baron_silverton Loc: Los Angeles, CA

I had a D200 and a D750 as well before moving to the Z system and I would not go back. If you are into landscape photography and you want to make large prints then teh 45.7 MP sensor on the Z7 (or Z7 II) will make better images than your D750.

There are many advantages to having the EVF in a mirrorless camera - one of which is playback of shots while you are out in the sun - it is very easy to view your photos without glare which is very nice -there are other perks as well - histogram, focus peaking, see your exposure - just to name a few.

The FTZ adaptor works perfectly with non-screw drive Nikon lenses - it actually makes many lenses better than using them on a DSLR because you gain some image stabilization on lenses that do not have it and the focus points are virtually edge to edge - a much better shooting experience.

As far as Tamron lenses go, all of their SP line is now compatible with firmware upgrades (that you can do yourself with the Tap In Console). The only possible Tamron lens that may still not have an update is the 90mm 2.8 Macro, but I know they intend to update it, and it may be done by now - that was the only one that wasn't the last time I checked but that was a while ago and they are going to update it. I have personally used the following SP Tamron lenses, after updating the firmware, with the Z system and FTZ adaptor and they work perfectly: 24-70 2.8 G2, 70-200 2.8 G2, 35mm 1.4, 35mm 1.8VC, 45mm 1.8VC, 85mm 1.8VC and the DX 18-400 - these all work perfectly.

Also, Tamron and Sigma have stated that they will be putting out lenses for the Z system - probably starting in 2021 - so you will be able to buy budget leses for the system soon - Viltrox has already released an 85mm 1.8 with autofocus for the Z system that apparently works great and there are many 3rd party manual lenses already. Additionally, you can adapt Sony E mount and Canon EF mount to Nikon Z with third party lenses and they work very well too.

There is no reason not to go to the Z system at this point unless you are a hard core sports/action/wildlife photographer as the tracking and eye/face detect AF is still inferior to Sony and Canon, but it is very close now - easily good enough for portrait and event type shooting, and next year the Z9 is said to be released with AF tracking at the level of the D6 - so by next year Nikon AF will be class leading.

That all said, for landscape and macro photography you do not need class leading AF and the AF is far and away good enough for this kind of shooting and general shooting. You will likely be manually focusing a lot and the Z system is great for that - it has focus peaking and a light that illuminates when you get your subject in focus. You can also zoom in 100% in the viewfinder to confirm focus - it is much better than manual focusing on a DSLR.

Because you do not need high frame rates or the best tracking AF, you could buy the Z7 (not the Z7 II) and save money as they are going cheaper now with the release of the Z7 II. For your type of photography, you will be sacrificing nothing and saving money. The sensor is the same on both cameras and equivalent also to the venerable D850.

I think the Z 7 (version 1) with an FTZ is the best way for you to move forward. It brings you into the mirrorless world and Z system - going forward when you do buy lenses you can buy Z lenses which are generally best in class across the board.

Simply put - mirrorless is the future and the Z7 will work great for all of your use cases.

Hope this helps :)

rfmaude41 Loc: Lancaster, Texas (DFW area)

All of the original (AF) lenses that have the (old) "screwdriver" type of AF will NOT autofocus with the FTZ adsapter.

rkaminer Loc: New York, NY

I owned a Z6 since they came out, I think about 2 years and it is my favorite camera. I just sold the last of my old Nikon lens a 70-200 f2.8 and never looked back. Not much else to say other than this camera is a winner.

thegrover Loc: Yorba Linda, CA

I have two D750's. They are amazing. Focusing on being a better photographer. I see no need to change.

SuperflyTNT Loc: Manassas VA

Totally ignoring that he wants the focus stacking capability.

SuperflyTNT Loc: Manassas VA

I’ve heard that the Tamron 90 f/2.8 macro doesn’t work and I know there are different versions of that lens. I know I’ve had mine for several years and it works flawlessly on my Z7 with the adapter. I’ve done focus stacks over 200 images with it.

Reno

I'm a big fan of your technical posts, but here you are missing the train. There are many reasons to upgrade a camera that have nothing to do with a better image from the new camera. If the upgrade has new features that enhance one's probability to get good pictures, it may be worth the upgrade. For example, people who shoot portraits may consider eye focus a worthwhile improvement to guarantee good focus. Not to speak of birders, with the eye focus locked on birds the R5 is capable of. I could go on with examples! But, how about the fact that a new camera may just be the motivating factor someone needs to get back into the game? None of this has to do with better images, but will justify for some to upgrade.

Wishing you a happy New Year!

Drbobcameraguy Loc: Eaton Ohio

I like you have thought about the focus stacking ability of the 780 and 850. For that choice I would buy the 850. Hopefully your computer is ok with the larger files but price wise and feature wise I would go with the 850. I have a D500 and went with the helicon system for focus stacking. 500.00 bucks and I really only wanted an 850 for that ability. Go big or go home. Lol. Just kidding. My opinion but your choice.

MichaelMcGrath Loc: Ireland

I still use the old D800, 36 megapixels is plenty for me and at least I don't get any moire.

SuperflyTNT Loc: Manassas VA

Exactly my point. Most modern cameras are capable of great IQ. For me the number one reason to upgrade is enhanced user experience.

Ched49 Loc: Pittsburgh, Pa.

I would keep the D750 over the D780 unless video is your thing and the D780 doesn't have an on board flash, a game changer in my opinion. The D850 has the most pixels, would be a good choice if you do a lot of cropping and is the largest and heaviest camera of the group. Don't know what one would be best for focus stacking.

MichaelMcGrath Loc: Ireland

- and in fact I'm still getting brilliant portraiture from the Canon 1Ds Mark 111.

MichaelMcGrath Loc: Ireland

I'm sure I'd get as good photos with my excellent condition low usage D800, less danger of Moire anyway!

Miami39 Loc: Florida

I wish all of you a Happy and Healthy New Year. It is interesting to read what features are important to each of you but, in candor, my favorite cameras all were Nikon film cameras and my Leica M6. I have been taking pictures for many years and never heard of focus stacking until I read this thread. I bought a used D750 at a good price from Adorama in order to use my old Nikon lenses. My walk-around camera is a Leica Type 109. While not on the level of an M6, it takes really nice pictures. I am not ready to trade up to a D780 or D850 but who knows. In any event, I have enjoyed reading everyone’s comments and look forward to traveling again. Best to all. Stay safe.

SuperflyTNT Loc: Manassas VA

Keep telling yourself that. I think the whole “moire” thing is overblown. If it was really a problem they wouldn’t be making all the new cameras without anti-aliasing filters.