Monitor recommendations: It's time to replace my 2008 iMac. I'm thinking about going with the Mac Studio plus a third-party monitor as the 27" Apple monitors are like $1,600 which is a...

jimopho Loc: Maine

It's time to replace my 2008 iMac. I'm thinking about going with the Mac Studio plus a third-party monitor as the 27" Apple monitors are like $1,600 which is a little much I think.

I'd like to go with something at least 27" and preferably not more than $300. While I do some video editing this would mostly be for Photoshop and that sort of thing. Does anyone have any recommendations? Thanks.

BebuLamar

The Mac Studio is expensive so $1600 for the monitor isn't a lot.

jimopho Loc: Maine

BebuLamar wrote:

The Mac Studio is expensive so $1600 for the monitor isn't a lot.

Well I have a somewhat contrary point of view. If I'm already spending a lot on the Mac Studio then I want to spend way less on a monitor to stay within an overall budget.

UTMike Loc: South Jordan, UT

BenQ 2700 series.

BebuLamar

jimopho wrote:

Well I have a somewhat contrary point of view. If I'm already spending a lot on the Mac Studio then I want to spend way less on a monitor to stay within an overall budget.

Yes it's similar to buying a kit lens to use on the top of the line camera body because you already spent a lot on the body.
My point of view is that I would spend at least half of the cost of the computer on the monitor if not more.

chasgroh Loc: Buena Park, CA

I second the BenQ advice, I'm looking at 4 of 'em right now.

rmalarz Loc: Tempe, Arizona

That's the equivalent philosophy of purchasing a top-of-the-line camera and putting a POS lens in order to spend less money.

My first recommendation would be:
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1425544-REG/eizo_cg319x_4k_bk_31_1_dci_4k_wide_screen.html

My second recommendation would be:
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1694971-REG/apple_mmyv3ll_a_studio_display_nano_texture.html?sts=pi&pim=Y

After that, you're on your own.
--Bob

jimopho wrote:

Well I have a somewhat contrary point of view. If I'm already spending a lot on the Mac Studio then I want to spend way less on a monitor to stay within an overall budget.

mikegreenwald Loc: Illinois

My 27” BenQ is outstanding, and I have a 27” LG that is every bit it’s equal. LG makes several grades of monitors though, and you will get what you pay for. A top quality monitor is essential for quality post processing and printing, and if you cut corners here you will quickly be disappointed in your results. I can’t fault Apple monitors either.
The ugly truth is monitor costs have escalated along with everything else. I’m not aware of any cheaper monitors that will meet your standards.

Jeffcs Loc: Myrtle Beach South Carolina

My friend has a Mac studio and a 27inch 5K LG monitor and regrets not getting the Mac studio as there is a display delay drives him nuts
I will be getting the new MacBook Pro with the m1 chip and the Mac studio monitor

yssirk123 Loc: New Jersey

Look at any of the various BenQ models and decide which one best fits your needs.

tcthome Loc: NJ

jimopho wrote:

It's time to replace my 2008 iMac. I'm thinking about going with the Mac Studio plus a third-party monitor as the 27" Apple monitors are like $1,600 which is a little much I think.

I'd like to go with something at least 27" and preferably not more than $300. While I do some video editing this would mostly be for Photoshop and that sort of thing. Does anyone have any recommendations? Thanks.

I'm not sure your going to get a wide accurate color gamut monitor for $300. With that said, LG makes some (or use to) with up in the 90 something % SRGB/ARGB % that might sell in your price point.

jimopho Loc: Maine

Well, I sure am glad I asked this group. Having used nothing but Apple products for the last 25 years, I tend to forget that other products can be quite low quality or at least not suitable to this application.

I do appreciate everyone's responses thus far and while I'm not likely to be spending $5,000 or even $2,000 for a monitor as some have advised I am okay with expanding my budget somewhat.

That said, I took a look at the BenQ SW270C Photographer 27" 16:9 HDR IPS monitor on B&H for $799.99. While there were a few glowing reviews, there was one that troubled me a little. One fellow seemed a little underwhelmed and felt that this monitor was mostly hype. He complained of shallow contrast and off axis corner fade. While he wasn't completely deriding it, he seemed annoyed that so many pros sang its praises to the degree they did.

So, I will try to continue to learn a bit more and see where it takes me. Again, I do appreciate people weighing in and am certainly open to any more feedback you folks may have.

cjc2 Loc: Hellertown PA

Buy a cheap POS apple knockoff to go with your $ 300 monitor. OR - consider the monitor a good deal at $1600 compared to their FTZ at 5k. Save all your $, buy neither! Best of luck.

SuperflyTNT Loc: Manassas VA

I have a 32” LG Ultragear monitor that I’ve been happy with. It has a fairly wide gamut and it’s calibrated and my prints are pretty accurate. That being said if I invested in Apple Mac Studio I would probably look for a 10 bit monitor because I’m pretty sure the GPU supports it. It wouldn’t be the Apple Studio Monitor though because it’s way overpriced and it has some quirks, (non-removable power cord and if you want a height-adjustable stand it’s another $400). So probably not under $300 but less than half the price of the Apple monitor.

rcarol

rmalarz wrote:

That's the equivalent philosophy of purchasing a top-of-the-line camera and putting a POS lens in order to spend less money.

My first recommendation would be:
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1425544-REG/eizo_cg319x_4k_bk_31_1_dci_4k_wide_screen.html

My second recommendation would be:
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1694971-REG/apple_mmyv3ll_a_studio_display_nano_texture.html?sts=pi&pim=Y

After that, you're on your own.
--Bob

Which of these two monitors do you own?