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Anybody switched from Sony to Nikon?

ajamils
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p.1 #1 · p.1 #1 · Anybody switched from Sony to Nikon?

At one point or another I have tried all systems but continue to use Sony as my main system (Ar7v right now). Nikon Z8 is genuinely one of the first Nikon camera that I am interested in and Megadep adapter give the ability to still use amazing collection of Sony lenses.
So I am wondering if anyone has switched and if so, how are you finding Nikon system?

Oct 29, 2023 at 12:43 PM

RoamingScott
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p.1 #2 · p.1 #2 · Anybody switched from Sony to Nikon?

Yep. Went A7R4 > Z7ii. Loved the image quality and colors so much more than the Sony and rarely missed the extra megapixels. Found the Z7ii AF lacking for a do-it-all body, so upgraded to the Z9. Loved everything about the Z9 except the size, so downgraded to the Z8. Realized that I actually loved the Z9 way more than I knew at the time and the size was fine for my use in the end, so rebought the Z9. The Z9 is the first camera in my 25 years of shooting that I feel like I could be dropped on a island with and never need anything more. Much of what makes it so good is present in the Z8, but I just get on with the Z9 better personally.

I'm sure you've seen my love for the Sony 24-105 G over the years on the Sony board. I actually bought into Nikon JUST for the Z 24-120 which sounds silly on paper. However, given how much better it is compared to the Sony, it was a great jumping off point. I then got the Z 100-400 and found it's actually much better than the 100-400 GM in terms of transition zones, and the Z 100-400 has given me thousands of amazing and beautiful images in the two years I've had it, and also pairs beautifully with the Z 1.4x TC with very little IQ degredation.

Overall, no regrets on moving to Nikon, even if I've shifted bodies around a bit. I'm taking some of the best photos I ever have, due in no small part to the incredible technology packed into the Z8/Z9 bodies.

You could experiment with adapting, but Z lenses are VERY GOOD and I'd highly recommend moving to them over time instead of keeping the Sony glass if it makes financial sense for you.

I had sort of a running commentary thread as I first made the switch if that interests you. Note that many of those impressions regarding AF and the like are specific to the Z7ii I was using at the time. IQ however is consistent across the 3 Z bodies I've used.

https://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/1732388/0

Oct 29, 2023 at 01:06 PM

dcisive
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p.1 #3 · p.1 #3 · Anybody switched from Sony to Nikon?

I got teased plenty when I was having a honeymoon phase with a A7RV and several great lenses back in January. I have a friend who was an avid Z9 fan and it just nagged me to see what it would be like if I had a chance to use one. B&H sent me a Z9 along with a 100-400S and 24-120 f4S lenses to give a try. It didn't take long for me to see the advantages of the speed, stacked sensor, low light low noise performance and the amazing IBIS which was allowing me to shoot in very low light even at lower ISO's and capture perfectly sharp images. I wondered if I'd like the lower rez viewfinder only to find that the moire on the Sony's viewfinder was annoying and so was the lower light lag. The Z9 had NONE of that and was brighter in lower light as well. Surprised I'd enjoy the larger body but in my hand it was a perfect ergonomic fit. Loved the plethora of choices for customizing as well. The battery life removed all concerns for going out for a long day shoot and such. With the latest firmware I consider the Z9's focus capabilities right with Sony and Canon. I don't miss what I"m aiming at flying birds or otherwise. I can't ask for more than that

Oct 29, 2023 at 01:28 PM

Jman13
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p.1 #4 · p.1 #4 · Anybody switched from Sony to Nikon?

I went there via Canon. Pleased with the switch overall. Excellent ergonomics, love the glass and image quality. Having used all of rhe big 3, they’re honestly all great, but Nikon fits what I want to do with my cameras the best.

Oct 29, 2023 at 02:07 PM

molson
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p.1 #5 · p.1 #5 · Anybody switched from Sony to Nikon?

If you plan to buy long glass for birds and wildlife, Nikon has a big advantage, but in the shorter focal lengths (14-200mm), Sony glass is generally a bit better.

Other than that, it's pretty much a wash - both systems can produce great results,, and it's more a matter of which gear you personally prefer using in terms of ergonomics, size, weight, etc.

Oct 29, 2023 at 02:12 PM

sungphoto
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p.1 #6 · p.1 #6 · Anybody switched from Sony to Nikon?

Yeah went Sony>Canon>Nikon for most stuff. Was running Canon for video until I tried the Z9/Z8, which are stellar for video, and now back all in Nikon land.

Oct 29, 2023 at 07:35 PM

FoleyAMG
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p.1 #7 · p.1 #7 · Anybody switched from Sony to Nikon?

Yes, I made the jump from a pair of Sony A1s to a pair of Nikon Z9s with a Z8 and Z30...

I made the switch in January 2023...so coming up on completing my first year with Nikon...

Little history, I used Sony for about 4 years...I messed around with the Fujifilm X-T2 and H-1s...as my first mirrorless from Canon DSLRs (1 DXIIs and IIIs)...

I also currently shoot with Hasselblad X2Ds and Leica Q3...

My current Nikon kit:

Z9 x2
Z8
Z30
z 400 F2.8 TC
z 800 F6.3 PF
z 70-200 F2.8
z 105 macro
z 24-70 F2.8
z 14-24 F2.8
z 135 F1.8 Plena
z 50 F1.2
z 85 F1.2

F 200mm F2 VRII
F 300mm F2.8 VRII

Oct 29, 2023 at 08:26 PM

George Welch
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p.1 #8 · p.1 #8 · Anybody switched from Sony to Nikon?

Arsalan,

I made the switch back to Nikon for both the colors and for the ability to assemble a smaller photography combo than using 200-600 size lenses.

Have been enjoying the Z9 w/Z 400 f/4.5.

Cheers,

George

Oct 30, 2023 at 04:27 AM

OwlsEyes
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p.1 #9 · p.1 #9 · Anybody switched from Sony to Nikon?

I wouldn't trade if you are heavily invested in Sony glass... especially if you own a 400mm f2.8 or 600 f4.0. It looks like your logical path is to buy a camera with a stacked sensor like the A1/A9II or upcoming A9III.

I'm a Nikon shooter with some of their best glass and lenses, but even when Nikon had not released their army of long glass beginning with the 400mm f4.5, the limits of my images were far more connected to my skill and effort than the lenses and cameras I own.

Buying into another system is very expensive... of course, if money is no object for you, then buy whatever your heart desires.

bruce

Oct 30, 2023 at 05:42 AM

Douglas L
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p.1 #10 · p.1 #10 · Anybody switched from Sony to Nikon?

Strictly speaking from personal preference, for what I shoot and how I shoot, Nothing in Nikon tempts me except the 600 TC, so much so that I just bought one and a Z9 (not a fan of big camera) to go with it. I will be selling one of my Sony A1 bodies and the 600 GM. The switch to this combo for the convenience of a built-in TC cost me extra $6000. I will keep my other Sony A1 and buy a Sony A7RV to play with over a dozen Sony E mount lenses I own. So in term of $$ it's a pretty big switch. But I will still mainly shoot Sony. Both are great systems, I have no brand loyalty. I will never buy another high end Sony camera for full price for the lack of firmware updates.

Oct 30, 2023 at 06:02 AM

FoleyAMG
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p.1 #11 · p.1 #11 · Anybody switched from Sony to Nikon?

For reference, I was all in on Sony, a pair of A1s, various short and medium glass, please the 400GM and 600GM. I sold everything here on FM...once it was all sold, I bought my Nikon kit. I know there will be haters, the Nikon Z9 with updated firmware paired with the 400F2.8TC is just better. Image quality and consistency out of the Nikon is better. I do much less editing out of the camera...

Bottomline, a complete switch is possible, best advice is just commit too it and press...

Don't get me wrong, Sony is a fantastic camera system, they can do some things very well...and I do not hesitate to recommend to other photographers...and agreeing with Douglas above, I have no brand loyalty.

Oct 30, 2023 at 08:21 AM

RoamingScott
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p.1 #12 · p.1 #12 · Anybody switched from Sony to Nikon?

FoleyAMG wrote:
For reference, I was all in on Sony, a pair of A1s, various short and medium glass, please the 400GM and 600GM. I sold everything here on FM...once it was all sold, I bought my Nikon kit. I know there will be haters, the Nikon Z9 with updated firmware paired with the 400F2.8TC is just better. Image quality and consistency out of the Nikon is better. I do much less editing out of the camera...

Bottomline, a complete switch is possible, best advice is just commit too it and press...

Don't get me wrong, Sony is a fantastic camera system, they can...Show more →

I totally agree about the files needing less processing. I've been using Lightroom for a decade, so I'm not a slouch in that department. My Z8/Z9 nail white balance better than any camera I've had before...none of the silly massaging on Nikon files like Sony files took (always, ALWAYS too much magenta but I hear that might be fixed in the A7R5 onward).

Side note: cool to see you're from Schertz, I grew up in Universal City and grandparents lived in Cibolo...my old stomping grounds!

Oct 30, 2023 at 08:28 AM

FoleyAMG
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p.1 #13 · p.1 #13 · Anybody switched from Sony to Nikon?

Small world...

Oct 30, 2023 at 08:44 AM

3catsinky
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p.1 #14 · p.1 #14 · Anybody switched from Sony to Nikon?

I believe I answered your question on dpreview. I still have 3 sony bodies. It's only a matter of time before I sell them and switch over completely.

Oct 30, 2023 at 08:55 AM

patotts
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p.1 #15 · p.1 #15 · Anybody switched from Sony to Nikon?

FoleyAMG wrote:
Yes, I made the jump from a pair of Sony A1s to a pair of Nikon Z9s with a Z8 and Z30...

I made the switch in January 2023...so coming up on completing my first year with Nikon...

Little history, I used Sony for about 4 years...I messed around with the Fujifilm X-T2 and H-1s...as my first mirrorless from Canon DSLRs (1 DXIIs and IIIs)...

I also currently shoot with Hasselblad X2Ds and Leica Q3...

My current Nikon kit:

Z9 x2
Z8
Z30
z 400 F2.8 TC
z 800 F6.3 PF
z 70-200 F2.8
z 105 macro
z 24-70 F2.8
z 14-24 F2.8
z 135 F1.8 Plena
z 50 F1.2
z 85 F1.2

F 200mm F2 VRII
F...Show more →

Man, I need this camera budget when I grow up

I'm making the switch back to Nikon from Sony, for several reasons. I grew up on Nikon, I still have a Nikon F100 for those moments I still feel like shooting some Porta 400. I shoot Nikon digital for years, D70, D100, D300 - not the fanciest of gear, but as I look back at those files, they are some of my favorite. Perhaps because the kids were small... who knows?

I've been shooting Sony and Canon for the last 10+ years. OK, I'm a bit of a gear-head so I enjoy trying and learning new system. I think there are worse vices a man can have...

I'm shooting Sony since a few years, mostly for the glass actually. I'm not a wildlife, landscape or birder, but having shoot Leica M's on and off for the last 25+ years, I enjoy good prime glass and Sony's 24/1.4GM, 35/1.4GM and 50/1.2 or 50/1.4GM are just a joy to use.

What I'm missing from Sony's camera line-up is a 45mp sub-$4K workhorse machine, like Canon has the R5 and Nikon now has the Z8. It feels like the last camera a happy amateur that dabbles with documenting life would ever need. I've used the Sony A7RV since the day it came out, and it is not that camera. The 61MP is too much resulting in a few FPS for sports and action. The rolling shutter is terrible. The gorgeous 9mdot EVF is the best in the business... on paper. In reality, in low light and action, the resolution drops radically which becomes very frustrating. Don't get me wrong, if I was living in a portrait studio or shooting landscape I would be super happy. But as a one camera to do everything, it doesn't fit my taste and needs.

In comes the Z8. I've taken my time not to jump on a new system this time. I've tried it out several times, reacquainting me with Nikon's AF and menus, the UI and handling to make sure it is a good fit. Checking out the files, colors, etc. I'm in no real rush. The Z8 is still a bit big and heavy to throw in a laptop bag on a quick work trip, so I know I would have to get some type of pocketable camera as well, perhaps pick up a Leica M10R and a 35'lux again?

An additional point is that I've always enjoyed the Nikon community and I want to support this iconic brand. If we don't buy the gear, it won't be around. I hate to live in a photography world where only Sony and Canon exist, thus I don't mind voting with my wallet.

At any rate, a Nikon Z8 with a 24-120/4 + a 50/1.8 would fit 80-90% of my shooting needs. Add a 180-600 later, perhaps a macro as well as a wider zoom. I'm in no rush. I'll buy some gear used this time as the prices are starting to come down.

/rant off...

Oct 30, 2023 at 09:07 AM

3catsinky
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p.1 #16 · p.1 #16 · Anybody switched from Sony to Nikon?

24-120 and 50, are the only Z lenses I have, and yes, 90% of the time, it's all I need. FYI, Z9 refurbs are 10% off on Nikon right now, making it $4292 with tax. Too bad I can't trade in my Sony gear on a refurb.

Oct 30, 2023 at 09:17 AM

RoamingScott
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p.1 #17 · p.1 #17 · Anybody switched from Sony to Nikon?

3catsinky wrote:
24-120 and 50, are the only Z lenses I have, and yes, 90% of the time, it's all I need. FYI, Z9 refurbs are 10% off on Nikon right now, making it $4292 with tax. Too bad I can't trade in my Sony gear on a refurb.

You're better selling your Sony stuff here anyways if you want max value and minimum hassle.

Oct 30, 2023 at 09:21 AM

JadedWriter
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p.1 #18 · p.1 #18 · Anybody switched from Sony to Nikon?

I basically had both systems at the same time and after I got the RIV I just decided that I was not enjoying Sony over Nikon Z so got rid of Sony and basically used my Sony gear as Adorama coupons to get more Z mount stuff till I ran out and ended up using the last of it to reinvest in Fujifilm. Would I get Sony again? Probably not. Never enjoyed their EVF's, menu structure or editing the files enough and I feel that Nikon and even Fuji give you a better file to work on out of the gate.

Oct 30, 2023 at 09:38 AM

3catsinky
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p.1 #19 · p.1 #19 · Anybody switched from Sony to Nikon?

the value has just dropped., and biz is in the shitter right now.

Oct 30, 2023 at 09:38 AM

ajamils
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p.1 #20 · p.1 #20 · Anybody switched from Sony to Nikon?

Thank you everyone for the replies.

I was heavily invested in Sony but have paired down the kit quite a bit as I wasn't shooting much. So right now I have the following
- Sony 20-70 F4 (just got last week)
- Tamron 150-500
- Samyang 50/1.4 II
- Sigma 105/1.4 (plan to switch to Nikon version, if I made the switch)

RoamingScott, Sony colors is something that I always struggled with even though I've been using it for year. With that said, A1 and A7rV do have the best colors that I've seen out of Sony and usually do not require a lot of tweaking, unless it is with flash where things are still very inconsistent.

RoamingScott/patotts, I agree with you. Since 90% of my photography is family and travel. 24-120 F4 and 50 could cover most of them.

My only concern about the switch is due to the size and weight of Z8. It is still quite bit bigger. Also, a lot of tests put the AF lagging behind Sony, specially when it comes to Eye-AF.

Oct 30, 2023 at 01:35 PM

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