Choice made and ordered

[cutterpup]

After much thought and dithering I made up my mind and ordered. I have coming in a new Z50ii.

I considered the savings of getting a used one. In over thirty years I only had issues with two used cameras, both exchanged by the dealer with no issues. But I decided to treat myself and spend the hundred or so dollars (USD) difference on a new one. It will be only the second brand new camera, except for inexpensive compacts, that I have bought myself. The first being the newer version of the Pentax K100 film camera back near the end of the last century.

However, I did pick up a used 12-28 lens with it instead of a new one. I spent the difference on a spare battery and charger.

Once the Z50ii is in, my original Z50 and my F mount 70-300 AF-P dx will be sent off to a reseller (already have tentative quotes)

Finally, I have two grown children who always ask about holiday gifts (my birthday is Christmas Eve). I plan on suggesting to them to combine resources to get me the Viltrox AF 9mm F2.8 Air APS-C Lens.

I am not getting rid of my older Sigma 10-24mm F mount lens. But after much thought I like the idea of having a lightweight, all Nikon Z mount "to go kit". 12-28, 18-140, 55-200.

 

[1000DTL]

Instead of DX lenses pair your 12-28 with the Z full frame 24-200 or 28-400 zooms. You won’t regret it. They both have VR and with the Z50ii you will be using the center area of both zooms. The only Z DX lens I own is the 12-28.

 

[cutterpup]

Instead of DX lenses pair your 12-28 with the Z full frame 24-200 or 28-400 zooms. You won’t regret it. They both have VR and with the Z50ii you will be using the center area of both zooms. The only Z DX lens I own is the 12-28.

As of right now, I already own the other lenses I mentioned. I bought my original Z50 as the two lens kit just to try a mirrorless system and have a lighter weight "garb and go" bag. For many uses I have the FTZ on it and use my F mount lenses. When my F mount 18-140 finally started to die on me, I had already decided that I was not going to put my money into a full frame Z mount system.I decided I was using the Z50 enough to replace that lens with the Z mount dx one.

I appreciate the suggestions but am not a "super" zoom user. I would love to be able to afford the Z 100-400mm F4.5-5.6 VR S. It is actually heavier than my sigma 100-400, which I can hand hold on the Z50 (with FTZ), but the 100-400 is my most frequently used lens for nature walks.

 

[skyrunr]

Instead of DX lenses pair your 12-28 with the Z full frame 24-200 or 28-400 zooms. You won’t regret it. They both have VR and with the Z50ii you will be using the center area of both zooms. The only Z DX lens I own is the 12-28.

THIS! 24-200VR. When I switched from the 70-300E to the 50-250, I really appreciated the wide end, and could almost get by with just the 50-250 and 12-28DX.

The 16-50DXVR is a great value ($125,) and more compact than any of the others. I can't see not owning one. I'd also consider the Tamrikon 70-180f2.8 or adapting an e-mount or f-mount 100-400 Sigma.

PS I like Nikon refurbished as a balance between new/used, but MPB offers a six month warranty and ebay has a third party warranty as well. Generally better than Nikon's 1yr warranty.

Enjoy the new rig! The only reason I don't have the Z50II is because it doesn't use EN-EL15 batteries (less CIPA as well,) and doesn't look like a point and shoot like the Z50 did. Even though it handles better, it is a subtle difference, but that matters to me as a second body.

 

[neile2010]

Enjoy your new camera.... I am sure you will love it

 

[cutterpup]

THIS! 24-200VR. When I switched from the 70-300E to the 50-250, I really appreciated the wide end, and could almost get by with just the 50-250 and 12-28DX.

Again, I'm glad it worked for you but I have no desire for a lens covering that range (8.3 ratio). My 18-140 is compromise enough (7.7 ratio). I already own lenses, in Z mount alone, covering 16mm to 200mm. And that will change once the 12-28mm gets here. I have no qualms about changing lenses mid shoot.

The 16-50DXVR is a great value ($125,) and more compact than any of the others. I can't see not owning one.

I have the 16-50mm original kit lens. I almost never use it.

I'd also consider the Tamrikon 70-180f2.8

I have a Tamron 70-200 f2.8 in Pentax mount. My fav lens of all time, but not a focal length I need anymore. I used it for livestock photos.

or adapting an e-mount or f-mount 100-400 Sigma.

If you have seen my replies, and my gear list, I own and use extensively the Sigma F mount 100-400 .

 

[monte12345]

While the Z50 is a good bit cheaper than the Z50II it is also rather compromised when compared to the newer version. I used to look down on the DX format once I moved to the D750 but put together a Z50II Kit for my niece and had so much fun testing it out and getting it set up than I purchased the same 2 lens Kit for myself. Image quality is fantastic, the 16-50 & 50-250 lenses are stunning, and it's so light and handy it goes with me any time I run an errand.

I do suggest you reconsider selling that 70-300 mm lens of yours. Because it can provide an effective lens for Wildlife if you get that itch. In addition when you see the price you are offered for that lens you may be a bit insulted because it will probably be in the 100-150 dollar or less range. Typically shops that take in used gear will offer 35% of the original full retail for a nearly new RECENT sample of the lens. Get a few marks or signs of wear and that can drop to 20% of the original price or even less. Finally if it's an older F mount lens that isn't one of the treasured super premium Nikkor's like the 500mm, then they are going to give you a nickel and dime offer. As for why, it's all about the price that it will sell for on the used market and the costs for carrying that lens in their warehouse, which is NOT free. Companies like KEH or MPB are in the business of making a Profit and they know how to do that very well. It's why their offers seem way too low and the markups seem so high. When you factor in the costs for carrying that inventory, which included Taxes, then you will understand that it is what is actually required to generate a profit.

 

[skyrunr]

I hear you, you have a good plan, I did not see your prior replies, but I'm sorry I didn't check your gear list! I'm not a fan of the 18-140DX compared to the others, I may have had a bad copy, and otherwise I liked the build quality and knurled finish.

I'd still like a 16-80DXVR f2.8-whatever, but I've also decide to stick with full-frame. Do you have an online gallery to view?

--
SkyRunR
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
“Stop down and smell the roses.”

 

[cutterpup]

While the Z50 is a good bit cheaper than the Z50II it is also rather compromised when compared to the newer version. I used to look down on the DX format once I moved to the D750 but put together a Z50II Kit for my niece and had so much fun testing it out and getting it set up than I purchased the same 2 lens Kit for myself. Image quality is fantastic, the 16-50 & 50-250 lenses are stunning, and it's so light and handy it goes with me any time I run an errand.

I started, in Nikon, with a used D7200 and the 18-140. Over the years I had added lenses in a mix of dx and fx. When I got the D810 I added a couple of more fx lenses. I got the Z50 and 2 lens kit as a replacement for my "extra" camera. a D3400 and 2 lens kit I kept in the car. I have had dreamed of a FF Z mount camera. I was set to lay out the cost of a 7ii plus lenses. But then life got in the way. Rebuild one wall of the sunroom to accommodate a "normal size sliding door, (old smaller door had become unusable). Replace the aged heating/AC system. Now we are replacing the roof. and other expenses along the way. I looked in to the smaller Z mount FF cameras. But their MP count is too low to really use my dx lenses and Z mount fx lenses really add up. So I decided to stay FF in F mount for certain situations and stay DX for Z mount. That is affordable.

I do suggest you reconsider selling that 70-300 mm lens of yours. Because it can provide an effective lens for Wildlife if you get that itch.

I used my 70-300 on my D7200 for years as my wildlife/ boating combo. Once I got the 100-400 I barely looked back. I have on occasion played with the 70-300 using extension tubes, etc, trying to like it again. It just lays flat for me now. Food for thought on selling the 70-300. I am the only Nikon user I know. Friends shoot Sigma or Cannon. My daughter shoots Cannon. And my son has all my older Pentax gear. So I have no one to even gift it to.

 

[cutterpup]

Having second thoughts about selling the original Z50. If I am building a traveling Z mount dx kit, it might not hurt to have a spare camera body for my husband to use. Thecway I did with F mount.

Also I mistyped my 100-400 lens is a tamron, not sigma.

 

[cyuill2007]

Getting an extra battery and charger is a smart choice. When I rented a Z50 it came with a second battery, which I wound up needing on the second day. It would have been nice if Nikon engineers could have designed the Z50 to accept the ubiquitous EL-EN15 series of batteries.

It’s too bad you are getting rid of your AF-P DX 70-300mm VR lens. I found mine worked rather well with the Z50 and my D500. I currently use the FX version of the lens on my Z6II and D500, which I think is even better (albeit bigger). The Z DX 50-250mm lens is supposed to be quite good, and will be more compact than using an F-mount telephoto with FTZ adapter.

I think you will be very happy with your purchases. Keep us up to date on your experiences with your new camera and lens.

EDIT/UPDATE: I read a couple of earlier posts that I missed. You already had the 50-250mm lens it seems. So you know what you will be getting if you get another copy. Oops!

 

[cutterpup]

Getting an extra battery and charger is a smart choice. When I rented a Z50 it came with a second battery, which I wound up needing on the second day. It would have been nice if Nikon engineers could have designed the Z50 to accept the ubiquitous EL-EN15 series of batteries.

Even for compacts I always have spare batteries and a spare charger. I live in fear, actually more of a vague worry, of leaving a charger in a hotel room. So one charger stays home while the other one gets packed. I really appreciate that my D7200 and D810 use the same batteries.

It’s too bad you are getting rid of your AF-P DX 70-300mm VR lens. I found mine worked rather well with the Z50 and my D500. I currently use the FX version of the lens on my Z6II and D500, which I think is even better (albeit bigger). The Z DX 50-250mm lens is supposed to be quite good, and will be more compact than using an F-mount telephoto with FTZ adapter.

I don't "need" to sell it. Was just trying to get out of a hoarding mind set. As I said, I'm now leaning towards keeping the Z50 for a couple of reasons. The main one being my husband.

I think you will be very happy with your purchases. Keep us up to date on your experiences with your new camera and lens.

Will do, thank you.

 

[cutterpup]

EDIT/UPDATE: I read a couple of earlier posts that I missed. You already had the 50-250mm lens it seems. So you know what you will be getting if you get another copy. Oops!

Not buying another kit. Justbthe Z50ii body and 12-28 lens.

 

[abc123brian]

I think you will end up really liking the Z50ii. It is a great little camera. I bought one for a lightweight travel setup. I bought the two lens kit because I wanted the small size of the 16-50 for travel and added the 12-24 and a Viltrox 20mm and 57mm Air lens. I just take the lenses I think I’ll need and it works out great. For me, one big benefit is that the controls and operation are near identical to my full frame Z bodies. Congratulations on your new camera.