Nikon Z5 vs Z6II
Hi everyone,
I am a hobby photographer looking to upgrade from my Nikon D5300 which I mainly shoot with the 35mm F1.8 lens and own no other lenses other than the kit lens (18-55, 70-300?).
I'm interested in the Nikon Z5 due to the good deals that are available for it at the moment, but worry about the AF/movement/low light limitations. Although I mainly shoot still subjects outdoors for travel/hobby (landscapes, portraits, architecture), if I invest in a new camera I'd be hoping to capture family moments for many years to come (eventually when I have kids, pets etc). I also would like to shoot more indoors.
However, a Z5II with a 24-120 and a 40mm F2 would be $4020, so a bit more of a splurge and it seems like it would be a bit steep for my type of photography. I have seen some really good deals on the Z6II, which although it does not have the EXPEED7 technology may have an improved AF for movement/low light compared to the Z5 from what I understand. My plan was to originally get the 24-120 lens due to more versatility with focal length and performance/sharpness? according to some users on this sub, but the Z6II comes with the 24-70 as the kit lens, which would save some money as well.
The options I have narrowed it down to are as follows:
Option 1: Nikon Z5 Body, 24-120 F4 S Lens, 40mm F2 Lens (Total Cost $3130 CAD)
Option 2: Nikon Z6II with 24-70 F4 S Lens, 40mm F2 Lens (Total Cost $3328 CAD)
Option 3: Nikon Z6II with 24-120 F4 S Lens, 40mm F2 Lens (Total Cost $3777 CAD)
Overall, would option 1, 2 or 3 make the most sense (trying to balance cost and performance for my scenario)?
Posted May 1, 2026, 5:49 PM UTC