Alpha 7 II

Sony A7ii should be in your budget. Has decent focus aids and pretty effective IBIS, and it's easy to find in good condition.

There’s a big difference in the ‘look’ between Zeiss Loxia and Sony G Master lenses. Unlike the earlier Carl Zeiss lenses for Sony Alpha, the G Master lenses have zero Carl Zeiss involvement. Let there be no confusion here - G Master is a 100% Sony product and 0% Carl Zeiss. I agree with the OP that

If you’re really looking to just get one and done, I’d recommend looking into the Sony a7ii, full frame camera, body is around $500. That way if you want a full frame later, you already got a pretty good one. This camera body also has IBIS. The e-mount lenses are also versatile, and there’s some ove

Thanks for the input! I don’t shoot video, so the cropped 4k is no big deal. I saw the a7 lineup and was also considering maybe an a7ii (IBIS is a must!) being more in the price range that I could afford. How does the a7ii and a7iii stack up against each other? Do you think it’s worth going for a So

For your use you could save by buying older - sony A7 on , full-frame, A7ii , ibis . Sony nex have 1.5x crop but you could get a speed-booster ~$80 ?? Some newer cams have been on sale at budget - RP .

Not exactly familiar with all your candidates, but as a Canon dslr to Sony A7ii user, the S5ii won't disappoint in the slightest. Better body than the Sony. L mount glass is excellent (more affordable than you say imo) plus has adapter options. Probably just plan on investing in L mount and even Lum