snicker_doodle

Thank you. This is getting too darned expensive. So much has changed in the last two decades that, at this point, I feel like a shaved tail Louie!!

Well... I just spent another $130 on a Sony LA-EA1 adapter. This is getting too darned expensive.

Awe crap... the Sigma has no aperture ring.

There are Nikon DX bodies suitable for my needs but I really want a mirrorless camera. I'm hoping the Viltrox smart adapter works well. It should be here in a week. I've been away from digital imaging for so long that everything has radically changed!! After some informal testing of the two Nikkor 'kit' lenses I've discovered they're not quite as good as I expected. They're certainly not the quality many tout them to be. Overall, they're only 'reasonably' sharp with the apertures closed about two or three stops. The Micro Nikkor is sharp, as expected with some degradation at the corners at infinity. I've yet to test the Sigma 8-16 because the adapter isn't here yet (it's Sony A-mount).

Okay, I'm researching Nikon DX bodies.

You're probably right. I just like this Sony mirrorless body. Also, I hate to start again from scratch. If I buy a Nikon DSLR it'll be a full-frame model, so these DX lenses will have to go.

There are relatively inexpensive adapters which the manufacturers claim to offer total functionality between Nikon G lenses and Sony bodies. I read a few reviews on various offerings and they do seem to work, for the most part, and with most lenses. Their worst shortcomings seem to be slow focus (sometimes) and incompatibility with some lenses. They seem to work well enough with the two Nikon VR lenses I have. I ordered one from an eBay seller and will return it if it doesn't operate as advertised. I paid $148 delivered which is far more reasonable than $350-400.

After more research, I'm finding several cheap smart adapters which work reasonably well with most fairly new lenses. Who here has tried the cheap smart adapters in the $130-180 price range on Sony mirrorless bodies?

The JinTu and Viltrox adapters on eBay for US$139 delivered are reported to support VR/IS. Are they worth messing with? I won't spend $350-400 on an adapter.

I messed up. I didn't realize the Nikkor lenses require power for VR to function. I'll be reevaluating this entire kit.

I opted to for a Sigma 8-16mm HSM in lieu of the Nikkor 10-20mm. Now my finances are really hurting.

Thank you, Karim. I have always preferred primes for the better image quality but this camera is mostly for convenience so I decided on zoom lenses. I'll research primes though.

Awe crap. It appears I can't focus the Nikkor 10-20mm on a mechanical adapter. Is that correct?

After seemingly endless research, I've opted for the following group of lenses. I'm hoping they'll provide reasonably good performance. I'm spending more than I expected/wanted but that's nothing new. My head hurts and my wallet feels violated. Nikkor 10-20mm AF-P DX VR Nikkor 18-55mm G ED IF DX AF-S VR II Nikkor 55-200mm G ED IF DX AF-S VR I Nikkor 55mm/2.8 Micro AIS

Thanks all. I should have stated that I'm not new to either analog or digital photography. I'm fairly knowledgeable in both. However, it's been many years since I've practiced them. Analog hasn't changed very much in 40+ years but digital has been evolving fairly quickly since the very early 1990's with 2MP Kodak/Nikon cameras and PhotoShop 2.0 :) All I really need to know is what are the 'best bang for the buck' lenses that are either propriety to or can be adapted to the Sony A6000. I've researched a bit and I don't think the Sony 16-50mm kit lens quite meets my minimum quality criteria. I 'think' the Nikkor 18-55mm does, if what I'm reading is reasonably accurate. The same seems to be true for the Nikkor 55-200mm. The 55mm Micro Nikkor I know is a stellar performer. The Sigma 10-20mm is probably sufficient for my needs and fills the very wide requirement though it doesn't seem to quite match the three Nikkors, 'if' what I'm reading is correct. The Sigma is more of a quality compromise because better ultrawide optics cost too much. I should also note that I've shot large format cameras for 40+ years so am very familiar with Scheimpflug movements. I won't need shift or rise/fall for this camera but the tilt will often be helpful for macro work.

Thank you, Karim. I'll research it further.

I purchased a used Sony A6000 and am now looking for lenses. I already have a very nice Micro Nikkor 55mm/2.8 for macro and am considering purchase of a Kipon tilt adapter to aid in macro imaging. I've ordered a K&F Nikon to NEX adapter but may sell it if I buy the Kipon. I can't spend a ton of money on lenses and digital isn't going to be my primary setup. All I want for the digital kit is 'good' quality at 'affordable' prices. I'm not concerned about low light performance. I don't need auto focus and aperture priority auto exposure is fine. The following list is my proposed lens kit. Sigma 10-20mm/4.0 Nikkor 18-55/3.5 VR II Nikkor 55-200/4.0 VR I (one) Nikkor Micro 55/2.8 Caveats/suggestions?

I think I'm figuring this out. I'm starting a new thread asking only about lenses.

Thanks Joe. Those K&F adapters look just like the Fotodiox offerings at far lesser price. For extreme macro, I'd probably search for an affordable Nikon PB-4 bellows. I have some nice enlarging lenses. But I'm keeping the digital stuff pretty simple.

Thank you. I'll ask in that forum also.

I really wish the time to allow editing was longer. I've decided against a tilt adapter. The only one I've seen which I like is made by Kipon and the cheapest I can find one is $113. That's far more than I want to spend just so I can have tilt. I don't like the designs of the others I've seen. It seems the straight tube adapters are more or less the same regarding quality, regardless of price. Are there any I should avoid? Any suggestions for an inexpensive one of good quality?

I've been looking for a good affordable tilt adapter that works as well as a fixed version, when not tilted. So far, the least pricey very good ones seem to cost US$100+. Am I missing something or are decent ones really that pricey?

I went through a box of lenses and located my old Nikon mount Sigma 18-35mm f/3.5 Aspherical. It's nothing special but will be okay for my purposes. Equivalent focal length on 135 format is about 27-53mm. The 55mm Micro Nikkor calculates to about 84mm equivalent on APS-C. If I decide I need something longer or wider then I'll research it later.

I had a look at the Speed Booster. It's an interesting and compelling option. I like that it corrects for the crop factor but I worry the extra optics will affect lens sharpness. I'll look for some tests.

Hmm, I can't edit my previous post. I should have added that the smaller size of the Sony mirrorless body and the swiveling view screen are definite advantages for shooting macro.