Hi everyone,

I have been using Nikon gear for 10+ years along with my associate and incrementally upgraded towards a full set of Z lenses and bodies.

After years with disappointing Z6/Z7 and the ii variants I'm finally happy with the Z9, but I have wrist issues and Nikon constantly seems to aim towards big heavy bodies and lenses. I have preordered the Z8, but its still almost 30% heavier than the R5 and the A1. I'm also a big 35mm user and I'm scared of the weight of the upcoming 35 1.2.

Are there any Nikon Z9 shooters with solid experience with its direct competitors regarding handling and autofocus performance, also during dance floor bounce flash situations? Thank you.

I’m a very happy R5 owner, but also a tech geek.

When Sony came out with the A1, I really couldn’t understand what the draw was? It seemed to be almost identical to the R5 but significantly more expensive.

Now the Z9 is doing the same thing. Comparing the stats, they seem almost identical. The R5 actually has a higher mechanical FPS over the A1… if I read correctly the Z9 has 30 fps mechanical?

I’ve seen some reviews comparing to the R3…. But I also don’t understand that camera.

I guess this is to say, what am I missing? While not cheap, the R5 seems to offer pretty much all of the features that these other big bodies have.

Anyone seen a good link or have some insight?