National Geographic selects the Nikon Z8 as the best professional camera

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Nikon Z8, with the Nikkor VR 200-500mm f/5.6E lens.

I had no idea that Nat Geo rated cameras or any other photography related equipment for that matter. I was very surprised to learn that back in October of 2024, Nat Geo published an article on their website listing their preferred cameras for travel in the form of an interview with Tom O’Brien and Eric Flynn from Nat Geo’s photo engineering team. They recommended several cameras in various categories such as travel, wildlife, waterproof, etc.

In the professional category, O’Brien says of the Z8 “It’s just good,”. “The Z8 can do everything—sports, wildlife, street, all of it.” He goes on to say that it’s a proven workhorse in the field for National Geographic—O’Brien says that the Z8 has consistently held up for him and other professional photographers.

The article includes promotional purchase links to both Amazon and B&H. Nat Geo discloses that “As a participant in multiple affiliate marketing programs, National Geographic will earn a commission for certain purchases.” Even knowing that there is an incentive for them to post this type of content due to the affiliate links, I do think the review is reasonable and they aren’t really saying anything over the top just to get you to click on the retail links.

Let me know in the comments below if you think their review is unbiased or tainted due to having affiliate links.

Nikon Z8 with the Nikkor VR 600mm f/4E lens.