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Any Nikon converts here?

Xysterz
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p.1 #1 · Any Nikon converts here?

As the title states, anyone jump ship from Nikon? And if so, why? I've been a long time Nikon shooter, but my bro-in-law keeps singing the praises for Sony. The biggest thing that is tempting me is the autofocus. Appreciate any insights.

Mar 27, 2026 at 09:22 AM

patotts
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p.1 #2 · Any Nikon converts here?

There is Nikon, and then there is Nikon. Which Nikon camera/lenses are you coming from?

Mar 27, 2026 at 09:28 AM

icantbebigwill
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p.1 #3 · Any Nikon converts here?

I�m about to switch. I have a used A1 and a 400-800 on the way. I love my Z8 and especially my 600PF. Fantastic gear. I�ve never completely loved the AF system, nor the lack of a third control dial. The AF systems is extremely
competent, but IMO it asks more from the user than Canon or Sony to extract the most out of it.

In a perfect world I�d love Canon subject recognition and ergonomics, Sony tracking, and Nikon lenses 😁.

Mar 27, 2026 at 09:32 AM

Xysterz
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p.1 #4 · Any Nikon converts here?

patotts wrote:
There is Nikon, and then there is Nikon. Which Nikon camera/lenses are you coming from?

Was out of the game for a while, but have a Nikon D3 and used their fast lenses (50mm 1.4, 85mm 1.4, 70-200mm 2.8, etc)

Mar 27, 2026 at 09:54 AM

Xysterz
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p.1 #5 · Any Nikon converts here?

icantbebigwill wrote:
In a perfect world I�d love Canon subject recognition and ergonomics, Sony tracking, and Nikon lenses 😁.

Agreed! I have really liked Nikon lenses.

Mar 27, 2026 at 09:56 AM

RoamingScott
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p.1 #6 · Any Nikon converts here?

What do you shoot where you're worried about the autofocus performance? If your last touchpoint is the D3 you have no clue what the current Z lineup is capable of.

Mar 27, 2026 at 09:59 AM

patotts
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p.1 #7 · Any Nikon converts here?

Xysterz wrote:
Was out of the game for a while, but have a Nikon D3 and used their fast lenses (50mm 1.4, 85mm 1.4, 70-200mm 2.8, etc)

If you are coming from a D3, released nearly 20 years ago, you are basically starting from scratch in terms of camera due to mirrorless tech, AI-driven AF, menus and available settings and options, etc. It is not rocket science but budget for time to learn and adapt.

First all, what are you photographing? That will help guide your choices in terms of body/ies, lenses, etc.

Secondly, figure out your budget. And stay within in.

Thirdly, FredMiranda members are not your average shooters. People here own A LOT of expensive gear, many people own multiple brands, overlapping lenses, spend serious coin on wildlife and travel photography, etc. It like going to the asylum and asking for mental health advice... ;-)

In all seriousness, regardless of what anyone will tell you here, ALL modern camera systems are more than good enough these days, including in the auto-focus department. Personally, I prefer Sony's AF system, but hat is again a personal preference. I'm with Sony basically for the lens eco-system, their OEM G/GM primes and decent value + size/weight, all in the mid-level of the market. Perhaps Nikon makes the best intro level camera with the Nikon Z5 II, and Canon might actually make the best mid/semi-pro bodies with the Canon R6 III and R5 II, but you have to look at the entire eco-system. I really enjoy those two Canon cameras I just mentioned but I won't buy into Canon as long as they have a closed lens-mount policy, and I don't like RF glass price points.

The only way to decide is to go to a store and spend some time with a couple of bodies, ideally rent one camera system or two, and then make an educated decision. Then don't look back. The grass always seem greener... but it isn't.

Now start worrying about computer, calibrated monitor, massive amount of storage, cloud backup systems, deciding between Lightroom and other options... :-)

Mar 27, 2026 at 10:37 AM

Xysterz
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p.1 #8 · Any Nikon converts here?

Kind of everything, lol. I think if your subject is out of focus, when you want it to be in focus, nothing else really matters. I mainly shoot events, high school sports (indoor and outdoor), and portraits. Will probably get into some cars. I'm not a pro (I don't make my living doing this). And I've definitely taken some really great pics with my old gear. But one of the biggest improvements in mirrorless seems to be the autofocus, and I've heard that the Z cameras (specifically the Z8 and Z9, which is the road I'd go) are significantly better than any DSLR, including the D6. I do really like my Nikon lenses and the metering of my D3, which is why I'm a bit torn. But as I said, the most important thing for me is that my subject be in focus. If Nikon has a 80% keep rate and Sony a 90% keep rate, I'm leaning towards switching, which is no small commitment.

Mar 27, 2026 at 10:42 AM

Cliff L.
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p.1 #9 · Any Nikon converts here?

icantbebigwill wrote:
I�m about to switch. I have a used A1 and a 400-800 on the way. I love my Z8 and especially my 600PF. Fantastic gear. I�ve never completely loved the AF system, nor the lack of a third control dial. The AF systems is extremely
competent, but IMO it asks more from the user than Canon or Sony to extract the most out of it.

In a perfect world I�d love Canon subject recognition and ergonomics, Sony tracking, and Nikon lenses 😁.

That sums it up perfectly. After a year with the Nikon system, I'm now migrating back to Sony (plus some Fuji medium-format) as the best all-around "compromise" solution for what I like to shoot.

Mar 27, 2026 at 11:08 AM

billsnature
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p.1 #10 · Any Nikon converts here?

I just sold all of my Nikon Z series stuff to go exclusively Sony. I only shoot nature, so I have no opinion on portraits.

What I loved about Nikon was the 24-120 which has no Sony equivalent. Way better that any Sony MR zoom I have tried, but I have not tried 24-70 GM II. The Nikon is way better that the 24-70 GM I and 24-105. The 600mm PF is special, but can be replaced with either the 300mm GM with 2X TC or the 400-800

Sony is way better on the wide angle side from my limited sample size. My 16-35 GM II is fantastic and way better that any Nikon wide I tried zoom or prime. Really poor corners and coma. The Nikon 20mm has bad coma for Astro compared to the Sony 20 G, while the 16-35 GM II is fantastic for coma wide open. While I don't own them, the 16G and 14 GM are reported very good. Sony new 100 GM macro is class leading.

Nikon may be a bit better for finding bird in clutter, Sony is better for tracking once found.

Sony bodies and lenses are smaller and lighter which I value.

Hope that helps

Mar 27, 2026 at 11:40 AM

sandy27000
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p.1 #11 · Any Nikon converts here?

I switched from Z9 and a bunch of top of the line Nikon glass to Sony A1 II and a bunch of GM glass. Main reason was weight reduction (for example Sony 50mm f1.2GM is smaller and lighter than Nikon 50mm f1.2S). Added advantage is that AF is better in Sony although I was happy with Nikon after being a Nikon user for 20+ years.

I do miss some of the lighter Nikon telephoto lenses ironically, but overall am happy with the switch and have no regrets. I had a bit of a health setback so lighter weight is really useful for me.

Mar 27, 2026 at 11:46 AM

Xysterz
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p.1 #12 · Any Nikon converts here?

Definitely asking the asylum

I've always liked this forum; I just haven't been on in 15 years, lol.

It is a different world with the AF and AI. I'm used to focus lock and/or exposure lock, reframe/recompose.

Now you have me wondering if I should just stick with the Nikon ecosystem and get the Z8 and an adapter to use my F mount lenses. I will say, the other thing that attracts me to Sony (looking at the A1) is the size. While I love the pro body of the built in grip, it is pretty big and probably does detract me from bringing the camera sometimes (even with a very short, stubby, light lens). I do like the ergonomics of the Nikon though.

But from my research, it seems like the A1 is a really good overall camera, with compromises of course, for my current wants/needs.

It will definitely be a steep learning curve in terms of setting up and navigating the menus.

Thankfully, I think my computer can handle the editing software. Time to dust off my calibration tool for my monitor though.

Mar 27, 2026 at 11:52 AM

RoamingScott
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p.1 #13 · Any Nikon converts here?

Your most pertinent concern should be which system has the glass you want. They are all close enough for any competent photographer to get whatever shot they want. Any less and it's a skill issue.

Mar 27, 2026 at 11:55 AM

Xysterz
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p.1 #14 · Any Nikon converts here?

billsnature wrote:
Hope that helps

Very much. Thank you.

Mar 27, 2026 at 11:55 AM

Xysterz
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p.1 #15 · Any Nikon converts here?

sandy27000 wrote:
I switched from Z9 and a bunch of top of the line Nikon glass to Sony A1 II and a bunch of GM glass. Main reason was weight reduction (for example Sony 50mm f1.2GM is smaller and lighter than Nikon 50mm f1.2S). Added advantage is that AF is better in Sony although I was happy with Nikon after being a Nikon user for 20+ years.

I do miss some of the lighter Nikon telephoto lenses ironically, but overall am happy with the switch and have no regrets. I had a bit of a health setback so lighter weight is really...Show more →

I was noticing the size/weight differences! That is not insignificant! I accept heavy equipment, but all things being equal, a pound here and there can be really taxing for an all day affair. Appreciate your experiences.

Mar 27, 2026 at 12:00 PM

Craig Gillette
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p.1 #16 · Any Nikon converts here?

I began moving to Sony mirrorless maybe 13 years ago. I wanted smaller and lighter than my D7200 travel gear "kit." Nikon wasn't in the running. So not a current gear level context. Eventually Nikon began adding mirrorless but slowly. I liked how things were going in mirrorless, how the change was working for me. As Nikon was dragging their feet, I just rather slowly kept adding on the Sony side and using the Nikon side less.

I don't have and shoot all of the systems so can't compare "in use.". They are different, I think the systems kind of continued their feel and handling so a new Nikon should be more familiar than a Sony or Canon. Saying that, I happened to be handling my D7200 the other day, a thread size discussion, comparing to my A7Riv (the D7200 is a tad bigger, the D3 was/is massively bigger). I still like it, handling and feel. It's still gathering dust. I think Nikon will tend to larger and heavier?

Handle both. That's subjective and personal. Checking specs doesn't really cover that. Go out with the in-law and handle/use his kit. Sony's "system" may be a bit better (??) but you like the way Nikon feels and works for you. TBH, I don't think there's a distinct 80% vs 90% keeper rate sort of differences, also a lot of user skill involved and working with what you like may be more satisfying.

Mar 27, 2026 at 12:07 PM

Xysterz
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p.1 #17 · Any Nikon converts here?

Oh I definitely acknowledge skill issues. I mean, people were able to get amazing shots with old film cameras and manual focus. And the 80% vs 90% keeper rate was just something I arbitrarily made up in my own head just to illustrate that the better AF of Sony is probably a small difference rather than one is 95% and the other is 50%.

Also, in terms of the glass, I think I shoot with generic enough stuff that they both have the glass I'd want. I like the 85mm focal length, and Nikon has an 85mm 1.2 Z, which I don't own, and Sony doesn't have, but I'm not sure I'd get that lens due to cost and size and the fact that I have the 85mm 1.4, which I've found to be my favorite lens.

Mar 27, 2026 at 01:15 PM

Surfnsun
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p.1 #18 · Any Nikon converts here?

If you�re coming from a sports camera, (I owned a D3S) it makes sense to stick with another sports focused body. I�d recommend Sony�s A9. The OG. It leaves room in the budget for a 35mm and 85mm lens combo. Good luck with your decision.

Mar 27, 2026 at 01:37 PM

duncangr
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p.1 #19 · Any Nikon converts here?

Xysterz wrote:
As the title states, anyone jump ship from Nikon? And if so, why? I've been a long time Nikon shooter, but my bro-in-law keeps singing the praises for Sony. The biggest thing that is tempting me is the autofocus. Appreciate any insights.

Don't believe anyone who says all systems are equal and if you can't get the shot with any of the brands it's a skill issue.

That's a common refrain from people who either don't know any better i.e. haven't used all the options themselves, don't shoot in situations where specific features will make a difference, or who have a particular preference bias.

As someone who has come from Canon and Nikon I have found that Sony currently offers capabilities that allow me to capture images I otherwise would struggle to capture. Neither Canon or Nikon offer the same capabilities currently.

The A7r5, A9iii and A1ii all offer capabilities that aren't currently available anywhere else. Whether these capabilities would actually make a difference to your photography is another story...

Good luck.

Mar 27, 2026 at 02:34 PM

RustyRus
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p.1 #20 · Any Nikon converts here?

duncangr wrote:
Don't believe anyone who says all systems are equal and if you can't get the shot with any of the brands it's a skill issue.

That's a common refrain from people who either don't know any better i.e. haven't used all the options themselves, don't shoot in situations where specific features will make a difference, or who have a particular preference bias.

As someone who has come from Canon and Nikon I have found that Sony currently offers capabilities that allow me to capture images I otherwise would struggle to capture. Neither Canon or Nikon offer the same capabilities currently.

The A7r5, A9iii...Show more →

You can�t post something like this and not say what those features are-

What specific features are you talking about?

Mar 27, 2026 at 02:36 PM

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