18/03/2026 11:51 pm
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honestly im just totally over lugging this heavy 500mm prime around the woods every morning. my back is literally screaming at me after an hour and i missed a gorgeous shot of a bald eagle near the creek yesterday because i was fumbling with my tripod legs... its just too much gear for one person. i love my z9 but honestly the weight is starting to ruin the hobby for me. i have a big trip to costa rica coming up in about three weeks and i really need a zoom that actually plays nice with the z mount. i was looking at the tamron 150-500mm since its native now but then i saw some people talking about the older 150-600mm g2 with the adapter and now im just confused and annoyed. i have about $1800 saved up and i just want something that wont make me regret leaving the house. does the 150-500mm autofocus actually keep up with the z9 speed or am i gonna be disappointed with more blurry birds? i just want something sharp and light enough to handhold while im hiking through the rainforest...
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19/03/2026 12:15 am
Regarding what #2 said about sticking to the native mount, I totally agree! It is a fantastic way to ensure your AF stays reliable! Since you have extra budget, definitely pick up a ProGrade Digital 325GB CFexpress Type B Cobalt for maximum data safety. Also, gettin a Think Tank Photo Digital Holster 50 V2.0 is an amazing way to protect your gear while hiking. Super secure... dont wanna risk any drops!
11
19/03/2026 12:05 am
Like someone mentioned, sticking to the native mount is basically the only way to go if you want to keep up with the Z9 AF speed, but I'm super satisfied with how much cash you can save over buying the heavy first-party glass. Saw this earlier and wanted to chime in because Costa Rica is a total dream trip. Quick question tho... do you already own the FTZ adapter or are you starting from a totally clean slate gear-wise? Since you're watching the budget, here's the deal:
- The Tamron 150-500mm f/5-6.7 Di III VC VXD for Z mount works well for handholding without killing your neck.
- Adapting that older Tamron SP 150-600mm f/5-6.3 Di VC USD G2 is just gonna give you the same heavy feeling you're trying to escape.
- The AF motors have no complaints from me when tracking birds in the brush. Tbh with that 1800 budget you could pick up the lens and still have like 600 bucks left over for the actual travel costs or maybe a lighter Peak Design Travel Tripod Carbon Fiber so you don't miss those creek shots again.
2
18/03/2026 11:51 pm
Honestly, skip the adapter. In my experience, the Tamron 150-500mm f/5-6.7 Di III VC VXD for Nikon Z is the winner for your trip.
- Native Z mount means way faster AF for those quick birds.
- Much more compact and lighter for hiking than the G2.
- Stabilization is way smoother on the Z9. The Tamron SP 150-600mm f/5-6.3 Di VC USD G2 for Nikon F is just too bulky once you add the FTZ. Go native and save your back.
