The OP originally asked about the d5500, a camera that sells used for 3 to 4 hundred dollars. The d500 is $1,100 to 1,300 used. Makes me wonder if it Is realistic or is something in the $500 range including a lens more what is being asked for?
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Harry.G
Well-known member
You could be correct on that , I guess I never looked at from that perspective .. It would be more helpful if the OP stated what sort of budget he is planning for..
I figured when he said in his original post that he likes taking wildlife shots and Landscapes that he probably wanted something more higher end ..
Harry.G
In his original post he said his total budget was up to about $1,500 USD. I'm not sure he could get a D500 and a capable lens for wildlife for a total of $1500 but it could end up being pretty close if buying used.
Deejaybee727
New member
Hello everyone - sorry that I didn't give a budget to help you all make realistic recommendations. I was really just seeing that particular D5500 camera for beginners (along with the D3500, D5300, & so on...) suggested on several different YouTube channels and read articles about it, and was trying to get into the camera body for the least amount of $$ I could. My thought being if I enjoyed it as I expect I will, in the future I could get better lenses and upgrade to a better camera body. However, taking into consideration how much the D500 has been recommended, and the fact that as several have said, it's great for wildlife and will be a camera I can continue to grow into, I'm really reconsidering my original idea. It's difficult to compare camera bodies; it seems to my amateur mind that there's no such thing as an apples to apples comparison within a brand. Is this just me? I realize that it's possibly because I'm not yet a savvy camera consumer.
So glad I joined your forum and have the input from all of you - much appreciated!
So, I'm looking really hard at the D500
, if I can find an excellent used one and a good-enough zoom lens. As many of you suggested, that might be a better long-run game plan than the D5500.
I've also seriously considered the argument some have made for going to mirrorless, because I see the handwriting on the wall about the future direction of photography. I really don't think mirrorless is the route I should take at this point. Do you think this will lead to a lot of good lenses becoming available in the used market, or will folks keep 'em?
I ordered the recommended Peterson book on Exposure, and will definitely read the AF and other books that Steve has written.
Thank you to all of you for your advice and for taking the time to write! I will hopefully be posting some photos one of these days - sooner!
So glad I joined your forum and have the input from all of you - much appreciated!
So, I'm looking really hard at the D500
, if I can find an excellent used one and a good-enough zoom lens. As many of you suggested, that might be a better long-run game plan than the D5500.I've also seriously considered the argument some have made for going to mirrorless, because I see the handwriting on the wall about the future direction of photography. I really don't think mirrorless is the route I should take at this point. Do you think this will lead to a lot of good lenses becoming available in the used market, or will folks keep 'em?
I ordered the recommended Peterson book on Exposure, and will definitely read the AF and other books that Steve has written.
Thank you to all of you for your advice and for taking the time to write! I will hopefully be posting some photos one of these days - sooner!
abc123brian
Well-known member
I don’t see the lens market crashing as hard with the transition to mirrorless as it did with other transitions simply because adapters exist that allow them to be used on mirrorless bodies, but there is no question the DSLR lens market has more and more lenses becoming available as people transition to mirrorless.Hello everyone - sorry that I didn't give a budget to help you all make realistic recommendations. I was really just seeing that particular D5500 camera for beginners (along with the D3500, D5300, & so on...) suggested on several different YouTube channels and read articles about it, and was trying to get into the camera body for the least amount of $$ I could. My thought being if I enjoyed it as I expect I will, in the future I could get better lenses and upgrade to a better camera body. However, taking into consideration how much the D500 has been recommended, and the fact that as several have said, it's great for wildlife and will be a camera I can continue to grow into, I'm really reconsidering my original idea. It's difficult to compare camera bodies; it seems to my amateur mind that there's no such thing as an apples to apples comparison within a brand. Is this just me? I realize that it's possibly because I'm not yet a savvy camera consumer.
So glad I joined your forum and have the input from all of you - much appreciated!
So, I'm looking really hard at the D500
I've also seriously considered the argument some have made for going to mirrorless, because I see the handwriting on the wall about the future direction of photography. I really don't think mirrorless is the route I should take at this point. Do you think this will lead to a lot of good lenses becoming available in the used market, or will folks keep 'em?
I ordered the recommended Peterson book on Exposure, and will definitely read the AF and other books that Steve has written.
Thank you to all of you for your advice and for taking the time to write! I will hopefully be posting some photos one of these days - sooner!
Deejaybee727
New member
thank you for sharing this - good to take into consideration.
You made me reread: The OP did not say that.
Hello everyone - sorry that I didn't give a budget to help you all make realistic recommendations. I was really just seeing that particular D5500 camera for beginners (along with the D3500, D5300, & so on...) suggested on several different YouTube channels and read articles about it, and was trying to get into the camera body for the least amount of $$ I could. My thought being if I enjoyed it as I expect I will, in the future I could get better lenses and upgrade to a better camera body. However, taking into consideration how much the D500 has been recommended, and the fact that as several have said, it's great for wildlife and will be a camera I can continue to grow into, I'm really reconsidering my original idea. It's difficult to compare camera bodies; it seems to my amateur mind that there's no such thing as an apples to apples comparison within a brand. Is this just me? I realize that it's possibly because I'm not yet a savvy camera consumer.
So glad I joined your forum and have the input from all of you - much appreciated!
So, I'm looking really hard at the D500
I've also seriously considered the argument some have made for going to mirrorless, because I see the handwriting on the wall about the future direction of photography. I really don't think mirrorless is the route I should take at this point. Do you think this will lead to a lot of good lenses becoming available in the used market, or will folks keep 'em?
I ordered the recommended Peterson book on Exposure, and will definitely read the AF and other books that Steve has written.
Thank you to all of you for your advice and for taking the time to write! I will hopefully be posting some photos one of these days - sooner!
One of many comparison sites linked below. If you have a total budget including lenses of up to $2k as a used d500 with 2 kit quality lenses would be, consider the benefits of getting into mirrorless from the start. A used z6 would be in the same ballpark, as would a new Canon RP or a used Canon R. Also linked is a good free video series from photography life.
Camera Decision
Compare digital cameras, sort and filter the results, find the best prices. Choose from the latest DSLRs, compacts and Mirrorless cameras from Canon, Nikon, Panasonic, Sony, Olympus and more.
Photography Basics Video Course
Welcome to “Level 1: Photography Basics” – our complete video course on photography for beginners!
photographylife.com
Learn Photography
On this page, you will find everything from basic photography tips for beginners all the way to more advanced techniques and tutorials to help you grow and get the best out of your equipment.
photographylife.com
Photography Basics: The Complete Beginner's Guide
Photography isn’t the only way to capture the world, but it certainly is one of the most effective. Look no further than the nearest social media feed, news station, magazine article, or book cover to see it – photographs have power. If you want to harness that power and learn how to take the...
photographylife.com
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My bad, I misread it I thought he did. Sorry
If he could bump up his budget to a little over 2250 he could get the used D500 and 200-500 lens. I looked at it this way.....I knew I'm was going to end up getting one ....so I didn't fight it!!!
By the way...DON"T buy "good enough glass"! Even the best camera ....won't take the image you want. You can't beat the price point and image quality of the 200-500 (unless you want to spend a LOT more!)
By the way...DON"T buy "good enough glass"! Even the best camera ....won't take the image you want. You can't beat the price point and image quality of the 200-500 (unless you want to spend a LOT more!)
I will try to explain why I and so many recommend a D-500.
In Steve's DSLR books the indicated autofocus setting for birds in flight is GRP. GRP is a autofocus selection that tends to focus on the closest subject in the AF area. When starting out, it is a definite challenge to get a flying bird in the middle of the viewfinder and snap a shot. For that, you gotta have GRP. However, for stationary birds, you need to put the SP (single point) autofocus point on the bird's eye. All Nikon cameras have SP. The problem is how to go between one AF point to another GRP-->SP for example. D-500 users program a button to do that I use Fn1, the button in the front of the D-500 that I can press with my right ring finger with my index finger on the shutter. The camera auto focus is normally set to GRP but when I press Fn1 it reverts to SP. You gotta have this.
Next is a little joystick right where your thumb rests on the back of the D-500. It moves the focus point around so you can compose the shot. If you don't have that little joystick you will need to use the multi selector (much harder) or learn to use BBAF (back button autofocus) where one button focuses, and the shutter simply takes the shot. Many, even most experts use BBAF but it is simpler to simply recompose using the joystick so when you press the shutter the camera focuses AND snaps the picture. You don't gotta have this but if you don't your perfect shot of an in-flight avion will sometimes be ruined because you forgot to push two buttons, one to focus, one to shoot.
Finally, the D500 is a DX camera with 21MP in a DX frame. Given that you are not in the market for a 600f4 lens and a TC you will need that extra reach. (A d850 is a 45MP FX body that has a 20MP DX crop factor. That is cool but more expensive). The D500, with a CF-B card can fire 10 shots per sec for 200 shots. You are gonna need that starting out because more shots mean an occasional good one.
Read Steve's "Secrets of the Nikon Autofocus System" and "Secrets to stunning BIF photography" and you will understand my advice.
Tom
In Steve's DSLR books the indicated autofocus setting for birds in flight is GRP. GRP is a autofocus selection that tends to focus on the closest subject in the AF area. When starting out, it is a definite challenge to get a flying bird in the middle of the viewfinder and snap a shot. For that, you gotta have GRP. However, for stationary birds, you need to put the SP (single point) autofocus point on the bird's eye. All Nikon cameras have SP. The problem is how to go between one AF point to another GRP-->SP for example. D-500 users program a button to do that I use Fn1, the button in the front of the D-500 that I can press with my right ring finger with my index finger on the shutter. The camera auto focus is normally set to GRP but when I press Fn1 it reverts to SP. You gotta have this.
Next is a little joystick right where your thumb rests on the back of the D-500. It moves the focus point around so you can compose the shot. If you don't have that little joystick you will need to use the multi selector (much harder) or learn to use BBAF (back button autofocus) where one button focuses, and the shutter simply takes the shot. Many, even most experts use BBAF but it is simpler to simply recompose using the joystick so when you press the shutter the camera focuses AND snaps the picture. You don't gotta have this but if you don't your perfect shot of an in-flight avion will sometimes be ruined because you forgot to push two buttons, one to focus, one to shoot.
Finally, the D500 is a DX camera with 21MP in a DX frame. Given that you are not in the market for a 600f4 lens and a TC you will need that extra reach. (A d850 is a 45MP FX body that has a 20MP DX crop factor. That is cool but more expensive). The D500, with a CF-B card can fire 10 shots per sec for 200 shots. You are gonna need that starting out because more shots mean an occasional good one.
Read Steve's "Secrets of the Nikon Autofocus System" and "Secrets to stunning BIF photography" and you will understand my advice.
Tom
Deejaybee727
New member
One of many comparison sites linked below. If you have a total budget including lenses of up to $2k as a used d500 with 2 kit quality lenses would be, consider the benefits of getting into mirrorless from the start. A used z6 would be in the same ballpark, as would a new Canon RP or a used Canon R. Also linked is a good free video series from photography life.
Camera Decision
Compare digital cameras, sort and filter the results, find the best prices. Choose from the latest DSLRs, compacts and Mirrorless cameras from Canon, Nikon, Panasonic, Sony, Olympus and more.cameradecision.com
Photography Basics Video Course
Welcome to “Level 1: Photography Basics” – our complete video course on photography for beginners!
Learn Photography
On this page, you will find everything from basic photography tips for beginners all the way to more advanced techniques and tutorials to help you grow and get the best out of your equipment.
Photography Basics: The Complete Beginner's Guide
Photography isn’t the only way to capture the world, but it certainly is one of the most effective. Look no further than the nearest social media feed, news station, magazine article, or book cover to see it – photographs have power. If you want to harness that power and learn how to take the...
Thank you for sending this to aid in my additional research!
Deejaybee727
New member
I understand the higher fps = future potential for a good shot or two. Even with my point & shoot, when there's a worthy subject I take hundreds and I'm dissatisfied with the vast majority. It sounds as though a joystick is a huge plus! I'll certainly read Steve's books. In the meantime, thank you for sharing details explaining the advice about the D500.
Deejaybee727
New member
Thank you - I'm taking your glass/set-up advice very seriously!
dwillar
Active member
No camera consumer - Photographer! There are several people on this forum that shoot a D500 with absolutely stellar results. There are pictures to prove what I am saying. Their work is second to none! It would be an excellent choice with a 28 to 300 mm lens. A 200-500 f5.6 lens. Good glass is priceless but there are some amazing sleepers out there that do great images for for way less money than the "Holy Trinity".
The mirror less market has just gone through a major shakeup and more may be coming. Lots of changes may be coming sooner than later that will put today's best mirror less cameras in the trash bin in a matter of months. Give them a couple of years to settle down and enjoy your D500. You will be glad you did!
The mirror less market has just gone through a major shakeup and more may be coming. Lots of changes may be coming sooner than later that will put today's best mirror less cameras in the trash bin in a matter of months. Give them a couple of years to settle down and enjoy your D500. You will be glad you did!
I had earlier recommended budget-friendly mirrorless cameras, based on a couple of points you had made in the original post. Since you seem to be considering a D500 that changes things a bit. A D500 is as good a crop-sensor DSLR as you can get. I have seriously considered getting one. A D7500 or used D7200 are worth a look as well. The recommendations for the Nikon 200-500 are sound. But that lens is a bit big and heavy for walking around, and could stand being used with a monopod or tripod if pointing it at a subject for extended time periods. Consider a Nikon 70-300 AF-P or Sigma or Tamron 100-400 if lower weight and size are important to you. The Nikon 300 PF lens is tiny and very sharp, albeit not cheap.
Again, all the best on making a decision.
Again, all the best on making a decision.
I have a 70-300 AF-P DX. With a D-500It is my belt lens. While It is very light and a good lens to start with and a used lens is less than $100 on MPB. The problem is that it usually doesn't have the reach you want and you'll soon be looking at something in the 500-600 range.
Still starting there while you learn makes sense. You will not need a tripod or monopod and will be a nice step up from your point and shoot.
Still starting there while you learn makes sense. You will not need a tripod or monopod and will be a nice step up from your point and shoot.
At MPB a used D-500 and a 200-500 lens combination is about $2000. The D-500 + a 70-300 AF-P dx about $1100. You really need a fast CF-B card (SanDisk 128GB Extreme Pro CF express) $150. Lots of people hand hold the 200-500 but I suspect you will need a monopod (Benro MAD 49A $80) and a Wimberly MH-100 monogimble $180 ultimately for the heavier lens.
Tom
Tom
joe43
Well-known member
Here is a possible progression:
1. Nikon Coolpix 950
2.Cameras with 1 inch sensors and fixed long lenses, like the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX10 IV Digital Camera--24-600mm . Panasonic has models too
3. Nikon D500 with a Nikon 200-500mm lens or Nikon 500mm f5.6 pf + Nikon 1.4x tc.
Not sure about mirrorless bodies.
1. Nikon Coolpix 950
2.Cameras with 1 inch sensors and fixed long lenses, like the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX10 IV Digital Camera--24-600mm . Panasonic has models too
3. Nikon D500 with a Nikon 200-500mm lens or Nikon 500mm f5.6 pf + Nikon 1.4x tc.
Not sure about mirrorless bodies.
Havent read all the responses but agree that the D500 DSLR would be the best body choice in the Nikon world. For lenses it will be a tougher decision especially if you want to get images similar to what you see people posting here and other forums. If you want the best performance and above average image quality the glass will be expensive....especially the longer focal lengths. The 150-600 type zooms will probably be a good choice and an older 28-105 nikon kit lens for landscapes and general photography. Your total budget would help pinpointing specifics on the lenses.
Deejaybee727
New member
Thank you for the feedback. I've had my P900 since they were released in 2015, and the zoom is incredible. I've gotten some photos I'm pretty darn happy with - admittedly I have an untrained eye! - that I wouldn't have been able to get without that zoom. I know the P950 supports RAW, which the P900 doesn't. I've never had a camera that shoots RAW. I looked at the 950 specs when it was released. In the online comparisons I've seen, these have the same sensor size, both 16MP and the same 7fps rating, but neither are good for low-light. I don't know if the P950 would be considered a great step up by more knowledgeable folks than I, but I couldn't justify it in my mind! Another poster also recommended the Sony that you mentioned. The majority have recommended the D500, but its also been made crystal clear by looking at photos on this forum, and by all of you posting recs, that I've got to be ready to spend for great lenses if I eventually want to capture great images. At this point, I'm thinking if I go to the D500, I don't want to spend more than $2,500 initially on a used body plus lenses. Maybe that's unrealistic. I've stepped up from the original spending expectations, and I can see that wildlife and bird photography is an expensive track...but its what I enjoy most. Landscapes are second.
In my experience with the P900 and my Canon P & S, I had to do some hiking in order to find alot of the subjects. So of course I'd like to have lightweight lenses.
Deejaybee727
New member
Deejaybee727
New member
@ Ricky Simpson - sorry it appears that I just stuck my response to the bottom of your post!!
I just purchased a 300 pf lens for $1200 from a member of this forum. ($2000 new) I have heard of cheaper but buying from a member here will yield you a good lens at a fair price. As more Z-mount wildlife lenses arrive from Nikon, the upgrade to Z-9 crowd will be unloading 300 and 500pfs in favor of a similar Z-mount lens.
It looks to me that a D-500 and a cheap AF-P 70-300DX, both used is the way to go. The reason I suggest the 70-300dx is because I believe that the lenses that you want will be available at 1/2 price or less by the time you outgrow the 70-300DX.
The main problem with the AF-P 70-300DX is that it is f/6.3 at 300mm. What that means is that you will have trouble in low-light situations and won't get the subject/background separation a f/4 lens will but, otherwise, you will have a rig that will allow you to practice all the other skills that Steve's video's and this forum will teach you while maintaining a bank account for a future purchase.
It looks to me that a D-500 and a cheap AF-P 70-300DX, both used is the way to go. The reason I suggest the 70-300dx is because I believe that the lenses that you want will be available at 1/2 price or less by the time you outgrow the 70-300DX.
The main problem with the AF-P 70-300DX is that it is f/6.3 at 300mm. What that means is that you will have trouble in low-light situations and won't get the subject/background separation a f/4 lens will but, otherwise, you will have a rig that will allow you to practice all the other skills that Steve's video's and this forum will teach you while maintaining a bank account for a future purchase.
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.