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Appropriate First Nikon?

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cmcollar:
Hello,

I've been thoroughly enjoying reading hundreds of threads related to what I'm about to ask.  I remain amazed at the professionalism you demonstrate on this site!  Congratulations for developing such a wonderful asset for all of us to enjoy!

I am finally looking to get "serious" in photography, having dabbled in it for most of my life.  While I am not looking to make a new career out of it, I do want to have capable tools with which to work.  Many people I know recently purchased the D850, so naturally I initially set my sights on that.  While I've done a lot of research which confirms the prowess of that camera, I'm wondering if that really is an appropriate first Nikon for me.  I feel like I have a pretty good understanding of the pros and cons of DX versus FX, etc., and further understand a lot of the decision rests with what kind of subjects I will be photographing.  While I think that answer is action shots (airshows, boat races, etc), I also have enjoyed a lot of nature photography (which can also be action shots) and general landscape photography.  I have recently become fascinated by macro photography and enjoy it.  I am particularly interested in learning more about reverse-lens extreme macro photography (Jack Koerner). 

Right now I am struggling with the premium price tag of the D850.  That is what initially caused me to do more research.  Many of you have had very good things to say about the D500 and I am beginning to lean more and more in that direction.  Regardless of the body chosen (DX versus FX), I plan to purchase FX lenses because I know I eventually am going to end up in the full frame realm.  I'm specifically looking at the AF-S Nikkor 24-70 f2.8 E ED VR for a good general purpose lens and eventually the AF-S Nikkor 70-200 f2.8 E FL ED VR.  I'm also looking at the AF-S VR Micro-Nikkor 105mm f2.8G IF-ED for macro use. I'm still researching lenses to use for reverse-lens macro, if I choose to go down that path.

The D500 is being discounted and also includes the MB-D17 power pack, for a substantial "savings" compared to the D850.  So, I'm wondering if the D500 would be a "bad" move, or if there is some other preferred body you would suggest based on what I've articulated above.

I'm having a lot of fun researching this, but it is beginning to get a little overwhelming.  I'm looking for some of your collective decades of experience in this space to keep me from making a bad decision.

Thank you for contemplating my dilemma.   

Frank Fremerey:
Tell us your price point for the whole set and the answer is easier.

A lot of your intended work seems to be tripod based so a good tripod (legs/head/possible L-Bracket) should be calculated. And eventually some light?

You cannot go wrong with either the D850 or the D500. For birding the D500 seems the better choice, because if your lens is not long enough you crop out the outer pixels anyway, no gain in FX there. The money saved on extra cost for the body you could invest into a longer lens. The D500 has the better focussing screen in the view finder for Manual Focus builtin. For the D850 a better focussing screen for manual focus should be calculated. Esp. in the macro domain where autofocus is generally not used, manual focus lenses are a great way to save money....

that is for starters

PS: I cannot guide you to a zoom, I generally do not use zooms at all. For sports / action though the 70-200 is a very good option. If I did sports I would sure buy this lens

cmcollar:
Thank you, Frank. 

I don't really have a budget figure I'm trying to manage.  I'm simply trying to make sure the money I do spend is spent wisely.

Seapy:

--- Quote from: cmcollar on January 05, 2019, 18:43:55 ---Thank you, Frank. 

I don't really have a budget figure I'm trying to manage.  I'm simply trying to make sure the money I do spend is spent wisely.

--- End quote ---

I concur with buying FX lenses, the only DX lenses I specifically chose were a Sigma 10-20 which is a very useful lens for DX, I would imagine good for aircraft on the ground and a Nikkor 18-105, which I use for IR on my D200-IR and workshop snapshots on my D3300.

As for aircraft in flight, my understanding is, like birds in flight, you can never get a long enough lens, cropping is usually mandatory.  The advantage with the D850 is that the wider area of view allows you to be off centre and still get a decent image even with a heavy crop, also easier to 'find' your subject in the sky, especially if its traveling fast or erratically.

I would go with FX because it will do what DX does and give you more options in one camera. With DX you don't have the FX option, with FX you do have the DX option in one camera, with the added advantage of a wider view.  Very little difference between the D8500 and the D500 to handle and carry, different as chalk and cheese to use.  I have D300S and D800/D3 which is as much as I can afford, but works well for me, motor racing, plants/flowers, landscapes, night sky, etc.

ColinM:
Hi CMCollar
I can't guide you between the two options, but there is one other factor you could consider - either for the body or the lenses you buy.

I chose Nikon because of its reputation, quality and reliability. Apart from a couple of new lenses, the others have all been second-hand. With a camera body there are a few other considerations for wear and tear to watch out for, but going this route might either make a D850 more affordable, or allow you to build your lens collection up more quickly if you opt for a used D500. Since the model has been out a while and the Z6 & 7 have recently arrived, there may be a few more on the market.

And eventually if you move on to another body, you will lose less in the sale than starting with a brand new body. I wouldn't attempt this with entry-level models or another manufacturer, but provided you have access to service facilities this option might be worth you considering. Better still, if you find a fellow Nikongear member wishing to sell their D500

(Would any potential D500 sellers please also PM me if you're looking for a buyer)

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