Okay, so I feel like I’ve finally landed on a Nikon Z8 vlogging setup that actually makes sense. It’s not trying too hard. It travels well. It looks good. And it’s not doing the most. That last one matters. Because when you’re filming in public, walking through places like London or downtown Vancouver, you don’t want to look like you’re out here filming a Netflix special.
Here’s what’s in my Nikon Z8 Vlogging Setup kit. It’s only three things, and yes, that’s the point:
- The mic
- The lens
- The grip
Let’s get into it.
The Mic: Rode VideoMic Pro+ (But Not For Long)
Right now, I’m using the Rode VideoMic Pro+, and it gets the job done. It’s solid, it’s clean, and the auto on/off feature is nice when you’re in the middle of filming and forget to double check your settings. I’ve used it across multiple countries now, and for what it is, it works.
That said, it’s huge. Like “I’m clearly filming something” huge. And it’s only picking up what’s directly in front of it. So if you’re trying to pick up audio from more than one person, forget about it.
Honestly, I’m about to switch to the DJI Mic 3 because:
- It’s low profile
- It gives you dual-mic audio
- You can walk and talk with a friend and still sound good
- And it doesn’t scream “content creator” when you’re walking through a crowd
If you’re still rocking the Rode, make sure you turn on mic port power in the camera settings. I forgot to do that in London and recorded a full day of footage with no sound. Lesson learned.
The Lens: NIKKOR Z 20mm f/1.8 S
This lens changed the game for me. I started out with the 26mm pancake, which was cool on paper—small, light, compact. But on the Z8, it just didn’t give me enough space in the frame. Especially since there’s no flip-out screen.
The 20mm f/1.8 S fixes all of that. Here’s why I’m obsessed with it:
- Wide enough for handheld vlogging
- Sharp, even at f/1.8
- Handles low light beautifully
- Gives me just enough separation from the background without losing context
- Pairs great with Nikon’s IBIS for clean handheld shots
If you’re on the Z6 III and you’ve got a flip screen, sure, maybe the pancake makes sense. But for me, the 20mm feels cinematic. It’s a lens that makes people stop and say, “Damn, what camera is that?”
The Grip: The Tripod from the Mosa Mini-S Gimbal
Now this part always surprises people.
I use the tripod base that came with my Mosa Mini-S gimbal—yes, the smartphone one—as my main vlogging handle. And it slaps.
It’s low-profile. It doesn’t draw attention. It tilts just enough to get better angles when I sit it on a table. And most importantly, it doesn’t scream “tech bro with a vlog.”
I have other options:
- A Gorillapod (decent, but I don’t use it often anymore)
- The DJI Ronin-S mini tripod (good for certain setups, but not as grippy)
But that little Mosa tripod stays winning. It’s lightweight, fits easily in a sling or backpack, and doesn’t make a scene.
This setup is simple. That’s what I love about it.
The Z8 is already a big camera. It doesn’t need an overbuilt rig to feel “professional.” And honestly, I don’t always want to look like I’m working. I just want to grab the camera, hit record, and go. Whether I’m walking through a market, catching golden hour, or filming in the middle of nowhere, this setup doesn’t get in my way.
If you’re a creator trying to keep things clean, low-key, and high-quality, this is a good place to start.
And if you’re interested, I can break down how I shoot with it next—exposure settings, stabilization, frame rates, all that. Let me know.
Keep Climbing,
Sidney Baker-Green
