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This is a good camera for the price, but absolutely don't get it with that lens.
I would also probably recommend not going that way unless you are not planning on moving up to mirrorless. But going towards the mirrorless offerings like the Z5II is probably the better overall move for long-term benefit. This was released almost 10 years ago and Nikon hasn't released a DSLR in over 6 years now. F-mount cameras are clearly on the way out. This will serve you well if you want something inexpensive, but I think the mirrorless are a lot easier to use and learn on.
The ideal situation here and the one I am facing currently goes like this... You have an extensive collection of very nice legacy glass that mirroless cameras can't properly use. You're running an older DSLR that is really the only part of your kit that could use an upgrade and you're not interested in starting over. This is where a D7500 makes sense. The last upgrade, as it were.
You could eventually get a smaller mirrorless for travel and lighter duties and they are great for keeping it light. But that would run parallel to the DSLR workhorse.
Now yes if you're starting from scratch, you go mirrorless.
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This is a good camera for the price, but absolutely don't get it with that lens.
I would also probably recommend not going that way unless you are not planning on moving up to mirrorless. But going towards the mirrorless offerings like the Z5II is probably the better overall move for long-term benefit. This was released almost 10 years ago and Nikon hasn't released a DSLR in over 6 years now. F-mount cameras are clearly on the way out. This will serve you well if you want something inexpensive, but I think the mirrorless are a lot easier to use and learn on.
Actually, the lens is what makes it a good deal. The price is what the body alone costs new right now. The 18-140mm DX is my absolute favorite walk around lens with a DX body, surprisingly sharp and extremely versatile. It works great for daytime sports when you need a versatile zoom in daylight. Snappy focus, compact, lightweight, one of the best bargain lenses Nikon has ever made. It is the first lens I would recommend for someone that wants a DX DSLR combo. The D7500 is the next best thing to the D500 for a Nikon DX for sports and wildlife, or just casual use, but for a much smaller price. I've been a working photographer since before there was such a thing as a DSLR. I still have my D500 and D7500 and use them regularly. I hardly even get out my mirrorless z8.
I have so many DSLR and mirrorless cameras - it's not even funny. I bought my D7000 last year in pristine condition with only ~100 shutter counts from MPB for only $235. .....Not sure why anyone would spend $700 on a new DSLR crop-sensor in 2026. If you're shooting just for fun and the heft makes you happy (e.g. - you perceive weight/heft = quality) - then DSLR is an option. Otherwise, my open-box Nikon Z50 that I picked up for $400 (included the kit lens) direct from Nikon (looked 100% brand new) blows my D7000 out of the park in every way (better noise reduction, video capability, option for the newest lens, easier on the wrist because it's vastly lighter, etc). If you're going to sacrifice yourself with the size/heft of a DSLR camera - you might as well get a full-frame DSLR - I picked up a pristine condition Canon 6D Mark 2 from National Camera Exchange with only 15 shutter counts for only $380 last summer.
I have so many DSLR and mirrorless cameras - it's not even funny. I bought my D7000 last year in pristine condition with only ~100 shutter counts from MPB for only $235. .....Not sure why anyone would spend $700 on a new DSLR crop-sensor in 2026. If you're shooting just for fun and the heft makes you happy (e.g. - you perceive weight/heft = quality) - then DSLR is an option. Otherwise, my open-box Nikon Z50 that I picked up for $400 (included the kit lens) direct from Nikon (looked 100% brand new) blows my D7000 out of the park in every way (better noise reduction, video capability, option for the newest lens, easier on the wrist because it's vastly lighter, etc). If you're going to sacrifice yourself with the size/heft of a DSLR camera - you might as well get a full-frame DSLR - I picked up a pristine condition Canon 6D Mark 2 from National Camera Exchange with only 15 shutter counts for only $380 last summer.
Valid points, but a D7000 is 5 generations older than a D7500, so it would compare badly to a Z50. A D7500 would compare better.
Actually, the lens is what makes it a good deal. The price is what the body alone costs new right now. The 18-140mm DX is my absolute favorite walk around lens with a DX body, surprisingly sharp and extremely versatile. It works great for daytime sports when you need a versatile zoom in daylight. Snappy focus, compact, lightweight, one of the best bargain lenses Nikon has ever made. It is the first lens I would recommend for someone that wants a DX DSLR combo. The D7500 is the next best thing to the D500 for a Nikon DX for sports and wildlife, or just casual use, but for a much smaller price. I've been a working photographer since before there was such a thing as a DSLR. I still have my D500 and D7500 and use them regularly. I hardly even get out my mirrorless z8.
You can get the 18-140 for $180-200 like new or refurbished so $300 isn't a good price. If you want a D7500 get the refurb for $500, it is regularly that price.
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I have so many DSLR and mirrorless cameras - it's not even funny. I bought my D7000 last year in pristine condition with only ~100 shutter counts from MPB for only $235. .....Not sure why anyone would spend $700 on a new DSLR crop-sensor in 2026. If you're shooting just for fun and the heft makes you happy (e.g. - you perceive weight/heft = quality) - then DSLR is an option. Otherwise, my open-box Nikon Z50 that I picked up for $400 (included the kit lens) direct from Nikon (looked 100% brand new) blows my D7000 out of the park in every way (better noise reduction, video capability, option for the newest lens, easier on the wrist because it's vastly lighter, etc). If you're going to sacrifice yourself with the size/heft of a DSLR camera - you might as well get a full-frame DSLR - I picked up a pristine condition Canon 6D Mark 2 from National Camera Exchange with only 15 shutter counts for only $380 last summer.
D7500 is far superior to the Z50 for wildlife or sports. I have a Z50II now as a backup to the Z8 and even the Z50II is inferior to my old D7500 in one way: the viewfinder. In the D7500 you get 8 fps RAW with a viewfinder that shows you all the action live. In the Z50II even at just 5.5 fps as soon as you start shooting the viewfinder starts lagging and blacking out, so if you're tracking a bird or basketball player you lose track of where they're going. It's worse in higher framerate settings.
At the same time it nails focus better thanks to target recognition, so it's a trade off I'm ok with. The Z8 is best of both worlds with the viewfinder that doesn't lag or black out even at high fps.
Last edited by VarmintCong October 20, 2026 at 06:22 AM.
Nikon has refurbished sales several times a year. 2 weeks ago the D7500 was $499.95 and the 18-140, which is a fine walkaround lens, was $99.95. Can't say for sure that these particular offers will popup again, but keep a watch on Slickdeals or subscribe to Nikons email updates. I have built a lot of my kit with their refurbished bodies and lenses.
You can get the 18-140 for $180-200 like new or refurbished so $300 isn't a good price. If you want a D7500 get the refurb for $500, it is regularly that price.
Yeah, it is hard to take someone seriously that says they don't use the flagship-level camera in favor of a 10y old consumer-level crop body and variable aperture superzoom. But what do I know, I've only been a professional photographer for decades dating back to developing my own film on deadline.
I have so many DSLR and mirrorless cameras - it's not even funny. I bought my D7000 last year in pristine condition with only ~100 shutter counts from MPB for only $235. .....Not sure why anyone would spend $700 on a new DSLR crop-sensor in 2026. If you're shooting just for fun and the heft makes you happy (e.g. - you perceive weight/heft = quality) - then DSLR is an option. Otherwise, my open-box Nikon Z50 that I picked up for $400 (included the kit lens) direct from Nikon (looked 100% brand new) blows my D7000 out of the park in every way (better noise reduction, video capability, option for the newest lens, easier on the wrist because it's vastly lighter, etc). If you're going to sacrifice yourself with the size/heft of a DSLR camera - you might as well get a full-frame DSLR - I picked up a pristine condition Canon 6D Mark 2 from National Camera Exchange with only 15 shutter counts for only $380 last summer.
Me 2. People dumping DSLRs and I get them for cheap. I would go the refurb or MBP route. Buy a lens with the money saved. I'm close to 30 DSLRs right now and only stopped because space is tight.
Actually, the lens is what makes it a good deal. The price is what the body alone costs new right now. The 18-140mm DX is my absolute favorite walk around lens with a DX body, surprisingly sharp and extremely versatile. It works great for daytime sports when you need a versatile zoom in daylight. Snappy focus, compact, lightweight, one of the best bargain lenses Nikon has ever made. It is the first lens I would recommend for someone that wants a DX DSLR combo. The D7500 is the next best thing to the D500 for a Nikon DX for sports and wildlife, or just casual use, but for a much smaller price. I've been a working photographer since before there was such a thing as a DSLR. I still have my D500 and D7500 and use them regularly. I hardly even get out my mirrorless z8.
Spot on truth regarding the lens. I have a D7000 and the D7500 and that lens is great for travel. I take the D7500/lens to Mexico for general photography and especially whale watching from the boats and it never fails to impress. Btw, if I see a Nikon D500 refurb, I'll grab it. Friend shoots that camera with a Tamron 150-600 and his waterfowl, bird, and wildlife images are awesome.
You can get the 18-140 for $180-200 like new or refurbished so $300 isn't a good price. If you want a D7500 get the refurb for $500, it is regularly that price.
Nikon refurbished is 6 months vs new at 12months and with such a small diference, I'll take new and get the extra 6 month warranty.
Yeah, it is hard to take someone seriously that says they don't use the flagship-level camera in favor of a 10y old consumer-level crop body and variable aperture superzoom. But what do I know, I've only been a professional photographer for decades dating back to developing my own film on deadline.
Cool. What's your website?
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I would also probably recommend not going that way unless you are not planning on moving up to mirrorless. But going towards the mirrorless offerings like the Z5II is probably the better overall move for long-term benefit. This was released almost 10 years ago and Nikon hasn't released a DSLR in over 6 years now. F-mount cameras are clearly on the way out. This will serve you well if you want something inexpensive, but I think the mirrorless are a lot easier to use and learn on.
You could eventually get a smaller mirrorless for travel and lighter duties and they are great for keeping it light. But that would run parallel to the DSLR workhorse.
Now yes if you're starting from scratch, you go mirrorless.
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I would also probably recommend not going that way unless you are not planning on moving up to mirrorless. But going towards the mirrorless offerings like the Z5II is probably the better overall move for long-term benefit. This was released almost 10 years ago and Nikon hasn't released a DSLR in over 6 years now. F-mount cameras are clearly on the way out. This will serve you well if you want something inexpensive, but I think the mirrorless are a lot easier to use and learn on.
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At the same time it nails focus better thanks to target recognition, so it's a trade off I'm ok with. The Z8 is best of both worlds with the viewfinder that doesn't lag or black out even at high fps.
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