When I started this blog many years ago, it was to share my photography experiences using mirrorless cameras. At the time, mirrorless cameras were much smaller and lighter than the typical DSLR camera, hence the name of the blog. They also weren’t popular; I remember a lot written in the photography press saying Mirrorless was a gimmick and would never replace a DSLR.
Well, here we are in 2024, with most of the attention on the Mirrorless market from Nikon and Canon. This may have rubbed off on me because I wanted to try a Nikon Z7II. I can’t explain why, but it was a strong urge.
This is a heavy, solid camera that feels good in the hands. It’s quite a bit bigger than my current Fuji XT5. But don’t worry – this isn’t a gear review. I just wanted to set the scene for a couple of photos because I took the Nikon out for the first time last night. Here is one of my first.
I took this at Carhead Rocks in the Peak District with a Nikon 14-30 lens at 16mm. I had the camera on a tripod for an exposure of 0.4 seconds at f/14.0 and ISO100.
I always find capturing a good image with a new camera challenging, so I was happy to get this and this next shot.
This is perhaps my favourite of the evening. It was taken shortly after sunset, using the Nikon 14-30 lens at 17mm. It’s a 2-second exposure at f/13.0 and ISO100.
While taking this shot, I saw something white flash through the frame but didn’t pay any attention. After taking several more frames, I stopped and stood up. That’s when I saw a Barn Owl sitting on a rock to my left, about 10 feet away. It was just watching me. It then cocked its head to one side as if trying to make sense of what I was doing before flying away.
Experiences like this make an evening’s landscape photography even more rewarding.
Overall, I’m pleased with the results from the new camera, although I think some things will take a little getting used to. Indeed, a few of the images I captured are keepers, and I hope you like the two I’ve shared.
The Lightweight Photographer 
High time to go for fullframe 😉 Congratulations!
Thank you but this is my 5th Full Frame camera. I used a Canon 5D MKII for almost 5 years, I’ve had two Nikon 800D’s at different times and a Sony A7RII.
I know – I think you tried a Nikon too, but perhaps my memory is wrong. I was joking only. I went up, using MF in the mountains. And yes, it is brutally heavy. But the colours and the resolution! Enhancing it with stitching… Sparing wide angle, otherwise only two lenses. But yes, “nerding” a bit. For walks I use Nikon Z7 – she is “The Small One”.
Yes, I had a Nikon D800 for a year before selling it. I then bought another a couple of years later becuase it seemed like a bargain. I sold that after a year later. Hopefully I will get more use out of the Z7II. I can’t afford not to.
Beautiful images! I love my Sony A7 III which is a full frame mirrorless but I don’t like how heavy it is with my sigma 24-70 lens. I stick with it because I love the pictures I can create with it.
Thank you. I used a Sony A7RII for a few years. The colours were fantastic, but the camera was temperamental – although that could have been my fault. I was using it with a Metabones adapter and Canon L series lenses.
I have been dragging a Z7ii around for 3 or 4 years now. I have been happy with it. It will leave you a bit wanting if you shoot wildlife, but I mainly shoot the landscapes and it is excellent for that. The 100-400mm lens is my favorite to use with it.
Thanks. I don’t do wildlife so hopefully I will be happy. I’ve used the Z7 two night running now and so I’ve been happy.
That first shot is so awesome! Good job.
Thanks. I’m glad you think so.