Greenhorn Needs words of Wisdom!

[Tom Reynolds]

If you are now spending $2500 you are definitely in the ballpark to consider mirrorless. Good as they were all dslr cameras are on their way to being dinosaurs. We all want to push the camera we have, it's just human nature but it is not objective. This site is very nikon centric and mostly old folks like me who grew up on film slr cameras then reluctently adopted dslr cameras. But since you are starting out there is no reason to automatically buy into the old system or at least if you do do it with your eyes wide open and do your research as to the differences.

It is true that dslr's are dinosaurs. It is also true that most of us are Nikon-centric even if some of us switched brands when Nikon was late with a top-of-the-line mirrorless. The problem seems to be that a Sony A1 ($7500) or Nikon Z-9 ($5500) are well over his $2500 budget whereas for $2500 a used D-500/300PF can be had. (A 1.4TC is another $500). What mirrorless setup in that range will produce better pictures?
-Tom

 

[bleirer]

It is true that dslr's are dinosaurs. It is also true that most of us are Nikon-centric even if some of us switched brands when Nikon was late with a top-of-the-line mirrorless. The problem seems to be that a Sony A1 ($7500) or Nikon Z-9 ($5500) are well over his $2500 budget whereas for $2500 a used D-500/300PF can be had. (A 1.4TC is another $500). What mirrorless setup in that range will produce better pictures?
-Tom

I am Canon centric myself, so I guess for $2500 I'd be thinking a refurbished 1 year warranty Canon EOS RP ($900) or R ($1400) with a refurbished 24-105 ($300) and a new rf 100-400($650).

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[tclune]

I would just suggest a long lens that should fit your budget and be well worth having -- the Sigma 150-500. I used that for years before I finally got the Nikon 200-500, which is wonderful, but less of an upgrade than I was expecting it to be. You can pick up a used Sigma 150-500 for about $600. FWIW

 

[RugglesZ9]

I won't bash brands, but recommend Nikon or Canon. Sony has too many people complaining about its ergonomics and miserable menus - especially for someone who doesn't want complexity. Having said, I suggest getting a mirrorless for one major reason: You can use cheap, great, used DSLR lenses with an adapter, but you can't go the other way: Eventually you may want a lens made for mirrorless cameras, and whatever body you buy now will be useable into the future, such as for a backup body. Much of the complexity of newer bodies is that they offer more options. I'd buy into Canon R series or Nikon Z. The two brands are very comparable. Canon may be the largest manufacturer, but not necessarily the result of quality. The two brands are very comparable.

 

[Deejaybee727]

You've all given me so much good info to think about - its alot to digest! I'm grateful to each of you for taking the time out of your days to help me!

 

[Ricky Simpson]

No worries on your misplaced response.

Think about it as buying into a system. Since you have established a budget I think your best choices will be Nikon or Canon due to the relatively inexpensive used glass that is available from both systems and will continue to become more affordable as folks move from DSLR to mirrorless. Then think ergonomics....do you have small, medium or large hands. If you have large hands mirrorless bodies may be uncomfortable. Yes they make grips that help but that is added expense. I tried a Z7II back in the summer and it was very small compared to my D500. For my average size + hands the D500 is a perfect comfortable fit that I can use all day long without cramping my hand. Maybe find a local store where you can hold several different bodies to see what feels "right".

On glass......as a Nikon shooter that is what I would recommend. If you want really sharp images like you see posted here and other places..... the Nikon 300 PF is a good candidate with a 1.4 TC. With this lens the drawback will be that you are going to have to get much closer to your subjects as compared to any of the 150-600 zooms....there are tradeoffs for each of these lenses. In low light the 300 pf is better but it is generally too short for small subjects unless you can get closer.

For landscapes/ general photography the Nikon 16-80 2.8-4E VR lens is excellent and close to your budget depending on what other lens you get and would pair with a D500.

Other than ergonomics, weight is a factor also. Mirrorless systems will be lighter vs DSLR systems....once again tradeoffs.