FTZ Adapter Compatibility | Thom Hogan (2024)

FTZ Adapters

Available Automated F-Mount Adapters »

The FTZ adapter allows use of Nikon F mount lenses on Z cameras. The original FTZ adapter (above) includes a tripod foot. The FTZ II adapter launched with the Z9 camera is identical to the original other than not having the tripod foot (foot interferes with vertical grip on the Z9).

As I outlined in an earlier article , there a number of things that need to be supported in a perfect adapter:

Autofocus by in-lens motor (e.g. AF-I, AF-S, or AF-P) FTZ supports
Autofocus by camera screwdrive motor (many older D lenses)
Focus confirmation with in-viewfinder rangefinder FTZ supports with some exceptions
VR support FTZ supports (requires manual data input)
Manual focus FTZ supports
Exposure modes (P A S M) FTZ supports with some exceptions
Metering FTZ supports with some exceptions

The following is the full compatibility chart you need to be aware of:

AF-I, AF-S, AF-P lenses: fully compatible (but AF-I lenses can't be used with the focus stack shooting feature).
G and D type lenses with screw drive autofocus: do not autofocus, otherwise fully compatible. The FTZ Adapter does not have the motor necessary to focus these lenses, thus they must be focused manually. Lenses with aperture rings must be set to their minimum aperture.
Other earlier AF lenses: no focus features, but will mount and meter.
PC-E lenses: no autofocus features as they're all manual focus lenses, otherwise fully compatible except for the 85mm f/2.8D version, which can only be used in Manual exposure mode.
AI-P lenses: no autofocus features as they're manual focus lenses, otherwise fully compatible.
AI lenses (including original E series lenses): manual focus, meter in Aperture and Manual exposure modes only,camera will show F--, maximum aperture is the only thing that will be recorded in EXIF data (assuming you input Non-CPU lens data). If you want to use VR focal length must be entered correctly in Non-CPU data for VR to function properly.
pre-AI lenses (no index tab):manual focus, meter in Aperture and Manual exposure modes only,camera will show F--, maximum aperture is the only thing that will be recorded in EXIF data (assuming you input Non-CPU lens data).If you want to use VR focal length must be entered correctly in Non-CPU data for VR to function properly.

Nikon's usual list of specific lenses that are incompatible—which has remained the same for over a decade—continues to be the same. Things like the TC-16A and old AU-I focus lenses, for instance, as well as some specific serial numbers for some older lenses. But none of these lenses would work on a modern Nikon DSLR, either, so I don't think it important to list them here.

Nikon does caution about using lenses over 46 ounces (1300g) on the FTZ adapter. The 70-200mm f/2.8E is just over that mark. Doing some quick and dirty measurements, on an F-mount camera the torque due to weight of the 70-200mm is about 0.5 ft-lbs on the mount, while that increases by about 25% to about 0.7 ft-lbs sitting out front on an FTZ adapter. So be careful of supporting heavy lenses by the lens when using them on the FTZ adapter.

Third party lens makers have their own information on which of their lenses work on the FTZ adapter: Sigma, Tamron.

The Arca-style foot Thom uses for his FTZ adapter is theStabil FTZF.

Thom's Comments about the FTZ Adapter: With the exception of Nikon screw-drive lenses and older third-party lenses, the FTZ basically just works, and makes it easy to contemplate moving from Nikon DSLR to Nikon mirrorless for most. Every Nikon Z owner should probably have an FTZ Adapter. Note that some early versions were very tight in the mount. Also be careful to support heavy lenses by the lens, not the camera. Z9 owners should opt for the FTZ II adapter, otherwise you'll find hand space compromised when using the vertical grip.

Support this site by purchasing from the following advertiser:

Jan 23, 2022

FAQs

What is the disadvantage of using a FTZ adapter? ›

There's no glass in either of the Nikon FTZ mount adapters so image quality is completely dependent on the F-mount lens that you're using.

Keep Reading ›

Does the FTZ adapter affect quality? ›

On the bright side, Nikon is right to state that there is no loss of sharpness when using the FTZ adapter versus natively using the F-mount lens on a DSLR. We tested several lenses on both the D850 and the Z7 with the FTZ adapter, and the results were consistent – both images were equally sharp each time.

Which lenses work with FTZ? ›

Essentially all Nikon F-mount lenses for (D)SLRs can work with the FTZ and FTZii, although there are some exceptions. However, to maintain AF, you need AF-S lenses (and the earlier, uncommon AF-I), including AF-P lenses. There must be an AF motor inside the lens to get AF with Z bodies.

Tell Me More ›

What is the difference between FTZ and FTZ 2 adapter? ›

Introduction. The FTZ and FTZ II are the same, except that the FTZ II has no tripod foot so it's easier to use with the Z9 and it's large grip. Otherwise these are the same adapters and I won't mention any more about one versus the other; they each work exactly the same as the other.

Get More Info ›

What operations are not allowed in a FTZ zone? ›

Retail trade is not permitted in Foreign-Trade Zones. While FTZs are designated as international commerce sites, they remain within the jurisdiction of all applicable local, state and federal agencies, which may still require import licenses or permits for activities within the FTZ.

Tell Me More ›

What are the cons of FTZ? ›

DISADVANTAGES OF FOREIGN-TRADE ZONES

The Board may also place restrictions on certain types of goods, the kinds of operations on goods within the Zone, the entry of the goods into the stream of commerce or similar transactions or activities. Products subject to internal revenue tax may not be manufactured in a Zone.

Learn More ›

Does the FTZ adapter change the focal length? ›

Is F mount lens precision and performance reduced when used with an FTZ mount adapter on a Z-series camera? No. There are no changes to focal length(s) or aperture value(s) and lens performance is the same as when it is mounted on a D-SLR.

Tell Me More ›

Is the FTZ II adapter worth it? ›

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.

View Details ›

Does autofocus work with FTZ adapter? ›

Autofocus by in-lens motor (e.g. AF-I, AF-S, or AF-P) FTZ supports. Autofocus by camera screwdrive motor (many older D lenses) Focus confirmation with in-viewfinder rangefinder FTZ supports with some exceptions. VR support FTZ supports (requires manual data input)

View Details ›

Can you use teleconverter with FTZ? ›

Yes, if you wish to teleconvert F mount lenses, using F mount teleconverters is the way you have to do it. F lens -> F tele -> FTZ -> Z camera.

Discover More Details ›

Will sigma lens work with FTZ adapter? ›

In fact, all F mount SIGMA Art, Sport and Contemporary lenses are officially compatible with the FTZ and FTZ II adapters.

Find Out More ›

Is the FTZ adapter weather sealed? ›

Weather sealed.

It's extensively weather-sealed to preserve the performance of pro-level cameras and lenses.

Read The Full Story ›

What are the two types of FTZs? ›

There are two types of foreign-trade zones - General Purpose Zones and Subzones. General Purpose Zones are usually an industrial park or port complex whose facilities are available for use by the general public.

Read On ›

Can I use my old lenses on Nikon Z? ›

An added benefit of using your older F-mount lenses is the built-in Vibration Reduction image stabilization of the Z series cameras that feature in-camera VR, so lenses without VR now become image stabilized using 3-axis VR (Pitch/Yaw and Roll), and compatible F-mount NIKKOR lenses with VR (Pitch and Yaw) get the ...

Discover More ›

What does FTZ stand for? ›

Foreign-Trade Zones (FTZ) are secure areas under U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) supervision that are generally considered outside CBP territory upon activation.

What are the negative effects of Free Trade Zones? ›

The negative effects of free trade zones are the job losses in some industries associated with specialization. What are the characteristics of free trade zone? Free trade zones have minimal trade barriers (tariffs, quotas, and other barriers) and are intended to increase trade between countries.

Tell Me More ›

What are the disadvantages of free trade area? ›

The disadvantages are twofold. If FTAs are not set up within the right framework of policies, they can diminish rather than enhance economic welfare. The second disadvantage is that they are not good vehicles for liberalising trade in sectors on which parties outside the agreement have a major influence.

What is one advantage of a FTZ? ›

The Advantages of Using a Foreign-Trade Zone

Certain tangible personal property is generally exempt from state and local ad valorem taxes. Goods may be exported from the zone free of duty and excise tax. CBP security requirements provide protection against theft.