So I already have photography experience and I want to take a serious step in photography from a hobby to my job. Can you give me a recommendation for a Nikon DSLR? I'm thinking of choosing a Nikon D90/D7000 or do you have a better recommendation?

my body is a D800. i currently only have a 50mm f/1.8D, which has been great but a little limiting since it's a prime. just that on the D800 is already kinda heavy, so i'm worried that the 28-70 would be too heavy. i did test putting an my 18-105 DX on it plus a speedlight, which was around 2kg and carryable but definitely heavy!

When I first got into bird & wildlife photography I bought the AF-S NIKKOR 200-500mm lens to put on my Nikon D5600. I now want to upgrade to a mirrorless body equipped for the job.

I have a couple of choices as I see it, do I go for:

- Z6iii with Z180-600mm lens (sell the 200-500mm lens)

- Z8 and use my existing AFS-S 200-500mm lens with mount adaptor.

- Z8 with Z180-600mm lens (sell the 200-500mm lens)

I like the reach on my current setup and I'm wondering how much of a difference I will notice changing to full frame with that extra 100mm of lens?

Reason I lean toward Z6iii is it being slightly lighter, better in low light, apparently better for taking video, smaller file sizes = easier to deal with. Also the price is less of a blow.

Is the Z8 really that much infinitely better that I just shoot for the moon and get that? Worth it for the extra weight etc? How much does the higher sensitivity to shake negate the benefits of the higher resolution? I can afford it, but it will take more from my travel funds and I honestly feel a little bit sick about spending that much.

For the most part I like to hand hold when I shoot but I will note I have a heipi 3-in-1 travel tripod that'd I'd like to put a flexshooterpro head on someday.

Humpback whales of Alaska shot with Z6 & 100-400 w/ TCx2.

Been looking at lenses from Sigma, Tamron and Viltrox recently. How do they compare to Nikkor lenses?

EDIT: I tend to use my camera for landscape (nature scenes), astro, macro and wildlife photography. I have the 105mm (macro) and 180-600mm (bird) Nikkor. Have been looking for a good wide landscape lens (Tamron 12-20mm, Nikkor 14-24mm and Viltrox 16mm), have also been looking at the Nikkor 24-70mm and 70-200mm. Another thing to add is I want to do video with my Z8 with some of these lenses.

How is my progress

So, about 2 months ago I got a Nikon D80 with a cracked screen for ~30 USD (bundled with a Sigma 30mm f/1.4 for another ~100 USD), but my dad had told me for some time that after I reached a college milestone, he would buy me my camera of choice (under 300 dollars).

Yesterday, I found a listing on facebook marketplace for a Nikon D7200 that was looking in really good condition, along with only a 23k shutter count, for just - get this - 190 USD!!!

My dad figured, since it was such a great deal, and I was close to my milestone, he'd take me out to check the camera out later that day. After testing it out, the camera was in pristine condition - guy even still had the box! (no hot shoe cover tho...)

So, my dad bought the camera for me. Now, after a couple months with the D80, I've just gotten a major upgrade. I have a D7200!!! (with a third party vertical grip too)

I've been loving the camera so far - so much that I've been having it out of my bag on my desk next to me at all times while I'm using my computer, just because I love it so much! It feels so much nicer to use than the D80, and takes such crisp photos! (as shown below)

And, about the D80 - I plan on buying a replacement screen and repairing it myself (I have some experience taking apart electronics, so it shouldn't be too difficult) - and selling it for ~80-100 dollars or so. It only has a 29k shutter count, and the body is in great condition, so I think I'll be able to sell it for a good price. I will miss it, though. Just a bit. Those grainy indoor photos got annoying after a while, but they were really charming, and those outdoor photos did have some really nice colors.

I picked up one earlier and didn’t see a dial or any way to adjust it other than using the touch screen controls? is that just how you do it?

I posted the other day on here after my first day out. Here are my second days photos. Would love some constructive criticism! I think they are a step up from my first lot (which you may not have seen). It is only my second day ever using a camera like this so I’m trying 😅 (Unedited as I don’t even know where to start). Birds of prey are all captive at a nature reserve, everything else is wild at the same reserve ☺️

Finally resolved to post some pics, one or two at the time. I mean, they can't be that bad. And the same for my D5500, can't be that bad.

Camera body: Nikon D5500
Lens: AF-P Nikkor 70-300 f/4.5-6.3G ED VR
Flash: Godox TT520
DIY Macro Difusor
50mm Extension tubes
Model: My cat, Mimi.

ISO 100
122mm
f/14
1/80s
Edited in LR.

Shot on my D810 and 70-200 2.8 in Sitka Alaska, I am happy as a whole but the last picture is my biggest failure as a photographer. I missed a humpback whale breech right in front of the boat because I was in af-s and by the time the camera had focused it hit the water. I watched the whole thing through the viewfinder without being able to take a picture.

Edit: I just realized the second picture is the wrong crop, I fixed it, but also had the original saved

Used my Z6iii in the morning with the Tamron 150-600 G2 and my Zf at sunset with the 24-120 F4 s.

I took some photos on my lunch break with my Nikon D3400 and my new to me 18-140mm lens. Trying to do photography on a tiny budget is a challenge that I’m enjoying!

Did you know they make lenses for your glasses? I didn’t.

Shot with the Z7II + Sigma 85mm F1.4 ART.

What do you guys think?

Nikon D90 + Zoom-Nikkor 35-70mm f/3.5 AI

"This combo is so much fun!"

Would love to hear any feedback and suggestions for improvement!