Reddit
reddit.com › r/nikon_zseries › not sure which to buy? z8? z9? (wildlife mainly)
r/nikon_Zseries on Reddit: Not sure which to buy? Z8? Z9? (Wildlife mainly)
April 18, 2025 -
Good morning all, thanks for your help in advance.
I currently have a Z7ii and a Z50ii I use the Z7 more for taking special pictures and wildlife (mostly birds), but the Z50ii which was bought for a smaller carry around camera is fast becoming my favourite because of the extra features (especially bird tracking).
I’m now wondering if it would be a big jump up in features and quality if I went to the Z8 or Z9? Mainly just for the bird tracking without having a crop.
I have the Z mount 180-600 which I love and the F mount 500mm F4 which is my favourite lens for wildlife. They all work incredibly well together even with 1.4 TC and even 2.0TC on occasion.
More than happy to sell some older gear to help pay for the upgrade so money isn’t an issue, with that in mind what would you guys suggest?
Many thanks
(Also open to any other body suggestions too)
Top answer 1 of 5
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If you are not planning to jump into professional photography, I will recommend sticking to Z8. Z8 trumps over Z9 in terms of form factor. It's smaller and lighter compared to the latter. A key factor for those long wildlife sessions. Z9 trumps Z8 for having longer battery life and faster cards. Rest both are primarily the same camera under the hood. You are best to decide, which suits you more. Edit: Updating thoughts on the current setup. Z7ii - Scores big on 45MP sensor Z50ii - Offers expeed 7 processor I.e. better Autofocus, speed & video capabilities. While, both are good Z8 offers the best of Z50ii & Z7ii in one body. So theoretically one Z8 can replace both other cameras. However, having Z50ii with pancake lenses like 40mm & 28mm can be a fun light weight camera for most travel use cases.
2 of 5
9
The Z8 hands down, I have that paired with my Z mount 180-600 and the results are phenomenal.
DPRevived
dprevived.com › t › z8-vs-z9-and-the-1500-question › 3289
Z8 vs Z9 and the $1500 question | Photo Hardware Discussions | The-Photo Forum
So the Z8's out, and assuming the new features of the Z8 make it to the Z9 in a FW update, what's the $1500 get you? As a Z9 owner for the last year I'm wondering for new buyers, or even for my own satisfaction, what benefits does the Z9 have that could make up for the additional $1500 cost - I saw Thom's list, but he's missing some differences that matter more to me than the ones he has listed. In the real market, it's not $1500 - which was a factor I missed when I said that Nikon would never do what they just have.
Z8 vs Z9 for the same price
Here is my dilemma: in order to upgrade my d500 for a better af tracking (bif / wildlife) I was looking at the z8. Yet they sell z9 for almost the same price (4.8k vs 4.3), both new, no grey market etc. so I’m not sure what is better. On the one hand the z8 is attractive, a bit smaller and... More on dpreview.com
59
1
June 21, 2023Z8 or Z9 with the 180-600mm lens?
I admit, I'm pretty novice compared to others on this sub, but $2k seems like a lot of money if your only reason for the Z9 is balance. More on reddit.com
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0
March 18, 2024Z8 vs Z9
I bought Z8 not Z9 because of the smaller form factor and I didn’t really need that second CFExpress port. Z8 allows me to decide if I want a battery from or not, rather than have it forced onto me. I also do a lot of photography up mountains at altitude, and weight matters, Z8 is the best trade off there, and critically will fit into most bags with a lens attached, flat, whereas the Z9 is just too deep. More on reddit.com
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1
June 3, 2024Z8 vs Z9 - bird photo quality: Nikon Z Mirrorless Talk Forum
Dear all, I know.. lots of comparisons before on this... I read them but I can't find the answer. I nearly placed an order for a new Z8 as I see that my D500 and D850 fps are too slow for Bird. But.. on a trip to the local park, a lady with Z9 + 400 2.8 TC, mentioned to me that she got Z8 and... More on dpreview.com
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Photography Life
photographylife.com › home › comparison › nikon z8 vs nikon z9: which one should you get?
Nikon Z8 vs Nikon Z9: Which One Should You Get?
October 15, 2025 - I have essentially all buttons ... Buy a photo vest and wear your gear. ... The Z8 offers lighter weight, no GPS, one card slot which is not useful when high speeds are needed....
Digital Photography Review
dpreview.com › forums › camera companies › nikon talk › nikon z mirrorless talk
Z8 vs Z9 for the same price: Nikon Z Mirrorless Talk Forum
June 21, 2023 - Here is my dilemma: in order to upgrade my d500 for a better af tracking (bif / wildlife) I was looking at the z8. Yet they sell z9 for almost the same price (4.8k vs 4.3), both new, no grey market etc. so I’m not sure what is better. On the one hand the z8 is attractive, a bit smaller and...
Camera Decision
cameradecision.com › compare › Nikon-Z8-vs-Nikon-Z9
Nikon Z8 vs Nikon Z9 Detailed Comparison
Large Full frame (35.9 x 23.9 mm) sensor Very High Resolution Sensor: 46.0MP Environmental Sealings Live-view Read the details Check the Best Nikon Z Mount Lenses for Landscape Photography · Large Full frame (35.9 x 23.9 mm) sensor Very High Resolution Sensor: 46.0MP Environmental Sealings Live-view Built-in GPS Read the details ... You may have already made your decision regarding which camera best suits your needs and budget. However, if you're curious about how we rated the Nikon Z8 and the Nikon Z9, below you'll find their scores across five different aspects.
Mirrorless Comparison
mirrorlesscomparison.com › home › nikon z8 vs z9 – the 10 main differences
Nikon Z8 vs Z9 - The 10 Main Differences - Mirrorless Comparison
May 15, 2025 - However, the choice between the Z8 and the Z9 ultimately boils down to personal preferences and, of course, your budget. The Z9 is larger and heavier, but it remains remarkably comfortable to use. Its 1.3kg weight didn’t pose any significant ...
Fstoppers
fstoppers.com › gear › should-buy-nikon-z8-or-z9-632864
Should You Buy the Nikon Z8 or Z9? | Fstoppers
May 16, 2023 - We spent roughly $1,500 more on our Z9 bodies and then Nikon released this camera with basically the same features for less. And, while I love my Z9, the larger body that I love on set does admittedly start to feel heavy if being used for more ...
Fstoppers
fstoppers.com › reviews › choosing-between-nikon-z9-and-z8-wildlife-photography-654849
Choosing Between the Nikon Z9 and Z8 for Wildlife Photography | Fstoppers
January 24, 2024 - Meanwhile, the Z8's smaller form factor allows for greater versatility and ease of use in a wider range of environments. This difference is particularly significant for those who mix wildlife photography with other styles like landscape or macro. Check out the video above for the full rundown from Mason. ... Nikon Releases Firmware Version 5.00 for the Z9 Mirrorless Camera, Enhancing Sports and Portrait Photography Features
Reddit
reddit.com › r/nikon › z8 or z9 with the 180-600mm lens?
r/Nikon on Reddit: Z8 or Z9 with the 180-600mm lens?
March 18, 2024 -
I'm deciding between the Z8 & Z9 for wildlife photography. I've heard that the Z9 is preferable for balancing long lenses. I'm curious, does this apply to the Nikon 180-600mm lens or is there not much of a difference in balance there?
Top answer 1 of 5
10
I admit, I'm pretty novice compared to others on this sub, but $2k seems like a lot of money if your only reason for the Z9 is balance.
2 of 5
8
I have the Z8 with the 180-600. Balances perfectly fine for me, both in hand and on a gimbal. Best advice I can give is if you can get to a shop to try then definitely do that, as it can be a personal preference.
Reddit
reddit.com › r/nikon › z8 vs z9
r/Nikon on Reddit: Z8 vs Z9
June 3, 2024 -
So I'm looking at moving to Mirrorless, leaving behind my D800.
I was originally looking at a Z6II/Z6III, but I've seen a few Z9's come up for sale and I am tempted by the Z8.... (Can anyone say gear creap?!) A used Z9 is about the same price as a used Z8, wondering what people think about the Z8 vs the Z9, any real advantages of either?
Top answer 1 of 5
9
I bought Z8 not Z9 because of the smaller form factor and I didn’t really need that second CFExpress port. Z8 allows me to decide if I want a battery from or not, rather than have it forced onto me. I also do a lot of photography up mountains at altitude, and weight matters, Z8 is the best trade off there, and critically will fit into most bags with a lens attached, flat, whereas the Z9 is just too deep.
2 of 5
6
The Z9 has significantly longer battery life and in my opinion a better form factor. But coming from a D800, you may not feel that strongly about the form factor/ergonomics. And the ergonomics can be fixed with a grip. And if you do video, the hot-swappable batteries of the grip on the 8 is pretty damned cool. I was coming from a D5 and a D6…and transitioned to a Z9 and the D6. Now I carry the Z9 and Z8 and the D6 rides in the bag for the handful of times where mirrorless blows. Other than the battery life and ergonomics…I’m not sure of any differences worth noting. You will love either. When Nikon releases a Z9H, I will sell one of these to buy it. Which, I’m not sure yet.
Digital Photography Review
dpreview.com › forums › camera companies › nikon talk › nikon z mirrorless talk
Z8 vs Z9 - bird photo quality: Nikon Z Mirrorless Talk Forum
March 24, 2024 - Dear all, I know.. lots of comparisons before on this... I read them but I can't find the answer. I nearly placed an order for a new Z8 as I see that my D500 and D850 fps are too slow for Bird. But.. on a trip to the local park, a lady with Z9 + 400 2.8 TC, mentioned to me that she got Z8 and...
Digital Camera World
digitalcameraworld.com › cameras › digital cameras › mirrorless cameras
This is the Nikon camera that I recommend most for pros – and I’ve never seen the price lower, even on Black Friday | Digital Camera World
3 days ago - ... An account already exists for this email address, please log in. ... By Hillary K. Grigonis published 29 April 2026 · The Nikon Z8 is an ideal blend of resolution and speed for pros – especially at its lowest ever price in the US
Digital Camera World
digitalcameraworld.com › cameras › digital cameras › mirrorless cameras
Nikon Z8 vs Z9: getting to grip with the big differences | Digital Camera World
June 21, 2023 - It’s not just the smaller size of the Z8 that makes it attractive, it’s price is also significantly lower than the Z9. It truly is the ‘baby Z9’. ... The best camera deals, reviews, product advice, and unmissable photography news, direct ...
Reddit
reddit.com › r/nikon_zseries › z8 vs z9
r/nikon_Zseries on Reddit: Z8 vs z9
May 29, 2025 -
What’s the difference between the z8 and z9 in terms of video capabilities? And which one do you suggest I get?
Top answer 1 of 3
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✅ Z9 Advantages • Better heat management: Ideal for long-form recording like interviews or documentaries. • Integrated vertical grip: Great for pro workflows, more battery life. ✅ Z8 Advantages • Much smaller/lighter: Great for gimbals, travel, and handheld. • Almost identical video specs: But at a lower price point. • Same codecs and quality: 12-bit RAW, ProRes, etc. ⸻ 💰 Price Difference (as of 2025) • Z8: ~$3,999 USD • Z9: ~$5,499 USD ⸻ 🧠 My Suggestion: • Get the Z8 if you: • Shoot handheld, travel, or with a gimbal. • Want the same cinema-level quality at a lower price. • Don’t need extended continuous recording beyond ~90 minutes in extreme conditions. • Get the Z9 if you: • Do long-form professional recording (e.g. weddings, interviews, live events). • Prefer an integrated grip for better ergonomics and battery life. • Want the most robust and thermally reliable setup Nikon offers.
2 of 3
3
This is what I posted a couple of weeks ago.. Not an AI. BEEP?. ERoRR D0es not coMpuTe 😁 If you want lighter, smaller, slightly better low light focusing, HEIF or pixel shift, get the z8 If you want better battery life, ethernet, longer video recording, two cfe slots, 3 programmable buttons on the front, built in portrait grip or GPS, go for the z9
Adorama
adorama.com › home › photography › nikon z8 vs nikon z9: what to know
Nikon Z8 vs Nikon Z9: What to Know - 42West, Adorama
June 22, 2023 - The Nikon Z8 suits action photographers, whether their subjects are people, weddings, wildlife, sports, or street life. The camera is weather-sealed, so outdoor shooting is encouraged.
BCG Forums
bcgforums.com › home › discussion forums › general photo discussion
Nikon z9 vs Z8…. Not what I expected… | Backcountry Gallery Photography Forums
November 28, 2024 - As it stands, the Z9 probably has the edge in AF performance... This is assuming its more recent firmware update (v5.0 13-iii-2024) incorporated the latest standard of Deep-Learning training of the subject detection.
BCG Forums
bcgforums.com › home › discussion forums › general photo discussion
Z8 and Z9, which do you use the most | Backcountry Gallery Photography Forums
March 5, 2024 - Click to expand... Did you mean to ask, Z9 and Z8? ... Click to expand... Yes, thank you ... For wildlife in motion, I find the Z9 superior because of its larger buffer. It’s also better balanced with long lenses. And, battery life is better.
Tonywhitehead
tonywhitehead.com › home › blog › nikon z8 better than z9 for bird photography (again)
Nikon Z8 Better than Z9 for Bird Photography (again) - WildLight Photography
July 17, 2025 - I hope that this will be incorporated into a firmware update for the Nikon Z9 as there is no hardware reason it cannot be done and the current flagship body should have this capability for those that have invested in it for wildlife work. Nikon has arguably the best track record of supporting cameras by updating their firmware but there has recently been some separation between the Z8 and Z9 with the Z9 not receiving the pixel shift option that the Z8 gained.
Zsentry
zsentry.com › nikon-z9-vs-z8-autofocus-p281
Nikon Z9 vs Z8 for Wildlife & Sports: A Focus on Autofocus - Zsentry
May 8, 2025 - The Z8’s smaller size, however, makes it less intimidating and more approachable, which can be advantageous when photographing people or in sensitive environments. The Z8 is also easier to pack and carry, making it a more convenient choice for travel and outdoor adventures. Both cameras offer exceptional build quality and weather sealing, ensuring reliable performance in a wide range of environmental conditions. The choice ultimately comes down to personal preference and how the camera feels in your hand. Choosing between the Nikon Z9 and Z8 is not about declaring a clear winner.