photogeneralist Loc: Lopez Island Washington State

I’m an 80 yr young photo enthusiast. My main interest is landscape with a few wildlife photos in the mix. I find myself looking at full frame high resolution photos with some amount of jealousy. My hands are shaky so I (14 years ago) settled on the Sony brand when they were the only ones with IBIS. I guessed that this would allow me to use non IS (Cheaper?) lenses. I progressed from an Alpha100 to an Alpha 77II. When I was cameraless for a too long time period while Sigma had my A77II body to match with the AF of their 17-70 lens , I bought a A77 body to use while the A77II was not available to me.

My kit now includes the A77 & A77II APSC bodies and the following A mount lenses.
Tokina 11-16 mm F 2.8 APSC only Sharp with some chromatic aberration near the edges
Sigma 17-70 mm F2.8-F4 mm f 2.8-HSM macro APSC only . fairly sharp
Sony 70-400G F 4 – F 5.6 Full frame and APSC Compatible (An incredible lens)
Minolta 50 mm F 2.8 Macro 1:1 capable Full frame and APSC compatible (A very very good lens)
Sigma Art 30 mm f 1.4 APSC only (Sigma Art – need I say more? )
Sigma dock to adjust Sigma A mount lens’ firmware and AF settings
1ea 64 GB card
1 ea 132 GB card
4 batteries and several chargers
USB cable compatible with Sony A77
USB cable compatible with Sony A77II
AODELAN intervalometer time lapse controller (Never used)

All my cameras and lenses are in good to excellent condition.

Now for the kicker: I’d like to trade my current kit and a minimal amount of $$$ for a good to excellent condition used A7R3 body with it’s 42 MP sensor and e-mount lenses spanning the range from 14 to 400 mm. (the 61± MP sensor of the A7R4 is just plain overkill IMHO and would likely overtax my computer’s storage and processing power)
If I make the change in equipment should I keep the Sony G 70-400 and add an adaptor to allow it’s use on the e-mount body”

Am I mistaken in wanting the A7R3 as a stepup from the capabilities I now have?.
Is my desire to hold down the extra $$$ to under $400 for the change reasonable ?

Rongnongno Loc: FL

Blunt answer:
A high density full frame demands a stability you likely do not have anymore.

Floyd Loc: Misplaced Texan in Florence, Alabama

Does not a tripod and remote commander solve this problem? it seems to have done so for me and I'm older than he is.

photogeneralist Loc: Lopez Island Washington State

Thanks for the prompt reply. however I believe that you may have made a few assumptions that don't fit my circumstances.

I'm very aware of my declining stability. Ergo: I shoot mainly with a tripod and/or high shutterspeeds. My chosen genres are not ones where a shallow depth of field and a generous bokeh are of great value so a moderate to smallish aperture is appropriate. This all necessitates an elevated ISO, so the idea of a Full frame with it's improved noise response and greater dynamic range at higher ISO settings appeals to me.

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

You mean a 1/2000 on the new camera won't freeze things like 1/2000 on the old camera???
Confused.....

NMGal Loc: NE NM

May I suggest you rent the camera you would like to have to see if it meets your expectations.

E.L.. Shapiro Loc: Ottawa, Ontario Canada

I have been in photograhy for a very long time- it has always been my day job. I know a lot about equipment but I will never opine on equipment that I have no experience with or put forth suggestions for purchases or upgrades based on published reviews or even manufacturer's or retailer's claims alone.

So many folks on this forum seem to know ALL the specifications and features of just about EVERYTHING. I will not live long enough to gather all that information without research! Since I am not a photographic equipment distributor or retailer, I only research equipment I am considering for purchase for my business. When it comes time for an upgrade or a retooling, the following is my strategy:

What I can help you with are important factors to consider before you spend your hard-earned money to upgrade or change your gear.

If you feel that your present equipment is preventing you from maximizing your photographic quality potential, it might be time for a change. If that is the case, the next step is to compare the features, capabilities, and see which ones address the issues with your present gear.

The next consideration is ergonomics. Does the potential new gear a better fit for your hands, level of dexterity, accessibility to controls that would make for more convenient and speedy camera operation.

Then, consider the total investment as to compatibility with your existing gear, lenses, flash gear and other accessories. Will you have to purchase replacements for any or all of your present inventory?

Think about your final output. Do you need a higher pixel count to accommodate larger prints? Do you need more sensitivity for low-light work? Do you need lenses as per type or focal length that are not available for your present system?

Unless you are thoroughly familiar with your potential purchase, it is best to visit a local dealer and get an in-person demonstration. Nothing like wrapping your hands around a camera and feeling whether or not it can be an extension of your hands and your vision.

This is a hard question! Do you feel that an improvement in your technique would upgrade your work without the expenditure on new gear? I have done that. At times I stuck to my old gear and other times I wrote the check!

None of this is based on ageism- you only have 3 years on me and I still lug around and use heavy and bulkey gear.

Keep up the good work and enthusiasm!

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

This is the best suggestion you'll get. I hope you take it.

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

Love your second paragraph!!!

AND,,, they always know what is best for someone else.
Amazing!

Makes me wonder. I'm in the market for a new car.
What kind should I buy...

cahale Loc: San Angelo, TX

So use a tripod.

nicksr1125 Loc: Mesa, AZ

If you’re looking to switch to a full frame body, the A7RIII would be an excellent choice. For lenses, I use a 28-75, 70-180 (both Tamron E-mount), Sigma 150-600, & Tokina 100 macro. The Sony 70-400 & Minolta 50mm macro should work just fine using an LA-EA4 mount adapter. My Sigma 150-600 is actually a Canon EF mount lens with an MC-11 mount adapter. Be aware that trade-in value on your A77 & A77II may not be as high as you would like. You’ll get more money selling them here on UHH.

Charles 46277 Loc: Fulton County, KY

Agreed, but I have used a tripod for 40 years (not the same one). If you want greater quality than the full frame you have, you might consider medium format or faux medium--stitch single ff shots into one big file, which is very workable for landscapes.

robertjerl Loc: Corona, California

I will second that, I have a Canon 90D = 32+mp crop sensor, greatest pixel density on the market when it came out. It is so sensative to camera motion it isn't even funny. Tripod, braced against something or bright light with very high SS only. It does excellent for macro on a tripod with remote shutter release.

Rongnongno Loc: FL

If you use a tripod there is no issue.

It is just the high pixel cameras capture every motion, even minute ones.

What is frozen a 1/2000 in normal cameras is not so much on cameras that passes the 50mp.

User ID

A wheel at every corner and windows all around. If you need more specifics get a blue Toyota wagon. Those are the best. (Yes, it really matters. It’s mysterious.)