Take a serous look at a 'Micro Four Thirds' camera setup. Also referred to as MFT, M43, M4:3, etc. You may already know all about this but just incase, I am going to drop a few nuggets of info to consider for comparison. MFT cameras and lenses are about half the weight and size of Full Frame systems! It might be perfect for you! The sensor is about half the size of Full Frame and with that the Megapixels are usually around half as well.. but dont let that scare you.

Because of this, that means it has a 2x crop factor. Your D5200 uses a APS-C sensor (which is about an estimated 1.4x to 1.6x crop factor) so your 18-270 lens is effectively a 36-540mm focal length compared to full frame. I have both a full frame camera and an MFT camera.

My Full Frame is a Nikon Z7. I shoot with a Nikon Z 24-70mm f/2.8 and now the new Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 telephoto. BUT OMG ITS SO HEAVY compared to my MFT setup which is the Olympus OM-D EM-1 Mark 3. (Olympus is now called "OM System").

I have 3 lenses for it. The 12-45mm f/4 PRO (this is equivalent to 24-90mm on Full Frame... I just wish I would have spent a little more and got the f/2.8 version since doesn't do too great in low light but is tack sharp outdoors). The 60mm 2.8 Macro... (Full Frame equivalent 120mm). And my favorite lens, the 40-150 f/2.8 (Full Frame equivalent 80-30).

My wife also loves shooting with the MFT because it doesn't hurt her wrists. We have a newborn now, and after hours of bottle feeding... we both feel as if we have tennis elbow or carpel tunnel so it's not so comfortable to grab a heavy camera anymore.

If you look at any used Bodies, steer clear of Mark 1's and Mark 2's of most models. They are good bodies, but usually lack a USB-C port and the ability to charge the battery in side the body. But that's a personal preference for me... Don't be afraid of buying used lenses either!

I took some pictures of humming birds on the back patio last week using the Olympus with the 40-150 lens (hummers were about 6-8 feet away) that came out pretty decent using the "Pro Capture" mode. Attached are 2 images, both the same... one is not cropped, the other cropped.

{EXIF}
ISO: 800
Aperture: F/3.5
Shutter Speed: 1/2500
Flash Power: No flash.

--------------------

Green Lynx Spider
https://www.instagram.com/p/CwHUIowAgSo/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
{EXIF}
ISO: 400
Aperture: F/8
Shutter Speed: 1/30
Flash Power: 1/32
Five Image Stack in body, handheld.

{EQUIPMENT USED}
Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark 3
Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 60mm f/2.8 (+ Raynox DCR250 on first image).
Godox V350o fitted with Cygnustech macro flash diffuser.

I have a Nikon D5200 with a Tamron 18-270mm zoom lens. I LOVE this camera, takes SUPERB pictures and Nikon has made it really easy to operate (even for "the wife".) Recently, I've been having problems with my shoulder and carrying this has been difficult.

Should I go with a mirrorless camera for less weight and, if so, which one do you suggest? The lens may be the issue for the weight; is there a similar quality zoom lens that has a lighter weight?

(I did Canon back in my 35mm days but really like the Nikon.)

I have a Nikon D5200 with a Tamron 18-270mm zoom lens. I LOVE this camera, takes SUPERB pictures and Nikon has made it really easy to operate (even for "the wife".) Recently, I've been having problems with my shoulder and carrying this has been difficult.

Should I go with a mirrorless camera for less weight and, if so, which one do you suggest? The lens may be the issue for the weight; is there a similar quality zoom lens that has a lighter weight?

(I did Canon back in my 35mm days but really like the Nikon.)

I agree with others that going to a mirrorless body will not save you much weight. Changing your lens might. One of my sharpest and lightest Nikon lenses is the F mount 70-200 f4. I use it when reducing lens weight is a factor.

Also consider changing your camera strap to one that is across your chest and not around your neck. I now use the Peak Design strap, the Slide model, the widest one they make. I wear it across my chest.

https://www.peakdesign.com/collections/straps/products/slide

I have shoulder problems too and have had both hips replaced. Figure out what it takes to keep moving.

I have a Nikon D5200 with a Tamron 18-270mm zoom lens. I LOVE this camera, takes SUPERB pictures and Nikon has made it really easy to operate (even for "the wife".) Recently, I've been having problems with my shoulder and carrying this has been difficult.

Should I go with a mirrorless camera for less weight and, if so, which one do you suggest? The lens may be the issue for the weight; is there a similar quality zoom lens that has a lighter weight?

(I did Canon back in my 35mm days but really like the Nikon.)

Take a serous look at a 'Micro Four Thirds' camera setup. Also referred to as MFT, M43, M4:3, etc. You may already know all about this but just incase, I am going to drop a few nuggets of info to consider for comparison. MFT cameras and lenses are about half the weight and size of Full Frame systems! It might be perfect for you! The sensor is about half the size of Full Frame and with that the Megapixels are usually around half as well.. but dont let that scare you.

Because of this, that means it has a 2x crop factor. Your D5200 uses a APS-C sensor (which is about an estimated 1.4x to 1.6x crop factor) so your 18-270 lens is effectively a 36-540mm focal length compared to full frame. I have both a full frame camera and an MFT camera.

My Full Frame is a Nikon Z7. I shoot with a Nikon Z 24-70mm f/2.8 and now the new Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 telephoto. BUT OMG ITS SO HEAVY compared to my MFT setup which is the Olympus OM-D EM-1 Mark 3. (Olympus is now called "OM System").

I have 3 lenses for it. The 12-45mm f/4 PRO (this is equivalent to 24-90mm on Full Frame... I just wish I would have spent a little more and got the f/2.8 version since doesn't do too great in low light but is tack sharp outdoors). The 60mm 2.8 Macro... (Full Frame equivalent 120mm). And my favorite lens, the 40-150 f/2.8 (Full Frame equivalent 80-30).

My wife also loves shooting with the MFT because it doesn't hurt her wrists. We have a newborn now, and after hours of bottle feeding... we both feel as if we have tennis elbow or carpel tunnel so it's not so comfortable to grab a heavy camera anymore.

If you look at any used Bodies, steer clear of Mark 1's and Mark 2's of most models. They are good bodies, but usually lack a USB-C port and the ability to charge the battery in side the body. But that's a personal preference for me... Don't be afraid of buying used lenses either!

I took some pictures of humming birds on the back patio last week using the Olympus with the 40-150 lens (hummers were about 6-8 feet away) that came out pretty decent using the "Pro Capture" mode. Attached are 2 images, both the same... one is not cropped, the other cropped.

{EXIF}
ISO: 800
Aperture: F/3.5
Shutter Speed: 1/2500
Flash Power: No flash.

--------------------

Green Lynx Spider
https://www.instagram.com/p/CwHUIowAgSo/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
{EXIF}
ISO: 400
Aperture: F/8
Shutter Speed: 1/30
Flash Power: 1/32
Five Image Stack in body, handheld.

{EQUIPMENT USED}
Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark 3
Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 60mm f/2.8 (+ Raynox DCR250 on first image).
Godox V350o fitted with Cygnustech macro flash diffuser.

I have a Nikon D5200 with a Tamron 18-270mm zoom lens. I LOVE this camera, takes SUPERB pictures and Nikon has made it really easy to operate (even for "the wife".) Recently, I've been having problems with my shoulder and carrying this has been difficult.

Should I go with a mirrorless camera for less weight and, if so, which one do you suggest? The lens may be the issue for the weight; is there a similar quality zoom lens that has a lighter weight?

(I did Canon back in my 35mm days but really like the Nikon.)