Is the Nikon Z6 II Good for Bird Photography?

The Nikon Z6 II is one of the newest and most advanced mirrorless cameras on the market. With its full-frame 24.5MP BSI CMOS sensor, fast burst modes, and robustautofocus system, it seems well-suited for bird and wildlife photography. But how does it actually perform for capturing birds in action?

In this in-depth review, we’ll take a close look at the Z6 II’s capabilities for bird photography, including its strengths, weaknesses, Nikon Z6II flash and how it compares to popular DSLRs like the Nikon D500.

Overview of the Nikon Z6 II

Announced in October 2020, the Z6 II is Nikon’s mid-range model in the Z-series mirrorless lineup. It’s the updated version of 2018’s original Z6, with improvements like dual EXPEED 6 processors and dual card slots. Key specs include:

24.5MP BSI CMOS sensor
ISO 64-25600 (exp. to ISO 32-102400)
Up to 14fps continuous shooting
273-point hybrid AF system
5-axis in-body image stabilization
UHD 4K video at 30p, Full HD at 120p
0.8x magnification 3.6m dot EVF
3.2” tilting touchscreen LCD
Weather-sealed magnesium alloy body

This makes the Z6 II highly appealing on paper for photographing birds. The 24MP resolution provides plenty of detail and flexibility for cropping. The fast burst speed and deep buffer of the dual processors allow for capturing action and sequences. And the phase-detect AF system covers a wide area of the image frame.

But camera specs don’t always tell the whole story. Let’s dive deeper into how the Z6 II performs in real-world bird photography.

Benefits of the Z6 II for Birding

The Nikon Z6 II has a lot of features that make it promising for bird photography on paper. Here are some of the main benefits it offers:

Excellent Image Quality

Thanks to its 24.5MP BSI CMOS sensor and EXPEED 6 processing, the Z6 II delivers outstanding image quality with crisp details, vivid colors, and excellent dynamic range. The larger sensor size outperforms smaller format cameras, and provides cleaner images at higher ISOs. This allows using faster shutter speeds to freeze motion while maintaining low noise.

4K Video Capabilities

In addition to great stills, the Z6 II provides UHD 4K video recording at 30fps, using the full width of the sensor for high resolution footage. For slow motion, it can shoot Full HD video at 120fps. This makes it versatile for capturing both photos and videos of birds.

Phase Detect AF System

The Z6 II has a 273-point phase detect autofocus system that covers 90% of the image area. This provides wide coverage for locking focus on birds throughout the frame. The Hybrid AF system also includes contrast detection points for even greater precision.

Fast 14fps Burst Shooting

Being able to shoot bursts is critical for photographing moving birds. The Z6 II can fire off bursts at up to 14 frames per second in its high-speed continuous mode. This provides ample opportunities to capture the perfect wing position and movement.

In-Body 5-Axis Image Stabilization

With up to 5 stops of stabilization, it’s possible to shoot handheld at slower shutter speeds while maintaining sharpness. This allows using lower ISOs and smaller apertures to maximize image quality. The stabilization counters camera shake for steadier shots.

Silent Shutter Mode

The electronic shutter provides a completely silent shooting option. This is invaluable for photographing skittish birds without disturbing them. You can get right up close for frame-filling shots without any loud shutter slap.

Robust Weather Sealed Body

The Z6 II has extensive weather sealing and a durable magnesium alloy construction. Combined with native Z-mount lenses with weather sealing, you can shoot for prolonged periods even in wet or dusty environments. It can handle light rain or snow with ease.

Drawbacks of the Z6 II for Birding

While the Z6 II has some compelling benefits, it’s not without a few shortcomings – especially when it comes to photographing fast, erratic bird motion. Here are some of the key downsides toconsider:

Buffer Fill Issues in High-Speed Burst Mode

While the Z6 II is capable of 14fps bursts, the buffer fills up very quickly. After just 2-3 seconds of shooting, the buffer is full. This causes the viewfinder display to freeze between shots, making it near impossible to follow and track unpredictable bird movement.

Overheating Concerns when Shooting Long Bursts

Along with buffer restrictions, the Z6 II is prone to overheating when capturing long high-speed bursts. This again limits the ability to shoot erratic birds in action over extended periods.

Subject Tracking AF Performance

While the Z6 II has a capable AF system, its subject tracking performance is a step behind pro-oriented DSLRs like the D500/D5. It struggles to lock onto and maintain focus on erratically moving birds consistently. The hit rate is lower for these challenging subjects.

No Built-In Flash

Unlike Nikon DSLRs, the Z6 II does not have a built-in flash. This takes away the ability to use convenient fill flash to balance shadows on brightly lit birds. An external flash unit becomes mandatory.

Single XQD Card Slot

The Z6 II has only a single card slot, which can be a risk for professionals. While you can add a second SD slot, many pro photographers insist on dual card slots for instant backups.

Battery Life

While mirrorless cameras are energy efficient, the Z6 II has only average battery life of around 300-400 shots per charge. You’ll need multiple batteries for heavy all-day shooting – an added expense.

Nikon Z6 II vs D500 for Bird Photography

The Nikon D500 has earned its reputation as one of the best DSLRs for birding and wildlife photography. Its robust autofocus, fast burst speed, and rugged build make it a favorite among pro photographers. How does the newer mirrorless Z6 II compare for photographing birds in action?

Sensor Resolution

Z6 II: 24.5MP full-frame sensor
D500: 20.9MP APS-C sensor

The Z6 II offers higher resolution, providing more flexibility for cropping. But the D500’s smaller sensor means a 1.5x crop factor that effectively gives it more “reach”.

Continuous Shooting Rate

Z6 II: 14 fps
D500: 10 fps

The Z6 II can shoot faster bursts, helpful for sequences of birds in flight or other action.

Autofocus System

Z6 II: 273-point phase-detect AF
D500 153-point phase-detect AF

While the Z6 II has more AF points, the D500’s system demonstrates superior performance and consistency tracking erratic motion.

Buffer Capacity

Z6 II: Small buffer fills quickly
D500: Large buffer sustains long bursts

The D500 has a much larger buffer that keeps shooting even at 10fps for an impressive 200 RAW shots. The Z6 II buffer fills after just 2-3 seconds.

Viewfinder Blackout

Z6 II: EVF blacks out when buffer fills
D500: Optical viewfinder continues tracking subjects

The electronic viewfinder of the Z6 II suffers from lag and blackout as the buffer fills. The D500’s optical viewfinder maintains real-time tracking.

Focus Calibration Options

Z6 II: No AF fine tuning
D500: Per-lens AF fine tune

The D500 allows you to fine tune autofocus for each lens. The Z6 II lacks any AF calibration options.

Environmental Protection

Z6 II: Weather sealing
D500: Full magnesium body with 200k shutter rating

The D500 has more robust construction to withstand professional use in any environment.

Cost

Z6 II: $1999 body only
D500: $1299 body only

The D500 gives you outstanding performance and durability at a much lower price point.

Verdict

For advanced and professional bird photography, the D500 remains the better option compared to the Z6 II. The optical viewfinder, bigger buffer, lens calibration and rugged build are significant advantages the Z6 II can’t match. The mirrorless model is fantastic for amateur and hobbyist photographers, but currently has limitations for shooting demanding birding scenarios. You can learn more about these at FilmingLab.

Is the Z6 II a Good Fit For Your Needs?

The Nikon Z6 II is hugely capable mirrorless camera that can work very well for bird photography – but with some caveats. Here are some key points to help determine if it’s a good match for your shooting style and needs:

Better suited for:

Amateur and enthusiast photographers
Photographing static or perched birds
Portraits and relaxed bird behavior
Slow, predictable bird motion
Shorter bursts of under 5 seconds
Shooting relaxed on a tripod

The Z6 II excels when you have calm, cooperative bird subjects. You can take advantage of the full resolution, dynamic range, fast AF and silent shutter without running into buffer/tracking issues. Handheld shooting is very effective for short bursts.

Less ideal for:

Professional/demanding use cases
High action scenarios
Fast, erratic bird motion
Tracking birds in long burst sequences
All-day shoots in tough environments

For these scenarios, the Z6 II’s autofocus, burst rate, buffer, blackout and tracking issues make it less reliable. The optical viewfinder and robust build of a D500/D5 would be better suited.

Recommended Lenses

To get the most out of the Z6 II for birding, pair it with high-quality Z-mount lenses like:

Nikkor Z 70-200mm f/2.8 S – versatile telezoom
Nikkor Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 – extra reach
Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/4 S – wide landscape/habitat shots
Nikkor Z 20mm f/1.8 S – low-light prime

Quality glass helps maximize the full potential of the high-res sensor. Take advantage of the wide Z lens mount and S-line pro lens features.

Budget Friendly Alternative

If the Z6 II doesn’t meet your requirements, consider the DX-format Nikon D7500 as an affordable DSLR option well-suited for birding.

So in summary – the Z6 II has lots of enticing benefits on paper. But for certain types of photography, the current DSLR models still have some key advantages in real world use. Assess your own shooting needs to help decide if it’s the best investment.

Tips for Making the Most of the Nikon Z6 II for Bird Photography

While the Nikon Z6 II may not be the ideal choice for all types of bird photography, you can still get great results with it in many scenarios. Here are some tips to help maximize the Z6 II’s potential for capturing birds in the field:

Use Single Point or Dynamic Area AF Mode

The Z6 II’s wide 273-point AF coverage is great, but you often just need precise focus on a small part of the frame. Switch to single-point or dynamic-area AF modes, and use the rear AF joystick to quickly move the focus point around. This gives you enhanced control over focus placement.

Pre-Focus on Perches or Flight Paths

To increase your chances of sharpness with erratic birds, try pre-focusing on spots where you predict the birds will be. For example, pre-focus on a favorite perch or branch and wait for the bird to land there. Also focus on gaps in foliage or along a shoreline flight path.

Allow Extra Distance with Telephotos

The AF system can struggle to lock onto highly erratic or rapidly approaching birds. To help it out, allow a bit of extra distance than you normally might with a telephoto lens. The extra reaction time helps improve sharpness.

Shoot Wide Bursts at 5-8 fps

The full 14fps burst speed fills the buffer too quickly. For smoother shooting, set the drive mode to 5-8fps. This allows 10 second+ bursts you can actually track through the viewfinder, while still freezing motion well.

Use High-Speed SD Cards

To reduce the risk of buffer overrun and blackout, invest in the fastest XQD or SD cards possible. Cards with write speeds of 100-150MB/s help extend the burst duration by quickly clearing the buffer as you shoot.

Add a Battery Grip

Adding the optional MB-N11 battery grip provides extended shooting time with the use of two batteries. This helps get through all-day shoots without battery changes. The grip also enhances handling for vertical/portrait shooting.

Try Shooting on a Tripod

When your subjects allow it, take advantage of shooting on a tripod. This eliminates camera shake, and combined with the EVF and in-body stabilization lets you easily capture tack sharp images using slower ISOs, apertures, and shutter speeds.

Update Firmware & Try Different Settings

Regular firmware updates may provide autofocus and performance improvements over time. Also try tweaking the various custom settings and AF options to see if you can improve the hit rate and consistency.

Is the Nikon Z6 II Worth It for Bird Photography?

So in the end, is the Nikon Z6 II worth considering for bird photography? Here is a final verdict:

The Z6 II is highly recommended if:

You’re an enthusiast or semi-pro photographer
You primarily shoot static or slow-moving birds
You value resolution, dynamic range, and image quality

The Z6 II may not be the best choice if:

You’re a professional or very serious bird photographer
You require fast burst rates and robust tracking
You shoot lots of erratic action and sequences

The Z6 II is a versatile all-rounder, but for advanced birding, the D500/D5 is still ahead for focus and burst capabilities.

That said, the Z6 II is an extremely capable camera that most bird photographers would be able to capture great images with. The image quality, focusing, and speed are huge steps up from entry-level cameras. For many enthusiasts, it represents a fantastic balance of performance and value.

If investing in the Z system, also budget for pro-level Z-mount lenses to take full advantage of the larger mount and high resolution. While not ideally suited for every type of bird photography, the Z6 II remains a compelling option for those seeking an affordable, lightweight, and full-featured camera for wildlife and action shooting.

The Bottom Line:

The Nikon Z6 II is a highly versatile mirrorless camera that’s well-suited for bird photography, with some limitations for action scenarios. Try renting one to experience the advantages of its image quality, focusing capabilities and burst speed. Determine if it meets your needs and shooting style before making any purchasing decisions. For many birders, the Z6 II provides an excellent balance of performance and value in a lightweight mirrorless design.

FAQs about Using the Nikon Z6 II for Bird Photography

Q: Does the Z6 II have a crop / teleconverter mode?

A: No, the Z6 II has a full-frame sensor without a built-in crop mode. You can crop images later while editing. Using DX lenses will automatically crop the image as well. There are no in-camera teleconverter options, but teleconverters can be used between the camera and telephoto lenses.

Q: How is the Z6 II for tracking small, fast-moving birds?

A: Its wide-area phase detect AF system can track subjects well in many scenarios. But for small, unpredictable birds it often struggles to lock focus and maintain tracking consistently. A D500 or D5 would be more reliable.

Q: Does the Z6 II have a silent / quiet shutter mode?

A: Yes, the electronic shutter provides a completely silent shooting mode since there is no mechanical shutter action. This is ideal for photographing wary birds up close without disturbing them.

Q: Is lens stabilization or in-body stabilization better?

A: For maximum effectiveness, having both lens stabilization and in-body stabilization work together provides the best results. In-body stabilization can complement optical stabilization for ultra-sharp handheld images.

Q: How long does the Z6 II battery last when shooting birds?

A: Expect 300-400 shots per charge while using the rear LCD. Adding the grip can extend this to 700+ shots with two batteries. Have spares ready for all-day birding trips.

Q: Which Z lenses are best suited for bird photography?

A: The Z 70-200mm f/2.8 S is an excellent versatile telezoom. For extra reach, the 100-400mm Z lens lets you photograph distant birds. Wide options like the 14-30mm f/4 or 24-70mm f/4 are great landscape lenses to complement bird images showing their habitat and environment.

Q: Should I upgrade to the Z6 II from an older camera?

A: If you’re still shooting with an older DSLR like a D7100/D7200, the Z6 II represents a major upgrade in resolution, speed, video, dynamic range and autofocus capabilities. For owners of recent high-end DSLRs, the advantages may be less substantial.

Conclusion

The Nikon Z6 II is an impressive hybrid camera that delivers excellent image quality and speed in a compact mirrorless design. However, it has some limitations for capturing fast, erratic bird motion compared to top-tier DSLRs like the Nikon D500.

The Z6 II excels at landscape shots, portraits, and photographing relaxed bird behaviors. But for inconsistent, rapid action, the autofocus system struggles to consistently track subjects. The small buffer and blackout issues further hinder capturing sequences.

That said, the Z6 II produces fantastic results for many types of bird photography. With refinement of the technology, future Z-series models will likely meet or beat DSLR performance.

For now, the D500 remains the benchmark for demanding bird action. But the Z6 II is highly capable in the right hands. Assess your needs and try renting it before purchasing to determine if it meets your requirements.