Ive been shooting with my trusty D850 for years now but it is finally getting a bit heavy for my backpacking trips. Been looking to switch over to the Z system specifically the Z6 II or maybe the Z8 if the price drops enough. Im based in Chicago and need to get a new kit before my trip to Iceland in January so I have a little time to wait for sales. Do you think Nikon is gonna run some decent Black Friday promos on these bodies or is it mostly just gonna be lens bundles again? Really hoping to keep the spend under 2k for the body at least but I dont know if thats realistic...
Man, Iceland in January is gonna be absolutely epic for photography! Regarding what #2 said about the struggle with the weight, you are definitely making the right move switching to mirrorless for those hikes. If you are trying to stay under that 2k mark for the body, honestly, check out the Nikon Z6 III 24.5MP Mirrorless. It is such a massive jump over the older models with the EXPEED 7 processor. You get way faster autofocus and better dynamic range which you will totally need for those crazy northern lights shots. I really think you should look for authorized dealers bundling the Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-120mm f/4 S Lens with the body during the holiday sales. Nikon often hides the real discounts in those bundles, making the total kit price way cheaper than buying pieces separate. If the Z6 III is still pushing your budget, keep an eye on the used market or refurbished sites because they often drop prices right before Black Friday to clear shelf space. Honestly, moving from a D850 to the Z system is a game changer for backpacking. Just make sure you grab a couple extra Nikon EN-EL15c Rechargeable Lithium-Ion Battery units because the cold in Iceland kills mirrorless power super fast. You are gonna love it!
Honestly, Nikon usually discounts the Nikon Z6 II 24.5MP Mirrorless heavily for BF. The Nikon Z8 45.7MP Mirrorless is elite but barely drops in price, so be careful.
Saw your post earlier and totally get the struggle with the D850 weight! I switched to the Nikon Z f 24.5MP Mirrorless recently and honestly it handles low light like a dream for those Iceland shots. If you need something lighter, look into the Nikon Z5 24.3MP Mirrorless too. It is super budget-friendly and gives you more cash for glass! Keep an eye on the official Nikon site, they usually have killer deals around November.
Can vouch for this
