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
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.
Official Batteries For Nikon Z6 II / Z7 II
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.
Nikon EN-EL15c Rechargeable Battery
If you frequently need a second battery, the official Nikon Z6 II or Z7 II batteries are ideal. They have consistent performance and high power and capacity. I usually rely on Nikon batteries as my primary source of power and only resort to third-party batteries as a backup, which is uncommon.
- Battery Capacity: 2280 mAh / 16 Wh
- Output: 7 VDC
Third-Party Batteries For Nikon Z6II / Z7II
Third-party batteries are great to keep around as a backup. Nikon is always updating their batteries with new coding and a lot of the older third-party batteries won’t work on the new cameras. So for the Z6 II and Z7 II here are a few of the best third-party batteries you can get right now since these will also work in the new cameras like the Zf and the Z8.
Note: As always, with third-party batteries, they need to be broken in, so don’t expect amazing performance right out of the box. You will need to cycle them, meaning discharge and recharge them about five times before they start performing closer to the official batteries.
Vemico EN-EL15c Battery Pack
2 Battery + 1 Dual Charger
The Vemico batteries work with the latest Nikon cameras. I have them in my Nikon Z8 and they also support the new Nikon Zf. They are not as good as the official batteries, but they get better with more use. They require a long break-in period where they need to be cycled several times.
- Battery Capacity: 2100Ah / 15.54 Wh
- Output: 7.4 VDC
SmallRig EN-EL15c Battery Pack
1 Battery with USB-C cable
With a USB Type-C port, the EN-EL15c battery charges faster than other USB-C camera batteries by 45% and standard methods by 65%. It takes only 2.5 hours to reach full charge with high current charging (5V/2A). The battery has a visual indicator that shows red for charging and green for full charge.
- USB-C Fast Charging – Charges in 2.5 hours.
- Battery Capacity: 2400Ah / 17.28 Wh
- Output: 7.2 V
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.
Screen Protector For Nikon Z6 II / Z7 II
Kinokoo is a Japanese brand that makes screen protectors that resist dust, scratches, and fingerprints. They are made of thin tempered glass (0.25mm) that gives a clear and low-glare view, keeping the touch sensitivity.
- 9H Hardness, .25mm thickness
- 99.99% Clarity.
Note: The screen protector manufacturing process is not perfect, so it’s still possible to get a bad cut from time to time. It’s also best to apply the screen protector 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.
3. Memory Cards
Memory cards make the list not just because they are a required, must-have item for the Z6 II or Z7 II, but also because buying memory cards can be tricky, and it’s very easy to waste money buying way more than 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.
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 CFexpress performance is not bottlenecked 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 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, but it doesn’t look to still be in production, so I’ve removed it from the list. For my Nikon Z8, I’ve started using the SmallRig cage as extra protection, and it comes with really nice attachments that are great for video. SmallRig cages are fantastic and I highly recommend them if you don’t mind altering the camera’s shape significantly.
SmallRig Aluminum Alloy Cage for Nikon Z6II / Z7II
This Camera Cage from SmallRig is designed for Nikon Z7 II, Z6 II, Z7, Z6, or Z5 cameras. It is made of aluminum and fits your camera snugly. It does not block your camera’s features, screens, ports, or battery. It has a 1/4″-20 screw to mount your camera and anti-slip pads and an M2.5 screw to keep your camera stable and straight.
- Several 1/4″-20 and 3/8″-16 Threads
- Built-In Cold Shoe Mount with Side NATO Rail
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 with a strap and a hand strap. This allows me to wear the strap when commuting and then take it off while 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 Slide Lite
Peak Design has straps of different sizes: Slide Lite and Slide. The best one depends on your system’s weight. If you have big lenses and a battery grip, you may need a thicker strap. I use prime lenses, so Slide Lite is enough for me.
- Reconfigure the slide for quick size adjustment
- Achor Links hold 200 pounds
- Multiple color options
Peak Design Clutch
Peak design clutch is a hand strap that has anchor points on the base plate and the tension clip. You can use them to attach other peak design straps without removing the hand strap.
- Quick Adjusting
- Quick Connecting Anchor System
- Tripod Arca Swiss Plate.
Peak Design Wrist Strap
If you’re using the Z6 or Z7 with a small pancake lens you can likely get by with a wrist strap, but if you start using heavy zoom lenses, the system might get too heavy to make this comfortable.
- Aluminum-alloy Adjuster
- Anchor Links hold 200 pounds
- Multiple color options
General Photography Accessories To Have
Besides Nikon-specific accessories, here is a list of some great general-purpose accessories that might come in handy.
Micro Fiber Cloths
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.
Micro Fiber Cleaning Cloths 6-Pack
6 individually wrapped Micro Fiber Cloths
Use it on any delicate surface – LCDs, laptops, phones, cars, tablets, mirrors, glass, glasses, cameras, lenses, gaming gear, and more.
- 6-Pack Individually wrapped
Sensor Cleaning
If you get into a situation where you need to clean your sensor on the Nikon Z6 II or Z7 II, there are a few relatively inexpensive accessories you can try.
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 with an air blaster. 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.
Dust Patrol – Sensor Cleaning Brush
1 Full Frame Sensor Brush + 3 Chamber Swabs + Storage Tube
German sensor cleaning brush with fine bristles. Avoids the wet method and saves time, products, and money.
Make sure to follow the instructions that come with the brush. You must keep the bristles clean.
- High-Quality fine bristles
- Made In Germany
Sometimes a sensor brush just doesn’t cut it and you have to go with the wet method. Here is a nice little alcohol free kit that will allow you to very easily clean your sensor.
UES Sensor Swabs Full Frame 14 Piece
14 Swabs + Cleaning Solution
Safe for all your delicate surfaces – from LCDs, laptops, and phones to cars, tablets, mirrors, glass, glasses, cameras, lenses, gaming gear, etc.
- 14 vacuum-sealed packs
- 15ml Alcohol-free sensor cleaner
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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