sueyeisert Loc: New Jersey

I agree, but it’s your money have you held the camera with the lens. For me it would be too heavy. All i’ll Say is try before you buy. I switch from Nikon to Fuji because of weight.

Jerrin1 Loc: Wolverhampton, England

It's a bit of a leap from a D7000 to a D5 or A9. Both the D5 and A9 are aimed at professional photographers or enthusiasts who know exactly what they require from a camera. If you are dead set on one or the other, then the A9 is lighter and Sony lenses are a little lighter than Nikkor lenses; so the A9 would probably be a better choice. Additionally, the Sony A9 is designed to be used in electronic (silent) shutter mode; the D5 is a little noisy and primarily a camera designed for sports photography. In all honesty, I reckon you would be better off with a cheaper camera. Take a look at the Sony A7III, I have one and it is really rather good. Even a Nikon D500 is a better option. It's a brilliant camera (I owned one up until recently) and a lot lighter to lug about than a D5. You could also consider an Olympus EM1 mark II, an outstanding camera with fabulous lightweight lenses and an IBIS so good you can handhold it at incredibly low shutter speeds (yes, you've guessed it, I owned one until recently). The Nikkor 300mm f4 PF ED VR is a fabulous but lightweight lens, far lighter than the 200mm f2 you refer to. If you want camera gear for travelling, weight may become an issue.

ToBoldlyGo Loc: London U.K.

I think the D5 may well be overkill. It is sturdy yes, but then so are all current Nikon DSLR cameras. You're considering what some consider to be among the best cameras in the world. Why would the D5 be so much better for you than any other Nikon?

The 200mm focal length will be limiting, so make sure that you have more than just one lens. If you do choose a crop sensor camera, the effective field of view (yes this is a simplified way to describe it) will be even narrower.

I think you should probably do some real research into lenses, focal lengths and bodies. Coming from a smartphone, you are unlikely to be happy with the combo you suggest, in my opinion anyway. Maybe even ask one or two of the YouTube video makers, there are some who are very helpful. Good luck!

Bill_de Loc: US

I think some folks didn't read the responses. The OP said, " ... I have more lenses for Nikon."

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Blaster34 Loc: Florida Treasure Coast

I really think your wife is the one who wants the Sony A9..

billnourse Loc: Bloomfield, NM

I will echo the sentiment here that the D5 is over kill and the 200 prime is not going to fit your stated needs very well. I also agree with the concept of you and your wife owning the same brand to make lens sharing and product knowledge more compatible.

A very nice combination for your stated use would be a D750 with a 24-120 mm f4 zoom in a Nikon. If you went with Canon because that's what you wife has then the a 6d MkII or 5D Mk IV would fill the bill very well coupled with a 24-105 f4. I do wish Canon had that extra 15 mm that Nikon has in this lens.

All this being said, what is wrong with the D7000 that you have coupled with a lens to fit you shooting needs?? They are pretty awesome tools and with the right lens would do all the repo pictures you could possibly want, and you can also get all those other good shots you mentioned.

Bill

ToBoldlyGo Loc: London U.K.

Ooh, I may have missed that in the original post. Thanks for flagging that.

Gifted One Loc: S. E. Idaho

Aren't you qualified to make recommendations to a repo-man? Myself I am fearful. Come on now Paul.


J. R.

ELNikkor

Sounds like $10,000 for a 10 pound outfit because a friend took a photo you like with that lens, is bit of overkill, but then, you may be in a completely different socio-economic/strength bracket than me. You won't wear out, or break the bank, or need more quality than with a tidier D750 and a 24-70 f2.8 for 90% of your shooting. A 70-200 2.8 would round out the longer end, and still give you almost the f2 200 your friend has for a lot more versatility, lest cost and weight.

Wingpilot Loc: Wasilla. Ak

I, also, carry the sentiment that the D5 and 200 lens is way overkill for what you want to do. Unless you just have a lot of money and want the best money can buy. The Nikon D810 has gotten a bit long in the tooth, but nevertheless is still a workhorse and a very valid camera, and since the D850 came out prices for the D810 have adjusted down a bit, and there are some nice prices on refurbished ones. A great lens to complement it is the Nikkor 24-70 VRII, if you don't need longer telephoto reach, and if you do, the Nikkor 70-200 VRIII f/2.8 is just outstanding. All for a lot less than $12,200.00 and just as capable.

As for the Sony A9, while it no doubt is a very good camera, the A7III or A7RIII are reputed to be better cameras and less expensive. In my opinion, more expensive isn't necessarily better. But then, there is the matter of bragging points, but it sounds like you just want a good camera for all around photography, not necessarily one for a specific purpose. By the way, if you want to take pictures of smaller items--you mentioned watches, for example--you might want to consider a good macro lens. The Nikon 105mm macro is a good one.

My personal philosophy is, "Don't buy more than you need, but buy as much as you do need."

Alans844

Ditto DannyKaye for the D5 combo you could get 3 D750's or 2 D850's with the mentioned lenses. Likely anything you would do to break any one of them would also break any of the others. If you did, with DK's selection you could just buy another.

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

My pick for what you are thinking would be Sony A7III with the (new in E-mount) Sigma 24-35mm f2 and fast 70-200 (Sony G-master). The A9 a GREAT camera - but the A7 better in lower light.

If you keep 7000, I would go with the Sigma 18-35 and 50-100 1.8's .....

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BebuLamar

You certainly suffer from GAS but that is not the problem. The problem is the disagreement between you and your wife which we can not solve for you. For example if your wife doesn't care what you buy then you simply buy the D5 and the 200mm f/2 lens and while most of us think it's overkill and some think the 200mm lens has limited use but it's only you who knows which is best for you. We wouldn't know. But since your wife may know you better than you yourself we wouldn't know that either.

riderxlx Loc: DFW area Texas

A good friend had a job just like yours and I heard some really funny stories too. MY personal opinion for whatever it is worth, is this:
The D7000 is a really good camera and will most certainly meet all your needs doing your job for your clients.
I am 'thinking', and this is all I have left since my psychic powers have diminished with age and my third eye has cataracts; that IF I was you; I would keep the D7000 and match it with lens that will meet the work you are doing. There are many replies already and they all mention various opinions based on opinions and experience.
I like to keep it simple.
As I recall one reply, it is not the camera but the human behind it. I know, I am learning too.
If you can't get the quality pictures with the 7000 why do you think think the D5 will do it for you ?
We all get 'that itch' and oh boy do we. But realistically, in my opinion, you already have a good camera.
Your current lenses maybe all you need.

Blaster34 Loc: Florida Treasure Coast