Irrational fear of completely switching systems ?

[Sootchucker]

Weird title but let me explain.

I've been using cameras and into photography for over 40 years, and well over 30 years of that I've been shooting Nikon (please not a flame war - I'm not saying Nikon is better than Canon or vice-versa). Starting with their classic film cameras including the F3, FM, FM2, F5, F60, F90X etc. then migrating to digital in 2003 with a D100 and going though far too many of their cameras including (but not in order) D2Xs, D200, D300, D300s, D3, D3s, D4, D800, D810, D750, D7200, D7200 and culminating in my current D500 (my only Nikon camera left). I shudder to think how much I've spent (and lost at trade in time), in these bodies, and that's without adding in the huge amount of lenses over that time - best not think about that !

Anyway, as good as my current D500 is (and it's bloody good), as I've sold off all my other remaining Nikon kit, I'm only left with the 16-80 F2.8-4 VR, Sigma 10-20, Nikon 50mm F1.8 AFS and a Tamron 150-600 VC and SB800 & SB900 Speedlights. Trouble is about 5 years ago I got into Micro 4/3 and have since built a really nice system of an EM1, EM1 MK II, GX8, and a wealth of the Pro lenses (12-100, 12-40, 40-150, 7-14 etc). I love the system for it's portability, but as good as it is (and it's also very good), in situation of high ISO or AF motion tracking (contrary to what Olympus say), it's only reasonable and not brilliant.No problem I hear you say the D500 will smoke it in low light, and it does. Trouble is, I've got so used to M4/3, that whenever I pick up my D500 (especially with the battery grip), it feels and weighs like a D5 or 1DX (a.k.a. a brick) - and is massive. Therefore I recently bought into Fuji with the X-T2 (off these very forums), and so far only a handful of lenses (18-55, 18-135, 10-20 & 55-200), and its taking a while but I'm really starting to like what I'm getting off both the Fuji system, even though the way of working with dials etc. seems very alien after my Nikon's.

Now, (at last), here comes my dilemma. As I say, I've had a Nikon camera in my hands for most of my adult life, but truth be told, I haven't picked up the D500 for several months now, and it's just too good a camera to sit there doing nothing and depreciating. I have now come to the previously unthinkable position that I might have to sell my remaining Nikon gear.I don't desperately need the money, but there are a few lenses in the Olympus and Fuji (primes) system that I wouldn't mind getting. Trouble is,I have this probably very irrational fear of finally letting go of the brand I've known all my life and then immediately regretting it. I know quite a few have recently switched from the big two (Canon / Nikon) to either Fuji or Micro Four Thirds, but those that did, were there any times afterwards you had remorse and felt you should have kept your "comforter" system that you are so familiar with, or has cutting the ties (akin to ripping a plaster off), been liberation with no regrets.

I admit I'm being a bit of a woos at this, after all, they are only cameras, but I never ever thought one day, I would never possibly not own a Nikon ?

 

[stevelmx5]

Weird title but let me explain.

I've been using cameras and into photography for over 40 years, and well over 30 years of that I've been shooting Nikon (please not a flame war - I'm not saying Nikon is better than Canon or vice-versa). Starting with their classic film cameras including the F3, FM, FM2, F5, F60, F90X etc. then migrating to digital in 2003 with a D100 and going though far too many of their cameras including (but not in order) D2Xs, D200, D300, D300s, D3, D3s, D4, D800, D810, D750, D7200, D7200 and culminating in my current D500 (my only Nikon camera left). I shudder to think how much I've spent (and lost at trade in time), in these bodies, and that's without adding in the huge amount of lenses over that time - best not think about that !

Anyway, as good as my current D500 is (and it's bloody good), as I've sold off all my other remaining Nikon kit, I'm only left with the 16-80 F2.8-4 VR, Sigma 10-20, Nikon 50mm F1.8 AFS and a Tamron 150-600 VC and SB800 & SB900 Speedlights. Trouble is about 5 years ago I got into Micro 4/3 and have since built a really nice system of an EM1, EM1 MK II, GX8, and a wealth of the Pro lenses (12-100, 12-40, 40-150, 7-14 etc). I love the system for it's portability, but as good as it is (and it's also very good), in situation of high ISO or AF motion tracking (contrary to what Olympus say), it's only reasonable and not brilliant.No problem I hear you say the D500 will smoke it in low light, and it does. Trouble is, I've got so used to M4/3, that whenever I pick up my D500 (especially with the battery grip), it feels and weighs like a D5 or 1DX (a.k.a. a brick) - and is massive. Therefore I recently bought into Fuji with the X-T2 (off these very forums), and so far only a handful of lenses (18-55, 18-135, 10-20 & 55-200), and its taking a while but I'm really starting to like what I'm getting off both the Fuji system, even though the way of working with dials etc. seems very alien after my Nikon's.

Now, (at last), here comes my dilemma. As I say, I've had a Nikon camera in my hands for most of my adult life, but truth be told, I haven't picked up the D500 for several months now, and it's just too good a camera to sit there doing nothing and depreciating. I have now come to the previously unthinkable position that I might have to sell my remaining Nikon gear.I don't desperately need the money, but there are a few lenses in the Olympus and Fuji (primes) system that I wouldn't mind getting. Trouble is,I have this probably very irrational fear of finally letting go of the brand I've known all my life and then immediately regretting it. I know quite a few have recently switched from the big two (Canon / Nikon) to either Fuji or Micro Four Thirds, but those that did, were there any times afterwards you had remorse and felt you should have kept your "comforter" system that you are so familiar with, or has cutting the ties (akin to ripping a plaster off), been liberation with no regrets.

I admit I'm being a bit of a woos at this, after all, they are only cameras, but I never ever thought one day, I would never possibly not own a Nikon ?

Have you tried it without the battery grip? After all, they're essentially designed to make the camera bigger (you can keep a spare battery in your pocket). Also, you seem to have a wide ranging collection of cameras/systems, do you really need 3 different M4/3rds bodies that pretty much do the same thing and are of similar size? If you don't need the cash, why not just keep the D500 for those times you know you will need the better low light AF performance?

 

[stevelmx5]

Also, as funds don't appear to be an issue, couldn't you simply buy another Nikon setup if you find that you missed it? It's not as if they're hard to come by!

 

[Terrywoodenpic]

You can only use one camera at a time. however selling kit is a frustrating and low return business.
So I tend to hang on to mine these days. Even though I no longer have a use for it I got a new firmware battery and charged up the batteries for my old Canon 40D the other day. then put it back with the rest of its kit.
Unless you feel you need the cash, why not Just hang on to your Nikon for old times sake.
Getting it out from time to time will remind you why you are no longer using it.
It strikes me the XT2 is an excellent compromise between the 4/3 rds stuff and a DSLR.

 

[GyRob]

Iv not used my 1dxmkII and 600f4 MKII for a couple of months now it's because I bought a omd e1 mkII and 300f4pro mft set up - its a great little package for birding but as you say low light it's not so good and you need the birds closer to get good IQ .
I will keep my canon set up for now as I'm hoping Canon will bring out a silent shutter mirror less in EF mount .
If like me you don't need the cash just let it sit there as it will still be a great system a year from now.
Rob.

 

[jerry12953]

Your post gives the impression that you may identify too much with your equipment rather than the process of photography (or the results you achieve with it).

But having said that, you might find that after such a long time using Nikon gear, and presumably knowing the layout and design of their equipment inside out, switching to another brand might involve a very steep learning curve which may even prove insurmountable. There's nothing like being entirely comfortable with your gear to produce good photographs.

 

[Riz_Guru]

Sell the lot and stick with a single system... the Fuji is that system, the middle ground
When the Pro XT-2 body comes out, any AF worries Vs. DSLR's will soon vanish.
I am confident Fuji will eventually surpass DSLR's for AF/AF-C performance.

 

[redhed17]

I am confident Fuji will eventually surpass DSLR's for AF/AF-C performance.

When is eventually though? All the mirrorless venders have been claiming AF as good as, or better than DSLRs since their inception haven't they.

If the OP doesn't like the size and weight of the D500 and lenses, and is not making him want to us them, then get rid unless there are situations where the alternative doesn't cut it often enough to keep it. It sounds like it may have been months since it was used. Are there any likely situations on the horizon where you think you may need it?

I bought a Sigma 10-20mm lens last year. I was going somewhere where it would be useful and I had the money, but since then I haven't used it. But it is there if I need it, and I'm not short of money, atm. I suppose it depends on the investment, whether money needs are urgent, and likelihood of use in the future. Only the individual can decide that little equation. Brand loyalty is obviously another thing to add in, but again, only the individual can decide if it is ultimately that important.

 

[badboy1984]

Depend what you shoot and why you want M43/Fuji. I always suggest this, buy a used Fuji or M43 and see do you like it or not. If you like it then you can sell your nikon, if you don't, just sell the M43/Fuji and you won't lose alot to learn a lesson.

 

[tijuana taxi]

Imagine you are going away for a year on holiday, decide what system you would take then flog the rest.

It's all sounding a bit melodramatic, just a choice of cameras not whether you should switch off life support

 

[Riz_Guru]

Just sell it while it is still worth something, technology is moving at such a pace if you do want to hold onto the D500 when a D550 might be around the corner?
As mentioned above, it all comes down to your needs, since you have been using the Fuji system and enjoying it, why bother keeping other systems gathering dust and losing value?
I was really into Nikon but realized that mirrorless felt better for my requirements.

 

[stevelmx5]

Depend what you shoot and why you want M43/Fuji. I always suggest this, buy a used Fuji or M43 and see do you like it or not. If you like it then you can sell your nikon, if you don't, just sell the M43/Fuji and you won't lose alot to learn a lesson.

The OP already owns 3 pretty much current tech M4/3rds bodies with Pro Lenses and a Fuji XT2 with pro lenses, hence my suggestion to just sell the Nikon if it's not being used.

 

[badboy1984]

The OP already owns 3 pretty much current tech M4/3rds bodies with Pro Lenses and a Fuji XT2 with pro lenses, hence my suggestion to just sell the Nikon if it's not being used.

Ah yes, miss that part. I guess the OP already answer his own question in that case. D500 not being use for over half a year and that sums up everything. Personally i would even consider selling either the Fuji or M43 and stick with one system if you know what you want from your camera etc.

 

[troutfisher]

I am in a similar position having sold a load of Canon gear and bought Fuji.
I still have a 5dMk2 and a few lenses left ,I don't use them very often but one in particular a 24mm TS-E does what nothing else can so I am very loath to sell up as I don't need the money but then again-decisions, decisions , like the OP I can't decide

 

[badboy1984]

I am in a similar position having sold a load of Canon gear and bought Fuji.
I still have a 5dMk2 and a few lenses left ,I don't use them very often but one in particular a 24mm TS-E does what nothing else can so I am very loath to sell up as I don't need the money but then again-decisions, decisions , like the OP I can't decide

I burn the bridge when I sold the D3 and not looking back. Everything is sold and their is no way back except using Fuji! lol.

 

[Sootchucker]

Thanks for all the opinions. I probably made it sound more melodramatic than it is. I don't baby my gear or develop a real attachment (otherwise I wouldn't have gone though so many), it's just that having 3 systems is overkill to me, and I've always had a Nikon system running. There's no chance I'm getting rid of the M4/3, despite what others may say, it's just too useful a system and goes with me everywhere, with cracking (very near to APS-C) image quality, and the pro lenses are just simply gorgeous, and much smaller than the equivalent APS-C offering from Nikon or Fuji (I compared my Olympus 12-40 F2.8 Pro against the Fuji 16-55 F2.8 and the Fuji was huge and much heavier in comparison).

No, I think it will have to be either the Nikon system or the Fuji system that goes.

Pros of the Nikon system is that I know it inside and out and have developed a sort of muscle memory when using it. Also with my Nikon 300mm F4 AFS and Tamron 150-600 VC, it's a ready made birding and wildlife set up. Also it has great battery life. Cons are, well it's much bigger and heavier than I now want (surprisingly the X-T2 is even smaller and lighter than my EM1 MK II - at least body only), and I'm really used to mirrorless now and an EVF compared to a OVF. Also I have a couple of really good speed lights for the Nikon, meaning I can currently perform on camera and off camera flash.

For the Fuji, it's the smaller size and weight, and the really lovely colours and Jpeg engine that almost means you don't need to shoot raw (I did say almost). Cons are I don't have any long lenses for birding and the choices are very limited....well basically the Fuji 100-400, no constant aperture tele primes available. Also battery life isn't what I'd call great, but then I guess I just need to carry a few spares or use my X-T2 grip (so 3 batteries). Also, I have no flashes for the Fuji (yet), only the small unit that comes with the X-T2, so if i want to get into flash photography on the X System , I'd have to budget for that as well.

Well I've had a price from MPB for all my Nikon gear, so I guess I'll just have to mull everything over.

 

[badboy1984]

Depend what sort of flash you do. I use off camera flash and Yongnuo 560 IV and 560 TX trigger works great and it only cost me £87 from amazon .....

 

[Riz_Guru]

Thanks for all the opinions. I probably made it sound more melodramatic than it is. I don't baby my gear or develop a real attachment (otherwise I wouldn't have gone though so many), it's just that having 3 systems is overkill to me, and I've always had a Nikon system running. There's no chance I'm getting rid of the M4/3, despite what others may say, it's just too useful a system and goes with me everywhere, with cracking (very near to APS-C) image quality, and the pro lenses are just simply gorgeous, and much smaller than the equivalent APS-C offering from Nikon or Fuji (I compared my Olympus 12-40 F2.8 Pro against the Fuji 16-55 F2.8 and the Fuji was huge and much heavier in comparison).

No, I think it will have to be either the Nikon system or the Fuji system that goes.

Pros of the Nikon system is that I know it inside and out and have developed a sort of muscle memory when using it. Also with my Nikon 300mm F4 AFS and Tamron 150-600 VC, it's a ready made birding and wildlife set up. Also it has great battery life. Cons are, well it's much bigger and heavier than I now want (surprisingly the X-T2 is even smaller and lighter than my EM1 MK II - at least body only), and I'm really used to mirrorless now and an EVF compared to a OVF. Also I have a couple of really good speed lights for the Nikon, meaning I can currently perform on camera and off camera flash.

For the Fuji, it's the smaller size and weight, and the really lovely colours and Jpeg engine that almost means you don't need to shoot raw (I did say almost). Cons are I don't have any long lenses for birding and the choices are very limited....well basically the Fuji 100-400, no constant aperture tele primes available. Also battery life isn't what I'd call great, but then I guess I just need to carry a few spares or use my X-T2 grip (so 3 batteries). Also, I have no flashes for the Fuji (yet), only the small unit that comes with the X-T2, so if i want to get into flash photography on the X System , I'd have to budget for that as well.

Well I've had a price from MPB for all my Nikon gear, so I guess I'll just have to mull everything over.

If Nikon made a decent mirrorless system like Fuji, you might not have been in this position, so based on that... get it sold! lol

Fuji will be releasing a prime telephoto soon and Nissin have announced HSS firmware for their i60a / i40 flashes, Air 1 + Di700a to follow in July approx.... I am going to buy mine as soon as they come in stock with the new firmware for HSS.

 

[T_J_G]

If Nikon made a decent mirrorless system like Fuji, you might not have been in this position, so based on that... get it sold! lol

Fuji will be releasing a prime telephoto soon and Nissin have announced HSS firmware for their i60a / i40 flashes, Air 1 + Di700a to follow in July approx.... I am going to buy mine as soon as they come in stock with the new firmware for HSS.

Aren't gonna Godox going to offer Fuji support soon, won't that be worth checking out?

 

[Riz_Guru]

Aren't gonna Godox going to offer Fuji support soon, won't that be worth checking out?

I think they already are.... but having used Nissin previously on my Sony system, it does the job, I also believe that the Nissin i60a is more powerful and smaller in size compared to the Godox offerings.
The Fuji offer is very poor indeed.... meh!

 

[T_J_G]

I think they already are.... but having used Nissin previously on my Sony system, it does the job, I also believe that the Nissin i60a is more powerful and smaller in size compared to the Godox offerings.
The Fuji offer is very poor indeed.... meh!

But the Godox will option options like the AD200/AD600 aswell as smaller flashes!

 

[redhed17]

From the last post it seems that the Nikon system can do the birding (if that is a significant part of your Photography) and the Fuji can't. Can the Olympus not fill the birding itch? What does the Fuji do that the Olympus can't?

That you have priced the trade value of the Nikon gear though sounds to me that you may have already made up your mind.

 

[Sootchucker]

From the last post it seems that the Nikon system can do the birding (if that is a significant part of your Photography) and the Fuji can't. Can the Olympus not fill the birding itch? What does the Fuji do that the Olympus can't?

That you have priced the trade value of the Nikon gear though sounds to me that you may have already made up your mind.

Not really, just wanted to see if it was worth anything to chop in (which it is BTW). I have the Panasonic 100-400 for M4/3 and in good light it's superb, however when the ISO gets around the 6400 upwards mark, it can be a problem and that's where the D500 excels.

 

[Riz_Guru]

You also have to consider individuals users abilities too, I have seen perfectly good photo's for birding, motorsports, general sports and fast moving action taken on the Fuji XT-2.
Yes the D500 is better but how much is down to the end user.
Imagine how this kind of stuff was shot with manual focus film bodies!

So we have the Golf GTD, Golf GTI and Golf R, all a great in their respective fields

 

[Chipper]

Whilst I laughed a lot when the reference to switching off the life support machine was made, I understand your dilemma. I suspect it will be a similar one for me not too far down the line. I have been a Canon person for over 30 years but have also had compact cameras from other makers. Recently I sold some gear and acquired the OLy 1 Mk2 . I have a shoulder issue that I am told will get better but it is incapable of holding a heavy camera and lens for very long. I too love the Oly's lightness. It went on our first (longer than we thought) hike since a knee op last autumn. No way would Canon gear have come with me on that hike. I also have a FujiX100T which has its place. Nothing has been abandoned. You said that you keep the Nikon because of one particular lens that does something for you that nothing else can. All 3 of the systems will evolve; perhaps just keep an eye on what you use (I have started keeping a list so that the next time I want to make a photo book, I know what happened when.) I think new systems and shooting styles change the way and sometimes what we photograph. So, perhaps as people do with clothes, give it a bit longer before you decide anything. Bonne chance!

 

[viewfromthenorth]

My perspective - if you can afford to keep it, do so. I have a Fuji and a Nikon system (including the D810 I bought off @Sootchucker) as well as some film cameras and a couple of compacts. Some of my cameras I don't use for months on end, and I've not shot film for a couple of years. However, when I'm going to a particular location or doing a particular project, I have a number of tools to choose from, and can select the best for the job. Something small? Fuji XT-10 and pancake lens. Low light with moving things? D4. Family holiday? Panasonic compact.

It's a bit like my toolbox in the garage - I've not used my G-clamps for a while but that doesn't mean I won't need to in the future.

 

[mike weeks]

How much for the D500?

 

[Sootchucker]

Right guys, done a lot of soul searching over the last week, and I think I've made a decision, and It's a decision that I'm sure a lot of you will not understand and think I'm mad. I'll be looking very soon to offload my new Fuji System.

It's a great camera system, but if I'm totally 100% honest, for 90% of my photography (i,e. non low light and non action), my Olympus OMD EM1 MKII and MK1 combo, does just as well and images from both (printed at A3) look pretty much identical (from a quality point of view). I know I'll be flamed by some as to many the Fuji system is unsurpassed, but I really like my M4/3 system and have built up a pretty formidable arsenal of Pro Lenses, bodies, flash etc.and I love using it (surely that's the whole point of a camera system after all) ? For the remaining 10% my Nikon D500 system which I know and love will also serve me well. I've just known Nikon too long to part with it, and my Olympus EM1's are almost as small and light as the Fuji X-T2 (and lenses a little lighter) when travelling.

It's not that the Fuji i bad, it's just that with my Olympus system for my general Photography and my Nikon D500 system for sports and wildlife, I'm pretty much covered, and if I'm 100% honest, it's a system that despite it's inherent great image quality, I've never really gelled with or loved using over the 2 months or so of having it. So I've decided when I get back from my business trip, I'll be moving on my recent acquired Fuji System, and that includes

• Fuji X-T2 Camera body with 18-55 F2.8-4 Kit lens package.

• Fuji X-T2 Vertical Power Booster Grip

• Fuji 10-24 F4 OIS UWA Lens

• Fuji 18-135 F3.5-5.6 OIS WR

• Fuji 55-200 F3.5-4.8 OIS Zoom lens

• Fuji 35mm F1.4 Prime

It was a tough decision and like I say, a lot will think I'm crazy as many hold the Fuji system up in to be the best system out there, (and there is a awful lot to like), but I think I'll be happy with the Nikon / Olympus system from now on. So if anyone is interested in any of the above, when I return at the weekend, I'll start posting them up on the classified forums. I'll also be getting prices off WEX and MPB as well for a quick sale.

 

[juggler]

Are you sure the weight is an issue? Or are you just using it to justify GAS?

When I went from m4/3 to a D750 I reckoned I'd hang on to the EM5 for casual use. I've used it maybe twice in a year and barely notice the increased weight of the Nikon.

 

[Sootchucker]

Simon,

It's not so much the bodies, but the lenses. For instance, in a small Lowepro backpack I can have my OMD-EM1 MK 11, my 12-40 F2.8 Pro, 40-150 F2.8 Pro and the 7-14 F2.8 Pro, which gives me an equivalent of 14mm to 300mm @ F2.8, or I can swap the 40-150 F2.8 for my Panasonic 100-400 then have the equivalent of 14mm to 800mm !

To do that with my D500, I'd need to take my 17-55 F2.8, 70-200 F2.8, Sigma 10-20 and / or Tamron 150-600 VC. There's no way I'd get that lot in the same small backpack, and even if it did, it would weight over twice are much.

I now use my D500 for specific occasions (for instance photographing birds), where I know what I am going out for and therefore pack accordingly. With the Micro Four Thirds, I can have the 3 F2.8 lenses with me all the time.

Don't get me wrong, when light levels drop or fast action is involved, then APC-S or FF bodies really come into their own against M4/3, but then that's only a small part of when and what I photograph.

 

[juggler]

Simon,

It's not so much the bodies, but the lenses. For instance, in a small Lowepro backpack I can have my OMD-EM1 MK 11, my 12-40 F2.8 Pro, 40-150 F2.8 Pro and the 7-14 F2.8 Pro, which gives me an equivalent of 14mm to 300mm @ F2.8, or I can swap the 40-150 F2.8 for my Panasonic 100-400 then have the equivalent of 14mm to 800mm !

To do that with my D500, I'd need to take my 17-55 F2.8, 70-200 F2.8, Sigma 10-20 and / or Tamron 150-600 VC. There's no way I'd get that lot in the same small backpack, and even if it did, it would weight over twice are much.

I now use my D500 for specific occasions (for instance photographing birds), where I know what I am going out for and therefore pack accordingly. With the Micro Four Thirds, I can have the 3 F2.8 lenses with me all the time.

Don't get me wrong, when light levels drop or fast action is involved, then APC-S or FF bodies really come into their own against M4/3, but then that's only a small part of when and what I photograph.

Fair enough.. I work in a different way. If I'm doing a planned shoot then I have a good idea what I will need - but may in fact take everything even if getting it all in the car is a bit of a struggle.

if I'm just out and about I take tend to take just one lens, often a prime, or maybe a zoom and perhaps a light prime too in case I feel the urge to make an impromptu portrait. Ok, so I might miss a few opportunities - c'est la vie!