Over the last year I have seen growing signs that digital photography is moving toward mirrorless cameras and associated lens systems. I have significant Nikon equipment for my bird and nature photography interests including a 500mm F4 and 300mm F2.8 prime lenses. I have a recently purchased D500 I love and have been saving for a D850 - which I have anticipated buying at during the end of the year sales when I hope to see a modest discount to the long stable initial price.

I have come to the realization that at some point there is likely to be an significant advantage such as size and weight of gear - and even technical innovation leadership - to move to a full mirrorless setup.
I understand that there is an adapter to allow me to continue to use my current lenses with the new Nikon mirrorless cameras...but I am not sure that I would necessarily stay with Nikon if I go mirrorless. Steve Perry's evaluation of the new Nikon mirrorless suggested that they are not yet as capable (insufficient burst mode buffering) as current DSLR offerings for action bird photography. I understand that some of the Sony are of comparable capabilities. A friend has a Sony mirrorless and set of lenses that are significantly smaller and more manageable that my gear.

I know from regularly reading the Forum that there are many very thoughtful and knowledgeable members - and maybe some that have already made this transition. So I would like to ask for your thoughts on which companies currently appear to be the true leaders in mirrorless cameras and lens systems - especially as applicable to bird photography. And more specifically, knowing that the technology will continue to evolve, your thoughts on timing - is it the right time to convert or to move forward with my D850 purchase knowing that there will likely come a clear time to make the switch?

Obviously, the decision is highly personal and regarding Canon and Nikon's entry to the market it is clearly too early to say whether or when to make the jump. I did and bought the Nikon Z7 and did so primarily for the weight. I had a D810 with Carl Zeiss Primes (21mm, 35mm, 50mm and 85mm) along with a Nikon 300PF ED and 1.4 and 1.7 converters. In my Think Tank backpack that amounted to 20+ lbs with aluminum tripod. The Z7 with 24-70 F4 and lens adapter for my 300mm chimes in at a grand total of 2.5 lbs. Next year adding the planned 14-30 F4 will cover most of my range needs and weigh in including everything still under ten lbs. It is not, as Steve Perry noted, a birder/wildlife camera but what camera out there serves every single photographer. By putting the Vibration Reduction unit in the camera body Nikon eliminated the need to put it in every lens saving both weight and cost (the three lenses released for it this year are 14-18 oz) so it was the right decision for me. I believe you are correct in estimating that camera makers will be leaning heavily toward mirrorless and downsized lenses to match so the future will likely produce something more suitable for action/sports/wildlife enthusiasts. Pat


Thanks in advance for your thoughts!

Over the last year I have seen growing signs that digital photography is moving toward mirrorless cameras and associated lens systems. I have significant Nikon equipment for my bird and nature photography interests including a 500mm F4 and 300mm F2.8 prime lenses. I have a recently purchased D500 I love and have been saving for a D850 - which I have anticipated buying at during the end of the year sales when I hope to see a modest discount to the long stable initial price.

I have come to the realization that at some point there is likely to be an significant advantage such as size and weight of gear - and even technical innovation leadership - to move to a full mirrorless setup.
I understand that there is an adapter to allow me to continue to use my current lenses with the new Nikon mirrorless cameras...but I am not sure that I would necessarily stay with Nikon if I go mirrorless. Steve Perry's evaluation of the new Nikon mirrorless suggested that they are not yet as capable (insufficient burst mode buffering) as current DSLR offerings for action bird photography. I understand that some of the Sony are of comparable capabilities. A friend has a Sony mirrorless and set of lenses that are significantly smaller and more manageable that my gear.

I know from regularly reading the Forum that there are many very thoughtful and knowledgeable members - and maybe some that have already made this transition. So I would like to ask for your thoughts on which companies currently appear to be the true leaders in mirrorless cameras and lens systems - especially as applicable to bird photography. And more specifically, knowing that the technology will continue to evolve, your thoughts on timing - is it the right time to convert or to move forward with my D850 purchase knowing that there will likely come a clear time to make the switch?

Thanks in advance for your thoughts!