Camera purchasing excercise - DPChallenge Forums

Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 USM Macro

05/19/2006 10:37:09 AM · #1

OK, y'all are going to go shopping with $2200 and get anything you want.

Body: Nikon D50 ($700)
Lens(es):
Flash:
Filter(s):
Misc:

I realize this has probably been done time and again but I've finally got the money to get the darn thing. I'm starting with a d50 as I've spent time playing with Nikon, Pentax, Canon etc and found that I'm most comfortable with the Nikons so I'll start with the D50 and when I outgrow it I can upgrade the body and still have some decent lenses.

So, if you don't wanna do this and are tired of these, just don't respond as such. If you think I should go to another brand, that won't happen either. My hands are lusty for Nikon. Sorry.

Thanks everyone in advance.

Spork99

OM System OM-1

05/19/2006 10:45:12 AM · #2

Body: Nikon D200 ($1700)
Lens(es):Nikkor 24-120mm f/3.5-5.6G ED-IF AF-S VR (~$500)
Flash:
Filter(s):
Misc:

Originally posted by sdunsmoor:

Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 USM Macro

05/19/2006 11:19:17 AM · #3

That's an interesting proposition. Not sure I'm ready to jump that far into it with a D200.
Thanks Spaz.

Spork99

OM System OM-1

05/19/2006 11:28:36 AM · #4

Originally posted by sdunsmoor:

That's an interesting proposition. Not sure I'm ready to jump that far into it with a D200.
Thanks Spaz.

If you're not ready for the D200, then get the D70 and the 24-120 lens (or similar) and save the rest of your money. Shoot with the one lens and body for a while and it will soon become evident what your further want/needs are, then, you'll have money to get what you know you need. With this kind of approach, you will concentrate on the photography you are doing and not so much on the gear.

talmy

Nikon D300s

Nikon AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 16-85 f/3.5-5.6G ED VR

05/19/2006 11:55:19 AM · #5

Originally posted by sdunsmoor:

OK, y'all are going to go shopping with $2200 and get anything you want.

The basic problem with this is it so depends on one's shooting style and subjects. For instance, I shoot 99% with a tripod and would drop $700 on a Gitzo and a good ball head right off the top because I know my shots would be crap with a $100 special (or hand-held). Now I'm down to $800 for glass and incidentals. I'd get the 18-70 as a good value all-around lens (the D50 kit lens is a PITA with circular polarizers because the front element rotates when focusing), and a 50mm F/1.8 for high quality and low light. That leaves enough left over for a Sigma 70-300 APO (not particulary good, but within the budget), and a few high quality filters to share among the lenses with adapters.

But if I did mainly handheld, I'd jump at the 18-200VR, a 10-20 (Sigma) or 12-24 (Tokina) and have $200 for incidentals.

A sports shooter might want to blow the whole wad on the D50 and a 70-200VR.

Nikon AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 ED

05/19/2006 12:04:52 PM · #6

@Talny-Defeinitely have thought of the 18-200 to get started as it gives me a good range to learn more what my style really is. There's alot of things I've wanted to do but have definitely been limited with just a p&s. Athletes don't take too kindly to someone getting closer by walking onto the field. I hear you about the tripod and specific preferences too though and I'll have to figure much out myself.

@Spaz- Definitely good advice for myself as I certainly will need to learn alot when I move to a dSLR and having a decent ranged lens will let me focus on photography instead of which lens I should use for something. Or which one I want next for that matter. D70 has been on my radar but would certainly want to go new. I might just spring for the 70s.

Apple iPhone 5

05/19/2006 12:12:46 PM · #7

Originally posted by sdunsmoor:

OK, y'all are going to go shopping with $2200 and get anything you want.

Yippee! That's very generous of you.

Do you need my postal address, or will Paypal be okay?

05/19/2006 12:13:46 PM · #8

Well, I'm just that kinda guy! I'll be sure to send it to you right away.

Do you take rubber cheques?

Message edited by author 2006-05-19 12:30:25.