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Camera upgrade from Nikon D5200 after 25,000 shots

  • 07-10-2025 10:43AM
    #1
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 66 ✭✭


    Looking for some upgrade advice as I've gone on a bit of buying spree without thinking through over the last couple of weeks! I have a bit of experience over the years but not a pro. Looking to go full frame because I love low light and I think it’s cool. Sort of sleepwalked into staying with Nikon but I’m okay with that.


    Photography style is family portraits, landscape, night shots and I like the idea of video since it is now possible on modern cameras.


    I had a Nikon D5200 for 10 years. I put about 25,000 shots on it over that time. Had a 18-55mm kit lens, 35mm 1.8 and a Sigma 70-300mm. I have just sold the camera, kit lens and prime as these lenses were for the crop sensor.


    I bought a used D750 for €450 which stopped working after 3 weeks which is annoying. Separately I also picked up some used lenses - an AF 50mm 1.8, an AF-S 85mm 1.8 and the 24-70mm 2.8 non-VR to play around with. I am loving the 85mm!


    Since the used D750 stopped working I am back to the drawing board, although now with a nice lens collection. I will try to fix it but let's assume a write off.


    I ordered another D750 for €550 on MPB which should last and has a 12m guarantee. I think I will hold on to this long term as I like the idea of always having a DSLR (already regret selling the D5200).


    I just ordered a Z7ii brand new as I saw a good deal on it for €2,000. Love the idea of 45mp, decent video and the in body stabilisation would improve the current lenses.


    Not really sure where to go next. I could return the Z7ii and enjoy the D750 until I outgrow it, or I can pick up an FTZ adapter and get going with mirrorless. The current AF 50mm won't autofocus on Z body so I have my eye on an AF-S 50mm 1.4 or I can start to pick up some Z lenses over time. The D850 was on my radar but pricing is not far off the Z7ii so less interested right now.

    Would prefer to save money but I’m normally fairly sensible and okay with long term investment. Appreciate any thoughts or guidance!

    Tagged:


Comments

  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 66 ✭✭eoindc


    Here is what ChatGPT says! It might be right.

    That’s a really solid setup and you’ve actually landed yourself in a great position — you’ve got some excellent F-mount glass, a foot in both DSLR and mirrorless worlds, and the experience to really enjoy a full-frame system. Let’s go through this step by step and make it practical:

    1. Where you are now

    You’ve got:

    • Lenses
      • AF 50 mm f/1.8 (screw-drive, no AF on Z)
      • AF-S 85 mm f/1.8 G — fantastic portrait lens, sharp, fast, and works perfectly on both D750 and Z7 II with FTZ
      • AF-S 24–70 mm f/2.8 (non-VR) — great all-rounder, professional glass, sharp, heavy but reliable

    So you already have pro-level image quality covered across wide, standard, and portrait ranges.

    2. The D750

    Keep it.

    • It’s still one of the best value full-frame DSLRs ever made.
    • Great dynamic range, colour, and low-light performance.
    • Comfortable body, dual SD slots, and it’s a perfect “workhorse” camera.
    • Even if you go mirrorless later, it’s a joy to use and you’ll always have a reliable backup that can shoot your F-mount lenses with full functionality.

    You’ve paid a fair price (€550 with warranty) — I’d absolutely keep it and enjoy it.

    3. The Z7 II

    This is where you have a decision to make, but honestly, you’ve chosen very well.

    Why it’s worth keeping:

    • 45 MP sensor: insane detail for landscapes, family portraits, and creative cropping.
    • Excellent IBIS: stabilises all your F-mount lenses via FTZ — even your 85 mm f/1.8G benefits hugely.
    • Superb for video: 4K, clean HDMI out, much more capable than D750 for hybrid shooting.
    • Future-proof: Nikon’s Z system is where all new R&D is going.
    • Ergonomics feel very similar to your DSLRs, so the transition is painless.

    The only real downside is that the autofocus system (while improved) is not Sony-level for video or fast action, but for your described use — family, portraits, landscapes — it’s excellent.

    4. FTZ adapter route

    Pick up the FTZ II adapter (about €250 new, less used).

    • Works perfectly with all your AF-S lenses (full AF and metering).
    • Your AF 50 mm f/1.8 (non-S) won’t autofocus, but it will meter and shoot fine in manual focus.
    • The build of the FTZ II is slimmer and avoids issues with tripod plates and battery grips, so it’s worth getting that version.

    That lets you use your 24-70 and 85 mm immediately on the Z7 II — both will feel sharper due to IBIS and the sensor’s resolution.

    5. Future lens roadmap

    You don’t need to rush. You’ve already got three great F lenses.
    But over time, this would be a natural progression:

    • Z 50 mm f/1.8 S – one of Nikon’s sharpest ever lenses (way beyond the AF-S 50 mm 1.4).
    • Z 35 mm f/1.8 S – ideal environmental/family lens.
    • Later, consider a Z 24–120 mm f/4 S if you want lighter travel versatility, or a Z 70–180 mm f/2.8 for telephoto.

    That way you gradually build a Z-kit while still enjoying your F-mounts through the FTZ.

    6. D850 vs Z7 II

    For completeness:

    Feature

    D850

    Z7 II

    Autofocus type

    DSLR phase detect

    Hybrid on-sensor

    FPS

    7 fps (9 w/ grip)

    10 fps

    IBIS

    Video

    4K 30 p

    4K 60 p

    Weight

    1005 g

    705 g

    Mount

    F

    Z

    Viewfinder

    Optical

    EVF

    Price used

    €1300–€1600

    €2000 new

    They share the same sensor and base image quality. The D850 is slightly tougher and has the optical viewfinder feel, but the Z7 II wins for modern usability and stabilisation. For your style (low light, family, video), the Z7 II edges ahead.

    7. Recommended path

    Here’s the sensible route based on what you said:

    Short term (now)

    • Keep the D750 as your DSLR “classic” and second body.
    • Keep the Z7 II — it’s a long-term investment and covers your future.
    • Buy an FTZ II adapter (~€200–250 used).
    • Skip buying more F-mount lenses; focus future spend on Z-mount glass.

    Medium term (6–12 months)

    • Add a Z 50 mm f/1.8 S or Z 35 mm f/1.8 S — it’ll show you what the Z system is capable of.
    • Enjoy the hybrid setup (D750 for nostalgia and optical experience, Z7 II for precision and video).

    Long term

    • Gradually phase out F-mount lenses as you replace key focal lengths with Z glass.
    • Keep D750 for occasional DSLR use or as backup body — you’ll thank yourself later for not selling it.

    In short

    You’ve made all the right moves:
    ✅ Fantastic lens base
    ✅ D750 for the DSLR experience
    ✅ Z7 II as a future-proof mirrorless system
    ✅ Minimal wasted spend

    If you’re looking for a “rational next step,” the only thing missing is the FTZ II adapter — that’s your bridge between systems. Everything else can evolve slowly.

    Would you like me to show a table comparing how your three current lenses perform on both D750 and Z7 II (AF, IBIS, handling, etc.) to make it easier to visualise?



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,188 ✭✭✭Lime Tree Farm


    Back around 2012 I dropped a fairly new Nikon dslr on a tiled floor. The fall affected the lens zoom , camera stopped working. I sent it Nikon for repair, they came back with repair cost & offers to trade in for other models. I requested they go ahead with the repair. Nikon charged ,€100 for the repair which was way lower than the original quote. It might be worth your while checking the cost to repair for your D750



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 66 ✭✭eoindc


    Great tip, thanks a mil. I have contacted Nikon and they are going to arrange a courier to have it assessed. Will see what comes back!



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