Nikon Shooters - Would you switch to another brand (or have you?)

[MartyD]

I’m sure that there will some of the younger generations that will will continue on with serious/professional photography. But I feel that the overall decline in camera sales is due primarily to the lack of interest of the younger generations in photography. There is this device called a cell phone that meets their needs.

Just returned from a family trip to Hawaii with my daughters and their families. We had everything covered, me with my Nikons, and they had their cell phones taking photos and sharing as we went along, GoPro footage when we went snorkeling, and even some drone footage of a Kona coffee plantation. Just a different photography approach.

 

[Woodpecker]

My last film Nikon was a F70 that got drowned in New Zealand in 2002. Then I started with DSLR's using Fuji Finepix S2 / S3 / S5 pro and one of the reasons - beside the real fancy cameras - to go in this direction was to continue using my F-mount lenses (third party at that time), to gradually move over to original Nikon lenses and to have good investment protection due to the continuity in the Nikon program. Since then I have used Nikon gear only. Changing to another system would mean a huge investment and there is noway I could afford that in the short or mid term.

Before I would think of changing brand I would think of changing to mirrorless and the time for this comes after @Steve has published his review of the Z9 .
Until then I will use the time to learn and get better, so that a new camera will not have to feel ashamed or upset while resting in my hands .

 

[Glen]

As someone who offers several Nikon how-to books, I would love to see this prediction come true!

What’s the release date for the Sony how-to book?

 

[Garfield]

After 15 years shooting Nikon I just sold the last of my Nikon gear and am now shooting Sony. I think Nikon has a lot to offer for those with a wide-range of photography interests but unfortunately my main interest is bird stills and bird videography and I grew impatient with Nikon. I loved my Nikon gear and really wanted to stay with them but after trying the Sony a7SIII and 200-600, and being disappointed with the Z6II/Z7II I made the painful decision to move completely to Sony as soon as the a1 was released. I have no doubt the Z9 will keep many Nikon fans happy, but it's doubtful to me that Nikon is going to be able to catch Sony for at least another couple of generations, and I'm not convinced Nikon will ever try to compete with Sony in the in-body video capability. I will say that Sony really needs to work on it's long lens options which are very limited at the moment.

 

[Garfield]

I just checked out the Buy and Sell on Fred Miranda.com. I was indeed surprised that it's virtually ALL Nikon stuff (or F-mount lenses) that is for sale.

I think you need to turn off the "Nikon" filter.

 

[DaveR]

I wonder Steve, are you planning a review of the Sony A1?

If you are it would certainly help me answer your question.

 

[Ductape]

I just checked out the Buy and Sell on Fred Miranda.com. I was indeed surprised that it's virtually ALL Nikon stuff (or F-mount lenses) that is for sale.

After finally finding an acceptable email to join that site yesterday, I was surprised to learn the next hoop to jump before having the ability to buy, is be a member for four months and post at least 25 times in their forums. Not sure what comes after that yet. Made me smile.

 

[Mitch56]

I am still very pleased with my D500. Albeit, it is nearly 5 years old. I pair it with the 300 f4 + 1.4 converter & 200-500.
The 200-500 is slower focusing for birds in flight, yet I have still managed to photograph swooping Peregrines! I get that their may be superior or to focus systems on the D6 - R5 & Sony's but, for the money I might just get another D 500. It is still enjoying top reviews compared against many contemporary set ups from different manufacturers, particularly when it comes to birds in flight and so on.

 

[Festus]

No I would not switch! Sony would be the last choice with Canon a close second to last. I like Nikon and have too much invested in bodies, lenses, and accessories. There is absolutely nothing Sony or Canon have to offer that I can't do with Nikon.

I'm not a switcher, but i do use other brands. I have several Fuji bodies with an assortment of lens, and couple of Leica bodies and a few lens. I'm good to go.

 

[mainebrien]

At my age, I will probably stay with Nikon. I use D850 but also have Z6. I'm slowly switching over to mirrorless. I just got the 14-24 f/2.8 S and it is really special. The difference of the D850 w/24-70mm 2.8 and the Z6 with 24-70 f2.8 S is significant. With the smaller 24-70 f/4 S, it's huge. I will take a serious look at the coming Z9. I'm hoping that Nikon can get back in the mirrorless game with a real winner, like the D850. I like the pro style body of the Z9. The Z6 with a 70-200 feels too small. With the 200-500, Z6 looks like an iphone attached. I also like a real grip, not a fingertip only style.

I thought about other brands. I have a Sony RX100vi. It's a great little travel camera. I absolutely hate the Sony menu system and would not even consider a Sony for this reason alone. I don't even like it when Nikon changed some buttons on the Z6.
As I am switching over to mirrorless, I will keep the D850 and a couple of lens for awhile. At least until my wife says "you gotta get rid of some of this stuff". D850 is a tank and reliable. I like 45MP versus 24 MP for some shots. Z6 better for night sky, which I do a lot.

So, I'm committed at this point and hope Nikon stays current in the future.

 

[JerryF]

I really would like Nikon to succeed in making a fully competitive mirrorless camera. I am not sure anymore whether they have the resources needed to do that against Sony and Canon. I also want (but maybe not need) better AF and speed for what I shoot. I also need pf lenses and Nikon has the only ones out there. I also think the Z mount lenses are the highest image quality available and that's very important to me. I tried to use a Z7 that I borrowed for BIF and it was a dismal failure compared to my D850/500. Hopefully they will work things out but if I have to switch I will but very grudgingly. And I am afraid I will miss the Nikon ergonomics I have become used to over the last 40 years.

 

[Don'sPhotoStream]

I will continue to shoot Nikon Gear (D6, D500, and Z6ll) along with my Sony a9ll until Nikon produces a mirrorless body that can focus quickly and accurately. Of course my D6 combined with the 500/4 + TC 1.4 brings home excellent images. But after experiencing the comparative silence of mirrorless bodies, the sound of the clicking of the D6 or CLACKING of a D850 mirror compares to dropping billiard balls on a tile floor!

I really like the Z6, and it’s my go to Travel and Landscape camera. The Z6 and Z6ll in-body stabilization make all my Nikon Lenses seem a bit sharper, especially the 80-400mm. But trying to focus on small birds is a trying and often frustrating experience.

After seeing so many amazing photos taken with the Sony a9, I purchased the camera with the 100-400 GM lens. My first time out with the camera I was completely blown away with the auto area focus of the camera, bringing home numerous keepers of birds in flight. I later purchased the Sony 200-600 lens and found it to be an excellent lens as well.

So now, at 77, when I’m okay with packing the Nikon + 500/4 on the Monopod, I use it and get pics that make me smile. But if I want to walk around with lightweigh, hand-held gear, and also get exceptional images, I take the Sony. Nevertheless, to me, the viewfinder experience of the Sony is not up to par with the view through any of my Nikon cameras, including the Z6.

 

[R_Warshaw]

I currently shoot Nikon (D850) and a medium format film system (Mamiya). I have no current plans to switch the Nikon gear but, as quality film processing becomes harder to find, am considering a digital medium format camera, most likely Fuji.

 

[O]

One thing for certain is change is always upon us.

What do I want and need in a system from any brand…is

No 1 feature for me is outright image quality, colour accuracy, followed by focus attacking speed, focus accuracy, respectable frames per second, 2 card slots (please both the same), good battery life, simple menu, good ergonomics, good build quality, good resale, good service.

Nikon has excellent service 10/10 in my experience here in Sydney.
Nikon image files are the best out of the big three especially with the D850 and the Z II series on the Z glass.

Nikon Z glass defiantly is good in regards to colour accuracy and sharpens but cheap on internal build quality so durability has yet to be proven, as to myself going to mirrorless……. just waiting for Z generation 4.

The D850 for me fits the bill as a best all-round do everything well tool, the quality of the 70-200 2.8FL is just amazing and this lens on the D850 combo is superb………it would be nice to see a D850 with 12 FPS no grip.

Switching brands………..

I am watching the Fuji GFX 100 MF which is already on my short list for everything other than sports action - wildlife.

I newer Apple smart phone also on my short list, travel and general purpose web images.

Keep a D850 on some FL glass until if and when a Z series gen 4 delivers.

Most of my surplus gear is gone now and I am running on a skeleton system pending the 2021 2022 roll out of newer advanced gear from the industry, when the dust or race for survival finally slows or is over, then I would review the situation.

If I were to change in 35mm it would be to Canon, why, the glass selection and the liking for the 1DX mk III – or similar, Canons advancement and overall performance is on edge, there is so much new innovation coming I am certain there will be many game changers.

Sony I don’t like as a company, I find their focus tracking is excellent but that’s all.


OZ down under

 

[Nature Man]

So, first and foremost I am a photographer. I chose to start with Nikon because of the reliability factor. Nikon cameras just work! I know of no reason for me to change. Technology in other brands does not drive my decisions. Becoming a better photographer, enjoying creation, and fellowshipping with like minded folks is my aim. Maybe I'm just to practical but that's the way it is.

 

[Don'sPhotoStream]

The Z lenses are awesome. I can't wait to see what they do with the 600 F/4 and the 100-400.

That's the problem with Nikon... the waiting

 

[CharlieR]

I shoot birds and BIF primarily, but also do flowers, butterflies, some landscapes if there's a particularly stunning view. If I weren't retired and were earning the income I had, I would probably switch because the AF on the new Canon's (R5/R6) is just phenomenal and ditto for the Sony A1. I have friends who have both and who shoot what I do and they're able to leave me in the dust--I get very good shots with my D500/500 PF combo, but they're getting the shots I miss. I'm amazed to see a guy I know who has an R6 with the 800/f11 and he'll shoot a bird pretty far away, but his focus square is right on the head--and if he's fairly close, it's on the eye. It makes me weep sometimes when I'm struggling to get my D500 to pick up focus and he's nailing the eye. And there are a couple of Sony A1 users now that get similar shots. So, yeah, if I could, I would. But, I can't, so I'm learning to live with my Nikon's capabilities and maybe--just maybe--Nikon will come out with a mirrorless that at least equals the Canon's and the Sony's one of these days.

 

[BLev65]

I look forward to diving deeply into this thread later today, as I am super curious about what other photographers have to say.
While I am far from the business side of photography compared to you, Steve, I do consider myself a very serious semi-pro. I have worked as a Biology Educator and Teacher Instructional Coach for nearly 30 years and was an academic in the area of field ecologist. in addition to finishing out my teaching career, I lead photo workshops, seminars, and publish articles about nature and nature photography.
Unlike "real pros," I do not make a lot of money with my photography or my workshops. I am lucky to make $5000 in a year with my work, and use this to offset some of my travel expenses. Since nature photography is my "one thing" that is not a part of my "A-jpb," I describe it as semi-professional work. This, however, is just my way of justifying the expenditure for a very serious hobby . So, it is with this reality, that I am answering your pole.
I do not intend on switching my gear for three primary reasons:
1. I have a lot of Nikon equipment (D850/D500/Z7/Z6/Z6II cameras and 500PF, 300PF, 70-200 f/2.8Z, 24-200Z, 24-70Z, 14-30Z, & TC14Eiii). While I have sold off my expensive f/4 super-teles, I still have a lot of money invested in Nikon.
2. Sony is the only company I would consider, and if Nikon's forthcoming 100-400 & 200-600 are not promising, I might give them a closer look. With that said, portability is a premium for me and Nikon's PF lenses fit my style of shooting, need to hike/camp, and travel limits.
3. I contend that I have not outgrown my gear. While I am a fairly skilled photographer, my DSLRs and Z-bodies outperform me. Since I do not specialize in flight photography, I do not feel as if I am limited the AF in my cameras. Furthermore, I understand how to process Nikon images... for me, this latter point is huge.

bottom line... I am open to switching, but I am unsure if this would have any real impact on my photographic output.
cheers,
bruce

 

[Don'sPhotoStream]

I shoot birds and BIF primarily, but also do flowers, butterflies, some landscapes if there's a particularly stunning view. If I weren't retired and were earning the income I had, I would probably switch because the AF on the new Canon's (R5/R6) is just phenomenal and ditto for the Sony A1. I have friends who have both and who shoot what I do and they're able to leave me in the dust--I get very good shots with my D500/500 PF combo, but they're getting the shots I miss. I'm amazed to see a guy I know who has an R6 with the 800/f11 and he'll shoot a bird pretty far away, but his focus square is right on the head--and if he's fairly close, it's on the eye. It makes me weep sometimes when I'm struggling to get my D500 to pick up focus and he's nailing the eye. And there are a couple of Sony A1 users now that get similar shots. So, yeah, if I could, I would. But, I can't, so I'm learning to live with my Nikon's capabilities and maybe--just maybe--Nikon will come out with a mirrorless that at least equals the Canon's and the Sony's one of these days.

Yep... You Nailed it !!

 

[AlfC]

I have used Nikon for 40+ years and am very happy with the ergonomics. I have had a succession of DX DSLRS and see no compelling reason to go full frame. My main interest at present is wildlife and I find the D500 excellent along with a 500 f/4 and the PF 500. Because Nikon has never developed a serious set of shorter focal length DX lenses (and because the D500 is a bit big for carrying around when photography is only one of the purposes of a walk (in hills or a city) I have bought an Olympus EM 5 III with a few beautifully small and light lenses plus a rather bigger 100-400 (which is still much smaller and lighter than the PF500 plus D500). The disadvantage of this is that I have to try to keep on top of two very different ways of operating the camera. I won't be abandoning the D500 unless Nikon do a mirrorless equivalent so will just have to live with the two systems for the time being. I don't think the Z50 comes close enough to the Olympus either in the functionality of the camera or the available small, light lenses. So, waiting and hoping but not switching completely.

 

[Udall1973]

My vote is ‘open to switching’ as not another category that aligns with my intent. For me it’s not an either or decision. I’ll keep my DSLR gear (D800/Trinity Lenses/TC’s) for Landscape photo activity primarily on my motorcycle. It’s not worth a whole lot given it’s age BUT it’s served me well, captures great images, and stands up to the rough back road travels packed inside my panniers. It’s like an old sweater....I’m not willing to part with it. This said, I’m not purchasing anymore DSLR. New purchases will be Mirrorless. Decided on A1 and the 200-600 lens for BIF tracking at our lake cottage. It’s abounds with bird life. Aritrage’s gif sold me:

https://flic.kr/p/2kMpctF

My thought precisely. I love my Nikon gear but I rented an A1 with the 200-600 and it blew me away especially for birds in flight. The 850 is superb but can't capture the sharp focus of moving objects as consistently as the A1. I begged the wife and bought the Sony. Still have the D500 and 850 but the Sony is so dang fun the Nikons are sitting on the shelf.

 

[Lisa]

My very first job was working as a clerk in a small camera shop in our hometown. I always had an interest in photography, but didn't get my first SLR until I was 43 .... A Nikon 20/20.
From there, I jumped to a Nikon D200 and have had 3 more Nikons since then. I probably will never switch to another brand because I have too much invested in Nikon glass and
accessories. It would be impractical especially now at age 74! Although, now, all this gear is getting to heavy for me and I might need something lighter and simpler to use in the
near future...but I don't want to sacrifice IQ, etc.

 

[Doug Herr]

... the viewfinder experience of the Sony is not up to par with the view through any of my Nikon cameras, including the Z6.

the a1 viewfinder is a game-changer.

 

[Walter Baliero]

For me the essential thing in a camera is the sensor and the variety of lenses of the brand, the other items are variables to consider, but that no way would make me change Nikon for another, and much less for Canon! As for what I say about the sensor, I refer to DxO where the ranking rates the first Canon - EOS R5, July 2020 - is in 17th place with an overall score of 95 out of 102 after 5 Nikon models, including the old D800E from 2012 and in which the D850 is in position 4 with 100 points. Undeniably there are some models from other brands that may be superior to some Nikon models, but they suffer from a "small detail": they are unaffordable in terms of price. And to summarize: Nikon forever!

 

[Steven Nachman]

I have been a Nikon shooter since the late sixties and was very satisfied. About 5 or 6 years ago I sold all my Nikon stuff and switched to Fuji mirrorless. Their lens were superb but the longest they had was 200mm - great lens. They finally came out with a longer lens but it was $2000 which was too rich for me. At my local camera store there was a Nikon 300 f4 used in like new condition for a reasonable price so I bought it even though I did not have a Nikon body. Long story short, I sold the Fuji system and bought a D7500 and loved it. I have since sold that body - mistake - and bought a Z6. I am comfortable with Nikon's designs and really like the Z6 and 24-70 f4. I have handled Canon DSLRs and they just don't feel comfortable . I am not about to switch at my age - 80 - and am happy with what I have. Should have kept the D7500 for the 300 f4 D but not a big deal.