Here is a list of gear and accessories that I recommend for Nikon and Sony camera users looking to upgrade.
Sections
5
Cropped & FX Cameras and Lenses
Mirrorless Cameras & Lenses
Accessories
Lighting
Resources
Cropped & FX Cameras and Lenses
This is a pretty good cropped sensor DSLR that will still give you good quality images
Nikon D7500 DSLR Camera (Body Only)
Decent full frame DSLR and one of the least expensive in the line. Good balance between features and price
Nikon D780 DSLR Camera (Body Only)
If you have the budget for a beast of a full-frame DSLR camera, go for this one
Nikon D6 DSLR Camera (Body Only)
Every photographer needs a good 50mm prime lens in their kit. This one has an aperture of f/1.4 for beautifully blurred backgrounds but a f/1.8 is pretty good also.
Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 50mm f/1.4G Lens
This is a great mid-range zoom lens, very versatile with an aperture of f/2.8.
Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 24-70mm f/2.8E ED VR Lens
Another great prime lens option for portraits, has an aperture of f/1.8.
Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 35mm f/1.8G Lens
I loved this especially for wedding portraits and detail shots. Max zoom at f/2.8? *Chef's kiss*
Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 70-200mm f/2.8E FL ED VR Lens
This is a good wide-angle lens perfect for group photos or landscapes, a little niche for general portraiture though.
Nikon AF-P DX NIKKOR 10-20mm f/4.5-5.6G VR Lens
This is another lens that I loved for weddings, with an aperture of 2.8 and a wide angle for venue shots and groups.
Tamron is a good affordable option for Nikon cameras if you don't want to spend too much on an OG Nikon lens. This one is very versatile and can be used for wide-angle or telephoto shots and has a floating aperture of f/3.5 - f/6.3.
Tamron 18-400mm f/3.5-6.3 Di II VC HLD Lens for Nikon F
Mirrorless Cameras & Lenses
If you're just getting started with a mirrorless option, this is a good starting point. It's on the less expensive side of the mirrorless options and the ISO range is pretty wide.
Nikon Z6 II Mirrorless Camera
Once you get further into the mirrorless realm, opt for the Z8 over the Z9. Not a super big difference overall in terms of specs and almost $2k cheaper.
Nikon Z8 Mirrorless Camera
The Sony a7 iii was my love back in 2018 but this is its more refined cousin. Great if you want a Sony mirrorless and have a bit of money to burn.
Sony a7R V Mirrorless Camera
Of course you need a 50mm
Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.8 S Lens
Mid-range lens, great for portraits
Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S Lens
Of course you need the big guns for your mid-range to telephoto needs
Nikon NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S Lens
Accessories
For an extra layer of security against your camera dropping
DOPTO Camera Safety Tether Strap for DSLR (2 Pack)
More comfortable and secure than the OG camera straps
Waka Camera Neck Strap with Quick Release, Black
Get yourself a card reader that you can use with different memory card sizes
SmartQ C368 Card Reader - USB 3.0, Plug & Play
A 64GB memory card should suffice for most projects, even in RAW
SanDisk 64GB Ultra SDXC UHS-I Memory Card 120MB/s
Keep all your memory cards organized and protected
HEIYING Memory Card Case for SD and TF Cards
Lighting
Perfect lighting kit for a studio setup, it comes with 2 strobes, light stands, an umbrella, 2 soft boxes and a carrying case.
Godox MS300-V Studio Flash Monolight (3-Light Kit)
Resources
I got the Perfectionist - sounds about right
ExpertPhotography Quiz - What Type of Photographer Are You?
