Used APS-C from one of those "other" brands

7.62lew · 10-28-2021, 04:34 PM

I browse fleaby alot and I have noticed that you can get some decent deals on long third party lenses that are not made in K mount, like the Sigma and Tamron 150-600's among others.

So if you were looking for a older camera in the $400 or under range to use with one of these 600mm lenses, what would it be and why? I'm thinking crop sensor but if FF makes sense let me know too.

Looking fwd to your thoughts. I don't know much about other brands so looking to get an education...

LeeRunge · 10-28-2021, 04:51 PM

Originally posted by 7.62lew

I browse fleaby alot and I have noticed that you can get some decent deals on long third party lenses that are not made in K mount, like the Sigma and Tamron 150-600's among others.

So if you were looking for a older camera in the $400 or under range to use with one of these 600mm lenses, what would it be and why? I'm thinking crop sensor but if FF makes sense let me know too.

Looking fwd to your thoughts. I don't know much about other brands so looking to get an education...

Nikon D7200 with the 51 point Multicam 3500ii. $399-499 used. That with a Sigma or Tamron 150-600 used would be a killer combo that can probably be had under 1000 dollars. That AF system is from the D4/D4s pro body, it’s also in the D750/780 and I think the D800/810. It’s a very good AF system. I own the D750 and the Sigma 150-600 contemporary. It’s a great wildlife/sports combo without crushing your bank account too much. Unfortunately Pentax doesn’t have anything like the 150-600 options from Sigma/Tamron.

That’s pro body AF from 7 years ago (still great) with a huge telephoto. That combo would have cost something like 10k in 2014.

7.62lew · 10-28-2021, 04:59 PM

Originally posted by LeeRunge

Nikon D7200 with the 51 point Multicam 3500ii. $399-499 used. That with a Sigma or Tamron 150-600 used would be a killer combo that can probably be had under 1000 dollars. That AF system is from the D4/D4s pro body, it’s also in the D750/780 and I think the D800/810. It’s a very good AF system. I own the D750.

That's what I was thinking for price, could keep it around $1000 for good reach.

LeeRunge · 10-28-2021, 05:03 PM - **4 Likes**

Originally posted by 7.62lew

That's what I was thinking, could keep it around $1000 for pretty good reach.

For sure with an APS-C body on that 600mm, your out to @900mm eq. in FF. Huge bang for the buck. The D7200 will shoot 6/7FPS which isn’t bad either at 24mp. Similar sensor to the K-3/3ii which Is a good sensor.

Here’s a few shots from it

Last edited by LeeRunge; 10-28-2021 at 05:08 PM.

7.62lew · 10-28-2021, 05:32 PM

Originally posted by LeeRunge

For sure with an APS-C body on that 600mm, your out to @900mm eq. in FF. Huge bang for the buck. The D7200 will shoot 6/7FPS which isn’t bad either at 24mp. Similar sensor to the K-3/3ii which Is a good sensor.

Here’s a few shots from it

Nice shots. Thanks for giving me some good info.

**dms** · 10-28-2021, 05:49 PM

FF Nikon D700. Just superb images, and great build, and likely no mount has greater source of lenses--especially older AI lenses.

7.62lew · 10-29-2021, 02:47 AM

Originally posted by dms

FF Nikon D700. Just superb images, and great build, and likely no mount has greater source of lenses--especially older AI lenses.

I have heard good things about the D700...

So is Nikon backward compatible with the lens mount or did they change it along the way? Seems like I remember them dropping screwdrive autofocus years back but did the actual mount stay the same across full frame and crop camera's ?

**UncleVanya** · 10-29-2021, 04:42 AM

Originally posted by 7.62lew

I have heard good things about the D700...

So is Nikon backward compatible with the lens mount or did they change it along the way? Seems like I remember them dropping screwdrive autofocus years back but did the actual mount stay the same across full frame and crop camera's ?

My understanding is that there are some minor incompatibilities in F Mount bodies and lenses like those in Pentax. But generally other than screw drive af being dropped from the less expensive bodies the f mount is very compatible across crop and full frame. Of course their mirrorless line changed mounts several years back - but even then they kept crop and full frame on the same mount.

ChristianRock · 10-29-2021, 07:02 AM - **1 Like**

D7200 makes much more sense than an older FF camera like the D700, to use with a lens like a 150-600.

D700 is 12MP so if you crop to about APS-C size, FF being 2.25x the APS-C area, you end up with about 5MP pictures. A 150-600 on an APS-C body will give you a reach that would be equivalent to 275-900mm in FF terms.

The D7100 is also a 24MP body but it had a different sensor probably made by Toshiba, that had banding issues at higher ISOs. And I don't think the AF was quite as good. So the D7200 is likely the one you'd want.

MPB.com has no less than 41 D7200 bodies for sale... so it's quite easy to find one

jslifoaw · 10-29-2021, 09:39 AM - **1 Like**

I also find that Nikon handles the most closely to Pentax vs other brands.

Every time I have used a Canon, the power button is in a weird place and the front dial is frequently on the top vs in front on the grip. The focus and zoom are also backwards vs Pentax and Nikon (3rd party lenses are inconsistent)

In addition to the 3rd party lenses, the Nikon 200-500 is a very popular model in the class you described and by most accounts is excellent value for the money.

LeeRunge · 10-29-2021, 03:02 PM

Originally posted by 7.62lew

I have heard good things about the D700...

So is Nikon backward compatible with the lens mount or did they change it along the way? Seems like I remember them dropping screwdrive autofocus years back but did the actual mount stay the same across full frame and crop camera's ?

Backwards compatible. The 3-5000 cameras i think don’t have screw drive though for older lenses, so be careful there. I’m pretty sure the 7000 line does though.

I use lenses from the early 80’s on my D750 (And my Z5).

---------- Post added 10-29-2021 at 03:05 PM ----------

Originally posted by jslifoaw

I also find that Nikon handles the most closely to Pentax vs other brands.

Every time I have used a Canon, the power button is in a weird place and the front dial is frequently on the top vs in front on the grip. The focus and zoom are also backwards vs Pentax and Nikon (3rd party lenses are inconsistent)

In addition to the 3rd party lenses, the Nikon 200-500 is a very popular model in the class you described and by most accounts is excellent value for the money.

I agree. I think Pentax is #1 in ergonomics and handling, Nikon #2, I would place Olympus at #3, then Canon and then Fuji from the cameras I’ve owned. The 7D i owned I sold pretty fast as the handling was annoying and went with the K5 instead. (This was after owning the K7).

The K-3 and my Z5 are my two best handling camera’s at the moment.

**dms** · 10-29-2021, 03:06 PM

The D700 is compatible w/ all the older AI/AIS lenses. Earlier Nikon F mount (pre AI/pre-1977) are not.** Apparently they can be modified (a slot is milled into the mount), although I never had did this done. The APSC compatability is (I believe) about the exposure metering, and varies with model.

Also screw drive AF is fine on D700.

_____
** although pre AI Nikkor (i.e., Nikon) lenses are generally not usable, I have found the two pre AI vivitar lenses I have given no problem. Just need to be carefeul and make sure.

LeeRunge · 10-29-2021, 03:07 PM

Originally posted by dlhawes

I've found the Tamron 150-600 G2 with the Canon 90D to be an effective combination.

Also a great combo IMO. But probably outside the targeted price range. I would include the D500 if you’re looking at the 90D.

7.62lew · 10-29-2021, 05:53 PM

Originally posted by LeeRunge

Also a great combo IMO. But probably outside the targeted price range. I would include the D500 if you’re looking at the 90D.

That D500 looks nice but I would have to switch from Pentax to justify the cost (hobby)...and I dont want to do that at this point. I love the Pentax rendering and I dont think I could give my limiteds or 50-135. My long lens now is FA* 300mm 4.5 but sometimes a little short. I had the Sigma Tele-Macro 400mm but sold it as it was pretty close to the 300 and the 300 is so sharp you can do some pretty good cropping (shooting KP).

I think that the D7200 would be a good place to start if I could get it at the right price. I think my strategy may be to look for a bargain long lens and if I can score that, them back into a body. Plenty to think about. Keep it coming...

Lots of good info here. Thanks!

LeeRunge · 10-29-2021, 06:02 PM

Originally posted by 7.62lew

That D500 looks nice but I would have to switch from Pentax to justify the cost (hobby)...and I dont want to do that at this point. I love the Pentax rendering and I dont think I could give my limiteds or 50-135. My long lens now is FA* 300mm 4.5 but sometimes a little short. I had the Sigma Tele-Macro 400mm but sold it as it was pretty close to the 300 and the 300 is so sharp you can do some pretty good cropping (shooting KP).

I think that the D7200 would be a good place to start if I could get it at the right price. I think my strategy may be to look for a bargain long lens and if I can score that, them back into a body. Plenty to think about. Keep it coming...

Lots of good info here. Thanks!

I think you are right on target with the D7200 and a 150-600. You’ll have that combo which will be very competent for wildlife. Best of both worlds. Pentax and a specific combo for the telephoto, at a price that’s half of what most of them cost.

Sigma 150-600 C or the Sport if somehow it’s on sale. And Tamron 150-600 gen 1 and 2 are the lenses to look out for. The 150-600 C and Tamron Gen 1 will probably be found in your range. I own the Sigma 150-600 C and am very happy with it. I think it was $800 new on a Black Friday sale if I remember correctly, with the USB lens adapter for updates/tuning the settings. I would imagine you can find one for 500-700 and a 7200 for @450.

The Sigma 150-600 C I have is made in Japan and very good quality. It’s huge bang for the buck, maybe the most of any lens I have.

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10-28-2021, 04:34 PM	#1
7.62lew Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: North Carolina Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,192	Used APS-C from one of those "other" brands I browse fleaby alot and I have noticed that you can get some decent deals on long third party lenses that are not made in K mount, like the Sigma and Tamron 150-600's among others. So if you were looking for a older camera in the $400 or under range to use with one of these 600mm lenses, what would it be and why? I'm thinking crop sensor but if FF makes sense let me know too. Looking fwd to your thoughts. I don't know much about other brands so looking to get an education...

10-28-2021, 04:51 PM	#2
LeeRunge Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Posts: 993	Originally posted by 7.62lew I browse fleaby alot and I have noticed that you can get some decent deals on long third party lenses that are not made in K mount, like the Sigma and Tamron 150-600's among others. So if you were looking for a older camera in the $400 or under range to use with one of these 600mm lenses, what would it be and why? I'm thinking crop sensor but if FF makes sense let me know too. Looking fwd to your thoughts. I don't know much about other brands so looking to get an education... Nikon D7200 with the 51 point Multicam 3500ii. $399-499 used. That with a Sigma or Tamron 150-600 used would be a killer combo that can probably be had under 1000 dollars. That AF system is from the D4/D4s pro body, it’s also in the D750/780 and I think the D800/810. It’s a very good AF system. I own the D750 and the Sigma 150-600 contemporary. It’s a great wildlife/sports combo without crushing your bank account too much. Unfortunately Pentax doesn’t have anything like the 150-600 options from Sigma/Tamron. That’s pro body AF from 7 years ago (still great) with a huge telephoto. That combo would have cost something like 10k in 2014. Last edited by LeeRunge; 10-28-2021 at 05:00 PM.

10-28-2021, 04:59 PM	#3
7.62lew Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: North Carolina Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,192 Original Poster	Originally posted by LeeRunge Nikon D7200 with the 51 point Multicam 3500ii. $399-499 used. That with a Sigma or Tamron 150-600 used would be a killer combo that can probably be had under 1000 dollars. That AF system is from the D4/D4s pro body, it’s also in the D750/780 and I think the D800/810. It’s a very good AF system. I own the D750. That's what I was thinking for price, could keep it around $1000 for good reach.

10-28-2021, 05:03 PM - 4 Likes	#4
LeeRunge Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Posts: 993	Originally posted by 7.62lew That's what I was thinking, could keep it around $1000 for pretty good reach. For sure with an APS-C body on that 600mm, your out to @900mm eq. in FF. Huge bang for the buck. The D7200 will shoot 6/7FPS which isn’t bad either at 24mp. Similar sensor to the K-3/3ii which Is a good sensor. Here’s a few shots from it Last edited by LeeRunge; 10-28-2021 at 05:08 PM.

10-28-2021, 05:32 PM	#5
7.62lew Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: North Carolina Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,192 Original Poster	Originally posted by LeeRunge For sure with an APS-C body on that 600mm, your out to @900mm eq. in FF. Huge bang for the buck. The D7200 will shoot 6/7FPS which isn’t bad either at 24mp. Similar sensor to the K-3/3ii which Is a good sensor. Here’s a few shots from it Nice shots. Thanks for giving me some good info.

10-28-2021, 05:49 PM	#6
dms Site Supporter Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: New York, NY Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,192	FF Nikon D700. Just superb images, and great build, and likely no mount has greater source of lenses--especially older AI lenses.

10-29-2021, 02:47 AM	#7
7.62lew Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: North Carolina Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,192 Original Poster	Originally posted by dms FF Nikon D700. Just superb images, and great build, and likely no mount has greater source of lenses--especially older AI lenses. I have heard good things about the D700... So is Nikon backward compatible with the lens mount or did they change it along the way? Seems like I remember them dropping screwdrive autofocus years back but did the actual mount stay the same across full frame and crop camera's ?

10-29-2021, 04:42 AM	#8
UncleVanya Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2014 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 28,385	Originally posted by 7.62lew I have heard good things about the D700... So is Nikon backward compatible with the lens mount or did they change it along the way? Seems like I remember them dropping screwdrive autofocus years back but did the actual mount stay the same across full frame and crop camera's ? My understanding is that there are some minor incompatibilities in F Mount bodies and lenses like those in Pentax. But generally other than screw drive af being dropped from the less expensive bodies the f mount is very compatible across crop and full frame. Of course their mirrorless line changed mounts several years back - but even then they kept crop and full frame on the same mount.

10-29-2021, 07:02 AM - 1 Like	#9
ChristianRock Pentaxian Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: People's Republic of America Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 9,910	D7200 makes much more sense than an older FF camera like the D700, to use with a lens like a 150-600. D700 is 12MP so if you crop to about APS-C size, FF being 2.25x the APS-C area, you end up with about 5MP pictures. A 150-600 on an APS-C body will give you a reach that would be equivalent to 275-900mm in FF terms. The D7100 is also a 24MP body but it had a different sensor probably made by Toshiba, that had banding issues at higher ISOs. And I don't think the AF was quite as good. So the D7200 is likely the one you'd want. MPB.com has no less than 41 D7200 bodies for sale... so it's quite easy to find one

10-29-2021, 09:39 AM - 1 Like	#10
jslifoaw Pentaxian Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Toronto/Victoria Posts: 460	I also find that Nikon handles the most closely to Pentax vs other brands. Every time I have used a Canon, the power button is in a weird place and the front dial is frequently on the top vs in front on the grip. The focus and zoom are also backwards vs Pentax and Nikon (3rd party lenses are inconsistent) In addition to the 3rd party lenses, the Nikon 200-500 is a very popular model in the class you described and by most accounts is excellent value for the money.

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10-29-2021, 03:02 PM	#11
LeeRunge Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Posts: 993	Originally posted by 7.62lew I have heard good things about the D700... So is Nikon backward compatible with the lens mount or did they change it along the way? Seems like I remember them dropping screwdrive autofocus years back but did the actual mount stay the same across full frame and crop camera's ? Backwards compatible. The 3-5000 cameras i think don’t have screw drive though for older lenses, so be careful there. I’m pretty sure the 7000 line does though. I use lenses from the early 80’s on my D750 (And my Z5). ---------- Post added 10-29-2021 at 03:05 PM ---------- Originally posted by jslifoaw I also find that Nikon handles the most closely to Pentax vs other brands. Every time I have used a Canon, the power button is in a weird place and the front dial is frequently on the top vs in front on the grip. The focus and zoom are also backwards vs Pentax and Nikon (3rd party lenses are inconsistent) In addition to the 3rd party lenses, the Nikon 200-500 is a very popular model in the class you described and by most accounts is excellent value for the money. I agree. I think Pentax is #1 in ergonomics and handling, Nikon #2, I would place Olympus at #3, then Canon and then Fuji from the cameras I’ve owned. The 7D i owned I sold pretty fast as the handling was annoying and went with the K5 instead. (This was after owning the K7). The K-3 and my Z5 are my two best handling camera’s at the moment.

10-29-2021, 03:06 PM	#12
dms Site Supporter Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: New York, NY Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,192	The D700 is compatible w/ all the older AI/AIS lenses. Earlier Nikon F mount (pre AI/pre-1977) are not. Apparently they can be modified (a slot is milled into the mount), although I never had did this done. The APSC compatability is (I believe) about the exposure metering, and varies with model. Also screw drive AF is fine on D700. _____ although pre AI Nikkor (i.e., Nikon) lenses are generally not usable, I have found the two pre AI vivitar lenses I have given no problem. Just need to be carefeul and make sure.

10-29-2021, 03:07 PM	#13
LeeRunge Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Posts: 993	Originally posted by dlhawes I've found the Tamron 150-600 G2 with the Canon 90D to be an effective combination. Also a great combo IMO. But probably outside the targeted price range. I would include the D500 if you’re looking at the 90D.

10-29-2021, 05:53 PM	#14
7.62lew Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: North Carolina Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,192 Original Poster	Originally posted by LeeRunge Also a great combo IMO. But probably outside the targeted price range. I would include the D500 if you’re looking at the 90D. That D500 looks nice but I would have to switch from Pentax to justify the cost (hobby)...and I dont want to do that at this point. I love the Pentax rendering and I dont think I could give my limiteds or 50-135. My long lens now is FA* 300mm 4.5 but sometimes a little short. I had the Sigma Tele-Macro 400mm but sold it as it was pretty close to the 300 and the 300 is so sharp you can do some pretty good cropping (shooting KP). I think that the D7200 would be a good place to start if I could get it at the right price. I think my strategy may be to look for a bargain long lens and if I can score that, them back into a body. Plenty to think about. Keep it coming... Lots of good info here. Thanks!

10-29-2021, 06:02 PM	#15
LeeRunge Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Posts: 993	Originally posted by 7.62lew That D500 looks nice but I would have to switch from Pentax to justify the cost (hobby)...and I dont want to do that at this point. I love the Pentax rendering and I dont think I could give my limiteds or 50-135. My long lens now is FA* 300mm 4.5 but sometimes a little short. I had the Sigma Tele-Macro 400mm but sold it as it was pretty close to the 300 and the 300 is so sharp you can do some pretty good cropping (shooting KP). I think that the D7200 would be a good place to start if I could get it at the right price. I think my strategy may be to look for a bargain long lens and if I can score that, them back into a body. Plenty to think about. Keep it coming... Lots of good info here. Thanks! I think you are right on target with the D7200 and a 150-600. You’ll have that combo which will be very competent for wildlife. Best of both worlds. Pentax and a specific combo for the telephoto, at a price that’s half of what most of them cost. Sigma 150-600 C or the Sport if somehow it’s on sale. And Tamron 150-600 gen 1 and 2 are the lenses to look out for. The 150-600 C and Tamron Gen 1 will probably be found in your range. I own the Sigma 150-600 C and am very happy with it. I think it was $800 new on a Black Friday sale if I remember correctly, with the USB lens adapter for updates/tuning the settings. I would imagine you can find one for 500-700 and a 7200 for @450. The Sigma 150-600 C I have is made in Japan and very good quality. It’s huge bang for the buck, maybe the most of any lens I have.