AT crossroads??

I'm coming to the good folks at DP, before their gone. Which way to go? currently I shoot both DX, and FX. More DX. Which system might work best for me, in Nikon Z systems.

1st let me say look at my gear list and you'll know part of my problem. Currently i spend more time doing street work, almost no wildlife, I enjoy simple youth sports, and a walk around the local town to just carry a camera and enjoy myself.

I don't travel very far [not been outside my hometown in 4 years] All my photos in last 2 or three years taken less than 100 yards from my car. I've fallen a couple times lately, nothing hurt but my pride.

So where is this leading? My most used type cameras today are my Nikon D3300, D5300, and D5600. And trying to decifer how to make the transsition to ML?? How in equipment glass, and how much equipment [one or two cameras]

What ML systems am I looking at? right now Z5, maybe A Z6 or II, light weight outfit ,the one I go out a lot is my D5300 with either a 50 1.8 G, 35 1.8 DX, or 18 140 also 18 55 VR II, i have also have the AF P version. I think by know you can see where I'm headed, quick lightweight system. Do I think using the DX, and keep my F mount DX gear or a Z5 and modern lens, like 24 200, [a do it all].

I enjoy my Nikon gear, not interested in brand swapping, for any reason, I've got over 30 plus years with my Nikons.

Maybe I'm wrong thinking about doing this, all my current gear does all I could want or do, the biggest problem is my health and mobility. To carry one camera and maybe a 2nd lens and spend a couple hours "shooting" I get so much satisfaction doing it. Would like to be able to consolidate to a small outfit.

I most likely should stick to my gear and enjoy myself without spending a lot of money. If someone would like to throw your 2 cents into this mess I'm open. I only use flickr for my entertainment, and if someone would like to look at what i do my password to flickr is palmerb16, and judge for your self should I switch, keep on keepen on?

When i set my cameras up I set them up like my old film cameras,[ still have two loaded] I just don't use all the menu systems. Maybe its time to bow out altogether? Oh yes, NO VIDEO, never used it not a choice. Just a shot of some simple street work in past couple weeks.

"dog house riley"

My advice: if you have a local camera store, go there and try a Z50 and a Z6ii. Put the lens for each you think you'll use most often on each (maybe the 16-50 on the Z50 and the 24-70 f/4 on the Z6ii; or maybe the 18-140mm on the Z50, and the 24-400 f/4 on the Z6ii if you like longer focal length), and see which one handles best in your hands.

No one else can do this for you, because what feels best varies by person. For example, my spouse really likes her Z50, and I really like my Z9. But we lately picked up a Z30 because it can be pocketed, and kept my Z6ii for situations where the Z9 is too much weight and bulk; both these latter cameras also serve as second cameras so we don't have to switch lenses in the field (we can just switch cameras instead.)

So my spouse has a two camera, four lens DX kit that fits in one small camera bag, and I have a two camera, multi-lens FX kit that needs a backpack to carry, but we are both able to take great photographs, and are both happy with our camera gear. But we had to handle the gear to know what our preferences would be.

Stretch yourself, get out of your comfort zone, do different, embrace new ways of doing things.

Simply replicating your current equipment and approach with a ML system will achieve little, IMO

Good deals seem to be emerging on Z6/Z7 and even the Z6ii/Z7II — I would move on from Dx if I were you and selection is more about whether 45mp or 24mp better fit your needs/workflow. If you have DX glass and don’t want to move to FX glass soon then go for the best priced Z7 you can get. Even better if bundled with a Z24-120/4.

dog house riley said:

...
Maybe I'm wrong thinking about doing this, all my current gear does all I could want or do, the biggest problem is my health and mobility. To carry one camera and maybe a 2nd lens and spend a couple hours "shooting" I get so much satisfaction doing it. Would like to be able to consolidate to a small outfit.

"dog house riley"

Click to expand...

It's tempting to say stick with what you got but, the Z50 with the two lens kit fits in a very small bag and gives you everything from 16-250 DX or 24-375 FX equivalent and weighs very little.

Thanks for a couple reply's, No I have no camera stores unless you call Best Buy a camera store? Z7? I have no need or desire for that much power, 24mp is fine for me. I just repurchased a D200 [10mpg] and i love it.

What I'd like the ML system do for me is better color over F mount systems, better auto focusing ,mine are ok, but I like the D5000 systems very much, quick to use very light, I can get into a crowd and become invisible, I can't do that with my D800 and a 2.8 or 1.4 lens.

I use my D5600 with either my Nikon 10 20 WA, or Nikon's 16 80 2.8 4.0, this work for me just fine, my problem is the focus is so slow on the LCD, only useable on a tripod. I don't have a good feeling hand holding at all. I don't use the LCD, only for chimping,, I only use the viewfinder. Thinking ML would be better.

Eye focus like birds eye, doesn't matter only setting song birds, not flying .So my needs are very simple, I've just thought maybe a Z crop camera would work, I've read the Z5 FX, pretty good. FPS, not a big deal.

Nowadays more of my time is spent doing photos out on the street, I've used my D800E, and the 58 1.4 as a street camera set up and it seems like "holding a basketball"

Thanks for your thoughts, I'll keep looking and thinking? Z6 and Z7, one or two I'm not interested in XQD or Cf express. Again thanks.

"dog house riley"

The easy answer would be a Z5 or Z6ii (or even a Z6 refurbished/used). For a lens the 24-120/4. It would be a little heavy in the hand but not really so different than what you have now. Most of what you enjoy could be covered with one camera and lens.
I have advances arthritis in both legs. Because of weight replacement is not an option. So I understand your dilemma. Just after the Z system was launched I got a Z7 with the 24-70 f4. I really like this camera and lens. I have no issues cropping to DX which will give me a 105mm equivalent. I have added a Z9 and longer lenses to the mix over the years but if I am going out with family and friends it is the Z7 and 24-70/4 that comes along. Some times with an extra battery.

dog house riley said:

Thanks for a couple reply's, No I have no camera stores unless you call Best Buy a camera store?

Click to expand...

A Best Buy may have a few Z-system cameras you can handle, and that's what you should do IMO.

Based on how you described what you want from a camera, I'd say the Z50 with the kit lens would be the best choice for you. You will get a much better viewfinder experience and better autofocus (once you learn how mirrorless focus modes work). Very light and very discreet. Buy from someplace that allows you to easily return it if you don't like it after a few days, such as B&H, Adorama or even Amazon.

I've been shooting Nikon since 1970 and would also never change brands, although I've sampled micro four-thirds. My Z7 was a revelation coming from a D800e. I've just sold off all my F-mount lenses and will never look back.

What's changed that say you are at a crossroads?

I'm not speaking Money. I cannot use an EVF.

Weight was my first thought... So I can tell you that I started with a Z30 two lenses kit.
Found swapping lenses not of my liking.

I ended up with Z30 + 18-140 - I LOVE IT -
Plus two meike rings for my Flower/Carnivorous as a backup
- when I cannot get out to shoot, I shoot something at home.
That lense is 90% use of the camera and the small 16-50 that travel in my pocket usually don't see light - but you never know

I'm also forced to use the car to move.
For want of some peace - I love wood, fields - I bought these two other lenses.
After having tentatively walked in a park away 400mt from the car that made me feel good.

Now I own two bags, 2 kg each, if I feel adventurous !!!

That long lenses are a huge push to get me out.
Always careful
I also bought a light tripod + tripod seat. I cannot stand too much and It's better to seat outside nearby the car
Also sometimes I use the trunk floor... as a table to manage the gears.


From left: Sigma 150-600 2kg - Af-P 70-300 +FTZ 700gr - Z30+18-140 680gr

I usually don't care the big one staying home.
If I go to the city I keep everything else in my bag, and is a very small package of around 2k



In the hope you'll find it useful....
... try to get some Carnivore. At home, it's a fantastic word and a beautiful subject.

> Virtual Photon wrote:

>What's changed that say you are at a crossroads?



Usually Health

--

DPRreview - I moved to > DPRevived.com - as 3700 other people
___.......................................................... ___
In the Mid of French/Italian Alps - Hardiness Zone 8A
I Love all Carnivores, I have mostly Red Dioneas.
https://eu.zonerama.com/AlainCH2/1191151

How about a Zfc with 18-140, supplemented with 28 2.8 and/or 40 2.0 primes, SE-edition?

If you want FF, the Z5 with 24-70 F4 or 24-200, supplemented with 40 2.0

Or - Z5 with primes 28 2.8 and 85 1.8 S

Hi again.

As you may know I bought a Z9 and some lenses last summer to replace my D850. I had no particular need to move on from the D850, but I'm getting old and wanted at least one more cool toy. And I can still carry a gripped camera and a few lenses, not to mention dive housing.

Anyway, I know your issues, and that mostly points toward light weight being the top requirement. After reading your comment on the D200 it seems clear that high resolution is fairly low on the priority list, which to some extent also says lens quality is low in importance too. (After all, a 45mp camera shows lens flaws in ways a 10mp camera cannot.)

So I'm thinking that practically, the 24-200 may be the 'right' lens for you, at least if you only had a single lens. I suspect the IQ will be just fine for you, but I don't know a) if it's too heavy, and b) you just like shooting primes more.

So one question I have is your affinity for certain lenses. When I bought my Z9 it was right around July 4th when Nikon had a bunch of lens sales going on. I bought 7 lenses, all but one on sale. I did my usual wide, normal and long zooms for travel and general purpose: 14-30, 24-70, 100-400. And then I replaced my most-used f1.4 lenses with f1.8 z-mounts: 35, 50, 85 F1.8. Of course I needed a 105macro for diving, at least. The Z9 came with an FTZ that I use with my 500pf. And it turns out that is pretty much all the lenses I want, though I certainly had more f-mounts. I'm not 100% happy with going from f1.4 to f1.8, but I am 100% happy with the IQ.

For you, I'm thinking some of the z-mount lenses are a bit big, though not particularly heavy. I see you gravitating toward pancake primes - you tell me if those appeal.

I have what I guess is specialty combos of lenses. I'm wondering if you do too. Pretend you have a 24-200 on a Z5. What other lenses would you want then? My combos are of course travel (3 zooms), and 'prime fun' (usually 35 and 50mm primes), portrait (85), underwater (14-30 & 105). and wildlife (100-400, 500pf, 1.4tc on the zoom). IF i still shot events, I would have a 70-200f2.8, but I can use the f-mount in the once-a-year situation I still have.

You like the 58F1.4, which I can understand though it surprises me you would like what seems like it would be rather heavy. What would you replace it with, in ML?

How much FTZ are you willing to put up with? It flies in the face of your number one requirement as I've listed above in terms of being extra weight.

My thought on camera choices. Unless the absolute smallest Nikon is what you like, I'd just go for a Z5 or Z5. The overall weight is going to end up being in the bag of lenses you carry, and there isn't that much weight savings between DX and FX. I like FX giving me more shallow depth of field options and a lot more lens choices. I can always turn on DX crop in the Z9 viewfinder or crop in post to get a DX shot.

PHXAZCRAIG said:

Hi again.

As you may know I bought a Z9 and some lenses last summer to replace my D850. I had no particular need to move on from the D850, but I'm getting old and wanted at least one more cool toy. And I can still carry a gripped camera and a few lenses, not to mention dive housing.

Anyway, I know your issues, and that mostly points toward light weight being the top requirement. After reading your comment on the D200 it seems clear that high resolution is fairly low on the priority list, which to some extent also says lens quality is low in importance too. (After all, a 45mp camera shows lens flaws in ways a 10mp camera cannot.)

So I'm thinking that practically, the 24-200 may be the 'right' lens for you, at least if you only had a single lens. I suspect the IQ will be just fine for you, but I don't know a) if it's too heavy, and b) you just like shooting primes more.

So one question I have is your affinity for certain lenses. When I bought my Z9 it was right around July 4th when Nikon had a bunch of lens sales going on. I bought 7 lenses, all but one on sale. I did my usual wide, normal and long zooms for travel and general purpose: 14-30, 24-70, 100-400. And then I replaced my most-used f1.4 lenses with f1.8 z-mounts: 35, 50, 85 F1.8. Of course I needed a 105macro for diving, at least. The Z9 came with an FTZ that I use with my 500pf. And it turns out that is pretty much all the lenses I want, though I certainly had more f-mounts. I'm not 100% happy with going from f1.4 to f1.8, but I am 100% happy with the IQ.

For you, I'm thinking some of the z-mount lenses are a bit big, though not particularly heavy. I see you gravitating toward pancake primes - you tell me if those appeal.

I have what I guess is specialty combos of lenses. I'm wondering if you do too. Pretend you have a 24-200 on a Z5. What other lenses would you want then? My combos are of course travel (3 zooms), and 'prime fun' (usually 35 and 50mm primes), portrait (85), underwater (14-30 & 105). and wildlife (100-400, 500pf, 1.4tc on the zoom). IF i still shot events, I would have a 70-200f2.8, but I can use the f-mount in the once-a-year situation I still have.

You like the 58F1.4, which I can understand though it surprises me you would like what seems like it would be rather heavy. What would you replace it with, in ML?

How much FTZ are you willing to put up with? It flies in the face of your number one requirement as I've listed above in terms of being extra weight.

My thought on camera choices. Unless the absolute smallest Nikon is what you like, I'd just go for a Z5 or Z5. The overall weight is going to end up being in the bag of lenses you carry, and there isn't that much weight savings between DX and FX. I like FX giving me more shallow depth of field options and a lot more lens choices. I can always turn on DX crop in the Z9 viewfinder or crop in post to get a DX shot.

Click to expand...

Nice to hear from you;

I saw something a while back you made a big jump in equipment. I fell in love with the looks of the new Z8, but! way over my head.

Where do i stand? my health issues are compounding, my left hand shakes worse, sometimes i have to take my hand off the camera to hold it steady, i don't use either one of my tripods anymore, well my lightweight Bogen 3001,[25 years old] sometimes.

I'm really transitioning to light primes, and "kit zooms"18 140, and AF P 18 55. Of course I don't print anything, and only exhibit on flickr, the passion has gone now; photography is my entertainment. Today I go out and shoot for about 90 minutes to 2 hrs, and I'm done pain in legs and back-well just go home, today I hardly ever shoot more than 100 frames, 50 to 65 is about I can stand for.

The otther night I went to a HS baseball game hadn't shot one in years, used my D7500 [8FPS] and Tamron 70 210 F 4.0 VC. after the bottom of 3rd inning, my leg was asleep no feeling, had to go home.

My times into the "streets" i like a couple primes, Nikon 35 1.8 DX eq. 52 FX, Nikon 28 1.8 G[42 FX Nikon 50 1.8 G eq 75 FX.

I have a program this sat. for a local club, I'll photo, my D5600 Nikon 16 80 2.8 4.0 and my Nikon SB400 compact flash.

As you can see I'm using the basic type entry level gear, I'm not real happy with it, but it keeps me in and happy.

Today my wife and I had a church dinner, and I began hurting she had to bring me home.

I've not been a real fan of the Zss, but either keep shooting something or quit altogether

I'll have to sell some items, but I'll keep some bigger things to go out and shoot a little bit. The Nikon 58 1.4 on my D800E [should of held out for a D810] I like it but i'm not getting the full experience with it.

I know I'm rambling, but I feel I know you, over the past years as I've gone downhill you've given me some good advice, and I thank you very much. The Z6-7 either one to much for me this late in the game, a year from know I might be in a walker. I'll be thinking much about the Z50 or maybe the ZFC?

If you care to look at my flickr site and see what I've been doing last 10 plus years. palmerb16 for flickr.

Thanks and please take care.

"dog house riley"

dog house riley said:

Nice to hear from you;

I saw something a while back you made a big jump in equipment. I fell in love with the looks of the new Z8, but! way over my head.

Where do i stand? my health issues are compounding, my left hand shakes worse, sometimes i have to take my hand off the camera to hold it steady, i don't use either one of my tripods anymore, well my lightweight Bogen 3001,[25 years old] sometimes.

I'm really transitioning to light primes, and "kit zooms"18 140, and AF P 18 55. Of course I don't print anything, and only exhibit on flickr, the passion has gone now; photography is my entertainment. Today I go out and shoot for about 90 minutes to 2 hrs, and I'm done pain in legs and back-well just go home, today I hardly ever shoot more than 100 frames, 50 to 65 is about I can stand for.

The otther night I went to a HS baseball game hadn't shot one in years, used my D7500 [8FPS] and Tamron 70 210 F 4.0 VC. after the bottom of 3rd inning, my leg was asleep no feeling, had to go home.

My times into the "streets" i like a couple primes, Nikon 35 1.8 DX eq. 52 FX, Nikon 28 1.8 G[42 FX Nikon 50 1.8 G eq 75 FX.

I have a program this sat. for a local club, I'll photo, my D5600 Nikon 16 80 2.8 4.0 and my Nikon SB400 compact flash.

As you can see I'm using the basic type entry level gear, I'm not real happy with it, but it keeps me in and happy.

Today my wife and I had a church dinner, and I began hurting she had to bring me home.

I've not been a real fan of the Zss, but either keep shooting something or quit altogether

I'll have to sell some items, but I'll keep some bigger things to go out and shoot a little bit. The Nikon 58 1.4 on my D800E [should of held out for a D810] I like it but i'm not getting the full experience with it.

I know I'm rambling, but I feel I know you, over the past years as I've gone downhill you've given me some good advice, and I thank you very much. The Z6-7 either one to much for me this late in the game, a year from know I might be in a walker. I'll be thinking much about the Z50 or maybe the ZFC?

If you care to look at my flickr site and see what I've been doing last 10 plus years. palmerb16 for flickr.

Thanks and please take care.

"dog house riley"

Click to expand...

I have a slight 'essential' tremor as well. It is actually the reason I transitioned my kit over to an Olympus six or so years ago. Their IBIS implementation made a visible difference in the quality of images I could achieve. When Nikon came out with the Z's with IBIS, I pretty much immediately switched back.

One thing to note is that both the Z50 and Zfc lack IBIS and depend upon lens VR for stability control. Most of their zooms have VR (all of their DX zooms do I believe). But note that almost none of their primes (28, 26, 40 for example) have VR (the 105 macro is, I believe the exception).

I know you've stated that you are loath to switch systems at this point. I would just suggest, given your concerns stated above, that you take a look at something like the Olympus E-M5 iii with a 12-45 (or 12-40) and maybe a couple of primes. The IBIS is simply superb, the camera and lenses are, relative to Nikon's Z DX, very light and the IQ rivals the Z50.

dog house riley said:

I'm coming to the good folks at DP, before their gone. Which way to go? currently I shoot both DX, and FX. More DX. Which system might work best for me, in Nikon Z systems.

1st let me say look at my gear list and you'll know part of my problem. Currently i spend more time doing street work, almost no wildlife, I enjoy simple youth sports, and a walk around the local town to just carry a camera and enjoy myself.

I don't travel very far [not been outside my hometown in 4 years] All my photos in last 2 or three years taken less than 100 yards from my car. I've fallen a couple times lately, nothing hurt but my pride.

So where is this leading? My most used type cameras today are my Nikon D3300, D5300, and D5600. And trying to decifer how to make the transsition to ML?? How in equipment glass, and how much equipment [one or two cameras]

What ML systems am I looking at? right now Z5, maybe A Z6 or II, light weight outfit ,the one I go out a lot is my D5300 with either a 50 1.8 G, 35 1.8 DX, or 18 140 also 18 55 VR II, i have also have the AF P version. I think by know you can see where I'm headed, quick lightweight system. Do I think using the DX, and keep my F mount DX gear or a Z5 and modern lens, like 24 200, [a do it all].

I enjoy my Nikon gear, not interested in brand swapping, for any reason, I've got over 30 plus years with my Nikons.

Maybe I'm wrong thinking about doing this, all my current gear does all I could want or do, the biggest problem is my health and mobility. To carry one camera and maybe a 2nd lens and spend a couple hours "shooting" I get so much satisfaction doing it. Would like to be able to consolidate to a small outfit.

I most likely should stick to my gear and enjoy myself without spending a lot of money. If someone would like to throw your 2 cents into this mess I'm open. I only use flickr for my entertainment, and if someone would like to look at what i do my password to flickr is palmerb16, and judge for your self should I switch, keep on keepen on?

When i set my cameras up I set them up like my old film cameras,[ still have two loaded] I just don't use all the menu systems. Maybe its time to bow out altogether? Oh yes, NO VIDEO, never used it not a choice. Just a shot of some simple street work in past couple weeks.

"dog house riley"

Click to expand...

Not sure if this option has been brought up yet but if you are doing a lot of street and don't mind the lack of an EVF the Z30 might be a good choice, especially with one of the small primes (28mm) or even the 16mm-50mmkit lens or the 18mm-140mm lens. Because the Z30 does not have a viewfinder, you use it like you would use a cell phone camera, making it very unobtrusive for street photography. It's also small enough (with the 16mm-50mm lens) to fit into a jacket pocket.

If you want the viewfinder, then the Z50 with the same lens combinations would be another option.

--

I don't think you need full frame. Sounds like you value going light, and that is a good idea in many cases. The Z50 takes great photos, no problem at all.

I would say get the double kit, and buy the 40mm f/2 if you want a "long normal lens", or "short portrait lens". This lens is not optically perfect, but the issues are mostly in the borders, which will not be a problem when you use a DX camera anyway.

"I'll have to sell some items, but I'll keep some bigger things to go out and shoot a little bit. The Nikon 58 1.4 on my D800E [should of held out for a D810] I like it but i'm not getting the full experience with it."

The 58/1.4 that you like should work nicely with a FTZ on either the Z5 or Z6. The Z50/1.8 is a very nice performing lens that does not weigh much. I am not to sure about the 70-300vr. Also you will have to look to see if the Tamron lenses will work. Some third party lenses need firmware updates to play nice with Z cameras. Some are ok. I am not sure which are which as I no longer have any. I sold mine when I moved into the Z system to help with the cost of the Z7. I kept only the lenses I would use on my D500 and Z7. It also helped that we were selling our home and I wanted to downsize my camera stuff. (I almost cried when I let go of my Nikon FE2 that flooded on a camping trip. I had so many memories wrapped up in that camera).

Good luck with the hunt for a camera.

BGD300V1 said:

dog house riley said:

...

Maybe I'm wrong thinking about doing this, all my current gear does all I could want or do, the biggest problem is my health and mobility. To carry one camera and maybe a 2nd lens and spend a couple hours "shooting" I get so much satisfaction doing it. Would like to be able to consolidate to a small outfit.

"dog house riley"

Click to expand...

It's tempting to say stick with what you got but, the Z50 with the two lens kit fits in a very small bag and gives you everything from 16-250 DX or 24-375 FX equivalent and weighs very little.

Click to expand...

The bag is a Tamron 4252 but there are a lot of equivalents.



Here it is with the gear I carry in it



The pouch on the left carries a Raynox 150 for closeup work. The Z50 normally wears the 50-250 for occasional walks in wildlife areas. The 16-50 is between them with a Peak Design Leash on top of it (below it here). The big lens on the left is a Viltrox 13mm f1.4 which you don't need. I keep the 13mm and the 16-50 in a beer coozie which provides a bit of scratch protection in the bag.

For your use I would replace the Viltrox with the 28mm or 40mm for your street work to save space and weight. I think a short prime works better for that than a zoom. It's a bit brighter and you don't need to think about the FL when shooting.

The Z50 has the same pixel pitch as the Z7 which gives you a nice ability to crop. Here is a shot from yesterday of a small fiddler crab taken from a boardwalk with the 50-250 with a crop.








I'm a photographer, Jim, not a graphic artist!
My photo blog: http://birdsnbugs.com
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You have great equipment. Buy some new lenses if you need them and enjoy.