What Field Recorder? ... You've got bigger things to worry about.

I've been spending time on audio related forums recently and the same question seems to pop up quite a lot....

"What field recording tool should I buy?"

Unfortunately, there is a tendency to obsess over equipment when starting out in recording, though I imagine this is true for other creative pursuits too. While your first camera or first, I dunno, fishing rod, might be an important factor in dictating the direction of your learning journey, your first sound recorder doesn't have to be something to pull your hair out over. Why? Because the Zoom, Sony, and Tascam currently make amazing sound recording devices that cost very little, and the technology is only getting better and better. Not only that, but of the many factors that contribute to a bad recording, these days, kit is rarely one of them.

We have incredible tools for field recording compared to five years ago, let alone longer than that. A $200 Zoom-Whatever vs a $2000 Sound-Devices-Whatever will do a better job if you record good material, at the right input level, in the right environment. My point is, the weak link will most likely be your skills or recording environment, especially when starting out.
I've been watching some behind the scenes documentaries recently about sound design. Among other equipment, a (sub 100 dollars) Zoom H1 was used to record sounds for BLADERUNNER 2049. I saw Zoom H4Ns (mk1) being used for field recording for Jurassic World.

Anyway, personally, if I was put on the spot to recommend something for someone starting out in field recording, I think the Zoom H4N-Pro is worth a look because it's affordable but has features you can grow into. Regardless, no modern field recording product from Zoom, Sony or Tascam is going to limit your ability to get out there and record some compelling audio.