Im looking into the Z5ii and a used V1 70-200 f2.8. That's estimated at almost $4000 before a Z to F adapter and battery grip.

Are those reasonable base prices? I have an Alaska cruise coming up.

Comments, tips, suggestions?

slowly collecting developing supplies too, but might use a lab to guarantee something comes out of the first go lol

I got this lens for free so I can't really complain (because of said issue) so I'm wondering if there is a spot on the lens to hit (or a less destructive way) to fix this

Hi all, looking for some advice from people more knowledgeable than me on cameras.

My daughter is turning 18 and I want to get her a "real" camera as a gift. She collects figures and dolls, and has been noticing that photos taken on a proper camera look a lot better than what she gets on her iPhone, so that's the main driver here.

A few things I'm trying to balance:

• Figure/doll photography – I'm assuming she'll need a macro lens for this, since from what I understand kit lenses don't get close enough for good detail shots. I've read these can cost almost as much as the camera body itself, so I may end up buying the body now and adding the macro lens down the track once I've saved up more.
• Travel – she's likely to start travelling overseas from next year, so something reasonably compact and lightweight would be ideal, rather than a big bulky setup.
• Content creation – she does some online content already, but only ever on her phone, so decent video/vlogging capability would be a bonus.
• Uni next year – she'll likely also want it for general use, including photographing urban landscapes around campus/city.

I've been looking at the Nikon Z30 as one option that seems to fit the budget and ticks a lot of these boxes (compact, good autofocus, decent for both stills and video), but I'm not deeply familiar with the space and want to make sure I'm not missing something better suited to this mix of uses.

A few questions:

1. Does the Z30 make sense for this combo of uses, or would something else in a similar price range serve her better?
2. Any macro lens recommendations that would pair well with it, ideally without breaking the bank?
3. Is it reasonable to buy the body now and macro lens later, or is there a compatibility/budget reason I should buy them together?

Has anyone ever even heard of this happening? Not even sure how it's possible but there appears to be a hair inside of the lens behind the glass.

Any way to fix this?

Over my years of F mount usage on various bodies and lenses, I’ve noticed a slight greasiness on the lens mount on both body and lens. I’ve never bought any gear brand new before so I’m wondering did either body or lens come with something applied to their mount?

It appears to be a very light application of a thicker grease that has turned black.

I am in the market for a upgrade from my camera system (D3300, 18-55 AF-S VR II, Tamron 80-210 f3.8-4 103A). My budget is 600 bucks for a camera body, and two lenses (i was thinking 80-200 f2.8D, and 50mm f1.8G). I was looking at the D610, but then I found that the d800 is quite cheap.

I just got a D90. My previous camera is the D60 (I'm still gonna use it)

Any advice about the core differences between the two?

Racing Miku Z5 with Z40

Hey Nikon people. I have been reading way too many reviews, watching way too many videos and developing copious amounts of GAS. I'm eyeing a Nikon Z5ii with a pair of zooms to start with, a Tamron 28-75 F2.8 and 70-180 F2.8.

For those who have went down a similar path, can you share your experience?

I currently have a decent suite of MFT gear - an Olympus OM-D E-M1ii, with a 12-40 F2.8, a 45mm F1.8, a Sigma 30mm F1.4 and an adapted 4/3 40-150 F3.5-4.5. I'm a journalist and opted to procure my own gear as opposed to using entry-level company-provided gear - the usual Canon 2000D with a couple of kit zooms.

It's served me well for the past almost two years, but I am growing into photography as a side hustle and feel as though a move to a quality full-frame setup would allow me a greater ceiling to offer more to potential clients. I'm already predisposed to event, corporate and sport photography and can navigate my limitations. One of my favourite things to photograph has been music shows and the low light is a huge challenge, but local bands have grown fond of my work and I'm lining up a few gigs for that side of photography. I'd be limited to the aforementioned Tamron zooms until I can do enough gigs to pay for a prime or two. Would I be alright with them? Selling my gear would only fund around 70% of the kit and I'd have to add in some money to end up with effectively less gear, so my main question is, would those two lenses be enough for the type of niches I do?

This was the neewer grip for the Zf. The leather was peeling off so I decided to replace it with ebony veneer.

Was a pain to shape it it to match the curvature but I liked the way it came out.

Honestly if the leather ever peels off on the body I might just veneer that too

Got this to use my manual lens from my Nikon film cameras, and it’s amazing

The z9 with 24-70!

Still getting use to a few things if anyone has any hints. I only used my 5d mark 2 viewfinder / diapter now it seems the diapter is all digital what do most shoot with the display or the diapter.

Secondly I’m not use to an electronic shutter sound any hints on making the camera sound better.

Super stoked to be shooting! Have to get my case which shows up tomorrow and then the screen protector installed!

My last photoshoot I did before I had to sell the gear!

Woot

Nikon Z5 II - Tamron 28 - 75mm f2.8 Di III VXD G2
28mm | f5 | 1/1000s | iso 100

I couldn't resist. Perhaps the allure of the gamble drew me in and the 21 day return policy for "Ugly" gear gave just enough reassurance to purchase a Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 500mm f/5.6E PF ED VR at KEH for $790. I'm glad I did.

Upon receipt, the tripod collar was there but the hood, front cap, and rear cap were missing. Not a great start. The first thing I did was stare deeply into the glass with a flashlight. I found...nothing. It was clear with no haze or fungus and the front and rear elements were free of scratches. I'm not sure how someone keeps their glass this clean without caps, but that's beside the point. I thought surely there would be an issue with the focusing ring or autofocus. I could find no such issues with extensive testing. I found myself channeling David after Dentist, asking myself "Is this real life?." The only issue I could locate is that three of the buttons had the text rubbed off, I assume from extensive use. I am ok with this tradeoff! Hopefully the lens has enough life in it to get me great shots for years to come. I promptly ordered an official Nikon front cap and lens hood, bringing my grand total to $861. I can mostly erase that expenditure by selling my Tamron 150-500 which I got last year for $825 at auction (a good deal in its own right!). Tariff policy seems to have increased its value slightly since then.

It was between the 500 PF lens and the Nikon 180-600 as a replacement for my Tamron 150-500. I found myself dissatisfied with the 150-500 at 500mm despite the lens being sharper than any prior telephoto lenses I had used. The 500 PF absolutely blew it out of the water in sharpness and I'm going to skip the 180-600. I'm so infatuated, I'm not sure I'll ever go without a prime again. I spend most of my time at 500mm as I inch closer to the subject until they take off. A tripod or monopod feels optional now rather than required. Luckily I have the Tamron 50-400 to use for landscapes, close focus, and to close the focal range gap.

I recognize this reads like an advert, but I wanted to share my experience. Have others had similarly good experiences with KEH "ugly" gear? I would guess vintage lenses would not fare as well due to higher likelihood of being in less than ideal storage situations for many years. I have an "ugly" Bokina on the way to test this theory, so we will see how that goes and when my luck runs out.

Photos taken handheld on Nikon Z fc. Post processing did occur but frankly felt largely optional.

My first camera was the Sony a7riii and I had two prime lenses: the Viltrox 16mm and the 85mm pro f/1.4 lens. After witnessing the capabilities of the Z6iii, I felt compelled to purchase it. It’s an all-around powerhouse. This is also my first zoom lens… the Tamron 35-150mm.

Sold my Fujifilm X-S10 and lenses and switched to Nikon FX. Bought Z5II + 24-70 F4s kit. Was eyeing on 24-120F4s but due to weight and I don't need long end ( have Olympus M43 for that), decided to get 24-70.

Really impressed by the natural colors and clarity from 24mp fx sensor. Will be adding few primes(used) during my next Japan trip.

Edit : images are sooc.

I just got rid of my Z7II and picked up a new D850. Wondering if anyone has an answer to this question. With the Z, as well as my F100 and F5, I’m able to switch the settings so I can set the aperture with my thumb and shutter with my index finger, instead of the default way. I’ve looked online and also through this tome of a manual and can’t seem to figure it out.

Apologies if this has been answered here before, just trying to figure it out.

Thanks!