Nikon D780: Has anyone upgraded from the D750 to the D780 and is it really worth the money? I love my D750 but am curious about any improvement in autofocus for BIF and other action...

Old44

Has anyone upgraded from the D750 to the D780 and is it really worth the money? I love my D750 but am curious about any improvement in autofocus for BIF and other action with the D780.

phv Loc: Goleta, California

I did upgrade from a d7200 to the d780.

Frankly, I noticed just a small difference. Birds are my favorite thing to photograph and BIF are always a challenge. But I do think the 780 performs better overall...I use a 300 Nikon prime lens with it with a converter, and my birds at the feeder have been tack sharp.

For birding in the field, though, I’m shooting with my Sony RX 10 IV. Lightweight, 600mm reach, best camera I’ve ever used. Many birders are converting to it where I live.

I hope this helps! Happy to share images with you from both cameras if you think it would help.

Best,
Pam

Old44

Thanks, Pam. The 7200 is DX and so a direct comparison is difficult. But I suspect that you are correct about only a modest improvement with the D780. I am a Nikon junkie and while the Sony looks tempting, if I spend any $$ it will be for Nikon equipment.

phv Loc: Goleta, California

Old44 wrote:

Thanks, Pam. The 7200 is DX and so a direct comparison is difficult. But I suspect that you are correct about only a modest improvement with the D780. I am a Nikon junkie and while the Sony looks tempting, if I spend any $$ it will be for Nikon equipment.

Totally understand! I still love my Nikons.

Here is an image with the 780, not in flight, but still very sharp.

(Download)

Greer Loc: SOUTH GEORGIA

Old44 wrote:

Has anyone upgraded from the D750 to the D780 and is it really worth the money? I love my D750 but am curious about any improvement in autofocus for BIF and other action with the D780.

I have the D750 myself. Was amazed the difference between my old FX lenses and my new AF-S Nikkor 70-200mm f/2.8E. It’s quick as lightening and just as accurate. Probably find a small increase with my old lenses by upgrading, but honestly, I’m convinced obtaining Nikon’s “Holy Trinity” is the best way to obtain faster bif’s. I’m focusing all my attention and money in that direction. Only need the AF-S 14-24mm f/2.8G to complete the collection. Going to sell some older stuff Sunday and order the lens from B&H as soon as I return from Atlanta. Blazing speed in those lenses. You have to see it to believe it. MHO for what it’s worth.
PS. Try to get the D850 if you’re going to upgrade.

Greer Loc: SOUTH GEORGIA

Greer here again. BIF’s are my favorite subject and the images of the D750 and 70-200mm f/2.8E are tack sharp. Even cropping and enlarging. I’ve actually began selling to people who are that impressed. Not a pro by any means. I can only dream of the D850 but it’s on my bucket list. Happy birding, my friend.

User ID

Greer wrote:

I have the D750 myself. Was amazed the difference ... (show quote)

So you’re disappointed with your D780 ???

User ID

Greer wrote:

Greer here again. BIF’s are my favorite subject and the images of the D750 and 70-200mm f/2.8E are tack sharp. Even cropping and enlarging. I’ve actually began selling to people who are that impressed. Not a pro by any means. I can only dream of the D850 but it’s on my bucket list. Happy birding, my friend.

You have many images about as good as the one posted ?

DAN Phillips Loc: Graysville, GA

Hello Greer, you mentioned the Nikon Holy Trinity, what does it mean or what is it?

Country Boy Loc: Beckley, WV

I just purchased the D780 a couple months ago to match up with my D7100. I can tell that there are improvements in focus speed and it is just a great camera. I really love the 7100 and don't know if the 780 is that much better that it is worth the cost but I am pleased with it. I guess it depends on what you are looking for. I wanted a full frame camera and do not like the Z family enough to go that way and I think for a DSLR this is a great option. Not having ever used a D750 I can't compare the amount of improvements it offers.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

I'm sticking with my D750. If I got the D780, I'd miss the pop-up flash.

DavidPine Loc: Fredericksburg, TX

Old44 wrote:

Has anyone upgraded from the D750 to the D780 and is it really worth the money? I love my D750 but am curious about any improvement in autofocus for BIF and other action with the D780.

It is a great camera. I love mine.

N97972 Loc: Chelan County, Washington

For me the 780 was very much worth it for just the superior focus system ( Against my D7200, D750, D810, or my D850). Older eyes very much appreciate the focus capabilities, if I could only keep one body, the nod would be for the 780.

Bear2 Loc: Southeast,, MI

Old44 wrote:

Thanks, Pam. The 7200 is DX and so a direct comparison is difficult. But I suspect that you are correct about only a modest improvement with the D780. I am a Nikon junkie and while the Sony looks tempting, if I spend any $$ it will be for Nikon equipment.

Me too.

Duane

John Battle Loc: Tacoma, WA, USA

DAN Phillips wrote:

Hello Greer, you mentioned the Nikon Holy Trinity, what does it mean or what is it?

Hi, Dan. The "Nikon Holy Trinity" is a catchphrase for Nikon's three premium full-frame zoom lenses that cover 14-200 mm at a consistent f/2.8 aperture. Here is an old video that explains and demonstrates them. Of course, newer versions of these lenses are available now.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1IFm2EAIjy8&t=510s