The Z6 was Nikon’s thirteenth camera to their mirrorless lineup, and features a 24.5mp full frame sensor, the Nikon Z lens mount, 12 fps continuous shooting, and 4K video capabilities. Nikon’s Z6 model was released at the same time as their Z7 model, however the two differ in price and resolution capabilities. The Nikon Z6 is known as one of the top consumer level cameras and often compared to Sony’s a7III model. In addition to its exceptional specs, it offers great user-friendly features including a touch screen interface, as well as familiar and redefined handling for dedicated Nikon users. Nikon is a widely trusted brand in the industry, and the reliability of their Z6 model supports this claim undoubtedly.  However, when we go out on our photography adventures, we make sure not to forget specific Z6 accessories to help the execution of our workflow. 

At the top of our list for the best Nikon Z6 accessories, is of course filters for your camera. Filters are an essential part of enhancing your creativity within your workflow. For instance, filters allow you to properly expose your images within bright environments by limiting the amount of light that is able to reach your camera’s sensor. QuartzLine filters are a quintessential accessory for your new Nikon Z6, which are made of fused quartz glass and built to withstand the harshest of conditions. With these filters hand crafted construction, they can prove to be a beneficial part of your workflow due to their optically pristine properties. In addition, QuartzLine filters have the ability to resolve up to 100 megapixels, so the glass you put in front of your lens will not limit the 24.5 MP of the Z6. The QuartzLine collection is offered in various filter types, and have the ability to block anywhere between 3 and 16 stops of light. Additionally, these filters will also help enhance your footage to make it look more professional and cinematic. 

There are multiple types of filters, such as: CP, UV, ND, and ND/PL. Each type of filter is used for a different purpose, and when deciding on which one to take on your next photography project it is good to know which each filter type is used for. 

CP: A CP, or circular polarizing filter, allows you to capture vividness and contrast in an image. These polarizing characteristics do not only enhance the colors of your image, but also reduce glares and reflections within your photo or video.

UV: When shooting outside, UV can affect the image quality in a variety of ways. For example, UV light manifests itself in the form of haze-- this haze can rob image’s detail, especially at longer distances with longer focal lengths. As a result, the cumulative haze densities can greatly soften the sharp details of distant images. It is greatly debated amongst photographers if they actually provide a benefit to their workflow, but in our opinion it never hurts to have an extra line of defense against potential damage. 

ND: A ND filter, or neutral density filter, is used to limit the amount of light that is able to reach your camera’s sensor. As a result, these filters allow you to control the exposure in your image very easily and prevent you from having to over extend the use of your camera’s settings, like ISO, aperture, or white balance. ND filters also help keep the shutter open longer on your camera, and achieve long exposure shots, the milky effect of water, and also show the movement of clouds in the sky.

ND/PL: A ND/PL filter combines the features of two popular filter types, a neutral density and circular polarizing filters. These filters are used to achieve smooth, flushed out photos or videos at slower shutter speeds with improved contrast and color saturation. Unlike straight ND filters that usually have a neutral color profile, ND/PL filters provide more color saturation due to the polarization effect.

Another type of filter is a variable neutral density filter, or a VND. A VND is a type of ND filter that combines multiple filters into one. For example, instead of only being able to capture 3 stops of light with one ND filter, you can capture a range of stops by physically rotating the filter to control the amount of light that is let in. In other words, a variable ND filter combines multiple filter elements into one and eliminates the hassle of carrying numerous filters with you while out on location. Here at PolarPro, we teamed up with one of the biggest creators in the industry, Peter McKinnon, to engineer the highest quality VND filter on the market. Much like our QuartzLine filters, the Peter McKinnon Variable ND filter is made of our quartz glass technology which allows for increased durability and a reliable Nikon Z6 accessory on any rugged adventure. Our Peter McKinnon Variable ND filter is available in both 2-5 and 6-9 stop options, making it easy for you to adapt to any outdoor environment.

For your Nikon Z6, we recommend purchasing an additional battery and charger as a back up. The Z6 uses Nikon EN-EL 15b, which is a rechargeable Lithium-Ion battery pack. Lithium-Ion batteries are found in many cameras, as they offer a high energy density and low self-discharge. The EN-EL 15b batteries operate at a voltage of 7.0V and 1900 mAh. These batteries are charged via the Nikon MH-25a charger, and are designed to offer long life and consistent power in addition to having the ability to be charged or discharged at any time without developing memory effects. Even though these batteries have an amazing life-span, we always recommend getting a few extra in order to avoid holding off on your next photography project as you wait for them to charge. 

One of the biggest worries for photographers is how to protect their camera equipment after purchasing. Plus, with all the various places and adventures our photography takes us, we don’t want to ruin our gear in the process as well. The Nikon Z6 is no small budget camera, so keeping it in as pristine condition as possible is always a priority. One of the best ways to protect your camera, is by putting a screen protective glass cover on the rear touch screen of the camera. By adding this protective layer, it will prevent your screen from incurring any unwanted scratches or damage. The best screen protection for your Z6 is the ExpertShield Screen Protector which comes in three options: Anti-glare, Crystal Glare, and Glass. The ExpertShield also has a lifetime warranty and unlike other brands, you don’t lose too much of the clarity and sharpness of your image when looking at the screen. 

Since you will be able to use multiple lenses on your Z6, a solid cover for your lenses is imperative to defending against unwanted damage. Our PolarPro Lens Defender was designed to be the protective first line of defense against dirt, moisture, and minor collisions. Our Defender- Lens Cover is compatible with most professional lenses on the market, and has a dual-density construction which combines a hard, rigid lens plate and an easy to install flexible polymer exterior. Our custom engineered construction ensures a snug and secure fit compared to those standard plastic lens caps and flimsy universal lens covers.

If you are a long time Nikon user, you may have been disappointed when Nikon switched their lens mount technology. That is why the FTZ Mount Adapter is a necessary addition to our list of Nikon Z6 accessories, as it allows you to use nearly any Nikon F-mount lens on Z-mount camera bodies. The Nikon FTZ Mount Adapter acts as a sophisticated means for expanding the range of usable lenses for your Nikon Z6, as it is compatible with nearly 360 distinct F-mount lenses. This Mount Adapter also maintains full autofocus and auto-exposure capabilities in both DSLR and mirrorless Nikon cameras. This adapter was also built from magnesium alloy, and is weather sealed to make sure it can withstand the harshest of conditions.

Memory cards for the Nikon Z6 tend to me a little bit more on the pricey side, since the camera can only take XQD or CFexpress cards. The CFexpress cards are supposed to be the cheaper option, but since manufacturers tend to make them in ridiculous sizes, it ends up raising the price of them. The Delkin XQD have the best overall performance for the Nikon Z6, and operates at an incredibly fast rate of 400 MB/s maximum read speed and a 400 MB/s maximum write speed. These Delkin QXD cards also allow you to record DCI 4K and full HD video up to 180 fps, as well as up to 200 continuous RAW still image bursts. 

Since it is more than likely that you will be bringing multiple SD cards with you on location, you will definitely need something to hold them all so they don’t get lost in the bottom of your camera bag. Luckily, the next option on our list of Nikon Z6 accessories will mend this issue of disorganization. Our Slate Memory Card case is the perfect solution for carrying your SD memory cards, and depending on which model you decide to get can hold anywhere from 12 to 24 memory cards. With the Slate Memory Card Case’s cast-aluminum design, it will be sure to protect your saved content through the most rugged of conditions. In the SD Edition of our Slate Case you can store up to 24 cards, 16 MicroSD and 8 StandardSD; whereas in the QXD Edition stores up to 12 memory cards which include, 4 QXD,  4 StandardSD, and 4 MicroSD. The Slate Memory Card Case can inspire creativity when using your Nikon Z6. For instance, when empty, Slate is a blank palette to begin creating your content upon; however, when full, Slate offers peace of mind, knowing the content you have captured is compiled in a premium safe, single location.