Nortfish Loc: Port St. Lucie, Fla

Hello. I am an experienced photographer who is looking to go from cropped to full frame. My photography experience starts with an Argus C-3, Retina 2c and progressed through to my Sony NEX-6. As you can tell I have always used entry level equipment. Mainly for budget reasons.

My photography consists of travel, family, and occasional BIF. I have basic lenses. A nifty fifty (Canon 1.8), Sony 18-55, Tamron 16-85 and 70-300. None of these are particularly high quality but they are ok. willing to trade them all in for an 18-135.

I am looking to transition to full frame. Please don't question me on why. My problem is budget. I want to stay within $15-1700. I know that is kind of tough. I am willing to buy pre owned if it is excellent, but want to stay with less than 5 year old models.

I have been monitoring this forum for years only posted once. I greatly respect the quality of information that sometimes comes out. Any specific help you can give me will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance..

wildweasel

Check MPB and KEH, they are both reputable stores that deal in good used equipment. I would look at mirrorless models to stay current. Nikon Z6 or maybe Z7 will fit your budget.

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

You've been here long enough to know: The longer you read UHH, the more expensive it gets.

You didn't list any lenses really long enough for BIF -- birds in flight -- especially not after you remove the crop factor by moving to full-frame, and then changing to a shorter zoom. Didn't we have a post / linked video yesterday saying cropped is just as good as FF? https://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-763712-1.html

A used Sony a7III will run about $1000, depending on source. Well within your budget range. You may (?) need one or more adapters for your lenses to the Sony E mount, another $100 or so. Keep in mind too, a lens that runs 18-135mm is not a FF lens, that's an APS-C lens. Rather, full-frame general purpose zooms run 24-70mm to 24-240mm, with shorter options in between. Now you've probably spent more than the higher end of your budget.

You asked that we don't question your "why". But honestly, is this idea really the best of all possible options? Interests like travel, family, and occasional BIF and a budget might be better served with other ideas. Other ideas like other lenses and / or other cameras.

The 5-year limit also is a blocker to realistic ideas that fit your budget for FF mirrorless. Personally, I shoot FF cameras now 9- and 11-years old, mirrorless and DSLR respectively. There's nothing inferior, yet, about these bodies. If you shop right, these bodies are now selling in the $600 range.

photoman43

Check to see if there is a local camera club near where you live. If yes, join it. You might be able to buy used a back up camera from a member at a price lower than MPB or KEH that will meet your needs. If no camera clubs are near you, look for a photo Meet Up group. If you want a DSLR, check out the Nikon D 800 and D 810.

R.G. Loc: Scotland

Nikon D750 and a 24-120mm f/4 f-mount lens. Both can be found second hand easily. The D750 is a bit older than you specify but still a very good camera.

You need to be clear that APS-C lenses can be used on FF cameras but don't give a full frame image.

rmorrison1116 Loc: Near Valley Forge, Pennsylvania

Watch Tony Northrup's video on YouTube about crop vs full frame.

Nortfish Loc: Port St. Lucie, Fla

Thanks

Nortfish Loc: Port St. Lucie, Fla

Thank you very much for your meaningful input.

I forgot about the 18-135 being aps-c. I would probably start with a 24-70. Hopefully the large sensor will allow me to crop a bit more to make up for the shorter lense. I have a Lumix FZ80 bridge camera for the extreme long reach.
The problem with it is the small sensor. Can't view at 100% without blowing it apart. Also very noisy at relatively low isos

The reason I am trying to stay within 5 years is that I feel that there have been meaningful improvements in sensor design and auto focus ability.Since I will not have the best lenses I need all the built in help I can get.

In order to stretch my budget, I will sell or trade in my NEX-6 and the two kit lenses (18-50 &55-210). I probably won't get that much for them but it will definitely help.

Nortfish Loc: Port St. Lucie, Fla

Thanks. I will definitely use them as a resource.

Nortfish Loc: Port St. Lucie, Fla

I am going to stay with mirrorless if possible. the smaller size and weight appeals to me. I went from a Canon EOS Rebel to the Sony NEX and found the size and weight reduction great. I do much of my photography while traveling and touring. The less obtrusive size is definitely an advantage.

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

You'll want to remember to use <quote reply> for directed responses and discussion. Why not look at the Sony A6600, the current 24MP model that follows the NEX-6 line? You might like the older A6500 even better, as that model retains the built-in flash. This idea will (a) add pixel resolution, (b) retain compatibility with your lenses, (c) retain the size & weight factor. You still might still swap the older lenses for the 18-135. And (d) will add all the modern technology of a current, upgraded camera.

Nortfish Loc: Port St. Lucie, Fla

HOME RUN!!!

I was thinking the very same thing for all of the reasons you stated. Actually I might stretch for the 6600 because of the better battery. I threw out the full frame thought to see if I got any new input,but frankly I think the Sony 6xxx is the best and most practical solution. I also included the 6400 in my thinking. Tough call.

Thanks again this really helped.

bdk Loc: Sanibel Fl.

Just read here that Nikon is selling D850 referb which is a super camera, I think they said under 1900.....

Nortfish Loc: Port St. Lucie, Fla

Thanks. Good idea

Nortfish Loc: Port St. Lucie, Fla

Have seen it. They are very good.(IMHO).