Those that want automated F-mount to Z-mount adapters now have three choices (prices are suggested list; sometimes these are discounted, particularly when bought with a camera):
- Nikon FTZ (US$249) — The original adapter features a tripod socket.
- Nikon FTZ II (US$249) — The updated adapter is sans tripod socket, and was designed for cameras which have vertical grips (e.g. Z9)
- Viltrox NF-Z (US$179) — A near clone of the original Nikon FTZ, including the tripod socket bulge at the bottom.
[Links are to this site's exclusive advertiser, B&H; note that B&H claims the original FTZ is discontinued, but it clearly is not at the present time, as it is available from the Nikon store and others.]
Before buying any of these, be sure to check the Compatibility page. Basically, all three of these choices are identical in what information they pass between lens and camera, but none have the autofocus screw mount motor that would be necessary for non-AF-S and some older D-type lenses.
The notion of a tripod mount at the bottom is controversial. As Nikon themselves discovered when they made the Z9, a camera with a vertical grip needs finger space on the vertical grip, and the tripod mount takes up much of that. Beyond that, some have issues with certain plates and other camera accessories due to the tripod mount hanging off so close to the body.
I would point out, however, that mounting the FTZ to a tripod instead of the camera means that the weight load balance on the two mounts (Z at the back, F at the front) is better distributed. That said, the tripod mount can be a nuisance with some accessories.
