CamB Loc: Juneau, Alaska

I’ve got a problem. I really like my D7500. It’s the most comfortable camera I have ever carried. I have a do everything lens, 18-300, f5.6 Nikon DX and a few other DX lenses. I also have two serious lenses which in the last ten years I mostly use for concerts and theater work. A Nikon 28-70 f2.8 and a Nikon 80-200 f2.8. (full frame lenses) They are sharp and fast and a joy to use, but they are getting old. Nikon has told me not to send them in for repair anymore as they have done all they can for them over the years. Over thirty years of heavy use and they are tired. I was almost ready to take the plunge, spend the bucks and replace them. Then covid hit and shows stopped. I wondered if I would ever really need those lenses again and let things go. Now though, we are adjusting to the new normal and in the last six weeks I have shot six live events. My workhorse lenes are struggling. My 28-70 really needs help.
In the last few years photography has shifted and thrown me into turmoil, and it’s all about mirrorless. Do I really want to spend $3000+ replacing lenses for my DX mirrored camera? I would like to hold a mirrorless camera, fiddle with the controls, look through the viewfinder, take it with me on a walk, but I don’t know anyone who has one. The nearest camera store is Glazers in Seattle. From my front door to Glazers by road is 2,127 miles and involves a ferry and a passport. By plane it’s about 2.5 hours. I could just make the jump and switch, but what if I don’t like mirrorless? Then I’ve spent over $5000 for something I don’t like, am stuck with it, and feel really stupid.
I’m not really looking for the answer here. I’m mostly just sharing thoughts and wondering out loud. I’ll let you know what happens.
...Cam

jchristian Loc: Baker, OR

Several of the big stores rent.

bsprague Loc: Lacey, WA, USA

You sound like you have such deeply ingrained habits that you will hate anything new.

That said, New York's B&H has satisfaction guaranteed. If you think you might abuse that privilege, Lens Rentals (https://www.lensrentals.com) will take care of you.

If you do come to Seattle, Kenmore Camera might be a better choice than Glazers.

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

Today is Tuesday. You could have a mirrorless rental by Friday, maybe even delivered Thursday from LensRentals. If too fast, plan the appropriate long-weekend / week to do that hands-on evaluation.

But honestly, you seem to be overcomplicating the problem. Or, inventing a reason to spend way more money than is necessary. If you have a broken lens and perfectly fine camera in the d7500, buy another lens, either used or new.

nimbushopper Loc: Tampa, FL

I recommend lensrentals.com. the last time I used them I wound up buying the equipment and they took the rental price off the purchase price!

Quixdraw Loc: x

I suspect I'll be able to ferret out little used Nikon DSLRs for as long as I need them. I have mirror-less experience, own two brands. They are good but I prefer and will stay with the cameras and lenses I prefer.

User ID

What if you really dont like EVF cameras ? Dont buy them and just phase out of photography. Right now I own the last car I am likely to like. Yes I have driven the newer tech on long distance rentals with many hours of highway plus NYC rush hour traffic. In the near future I can either quit driving or drive a car I just dont like. Kapisch ?

BebuLamar

You can do one thing (which I don't recommend) is to buy the mirrorless camera or cameras you think may work for you based on what you read on the internet. Then if you don't like them you can return them. That way someone else would have the chance to buy them as refurbished.

CamB Loc: Juneau, Alaska

I am definitely open to new things. Keeps life interesting.
I've spent lots of money at B&H, bought my pro lighting gear (long ago) at Glazers and my last tripod from Kenmore.
I might try the rental route.
...Cam

Wingpilot Loc: Wasilla. Ak

You might try Stewart’s Photo here in Anchorage. They rent and they’re only an hour away.

CamB Loc: Juneau, Alaska

Totally not ready to 'phase out of photography.' I don't know how I'd like mirrorless. Never tried one. Might be just the thing. Carry a camera everywhere and lead photo tours out of Juneau for the cruise ships. Drove my sons Tesla. It was fun but way to many bells and whistles. Not sure what to do when new car time comes around.
...Cam

CamB Loc: Juneau, Alaska

I would rent from them in a second but I'm in Juneau. A ferry ride then a 747 mile drive to Anchorage, through Canada.
...Cam

Wingpilot Loc: Wasilla. Ak

Years ago there used to be a pretty good photo shop on Behrends Ave between 2d and 3d St. It’s gone now, and the street’s now named Main St. Tells you how long ago I lived in Juneau. Nothing stays the same.

R.G. Loc: Scotland

The D7500 is the most recent DX DSLR and the new mirrorless versions don't represent a big jump in image quality. The Z optics are an improvement but not a quantum leap, especially if you compare them to the best of the F mount glass. You're obviously not having a problem with DSLRs so I recommend you stay with what you have. And with the new Z optics coming out, second hand good F mount glass is going to become more and more available.

CamB Loc: Juneau, Alaska

I think I like this advice. I do like my 7500 and it makes beautiful, big prints. Maybe a refurbished on the 28-70 and use the 80-200 until the next time it needs to go to the shop.
Thanks all.
…Cam