I was a D7200 owner with several lenses. Do mostly landscape, urban, dirt road photography. Due to a recent divorce I no longer have the camera or any of my lenses so I'm starting over. I'm thinking about going mirrorless, what would recommend for a replacement? I was considering full frame, not sure I need it.
Replacement question
- Thread starter jonritter
- Start date
BF Hammer
Senior Member
Looks like you are in position to make lemonade from some lemons life handed you. Starting from scratch I would have to also recommend a mirrorless body, Nikon's DSLR line is at the end development. Your question about FX or DX also has an easy answer. Nikon only has 3 Current DX format Z-mount bodies (considering the Z50 is being replaced by the Z50-II). None of those bodies offer in-body image stabilization. All full-frame bodies have that.
I would recommend a full-frame especially at this time you are needing new lenses. Your subject interests really favor the move. I certainly have enjoyed the better options of ultra-wide angle lenses available for full-frame. The Zf has a lot going for it, and with the Z6-III getting to store shelves, older Z6-II are being discounted.
For lenses if the pro-line f/2.8 zooms are too much, there are a medium-level f/2.8 line with extra features stripped out. Also some nice f/4 zooms that reduce size and cost. A 14-30mm f/4 and 24-120mm f/4 could be a good starting setup.
I would recommend a full-frame especially at this time you are needing new lenses. Your subject interests really favor the move. I certainly have enjoyed the better options of ultra-wide angle lenses available for full-frame. The Zf has a lot going for it, and with the Z6-III getting to store shelves, older Z6-II are being discounted.
For lenses if the pro-line f/2.8 zooms are too much, there are a medium-level f/2.8 line with extra features stripped out. Also some nice f/4 zooms that reduce size and cost. A 14-30mm f/4 and 24-120mm f/4 could be a good starting setup.
nikonbill
Senior Member
To echo BF Hammer's points and add some new points - After evaluating/setting a practical budget, (this is the most important starting point in my view) you can look at your options.
With your desired subject's full frame would be a valuable asset, however you are an experienced DX shooter. If budget considerations push you that way I say so be it. If in your shoes I would look at getting FX lens's if possible for sure. The recent release of the Z50II and the inclusion of the latest processor are very interesting.
Having (and enjoying) the D7200 and the Z50 made me chime in, I have yet to add any Z lens's yet (I use the FTZII). I like the mirror less concept and I'm not deterred by the differences such as the EVF taking a "moment" (you quickly learn to tap a button on pull up) or low light focus, there are new focus "ways" that are marvelous work arounds (focus peaking). If the Z50II would have been available I "may' have went that way instead of getting a used D500, am I dissapointed not in the least. For me the D500 works very well and gets me out there.
With the "mirror less" revolution upon us the used market has possibilities for you as well (just stay with reputable sellers) to get you back into the hobby you have enjoyed. Even used/reconditioned mirror less are worth looking at as the constant upgrading (by the manufacture's) is flooding this market at all points.
My best advise is to ensure what you go for makes you happy and works for you to allow you to enjoy this great hobby.
As BF Hammer indicated use your current position to help your hobby the best you can, but do not allow it to pull you away.
All the best -- Bill
Clovishound
Senior Member
IMO, if you have no equipment right now, going mirrorless is a no brainer. Which body to get really depends on your wants, and your wallet. If money is no object, go for the Z8, or Z9. If most of your shooting does not require the latest, greatest auto focus, the Z7ii might be a candidate. It is currently on sale for $2,000. It has a 45 MP sensor, as well as a lot of features that lend themselves to a serious amateur. The 24 MP of the Z5, Z6ii/iii or Zf is definitely adequate for most images, but the higher resolution sensors are a godsend on the occasions when you need to crop. I do a lot of wildlife and macro photography and frequently need to crop my images significantly. I find the 45 MP sensor to be a good fit for me. The Zf is slightly cheaper than the Z7ii does on sale now, the main advantage of the Zf over the Z7ii is better autofocus for moving subjects.
If money is tight, you might consider the Z50ii. It's brand new, so it doesn't have much of a track record right now. It is geared more toward new, or more casual users, although a good photographer can make the most of any decent camera system. Some of the downsides are a 20.9 MP sensor, and, being a crop sensor, you will likely accumulate a few crop frame lenses that you will eventually want to replace down the road if you decide to switch to full frame later on.
I made the switch from DSLR to mirrorless a few years ago. I wasn't entirely happy with the electronic viewfinder for the first week or two. After I got used to it, I found that I definitely preferred it to the optical viewfinder on my old DSLR. The Z mount lenses are also a step up in quality IMO. Nikon is quickly getting out of the DSLR business, and will no longer be developing any new DSLR bodies or lenses. They continue to sell new DSLRs and lenses, but the models offered for sale is quickly shrinking.
If money is tight, you might consider the Z50ii. It's brand new, so it doesn't have much of a track record right now. It is geared more toward new, or more casual users, although a good photographer can make the most of any decent camera system. Some of the downsides are a 20.9 MP sensor, and, being a crop sensor, you will likely accumulate a few crop frame lenses that you will eventually want to replace down the road if you decide to switch to full frame later on.
I made the switch from DSLR to mirrorless a few years ago. I wasn't entirely happy with the electronic viewfinder for the first week or two. After I got used to it, I found that I definitely preferred it to the optical viewfinder on my old DSLR. The Z mount lenses are also a step up in quality IMO. Nikon is quickly getting out of the DSLR business, and will no longer be developing any new DSLR bodies or lenses. They continue to sell new DSLRs and lenses, but the models offered for sale is quickly shrinking.
lightcapture
Senior Member
If my D750, 24,35, and 70-300 was stolen...
I'd start with:
Z50II w/16-50
or
Zf w/ 24-70 or 24-120 if budget allowed
I'd start with:
Z50II w/16-50
or
Zf w/ 24-70 or 24-120 if budget allowed
I can highly recommend Z 24-120 mm f4 if you are going full frame. I have had 24-70mm f4 and 24-200mm f4-6,3 and was not quite satisfied with them. The 24-120 mm is very sharp all the way out in the corners. It is however heavy and bulky, not the lens that you have on the camera that you put in your pocket.