What is the difference between the Nikon FTZ and Nikon FTZ II adapters?

14. 03. 2024

Despite some FTZ II and also FTZ does not support autofocus with older AF-D screw-drive lenses, but as before these lenses can be mounted and used in manual focus mode. While it does work with Nikon's newer F-mount lenses such as the AF-S, AF-P and AF, it lacks the built-in autofocus motor required to drive older AF-D glass. As a result, many classic and affordable autofocus lenses are manual focus only.

But why the FTZ II?

With the announcement of the new Nikon Z9, which has a built-in battery grip, it became apparent that the hump on which the 1/4-inch tripod screw sits was impractical and made it impossible to use with the Z9. The hump and the screw went away, everything else stayed, so in terms of functionality, both adapters are exactly the same.

Visually, both adapters are almost identical. The only difference is the tripod hump of the original FTZ.

Should you buy the FTZ II adapter?

If you ask me this directly I'd probably hesitate, but I'd probably buy the new version of the FTZ II to save weight and size. However, if you have lenses where using a tripod screw with landscape orientation makes sense, then consider the decision in favor of the older FTZ adapter.

Conclusion

The FTZ II adapter is lighter in weight and more subtle than the first version of the FTZ adapter. If you really don't want a tripod mount the FTZ II is logically the better choice.

It is a great pity that the FTZ II is without a built-in motor. As a result, it lacks the screw drive needed to autofocus older AF-D lenses. However, if you have enough of the newer AF-S and AF-P lenses you will be perfectly happy.

	FTZ	FTZ II
Weight (weighted)	136 g	121 g
Width	70 mm	70 mm
Height	80 mm	70 mm
Supplied Accessories	Body Cap BF-1B Rear Cap LF-N1	Body Cap BF-1B Rear Cap LF-N1
Compatibility (until 2/21/2022)	Nikon Z50 Nikon Z5 Nikon Z6 Nikon Z6 II Nikon Z7 II Nikon Z fc	Nikon Z50 Nikon Z5 Nikon Z6 Nikon Z6 II Nikon Z7 II Nikon Z fc Nikon Z9

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