What I’d Buy If I Were Starting Photography in 2025 (Nikon Edition)

Martin Wong ·

Key takeaways

  • 17-18 years of Nikon. If I started over (from 0:00).
  • Beginner: Z30. Z50 sensor, flip screen; about $600 kit, at the time (from 2:00).
  • Full frame: Z5. Used about $900, 40mm f/2 about $180, at the time (from 3:00).
  • Pro kit. About $5,000; used 24-70 f/2.8 about $1,300, at the time (from 5:00).

I've been a Nikon shooter for over 17 years—and today, I'm showing you what I’d buy if I were starting photography all over again in 2025. From a $600 beginner kit to a full $5,000 pro setup, this Nikon gear guide will help you avoid the hype and get what actually works.

(If you want to buy brand new, here are the gear)

Camera:

Nikon Z30: https://geni.us/NikonZ30Mirrorless

Nikon Z5: https://geni.us/NikonZ5Mirrorless

Nikon Z6III: https://geni.us/NikonZ6IIIMirrorless

Lens:

Nikon Z 28mm f/2.8: https://geni.us/NIKKORz28mm

Nikon Z 40mm f/2: https://geni.us/NIKKORz40mm

Nikon Z 24-70mm f/4: https://geni.us/NIKKORz24-70mm

Nikon Z 85mm f/1.8 S: https://geni.us/NIKKORz85mmf18

Nikon Z 14-30mm f/4 S: https://geni.us/NIKKORz14-30mm

Memory - Kingston SDXC: https://geni.us/KingstonSDcard

Light - ZhiYun X100: https://geni.us/MOLUSX100Pro

00:00 - Opening

00:43 - Intro

01:28 - Tier 1: $600

03:05 - Tier 2: $1,500

04:24 - Tier 3: $5,000

06:51 - Outro

FAQ

What Nikon would you start with on a budget?

The Z30. Great autofocus, the same sensor as the Z50, and a flip screen.

What would you buy to go full frame cheaply?

A Nikon Z5, which you can find used, with the 40mm f/2.

Keep reading

Questions? Ask me in the comments on the video on YouTube.