D750 upgrade... to what?

[Martian977]

Hi folks,

I believe the time has come for an upgrade of my trusty D750 and I am seeking some advice from more experienced members of this forum as to what camera and lens can replace my current set up.

You need to know I am not a full-time professional photog nor I wish to become one. Photography is my hobby and needs to be fun. I do sell some of my better landscape photos and this helps me to finance acquisition of the new gear. I had a bit of a success with astro and low light photography and also experimenting with long exposures. Most of my landscape photos involve travelling, walking, hiking and hauling my full frame camera to less accessible places. I also take a lot of photos of my kids. While the landscape photos make me some money, it's the family photos that are priceless for me.

My current set up is a d750 + tamron 17-35mm f2.8-4.0 + tamron 85mm f1.8. No issues with the camera other than the AF could be better. My wife can't handle it. The wide angle had been knocked and there is a bit of a wiggle in the front element and the portrait prime is heavy for f1.8 lens. Planning to sell the whole kit except for 77 & 67mm filters.

Here comes my wish list, but I understand some of these specs are contradicting each other:

Camera:

- better AF with 3D tracking and eye detection,

- IBIS,

- smaller and less weight, planning to use Smallrig base plate compatible with Arca Swiss tripod,

- ISO 64, clean high ISO images, high-res sensor - all upgrades are welcome although not necessary dal breakers

- top screen, sensor shield, illuminated buttons - again, nice to have, but is it worth the cost?

Lens:

1x UWA starting at min. 17mm, ideally f2.8 and nice sunstars

1x general zoom lens (I am 99% decided to go with 24-120)

1x portrait prime around 50 or 85mm (might add 35mm later)

I have done my research, read the reviews and came up with two options:

Budget: Z5ii + NISI/LAowa UWA MF prime + 24-120 + 40 f2.0

Middle ground: Z6iii + 14-30 + 24-120 + 85 f1.8

Aspirational: Z8 + 14-24 + 24-120 + 50 f1.2

This will not make sense at first, as these combos are wildly different in price and features. My budget allows for the Z6iii combo and that's most likely all that I need, but I can't help myself but to think what if I mixed things up and got one top tier item be it a camera or a lens? I will have to stretch the budget and / or save on other items, but would it be worth it? And where would the extra money spent make the biggest difference?

I would very much appreciate your insightful advice

 

[rangel28]

Hi folks,

I believe the time has come for an upgrade of my trusty D750 and I am seeking some advice from more experienced members of this forum as to what camera and lens can replace my current set up.

You need to know I am not a full-time professional photog nor I wish to become one. Photography is my hobby and needs to be fun. I do sell some of my better landscape photos and this helps me to finance acquisition of the new gear. I had a bit of a success with astro and low light photography and also experimenting with long exposures. Most of my landscape photos involve travelling, walking, hiking and hauling my full frame camera to less accessible places. I also take a lot of photos of my kids. While the landscape photos make me some money, it's the family photos that are priceless for me.

My current set up is a d750 + tamron 17-35mm f2.8-4.0 + tamron 85mm f1.8. No issues with the camera other than the AF could be better. My wife can't handle it. The wide angle had been knocked and there is a bit of a wiggle in the front element and the portrait prime is heavy for f1.8 lens. Planning to sell the whole kit except for 77 & 67mm filters.

Here comes my wish list, but I understand some of these specs are contradicting each other:

Camera:

- better AF with 3D tracking and eye detection,

- IBIS,

- smaller and less weight, planning to use Smallrig base plate compatible with Arca Swiss tripod,

- ISO 64, clean high ISO images, high-res sensor - all upgrades are welcome although not necessary dal breakers

- top screen, sensor shield, illuminated buttons - again, nice to have, but is it worth the cost?

Lens:

1x UWA starting at min. 17mm, ideally f2.8 and nice sunstars

1x general zoom lens (I am 99% decided to go with 24-120)

1x portrait prime around 50 or 85mm (might add 35mm later)

I have done my research, read the reviews and came up with two options:

Budget: Z5ii + NISI/LAowa UWA MF prime + 24-120 + 40 f2.0

Middle ground: Z6iii + 14-30 + 24-120 + 85 f1.8

Aspirational: Z8 + 14-24 + 24-120 + 50 f1.2

This will not make sense at first, as these combos are wildly different in price and features. My budget allows for the Z6iii combo and that's most likely all that I need, but I can't help myself but to think what if I mixed things up and got one top tier item be it a camera or a lens? I will have to stretch the budget and / or save on other items, but would it be worth it? And where would the extra money spent make the biggest difference?

I would very much appreciate your insightful advice

If the top screen is important to you, you can remove the Z5II from your list. If you are the type that holds on to cameras for a while (and if you are using the D750, you may be), will size and weight be an issue at some point? If so, the Z8 is the largest and heaviest of the cameras, and a lens like the Z 14mm-24mm if heavier than the Z 14mm-30mm, so the size and weight combination may be an issue. The only camera on your list with a sensor shield is the Z8.

I am a hobbyist and for me, the Z6III is more than enough camera. The f4 Nikon Z lenses are very good, and a trio of lenses like the Z 14mm-30mm, 24mm-120mm, and 100mm-400mm will cover most every shooting situation. A prime like the Z 85mm f1.8 can be used for portraits or the macro 105mm f2.8 can be used as both a macro and portrait lens. Small, inexpensive primes like the 28mm and 40mm can fill out your lens lineup.

The good news is you have lots of choices. The bad news is you have lots of choices.

 

[dacrema]

I own a Z7 and a Z9. It might surprise some that I use the 6 year old Z7 almost as much as the Z9. In an ideal world I would recommend the Z8 for your use case.
But a new old stock or used Z7 / Z7ii would be good for the type of photography you like and allow you to reach the ISO 64. If you were doing more action I would say get any camera with an Expeed 7 (Zf, Z6iii, Z5). But by getting the older camera you can work on the lenses for the next generation of Z cameras that will be coming out in a couple years and will still be a good backup camera to the next gen cameras. My Z7 is wonderful for friends, family and landscapes. I have done dogs playing and even big birds in flight but now I use the Z9 for those as well as all the things I use the Z7 for. The determining factor being if size is an issue.

As for lenses a 24-120/4 is really good. See if you can get which ever camera bundled with that lens. The lens is a little hard to find in the stores. I have and love the 24-70/4, but the 24-120 makes better sunstars, it better for travel and gives up nothing in sharpness to the older 24-70/4.

 

[Suntan]

The Z8 is going to feel the most like your D750 in the hand, and its higher res will spoil you for your landscapes. The z6iii will feel smaller, but only be about 3 oz lighter. Its 24mp will be the same as the D750. Either will be able to keep up with your kids' movements up till they compete in the Olympics.

Want to spend less, look at the new z5ii.

Don't bother looking at any of the other bodies.

Wrt lenses, have a serious look at the Viltrox 16mm 1.8 for your wide angle. Unless you routinely want more range between 16 and 24, it is a great WA lens that I feel keeps up with my 24-70 2.8 just fine.

The 24-120 f4 is a really good option. Although if you do go with something like the 14-30, it is at least worth looking at the Tamron 35-150 f2-2.8 as a different option. The Tamron would be a better choice if your kids are getting into school events (plays, sports, etc) although the 24-120 would likely be the better general purpose everyday lens.

One other thing to think about, if you really want a thin dof portrait lens, would be the Viltrox 85 1.8. Which is less than half the price of the very good Nikon 85 1.8, but doesnt give up that much in comparison, when used as a regular portrait lens.

So if you do a lot of WA at more than just "really wide" then you'd likely be better off going z6iii/14-30/24-120/85 1.8S. If you find you mostly just want the ability to go wide, but stay at the 24 and up area otherwise, you could likely go Z8/Viltrox 16/24-120/Viltrox 85 for similar or less money.

Lastly, Nikon has refurbished sales periodically. The stuff you are looking at goes pretty fast (one just started a day or two ago where z6iii were going for $2k and Z8 were going for $3K.) They have them every month or so. So if you aren't in a hurry, and you are OK with refurb'd (I got my z8 and 24-120 from their refurb sales) then a guy can save a fair bit.

 

[m_black]

There are more nuances between the models that could fill a book, but in simplistic comparison:


The absolute lateral move from a D750 would be the Z5II. Dual card slots and better in just about every way. Minus the top screen omission. The image quality would be very similar and the video specs are much better. And a max 1/8000 shutter speed vs the D750’s 1/4000. Same batteries, same dual cards.

z6III. The D750 re-incarnate in terms of work horse and intention. But only if you need better video specs and can utilize the faster scanning sensor. (Action, motion). ISO 100 and 1/8000.



Z7II - photo focused. Probably still the best all around IQ. Not a speed demon like the rest. Great AF except for fast action. Has RAW Medium and RAW large. 25 and 45mp respectively. So if you don’t need full pixels that day, RAW medium is pretty good. ISO 64 and 1/8000.



Z8 - just fast. Fast operation, fast sensor scanning, high end video specs. Everything is just crisp. The best blend of speed and IQ. ISO 64 AND 1/32,000 max shutter speed.

 

[skyrunr]

The good news is you have lots of choices. The bad news is you have lots of choices.

Since the OP has multiple users in the household, I'd consider two bodies.

I was thinking of a Z5II paired with a used Z7 ($999,) the 14-28f2.8, used 24-70F4S ($400,) and 85-S (a must have lens, available refurbished $500 right now.) Plus some compact prime such as a Viltrox AIR or the pancake 26f2.8. Maybe wait and see how the Z5II does on the streets. We know the price will likely drop a few hundred dollars as soon as Black Friday.

Or even a Z50II or Z30/Z30II(TBA) with the 12-28mm and 50-250mm for the family, and a Z6III with the 24-120F4S. When you need wider than 24mm you can shoot a few vertical images and stitch. Then add the 14-24f2.8-S whenever you can.

I'm pretty happy with the "more than most would need" Z6III's performance and resolution, and I can use GigapizelAI or Lightroom Enhance to reach 10,000+ ISO images when needed. You can also pixel shift or stitch. I mention this as a former Z7II/D750/D500 owner.

 

[Martian977]

I was considering two body solution, especially for multi-day hikes when you have to carry all your gear in backpack, the weight of the full frame camera and lenses can become uncomfortable. But I have recently managed the 4-day Kepler Track with my d750 just fine. I am still on the edge whether I would do the same with a Z8. Not because of the weight, but because of risk that if for whatever reason the camera gets damaged I wont have funds to replace it.

I am very tempted NOT to go with the 'boring' Z6iii + f4 lenses. Say Z8 with a tiny pancake or z5ii with a 50mm f1.2, that sounds like more fun to me. But I am worried about creating a functional disbalance that will not be very practical.

 

[MJ_Photo38]

The DR and noise levels are lower on non-stacked BSI sensors compared to stacked BSI sensors, so your "ISO 64" part on the wishlist doesn't make a ton of sense considering the Z8's ISO 64 setting only allows it to get on par with other cameras that would not have a stacked sensor and would have a base ISO of 100.

If what you want is maximum dynamic range, the Z6III will not be the camera for you. High burst rate and high end video are not in your list either.

Imho, a Z5II is a complete no-brainer in your case.

 

[BillyBobSenna]

Based on what you shoot, I don’t think you need to update your camera body. I would get new lens for your D750. The used market for excellent F mount glass is a buyers market.

 

[BasilG]

Camera:

- better AF with 3D tracking and eye detection,

- IBIS,

- smaller and less weight, planning to use Smallrig base plate compatible with Arca Swiss tripod,

- ISO 64, clean high ISO images, high-res sensor - all upgrades are welcome although not necessary dal breakers

- top screen, sensor shield, illuminated buttons - again, nice to have, but is it worth the cost?

Lens:

1x UWA starting at min. 17mm, ideally f2.8 and nice sunstars

1x general zoom lens (I am 99% decided to go with 24-120)

1x portrait prime around 50 or 85mm (might add 35mm later)

I have done my research, read the reviews and came up with two options:

Budget: Z5ii + NISI/LAowa UWA MF prime + 24-120 + 40 f2.0

Could consider the Nikon 17-28/2.8 for this kit. Ticks the boxes mostly and appears decent for astro as well (from the PhotographyLife review; I have not used this lens).

Middle ground: Z6iii + 14-30 + 24-120 + 85 f1.8

Aspirational: Z8 + 14-24 + 24-120 + 50 f1.2

I believe that the Z6III kit will probably cover most of your use cases really well, but I predict that you might always wonder how much improvement the 45 MP and ISO64 of the Z8 would make to your landscape photography.

Mixing and matching your kits, I would propose two alternatives:

Z6III + 14-24/2.8 + 24-120/4 + 85/1.8 - upgrade of the ultra wide; great for astrophotography, great for landscapes, a stunning lens. The other two lenses are very good as-is.

Z8 + 14-24/2.8 + 24-120/4 + 85/1.8 - upgrade to the Z8 for the reasons stated above. Unless you really know you want that f/1.2 aperture, I am not sure the expense of the 50/1.2 is worth it. I have the 50/1.8, and I sometimes stop it down to f/2.8 for people because only ever having one eye in focus gets a little old after a while. If you want to spend big, you can always get the Plena (another stunning lens) instead of the 85/1.8.

 

[George 68]

You won't get a single concensus to your question as photographers have different priorities. Some want/need the latest in AF performance and subject recognition, some excellent video features and others were probably happy with the state of AF technology pre mirrorless but want the best image quality possible.

My advice would be, if you tend towards the former, buy one of the Expeed 7 cameras. I can't offer any advice on video, unfortunately. If you tend towards the latter, then buy one of the 45MP cameras.

And if you are unsure, where your preferences lie, and want to avoid buying the wrong camera, buy the Z8 - its 45MP and Expeed 7.

 

[Satyaa]

If you can forego the 45MP and top LCD display, the Z5ii is a better solution for you. Gets you everything else, leaving few hundreds for the lenses.

Otherwise, lot of good suggestions already.

I wanted the 45MP and decided to forego the EXPEED7 AF benefits. So, I recently got a used Z7ii.

All the best.

 

[Nevermess]

For the use scenarios you mentioned you have only two cost effective options:

1) Z5II - this would cover all your needs. Has new nikon focusing and also some improvements for low light photography. This will solve your focusing issues. And has no DR penalties.

2) If focus is not so important for you Z7II is a landscape king! Though it is slow, and his video is not good, but for landscaping, portrait photography and night shots it os the ultimate tool. Main benefit is 45MP sensor with no AA filter.

 

[jthomas39]

With my Z6 iii, I'm usually using electronic shutter. I only see moderate rolling shutter effects when I'm doing fast pans. And the 1/16000 fastest electronic shutter is helpful for wide open shooting in bright sunlight.

I like the classic U1,U2, U3 custom user settings on the Z6 iii. It's easy to use and to manage. The shooting banks on the Z8 would take quite a bit of study and practice to be effective for me.

The size and weight is just right for me. A little lighter would have been good, but the body size is nice with my larger hands compared to the Z6.

 

[Rene Gr]

Why not get the Z6 III with a 24-70 f/4 combo, the 85mm f/1.8 and the 14-30 f/4. That fits to what you had and what you used, but a lot better.

 

[Larry_T]

I made this exact switch about 6 months ago from the D750 to the Z6iii with the 24-70f4. I am looking to add a prime, most likely the 50 Z1.8. I am very happy with the switch to the Z6iii, although I find the camera has far too many settings I do not use, and the AF has taken quite a while to figure out (and I am not there yet). The Z6iii is enjoyable to carry and shoot street. Best of luck.

 

[skyrunr]

I was considering two body solution, especially for multi-day hikes when you have to carry all your gear in backpack, the weight of the full frame camera and lenses can become uncomfortable. But I have recently managed the 4-day Kepler Track with my d750 just fine. I am still on the edge whether I would do the same with a Z8. Not because of the weight, but because of risk that if for whatever reason the camera gets damaged I wont have funds to replace it.

I am very tempted NOT to go with the 'boring' Z6iii + f4 lenses. Say Z8 with a tiny pancake or z5ii with a 50mm f1.2, that sounds like more fun to me. But I am worried about creating a functional disbalance that will not be very practical.

Add a third-party accidental warranty to your Z8 with the savings of buying the refurb for $2999, a bargain, or update your home owner's policy (Wild Alaska just had his gear stolen.)

The Z6III $1999 which leaves more room for that 14-24f2.8S. I'd rather have the 20-S over the f2.8 and F4 zooms. I wouldn't knock or rule out the F4S glass. It performs as well as or better than flagship f-mount glass (watch some of the Ricci Talks comparisons.) I even like the 24-200VR. Especially with decent editing skills and software. The 1.8S lenses fill the practical functional balance between the f1.2's. I'd have no reservations on getting a Z5II or Z50II and putting the 50f1.2 on them. I might not put less expensive full-frame lenses on a 45mp body, but I'm not that critical anyway. Software fixes just about everything these days.

I don't find the Z6III or F4S lenses boring, just stand in front of more interesting things. It sounds like you've already decided on a Z8 as the best solution, "no half measures!" I tried it and it was too large for my needs, and before mirrorless the D500 was starting to feel bulky as it was. I'd go with a Z9 for the battery life and wait until the Z9II hit the shelves as well. I don't buy into the DR hype with the Z6III, but the Z5II should have a bit more DR regardless. It wouldn't be a deciding factor for me. Especially with the MSRP versus refurbished difference of $300.

The Z50II exceeded my expectations, and I may upgrade it to the Z5II next year. If just to share batteries, lenses, and all my accessories. The Z6III stays.

 

[monte12345]

Instead get the new Z5 II when it finally hits the stores and spend the money saved from not getting a Z8 on the 24-120mm f4 S zoom. Ask anyone who has the 24-120 and they will ALL state that it is a Mush Have lens.

BTW, take note of my gear list. I have a high res Z7 II and a Zf and the Z7 II only gets used when I am shooting Landscapes. Because the AF only works well for subjects that aren't moving so you can do the Pre-Focus and Recompose bit. For any other use I go to the Zf without even thinking about what I am going to take. In regards to the 24mp resolution this sensor will produce images that have to be seen to be believed and it's paired with the Z5 II as Nikons finest low light cameras. Yeah the Z5 II and Zf twins top both the Z8 and Z9 in low light. That is one advantage to the lower resolution, nice big fat "pixels" to soak up Photons. I will also tell you that the 24-120 is a Must Have lens because of it's near perfect image quality and a focal length range suitable for 90-95% of the pictures I take.

BTW I am rather fond of primes so have a bit of a collection. The most recent addition is a 20mm f2.8 Viltrox and it's a giant bargain of a lens. Sub 200 dollar cost and image quality that is much more than good enough for a 24 x 36 inch print. I've found that Nikon and Viltrox produce very useful lenses and while these budget lenses may not produce the near perfect sharpness of the S line lenses they all are good enough to produce superb 24 x 36 inch prints.

 

[Martian977]

Thanks for your replies. I remain undecided for now. Nikon's current camera line up is devilishly intertwined in terms of features. You get the best viewfinder on mid range model, for simple features such as illuminated buttons you have to pay premium for top of the range model, and the low end model has more features than it has the right to have at that price point.

My current thoughts are:

1) Let' go with Z8 - ultimate camera that will last me a decade. I don't think there will be a new sensor or any substantial upgrades in the next generation. It has all the features I need and leaves nothing to be desired. The only downside is a bit of extra weight that I will have to live with and I will have to limit the initial glass to go with it to 24-120 and Viltrox 16mm f1.8 and delay the portrait lens a little longer.

2) It may be better idea to save on camera and spend on glass. The Z5ii has most of the features I need the 14-24s is suddenly within reach. I am not sure about the 112mm filters, but the quality of this lens cannot be denied. Last year I got my hands on 50mm 1.2 and it was surreal! There is something indescribable about these 1.2 lenses. I know that if you shoot at f1.2 all the time it gets a bit cliché, but hey, it gives you creative freedom and distinct look.

3) None of the above is currently available where I live. Z8 is out of stock and Z5ii ETA remains to be confirmed. The Z6iii on the other hand is in stock, discounted and comes in kit with 24-120. My problem is that with Z6iii I am paying extra for all the video features that I don't use. I might occasionally attempt a 4K video, but I don't think I need all the Log's and whatnot.

4) Keeping the D750 is an option for now. I keep checking for a good second hand 58mm f1.4, but haven't seen a good one in a while. The problem is I don't like the G version of 24-120. The Z version on the other hand is the lens I desire very much for my travels. Same with UWA, the 14-24g or 16-35 are not going to cut it. May be Tamron 15-35, but again no screw in filters and that weight... Also I might keep the D750 for a full spectrum conversion and get a Rokinon/Samyiang MF UWA purely for astrophotography.

 

[Ceistinne]

The Z5 ii is the camera for you with either the 24-70mm f4 S or the 24-120mm f4 S.

S