Bridges Loc: Memphis, Charleston SC, now Nazareth PA

I will have enough money within the next month to get a higher end mirrorless. My dilemma is that my retirement budget isn't going to allow me to get everything I would like. It looks like I could opt for a Z9 and use my Nikon legacy glass or go for the Z7ii and have enough for a couple of Z lenses. Any thoughts on this would be appreciated.
Thanks,
Mike

flip1948 Loc: Hamden, CT

With the Z9 it may be up to a year before you have to pay for it if the vendor doesn't charge until it ships. That may factor into your decision, both positively and negatively

KindaSpikey Loc: English living in San Diego

Not sure of your position right now, but is it possible that this could be pretty much the best/last camera that you buy? If so, I'd go for the one that you've fallen in love with, (you know which one that is), otherwise within a very short time you'll regret making the "wrong" decision to save a few bucks in the short term. In a years time, (or less maybe), you'll look back at now, and a few hundred bucks spent or saved won't seem as important as it does right now in the camera store! Spoil yourself a little bit right now, and I'm almost sure that you won't regret it in the years to come. And of course, you don't need to rush out and get yourself a whole bunch of lenses right away, you can save up and treat yourself now and then, (like get one for your birthday, and then for Christmas etc). Just get exactly what you want to get the type of shooting you enjoy, and what you know will make you happy! Anyway, just my 2 cents worth, (it's easy spending someone else's money)! Please don't make your decision based on what I think. Just be happy! Have a great day,
Ray.

Kmgw9v Loc: Miami, Florida

If you buy the Z7ii, you will always be thinking of a Z9.

billnikon Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont

If your going to do sports or Birds in Flight and wildlife photography, go Z9. Other wise the Z7II would do you well and get the Z14-30 mm, and the adapter II for all your legacy Nikon glass.
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1452459-REG/nikon_20070_nikkor_z_14_30mm_f_4.html?sts=pi&pim=Y

cedymock Loc: Irmo, South Carolina

For me staying with the same system makes most sense, using the glass you currently have and purchasing new glass as funds are available, and the learning curve would be less with a system you have used.

Bill_de Loc: US

The Z9 looks like a great camera with lots of features.
However, it seems that the Z lenses are quite a hit.

Unless the Z9 will improve your photography, you might consider the Z7II with a couple of Z lenses.

There's no right answer, but surely there are things to think about.

---

ELNikkor

Z9 and be patient. Since you may be waiting for it awhile, you can still use your current system. Consider selling your current kit to get the Z lenses you want; Z lenses for Z cameras! (The Z 24-120 f4 could be the only lens you need for most of your shooting.)

leftj Loc: Texas

Difficult decision. With respect to the Z9 everything I've read or watched makes the point that the legacy lenses perform better on the Z9 than than they do on non-mirrorless cameras. With respect to the Z7ii everything I've read or watched says the Z lenses are astoundingly good. I think my decision would be to go for the Z9 and think about what Z lens I would want first and start saving for that.

leftj Loc: Texas

There is that.

leftj Loc: Texas

A man after my own heart. Are you sure we aren't twins separated a birth?

Scruples Loc: Brooklyn, New York

Before everyone starts writing about an apparent and upcoming GAS attack, I would like to share.

When I started learning I saved money to buy a used Zenit-E. It was fabulous learning on a camera that weighed as much as a brick. But, most of all it was the best tool for me. Then there was the AE-1. It performs great Then, the EOS Rebel came out. Holy crap! I barely knew I was carrying it. I loved working with a film camera. Everyone asked why don’t I switch to digital. My excuse was that I have better resolution with my film cameras. Time for a switch after 20 years. Then came the 5D series. It was weighing in as much as a cinder block. I love it. I am thinking of mirrorless after all these years. Perhaps when I retire in 2 to 3 years it may be a worthy change. I am not a professional, but I wish to give my A-Game. So I will do my best to hone my skill. This is the same with learning to pilot a plane. I know I won’t become a commercial pilot. This is the same with SCUBA diving. I won’t become a dive master.

So my advice to you and all those thinking about going mirrorless, take your time. Don’t jump onto the bandwagon just yet.

Besides, I am not the type of person who tells people how to spend their hard earned money!

BebuLamar

Get the Z9 that way you no longer have to worry about shutter count.

larryepage Loc: North Texas area

Interesting question. The Z9 has Nikon's professional user interface, which is a big deal for me. Otherwise (and particularly in terms of price), it is just way overkill.
The Z7II has the "enthusiast" interface, which doesn't work for me. A lot of other folks think very differently, but they aren't the ones spending my money. I'm just not willing to settle for the Z7's operating system. So I've decided to be happy with my D850 and D500 for now. If Nikon ever decides to introduce a Z camera equivalent to the D850, with the professional operator interface, I'll look and reconsider.

MDI Mainer

I would almost always go for better lenses over a better body. Also, in my experience (albeit wit Sony not Nikon) nothing performs like native glass no matter how well the adapter is said to work.

Here's what Ken Rockwell has to say:

Easy and timeless answer: always put your money into your lenses.

https://www.kenrockwell.com/tech/lens-or-camera.htm

See also:

https://fstoppers.com/education/it-better-upgrade-your-camera-or-your-lens-325986