Does this make sense?

[pkol]

Hello all,

I’ve been using a Fuji X-T1 along with my Nikon D810 for the past 2 years. Since my daughter was born (about 3 years ago) leaving the house with the D810 and lenses was a bit cumbersome, so given that I had a great time with the Fuji X100s I decided to get a small Fuji system: X-T1, 35mm f/1.4, 10-24 f/4 and 56 f/1.2. The main reason to get into the Fuji system was the good image quality, great lenses and smaller package. I really like the camera and lenses, but over the last 8 months (my daughter is moving ever so fast) the number of keepers I’m getting with the Fuji X-T1 is decreasing to a point where I always prefer to walk out of the door with the D810.

Last weekend I took my daughter to the park and the D810+70-200 f/4 came with us. My daughter loves the swings and trampolines and from 160 photos, I had about 10 marginally out of focus. THAT WAS IT!!! I got home and told the “house government” that I was getting rid of the Fuji system altogether (just keeping the X100s). To my amazement I didn't got into an argument... so I have green light to go ahead with it!!!

Despite the good iq of the Fuji, particularly with the 56 f/1.2, I find the continuous AF useless. Perhaps if I get one of the 2.8 zooms the performance would improve, but it would be always worse than Nikon and I would end up with a not so small system anymore. Not to mention the opportunity cost of buying more Fuji glass… (ie not buying Nikon glass!!!)

I’m thinking (99% decided…) about selling all my fuji gear and replace with a D750 + 24-120 f/4. I’m aware that the 24-120 f/4 is not a consensual lens, but it would be a walk around lens. Also I already have a 24-70 f2.8 but would like a bit more reach when I get out with just one lens.

I’ve been bouncing these thoughts in my head and would like to hear your opinions. Most probably you have been through similar situations in the past and would like to hear and learn about your experiences.

I’m not asking you to make a decision for me, but rather to enlighten me:
Does this make sense?
Am I missing something?

Please help!!!

Many thanks,
Paulo

[Bjørn Rørslett]

Having dedicated camera "kits" makes a *lot* of sense. Find a combination of camera plus the fewest possible number of lenses and put everything, including charger, into a bag and treat that as an entity.

I'm sure there are occasions for which the Fuji produces the appropriate files.

Selling functional gear is not always the better solution unless one is severely cash strapped. Can be wiser to learn the strength and weakness of each kit.

[pkol]

Thanks for your wise words Bjorn. Funny that you mention keeping the whole system in a bag... That's exactly where it is - I have everything Fuji in a Hadley pro bag, ready to pick up and go...
I agree with you regarding the appropriateness of the fuji files/system, but its AF shortcomings are negating the reason why I got it in the first place.
While I'm not cash strapped, wouldn't it make more sense selling the Fuji to finance building my nikon system?

[David H. Hartman]

For photographing people I find the FX format superior to smaller formats including DX. FX allows greater background blurring due to using the same longer lenses to attain the same field of view. I also prefer a dSLR for photography where one wishes to photograph a fleeting moment such as the expression on a person's face.

I've been carrying a D800 almost everywhere daily since there was a break in across the street. I carry most everything I'd need in a small kit. I carry three batteries but I don't carry a charger. I'm not traveling of a charger would be in the kit. A USB cable is. I've been using a Tamrac Zoom Traveler from film days. It's a bit too small height wise for the D800.

The one thing I'd really like is a camera with better high ISO performance for daily use. I had hoped for a D700 replacement. The Nikon Df has the right image sensor though I thought the old style film SLR layout didn't fit me. I don't have a camera store is easy driving distance. I'd like to handle a Df.

---

Paulo,

You might consider a Nikon Df if high ISO would be beneficial. The D750 is lighter than the D810 but I'm not thinking the high ISO is much different. High ISO performance extends the hours when you can shoot successfully so I feel it's important.

Weight savings in the camera body isn't that important. The D800 weighs 880g v. the D750 at 750g, a savings of only 130g. The Dr weighs 765g so the weight difference to a D750 is a wash. Lenses is where you can save weight by selecting carefully.

I'd put together a dSLR kit with three lenses including an AF-S 50/1.8G or 50/1.4G. A zoom such as the AF-S 24-120mm f/4G ED VR or I'd probably go for the AF-S 24-85mm f/3.5-4.5G ED VR.

The time at any age with children is short. Photos of family are probably the most important that most people will ever take. I think an FX dSLR is the best choice for mobility, people and esthetic image quality. Children can be challenging action subjects. I think your best choice is an FX dSLR.

Best,

Dave Hartman

I'm not a Nikon Df owner. Others here can give their opinions on the Df. My dSLR(s) today are a D800 and a D300s.

[Bjørn Rørslett]

While I'm not cash strapped, wouldn't it make more sense selling the Fuji to finance building my nikon system?

Perhaps at this very moment in time. However, one needs to consider this in a longer frame of mind. We change our ways of life, our attitudes, and our interests, as time marches on. Selling something (and in particular something not being collector's items) almost never makes a profit, only loses funds. Keeping the items, however, and later again to find them useful, saves a lot.

I do reuse a surprising number of older items and rediscovering why I got them in the first place is always enjoyable.

[pkol]

Bjorn: I do agree with the longer term view. I like the fuji files and I find the X-T1 particularly nice to use (with the battery grip). I will certainly miss the 56 f/1.2 if I decide to go ahead and sell the Fuji. I do have lots of photographic gear (not as much as you have  ) and I feel "guilty" for accumulating gear that I do not or rarely use. Hence the dilema!!! Sell the fuji to fund a second Nikon body! I know I won't make a profit (one hardly ever does while selling current photographic equipment) but I will certainly cut my losses!!!
I'm almost certain that the D750 will make me a very happy camper!!! I have a D810 and love it.

Dave: Whilst I agree that FX format is very pleasing for photographing people I have to say that the Fuji 56 f/1.2 is a great portrait lens and I'm very happy with the results I'm getting. My issue is really the continuous AF. Some people claim to have decent results, but I'm not happy with it. I do agree with you that SLR FX is a great format for people photography. Whilst all formats have advantages/drawbacks Fx is clearly my preferred one (even tough I love my Fuji X100s and Nikon  AW1). My idea was to put together a kit around the D750 with 20 1.8, 35 1.4, 85 1.8 or 24-120 4 + two primes. I know the zoom is not light but is very versatile focus range and I'm willing to carry a bit more weight to have 85 to 120 (compared to the 24-85).

I already have a D810 and the following lenses: 28 1.8, 50 1.4, 55 micro 2.8 AIS, 85 1.8, 105 micro VR 2.8, 14-24 2.8, 24-70 2.8 and 70-200 4.
Looking to add a walk around zoom (24-120 f4) and 20 1.8, 24 1.8 and sigma 35 1.4.

Many thanks for taking a bit of your time to ask me questions and make me think about it.

[Bjørn Rørslett]

Perhaps there is a D500 destined to make its appearance in your future? I know this will be a highly useful camera for me, in addition to the Df workhorse (visible), D600+D3200 (UV), and D5300 (IR). I do have D3S/D3X/D800 as well, but they see little use these days. Incoming is a Fuji S5Pro that will do service for emulated Infrared Ektachrome photography. Also have the small 1 Nikons for special use or amphibious/all-weather purposes, Panasonic GH-2s for UV video, and a Sony A7 hosting my S-mount Nikkors.

The point I'm trying to make is that one should plan for a given set of shooting conditions and preferences and set up a suitable kit accordingly. No camera can serve all requirements equally well. This was true already in the film era and applies even more today.

[simsurace]

Paulo, you already have quite a versatile line-up of lenses for Nikon.

I understand that your attraction to Fuji was genuine. Selling it off hastily might be followed by regrets.

You could probably exploit the strengths and weaknesses of both systems by thinking of specific applications. One example (not necessarily the right one for you, but one which would make sense to me) would be to get rid of some Nikon primes you rarely use and keep the Nikon zooms (especially the 24-70 and 70-200) since they are very good at fast-paced action photography. This is the kit you will use near your home or if on short outings with your kids etc. Maybe keep the Macro lens as well if you use it regularly. You could probably replace the D810 by the D750 as well without any major drawbacks. These sales will generate quite some cash. Expand your Fuji kit by adding a few primes you like (my choices would be the 14, 23 and 90) and make it your kit for slower-paced, more conteplative photography when you get time on your own or to take on travels where weight is an issue. Over time, Fuji will likely bring out new bodies that have faster AF as well.

The other option is to concentrate all efforts on building the Nikon system like I did. If i added the Fuji system I would need to keep my Nikon lenses since I don't want to part with them. But for the moment I'm fine and I'm enjoying the ride a lot, so there is no need to bring in any distractions .

[pkol]

Bjorn,
I see your point and agree with you - One should pick the best instrument for the task at hand, like the english say "horses for courses". Also I can go on and buy a new nikon body (D750, D500, D7200) without selling my Fuji (as I mentioned before I'm not cash strapped). Photography is my hobby and I'm not making any money out of it... even though it brings me a lot of joy and enable me to freeze moments of my loved ones!!! This is not an easy decision as I like the X-T1 body, files and shooting experience. I'm just wondering what would I let go if I were to sell the Fuji for another Nikon body and a couple of Nikon lenses (without spending a lot more money...). I guess I would forego a lighter kit but would get a better focus system. What do you think I would let go (in photographic terms) if I were to sell my Fuji?

Simone,
Thanks for your thoughts. I see your point with the contemplative photography that Fuji (slower systems) lend themselves to. I learned that with extended use of the Fuji X100s - which is a great little camera that I won't sell!! The nikon lens I use the least is the 50 f/1.4, but I won't be selling that. My Fuji kit is: X-T1, 35mm f/1.4, 10-24 f/4 and 56 f/1.2. if I were to add another lens it would be the 90 f2. But  I feel adding another lens would be getting down the rabbit hole even more. My point is maybe I should just sell the Fuji kit and, like you, concentrate on building a "proper" Nikon system, by adding a walk around lens and finish the 1.8 prime kit.

My other thoughts are related to the current state of the camera market. The mirrorless systems are in its infancy (even though m43, fuji and sony have a full range of options) and I wouldn't be surprised if Nikon and Canon launch mirrorless cameras in the very near future. Maybe getting out of the Fuji system while it is on the up is not a bad idea (assuming that I don't forego anything photographically speaking by switching to another nikon body), sit in the sidelines of the mirrorless market and then jump in once the landscape is a bit more settled and with a full Nikon system. By the way I can easily see myself using a DSLR in 20 years time... even if it is still a D810!!! (though I doubt the D810 will last that long...)

Again, many thanks for your thoughts.

[richardHaw]

good for you Paulo Kol.
Fuji is a good system but is being blown out of proportion by hype and fanboys. i,too almost fell for it it is great for a couple of things but not an all around DSLR replacement. i would say that for travel, it is a pretty nice choice.

the D750 is all you need. it is not really a big camera, the batteries last longer and the AF is more reliable and predictable.

[BEZ]

I sold all my m43 system because I never was satisfied using it, or with the images. I also sold all my Nikon DX equipment because FX is not much bigger and much nicer to use.

I now have a comprehensive Nikon FX system, fujifilm APSC, and also use MF in the studio. I like to dispose of unloved equipment because it clears my mind.

So yes it makes sense to me for you to sell the fujifilm gear, to replace it with a lighter FX camera to compliment your D810.

Cheers

[Frank Fremerey]

Gary, an avid Fuji user here, esp. also for indoor action and kids, found that his new Fuji body, the XPro2 has a significant AF advantage over the XT-1. You might consider testing this body for yourself, because you got the good glass already.

Also the D500 might be an interesting addition to your Nikon kit, if it's AF is really as good as the D5 AF. More interesting even the replacement of the D810 with a D850, very probalby a Sony A7R2 chip with D5 AF in a D810 Body.

I know how challenging fast kids are. Currently I try my ability to focus manually on my daughter running & jumping. AF is not always the best solution here...

Beside my Nikon kit I only have the X100T.

[richardHaw]

photographing kids is not easy. when taking pictures of my baby in action, i would need to have AF-C on or else i wont get the eyes in focus
manual focusing only works when my baby is not energetic. she is kind of a hyper super-baby!
now i know why those baby studios charge a lot

when my wife gave birth, i brought a D4 with me along with an X100s (for the silent shutter). The X100s just couldn't keep up despite being "the fastest" (in Fuji marketing speak) so I used the D4 instead.

i would also like to point out that the X20 is an amazing camera and it's AF is much more reliable than the X100s'. I sold the X100s and kept the X20 with me for cases when i need a small camera to take along.

The Xpro2 kind of fixed a lot of issues that hounded Fuji and is a game changer for them but at that price point it better be.

[Almass]

While I agree with Bjorn in principle, I do not agree in this instance of keeping the Fuji.

There is no point keeping a Fuji system which is getting obsolete by the hour. Fuji does not cut it for me in terms of ergonomics as the camera gets in the way of my style of photography. The Fuji lenses are on the border of acceptability.

I would get a D5300 and put expensive Nikkor glass on it and get shooting.
.....and if money is not the issue, get a D5 and be done with it for couple of years till the D5s shows it's tail.

Glass is Class.

[pluton]

It is a source of great irony that the small, lightweight camera...the very camera system one would think would be best suited for fast-moving reportage...turns out to be slow and plagued with delay...or AF speed/accuracy... issues.
I like the Fuji X system because of the conventional control layout, but the laggy speed issues don't go away.
My D800 fires every time I push the shutter, and has a shorter net delay(Me plus the cam) than an XT-1 or, interestingly, a Leica M9.