Getting new lenses ... suggestions

[tommyg]

Well, the time has come to buy now, or pay more in the coming years.... so we''ve decided to bite the bullet and buy some lenses... basically heading overseas for 8 weeks later in the year and want to make the most of the trip!

Current Bodies: D700 & D90
Current Lenses: 18-200DX, 24-120 VR FX, 70-300 VR, 50mm 1.4D

To Buy;

Nikkor 14-24 f2.8
Nikkor 24-70 f2.8
Nikkor 70-200 f2.8
Nikkor 105 Micro f2.8 (won't come with us OS)
Nikkor 300 f4 (won't come with us OS)
Tokina 11-16 f2.8 DX

TC 14E & 17E

SB900

So far in Adelaide the best prices we've found are from Ted's (just under 11k) - haven't asked any of them to price match etc.

Any comments / suggestions?

ps: anyone in Adelaide interested in adding to the order to try and beat down the price - PM myself or Chica

Cheers

[fozzie]

Have you factored in the increase that will take effect on the 1st February.

I contacted Photographic Wholesalers last week and they are currently selling the SB-900 for $678, and after the 1st Feb. existing and new stock will retail somewhere in the $900's. I have not taken it any further at this stage.

* European Camera Specialist are currently selling for $615 + Shipping:

http://www.cameras.net.au/index.php?cPath=31

fozzie

[ljxphotography]

I only have one question,

why would you get the Tokina 11-16 f2.8 DX, when you are getting a full frame 14-24 as well?

that would be spending money twice on the same focal length.

Mick

[aim54x]

I am thinking 11-16 is for the D90, but i am with the above, you dont need it.

[tommyg]

The SB900 is $615 from Ted's and L&P, whilst Photographic Wholesalers wanted $650.

The price increase next week is exactly why we've decided to do it all now, they've all agreed to do them at pre-February prices so long as we purchase them this week.

In regards to the Tokina - good point. Basically the Tokina is for Chica on the D90, all the rest are for me! (oh OK Chica - both of us). She wants to get the maximum wide she can. Although the D700 with the 14-24 is still going to get a wider shot that the D90 with the 11-16 on it... hmm Chica your thoughts?

[Chica]

Well, my thoughts.... well....

Thought 1. I could probably talk to you as you are in the same room!! LOL

The Tokina price is really good and is going up alot. How much difference will there be between the 14-24 and the 11-16? Decisions decisions.......

[radar]

Not knowing what you intend to photograph on your trip, so use the advice with a grain of salt

The 70-200 is a heavy lens to carry. You have the 70-300VR. You have that range covered and it is much more compact and light weight. From all accounts, the 70-300VR is actually not a bad lens if you know its limitations, eg over 200mm, use it sparingly and then only when you have a fast enough shutter speed. The 70-200 can vignette on the D700 when at large apertures, so be aware of that, it is also due for an upgrade, maybe.

I would also forget about the Tokina. How often would you both need very wide at the same time? The 24-70 is quite wide on a D700, would also give you different compositions then Chica.

Happy shopping and have a great trip later on

Cheers,

André

[aim54x]

Having used the AF-S 70-300mm VR I have to admit that it is a very good lens, optically very good just not as fast as the 70-200 VR. I would consider taking this overseas with me along with the 24-70 and there have a good D700 kit. But then again where are you going what do you think you will encounter in your travels?

Hopefully I will be able to play with Mozzie's 11-16 tomorrow but it is a lens that appears to be infalliable. BTW what price are you getting the Tokina for at Teds? The price on that lens went up hugely in the last few months.

A mate had a problem with what glass to bring when he went to NZ over christmas and was considering getting a G10 or a LX3 instead but could not find one to buy. I told him to take his 10-20, 30 1.4 and 100 2.8 Macro with his 20D and he came back a very happy man with lots of good photos. Sometimes less is more.

[Yi-P]

Well, the time has come to buy now, or pay more in the coming years.... so we''ve decided to bite the bullet and buy some lenses... basically heading overseas for 8 weeks later in the year and want to make the most of the trip!

Consider saving some money in buying equipment insurance for overseas if you plan to bring such serious gears.

[tommyg]

Thanks for the tip on insurance - will absolutely make sure we our covered when we go - would hate to lose them so soon if something went wrong.

In regards to the Tokina, we found a store that gave us a price of $899 for it - they were getting it from store that didn't want it. But, in the end doesn't look like we'll get it as the 14-24 on the full frame will do better anyway... I take the wide angle shots, and chica does the long range zooms

The lens we decided to get in the end are; 14-24 2.8, 24-70 2.8, 70-200 2.8, 105 Micro, 300 f4, 1.4TC... now we just have to decide how many countries we have to drop from our trip to make up the difference!

Hopefully the 105 micro will arrive before next weekend for the macro shoot!

[Chica]

We are dropping NO countries from our trip!! We are just living on toasted sandwiches and baked beans for 2 years!

[tommyg]

Baked beans are expensive though!

[Big V]

Tom, have you considered this lens in a Nikon mount? http://www.qualitycamera.com.au/product ... 7d1c95c0c5 it is only 38500 dollars at the moment!!! I am sure Cathy could carry it if you strap some wheels onto it

[fozzie]

Tom & Cathy - very nice buy up. Nothing wrong with toast and bake beans, except for the noise several hours after

Thanks for the tip on insurance - will absolutely make sure we our covered when we go - would hate to lose them so soon if something went wrong.

In regards to the Tokina, we found a store that gave us a price of $899 for it - they were getting it from store that didn't want it. But, in the end doesn't look like we'll get it as the 14-24 on the full frame will do better anyway... I take the wide angle shots, and chica does the long range zooms

The lens we decided to get in the end are; 14-24 2.8, 24-70 2.8, 70-200 2.8, 105 Micro, 300 f4, 1.4TC... now we just have to decide how many countries we have to drop from our trip to make up the difference!

Hopefully the 105 micro will arrive before next weekend for the macro shoot!

[feldy]

Hi guys - had a play with a Nikkor 105 Micro f2.8 [borrowed from a pro friend of mine] the other day - nice lens, but was actually quite surprised with how slow the auto-focus on it works.

[who]

Tom & Cathy - very nice buy up. Nothing wrong with toast and bake beans, except for the noise several hours after

Probably too late -- but you could also look at the Nikkor 80-400VR -- it would work with either body and gives you some more length and probably similar weight or a bit lighter than the 70-200VR.

I find myself now carrying my D200, 28-70 and 80-400 quite a bit. Sometimes I swap the 28-70 for my Sigma 10-20 as well if I want wide or long.