2nd Nikon Body - which one
Discussion
Just answered a post on another thread about the price of DSLR camera kits, and it's got me thinking whether I ought to buy another body to go with my existing Nikon gear.
I've currently got a D700, with several lenses (50mm F1.4, 24-70 F2.8, 70-300 F4-5.6, 105mm F2.8 Micro) and accessories. On trackday outings, and at Le Mans this year, there were occasions where I hankered after greater reach.
I've got a 2x extender but the loss of stops dusk-dawn may be an issue for Le Mans, and some gloomy UK days - also makes grabbing focus a damned site more difficult.
What DX based body would make a good addition to my kit? Guessing logically the D300s, but are there other recommendations? Maybe something with a smaller form factor? Would I also be better getting one with a kit lens rather than body only - if so, what's the best recommendation for DX kit lenses at present - for walkabout/general use.
Sat in Shenzhen at present, and about to head to HK for a couple of days before coming home, with a little left over expenses to burn (swaying against Wanchai this time!)...
I've currently got a D700, with several lenses (50mm F1.4, 24-70 F2.8, 70-300 F4-5.6, 105mm F2.8 Micro) and accessories. On trackday outings, and at Le Mans this year, there were occasions where I hankered after greater reach.
I've got a 2x extender but the loss of stops dusk-dawn may be an issue for Le Mans, and some gloomy UK days - also makes grabbing focus a damned site more difficult.
What DX based body would make a good addition to my kit? Guessing logically the D300s, but are there other recommendations? Maybe something with a smaller form factor? Would I also be better getting one with a kit lens rather than body only - if so, what's the best recommendation for DX kit lenses at present - for walkabout/general use.
Sat in Shenzhen at present, and about to head to HK for a couple of days before coming home, with a little left over expenses to burn (swaying against Wanchai this time!)...
Edited by bradders on Thursday 11th November 06:04
Hmm, been googling since I last posted. Looking like the D7000 may be the answer, if I can lay my hands on one over here at a price worth buying here. Guess they will drop back in blighty a bit over the coming months too.
Any thoughts on kit lenses? Is any one demonstrably better than the others IQ wise, or are they all much of a muchness?
Ta Bradders.
Any thoughts on kit lenses? Is any one demonstrably better than the others IQ wise, or are they all much of a muchness?
Ta Bradders.
). RobDickinson said:
Hasnt Nikon got a new 80-400 coming out or something?
If all you want is more reach buy a longer lens.
Crop (well pixel density) only realy matters when you run out of affordable focal length.
There's an 80-400 listed at WHE and all users claim it's a good lens that takes a bit of getting used to. Downsides would be the weight (lugging round Le Mans all day) and the price - nearly £1200 - so cheaper to get a new body and use the 70-300 I have already, which is quite light for the range. If all you want is more reach buy a longer lens.
Crop (well pixel density) only realy matters when you run out of affordable focal length.
The 80-400 is also criticised for having slow focussing over 300mm - although, I take such with a pinch sometimes - would need to try one in action maybe - possible rental option before buying.
Simpo, a lot of the time, that's ok. Sometimes though, say when you get a decent front end shot of car and driver, it's nice to be able to crop really tight, and see the concentration in the eyes!! Nothing wrong with the D700 at all - in fact, it's positively a belter!
Gonna have a wander around the Island tomorrow to see what that throws up price wise.
Does anyone have any thoughts on Nikon kit lenses, or an I better buying body only?
Cheers Bradders
Gonna have a wander around the Island tomorrow to see what that throws up price wise.
Does anyone have any thoughts on Nikon kit lenses, or an I better buying body only?
Cheers Bradders
Edited by bradders on Thursday 11th November 14:59
bradders said:
Does anyone have any thoughts on Nikon kit lenses, or an I better buying body only?
Cheers Bradders
I'm fairly new to 'proper' photography so take what I say with a pinch of salt but I don't think I'd bother with the kit lens (assuming we're talking 18-55 here). There isn't anything much wrong with it but even with my meagre abilities I'm finding it a bit limited in range terms and already looking at alternatives. I think it's a great lens to get to know DSLR photography with but that certainly doesn't sound like you.Cheers Bradders
bradders said:
RobDickinson said:
Hasnt Nikon got a new 80-400 coming out or something?
If all you want is more reach buy a longer lens.
Crop (well pixel density) only realy matters when you run out of affordable focal length.
There's an 80-400 listed at WHE and all users claim it's a good lens that takes a bit of getting used to. Downsides would be the weight (lugging round Le Mans all day) and the price - nearly £1200 - so cheaper to get a new body and use the 70-300 I have already, which is quite light for the range. If all you want is more reach buy a longer lens.
Crop (well pixel density) only realy matters when you run out of affordable focal length.
The 80-400 is also criticised for having slow focussing over 300mm - although, I take such with a pinch sometimes - would need to try one in action maybe - possible rental option before buying.
300mm will get you to 450mm on the D300 but it will be 1-2 stops noisier when you bump the ISO.
So I'd look into a longer lens, I dont shoot nikon so dont know the options, canon I would look at the 400f5.6L or 100-400L or the bigma OS.
Theres also options like the 100-300f4 sigma with TC or the 120-300f2.8. The new 120-300f2.8 OS looks spectacular but likely way out of my price range.
Once you hit that 400/5.6 price barrier (with canon anyhow) then the higher pixel density of crops makes sense untill you can afford a 400/2.8 or 500/600/800.
Simpo - spot on, yes I will use the 70-300 I already have if I get a DX body. Kit lens was more so that the other half can use it at other times. Everytime I take the camera out, she's always wanting a go - thinking was that for the extra price buying a kit, I get (or she does) more use. Alternatively, I could give her the 24-70 and I can use the 50mm. Depends on the price difference, and whether the kit lenses are OK.
Rob - will have a look for the lens you mention today. Maybe it will be out here, who knows. If it's an L equivalent, I am guessing it will be well north of the £1K mark at home, so may be out on price for the same reasons.
SRP here on the D7000 is 10,450HKD = £836 as at today, and past experience suggests the sellers usually give discount. Best price at home looks like £949 at present As it's a sunny day for a change here, rather than a smog fest, I think it's time to take a stroll.
Rob - will have a look for the lens you mention today. Maybe it will be out here, who knows. If it's an L equivalent, I am guessing it will be well north of the £1K mark at home, so may be out on price for the same reasons.
SRP here on the D7000 is 10,450HKD = £836 as at today, and past experience suggests the sellers usually give discount. Best price at home looks like £949 at present As it's a sunny day for a change here, rather than a smog fest, I think it's time to take a stroll.
Brief wander around, and the D7000 is a couple of weeks from availability here. Nobody carrying it. Not been to the hawkers of Nathan Road, but island side prices expecting to retail at 9750HKD = £780 approx, if anyone is planning a trip out here soon.
Ta Bradders
Ta Bradders
Edited by bradders on Friday 12th November 04:43
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