Looking to change camera equipment (Page 3): Welcome to the forum! I also have a D750 70-300 Nikon set-up. If that outfit is getting too heavy, you may have to just sell all the FX...

ELNikkor

Welcome to the forum! I also have a D750 70-300 Nikon set-up. If that outfit is getting too heavy, you may have to just sell all the FX equipment and go to APS-C or micro 4/3rds. A Z50 would keep you in the Nikon camp, and their 50-250 tele would give you the reach, but not the weight of your current kit. My son has a Lumix (micro 4/3rds) GH-4, and his 75- 150 lens is very light, but has the reach of your 70-300 Nikon lens. Let us know how it goes, and share with us some of your zoo photos; I hear the San Diego zoo is awesome!

In-lightened Loc: Kansas City

If it's wildlife, then you need reach. The 500mm pf is really light weight. As some suggest perhaps the mirrorless coupled with this lens and an adapter. I also watched an 80+ year old with his Olympus gear and was surprised at how light weight it was.

Picture Taker Loc: Michigan Thumb

I would go to a camera store (even if it a long trip) and handle the different cameras to find one that you are comfortable with. With all the time you will be using it it is worth the trouble.

See_the_shot Loc: Bluffton, SC

Not to be argumentative, but imho, I recommend that you go to a camera store (if you can still find one) and put a 50mm lens on a Nikon dslr and an Olympus EM5 III. There’s a big difference.

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

Lovephotography wrote:

Hi,
I am a first time poster here!
I have been collecting and using Nikon equipment for many years. As I am in my senior years, I find it is extremely hard for me to hold a lot of my cameras and lenses.
I am looking for any suggestions on lightweight equipment I can purchase. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks in advance,
Kathy

The simple uncomplicated answer ......Sony RX10IV
.

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

Lovephotography wrote:

Hi,
I am a first time poster here!
I have been collecting and using Nikon equipment for many years. As I am in my senior years, I find it is extremely hard for me to hold a lot of my cameras and lenses.
I am looking for any suggestions on lightweight equipment I can purchase. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks in advance,
Kathy

A switch to Mirrorless may not be the answer for you because you stated it is extremely hard for you to hold a lot of your camera's and lenses. Mirrorless are not exactly that much lighter than you current equipment.
I would strongly suggest a pocket camera, they are the lightest ones available. I would also suggest a I-Phone, they take beautiful images.
For a pocket camera I would strongly suggest the Sony HX-99 because it has a pop up viewfinder, a 24-750 mm Zeiss lens and shoots RAW.
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1437917-REG/sony_dsc_hx99_b_cyber_shot_dsc_hx99_digital_camera.html?sts=pi&pim=Y

Vaun's photography Loc: Bonney Lake, WA

Lovephotography wrote:

Hi,
I am a first time poster here!
I have been collecting and using Nikon equipment for many years. As I am in my senior years, I find it is extremely hard for me to hold a lot of my cameras and lenses.
I am looking for any suggestions on lightweight equipment I can purchase. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks in advance,
Kathy

I'm not much help with light weight gear, but welcome to the forum. I'll look forward to seeing your contributions.

markngolf Loc: Bridgewater, NJ

Lovephotography wrote:

Hi,
I am a first time poster here!
I have been collecting and using Nikon equipment for many years. As I am in my senior years, I find it is extremely hard for me to hold a lot of my cameras and lenses.
I am looking for any suggestions on lightweight equipment I can purchase. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks in advance,
Kathy

Hi Kathy,

I had the same issue with weight and lugging all my 40 lbs. of Canon equipment. In 2018 I opted for a Sony RX10 IV in preparation for a river cruise. I'm delighted with it. It is so convenient. The quality of images is excellent. Last year, I sold my Canon gear on UHH. The one downside is the complex menu system. I purchased two books, one by White and the other by Friedman. I found them to be very helpful in making the transition.

Good luck in your search for equipment.
BTW: I'm 84
Mark

kvanhook Loc: Oriental, NC

I am older also and am converting to Sony. I have both a full frame and crop sensor Sony bodies. Loved Nikon, but the weight was as killer, especially traveling overseas. I still use some of my Nikon lenses on the Sony bodies. I have a friend who just bought a micro 4/3 Olympus and I think they are a good alternative.

ncribble Loc: Albuquerque, NM

My wife and I both turned 88 this year and have come to the conclusion that regardless of the words of caution we had to go light. Gone are the Canon, 7Dii, 5Diii, 5Div, the Ef lens 24-70 f2.8L, 100-400 f4Lii. We replaced these with Canon RP, the lightest full frame available, and light lens too.

We are blessed with good health and walk reasonably well, but the hiking days, the days of tripods and long lens have passed, but we still are very proud of the photographs we take today. For the unique captures of BIF and photographs that reach the heart, we look at those you younger people post here on UHH each morning. We marvel at your talents and appreciate you sharing. All is well being light. Norm

Lagoonguy Loc: New Smyrna Beach, FL

You might want to look at the Panasonic G9 with a 50-200 f2.8-4 (100-400 equiv.) for your zoo photos. That duo only weighs 46 ounces and provides over 6 stops of stabilization. You can purchase the G9 with a 12-60 Panasonic/Leica 12-60 f2.8-4 for $1600 new. The 50-200 costs $1500 new. I use this kit for my travel photos and it is excellent. I still have a Nikon D750 and I enjoy using it but the weight factor and excellent quality of the PL gear have won me over. Olympus offers excellent alternatives as well. Good luck!

IDguy Loc: Idaho

Mac wrote:

What is it that you are using that you want to find something lighter/smaller than?

If you are using a DSLR, you won’t find mirrorless any smaller or lighter. You would probably want to look at micro four thirds.

Huh? Nikon’s mirrorless cameras and lenses are half the size and weight of their DSLR counterparts. Check the weight of a D500 (almost 2 lb.) compared to Z50 (under 1 lb.).

The Z50 may be a good choice. Get it with FTZ and two lens package: 16-50 and 50-250.

A very big advantage for you over other systems is that you will find controls and menu system you already know…with the touchscreen adding usability, particularly in low light.

And with FTZ all your lenses will work.

You might also look at the new Zfc…very similar to Z50 but some retro controls.

https://www.nikonusa.com/en/nikon-products/product/mirrorless-cameras/z-fc.html

oldschool

My primary camera is a Nikon D750. I shoot mostly with 28-300 and 70-210 Nikon zooms, although I do have other lenses. I did not want to pack heavy for a trip to Perú so I bought a Panasonic ZS100. I was very pleased by the quality of the photos. It performed well even in low light. At under $400 today it is a bargain.

photoman43

JohnR wrote:

Hi Kathy and welcome. As to your camera choice wel... (show quote)

Hi Kathy, You have lots of options. I would start my search here:

https://www.dpreview.com/buying-guides#gadgetsSectionTitle

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/explora/photography/buying-guide/what-is-the-best-camera-for-beginners

It would help if you could narrow things down a bit. For example, if you do not make big prints, you do not need a camera with a sensor larger than 1 inch. And if you look at and share your images over the internet, a camera with a smaller sensor may be all that you need.

If you do not want to change lenses, that is another way to limit or focus your search. Look for cameras with fixed zoom lenses.

Lastly, before you buy anything, download the camera's manual(s) to see if you can understand them. I have seen some manuals that I can barely figure out what to do and I have been doing this for over 60 years.

fosis Loc: Pittsburgh, PA

Lovephotography wrote:

I do have a monopod but when shooting animals I find it too restrictive. Thanks.

I have a D500 for long lenses, but my "go to" is Olympus EM1-II with a 12-100mm f2.8 micro Zuiko. It's totally sharp, and unusual that I need anything else, especially for travel. Prints up to 20x24 and as sharp as the D500.