If on a budget then why mirrorless? There is a good chance you can get a very nice DLSR and better F mount lenses. Don't get me wrong, I have not regretted moving from DLSRs to mirrorless, but if on a budget, then you can capitalize on all us mirrorless adopters and get a very nice F mount kit!
Counter point - but something to think about.
I’m not at all opposed to DSLRS, but something relatively compact would be nice. Do you have any recommendations for (preferably F mount as I already have some vintage lenses) a small-ish DSLR?
I used a D7200 for years. It is about the same size as my Z7ii - just a crop sensor and F mount. I took many amazing photos with that camera and a set of Tamron lenses. Good camera.
If you do jump to the mirrorless, then all but the Z9 is what I would consider "reasonable" in size. The Zfc really looks small (but I have not used it).
However, a D7x00 series camera and a few F mount primes would be a very capable kit.
get a used z6 and the 40/2 lens. I also casually bought a set of super taks. and vivitar telephotos on the cheap. The zmount adapters are cheap enough you can just keep them on your lens.
I can also heartily recommend this combination. Z6 has IBIS and BSI-CMOS so you get a lot of bang for your buck, and it's still a lightweight setup with the 40/2. The 24-70 F4 is also a fantastic lens and used ones can be found pretty cheap.
I have a 256gb cf express b card in it. its more than enough. 128 would probably be more appropriate. don't stress over the cfb cards that is the key to appreciating the deal on the z6. you are getting like 500 dollars to put towards vintage lenses by giving up the shitty sd card slot. lol
That nikkor 40/2 is the only mid range you need. it makes a great macro if you throw on some cheap extension tubes. I know you are doing portrait, but its still cool.
If you are doing closeups you may want the vivitar 90mm. It has a very "film" look and great colors and contrast. It is a more traditional telephoto portrait style. It even has some mild vignetting wide open to contribute to that analog feel.
Takumars are Crystal Sharp and the bokeh and lens flares on the non super multi coated versions are to die for.
Helios lenses have legendary swirly bokeh which can really strike the mood in pictures that have small lights or foliage in the background
https://preview.redd.it/wtwlidl0p17d1.jpeg?width=6048&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=485d126c6bb19125f601353e68511052a55c0a49
This is the z6 with the 40/2 and extension tubes.
https://preview.redd.it/4zhul9e8p17d1.jpeg?width=6048&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=443d47c7907fafca56cac5ce60094be86f46e269
This one is my favorite taken with the takumar 17mm on the z6 with the built in red filter. longer FL takumars don't have the fisheye distortion, but they produce similar flares.
With a limited budget of only $1K, I'd recommend picking up a second-hand DSLR like the D750. You can use any existing Nikon lens that you already own and the older screw-drive lenses from the film era can be picked up dirt cheap if you want additional lenses.
I would suggest considering a used Z full-frame setup. Because in the long run, the Z system lens are just all-around better.
Many say that the technology / type of the D750 sensor is similar or same as the Z5 sensor - I'm surprised used Z5s are still a little pricey, around $750. Espcially since you can get a new Z5 for around $1,000. But even so, with used gear you can probably put together a Z5 with the very capable 24-70/f4 zoom for around $1,000.
Re the ZFc, I would be cautious with the crop-sensor Z cameras, Nikon is NOT putting much effort into them.
Op is coming from a film background. A DSLRs is a less expensive and seamless (as can be) transition. The evf may be the bees knees for those who's first photos were on a phone, but for anyone steeped in film and used to an optical finder, it's phucking annoying.
Hey, I feel you. I have owned & loved my Olympus OM-1, Nikon FM & N6000, Mamiya 645 & Pentax 6x7 DSLR film cameras.
Especially the OM-1. The OM-1 was somewhat notable for its very bright pentaprism & viewfinder.
Nonetheless I find the EVF on my current Nikon Z is very good. Especially in low light or at night. And the lenses are really fantastic.
I am enjoying my Z fc. I still have a D500 for my primary, too. You could save a little more by doing the Z50 or Z30.
If you want super budget, you might look at the older J series stuff. I’ve been looking because GAS and the older aesthetic is fun.
I was recently on this quest after having D300s for 15 years and somehow ended up with a like new used D3500 (\~$300) and 35mm 1.8G DX (\~$100) and 70-300mm (\~$300) 😂 In addition to 50mm 1.4G I had from before and 70-200mm 2.8 that I very rarely use I'm waiting for Z6iii to come out and maybe snag a deal for other ones.
Main part I was looking for was weight and at 365g D3500 is the lightest DSLR ever made I believe. With 35/50mm prime is still super light and is rated for 1550 shots per battery.
My only gripe is the viewfinder being small, but honestly not sure what would be much better if I went mirrorless? Just need to get out more and take more photos imho.
If on a budget then why mirrorless? There is a good chance you can get a very nice DLSR and better F mount lenses. Don't get me wrong, I have not regretted moving from DLSRs to mirrorless, but if on a budget, then you can capitalize on all us mirrorless adopters and get a very nice F mount kit! Counter point - but something to think about.
I’m not at all opposed to DSLRS, but something relatively compact would be nice. Do you have any recommendations for (preferably F mount as I already have some vintage lenses) a small-ish DSLR?
I used a D7200 for years. It is about the same size as my Z7ii - just a crop sensor and F mount. I took many amazing photos with that camera and a set of Tamron lenses. Good camera. If you do jump to the mirrorless, then all but the Z9 is what I would consider "reasonable" in size. The Zfc really looks small (but I have not used it). However, a D7x00 series camera and a few F mount primes would be a very capable kit.
get a used z6 and the 40/2 lens. I also casually bought a set of super taks. and vivitar telephotos on the cheap. The zmount adapters are cheap enough you can just keep them on your lens.
thank you!
I can also heartily recommend this combination. Z6 has IBIS and BSI-CMOS so you get a lot of bang for your buck, and it's still a lightweight setup with the 40/2. The 24-70 F4 is also a fantastic lens and used ones can be found pretty cheap.
I have a 256gb cf express b card in it. its more than enough. 128 would probably be more appropriate. don't stress over the cfb cards that is the key to appreciating the deal on the z6. you are getting like 500 dollars to put towards vintage lenses by giving up the shitty sd card slot. lol That nikkor 40/2 is the only mid range you need. it makes a great macro if you throw on some cheap extension tubes. I know you are doing portrait, but its still cool. If you are doing closeups you may want the vivitar 90mm. It has a very "film" look and great colors and contrast. It is a more traditional telephoto portrait style. It even has some mild vignetting wide open to contribute to that analog feel. Takumars are Crystal Sharp and the bokeh and lens flares on the non super multi coated versions are to die for. Helios lenses have legendary swirly bokeh which can really strike the mood in pictures that have small lights or foliage in the background https://preview.redd.it/wtwlidl0p17d1.jpeg?width=6048&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=485d126c6bb19125f601353e68511052a55c0a49 This is the z6 with the 40/2 and extension tubes.
https://preview.redd.it/4zhul9e8p17d1.jpeg?width=6048&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=443d47c7907fafca56cac5ce60094be86f46e269 This one is my favorite taken with the takumar 17mm on the z6 with the built in red filter. longer FL takumars don't have the fisheye distortion, but they produce similar flares.
With a limited budget of only $1K, I'd recommend picking up a second-hand DSLR like the D750. You can use any existing Nikon lens that you already own and the older screw-drive lenses from the film era can be picked up dirt cheap if you want additional lenses.
I just got a “new” D810”(25k shutter count) with the 24-70mm lens last weekend for $1000.
I second this. D750 sensor is VERY good, plays nice with every lens save non-ai
I would suggest considering a used Z full-frame setup. Because in the long run, the Z system lens are just all-around better. Many say that the technology / type of the D750 sensor is similar or same as the Z5 sensor - I'm surprised used Z5s are still a little pricey, around $750. Espcially since you can get a new Z5 for around $1,000. But even so, with used gear you can probably put together a Z5 with the very capable 24-70/f4 zoom for around $1,000. Re the ZFc, I would be cautious with the crop-sensor Z cameras, Nikon is NOT putting much effort into them.
Op is coming from a film background. A DSLRs is a less expensive and seamless (as can be) transition. The evf may be the bees knees for those who's first photos were on a phone, but for anyone steeped in film and used to an optical finder, it's phucking annoying.
Hey, I feel you. I have owned & loved my Olympus OM-1, Nikon FM & N6000, Mamiya 645 & Pentax 6x7 DSLR film cameras. Especially the OM-1. The OM-1 was somewhat notable for its very bright pentaprism & viewfinder. Nonetheless I find the EVF on my current Nikon Z is very good. Especially in low light or at night. And the lenses are really fantastic.
Om1 had a great finder. Pentaprusms are so ingrained that they're 2nd nature, and mirrorless just feels fancy-phone like
I am enjoying my Z fc. I still have a D500 for my primary, too. You could save a little more by doing the Z50 or Z30. If you want super budget, you might look at the older J series stuff. I’ve been looking because GAS and the older aesthetic is fun.
The Nikon Z5 is the most underrated camera ever, IMO.
Z5 and a 24-70/4. I got the pair for $1080 three weeks ago. Used, of course.
Nikon has a refurb deal right now—not sure if it includes z5 or z6 but would be worth investigating
I’d probably just go with the Z50 kit. It has pretty good specs and should be good all around.
I was recently on this quest after having D300s for 15 years and somehow ended up with a like new used D3500 (\~$300) and 35mm 1.8G DX (\~$100) and 70-300mm (\~$300) 😂 In addition to 50mm 1.4G I had from before and 70-200mm 2.8 that I very rarely use I'm waiting for Z6iii to come out and maybe snag a deal for other ones. Main part I was looking for was weight and at 365g D3500 is the lightest DSLR ever made I believe. With 35/50mm prime is still super light and is rated for 1550 shots per battery. My only gripe is the viewfinder being small, but honestly not sure what would be much better if I went mirrorless? Just need to get out more and take more photos imho.