Ken, great work. I love the fact you review products as a real photographer without snobbery or prejudice against the entry level. I'm loving both Z DX lenses on the Z50. My dream -- I'm sure it can't be done -- would be to have a mirrorless equivalent of the glorious 18-300 DX lenses, which used to make everything so easy on my D7100. However, the weight of the system ultimately defeated me & I assume the weight goes with the vast reach of these lenses. Thanks again.
I have sold many of my D3s, D800 and even Z6 in favor of this light, fun little camera! I LOVE its small size, light weight, wifi, fill flash, and being able to adjust the settings on the fly to get it right the first time! No one bothers me with questions about photography when im carrying this (like they do when I carry the D850 and huge 200-500 around). This little camera is incredible and stealthy! But you should buy a 2nd battery to carry on long travel trips.
Ken: your reviews are spot on and the best on the net. Been using them for years since I am old school Nikon fan. Thanks for the service you provide. I really need to get over to your website and make a donation. Just ordered a Z50 body as my next Nikon to replace the D200 because of your review.
All your videos are the best that I have seen. You introduce yourself and immediately get to the point. Everything i want to know, nothing that I don't and great visuals that immediately gets me engaged.
Exactly! Thanks for noticing. I spend a lot of time trying to make sure my videos are straight to the point, not the usual time-wasting fluff. Thank you!!!
i used it mainly for video on my Z6 as my z50 is coupled with the 16 to 50. and this dx telephoto on my z6 is impressive, your right it is worlds better than my 70-200mm f2.8, very happy with it thus far thanks for the positive review worthy of a great kit lens..
By V-ND you mean Variable Neutral Density? I’m asking because it doesn’t make sense to me to put such a filter to protect a lens instead of a UV filter?…unless you use such a filter constantly, which would be quite strange…
@@Dudeitsbrian But you loose precious light and I can’t imagine that you want that for all of your photos. If you don’t want to buy a UV filter, the most inexpensive of all, then why don’t you just use your lens cup?
@@VRGRPK i suppose you’re right. It’s just that an ND filter just fits more often than not in my workflow. I like to take video as well as photo and so it’s almost a necessity outdoors. I also tend to bring my exposure time up to slower times which works better than 1/4000 from all the light. It is true tho that at night I wouldn’t use an ND filter at all, but I rarely find myself in environments that would prove damaging to my lens at night, so that’s the risk I take to avoid placing another piece of glass in front of my lens.
Love these light weight ultrasharp plastic lenses. Still on dslr D7500 and the 18-55 and 70-300 both af-p vr are a blast. All the reach I need and superlight, can haul them all day. Great video review, been learning from you since my D40 entry in nikon dslr.
Paul met Debbie I love the the af-p lenses too. Extremely light , ultra sharp and a bargain to boot. I have the 18-55, 70-300 and 10-20. They focus almost instantly on my D500. I’d say even faster than my 70-200 vr 2. I have the Nikon 200-500, but am grabbing the af-p 70-300 more and more because it weighs nothing. Been even contemplating selling the 200-500. Throw that lens on my D3s and you’re at almost 8 lbs. Yikes!!!!!
Hi Ken, great review as always. The only confusion I have on the 3rd image (time line 1.32), you mentioned you took the image handheld @250mm, 1/15 sec. Wondering how is this possible that image is so sharp? For a sharp image like that the shutter speed has to be double the focal length, right? Thanks
Nope. This is what VR (vibration reduction) does: allow us to hand hold much longer that without it. See also www.kenrockwell.com/tech/image-stabilization.htm
But when you see how sharp it is, it’s all worthwhile. They could have run this design out to 325-350mm (500mm EQ) if they would have accepted a loss in quality. Thanks for the comment. You rule!
Is that because of new mount design...ken why not make a video about the mount of NiKon and canon Mirrorless systems cz it wasn't a random decision. The mount must have some correlation with Current lens design and sharpness that we are getting@kenrockwell
Hi ken I have this lens and the NIKKOR Z DX 16-50mm f/3.5-6.3 VR - Silver. I'm looking at doing portrait and starting to learn. Just brought. Are there any lenses I should get apart from these two or should I focus on shooting landscape and portrait with both?
Assuming you’re using a DX nikon (these are not full frame lenses), these are the only two lenses you’ll ever need. The only thing that matters is what’s in your picture; mire gear just gets in the way. See my articles at www.kenrockwell.com/tech.htm thanks!
Easy: I avoid mixing formats and these are totally different lenses for different things. The 24-200 is a do everything lens for full frame. I LOVE it! The 50-250 is only a telephoto lens and only for DX crop frame cameras. Thus I love the 24-200 on FX, and suggest the 50-250 only for use as a tele only on DX cameras.
Of course it does - but the camera throws away most of the pixels since it only used the central DX part of the sensor. While scientists balk at the idea, in actual use you’ll never see the difference! While it’s better to use on the Zfc or z50, if you have a z5, sure, get this lens and enjoy.
Loved using this lens worked fine in crop mode on my Z7.. I want to buy one.. what's the chance of Nikon producing a higher end Z-apsc camera in 2022 and this lens coming as part of that kit? Z50/Zfc doesn't quite match my Z7 image quality, and have things I use like joystick. Guess i'll just hunt around for this lens 2nd hand or best price new.
Follow my links to it at eBay, as well as my guide to how to win at eBay, at my written review at www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/z/50-250mm.htm where they go for about $250 USD used
I just got my z5 with this lens, first I was going to return this and purchase the old F lens. If I gonna keep this lens, do I need to use the FTZ adapt? Thanks in advance..
Z 50-250 is a native Z lens, but it’s crop frame DX. Z5 is full frame and will crop its sensor with this lens. Either use a DX Z camera (Z50 or Z30 or ZFc) or use the Z 24-200mm full frame lens on Z5 for best results. See all the reviews for all this at www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/mirrorless/index.htm do not bother buying F lenses except for use with a DSLR; otherwise you need to use the FTZ adapter to use the old f lenses on Z
I wish they made it 70-300 instead since the kit lens is 16-50. The 50mm FL is hugely redundant here ... With 70-300 I could even get awesome airshow shots. ( but it was borderline long enough) 250 is not...
There is minimal difference between the 250 and 300 fl. 300 is still short for airshows. But the 50-250 is tac sharp so you can easily crop your images. 50mm is a sweet starting length too.
This lens is light and so is the Z50. Avoid the Z7 and Z6; they’re a much larger format (same as D750) and take larger lenses. Get the Z50 and it’s 16-50 lens and you’re golden. www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/mirrorless/z50.htm and th-cam.com/video/F8Z3cl6rmHg/w-d-xo.html
@@KenRockwellTV Thank you so much! I do take professional shots, but honestly, I'm not making Hollywood movies here, all my shots end up on Instagram for a huge corporation and trust me, iPhone photos are as good as my full frame. Can't see the difference when I'm posting on social platforms. So Z50 it is.
Is the magnification good? Do you think the lens would perform good for wildlife photography and birds in flight. Is the lens + Z50 good for shooting something far away. All this considering the price
Well, you never can get long enough for shooting birds (just ask my pals with 800mm lenses), but yes, this lens is as long as you're going to get unless you break into something like the 200-500mm (www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/200-500mm.htm ) on the FTZ (www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/mirrorless/lenses/ftz.htm )
From another Ken - when I first saw this video I was angered that the 70-200 f/2.8 that’s predicted had been cancelled. I missed the DX logo on this one. Whew!😊
Go Canon. Their full-frame mirrorless 70-200/2.8 (www.kenrockwell.com/canon/eos-r/lenses/70-200mm-f28.htm) is already shipping, it's tiny and a winner - far better than the fluff from Nikon a year and a half in. Canon already has fielded a full set of lenses, but not Nikon. Strange but true.
Yes, full review at www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/mirrorless/z6.htm. No, use the z50 with this lens , not a crop from the Z6. www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/mirrorless/z50.htm
Hi all. I have a nikon 70-300 VRII which I used on D90 with decent results. Not I jumped to D700 and this 70-300VRII is disappointing on the bigger sensor. I'm thinking to get a Z50 and I don't know if I should get the 50-250 or keep 70-300 for it. Strictly on IQ which one is better?
I have a Canon D80 and wondering if I should buy the Z50. My dad said he'd give me $800 for the D80 and a 350mm lens. Right now, the z50 with this lens and the 16-50mm is $1,200.. Should I jump??
No! D80 is a much better, but bigger, camera. Z50 is more of a toy for fooling around and travel; it has slow autofocus. The D80 does just about everything well; see www.kenrockwell.com/canon/80d.htm
Not as good as a DSLR. It's not the lens, it's the whole mirrorless platform. GO Sony if y9ou need hot autofocus, but go Nikon if you want better landscape and travel photos.
They’re both very similar. Real question is what are you shooting? If portraits, consider Fuji, if also everything else, use Nikon. It’s all about the colors. See all the exact measurements at each written review: www.kenrockwell.com/fuji/x-mount-lenses/50-230mm.htm and www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/z/50-250mm.htm where I rest each metric in details. Thanks!
@@KenRockwellTV Sorry for failing to mention that I am looking for a budget travel zoom. After reading your reviews and "everything else" remark I'm inclined to choose the Nikon over its Fuji counterpart. The additional 4 stops at the long end is truly remarkable.Thanks for the reviews and advice Ken.
Is that sharpness because of new mount design...ken why not make a video about the mount of NiKon and canon Mirrorless systems and compare it with others if possible because it wasn't a random decision. The mount must have some correlation with Current lens design and sharpness that we are getting.@kenrockwell
@@desiraeramos8341 I'd try your 50-250mm first. No Nikon is that great for tracking action with AF, so a better lens may not help. Next I'd try the AF-P 70-300mm VR DX www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/70-300mm-vr-afp.htm on an FTZ adapter www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/mirrorless/lenses/ftz.htm. Otherwise Nikon has few dedicated Z lenses; the Z 70-180mm f/2.8 www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/z/70-180mm.htm is the lest expensive Z tele.
@@desiraeramos8341 I love my Canon EOS R6 Mk II more than anything. I wouldn't be investing in Nikon anymore, but that's just me. www.kenrockwell.com/canon/eos-r/r6-ii.htm
Higher isos are less vivid and sharp. It’s a subtle thing, but one should only use higher ISOs If needed for smaller apertures or faster shutter speeds. Thanks!
Certainlty more practical. Haven't tried that combo on the adapter, but I see nothing lacking in the 50-250 that the 70-300 could do better. I prefer the 50-70 range over the 250-300 range
@@KenRockwellTV hi, I already have nikon af-p 70-300mm dx lens and ftz adapter. So is it better to buy the z 50- 250mm and sell the af-p version. Is there a noticeable difference in sharpness between the two. Your reply is highly appreciated.
All things considered, that’s not important. You’d have to be pretty negligent and abusive to realize the difference. This is high fidelity optics in a lightweight package. The late Galen Rowell championed this kind of design philosophy. Besides, by the time you wear this lens out you will have enough priceless photos to last several lifetimes.
Ken - you compared handholding a 50-250mm Nikon to a 600mm F4 Sony worth north of $13K? Surprisingly you found it hard to handhold a lens with over twice the focal length and 10x the weight (not to mention about physically 5x longer). I like you mate, but frankly that’s a dumb comparison. No one is handholding that lens without some kind of support. Things you should have mentioned - this is a lens built to a pricepoint. It’s an excellent value lens but very slow at the long end. VC will not assist you for shooting fast moving objects, so while excellent for still subjects a faster lens will work better for people that move, which is most people. (Nikon don’t make a faster, native Z lens). For video shooters this lens extends quite a bit so you can’t use it with a matte box but the fact that the image doesn’t change magnification with focus is good. But I wish Ken had actually showed that with, you know, some actual video. As usually those kind of claims are exaggerated - unless it’s a true cine lens the best you can hope for is minimal focus breathing. Also is it parfocal? Doubtful, but that would also be nice to know. Frankly the focus system is a problem for video shooters. It will make it difficult to manually focus with any repeatability and the auto focus system on the Z50 ain’t great. However, it’s no different from a bunch of other budget, focus by wire lenses. With all that said, 50-250mm is an odd focal length for a zoom - especially when Nikon make an excellent 18 - 300mm DX lens in F mount. Perhaps the biggest problem with a 50-250mm is that missing wide end. And the best thing about it - its sharp and cheap. If you can get it as a kit lens with the wide zoom that’s definitely the way to go as it’s not a lens I’d be rushing out to buy as a standalone. I just wouldn’t have it on the camera that often. YMMV.
Yes, I’ve shot both and that Sony has horrible to nonexistent stabilization. In get better results hand holding my 15 pound Nikon 400/2.8 AF-I and tc-14E
Ken Rockwell But why would you? Neither of those lenses are intended to be hand held. Monopod at the very least. And why compare it to a cheap, lightweight plastic zoom which is 6.3 at the long end and under half the focal length? And probably even less as Nikon has a habit of exaggerating focal lengths at the long end. You know as well as I do that stabilisation does nothing to stop moving subjects. Which is why people spend lots of money to buy fast telephotos. Mostly for sports and wildlife. All I want to see in your reviews is a bit of perspective. Perhaps talk about what you can actually use this lens for. Candids in bright daylight, maybe animals in a zoo shoot in bright daylight, getting a bit closer to certain landscape shots where moving the camera closer isn’t possible. And what it isn’t any good for. Concerts, sports, any kind of low light shooting. I’d humbly suggest that if you bought the Z50 with the 2 kit lenses, the wide zoom would tend to live on the camera.
Because you can't use tripod to shoot everywhere...suppose shooting a bear in water and you are shooting holding it on your knees to get head to head focus...if you ever shot wildlife you will know tripod doesn't work everywhere... Sony's lens Stabilization is terrible... Nikon has best VR lenses in tele photo range.
Saurabh Tripathi Lol - your going to use a 600mm f4 that weighs over 5kg and costs over 13K to shoot wildlife handheld? There are better options. It’s also designed to be used with a camera like the A7R4 or A9 which have in body stabilisation. I’m not defending that lens in any way mind you. It’s overpriced and aimed squarely at the high end pro sports photog and I think there are better options unless you’re a Sony shooter. However to compare it to a 250mm F6.3 lens is still silly no matter which way you cut it. You can shoot that 600mm at 1/2000 of a second in daylight and actually stop fastest moving subjects and get over 2x closer to them. You simply can’t do that with the Nikon. So there is no comparison.
I know my work better..get yourself in some wildlife work..you'll learn how things work in the field.it's field experience i don't have that heavy & expensive lens though i have a 200-500 yet...
Ok ... but while you promote this lightweight, plastic, inexpensive lens wih a glowing report, ... I recently heard you dismiss the Nikon 85mm 1.8 G .. as one for "cheapscates", because it's a plastic lightweight which costs a lot less. Darren Miles uses the Nikon 85 1.8 G and doesn't go anywhere near slinging off with such a scathing comment. Yeah, you are well known, but you can still discredit yourself. Best regards, "Cheapscate" 👌
Yes, thanks again and I appreciate you doing this for you all this week so far I have no plans to do it again but I’m going on vacation next to my dad to get with my kids and my kids are going to the park and then I have to park in the park and park in the park with my kids and then park in the front office in north north and park.
NO. Z lenses do not attach to, and cannot be assorted to, the F SLR mount of DSLR cameras like the D5300. See the flipping mirror inside your d5300? That’s the mirror not in Mirrorless cameras. Your d5300 lens mount is much further away from the sensor to let the Ken’s clear the mirror, Z lenses mount much closer to the sensor which is why they can’t adapt to DSLR camera.
@@KenRockwellTV Thank you so much for taking the time to explain this! Do you have a lens suggestion for this model ? I have 18-55mm-DX-VR Cannot capture birds across yard (1acre)
Your best bet for the D5300 is the 18-300 www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/18-300mm-vr.htm or 70-300 www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/70-300mm-vr-afp.htm or 200-500 www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/200-500mm.htm but honestly from across the yard nothing is going to get the photos you want unless you can get closer. Even the 200-500 only gets 9 times closer than the lens you have.
@@KenRockwellTV I will just have to camp out under that cherry tree late this spring! The birds put on a great show:) Thanks again , this really helps me understand my camera and gets my thinking logic in focus (haaa) Best to you!
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Ken, great work. I love the fact you review products as a real photographer without snobbery or prejudice against the entry level. I'm loving both Z DX lenses on the Z50. My dream -- I'm sure it can't be done -- would be to have a mirrorless equivalent of the glorious 18-300 DX lenses, which used to make everything so easy on my D7100. However, the weight of the system ultimately defeated me & I assume the weight goes with the vast reach of these lenses. Thanks again.
Thank you!!
The collapsable 16-50 and the 50-250mm Z lenses are my standard lenses for my Z 50. Love ‘em! Thanks for the video!
Thank you! For once Nikon made the two perfect lenses to begin with and we’re done.
I have sold many of my D3s, D800 and even Z6 in favor of this light, fun little camera! I LOVE its small size, light weight, wifi, fill flash, and being able to adjust the settings on the fly to get it right the first time! No one bothers me with questions about photography when im carrying this (like they do when I carry the D850 and huge 200-500 around). This little camera is incredible and stealthy! But you should buy a 2nd battery to carry on long travel trips.
Exactly. It’s my favorite Nikon Mirrorless! Thanks!
Well, thank goodness you don't need to answer questions.
Ken: your reviews are spot on and the best on the net. Been using them for years since I am old school Nikon fan. Thanks for the service you provide. I really need to get over to your website and make a donation. Just ordered a Z50 body as my next Nikon to replace the D200 because of your review.
THANKS!!!!!! You RULE!!!
All your videos are the best that I have seen. You introduce yourself and immediately get to the point.
Everything i want to know, nothing that I don't and great visuals that immediately gets me engaged.
Exactly! Thanks for noticing. I spend a lot of time trying to make sure my videos are straight to the point, not the usual time-wasting fluff. Thank you!!!
i used it mainly for video on my Z6 as my z50 is coupled with the 16 to 50. and this dx telephoto on my z6 is impressive, your right it is worlds better than my 70-200mm f2.8, very happy with it thus far thanks for the positive review worthy of a great kit lens..
The is for seeing that! Optics Keep getting better while lenses become more disposable.
Really helpful review, Ken, thank you. As other comments have noted, you are always reliably
Thank you!
Love this lens. It does excellent job!
Thank You 🙏
Thank you!
The filter tip is solid. I always rock the V-ND filter on my most expensive lens to protect it.
Thanks!
By V-ND you mean Variable Neutral Density?
I’m asking because it doesn’t make sense to me to put such a filter to protect a lens instead of a UV filter?…unless you use such a filter constantly, which would be quite strange…
@@VRGRPK yeah, I use the K&F one since it’s cheap and works pretty well
@@Dudeitsbrian But you loose precious light and I can’t imagine that you want that for all of your photos.
If you don’t want to buy a UV filter, the most inexpensive of all, then why don’t you just use your lens cup?
@@VRGRPK i suppose you’re right. It’s just that an ND filter just fits more often than not in my workflow. I like to take video as well as photo and so it’s almost a necessity outdoors. I also tend to bring my exposure time up to slower times which works better than 1/4000 from all the light. It is true tho that at night I wouldn’t use an ND filter at all, but I rarely find myself in environments that would prove damaging to my lens at night, so that’s the risk I take to avoid placing another piece of glass in front of my lens.
Love these light weight ultrasharp plastic lenses. Still on dslr D7500 and the 18-55 and 70-300 both af-p vr are a blast. All the reach I need and superlight, can haul them all day. Great video review, been learning from you since my D40 entry in nikon dslr.
THANKS PAUL!!!!! I never stop, do I? You're the best!
Paul met Debbie I love the the af-p lenses too. Extremely light , ultra sharp and a bargain to boot. I have the 18-55, 70-300 and 10-20. They focus almost instantly on my D500. I’d say even faster than my 70-200 vr 2. I have the Nikon 200-500, but am grabbing the af-p 70-300 more and more because it weighs nothing. Been even contemplating selling the 200-500. Throw that lens on my D3s and you’re at almost 8 lbs. Yikes!!!!!
Hi Ken, great review as always. The only confusion I have on the 3rd image (time line 1.32), you mentioned you took the image handheld @250mm, 1/15 sec. Wondering how is this possible that image is so sharp? For a sharp image like that the shutter speed has to be double the focal length, right? Thanks
Nope. This is what VR (vibration reduction) does: allow us to hand hold much longer that without it. See also www.kenrockwell.com/tech/image-stabilization.htm
50mm (75mm) is nice starting point, but 250mm f/6.3 is unimpressive especially for that size compared to 16-50mm.
But when you see how sharp it is, it’s all worthwhile. They could have run this design out to 325-350mm (500mm EQ) if they would have accepted a loss in quality. Thanks for the comment. You rule!
Is that because of new mount design...ken why not make a video about the mount of NiKon and canon Mirrorless systems cz it wasn't a random decision. The mount must have some correlation with Current lens design and sharpness that we are getting@kenrockwell
Hi ken I have this lens and the NIKKOR Z
DX 16-50mm f/3.5-6.3
VR - Silver. I'm looking at doing portrait and starting to learn. Just brought. Are there any lenses I should get apart from these two or should I focus on shooting landscape and portrait with both?
Assuming you’re using a DX nikon (these are not full frame lenses), these are the only two lenses you’ll ever need. The only thing that matters is what’s in your picture; mire gear just gets in the way. See my articles at www.kenrockwell.com/tech.htm thanks!
Thanks Ken, on the spot as usual. Thank you for the Video.
Thank YOU!
Great review! Which do you prefer, the Z 50-250mm or the Z 24-200mm? ie. I'm curious to hear which you think is a better lens.
Easy: I avoid mixing formats and these are totally different lenses for different things. The 24-200 is a do everything lens for full frame. I LOVE it! The 50-250 is only a telephoto lens and only for DX crop frame cameras. Thus I love the 24-200 on FX, and suggest the 50-250 only for use as a tele only on DX cameras.
@@KenRockwellTV Thanks for the perfect response!! I'm getting the 24-200 for my Z6ii now.
Hi Ken, Fantastic honest review from you as always. Can I ask you a question if this lens will work on Nikon Z5? Many thanks!
Of course it does - but the camera throws away most of the pixels since it only used the central DX part of the sensor. While scientists balk at the idea, in actual use you’ll never see the difference! While it’s better to use on the Zfc or z50, if you have a z5, sure, get this lens and enjoy.
Thanks for your review. Been looking all over for this =)
Thank you!
The 50-250mm makes sounds when being shaken lightly. Sounds like there's something loose inside. Is this normal?
Yes. It’s the stabilizer. It makes moderate to strong clattering g when shaken. Thanks!
Loved using this lens worked fine in crop mode on my Z7.. I want to buy one.. what's the chance of Nikon producing a higher end Z-apsc camera in 2022 and this lens coming as part of that kit? Z50/Zfc doesn't quite match my Z7 image quality, and have things I use like joystick. Guess i'll just hunt around for this lens 2nd hand or best price new.
Follow my links to it at eBay, as well as my guide to how to win at eBay, at my written review at www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/z/50-250mm.htm where they go for about $250 USD used
Looks like the ideal lens and camera combo I could take to a museum.
Oui!
Best affordable pair a kit lens I have used. Sticking a 50mm F/1.8 in between makes for a perfect camera system with little else need I feel.
Thanks!
Hi Ken, if I have already had Tamron 70-210 f4 and 70-200 f2.8 G2, do you think I should also buy this lens due to portability and other reasons?
Yes, and donate the Tamrons to charity. In all seriousness, the key to the 50-250 is much broader zoom range AND smaller and lighter. Thanks!
@@KenRockwellTV Haha, good suggestion!!!
being a tv guy, I've gotta say, Panning is left to right or R to L, Up and down is "Tilt" :)
Thanks!
X-E3 vs Z50 | XC50-230mm vs Z 50-250mm for Budget Wild Life Photography in Africa! Please make such videos!
Go Nikon. Fuji just for people pix. Go DSLR - Mirrorless for things that don’t move.
Thanks again for another great review!
Thank YOU!
I just got my z5 with this lens, first I was going to return this and purchase the old F lens. If I gonna keep this lens, do I need to use the FTZ adapt? Thanks in advance..
Z 50-250 is a native Z lens, but it’s crop frame DX. Z5 is full frame and will crop its sensor with this lens. Either use a DX Z camera (Z50 or Z30 or ZFc) or use the Z 24-200mm full frame lens on Z5 for best results. See all the reviews for all this at www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/mirrorless/index.htm do not bother buying F lenses except for use with a DSLR; otherwise you need to use the FTZ adapter to use the old f lenses on Z
@@KenRockwellTV Hi Ken, thank you so much...Really appreciate it...
I wish they made it 70-300 instead since the kit lens is 16-50. The 50mm FL is hugely redundant here ... With 70-300 I could even get awesome airshow shots. ( but it was borderline long enough) 250 is not...
Agreed, but you get what you get and there 50-250 is awesome.
There is minimal difference between the 250 and 300 fl. 300 is still short for airshows. But the 50-250 is tac sharp so you can easily crop your images. 50mm is a sweet starting length too.
Fantastic video reviews!
Thank you!
I'm dying to exchange my huge D750 and get this lil one. The old one is killing me when I carry it all day. I think that I'll do it.
This lens is light and so is the Z50. Avoid the Z7 and Z6; they’re a much larger format (same as D750) and take larger lenses. Get the Z50 and it’s 16-50 lens and you’re golden. www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/mirrorless/z50.htm and th-cam.com/video/F8Z3cl6rmHg/w-d-xo.html
@@KenRockwellTV Thank you so much! I do take professional shots, but honestly, I'm not making Hollywood movies here, all my shots end up on Instagram for a huge corporation and trust me, iPhone photos are as good as my full frame. Can't see the difference when I'm posting on social platforms. So Z50 it is.
Is the magnification good? Do you think the lens would perform good for wildlife photography and birds in flight.
Is the lens + Z50 good for shooting something far away.
All this considering the price
Well, you never can get long enough for shooting birds (just ask my pals with 800mm lenses), but yes, this lens is as long as you're going to get unless you break into something like the 200-500mm (www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/200-500mm.htm ) on the FTZ (www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/mirrorless/lenses/ftz.htm )
From another Ken - when I first saw this video I was angered that the 70-200 f/2.8 that’s predicted had been cancelled. I missed the DX logo on this one. Whew!😊
Go Canon. Their full-frame mirrorless 70-200/2.8 (www.kenrockwell.com/canon/eos-r/lenses/70-200mm-f28.htm) is already shipping, it's tiny and a winner - far better than the fluff from Nikon a year and a half in. Canon already has fielded a full set of lenses, but not Nikon. Strange but true.
Loff Fonseca. My congrats, great review-
Thank you!
Please Review with Sigma Sigma 50-100 f1.8 + Nikon Z50 is Autofocus Compatible or Not ?
Thanks! I’ll have to try those.
Do I need to buy 70-200mm 2.8 (tamron or nikon) for low light and portrait even if I already have this lens?
No. Just shoot what you got. Thanks!
Have you tried it on the FX Z6? Is it worth it to shoot in dx mode just to get the reach?
Yes, full review at www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/mirrorless/z6.htm. No, use the z50 with this lens , not a crop from the Z6. www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/mirrorless/z50.htm
thaks for the video just bought the lense
Hope you love it!
Hi all. I have a nikon 70-300 VRII which I used on D90 with decent results. Not I jumped to D700 and this 70-300VRII is disappointing on the bigger sensor. I'm thinking to get a Z50 and I don't know if I should get the 50-250 or keep 70-300 for it. Strictly on IQ which one is better?
50-250 www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/z/50-250mm.htm sharper than 70-300 VR www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/70-300-vr.htm
I have a Canon D80 and wondering if I should buy the Z50. My dad said he'd give me $800 for the D80 and a 350mm lens.
Right now, the z50 with this lens and the 16-50mm is $1,200.. Should I jump??
No! D80 is a much better, but bigger, camera. Z50 is more of a toy for fooling around and travel; it has slow autofocus. The D80 does just about everything well; see www.kenrockwell.com/canon/80d.htm
I've been eyeing this lens for a while. Looks like it's worth it. How is it for shooting sports and movement?
Not as good as a DSLR. It's not the lens, it's the whole mirrorless platform. GO Sony if y9ou need hot autofocus, but go Nikon if you want better landscape and travel photos.
Hey, is this lens available for bird photography?
Only if the birds are still. The z50 has slow autofocus so o don’t expect this as a system to track motion well.
Outstanding, thank you!
Thank YOU!
Is the autofocus motor loud or noticeable through video?
Only sound it makes is some almost silent sound of plastic sliding.
This kens for my Z50 or the XC 50-230 for my X-T2? Which has better glass, ergonomics and image stabilization?
They’re both very similar. Real question is what are you shooting? If portraits, consider Fuji, if also everything else, use Nikon. It’s all about the colors. See all the exact measurements at each written review: www.kenrockwell.com/fuji/x-mount-lenses/50-230mm.htm and www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/z/50-250mm.htm where I rest each metric in details. Thanks!
@@KenRockwellTV Sorry for failing to mention that I am looking for a budget travel zoom. After reading your reviews and "everything else" remark I'm inclined to choose the Nikon over its Fuji counterpart. The additional 4 stops at the long end is truly remarkable.Thanks for the reviews and advice Ken.
For travel, get Nikon. Much better colors. Fuji only good for people photos - dull colors otherwise.
Is that sharpness because of new mount design...ken why not make a video about the mount of NiKon and canon Mirrorless systems and compare it with others if possible because it wasn't a random decision. The mount must have some correlation with Current lens design and sharpness that we are getting.@kenrockwell
As users it doesn’t matter. Thanks!
Is this lens good for horse photography? Any tips? Just bought it with the z50. Thanks.
Not if they're moving. Autofocus is relatively slow. Since you have it, try it and see. Thanks!
@@KenRockwellTV What lens do you recommend instead compatible with the z50? Thanks!
@@desiraeramos8341 I'd try your 50-250mm first. No Nikon is that great for tracking action with AF, so a better lens may not help. Next I'd try the AF-P 70-300mm VR DX www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/70-300mm-vr-afp.htm on an FTZ adapter www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/mirrorless/lenses/ftz.htm. Otherwise Nikon has few dedicated Z lenses; the Z 70-180mm f/2.8 www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/z/70-180mm.htm is the lest expensive Z tele.
@@KenRockwellTV Thank you so much! When in the future, I upgrade my camera body..which do you recommend for horse/animal photography?
@@desiraeramos8341 I love my Canon EOS R6 Mk II more than anything. I wouldn't be investing in Nikon anymore, but that's just me. www.kenrockwell.com/canon/eos-r/r6-ii.htm
Do the lenses come with hoods?
No. There is an optional hood. www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1511315-REG/nikon_4210_hb_90a_lens_hood.html/BI/287/KBID/1037
It works fine with your Z7 and you can use the IBIS! What about the Z50?
Works best on Z50. Just happened to have it on my Z7 when I did video because 16-50 was on my Z50.
I wonder why these sample images out of the Nikon Z50 look often so over saturated in color. O.o
Because the guy who shot them set his camera that way deliberately. Thanks!
Great review. I'll be buying the Z50 + kit lenses based on your review. Thanks.
Enjoy! Just be sure only to use the places I use for the best service. Links at www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/mirrorless/z50.htm
why use iso 100 instead of higher? Is higher iso not enough good?
Higher isos are less vivid and sharp. It’s a subtle thing, but one should only use higher ISOs If needed for smaller apertures or faster shutter speeds. Thanks!
@@KenRockwellTV thank for your response ：）
Very well . I buy it for travelling, and use it on z7 🎃
Thanks! Try the Z50; worked even better with this lens.
rockwell is now in new nikons pocket
ai pre ai ais out the freeking window
Not in anyone’s pocket. 50-250 super sharp and ultralight, but can’t track action for the life of it. Thanks!
Could this lens be used for astrophotography
If you're on a clock drive, yes, otherwise it's very slow. OK for moon shots, but not ideal for low light.
Great review, is it better than the Nikon 70-300mm f/4.5-6.3 DX VR AF-P with the FTZ adapter?
Certainlty more practical. Haven't tried that combo on the adapter, but I see nothing lacking in the 50-250 that the 70-300 could do better. I prefer the 50-70 range over the 250-300 range
@@KenRockwellTV hi, I already have nikon af-p 70-300mm dx lens and ftz adapter. So is it better to buy the z 50- 250mm and sell the af-p version. Is there a noticeable difference in sharpness between the two. Your reply is highly appreciated.
Can i use it for the dslr camera ?😁
No. Can’t possibly fit; totally different mount. The newest and best for DX DSLR is this www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/70-300mm-vr-afp.htm thanks!
@@KenRockwellTV 🙏🏻🙏🏻❤
No image stabilization in the lens?
George Smith yes, there’s image stabilization in this lens
@@kazisaud Thanks!
@Luuk van Uden Thanks!
Yes, fantastic in lens stabilization.
Ken, will 50-250 work with the Z6 as well as the 16-50?
Sure does, but you get only about 10 MP.
@@KenRockwellTV Thank you
👍👍👍👍👍
Thanks!
and then he made videos 😉
This is for watching and writing!
Plastic lens mount won't last as long as a metal mount
All things considered, that’s not important. You’d have to be pretty negligent and abusive to realize the difference. This is high fidelity optics in a lightweight package. The late Galen Rowell championed this kind of design philosophy. Besides, by the time you wear this lens out you will have enough priceless photos to last several lifetimes.
Even I've never worn out a plastic mount. Looks scary, but works fine - unless you abuse your gear. You know yourself best.
my copy of this lens isn't that sharp at beyond 100mm.
Mine was really good. Sorry to hear that. Could also be camera or subject shake or atmospheric. I’d have to see.
Ken - you compared handholding a 50-250mm Nikon to a 600mm F4 Sony worth north of $13K? Surprisingly you found it hard to handhold a lens with over twice the focal length and 10x the weight (not to mention about physically 5x longer). I like you mate, but frankly that’s a dumb comparison. No one is handholding that lens without some kind of support. Things you should have mentioned - this is a lens built to a pricepoint. It’s an excellent value lens but very slow at the long end. VC will not assist you for shooting fast moving objects, so while excellent for still subjects a faster lens will work better for people that move, which is most people. (Nikon don’t make a faster, native Z lens). For video shooters this lens extends quite a bit so you can’t use it with a matte box but the fact that the image doesn’t change magnification with focus is good. But I wish Ken had actually showed that with, you know, some actual video. As usually those kind of claims are exaggerated - unless it’s a true cine lens the best you can hope for is minimal focus breathing. Also is it parfocal? Doubtful, but that would also be nice to know. Frankly the focus system is a problem for video shooters. It will make it difficult to manually focus with any repeatability and the auto focus system on the Z50 ain’t great. However, it’s no different from a bunch of other budget, focus by wire lenses. With all that said, 50-250mm is an odd focal length for a zoom - especially when Nikon make an excellent 18 - 300mm DX lens in F mount. Perhaps the biggest problem with a 50-250mm is that missing wide end. And the best thing about it - its sharp and cheap. If you can get it as a kit lens with the wide zoom that’s definitely the way to go as it’s not a lens I’d be rushing out to buy as a standalone. I just wouldn’t have it on the camera that often. YMMV.
Yes, I’ve shot both and that Sony has horrible to nonexistent stabilization. In get better results hand holding my 15 pound Nikon 400/2.8 AF-I and tc-14E
Ken Rockwell But why would you? Neither of those lenses are intended to be hand held. Monopod at the very least. And why compare it to a cheap, lightweight plastic zoom which is 6.3 at the long end and under half the focal length? And probably even less as Nikon has a habit of exaggerating focal lengths at the long end. You know as well as I do that stabilisation does nothing to stop moving subjects. Which is why people spend lots of money to buy fast telephotos. Mostly for sports and wildlife. All I want to see in your reviews is a bit of perspective. Perhaps talk about what you can actually use this lens for. Candids in bright daylight, maybe animals in a zoo shoot in bright daylight, getting a bit closer to certain landscape shots where moving the camera closer isn’t possible. And what it isn’t any good for. Concerts, sports, any kind of low light shooting. I’d humbly suggest that if you bought the Z50 with the 2 kit lenses, the wide zoom would tend to live on the camera.
Because you can't use tripod to shoot everywhere...suppose shooting a bear in water and you are shooting holding it on your knees to get head to head focus...if you ever shot wildlife you will know tripod doesn't work everywhere... Sony's lens Stabilization is terrible... Nikon has best VR lenses in tele photo range.
Saurabh Tripathi Lol - your going to use a 600mm f4 that weighs over 5kg and costs over 13K to shoot wildlife handheld? There are better options. It’s also designed to be used with a camera like the A7R4 or A9 which have in body stabilisation. I’m not defending that lens in any way mind you. It’s overpriced and aimed squarely at the high end pro sports photog and I think there are better options unless you’re a Sony shooter. However to compare it to a 250mm F6.3 lens is still silly no matter which way you cut it. You can shoot that 600mm at 1/2000 of a second in daylight and actually stop fastest moving subjects and get over 2x closer to them. You simply can’t do that with the Nikon. So there is no comparison.
I know my work better..get yourself in some wildlife work..you'll learn how things work in the field.it's field experience i don't have that heavy & expensive lens though i have a 200-500 yet...
About sony 600 mm🤣🤣
What about 600mm? Thanks!
@@KenRockwellTV terrible Stabilization that you mentioned ...i guess that was satire😂
Ok ... but while you promote this lightweight, plastic, inexpensive lens wih a glowing report, ... I recently heard you dismiss the Nikon 85mm 1.8 G .. as one for "cheapscates", because it's a plastic lightweight which costs a lot less.
Darren Miles uses the Nikon 85 1.8 G and doesn't go anywhere near slinging off with such a scathing comment. Yeah, you are well known, but you can still discredit yourself.
Best regards,
"Cheapscate" 👌
Yes, thanks again and I appreciate you doing this for you all this week so far I have no plans to do it again but I’m going on vacation next to my dad to get with my kids and my kids are going to the park and then I have to park in the park and park in the park with my kids and then park in the front office in north north and park.
will this fit & work on a Nikon D5300?
NO. Z lenses do not attach to, and cannot be assorted to, the F SLR mount of DSLR cameras like the D5300. See the flipping mirror inside your d5300? That’s the mirror not in Mirrorless cameras. Your d5300 lens mount is much further away from the sensor to let the Ken’s clear the mirror, Z lenses mount much closer to the sensor which is why they can’t adapt to DSLR camera.
@@KenRockwellTV Thank you so much for taking the time to explain this! Do you have a lens suggestion for this model ? I have 18-55mm-DX-VR Cannot capture birds across yard (1acre)
Your best bet for the D5300 is the 18-300 www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/18-300mm-vr.htm or 70-300 www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/70-300mm-vr-afp.htm or 200-500 www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/200-500mm.htm but honestly from across the yard nothing is going to get the photos you want unless you can get closer. Even the 200-500 only gets 9 times closer than the lens you have.
@@KenRockwellTV I will just have to camp out under that cherry tree late this spring! The birds put on a great show:) Thanks again , this really helps me understand my camera and gets my thinking logic in focus (haaa) Best to you!