Nikon Z5II and Z5IIc Accessories: How to Build a Complete Video Kit

Last updated: 3 October 2026. Specifications are from Nikon's launch materials and published specifications. Prices are indicative, check the linked product pages for live Australian pricing and stock.

The Nikon Z5II and the new viewfinder-free Z5IIc are small, light full-frame bodies, so the best accessories are compact: a light 75mm head, small power, a clean monitoring setup and external ND. Here is how to build a complete video kit around either camera from the Black Flag Distribution range.

The Z5II and Z5IIc in brief

Both cameras share a 24.5MP full-frame BSI sensor and the EXPEED 7 processor, record 4K up to 60p (60p and 50p use a DX crop), N-Log and 12-bit N-RAW to SD card, and use the Nikon Z mount and EN-EL15c battery. The Z5II weighs about 700 g with battery and has dual UHS-II SD slots. The Z5IIc drops the electronic viewfinder for a flatter, smaller body of about 538 g body only, with a single SD UHS-II slot. Both output video over a micro HDMI (Type D) port, and neither has internal ND.

Three things shape every pairing below: the bodies are very light, the HDMI port is micro, and there is no internal ND.

Camera support: Sachtler Ace

Even rigged with a lens, cage and monitor, a Z5II kit sits comfortably inside the payload of a small 75mm head. The Sachtler Ace M Mk II is the natural match for a stripped body and small primes. Add a zoom, monitor and microphone and step up to the Ace XL Mk II or the aktiv6 flowtech75 for SpeedLevel fast levelling. Our fluid head by payload guide walks through the weights.

Rigging and handling: Wooden Camera

The micro HDMI port is the weak point on any small body that spends time in a rig, so protect it. A Wooden Camera Unified DSLR Cage gives you mounting points and a place to clamp the cable, and a Wooden Camera Top Handle makes low mode and handheld work much more comfortable. Check cage sizing against your exact body and grip before ordering.

Power: Anton Bauer Titon Base

The EN-EL15c is rated for around 85 minutes of video, so plan for spares or external power for full days. The neatest answer for a small body is the Anton Bauer Titon Base Kit in the Nikon EN-EL15 fit (SKU 8275-0141). A slim 68Wh battery mounts under the camera on a quick release plate, keeping the weight low and clear of the controls, and powers the body through a regulated dummy battery. Its three P-Tap ports and USB port then run a monitor and wireless transmitter off the same battery, and the LCD fuel gauge shows runtime to the minute. Anton Bauer lists this fit for the Z6 and Z7, which use the same EN-EL15 battery family as the Z5II and Z5IIc, so confirm compatibility with your body before relying on it.

For bigger rigs with a light and more accessories, a Titon Micro on a plate adds headroom, and the Anton Bauer BP-U100 adds a 60W USB-C PD port for accessories that take USB-C power. See our Anton Bauer battery guide for mounts and capacities.

Monitoring and focus: SmallHD and Light Widow

The Z5IIc has no viewfinder at all, so an external monitor matters even more on that body. A SmallHD on-camera monitor gives you waveform, false colour, focus assist and LUTs for N-Log. Mount it with the Light Widow Horizon Monitor Mount Kit so it stays level wherever it sits, and if you pull focus on manual or cine glass, the Light Widow FIZLock Universal Motor Mount locks a FIZ motor in place quickly on a tight rig.

Wireless video: Teradek

For a director's monitor or a client feed, the Teradek Ace 750 4K HDMI TX/RX Kit takes the camera's HDMI output and sends zero-delay video across the set. Use a short, secured micro HDMI to full HDMI cable between camera and transmitter, and the transmitter can run from the Titon Base's P-Tap.

Lighting and filters: Litepanels, Quasar Science and LEE

The Litepanels Astra IP 1x1 is a dependable bi-colour key, the Gemini 1x1 Soft adds full RGBWW colour, and a Quasar Science Rainbow 2 tube covers practicals and edge light. With no internal ND you will want lens ND (matte box or screw-in) for bright exteriors. On the lights, LEE Filters gels such as CTO, CTB and 216 diffusion balance and soften your sources.

On set and transport: OpenMoon, Setwear and Bagside

The OpenMoon Crew Gear Box keeps batteries, cards and cables organised, and OpenMoon monitor hoods keep a small screen readable outdoors (browse the OpenMoon range). Setwear EZ-Fit gloves protect your hands without losing dexterity, and the Bagside Dolly Slider gives a light body like this smooth slides without a track.

A complete Z5II kit at a glance

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between the Nikon Z5II and Z5IIc?

They share the same 24.5MP sensor, EXPEED 7 processor and video features. The Z5IIc removes the electronic viewfinder for a smaller, lighter body and has a single SD slot, so an external monitor becomes the main way to frame and focus.

How can I power the Z5II for a full day?

Carry spare EN-EL15c batteries, or fit an Anton Bauer Titon Base Kit in the Nikon EN-EL15 fit, which powers the camera through a dummy battery and runs a monitor and transmitter from the same 68Wh battery. Confirm compatibility with your body first.

Does the Z5II have built-in ND?

No. Use lens ND from a matte box or screw-in filter. LEE gels are for balancing and shaping your lights rather than the lens.

What tripod head suits the Z5II?

A Sachtler Ace M for a stripped body, or an Ace XL or aktiv6 once you add a zoom, monitor and microphone.

Where to buy in Australia

Black Flag Distribution is the official Australian distributor of the professional film, television and production brands featured in this guide. We support our valued specialist retail partners and prefer that you purchase through them wherever possible: use the store finder to locate your nearest authorised dealer. If you would rather buy direct, we can also facilitate your order.