Jump to content

Welcome to NikonForums.com
Register now to gain access to all of our features. Once registered and logged in, you will be able to create topics, post replies to existing threads, give reputation to your fellow members, get your own private messenger, post status updates, manage your profile and so much more. If you already have an account, login here - otherwise create an account for free today!
Photo

Hi, D850 or Mirrorless


  • Please log in to reply
5 replies to this topic

#1
MarkT

MarkT

    New Member

  • Forum Member
  • Pip
  • 5 posts
  • Country Flag

Hi, just joined the forum.

I am wanting to get back into photography after many years away. I am amazed at how much things have changed and the advancement that has been made. My last camera which is still lying dormant in my camera bag is a Nikon FM2, I told you I had been away for a long time.

I really like the D850 and I have watched probably every video review on YouTube. However, I am aware that the latest technology is now mirrorless.

I should probably state that my photography would purely be for personal pleasure as a hobby and in no ways professional. My main photographic focus would be general, landscape and aviation.

People seem to suggest that the new Z lens technology is incredibly sharp and superior to the F lens equivalents. I am really sat on the fence as to which way to go on this one. As much as I like the D850 and I have heard it said many times that it is probably the best DSLR camera that Nikon have ever produced would I be foolish to invest in this system when there is newer and more advanced technology available.

When I say invest in the system, I would be starting from scratch with a new camera body and lenses. Also would I be better with say a 24-70mm 2.8 zoom or the same equivalent made up of primes. Any advice or insight would be very very much appreciated. Many Thanks.



#2
Ron

Ron

    Nikonian

  • Forum Member
  • PipPipPipPipPipPipPipPip
  • 2,255 posts
  • Country Flag
  • LocationMagic City

The D850 is an amazing camera... and, unfortunately, probably the last of it's breed. If you have even a small cache of AIS (and newer) lenses, you can very likely use many of them on this camera. And, while I very much doubt that Nikon will ever produce another F mount lens, there are literally millions of those lenses still in circulation... and will be for quite some time. However, Nikon has been depreciating current F mount glass so there's no telling how long the latest F lenses will continue to be available new. But they will still be available, either as refurbished or used.  The same is likely true for accessories, although I have a feeling that they will become scarce sooner.

 

On the other hand, if you purchase a Z mount camera with similar capabilities, you'll have the newest technology available. Technology that is continuing to evolve and becoming better with each iteration. As you point out, Z lenses are getting better all the time. While, F lenses are... well, what they are. Don't expect any further improvements because they won't be forthcoming.

 

I personally don't own a mirrorless camera, and at my age, it's becoming difficult to justify dumping one system for another. Even a system as modest as my own. However, if I were starting from scratch, it would be no contest. I would choose the Z mount camera that came closest to what I need and could afford, and never look back.

 

Hope this helps,

 

--Ron



#3
krag96

krag96

    Nikonian

  • Forum Member
  • PipPipPipPipPipPipPipPip
  • 1,319 posts
  • Country Flag

Site Supporter

I'm with Ron, if you're a younger person, by all means go with a mirrorless camera.  Like Ron, at my age, I'll just stick with digital cameras.



#4
MarkT

MarkT

    New Member

  • Forum Member
  • Pip
  • 5 posts
  • Country Flag

Hi Ron & Krag 69. Thank you for your advice and opinions, it is very much appreciated. As much as I like the D850 I think I will just hold out a few more months. I hear all this talk and rumours about a possible Z8 or maybe a Z7 III, rumour has it that if something new is about to be released then possibly October is the magic month. Once again thank you both for your thoughts.



#5
lightcapture

lightcapture

    Forum Veteran

  • Forum Member
  • PipPipPipPipPipPipPip
  • 308 posts
  • Country Flag
  • LocationNC

Nikon is coming out w/ a Z7III and Z8 so if you can wait the Z7II will be marked down. Otherwise the D850 is superb for stills, and the latest D780 w/ 24mp is still available new. You'll have to buy new G lenses while still available or pre-owned G lenses. Because Nikon is only offering support for DSLR cameras and lenses going forward and not making new.



#6
krag96

krag96

    Nikonian

  • Forum Member
  • PipPipPipPipPipPipPipPip
  • 1,319 posts
  • Country Flag

Site Supporter

I would say go to a store that has Nikon cameras in stock and handle them.  I shot a Canon film camera and thought I would transition to Canon in digital also, but that wasn't to be.  After handling Canon, Sony, Nikon, and Pentax I decided to go Nikon, (actually the Pentax was great also, but Nikon is more common and abundant).  I like buttons and dials, manual control without dealing with a menu after I do my initial set up and assigning some buttons to certain tasks.  I like the D700, D800/D800E, D810, and the D850, these just work and be familiar with one, the others are easily learned in a short time, but that's a personal thing.  I highly think you should do some hands on before buying.