Upgrade camera or lens?
Feb 11, 2019 06:06:07 #
Upgrade the body to any of the ones that have a focus motor in it. That just opens up a world of lens opportunities that are much cheaper than you realize. And most if not all of that glass is full frame anyway so if you ever did go ff later on, then all the cheap glass you bought works perfectly. That's what I did and I haven't regretted it yet (switched in December so haven't really had time to regret it!)
Feb 11, 2019 06:29:42 #
billnikon
Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont
grahamfourth wrote:
I do mostly wildlife photography and use a Nikon D... (show quote)
Simple. Are you happy with the results you are getting? Answer that, then take appropriate action on that decision.
Feb 11, 2019 06:54:07 #
I started out with a D3100. Great camera. I upgraded to a D7200 because I wanted all the features that the 7200 had, that the 3100 did not. I still have and use the 3100. My advise is, upgrade the lens first. You'll bne amazed the difference better "glass" makes. When you need those features that the 3200 does not have, then buy that 7200 (or better) BODY only. Keep the 3200 and lenses you have.
Ken S.
Ken S.
Feb 11, 2019 07:30:06 #
SteveG
Loc: Norh Carolina
I have a few suggestions. Usually I would recommend upgrading glass but maybe I missed it, is your 70-300mm stabilized? Which macro exactly? Upgrading a camera will not necessarily give you any better results especially if they are just an upgraded camera of the same basic model with basically the same sensor. Go to the Image Resource site and use there camera Comparometer. You can compare side by side just about any camera. Just make sure you click "all" or you will get just the newer models. https://www.imaging-resource.com/IMCOMP/COMPS01.HTM
You might be very surprised that there is very little difference between cameras. Personally, I ended up with m4/3rds after believing I must have full frame. I just can't afford the glass that shows the difference in using that sensor where as with smaller sensor cameras I've had such as the Sony a6000, which has not much in glass to choose from but better than I could afford for the A7, I could afford some excellent glass for the Olympus OM-D EM5 MARK II I finally ended up with. Just my experience.
Of course an upgraded model may give you features that you are now lacking that you must have. It's a balancing act!
You might be very surprised that there is very little difference between cameras. Personally, I ended up with m4/3rds after believing I must have full frame. I just can't afford the glass that shows the difference in using that sensor where as with smaller sensor cameras I've had such as the Sony a6000, which has not much in glass to choose from but better than I could afford for the A7, I could afford some excellent glass for the Olympus OM-D EM5 MARK II I finally ended up with. Just my experience.
Of course an upgraded model may give you features that you are now lacking that you must have. It's a balancing act!
Feb 11, 2019 07:43:53 #
As has been noted, the usual advice is to upgrade the glass. However, in this case the body that you have may be limiting you in regards to your lens options, both legacy lenses and future ones. While I use a D3400 for people shots, walking around, etc., the benefits of the D7XXX, including lower light capability and more FPS, make it worthwhile for wildlife. I'd get the newer body and plan on keeping it for a while.
Feb 11, 2019 07:48:44 #
Feb 11, 2019 08:10:25 #
If you are having trouble acquiring focus, then the D7200 will help you. Even with the older lenses, it will focus faster and more accurately than the D3200.
If you are already getting the correct focus 80% of the time or better, then the D7200 might increase that to 90%, but still not be your best investment.
The general rule is that better lenses will add more to image quality than a better camera. Not only will the lenses last longer, and retain their resale value better, but the improvement in color and contrast will be immediately visible.
If you are already getting the correct focus 80% of the time or better, then the D7200 might increase that to 90%, but still not be your best investment.
The general rule is that better lenses will add more to image quality than a better camera. Not only will the lenses last longer, and retain their resale value better, but the improvement in color and contrast will be immediately visible.
Feb 11, 2019 08:10:39 #
The D7200 lets you use higher quality FX lens, which will be a big improvement
Feb 11, 2019 08:10:50 #
The D7200 lets you use higher quality FX lens, which will be a big improvement
Feb 11, 2019 08:31:12 #
mizzee
Loc: Boston,Ma
I would go for a used or refurbished 7200. Its broader capabilities will give you room to grow into them and you’ll have access to a much wider lens selection as your budget permits.
Feb 11, 2019 09:12:00 #
grahamfourth wrote:
I do mostly wildlife photography and use a Nikon D... (show quote)
If you are on a tight budget, you will much appreciate the ability to use cheaper used legacy glass that the 7200 affords. In the meantime, consider using a 1.4 or 2X TC ( Kenko pro) on your 40mm macro.
Feb 11, 2019 09:14:46 #
jerryc41 wrote:
There's a big difference in price between an 85mm ... (show quote)
But the OP was asking about a longer Nikkor Micro (Macro) lens.
Feb 11, 2019 09:44:59 #
ronf78155
Loc: Seguin Texas
Id go with better glass all the time.......camera bodies are upgraded and changed with new frills monthly but a really good lens will last forever.
Feb 11, 2019 09:49:48 #
jerryc41 wrote:
There's a big difference in price between
an 85mm lens and a new D7200. ......
There's a big difference in price between
an 85mm lens and a new D7200. ......
Apparently to the OP $100 is NOT a
big difference. Adorama shows $560
for the lens and $660 for the camera.
Maybe you had some gray market
pricing in your research ?
.
Feb 11, 2019 10:55:54 #
photoman022
Loc: Manchester CT USA
I would stick with your camera and upgrade your lens. To be honest, I only purchase entry level cameras (the Nikon 3000 series). I love photography but I'm not rich. I print my photos to 11x14 and they are sharp photos. The printing is a throwback to my film days!
People often speak/write of the limitations of entry level gear. I've been at digital photography for about 10 years (started with a D40) and I haven't hit any limitations with my camera gear. But, to be honest, I only use one focus point. I am primarily a landscape photographer but also do portraits and macro. I have bought additional lenses.
People often speak/write of the limitations of entry level gear. I've been at digital photography for about 10 years (started with a D40) and I haven't hit any limitations with my camera gear. But, to be honest, I only use one focus point. I am primarily a landscape photographer but also do portraits and macro. I have bought additional lenses.
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