Should I Upgrade To Fx Camera From Nikon D5100

Upgrade from D5100 or upgrade the lens....?

May 23, 2018

Hi, I'm using a d5100 with a quite one-time sigma 17-70 (I think second gen, no stabilisation) that I originally had on my D40.

Whilst it's been a good walkaround lens, it'south getting a flake creaky and I was looking at updating the lens with something that has stabilisation. The camera itself is fine - never missed a beat. I'grand doing mainly landscape photography with the Sigma plus:

Tamron seventy-300 VR - dandy, but not very precipitous at long stop

Tokina 12-28 - quite versatile

I was looking at the electric current gen 17-70C or a Nikon xvi-80 - is everyone using these on D5100 and getting worthwhile results (ie sharper more consistent images)?

If non, I may reluctantly supplant the D5100 with a D5600 or a D7xxxx - and this brings the 2d question: what has been the experience of D5100 upgraders - what's been the best path for increased satisfaction for recreational photographers?

Apologies if rambling a fleck here - simple decision has become a flake more fuzzy with new AF-P lenses and lack of astern compatibility to D5100.

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Calxoddity
'Turning upwards in the oddest places...'

mrbr • Veteran Member • Posts: 3,723

Re: Upgrade from D5100 or upgrade the lens....?

Calxoddity wrote:

Hi, I'one thousand using a d5100 with a quite one-time sigma 17-70 (I think 2nd gen, no stabilisation) that I originally had on my D40.

Whilst it's been a good walkaround lens, it's getting a bit creaky and I was looking at updating the lens with something that has stabilisation. The camera itself is fine - never missed a beat. I'm doing mainly mural photography with the Sigma plus:

Tamron 70-300 VR - nifty, but not very precipitous at long finish

Tokina 12-28 - quite versatile

I was looking at the current gen 17-70C or a Nikon 16-80 - is anybody using these on D5100 and getting worthwhile results (ie sharper more consistent images)?

If not, I may reluctantly replace the D5100 with a D5600 or a D7xxxx - and this brings the 2d question: what has been the experience of D5100 upgraders - what's been the best path for increased satisfaction for recreational photographers?

Apologies if rambling a bit here - simple decision has become a flake more fuzzy with new AF-P lenses and lack of backward compatibility to D5100.

Hi,

I upgraded from D40 to D5100 ( 6 years ago ) and to D7200 last year ( nikon cash dorsum activity ).

I yet utilize my 10 years one-time nikkor 16-85 VR that I bought to upgrade the D40 kitlens. The 16-85 performs meliorate on my D7200 then on my D5100 ( no AA filter, better sensor ) . I adopt the 16-85 over the sigma 17-50 and nikkor xviii-140 lens every bit walk effectually lens !

I miss the D5100 flip screen for overhead shots, just don't want to return ( still own it equally backup ).

Given the age of the D5100 I would suggest to upgrade to a new body ( D5600 , D7200, D7500 ?) + AF-P kitlens eighteen-55 VR or start with the lenses you already ain or buy the 16-fourscore when nikkon gives a rebate.

Lens choice, run across http://www.dslrbodies.com/lenses/lens-databases-for-nikon/thoms-recommended-lenses.html

Best IMO is to go to a shop and experience the different camerabodies in your manus ( size , weight etc ) before buying.

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Greetings,
Marc

Nikon D7200 Nikon Z6 Nikon 10-20mm F4.5-5.6 VR Nikon AP-F lxx-300mm F4.five-five.6E Nikon Z 24-70mm F4 +8 more

Re: Upgrade from D5100 or upgrade the lens....?

A few years ago I borrowed a D5100 as a second body for a safari trip. My normal body was the D300 at the time. I found the D5100 a bit lacking all round.

I later upgraded my D300 to a D800 and recently I plant that I wanted a more lightweight carry circular system. I bought a refurbished D5300 which has various improvements over the D5100, especially improved Af and also a much improved sensor,

I utilise information technology with a refurbished sixteen-85 which I use every bit a walkaround lens. Information technology is still a very expert lens and combination for me. The sixteen-lxxx I assume will be even improve.

The advantage of using a eighteen-55 P VR lens is that the P lens are astonishing and very fast to focus and very quiet.

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Always effort google earlier y'all start a thread. Most likely you'll notice your answer straight away.

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rbmphoto • Senior Member • Posts: 1,801

Yep...

I know, not a clear response.

I really take a lot of experience with the d5100, and the xvi-85 and the 16-lxxx. In fact of all the 5xxx serial I endemic, the 5100 may have been my favorite, although not the best.

The 16-85 was a wonder, I took bang-up pictures on travels for years, and on a variety if dx bodies, it never disappointed, which is why I can't quite bring myself to function with it - although after acquiring the 16-fourscore, and comparison the two, I suspect I will never use it once again - the sixteen-lxxx is a superior lens.

Yes, still non clear, I know.

I option is to pick up a good copy of the sixteen-85, put it on the d5100, and just go take not bad pictures and "not worry your pretty little head" nearly prototype quality and leave the question of improved image quality to the obsessives who frequent gear forums.

Another selection is to option upward a d5500 refurb, which much as it pains me to say and then, is a better camera than the 5100 in every style - you will notice an comeback on every image. (I sold my kickoff 5500, and picked up a 2d i as "refurbished" from Cameta, with a shutter count of one (i)... It looked equally brand new to me as all the pristine new gear I take e'er purchased from any source.) But you still need better glass...

Pick three would exist to buy a 16-80 (they are bachelor at reasonable prices) and put it on your 5100, you volition not exist disappointed, and will likely no longer have to worry nigh dx lens for a long, long time. You lot can eventually upgrade the body equally budget allows.

I'thou going to back up a moment earlier going forward. Why did I sell the start 5500 you might ask. A user trouble with the 3/5xxx series is that y'all cannot fine melody motorcar focus. I had two dx lens, the 16/80 and 16/85, that I knew from use on other bodies were very skillful copies, but they didn't mesh well that 5500 unit. The 5500 worked fine with a number of my afs prime and zoom lens, but not perfectly with the two lens that I really planned to employ. One option was to transport the body and a lens to Nikon to have them fitted, which I had washed with success in the past, the second was to sell that body, purchase some other, and promise for the best - in this case turned out to work out well, the refurb 5500 meshes perfectly with the 16/80 which will stay on the lens 99% of the time.

The point of the higher up rambling paragraph was to point out that with a iii/5xxx body, you are to some small extent at the mercy of manufacturing tolerances, and good equally the product methods currently are, may have a body and lens that don't work besides together as you had hoped - if that happens to exist the case, then your options are express. Which leads me to the next choice...

Go a d7200 or 7500 body, giving you, amongst other things, automobile focus fine tune. Can't help you between the two, my take is that for maximum image quality on notwithstanding targets, the 7200 would exist the style to become, if a bit upgraded auto focus and higher iso are most important, so the 7500. But in either instance, you have a dx body that should be good for many years to come.

And last but non to the lowest degree, accept advantage of the opportunity to become fx - only do realize the cost in weight, size, and dollars that pick entails.

Body or lens, still your open up question. I'd say your current lens is your weaker link, but truly, the 5100, not bad as information technology was, has been improved upon. Simply my typical idea is that good glass is forever.

And so in order of increasing costs:

sixteen-85

xvi-80

5500 with xvi-lxxx

7200 with 16-eighty

7500 with 16-80

610/750 with numerous lens options

A rambling response I know...

good luck with your decision!

OP Calxoddity • Regular Member • Posts: 391

Re: Yes...

In reply to rbmphoto • May 24, 2018

Rambling, yes, simply very useful - cheers!

After further thought information technology seems that the new body may be the way to go. There are a few aspects that are pushing me towards the D7200/7500 rather than D5600 -

sensor cocky-cleaning (my D5100 has had to exist cleaned a couple of times)
microfocus adjustment
focusing system speed and accuracy (although any of the three would be meliorate than the D5100)
slightly more than flexible exposure bracketing

I don't accept any AI lenses, and merely one AF-D (50mm f1.8).

In Australia, the D7200-D7500 cost differential is around $550-600 (information technology varies across vendors somewhat, merely presume reputable online and traditional)

I can't really justify the reinvestment required to become FF for what would be marginal if whatever gains. Still a lump of money to spend, though, with the DX upgrade.

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Calxoddity
'Turning upwardly in the oddest places...'

GlennW • Senior Member • Posts: 2,337

Re: Yeah...

May be a Nikon USA item to driblet prices on D3400, D5600 photographic camera body with kit lens options. Some do trunk with AF-P 18-55 VR merely or in a 2 lens kit with AF-P 70-300 ED. Some discounts too with AF-S 18-140 kit lens. Could be ane way to upgrade both camera & lens in i bargain. The FX AF-P 70-300 may be the all-time of the trio 1 stop faster on the long end from the DX ones & a dainty upgrade from the erstwhile AF-S FX seventy-300. Sweet spot may be for D7200 @ $800 body.

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I Shoot RAW

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lokatz • Senior Member • Posts: 2,776

Re: Yes...

Calxoddity wrote:

Rambling, aye, but very useful - thanks!

After further thought it seems that the new torso may be the manner to go. In that location are a few aspects that are pushing me towards the D7200/7500 rather than D5600 -

sensor self-cleaning (my D5100 has had to exist cleaned a couple of times)

Just to exist certain: please realize that self-cleaning has its limitations. All it tries is to milkshake dust off the sensor. Fifty-fifty on these bodies, you may have to perform a sensor clean every then often.

microfocus adjustment

focusing organization speed and accuracy (although any of the three would exist better than the D5100)

This is where the D7200 and especially the D7500 really accept an edge.

slightly more flexible exposure bracketing

Truthful, but in most cases more than a convenience feature than a real departure. You tin always use M mode to achieve the same.

I don't accept whatsoever AI lenses, and merely one AF-D (50mm f1.8).

In Commonwealth of australia, the D7200-D7500 price differential is around $550-600 (it varies across vendors somewhat, but presume reputable online and traditional)

I can't really justify the reinvestment required to go FF for what would be marginal if whatever gains. Still a lump of money to spend, though, with the DX upgrade.

Did you consider getting a used D7200? There are enough in the market.

Sony RX100 7 Canon EOS R5 Nikon Z7 Two Nikon AP-F 70-300mm F4.five-five.6E Nikon 500mm F5.6E PF +29 more

After further thought information technology seems that the new body may be the way to go. There are a few aspects that are pushing me towards the D7200/7500 rather than D5600 -

sensor cocky-cleaning (my D5100 has had to be cleaned a couple of times

Nigh cameras come with this nowadays including the D5x00 series. Information technology works well enough. As far as I know the D5100 has this features but it is probably improved in after cameras.

microfocus aligning

Needed if you want to shoot with a broad aperture on a fast lens, not really needed on kit zooms but may assist.

focusing organisation speed and accuracy (although whatsoever of the three would be better than the D5100)

Definitely worth it simply if information technology'due south that important you demand the D7500

slightly more flexible exposure bracketing

Not actually of import, many ways of doing this.

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Always try google before yous start a thread. Nearly likely yous'll find your reply straight abroad.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS30 Nikon D7500 Nikon AF-Due south DX Nikkor 16-85mm f/3.five-5.6G ED VR Nikon AF-S Micro-Nikkor 105mm F2.8G IF-ED VR Tamron SP 150-600mm F5-6.iii Di VC USD +4 more

Re: Upgrade from D5100 or upgrade the lens....?

I have the D5100 and I'one thousand very pleased with it but the just lenses I apply with information technology are the 18-55 and 55-200 because I can't AF with whatever of my other Nikon lenses. If I were to upgrade for another DX information technology would definitely be with the D7xxx series.

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RUcrAZ • Veteran Member • Posts: vii,121

Interchangeable: D5100, D5500

Hello,

I used a D5100 until information technology cruel & confused its mirror, a couple of years ago. Listening to advice by pro friends that information technology would be amend to upgrade than spend the $$ to send it to Nikon, I bought a D5500. And then I was able to fix the D5100 myself (thanks to a YouTube video) in less than a minute. So I take two fully functional Nikons. I employ them interchangeably, without a idea. The D5500 may be a tad "ameliorate" (primarily because of its 24 megapixels instead of 16) and a few updated features, but as cameras (their chief function) they are both splendid. I would not have upgraded still, had it not been for the "accident," as I remember the D5100 was, is, and will go along to be an splendid camera. In both cases, I similar their fully articulating LCDs & use it a lot.

OP Calxoddity • Regular Member • Posts: 391

Re: Upgrade from D5100 or upgrade the lens....?

Just to close out this thread, I concluded up replacing both the lens and the camera - at present have a D7500 and 18-140.

Nigh noticeable differences after a week of ownership:

speed and accurateness of focus
stability (easier to concur in a stable position, less jiggling)
"cleaner" looking images - stabilised lens and sharper both contribute
hardly notice the increase in resolution, except when pixel-peeping
More keepers, fewer incorrect exposures, fewer out of focus shots

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Calxoddity
'Turning up in the oddest places...'

cburbs • Regular Member • Posts: 111

Re: Upgrade from D5100 or upgrade the lens....?

Calxoddity wrote:

Just to close out this thread, I ended up replacing both the lens and the camera - now take a D7500 and 18-140.

Virtually noticeable differences subsequently a week of ownership:

speed and accuracy of focus

stability (easier to hold in a stable position, less jiggling)

"cleaner" looking images - stabilised lens and sharper both contribute

inappreciably notice the increase in resolution, except when pixel-peeping

More keepers, fewer wrong exposures, fewer out of focus shots

Good things to annotation on the upgrade.

You lot got rid of the 16-lxxx? Surprised as that is a fantastic lens

Nikon D7200 Sigma 17-70mm F2.8-4 DC Macro OS HSM | C Nikon AF-P 18-55mm F3.5-5.6G VR Nikon AF-P seventy-300mm F4.5-6.3G VR Sigma 100-400mm F5-6.iii

edamon • Regular Fellow member • Posts: 189

Re: Upgrade from D5100 or upgrade the lens....?

Calxoddity wrote:

Just to close out this thread, I ended up replacing both the lens and the camera - now take a D7500 and 18-140.

Nigh noticeable differences after a week of buying:

speed and accuracy of focus

stability (easier to concur in a stable position, less jiggling)

"cleaner" looking images - stabilised lens and sharper both contribute

hardly notice the increase in resolution, except when pixel-peeping

More keepers, fewer incorrect exposures, fewer out of focus shots

Congratulations. Excellent option. Continue in mind you now have a screwdrive in the photographic camera body and you can pick up any older AF Nikkor - say the 50 1.8 for low light. Your future options have widened dramatically.

OP Calxoddity • Regular Fellow member • Posts: 391

Re: Upgrade from D5100 or upgrade the lens....?

In reply to cburbs • Jul 24, 2018

No, I didn't get the 16-80 - the budget didn't extend quite that far. Take to go on some pennies for the new Nikon mirrorless, which will make the D7500 instantly useless... plain...

ETA - some other matter: there seems to exist huge processing breadth with the raw images. Lightroom CC was pulling good colours out of dark shadows and recovering what I thought were unrecoverable highlights. Maybe it'south to the credit of Lightroom - I'grand new to be the camera and Lightroom CC (trial).

Case image SOOC.. converted to jpg:

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Calxoddity
'Turning upwardly in the oddest places...'

Re: Upgrade from D5100 or upgrade the lens....?

Calxoddity wrote:

ETA - another matter: there seems to be huge processing latitude with the raw images. Lightroom CC was pulling good colours out of nighttime shadows and recovering what I thought were unrecoverable highlights. Maybe it's to the credit of Lightroom - I'm new to exist the camera and Lightroom CC (trial).

The ability to manipulate the shadows and DR is a part of the camera and RAW. All software will be able to practise the aforementioned chore. I utilize lightroom but for only post processing I use Nikon NXD which applies the in camera settings past default. NXD is as well free.

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Always attempt google before you start a thread. Almost likely you'll find your answer direct away.

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mobi1 • Contributing Fellow member • Posts: 885

Re: Upgrade from D5100 or upgrade the lens....?

Nikon D5100 does not have WiFi.

That alone is a driver to upgrade the body.

IQ is measured by how much likes yous get in social media.

cburbs • Regular Member • Posts: 111

Re: Upgrade from D5100 or upgrade the lens....?

Calxoddity wrote:

No, I didn't get the 16-lxxx - the budget didn't extend quite that far. Have to continue some pennies for the new Nikon mirrorless, which will make the D7500 instantly useless... apparently...

ETA - another thing: in that location seems to be huge processing breadth with the raw images. Lightroom CC was pulling good colours out of dark shadows and recovering what I thought were unrecoverable highlights. Maybe information technology's to the credit of Lightroom - I'm new to be the camera and Lightroom CC (trial).

Example image SOOC.. converted to jpg:

Ooops my bad. I gave in and got a 7200 to replace my 3300.

Nikon D7200 Sigma 17-70mm F2.8-iv DC Macro OS HSM | C Nikon AF-P xviii-55mm F3.5-5.6G VR Nikon AF-P seventy-300mm F4.v-vi.3G VR Sigma 100-400mm F5-half-dozen.iii

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