Wow another equipment thread! no way!

Tamron AF 28-300mm f/3.5-6.3 XR Di LD Aspherical IF for Canon

11/22/2007 01:12:00 AM · #1

Your all so very lucky, I've come to you for equipment advice as so many others have in the past.

I currently have the D40 with the 18-200 VR and I'm loving it. The reason that I went this way is because I am very new to photography (roughly 5 months) and I wanted a good platform to get me started with good image quality while not limiting my options, to feel out where my interests lie.

Well it turns out my interest mainly lie in portraiture and a little landscape. I have already aquired 2 strobes(sb-80dx) stand, clamp, gels, brellas, triggers and all them fun lighting mods.

So the question now is in which direction should I go with my gear to make full use of the area's I'm going to be shooting.

With the release of the D300 I'm expecting a drop in price of used D200's, I figure with the resale of the D40 I can upgrade to the D200 for around $500. This is tempting because I would like bracketing to experiment with some HDR, and also the whole only auto focusing with AF-S glass is kind of annoying when you have friends with a plethora of glass that won't focus for you. I already have 2 friends with 85 1.8's that I can borrow on very short notice so for a prime lens I'm thinking 60mm macro 2.8 as this would allow me to try out a whole new area I haven't even touched (macro) while providing a nice prime portrait lens.

What do people think? is this a good plan or should I just save for a 17-55 f/2.8 and 70-200 f/2.8?

Other options I haven't taken into consideration?
Things that I've left out that would be useful in the decision making process?

Thx all

SDW

Canon EOS-60D

11/22/2007 01:24:43 AM · #2

I wish I could help you but I'm kind of in the same situation, sort-of.

Not owning a Nikon I don't have much knowledge about the lens that are available. You say you are set on prime lens and after looking at your work (which is very good) I think the 17-55 f/2.8 would be a good range for your work. I know this is a prime but possibly something around 100-105mm f/2.8 micro would be good.

Wish I could be of help. You have some great shots in your portfolio. Keep up the good work.

SDW

crayon

Samsung Galaxy S24, S24+, S24 Ultra

11/22/2007 01:29:23 AM · #3

Originally posted by Nocturnal_Delusion:

Well it turns out my interest mainly lie in portraiture and a little landscape.

Other options I haven't taken into consideration?

How about a new body like the Fuji S5Pro to quench your portraiture craves?

ShorterThanJesus

Nikon D300

Nikon AF Nikkor 50mm f/1.8D

11/22/2007 01:34:42 AM · #4

Edit: Too slow. I agree with this guy ^

You may want to consider a Fujifilm S5 Pro. They're based on Nikon bodies (S5 = D200) and thus you can continue using your lens collection. If the spin is to be believed, the sensor produces much more natural skin tones (portraiture) and also has a much higher range of sensitivity (landscapes/HDR).

[Trevor's father shoots with the S5 Pro I believe]

Message edited by author 2007-11-22 01:36:05.

11/22/2007 03:04:26 AM · #5

@Swiddon: Thx man I appreciate it, the 17-55 is a DEFINITELY a key contester, I really like that range.

@Crayon & Shorty: Oh Snap! I hadn't even known of this option... Thx for the heads up!

11/22/2007 01:27:34 PM · #6

Edit to say:
After a little research I'm starting to sway away from the Fuji S5 for a few reasons. #1 being that I they are very hard to find used (meaning I'd have to buy new) and, #2 If I were to buy new the D200 just dropped to $1400(CAD) where the fuji S5 hasn't mirrored this drop and is still $1650(CAD) locally, If I'm pushing my budget to that range I might as well get the D300!

While the more natural skin tones would be AWESOME to have I'm still a bit skeptical of that 6.1 + 6.1 = 12.2mp sensor weirdness and about half the reviews I've read thought the same thing.

For the same cost of the new S5 Body I think I'd prefer to get a 17-55, or a used D200 and that 60 f2.8, but I'm not totally set on that yet it's still niggling in the back of my mind.

Message edited by author 2007-11-22 20:36:35.