Looking To Upgrade

XSYLUS · Aug 19, 2024

I currently have a Nikon D90 and it serves me well for the general hobbist photography I shoot. I have a 50mm prime lens, an 18-105mm zoom lens and a 70-300mm zoom lens.

I'm looking to upgrade but I'm not entirely impressed with the available options from Nikon. I'm also hesitent to switch to mirrorless since I've heard they chew through batteries quickly.

I'm curious if there's a DSLR bundle with body and two lenses that is a good "bang for the buck" option. My budget is meager... perhaps too meager based on the jaw-dropping prices I've seen for the newer bodies and lenses on the market. Since I don't shoot professionally and don't make any money with my photography... yet, I don't want to invest too much.

The main shortcomings of my current DSLR is that the back LCD screen isn't bright enough to use outdoors during the daylight hours so it's impossible to review settings or photos to be sure they are coming out the way I want. The camera also struggles severly in low light... which is basically anywhere inside my house. I also feel like it has issues with proper focusing.. but that could also be an issue with the lenses. I'm just looking for something with a better LCD screen so I can more easily review my photos outside and something that can handle low-light well with minimal "noise" in the photos.

Am I just better off getting a mirrorless and stocking up on batteries? Or are there still some DSLRs out there that would provide the features I'm looking for without breaking the bank?

cgw · Aug 19, 2024

Go trailing edge. Look at late model used Nikon APS-C or FX DSLR bodies. They sold well, so used stocks are fairly plentiful and affordable now.

smoke665 · Aug 19, 2024

From a 50+ yr Pentaxian, you might look at the Pentax lineup. The aps-c K3ii body used, can be had in the $500 range, the newest version the k3miii will run you in the $1700 range. The medium format K1Mii body used will run in the $1700 range with the new body bumping $3k. They're all solid performers.

The good thing about Pentax is their commitment to backward forward lens compatibility. I have legacy glass from the 70's still in use today. My K3ii body still gets used almost as much as the K1MII.

jeffashman · Aug 19, 2024

Whatever you do, best of luck. I have an EOS R7, and it does not eat batteries, so most of the spares I got never get used, but I have them just in case.

MPB.com has some good options for the budget mined, as do Adorama and B&H Photo.

greybeard · Aug 20, 2024

Used Nikon d7200 or d7500

JoolsW · Aug 20, 2024

Not only Pentax has lens compatibility. Nikon has it too, and OP has Nikon lenses already. Go Nikon for mine.
My D90 still serves me very well. If I were upgrading I'd go for the ZFc.

JoolsW · Aug 20, 2024

I can't see any really useful features over my D90 that would induce me to spend a grand on a D7500.

XSYLUS · Aug 30, 2024

After a lot of research; reading and watching videos I ended up deciding on the Canon 90D with an 18-135mm, 55-250mm, and a 50mm prime lens.

I'm debating if I want to get a sigma telephoto zoom or macro lens.

Thanks for all of the replies.

Scott Whaley · Aug 30, 2024

XSYLUS said:
After a lot of research; reading and watching videos I ended up deciding on the Canon 90D with an 18-135mm, 55-250mm, and a 50mm prime lens.

I'm debating if I want to get a sigma telephoto zoom or macro lens.

Thanks for all of the replies.

You might be able to purchase a used Sigma contemporary 150-600 lens much cheaper than a new one. Get the 1.4 or 2X extension also. Just remember that the auto focus will not work through the view finder on the DSLR can cameras. It will work through the live view mode. For some reason it works through the view finder on my Canon R5.

JoolsW · Aug 30, 2024

So you can pass on the good Nikon Glass, (surplus to requirements) to me then eh? :encouragement:

jeffashman · Aug 30, 2024

Congratulations on a good choice! I have an EOS 90D, and it it is a very nice camera. I have the Sigma 150-600mm C, as well as the Sigma 105mm macro, and a Tamron 18-400mm. I upgraded to an EOS R7, and while it is an excellent camera, there are times when I feel I should have just stuck with the 90D. You can get an adapter so that you can use your Nikon glass with the 90D, although I'm not sure if you can get an auto-focus adapter, I didn't research that far.

jeffashman · Aug 30, 2024

Scott Whaley said:
You might be able to purchase a used Sigma contemporary 150-600 lens much cheaper than a new one. Get the 1.4 or 2X extension also. Just remember that the auto focus will not work through the view finder on the DSLR can cameras. It will work through the live view mode. For some reason it works through the view finder on my Canon R5.

I'll have to try that. I just assumed that the auto-focus didn't work with the 1.4x extender.

Ronaldalli · Sep 25, 2024

XSYLUS said:
I currently have a Nikon D90 and it serves me well for the general hobbist photography I shoot. I have a 50mm prime lens, an 18-105mm zoom lens and a 70-300mm zoom lens.

I'm looking to upgrade but I'm not entirely impressed with the available options from Nikon. I'm also hesitent to switch to mirrorless since I've heard they chew through batteries quickly.

I'm curious if there's a DSLR bundle with body and two lenses that is a good "bang for the buck" option. My budget is meager... perhaps too meager based on the jaw-dropping prices I've seen for the newer bodies and lenses on the market. Since I don't shoot professionally and don't make any money with my photography... yet, I don't want to invest too much.

The main shortcomings of my current DSLR is that the back LCD screen isn't bright enough to use outdoors during the daylight hours so it's impossible to review settings or photos to be sure they are coming out the way I want. The camera also struggles severly in low light... which is basically anywhere inside my house. I also feel like it has issues with proper focusing.. but that could also be an issue with the lenses. I'm just looking for something with a better LCD screen so I can more easily review my photos outside and something that can handle low-light well with minimal "noise" in the photos.

Am I just better off getting a mirrorless and stocking up on batteries? Or are there still some DSLRs out there that would provide the features I'm looking for without breaking the bank?

I totally get where you're coming from! The Nikon D90 is a solid camera, especially for hobbyist photography, but it sounds like you're running into some limitations that are frustrating. The LCD brightness and low-light performance can definitely hinder your shooting experience, especially if you're looking to improve your skills.

When it comes to upgrading, it really depends on what you prioritize. While some mirrorless cameras do have battery life concerns, many newer models are improving in that area. The benefits of mirrorless systems often include faster autofocus, better performance in low-light conditions, and more compact options.

However, if you're leaning toward DSLRs and looking for good “bang for your buck,” I’d recommend considering options like the Nikon D5600 or the Canon EOS Rebel T7. Both have articulating screens, which are great for outdoor viewing, and handle low-light situations better than the D90. You can often find these models in budget-friendly bundles with a couple of lenses included.

That said, if you’re open to mirrorless, the Sony Alpha a6400 could be a fantastic fit for you! It has excellent low-light performance, a bright LCD screen, and real-time eye autofocus, which is a game-changer for portraits and candid shots. Plus, I’m actually selling mine right now, along with a 16-50mm lens and some bonuses! It’s a great option if you’re considering a switch.

Good luck with your decision, and happy shooting!

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JoolsW · Sep 25, 2024

My D90 has served me very well, for pro work and also 'fun' stuff. I think some people think that a later camera with 'better' specs will improve their images. Not necessarily true. I think you'd need to identify exactly what aspect you need to improve upon, and see what will give you 'bang for your buck'. You'll possibly be paying lots of money just to get marginal improvements. I've found no problems with my D90, either with low light performance or screen brightness. But well, that's just me though.