BF Hammer
Senior Member
Normally I tend to make major camera gear purchases this time of year after filing my taxes and setting a budget based on the refund.
This year, I don't have specific anything in mind. I did buy some used lenses during 2021 and a replacement infrared converted D600. I am feeling like I have my gear needs mostly covered right now. Not to say I don't have a few ideas, but mostly they seem impractical.
In order of potential costs:
I kind of want 1 or 2 better options for camera bags. What I have all has mostly been acquired 2nd-hand and my option for lugging my long telephoto lenses into the field just are not great.
Upgrade my 2nd DSLR body option from my 11 year old D7000 to a used D7200. I like the idea of keeping an APS-C sensor around for astrophotography although I have trimmed the number of DX lenses down over time.
Instead of a D7200, pack off the D7000 and my remaining DX lenses and pick up a Nikon Df used. I have the lenses ready for this, and a strong interest in the vintage looks and control knobs. Even though I am not a dentist (just kidding).
This leads me to another option. Fuji X-series body and at least 1 zoom lens. Even used this can be more money than a Df body alone. Similar reasons with the vintage looks and control knobs. Of course the ExTrans sensor brings some extra interest. But yes, Fuji gear is expensive even when used. It is also a gateway into mirrorless.
Pie-in-the-sky option might be a full-spectrum astrophotography conversion on a D850. I've paid off my mortgage so I have plenty of home equity to finance with.
While Z-mount could be my future, I feel like it is too early for me to commit. I like my F-mount glass right now, and I would not rule out Canon R-mount as a future change. If I got a Z body today, I basically am making my choice now. It's too soon for me.
Somebody want to suggest a more fun way to spend money?
This year, I don't have specific anything in mind. I did buy some used lenses during 2021 and a replacement infrared converted D600. I am feeling like I have my gear needs mostly covered right now. Not to say I don't have a few ideas, but mostly they seem impractical.
In order of potential costs:
I kind of want 1 or 2 better options for camera bags. What I have all has mostly been acquired 2nd-hand and my option for lugging my long telephoto lenses into the field just are not great.
Upgrade my 2nd DSLR body option from my 11 year old D7000 to a used D7200. I like the idea of keeping an APS-C sensor around for astrophotography although I have trimmed the number of DX lenses down over time.
Instead of a D7200, pack off the D7000 and my remaining DX lenses and pick up a Nikon Df used. I have the lenses ready for this, and a strong interest in the vintage looks and control knobs. Even though I am not a dentist (just kidding).
This leads me to another option. Fuji X-series body and at least 1 zoom lens. Even used this can be more money than a Df body alone. Similar reasons with the vintage looks and control knobs. Of course the ExTrans sensor brings some extra interest. But yes, Fuji gear is expensive even when used. It is also a gateway into mirrorless.
Pie-in-the-sky option might be a full-spectrum astrophotography conversion on a D850. I've paid off my mortgage so I have plenty of home equity to finance with.
While Z-mount could be my future, I feel like it is too early for me to commit. I like my F-mount glass right now, and I would not rule out Canon R-mount as a future change. If I got a Z body today, I basically am making my choice now. It's too soon for me.
Somebody want to suggest a more fun way to spend money?