 or a Z8 make you a better photographer than using your Leica, only you can answer that one......
 
robinsslee said:
I do like my EF 24-70mm 2.8 though, but I don't use it so often now.

Then buy the camera based on your UWA and 24-70mm f/2.8 requirement. If Sigma does well then go Sony. If you prefer Nikon version go Nikon.
Click to expand...
sold mine last year; best decision ever. Now just have ART primes to cover the range. Probably should do the same with the big 70-200; haven't used it for nearly a year

The new 24-70mm f/2.8 II DN ART might be useful for a wedding or something like that otherwise you want the ART primes. You can't get any of the new range on Canon so either way you arrive to the same conclusion....
 
LongLensPhotography said:
sold mine last year; best decision ever. Now just have ART primes to cover the range. Probably should do the same with the big 70-200; haven't used it for nearly a year

The new 24-70mm f/2.8 II DN ART might be useful for a wedding or something like that otherwise you want the ART primes. You can't get any of the new range on Canon so either way you arrive to the same conclusion....
Click to expand...
I don't use my EF 24-70mm 2.8 II often because I do not need the f/2.8 as right now I do a lot of landscapes (long distance hiking) and wildlife. As for the former I have to consider the weight and amount of gears I am carrying.

I may let it go not for the reason of quality or costs of the lens.

Prime lenses always yield better image quality than zooms same as prime super telephoto lenses vs zooms. One of the reason I have EF 500mm II but will be letting this go soon to get either the RF 400 f2.8 or RF 600 f4 :)
 
LongLensPhotography said:
trouble is even if it matched or surpassed Z8 it still won't accept Viltrox 16mm or any of the Sigma ART DN glass even with an adapter. For example each of their trinity f/2.8 zooms is worth £1-2k savings over rather mediocre canon's own RF versions. You may not need it today, but I bet you'd want that option at some point.

I think I would take £1.5k warrantied R5 at some point over next 18 months because that allows me to get rid of 5Ds + R6 all in one go and at least move into the right direction somewhat. But it is clearly not something over which I would fancy to empty my pockets
Click to expand...
nikon Z is the closest thing to an universal mount we'll get I think.
if I was starting out new with no previous baggage, Nikon Z is probably what I'd be looking at.
 
If you’re adapting lenses rather than buying native I’d go R5. Having used both the R5 and Z8 pretty extensively I’d say the Z8’s advantage is the Z lenses. I find the the Z lenses far smoother and quieter to focus than RF lenses. RF lenses have a ‘feel’ like older lenses in that you feel and hear the movement of the motors and lens elements. This to some is actually a positive, and I understand why, but I personally prefer not to be able to feel the focusing, or hear it. I shoot silent 100% of the time on the Z8 and I know many don’t like that.

It’s nothing more than personal choice between Canon and the Expeed7 Nikons right now, you can’t go wrong.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top