Spirit Hawk Loc: Michigan,Sunrise side

I would like to get a newer super zoom with good lens and great IQ and NOT to large?? need some help choseing,,and have a small budget!!
the Canon 7D and 400mm L is a nice birding combo,,but me and the pack mule are tired of lugging it,,some info>
I have a Panny FZ30 and like it have about 45,000 shutter clicks on it?
Had a Canon SX50 and had mixed feelings about it?
Had a Panny FZ300 and hated the menu,,returned it right off?
so after some reviews i have my choices down to these?
Panny FZ 80,,nice but large
Sony HX400v,,large but nice
Sony HX80,,nice and small but slow lens??
whats your advice ??
Remember my budget??
Sony RX100m4 is nice but too much
Nikon P900 is way toooooo big and heavy,might as well carry the 7D & 400mm

What would be your choice,,evry day pics,family and birding ??
Thanks & Cheers Ron

dsmeltz Loc: Philadelphia

....which would be how much????

rjaywallace Loc: Wisconsin

You appear to have done a lot of homework (unusual for folks who post here). Why did you have “mixed feelings” about the Canon SX50? Have you considered any Fuji cameras? What subjects are you hoping to use a better superzoom for?

gwilliams6

The best choice may be the great Sigma Contemporary series 150-600mm f5-6.3 . Jared Polin of FRO-Knows reviews (YouTube) tested and rated this the best performance/value in super telephoto zooms, as have other reviewers. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F6tCUFXiDws&list=PLWbUbVp5Rk9RDX38jDn2Tyu-6B2NQ1oEh

I am a pro and personally have this lens and love it. The Contemporary version is hand-holdable with practice. It is sharp, focuses quickly and also you can get a 1.4X extender if you want. It goes new for $899 to $989 depending on the camera supplier you buy it from. A truly amazing bargain. Now don't confuse this one with its more-expensive heavy-metal sibling the 150-600mm Sport series version. The Sport version is TWICE the price ,and it is too heavy to handhold, a tripod or monopod is a must. In testing, the Contemporary version actually tested slightly sharper throughout the zoom range than the Sport version, for half the price, go figure !

I highly recommend this lens. i have gotten extraordinary sports and wildlife shots with it (adapted to my Sony Cameras with the MC-11 adapter). Sigma makes these in Nikon, Canon and sigma mounts (same price). https://www.sigmaphoto.com/lenses/telephoto-lenses/150-600mm-f5-63-dg-os-hsm-c

Bobspez Loc: Southern NJ, USA

I bought a used coolpix b700 on ebay a couple of months ago for $300 + $18 shipping. It sounds like what you are looking for.

Spirit Hawk Loc: Michigan,Sunrise side

Budget ??not over $400,

gwilliams6

You are right the Sigma 150-600m is over your budget, sorry.

Check out these Sony superzoom compacts with 30X and 50X zooms. Many under ,around $400 or slightly more.
https://www.sony.com/electronics/compact-cameras/t/cyber-shot-digital-cameras?bestfor=big-zoom

Cheers

robertjerl Loc: Corona, California

Unless you find used at a great price you are SOL for the most part. At least as long as you want "great IQ". And you consider the Nikon P900 too big - it does not come near the 7D and 400L in size/weight.

Try your 7D with the 100-400 zoom by Tamron it is much smaller and lighter (has an optional collar-use with a pistol grip or on mono/tripod). Lens is 700-800, collar about 125.
I don't know your carrying and hand holding limits but I am 72, fat, way out of shape, bum knee and I carry and hand hold the 100-400L with 1.4X III. A photo back pack helps with carrying the stuff. I used to carry and hand hold the Tamron 150-600 before replacing it with the 100-400+extender.

Spirit Hawk Loc: Michigan,Sunrise side

Thanks for your ideas,,but those with Long Lens suggustions are on the wrong page ??i want a small,, zoom bridge camera,,NOT A LONG LENS,,
Cheers Ron

Spirit Hawk Loc: Michigan,Sunrise side

Well i have read a viewed a lot ??got my choice down to 2 ??Panny FZ 80 and Sony HX400v...user comments on those 2 ??
Cheers Ron

rjaywallace Loc: Wisconsin

Wait, wait ... hot off DPReview’s presses: the Panasonic Lumix DC-ZS200.

https://www.dpreview.com/articles/4034328941

Spirit Hawk Loc: Michigan,Sunrise side

AT $800 the ZS200 is way over budget ??

gwilliams6

That Sony would be a great choice. My friend bought one on my recommendation and is loving it. Cheers

Spirit Hawk Loc: Michigan,Sunrise side

up-date,,i have made my choice ! the Sony HX400v wins,the deal breaker was the Sony takes remote cords and the FZ80 does not?? now to find the best deal,,and gain more info on the sony ??
Cheers Ron

gwilliams6

Cheers Spirit Hawk, great choice, you will love it.