Gabyto

I have a question for the Nikon gurus. My neighbor son is my camera buddy, and he wants to move to the Nikon full frame. However, I am a Canon user, and I down know much about the Nikon gear. We both take BIF and any other animals that cross our paths.

1) He currently has the D3100 and no telephoto lens.

2) He wants a full frame entry level and which telephoto will be a good deal for him.

3) in case dad doesn't want to pay for his camera which crop sensor will be good for him.

4) How much will this cost?

I am trying to get as much information for him and his father. He is a really good kid.

Thank you for all the help.

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

Tell him to shop used for his equipment. If he really wants an entry-level FF camera, the D610 is 24MP FF, just like the newest D780. Whether he stays with his current camera or changes to any other Nikon, the 70-300 is a good range, but too short for most wildlife, especially on a FF body. Nikon has several 70-300 versions to choose from, only the newest AF-P model might present a problem for compatibility with older Nikon bodies like the D3100. A 3rd party lens might be a better choice, reaching to 400mm min. A used D7200 would be a great choice to stay with a cropped sensor. For pricing, consult KEH.com for EX-rated items. Used cameras will not come with a used strap. Use ebay to find a new replacement if he wants a branded version, as well as getting a new battery for a used body.

DaveyDitzer Loc: Western PA

I have done BIF with my D5xxx series cameras and these do well for entry level. I use a red dot sight in the hot shoe mount is it is great for BIF. Granted the D7xxx series will offer more options and a factory refurb could be a good start point. Ditto on refurb lenses. The red dot sights are relatively inexpensive, shop sites like Midway and other shooting suppliers.

Quixdraw Loc: x

There are some very good prices on used D750 just now - a very capable camera - have had one for several years. Been mostly Nikon since the mid '60's. Roberts Used Photo pro, B&H, KEH all excellent sources - I have ordered them by my usage, nothing else.

rgrenaderphoto Loc: Hollywood, CA

A Nikon D750 used at KEH.com in excellent condition (you won't be able to tell it was used) is $1093 with a 60 day warranty. Nikon Z50 is just under $1000 for body only. Couple that with a 24-70 lens and he's set.

Quixdraw Loc: x

A bit Pricey, I think Link https://usedphotopro.com/catalogsearch/result/?q=Nikon+d+750

MadMikeOne Loc: So. NJ Shore - a bit west of Atlantic City

A 24-70mm lens is not even close to being long enough for birds and wildlife, especially not on a FF.

MT Shooter Loc: Montana

Yeah, and a Z50 isn't full frame either. This guy keeps posting misleading, or just plain BAD information and the disappears. Totally pointless!

MT Shooter Loc: Montana

Really? More bad info????

rangel28

The D750 would be an excellent full frame camera. The Nikkor 70mm-300mm AF-P lens is the latest 70mm-300mm lens, and probably the best of the what Nikon offers in that range. It is also very inexpensive for a Nikon lens. If he does get that lens, make sure he gets the FX version to pair with a full frame camera. I expect Nikon to discount new D750s this holiday season to clear out the stock they have, as the new version of that camera, the D780, has now been out for a while.

He can also use that lens (the full frame version) on a crop sensor camera like the D500, D7500, and even the D7200.

There are many used or refurbished D7200s floating around for a good price. (less than $600). The D500 is a pro-level DX (crop sensor camera) and will probably be all of the camera he will ever need, but it's also the most expensive.

As far as lenses go, both Sigma and Tamron make 100mm-400mm lenses that have received good reviews. The Sigma 150mm-600mm Contemporary lens can be purchased new for less than $900. The Sport version of the Sigma 150mm-600mm is more expensive and heavier.

The Z5 is Nikon's entry level mirrorless full frame camera. I expect the price of this camera to come down in price this holiday season as well. The frames per second rate of this camera is slower than the Z6, Z7, so it may not be the best for birds in flight.

The DX Z50 mirrorless camera might be a good choice. The full kit (with the 16mm-50mm lens, and the 50mm-250mm lens) makes for a relatively affordable, small kit. Or he can get this camera, with the 16mm-50mm lens, and the FTZ adapter, and use F mount lenses like the 70mm-300mm AF-P or the 100m-400mm Sigma or Tamron lenses.

Lots of options!

dandi Loc: near Seattle, WA

In case they don’t want to spend a lot of money tell them to look at Nikon D700. It’s an older camera but still a very capable camera. You can find a good body for around $350-400. With battery grip it can shoot up to 8 frame/sec (if I remember correctly).

As for the lens – AF-S Nikkor 70-300mm 1:4.5-5.6G VR. I like this lens: very sharp, focus is fast and VR works great. Could be found used for under $300.

That would be a good start for the young man without spending big $$$.

Wallen Loc: Middle Earth

Sorry I'm not a Nikon guru. Just someone who likes to extend some experience so please digest these info with a grain of salt.

Full frame is good for birds if matched with the correct lens. As of now, among the cheapest lens for that purpose is a third party lens that can cost more than the entry/mid level full frame camera you can use it on.

I suggest keeping the camera and invest on a better lens.
If he really want to replace the camera without spending too much, the best option is the D7200.
The D7200 is the last Nikon "Pro-sumer" magnesium body, 2 memory card APS-C camera with a crop setting that can shoot 7 frames a second. On that setting, the focus points goes end to end, top to bottom of the frame.

I have no idea what lenses you have at hand but by my personal experience, unless i can really go closer, a 300mm on a full frame makes me wish for more reach. A 300mm lens on an APS-C due to the crop factor is like having a 450mm, which to me is the bare minimum for wildlife photography.

Thomas902 Loc: Washington DC

Gabyto I'm seconding dandi's advice...
Caveat: My thoughts here are of a commercial photographer and may not be in harmony with your needs.

If your son want full frame and has to pay for it himself then the iconic D700 win's hands down in my humble estimation. I shoot the D700 more now than my D3x and D810... it is truly an epic piece of kit. Many wedding shooters still pay the bills with this solidly build professional Nikon FX body.

But please don't take dandi and my word for this...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cc3cAr5HkF8
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FpcWSRCprSQ
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s4_0iS1oQQc
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3xXZVXunMjY

As for long glass?
I shoot portraiture, lifestyle/fashion editorial and sports...
In my experience the vintage AF 180mm f/2.8D IF ED works superbly with all...

Personally I would not encourage anyone to specialize in wildlife in as there is virtually no revenue potential there. Especially BIF which is primarily a hobbyist pursuit for those with deep pockets and again nearly devoid of revenue potential.

Commercial Photography with a D700 and an AF180mm f/2.8 IF ED is indeed a viable option.
Add an AF 85mm f/1.8D Nikkor to this mix and you have an epic event shooter's kit in my humble estimation

KEH, B&H, Robert's are vendors I have had excellent result with for over a decade...
They have stellar used kit warranties and fair return policies..
D700's in good condition $350; an AF 180mm f/2.8 in good condition $400

Once covid19 is eradicated sports is a strong option for your son, I have a major client for league soccer...
Yes you can shoot soccer with an AF 180mm f/2.8...
It is also good for "American Football" and a vast number of "Field" sports.

Gabyto wishing your son all the best on his journey...

Below is an example of the iconic AF 180mm f/2.8 IF ED capturing the starter's gun at a girl's 5K event.
.

Captured with an AF180mm f/2.8 IF ED Nikkor

(Download)

cameraf4 Loc: Delaware

"Entry Level Nikon FF?" Last year at this time I picked-up a D610 (pre-owned, Low Mileage) for under $500. Like Paul said (1st "responder"), it is 24MP and has most of the "Bells-and-Whistles" the more expensive Nikon FFs have. Great little camera; https://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-618083-1.html.
If staying with Nikon (I recommend it) and going from crop sensor to FF, this is probably the least expensive option, Dad. The "Glass" for BIF will be where the $$$ come in. But 70-300mm pre-owned Nikkors at Adorama start at less than $200.

CO

Skip the D610 and go to the D750. The D750's autofocus module is better. The D610 AF is sensitive down to -1EV. The D750 AF is sensitive to -3EV. I have a D750. It's good but if you photograph birds in flight, you might want to go with a D500. I have a D500 and its autofocus is noticeably superior to any Nikon I've used.