2:35 👌🏿 A consideration to add LV (light value) for context. Settings almost don't matter if we don't know what light level exists. Nice to know the mechanical shutter still exists inside the Z50ii. Maybe they'll get the shutter speed back up to 1/8000s. Have you tried any high speed sync images? I know you shoot birds, but I shoot products on the side. Wondering b/c I haven't seen or read anyone using it for product shots.
I love the sounds of Sandhill Cranes! They are cool birds. Great images Phil, that 180-600 is such a value! I think it blows away the 150-600 Sigma commonly used on Sony. These really popped..Loved the shot at 1:56 and 3:10
@@dougkalmbach5192 thank you! I got lucky on that one. I was tracking those two birds and shooting when the blastoff happened that made them bank away.
Nice work Phil. I couldn’t tell the difference between a Z8 shot and Z50II shot here on TH-cam. Probably see it better looking at the image files in person on a laptop
@@adrianalfordphotography Z8 hit rate was higher but both cameras did well and as long as both shots were in focus, it was difficult to tell the difference.
Love all the great images of the Sandhills cranes, Phil! Especially love the footage of the white pelicans in the distance. Really conveys the magic and beauty of birds as they travel long distances.
A good day with nice opportunities and great flight images. I've been searching the ebird site trying to plan for when certain birds come back to our area. I photographed two cranes at the end of November. Not sure if they left. Short eared owls should be back in a couple weeks. Hoping a Snowy owl will come within driving distance.
Gotta love Sandhill Cranes! I had a great experience with them here in Eastern Ontario. I bought the Z50II to use for bird photography with my Z 180-600 and from your experience thus far it does a great job. Comparing the Z50II shooting experience to the Z8 is a bit of a stretch though...so is the price difference too. Great video Phil...love it! Hope to see more of the Z50II's capabilities.
My favorites were the shots of the two sandhill cranes banking to the left. Looks like you were able to get a lot of shots, and the weather worked out too...but maybe a bit too cold for someone not moving around much. Have you looked into one of those rechargeable heated vests for cold days like this one?
Thank you! That shot was definitely a fluke. They normally don’t do that especially as close as they were, but circumstances caused them to suddenly turn. I actually considered a heated vest to go to a football game later this winter, but I could also use it for this activity!
I am a Nikon Z8 shooter and I have shot migrating Hooded Cranes in Izumi Japan. Similar experience. Great shots, informative comparison with the Nikon Z 50ii... Looks like you had a ball... Highly Appreciated! One of your best videos!
I have to say I’m loving the little Z50II. Now it’s no where near my Z9 in performance but that’s to be expected. However, it is still a very capable little camera. Excellent extra body with the crop sensor perks.
I'm wondering if Nikon will make a Z100 with dual expeed 7 processors. I'm holding out till spring before I make a move on a kit. I'm thinking they'll announce a pro APS-C model by then for the upcoming Olympics. If not, it's either going to be this Z50ii or the Zfc I grab. My D200 is finally showing it's age 😅 being above 500k clicks.
Awesome video Phil. I jest had my z50 sensor cleaned and had the sensor cover replaced... Nikon charged me nearly $400.00. It is like new I'll admit but now that Z50II is out, the path to upgrade to the Z50II offering is if Nikon allows trade in of the Z50 and then pay the difference. I know that wont happen. Thus I'll have to sit this version out and use what I have. Hopefully a Pro Apsc will eventually be released. We will see. Until then I may want to purchase a Zf as my entry into Full Frame mirrorless. I have two Voigtlander (f-mount) lenses that need a new home. The 58|1.4 and the 40|2. These lenses though manual are my favorite for doing slowed walk about street photography using certain techniques to get the shot in focus while shooting from the hip.
Great shots! As an interested, but inexperienced, wildlife shooter, what is your success rate with the Z8 and how does it compare with the Z7ii if you have used that body?
@@cmichaelhaugh8517 thank you! I don’t have a Z7Ii but I do have a Z6 and I would say the Z8 success rate is definitely higher than that camera. It’s also higher than the Z50ii.
It works pretty well but the 180-600 focuses much faster, is quieter, and the IQ is much better than the 200-500 especially at max focal lengths. I have zero regrets in selling my 200-500 for the 180-600.
goodaye Phil , yes , my Z9 allows even me to take a crisp and detailed image. Was impressed with the Z50II though , still taking a pleasing shot. Liked the Autumn colours and pelicans video , nice.
Thanks Phil for your honest thoughts on the Z50ii...I still want to wait for a D500 replacement for me...If Nikon doesn't do that,I will keep it until it or me dies🤔
I wouldn't wait for Nikon to make a D500 mirrorless equivalent anytime soon or ever. My suggestion would be to consider the R7 Mkii which should come nearer the end of 2025 or beginning of 2026.
Did you use bird detection on the Z50II for these shots? They looked great! Thanks for sharing this. I'm considering whether to get a Z50II or not. The lack of IBIS bothers me for shots other than things like birds in flight, so I may wait a little longer in the hopes Nikon releases a DX camera with IBIS. If they release a Z7III with bird detect I would definitely get one, but so far only crickets there too.
We have Sandhills in OH. But I rarely see more than 2 together. We have a nesting pair in a park near me that has successfully raised a baby 2 year in a row now. Omg,the babies are cute. They are like celebrities here! We may be traveling through TN in the spring, dates are flexible at this point. What locations/parks and month is best to catch some migrations for TN. I’m retiring in a few years and trying to build a list of places to go and best months. I can’t wait to hit the road for more than a week at a time. Care to share your favorite spots in TN or others? Any advice is appreciated! In Ohio, we have a spring migration in May and festival called the biggest bird week in American birding that is amazing.
I need a new camera with a great af and I don't have much money. I'm thinking about buying a Z50 II as an fast-af-action-camera besides my Z6. Does the af speed and accuracy differ to the Z8? I can't afford the Z8 but I'm interested wether the Z50ii can be compared regarding the af. Thanks for your help!
Z50ii is better than a D500 in autofocus and also in high frame rate shooting by 1 frame. so you are expecting performance better than the legendary D500
@@TejasManake in a lot of ways that is true however, the refresh rate on the electronic viewfinder is definitely slower than an optical viewfinder so for birds in flight the D500 might still be better. That was where the Z8 really shined.
2:35 👌🏿
A consideration to add LV (light value) for context. Settings almost don't matter if we don't know what light level exists.
Nice to know the mechanical shutter still exists inside the Z50ii. Maybe they'll get the shutter speed back up to 1/8000s.
Have you tried any high speed sync images? I know you shoot birds, but I shoot products on the side. Wondering b/c I haven't seen or read anyone using it for product shots.
I love the sounds of Sandhill Cranes! They are cool birds. Great images Phil, that 180-600 is such a value! I think it blows away the 150-600 Sigma commonly used on Sony. These really popped..Loved the shot at 1:56 and 3:10
@@LensForgotten thank you!
Great shot of the two Cranes banking away. Especially the first one. Great job
@@dougkalmbach5192 thank you! I got lucky on that one. I was tracking those two birds and shooting when the blastoff happened that made them bank away.
Nice work Phil. I couldn’t tell the difference between a Z8 shot and Z50II shot here on TH-cam. Probably see it better looking at the image files in person on a laptop
@@adrianalfordphotography Z8 hit rate was higher but both cameras did well and as long as both shots were in focus, it was difficult to tell the difference.
Love all the great images of the Sandhills cranes, Phil! Especially love the footage of the white pelicans in the distance. Really conveys the magic and beauty of birds as they travel long distances.
@@Eli4Bill thank you! I love those pelicans and hope to get some up close photographs of them sometime soon.
Beautiful! I am going to have to watch it again on the TV at home instead of my phone. I need the full experience!❤
@@JonnyPink65 thanks, JP!
@@PhilThach 🤗
I love the sandhill crane pictures!
Thank you, Pam. Stay tuned Moore on the way. 👍
Yay ✋
The Z50 II did a pretty good job there!
@@augusto_alves it is a capable camera. Certainly not in the same league as the Z8 but capable nonetheless.
Stunning shots.
@@ReValveiT_01 thank you!
A good day with nice opportunities and great flight images. I've been searching the ebird site trying to plan for when certain birds come back to our area. I photographed two cranes at the end of November. Not sure if they left. Short eared owls should be back in a couple weeks. Hoping a Snowy owl will come within driving distance.
@@Dashbshots thank you! We had a snowy owl in our area a few years back. I’ve never photographed a short eared owl.
Just confirmed I made the right choice to put the Z50ii. Taking advantage of apsc was one reason let alone the superb AF improvements
@@paullee1855 cool! 😎
Have it since 3 weeks and love the Z50 II here in Switzerland. Have the two set lenses and a viltrox 56 1.7 so far.
And you?
Gotta love Sandhill Cranes! I had a great experience with them here in Eastern Ontario. I bought the Z50II to use for bird photography with my Z 180-600 and from your experience thus far it does a great job. Comparing the Z50II shooting experience to the Z8 is a bit of a stretch though...so is the price difference too. Great video Phil...love it! Hope to see more of the Z50II's capabilities.
@@rogerdaigle2621 definitely a stretch, but most people can’t tell the difference in the images.
Thanks so much for sharing another wonderful video like always Phil
@@MrTmiket0007 thank you!
My favorites were the shots of the two sandhill cranes banking to the left. Looks like you were able to get a lot of shots, and the weather worked out too...but maybe a bit too cold for someone not moving around much. Have you looked into one of those rechargeable heated vests for cold days like this one?
Thank you! That shot was definitely a fluke. They normally don’t do that especially as close as they were, but circumstances caused them to suddenly turn. I actually considered a heated vest to go to a football game later this winter, but I could also use it for this activity!
The shot that you shared on social media at 6:16 is very very nice! 😀👍
Thank you!
Nikon Wednesdays continue! Really great photos, too.
@@leonfisher thank you, Leon!
If you want a super lightweight setup try the Z 50II with 600mm PF, total weight of camera and lens is about 4.34lbs, I can carry that around all day!
I am considering that lens. I like the idea of the small size and weight and it is said to be even sharper than the zoom I’m currently using.
Gr8 shots Phil, you are doing more than the Nikon Ambassadors😊, subscribed , looking forward to more action shots with both of cameras,❤️🙏
Thank you!
I am a Nikon Z8 shooter and I have shot migrating Hooded Cranes in Izumi Japan. Similar experience.
Great shots, informative comparison with the Nikon Z 50ii...
Looks like you had a ball... Highly Appreciated!
One of your best videos!
Thank you! I would love to photograph hooded cranes someday!
Amazing captures
@@kpravinkumar thank you!
@PhilThach Due to your photography I am thinking of to buy new Z50io
I have to say I’m loving the little Z50II. Now it’s no where near my Z9 in performance but that’s to be expected. However, it is still a very capable little camera. Excellent extra body with the crop sensor perks.
@@speedbumpmedia9584 I agree!
I'm wondering if Nikon will make a Z100 with dual expeed 7 processors. I'm holding out till spring before I make a move on a kit. I'm thinking they'll announce a pro APS-C model by then for the upcoming Olympics. If not, it's either going to be this Z50ii or the Zfc I grab. My D200 is finally showing it's age 😅 being above 500k clicks.
Wow, 500,000 clicks! Impressive.
Love this review, thank you .
Thank you!
Great shots! I hope that I can make it there this year.
@@ses4vols thank you, Stephen!
Nice work Phil… 👍🏾
@@richwoodham3296 thank you!
How’s the Z50II EVF blackout when shooting mechanical and electronic shutter bursts? Can you still track in either case?
Beautiful cranes!
@@Jviotr it doesn’t appear to black out in electronic, but it does lag behind some and tracking is nowhere near as easy as the Z8.
Awesome video Phil. I jest had my z50 sensor cleaned and had the sensor cover replaced... Nikon charged me nearly $400.00. It is like new I'll admit but now that Z50II is out, the path to upgrade to the Z50II offering is if Nikon allows trade in of the Z50 and then pay the difference. I know that wont happen. Thus I'll have to sit this version out and use what I have. Hopefully a Pro Apsc will eventually be released. We will see. Until then I may want to purchase a Zf as my entry into Full Frame mirrorless. I have two Voigtlander (f-mount) lenses that need a new home. The 58|1.4 and the 40|2. These lenses though manual are my favorite for doing slowed walk about street photography using certain techniques to get the shot in focus while shooting from the hip.
@@bigboi36 thank you!
Are you feeling pretty good with Z50ll, I am only concerned with lack of ibis. Always enjoy your videos.
You don’t need VR/ibis at that kind of shutter speeds.
The lack of IBIS doesn’t bother me at all for birds in flight.
Great shots! As an interested, but inexperienced, wildlife shooter, what is your success rate with the Z8 and how does it compare with the Z7ii if you have used that body?
@@cmichaelhaugh8517 thank you! I don’t have a Z7Ii but I do have a Z6 and I would say the Z8 success rate is definitely higher than that camera. It’s also higher than the Z50ii.
Great shots Phil. You should list your in camera settings for bird shooting with the Z50ii.
Thank you! If you have your audio on, I read off the camera settings for each photograph.
Hi
What do you think of using Nikon 200 500 f 5.6 on Z8 .Can we expect decent focusing accuracy for birds in flight
@@sdloum I haven’t used my old 200-500 on my Z8, but I definitely need to try that. I don’t see any reason why it would not focus well.
It works pretty well but the 180-600 focuses much faster, is quieter, and the IQ is much better than the 200-500 especially at max focal lengths. I have zero regrets in selling my 200-500 for the 180-600.
goodaye Phil , yes , my Z9 allows even me to take a crisp and detailed image.
Was impressed with the Z50II though , still taking a pleasing shot.
Liked the Autumn colours and pelicans video , nice.
Thank you!
The best lightweight setup I have ever had was the Z50 and 400 4.5. It felt like I was cheating.
The 400 4.5 is another lens I am considering, but for some reason, I can’t get the Plena off my mind. 🤓
Thanks Phil for your honest thoughts on the Z50ii...I still want to wait for a D500 replacement for me...If Nikon doesn't do that,I will keep it until it or me dies🤔
@@woodymallory9058 thank you, Woody! I am definitely keeping my D500. I still enjoy using it from time to time.
Great photos Phil.
I have a Z50II on order, but my D500 is my number one bird camera!!
I wouldn't wait for Nikon to make a D500 mirrorless equivalent anytime soon or ever. My suggestion would be to consider the R7 Mkii which should come nearer the end of 2025 or beginning of 2026.
Same here, Woody!
Great information
Does it work well if I use a 150-600mm sigma lens with an ftz ii adapter on the Nikon z50ii? and what about the results?
@@dkuzma1376 unfortunately, I don’t have that lens so I can’t really tell you. Sorry.
Did you use bird detection on the Z50II for these shots? They looked great! Thanks for sharing this. I'm considering whether to get a Z50II or not. The lack of IBIS bothers me for shots other than things like birds in flight, so I may wait a little longer in the hopes Nikon releases a DX camera with IBIS. If they release a Z7III with bird detect I would definitely get one, but so far only crickets there too.
I did use bird detect for all of these photos. Thanks for watching!
We have Sandhills in OH. But I rarely see more than 2 together. We have a nesting pair in a park near me that has successfully raised a baby 2 year in a row now. Omg,the babies are cute. They are like celebrities here! We may be traveling through TN in the spring, dates are flexible at this point. What locations/parks and month is best to catch some migrations for TN. I’m retiring in a few years and trying to build a list of places to go and best months. I can’t wait to hit the road for more than a week at a time. Care to share your favorite spots in TN or others? Any advice is appreciated! In Ohio, we have a spring migration in May and festival called the biggest bird week in American birding that is amazing.
Thank you, Kelley! I share my favorite spots in all of my wildlife videos.
I need a new camera with a great af and I don't have much money. I'm thinking about buying a Z50 II as an fast-af-action-camera besides my Z6. Does the af speed and accuracy differ to the Z8? I can't afford the Z8 but I'm interested wether the Z50ii can be compared regarding the af. Thanks for your help!
@@WintryEternity the auto focus is similar, but it’s definitely better on the Z8.
Hoping to get up there around Christmas
@@stevefaucette if I’m there that day, make sure and say hi to me!
@ I sure would love to meet you
Nice shots.
How good is Z50ii compared to Sony a6700.
@@aslamhaniffa7240 thank you! I think I prefer the Sony for perched birds, but I might like the little Nikon better for large birds in flight.
the rolling shutter isn't that bad for z50 ii.
👍
@@davidipema7898 thank you!
As a Canon shooter I'm skipping this video... Just kidding! 😉 Great job! 🙂
@@acemanNL thank you!
Z50ii is better than a D500 in autofocus and also in high frame rate shooting by 1 frame. so you are expecting performance better than the legendary D500
@@TejasManake in a lot of ways that is true however, the refresh rate on the electronic viewfinder is definitely slower than an optical viewfinder so for birds in flight the D500 might still be better. That was where the Z8 really shined.
Bokehfied!
@@cheesegrits196 😂😎👍