Today I did a VERY dangerous thing...

[Geoff]

I went into TED's and played quite extensively with a D3 along with 24-70 2.8 lens, and the macro 105VR 2.8 lens.

I'm in a state of shock...this is one INCREDIBLE piece of gear....

Oh the lust....

Oh yeah, I walked out without it

[big pix]

guess you are glad that you live over the bridge........ so when are you going back

[Geoff]

guess you are glad that you live over the bridge........ so when are you going back

Possibly after I've sold the D200, 17-55DX and after our wedding in November

But TEDS won't be getting my business

[Slider]

I went into TED's and played quite extensively with a D3 along with 24-70 2.8 lens, and the macro 105VR 2.8 lens.

I'm in a state of shock...this is one INCREDIBLE piece of gear....

Oh the lust....

Oh yeah, I walked out without it

Sure is, but you need to mate it to the 200 f/4 Micro. That is one very, very nice combo.

I know of two D3 owners who (after trying the 200) have ditched their 105 VRs and acquired the 200.

The 24-70 is brilliant

[aim54x]

I'll vouch for the 24-70, simply superb, but I have been resisting the D3. I have not let myself play with one.

[sirhc55]

I went into TED's and played quite extensively with a D3 along with 24-70 2.8 lens, and the macro 105VR 2.8 lens.

I'm in a state of shock...this is one INCREDIBLE piece of gear....

Oh the lust....

Oh yeah, I walked out without it

You have never held the "Sturmgewehr" - Haenel / Schmeisser MP 43 MP 44 Stg. 44 assault rifle - now that is a REAL nice feeling

[kipper]

Are you talking about the 24-70 F2.8 IF ED because there is the non IF version which is the G type lens I believe. I know I've looked at the IF ED lens on the net and want it quite badly Just waiting for some money to come back to me.

[aim54x]

Are you talking about the 24-70 F2.8 IF ED because there is the non IF version which is the G type lens I believe. I know I've looked at the IF ED lens on the net and want it quite badly Just waiting for some money to come back to me.

I am talking about the Nikon AF-S Nikkor 24-70mm f/2.8G ED (IF) with the Nano crystal coat. This lens extends and contracts a little as you zoom but is still an IF lens as the focusing does not change the length of the lens, nor does it rotate the front element.

[kipper]

Yeah that's the baby I want, over here it's about £1000. I really want this lens for landscape and portrait/family photos. I like my 50mm F1.4 but it doesn't always get all of the subjects in the shot when working with limited space.

[aim54x]

Yeah that's the baby I want, over here it's about £1000. I really want this lens for landscape and portrait/family photos. I like my 50mm F1.4 but it doesn't always get all of the subjects in the shot when working with limited space.

That is the G type lens, I have not heard of another version of this lens other than the 28-70 which it replaces which is a AF-S non G (has an aperture ring)

[kipper]

Yeah my Sony, was writing the reply in a hurry. The 24-70mm F2.8G ED AF-S is the G type lens and isn't internal focus. Whereas the 28-70mm F2.8 ED-IF AF-S is the lens that I really like purely because it's IF. Not sure how much better it is over the 24-70, maybe somebody else can comment. The 28-70 seems harder to come by.

[gstark]

The 28-70 seems harder to come by.

That would be because it's out of production, having been replaced by the D3 kit lens aka the 24-70.

How's it going over there, Darryl?

[aim54x]

Yeah my Sony, was writing the reply in a hurry. The 24-70mm F2.8G ED AF-S is the G type lens and isn't internal focus. Whereas the 28-70mm F2.8 ED-IF AF-S is the lens that I really like purely because it's IF. Not sure how much better it is over the 24-70, maybe somebody else can comment. The 28-70 seems harder to come by.

Its funny how manufacturers and consumers define things a little differently. Manufacturers define IF as when focusing does not rotate the front element (inclusive) or the length of the lens does not change during focus (so lenses like the Tamron 17-50 and the Nikkor 24-70 are IF lenses by this definition). A lot of consumers define IF as nothing moving during both focus and zoom (which means the previous two lenses are not IF, IF being reserved for lenses like the 105VR, 60VR, 70-200VR).

Just out of interest what does everyone think should be the definition?

I tend to take the definition of no movement during focus only .

[Wocka]

Geoff,

Maybe you can put it to Bel this way.

1) With a fantastic camera / lens combo like that, you can shoot your own wedding while your in it. I know your Photographer and his prices ( he did my wedding 5 years ago + inflation ). It's a D3, it will take the image you want without you telling it.
2) Bel can "make do" with a nice "off the rack" dress from a store at the Mall. That alone would easily pay for half of the camera. It's only a dress she will wear once. A dress is only one memory, a D3 will give you many.
3) Think of the honeymoon pictures, a D200 just won't cut it any more. Not compared to a D3.

P.S. Let me know when Bel is on her way over, I'll start running.....

[Reschsmooth]

Geoff,

Maybe you can put it to Bel this way.

1) With a fantastic camera / lens combo like that, you can shoot your own wedding while your in it. I know your Photographer and his prices ( he did my wedding 5 years ago + inflation ). It's a D3, it will take the image you want without you telling it.
2) Bel can "make do" with a nice "off the rack" dress from a store at the Mall. That alone would easily pay for half of the camera. It's only a dress she will wear once. A dress is only one memory, a D3 will give you many.
3) Think of the honeymoon pictures, a D200 just won't cut it any more. Not compared to a D3.

P.S. Let me know when Bel is on her way over, I'll start running.....

Warwick, I have already given Geoff similar ammunition, but I think he is chicken. I also emphasised the point that his 17-55 won't work well on the D3 (ok, I was referring to the D700 at the time), so he can use the D200, and I will look after the D3 whilst he is on his honeymoon.

Geoff, always remember: Forgiveness is easier to get than permission! (Oh, and you will soon realise: happy wife, happy life!)

Here's another money saving tip - Dee Why RSL would make a great wedding reception venue!

[dviv]

Tell her that when you get the D3 - She gets the D200

(Okay so that didn't work for me but it might work for you)

[gstark]

Here's another money saving tip - Dee Why RSL would make a great wedding reception venue!

What's the cost of a bucket at KFC? And it can do double duty as a trashcan!

Plus a white t-shirt and shorts for Bel, and we should just about be set.

[Reschsmooth]

Tell her that when you get the D3 - She gets the D200

(Okay so that didn't work for me but it might work for you)

David, Geoff should buy Bel the D3, but then tell her that he needs to gain experience with it so he can teach her how to use it. This may take 2-5 years.

[dviv]

David, Geoff should buy Bel the D3, but then tell her that he needs to gain experience with it so he can teach her how to use it. This may take 2-5 years.

Good thinking Patrick - It's important to be knowledgeable, experienced and professional when teaching someone.

[jdear]

It's only a dress she will wear once. A dress is only one memory, a D3 will give you many.

Not if she trashes it

Who did you book for your wedding? Congrats and can't wait to see the photos!
Your a brave man walking into a shop to play with the D3. Ive been banned from L&P...!

[aim54x]

David, Geoff should buy Bel the D3, but then tell her that he needs to gain experience with it so he can teach her how to use it. This may take 2-5 years.

Good thinking Patrick - It's important to be knowledgeable, experienced and professional when teaching someone.

I am sure that will work! I have been doing the same with my little sisters S5 Pro, she is paying me back slowly and i am using the camera to get familiar with it.

[Geoff]

Guys,

I'm a lucky boy, as Bel's given the 'yes' to a D3, but she'd prefer if we wait til after the wedding

I will sell the D200 and 17-55DX lens.

I've chosen Grant Shwartz (now known as Vanilla Bean Pictures - http://www.vanillabeanpictures.com.au). This is his current website - http://www.grantschwarz.com.au/.

[Geoff]

He who hesitates
The price of the D3 has sky rocketed since yesterday!

Yesterday's price $4980 (at DD photographics)
Today's price $5789

[gstark]

He who hesitates
The price of the D3 has sky rocketed since yesterday!

Yesterday's price $4980 (at DD photographics)
Today's price $5789

The magic of currency fluctuations at work. Such is the life of the Pacific Peso, which has dropped by more than 10% in the last week or two.

[barry]

12% drop in currency (98c to 87c). 16% in price. Seems like some profit taking?

[gstark]

12% drop in currency (98c to 87c). 16% in price. Seems like some profit taking?

Perhaps, but we have no knowledge of the actual currency rates (and hedge methods) that they have in place. Nor do we have any knowledge of their actual purchase price, which may also have moved.

[sirhc55]

$5225 today from d-d

[Geoff]

$5225 today from d-d

Wow Chris, that's changed in the last few hours.

Maybe they are watching this thread?

$5225 - I'd only pay HALF that!! (watches price eagerly...then stops dreaming!)

[sirhc55]

Or this with free SB800 http://cgi.ebay.com.au/NIKON-D3-DSLR-Professional_W0QQitemZ150284453652QQihZ005QQcategoryZ43453QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

But I would keep in mind Geoff that every time you purchase a product a new version arrives

[sirhc55]

Worth the trip to Batemans Bay

[Geoff]

Or this with free SB800 http://cgi.ebay.com.au/NIKON-D3-DSLR-Professional_W0QQitemZ150284453652QQihZ005QQcategoryZ43453QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

But I would keep in mind Geoff that every time you purchase a product a new version arrives

This is true, indeed but my upgrade process has been moderate I believe.
D70, D200.....
Still don't have (nor will I get) the SB-900.

That seller's rating on ebay is less than ordinary too.

[Reschsmooth]

That seller's rating on ebay is less than ordinary too.

And, he "cannot now" use full-frame either. Must be a religious thing. Perhaps he/she is from Nigeria?

[gstark]

Get Steve (or someone on the south coast) to wander down and have a Captain Cook at this and verify the bona fides of this deal.

[gstark]

That seller's rating on ebay is less than ordinary too.

And, he "cannot now" use full-frame either. Must be a religious thing. Perhaps he/she is from Nigeria?

No longer has full frame eyes.

[sirhc55]

I bought my D2Hs from a seller that was being given a very hard time on this very forum.

I bought my 8Gb card from an eBay seller that was castigated on this very forum.

I bought my Samsung off an eBay seller that was far from just 2 negatives.

Plus I have purchased many other items where the seller is less than 100% feedback.

Pickup is generally a safe bet - you see the product, you play with the product and if all is OK you purchase.

And Patrick, I’ve never heard of any Nigerians living in Batemans Bay

Just keep in mind all you doubters that the crooks are very often closer to home - a lot of you will know what I mean

[Geoff]

Just keep in mind all you doubters that the crooks are very often closer to home - a lot of you will know what I mean

Too true Sirh! Too true!!

[Glen]

Just keep in mind all you doubters that the crooks are very often closer to home - a lot of you will know what I mean

Hey I live in Neutral Bay too! Mate you must have missed it, there is a clean up the Bay program on, my street is full of cops every day

[Geoff]

Just keep in mind all you doubters that the crooks are very often closer to home - a lot of you will know what I mean

Hey I live in Neutral Bay too! Mate you must have missed it, there is a clean up the Bay program on, my street is full of cops every day

Hehe..and that's before you step outside

[Reschsmooth]

And Patrick, I’ve never heard of any Nigerians living in Batemans Bay

Doesn't mean they don't

Plus, one could reasonably expect a less than comforting reason why someone would be offloading gear like this so heavily reduced. I don't know anything about this seller and am not making a judgement as to their legitimacy or that of their goods.

[sirhc55]

Just keep in mind all you doubters that the crooks are very often closer to home - a lot of you will know what I mean

Hey I live in Neutral Bay too! Mate you must have missed it, there is a clean up the Bay program on, my street is full of cops every day

The cops should try Woolies in the Bay (both of them) as I’m sure there might be a few people ready to be deported

[big pix]

Worth the trip to Batemans Bay

bargain....... should pop up and buy it

[kipper]

Gary, life over here is good. Although since I've moved out my photography has suffered as I don't find I have the time as much anymore to do it. In the last month or so I have got back into it but taking portrait photos and event photos for family. Which is how I started with photography in the first place (eg. covering cousin's weddings etc). As a result I want to start purchase some kit essential for that type of work. I've been looking at the Lightsphere Cloud as it seems like a good portable diffuser for events to catch candid photos. However I've also seen the Lastolite Ezybox that jdear was using for his wedding photos and that looks amazing too but I think it seems a little less portable and great for producing softlight for setup shots on location (although it does have the handheld pole). Then of course there is the Orbis and Rayflash ringflashes which again produce softlight but nice catchlights in the subject eyes. Plus on top of that I want the expodisc whitebalance (standard and warm) discs for calibrating. As for my nature photography that has stopped and the last time I took any shots was last november. I'm going to try and shift my 500mm as it's just sitting around doing nothing and it's money that could be better off spent in my pocket before it becomes a paper weight!

Darryl

[Matt. K]

Geoff
YOU DESERVE THE D3. Say after me..."I deserve a D3"

Bel........leave him! He's a selfish pig.

[Wocka]

Matt,

Bel has promised a lot of new ( expensive ) toys for Geoff after the wedding.

I think she is still in the recruiting stage. Hopefully promises made will come through once Geoff has signed the "letter of offer".

[who]

Matt,

Bel has promised a lot of new ( expensive ) toys for Geoff after the wedding.

I think she is still in the recruiting stage. Hopefully promises made will come through once Geoff has signed the "letter of offer".

Nope - in small print -- The terms in this document are the whole agreement and no prior verbal representations will be taken to be part of this contract. What is yours (the groom, aforementioned Geoff) is now mine (the bride, aforementioned Bel) and what is mine* is mine*.

[gstark]

Matt,

Bel has promised a lot of new ( expensive ) toys for Geoff after the wedding.

I think she is still in the recruiting stage. Hopefully promises made will come through once Geoff has signed the "letter of offer".

Nope - in small print -- The terms in this document are the whole agreement and no prior verbal representations will be taken to be part of this contract. What is yours (the groom, aforementioned Geoff) is now mine (the bride, aforementioned Bel) and what is mine* is mine*.

Ah yes .... marriage is a matter of give and take: give as little as you can, and take as much as you can!

[Geoff]

Geeze guys - anyone around here who ISN'T cynical about marriage?

[Wocka]

Yes my cat.
Hang on the wife took that as well. It's no longer mine.

[gstark]

Geeze guys - anyone around here who ISN'T cynical about marriage?

Only those who have never done it.

[Glen]

Well said Warwick and Gary