Nikon Z6 - My first real low light test
A few weeks ago I traded in my old Nikon D3s body for a new Nikon Z6 mirrorless kit that included the body, FTZ adapter and 24-70 f/4 lens. Aside from a few local shots I hadn’t really put it through its paces but had the opportunity recently to test it out in real world conditions.
The verdict - it was a success! But rather than this being the shortest blog in history I will elaborate a bit more and provide some shots with associated specs.
So what was in my bag for the shoot?
Nikon Z6 body
FTZ adapter
24-70mm f/4 S Series (Z mount)
70-200mm f/2.8 VRII (F mount)
20mm f/1.8 (F mount)
85mm f/1.8 (F mount)
The Shoot Setting
The shoot took place at the Barons Court theatre in West London, which is located in the basement of the Curtains Up pub. The venue has 57 seats and is dark, very, very dark. Whilst the house lights could do a job, I went to the lighting deck and switched the stage lights on which made for a better experience for all, not just the photographer . . .
The occasion was a rehearsal day by The Impulse Company for a short Rep season at the Barons Court Theatre.
I started with the 24-70mm f/4 and was delighted with the early results. I was very much comparing them with what I get on my occasional visits to the Lime Meadow Folk & Blues Club. That is generally a dark venue with a random LED lighting rig to work with.
Here is an example with the initial setup:
24-70mm f/4 S Series (Z mount), 1/100s, f/4, ISO 2500, 70mm
This was easily comparable to my old D3s and due to mirrorless technology, typically the EVF, it was done with a breeze and with complete confidence that the exposure was spot on (or at least in the right ballpark).
Although not much different in terms of focal length, I took a batch using the FTZ adapter and a prime lens. Here is an example using the 20mm AF-S f/1.8. This is a very good and fairly light weight lens - one of my favourites in fact:
20mm f/1.8 (F mount), 1/320s, f/2.5, ISO 1000
Later in the session I changed position and shot some using the 70-200 f/2.8 (adapted) and was again delighted with the results - I did not feel I lacked anything over the D3s set-up but the lens still felt heavy despite a much lighter body. It has made the promised 70-200 S Series a very tempting investment when the time comes!
70-200mm f/2.8 VRII (F mount), 1/250s, f/3.2, ISO 1250, 135mm
Once again, results that were easily comparable to what I had achieved before in similar conditions, if anything the files felt a lot cleaner.
As you will see I also brought my 85mm and took a few images. As this length was covered in my lens line-up I wouldn’t bother taking it with me in the future, for a similar shoot.
Shot Count per lens
Here is a summary of kept images from the day, broken down by lens type. I wouldn't read too much into why I took so many with the 20mm, it wouldn’t always be needed for such a shoot but I just left it on for one whole act of the rehearsal day.
24-70mm Z mount - 478
70-200mm F mount - 233
20mm F mount - 192
85mm F mount - 10
Summary
Overall I was delighted with the results. I am happy that the move from old to new technology has given me what I had before plus much more in terms of portability, the huge benefits of using an EVF and the yet to try out fully, video capability.
The battery usage was higher than a DSLR but that is to be expected with the EVF working hard throughout. I took just under 670 images in the morning session and the battery depleted to around 60%. I switched to the spare and added some charge to the original so there were no issues. I would suggest always covering yourself with extras and a charging capability but that is good professional discipline anyway.
On reflection I could have probably done the whole shoot with the 24-70 Z mount and an adapted 70-200. Part of this test was to do the switching and ensure I could get results. For a quick switch the FTZ adapter can be left on the heavy 70-200 and there would be little loss of time between setup changes. You can always bring more than one body of course.
I am pleased that I made the move to mirrorless, although I tend to use my DSLR for headshots and portraits currently. I will do a tryout headshot shoot with my Z6 soon and report back. Mirrorless is the direction the industry is heading in and I think it makes sense to get on board as soon as you are prepared to make the investment.
