The Nikon Z6 II is one of the best do-it-all cameras. It can be set up and configured for many different styles of photography or videography. This guide covers some essential accessories you’ll likely need to get you started.
To say it more simply, I love and use this for my Nikon Z6.
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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 sometimes, when I’m shooting video or longer events with a thousand photos or more, 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 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
Nikon batteries are always dependable, but many third-party brands are now making great batteries, and I never have issues with the good third-party brands, 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 1900mAh.
Nikon EN-EL15c Rechargeable Battery
The official Nikon Z6 II or Z7 II batteries are ideal if you frequently need a second battery. They have consistent performance and high power and capacity. I usually rely on Nikon batteries as my primary power source 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 its batteries with new coding, and many 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, third-party batteries need to be broken in, so don’t expect amazing performance immediately. You must cycle them, discharge them, and recharge them about five times before they perform closer to the official batteries.
SmallRig EN-EL15c Battery Pack
1 Battery with USB-C cable
With a USB Type-C port, the EN-EL15c battery charges 45% faster than other USB-C camera batteries and 65% faster than standard methods. 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 many options for screen protectors. I usually go with Expert Shield because they’re great and have three different styles: glass, anti-glare, or crystal clear. However, the problem with Exper Shield is that they only give you one screen protector. So if you mess up, you must go through their warranty process before you can get a new one, which could take weeks.
Debous makes a nice glass screen protector that 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, low-glare view, keeping the touch sensitivity.
- 9H Hardness, .25mm thickness
- 99.99% Clarity.
Note: The screen protector manufacturing process is imperfect, so getting a bad cut is occasionally possible. 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 because they are a required, must-have item for the Z6 II or Z7 II and because buying memory cards can be tricky. It’s easy to waste money buying 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 significantly altering the camera’s shape.
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.
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 many 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. You may need a thicker strap if you have big lenses and a battery grip. 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 with anchor points on the base plate and the tension clip. These points allow you 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 be useful.
Micro Fiber Cloths
While you can get by with just a T-shirt and your breath for most things, there are still times 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 need to clean the Nikon Z6 II or Z7 II sensor, you can try a few relatively inexpensive accessories.
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. I use the sensor brush to pull the dust off in these situations. Occasionally, you can also use the corner of a fresh microfiber cleaning cloth or something, but a properly maintained sensor brush is the 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. It 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 must use the wet method. Here is a nice little alcohol-free kit that lets you clean your sensor easily.
UES Sensor Swabs Full Frame 14 Piece
14 Swabs + Cleaning Solution
It is safe for all delicate surfaces, from LCDs, laptops, and phones to cars, tablets, mirrors, glass, cameras, lenses, gaming gear, etc.
- 14 vacuum-sealed packs
- 15ml Alcohol-free sensor cleaner
Lenses
If you’re shopping for lenses, there are many Z lenses on the market now, as well as some great third-party options. Some of them, like the Viltrox lenses, are even autofocus capable.
Here is the complete list of Nikon Z lenses. I update this list regularly, and it is one of the best places on the Internet to quickly see all the best lenses for the Nikon Z6 II.
