Capturing the world through a Nikon lens
Guide

Nikon Ftz Vs Viltrox Nf-z: A Comprehensive Guide For Photographers On A Budget

Lindsey is a photographer based in Los Angeles. She has over 10 years of experience as a professional photographer specializing in portraits and events. Lindsey started her career with DSLR cameras but made the switch to Nikon's line of Z mirrorless cameras in 2020. Since then, she has been extensively...

What To Know

  • The FTZ adapter is the official Nikon-branded adapter, and it offers the best build quality and support for all of the features of F-mount lenses.
  • If you need the best possible build quality and support for all of the features of F-mount lenses, then the Nikon FTZ adapter is the best choice.

The Nikon FTZ and Viltrox NF-Z adapters are two popular options for photographers who want to use their Nikon F-mount lenses on their Nikon Z-mount cameras. Both adapters offer a range of features and benefits, but there are also some key differences between them. In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at the Nikon FTZ and Viltrox NF-Z adapters and help you decide which one is right for you.

Nikon FTZ Adapter

The Nikon FTZ adapter is the official Nikon-branded adapter for F-mount lenses. It’s a well-built adapter that offers a solid connection between the lens and the camera. The FTZ adapter also supports all of the features of F-mount lenses, including autofocus, aperture control, and vibration reduction.

Pros:

  • Official Nikon-branded adapter
  • Solid build quality
  • Supports all of the features of F-mount lenses
  • Weather-sealed

Cons:

  • More expensive than the Viltrox NF-Z adapter
  • Larger and heavier than the Viltrox NF-Z adapter
  • Does not include a tripod mount

Viltrox NF-Z Adapter

The Viltrox NF-Z adapter is a third-party adapter that’s made by Viltrox. It’s a less expensive option than the Nikon FTZ adapter, and it’s also smaller and lighter. The NF-Z adapter supports most of the features of F-mount lenses, including autofocus, aperture control, and vibration reduction. However, it does not support some of the more advanced features of F-mount lenses, such as focus stacking and lens-based image stabilization.

Pros:

  • Less expensive than the Nikon FTZ adapter
  • Smaller and lighter than the Nikon FTZ adapter
  • Includes a tripod mount

Cons:

  • Third-party adapter
  • Does not support all of the features of F-mount lenses
  • Not weather-sealed

Comparison of Nikon FTZ and Viltrox NF-Z Adapters

The following table compares the key features of the Nikon FTZ and Viltrox NF-Z adapters:

Feature Nikon FTZ Viltrox NF-Z
— — —
Price $249 $199
Weight 135g 110g
Size 72x62x29mm 68x62x25mm
Weather-sealed Yes No
Supports all F-mount lens features Yes No
Tripod mount No Yes

Which Adapter Should You Choose?

The Nikon FTZ and Viltrox NF-Z adapters are both good options for photographers who want to use their Nikon F-mount lenses on their Nikon Z-mount cameras. The FTZ adapter is the official Nikon-branded adapter, and it offers the best build quality and support for all of the features of F-mount lenses. However, it’s also more expensive and larger than the NF-Z adapter.

The NF-Z adapter is a less expensive and smaller option than the FTZ adapter. It also includes a tripod mount, which the FTZ adapter does not. However, the NF-Z adapter does not support all of the features of F-mount lenses, such as focus stacking and lens-based image stabilization.

Ultimately, the best adapter for you will depend on your individual needs and budget. If you need the best possible build quality and support for all of the features of F-mount lenses, then the Nikon FTZ adapter is the best choice. If you’re looking for a more affordable and compact option, then the Viltrox NF-Z adapter is a good choice.

Additional Considerations

In addition to the key features listed above, there are a few other things you should consider when choosing an adapter:

  • Compatibility: Make sure that the adapter you choose is compatible with your Nikon Z-mount camera and your Nikon F-mount lenses.
  • Build quality: The build quality of the adapter is important, especially if you plan on using it with heavy lenses.
  • Weather-sealing: If you plan on using the adapter in inclement weather, then you should choose an adapter that is weather-sealed.
  • Price: The price of the adapter is also an important consideration.

Takeaways: Deciding Between the Nikon FTZ and Viltrox NF-Z Adapters

The Nikon FTZ and Viltrox NF-Z adapters are both good options for photographers who want to use their Nikon F-mount lenses on their Nikon Z-mount cameras. The FTZ adapter is the official Nikon-branded adapter, and it offers the best build quality and support for all of the features of F-mount lenses. However, it’s also more expensive and larger than the NF-Z adapter.

The NF-Z adapter is a less expensive and smaller option than the FTZ adapter. It also includes a tripod mount, which the FTZ adapter does not. However, the NF-Z adapter does not support all of the features of F-mount lenses, such as focus stacking and lens-based image stabilization.

Ultimately, the best adapter for you will depend on your individual needs and budget.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Which adapter is better, the Nikon FTZ or the Viltrox NF-Z?

A: The Nikon FTZ adapter is the better adapter overall. It offers better build quality, support for all of the features of F-mount lenses, and weather-sealing. However, it’s also more expensive and larger than the Viltrox NF-Z adapter.

Q: Can I use my Nikon F-mount lenses with the Nikon Z-mount cameras without an adapter?

A: No, you cannot use Nikon F-mount lenses with Nikon Z-mount cameras without an adapter. The two mounts are not compatible.

Q: What are the benefits of using an adapter?

A: Using an adapter allows you to use your Nikon F-mount lenses with your Nikon Z-mount camera. This can be beneficial if you have a large collection of F-mount lenses that you want to continue using.

Was this page helpful?

Lindsey

Lindsey is a photographer based in Los Angeles. She has over 10 years of experience as a professional photographer specializing in portraits and events. Lindsey started her career with DSLR cameras but made the switch to Nikon's line of Z mirrorless cameras in 2020. Since then, she has been extensively testing and reviewing Nikon's latest mirrorless cameras like the Z5, Z6, Z7 and Z50 on her blog. Through her writing on lindseyshoots.com, Lindsey aims to help other photographers make the transition from DSLRs to mirrorless. She shares detailed hands-on reviews, comparisons between different mirrorless camera models, tips for beginners, and photo tutorials. When she isn't testing cameras, Lindsey enjoys landscape, street and travel photography. Her work has been published in several magazines and online publications. Lindsey is also a member of the Nikon Professional Services program.
Back to top button