Nikon has new instant rebates active in the US, and as I used to do with DSLRs, I’m going to point out the real bargains:
- Z5 (US$1000) — Much like the D600 established the entry level for full frame in DSLRs, the Z5 does the same for full frame mirrorless. No competitor comes close to touching a Z5 at this price. Casual photographers love this camera, as it’s got great specs for the price, does most jobs exceedingly well, and doesn’t bankrupt a household to acquire it.
- Z6 II (US$1700) — As much as some malign Nikon’s basic prosumer model, this camera is an incredible bargain at this price. Yes, we all wish it had the new subject detection AF system, but exactly what else is a problem? Highly competent at stills and video.
- 17-28mm f/2.8 (US$1000) — Everybody complained when this Tamrikon lens showed up at higher-than-Tamron price. Well, guess what? It’s now essentially at Tamron price when on sale. If you can’t afford the 14-24mm f/2.8 S wide-angle zoom, this lens is the one you consider first. Likewise, it’s Tamrikon cousin, the 28-75mm f/2.8, is on sale for US$300 off, as well. Remember, the Z5/Z6 have sensor-based VR, which works fine for these focal lengths. At discounted prices, these two lenses are the Z5 user’s fast-zoom combo (with the 70-180mm f/2.8 on the road map).
- 24-70mm f/2.8 S (US$2100) — Optically, this lens is a gem. If you think the 24-70mm f/4 S is good, you’re in for a surprise with this lens, as it’s clearly better, and arguably one of the best mid-range zooms ever made. Any discount is worth considering, so US$300 off list is almost compelling if you need an excellent, fast, mid-range zoom.
- 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S (US$2500) — Yes, the price still seems on the high side to some, but this is a highly versatile lens unlike any other 80-400mm type Nikon has ever made. For that matter, I don’t know of any competitor’s similar lens that outshines it. It takes the 1.4x teleconverter well, too.
- 400mm f/4.5 VR S (US$3000) — I’m a little surprised this lens is now on discount and not completely sold out. It’s light, it’s excellent optically, it handles the teleconverters well, and it’s a true bargain at this price. Nikon really doesn’t sell exotics at this low a price, and this lens arguably qualifies as as a full-on exotic.
Plenty of other Nikon Z products are on sale this month, but the ones I listed above are the ones that really stood out to me as excellent products at excellent prices. The links are to my reviews.
Support this site by using this site’s exclusive advertiser to purchase the products (use any B&H link on the site to start the purchase process).
