The Nikon Z6 II is one of the best do-it-all cameras and it can be set up and configured for many different styles of photography or videography. This guide covers some of the best most essential accessories that you’ll likely need to get you going.
Or to say it more simply, this is what I love and use for my Nikon Z6.
Table Of Contents
Nikon Z6 II – Amazon / Adorama / B&H
Nikon Z7 II – Amazon / Adorama / B&H
Top 5 Most Essential Accessories
1. Batteries
The Nikon Z6 II and Z7 II have decently-sized batteries with good power. I typically can get through an average day of shooting on one battery, but there are often when I’m shooting video or longer events where I’m shooting a thousand photos or more, where I will need two batteries.
I have one Nikon battery and two third-party batteries. I mostly use the official Nikon battery and only use the third-party batteries for backup and this has been a great system for the last few years.
The Nikon batteries are always dependable, but many of the third-party brands are now making great batteries and I never have issues anymore with the good third-party brands of batteries which I’ll list here.
Note: Nikon has upgraded the battery since the original Nikon Z6 and Z7. The new official battery is now called the Nikon EN-EL15c. Previously it was called the Nikon EN-EL15b. This new battery is still 7-Volts but it got a pretty significant bump to the total power putting it at 2280mAh vs the old battery, which was at 1900 mAh.
Official Nikon EN-EL15C Battery
The Official Nikon Z6 II or Z7 II batteries are great if you are going to be using a second battery often. They are always reliable and always have good power output and capacity. I typically use Nikon batteries as my main battery and only go to third-party batteries if I happen to need a spare, which is rare. Specs: 2280mAh |
Big Mike BatteriesThe Big Mike Batteries are what I’ve been using as my spare batteries since the Nikon Z6 came out. From my experience, these are the best third-party batteries for the Nikon Z6 II right now. – I’m using the older Z6 versions. I typically try to use the official Nikon battery that came with my camera as much as possible. However when I forget to charge it, or when it’s low and I need to switch out in the field, I’d prefer to go for the third-party batteries as my backups. Both Nikon official batteries and Big Mike batteries can get me through a full day of at least 4-5 hours of street shooting. When I get into situations where I’m shooting more than 1,000 photos, then I’ll likely need two batteries for the day. Note: It is always a little bit of a risk buying third-party batteries with Nikon since their camera firmware is a bit picky about what batteries are allowed. My BM batteries work perfectly in my camera, I can charge them in the camera, and I can charge them with the official Nikon charger. I see some people occasionally get batteries that do not work, possibly older products. Just go into third-party batteries with reasonable expectations, and understand that you potentially could be just one firmware update losing compatibility, so it’s always a good idea to have at least one or two official Nikon batteries. The new BM batteries for the Nikon Z6 II and Z7 II have a rating of 2280mAh. The older batteries were only 2200mAh. keep an eye on that difference when trying to buy them. Specs: 2280 mAh Available At: Amazon With Charger: Amazon |
2. Screen Protector
Screen protectors are a fantastic way to preserve the life of your camera and minimize wear and tear. It’s easier to replace the screen protector than the screen.
There are a lot of options for screen protectors. I usually go with Expert Shield just because they’re great and they have three different styles, glass, anti-glare, or crystal clear. But the problem with Exper Shield is they only give you one single screen protector. So if you mess up, you have to go through their warranty process before you can get a new one, which could take weeks.
Debous makes a nice glass screen protector, and it comes in a 3 pack. So if you mess one up or need a new one after a few years, you’re set with plenty of backups.
Debous Screen Protector Nikon Z6 II / Z7 IIThe debous Screen protector is made of glass and offers a 9H hardness rating. This kit comes with three screen protectors and a protector for the top display. This is probably one of the best screen protectors for the Nikon Z6 II or Z7 II since you get a nice kit that even comes with a little hot shoe level and a top display protector. Note: The screen protector manufacturing process is not perfect, so it’s still possible to get a bad cut from time to time. To apply the screen protector, it’s also best to do it in a dust-free environment. I usually apply my screen protectors in the bathroom with the shower running hot water. The steam will remove dust from the air. Available At: Amazon |
3. Memory Cards
The reason Memory cards make the list is not just because they are a required, must-have item for the Z6 II or Z7 II, but I add this list because buying memory cards can be tricky, and it’s very easy to waste money buying way more than what you’ll ever need.
The Z6 II and Z7 II feature a dual memory card slot. In slot 1 you can use XQD or CFexpress cards. In Slot 2 you can use up to UHS-II SD memory cards. You can use just one XQD or CFexpress card, or just one UHS-II or UHS-I SD card as well.
You probably don’t need the fastest memory cards for the Nikon Z6 II since CFexpress cards operate well beyond what the camera can output, and the cameras don’t even come close to maxing out the capabilities of even the slowest cards.
The trick is to buy the right UHS-II cards so that you don’t bottleneck that CFexpress performance when running in a backup configuration.
See the full guide to memory cards for memory cards here.
Best SD Cards Nikon Z6 II / Z7 II
4. Cases & Grips
Grips are a great way to add some extra protection or usability to your camera, especially if you have large hands or need to enhance comfort. I’ve kept a grip on my Z6 for a few reasons – I use a Lim’s case which has a built-in Arca-Type base plate as the metal base of the grip. This means I can just use the camera as is without having to attach an extra plate to mount to my tripods.
This case also enhances the grip and protects parts of the camera.
Lim’s Leather Half Case Nikon Z6II Z7IILim’s leather half case is made of genuine leather that should last you a few years. Mine is going strong after two years of heavy use, in the rain, snow, at the beat, etc. The half grip comes with a small aluminum plate mounted to the bottom that works on Arca-type compatible tripod heads. Available At: Amazon |
5. Straps
Straps are a very personal accessory. Some people like simple leather straps, ropes, or no straps, and some people like to go full tactical with various straps and clips all over their bodies.
I use a simple Peak Design setup that uses a strap plus a hand strap. This allows me to wear the strap when I’m commuting, then take it off when I’m shooting but this still leaves me with a handgrip.
I think these are probably some of the best straps for the Nikon Z6 II or Z7 II. At least it’s my favorite setup, and I’ve gone through a ton of straps.
Peak Design Clutch Camera Strap
Peak design clutch is a hand strap takes does not mount to the camera with the removable anchors, but, it has anchor points for those on the base plate (which mounts to Arca-Type tripods) and anchor points to the tension clip. This allows you to keep the hand strap on, and mount other peak design straps directly to it with the anchors. |
Peak Design Slide Lite
Peak Design makes a few different types of staps in various sizes, a Slide Lite, and just the regular slide. What’s right for you probably depends on how heavy of a system you run around with. If you’re using big lenses with a vertical battery grip, then you might want the support of the bigger strap. I typically just use prime lenses so the Slide Lite works for me. Overall these are great straps because they are so easy to use, adjust, and take off or put on. |
General Photography Accessories To Have
Besides Nikon-specific accessories, here is a list of some great general-purpose accessories that might come in handy.
Camera Cleaning Accessories
While you can get by with just a T-shirt and your breath for most things, there are still oftentimes when you need to give your camera a deep cleaning, and here are some great accessories that I use regularly for this.
6-Pack Micro Fiber Cleaning ClothsIt doesn’t matter what brand of micro-fiber cleaning cloths you go with, but this 6-pack will give you a nice supply that you can stuff in your camera bags for emergency use, like when it’s humid out and you accidentally touch your lens. Available At: Amazon |
Rocket Air Blasters
There are a few sizes, I mostly use the medium size. Available At: Amazon |
Sensor Brush To Clean Your Sensor If you get into a situation where you need to know how to clean your sensor on the Nikon Z6 II, there are a few tricks. I like to use the sensor brush as my first line of attack. Usually, when my sensor is dirty, it’s a stuck piece of dust or something that won’t come off. In these situations, I like to use the sensor brush to pull the dust off. Occasionally you can also just use the corner of a fresh, microfiber cleaning cloth or something as well, but a properly maintained sensor brush is the best your best option in this situation. If you touched your sensor and have oil and grease on it, then you’ll likely need to do the wet method of cleaning your sensor. There is a guide on how to clean your sensor here. Available At: Amazon |
Lenses
If you’re shopping for lenses, there are a lot of Z lenses on the market now, as well as some great third-party options, some that even are Autofocus capable, like the Viltrox lenses.
See the complete list of Nikon Z lenses. This is a list I update regularly and is one of the best places on the Internet to quickly see all the best lenses for the Nikon Z6 II.
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