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Ladies and Gents,

I have some money itching a hole in my pocket again. I feel the need for another purchase! What I have is listed in my signature. Here's what I was thinking I might need:

Nikkor 12-24 DX f/4 AFS @ $1379
Sigma 10-20mm @ $599
SB600 @ $279
Remote trigger plus 2 x slaves @ $70
Cleaning kit @ $24
4GB Ducatti card @ $149

I can't afford it all. I'm thinking the flash first and then maybe a lens when I get paid in Feb. I guess I just want an all round kit that can do everything well (maybe not perfectly).

Second hand is an option for all of it. Just need to be in the right place at the right time.

What do you reckon is the best purchase? Do I need a shorter lens given I love my 17-50mm Tammie?

Any help much appreciated.

Cheers

Benny

Benny, my thoughts....

I just bought a 8 gig Transcend card (all my CF cards are Transcend and I have never had a problem)
from i Store for $89. Yes, you read that correctly, $89. 8 gig.

I have the 10-20 Sigma lens, it is a lot of fun, very good value, and a very good lens.

Flash, have you considered the SB-800 instead of the 600?

Me personally, I would go for a flash first, and then an ultrawide.

If I'm shooting at night or indoors, the flash is invaluable - plus it gets a fair workout during the day too for fill flash duties.

Buy it all

Benny, probably easiest if you give an idea what you mainly shoot, that could help people throw some advice in.



The Ducati CF cards are nice to look at but really offer little over a std card bar the nice red colour, to the best of my knowledge. Still if you have a Duke it would match nicely.

Glen wrote:Buy it all

Benny, probably easiest if you give an idea what you mainly shoot, that could help people throw some advice in.

The Ducati CF cards are nice to look at but really offer little over a std card bar the nice red colour, to the best of my knowledge. Still if you have a Duke it would match nicely.

Hi Glen, thanks for taking the time to give me some advice. What do I shoot? At the moment generally just landscapes and real life stuff, people at the beach, city panoramas at night. I have also shot a few cars, some portraits and really want to get into the surfing and motorsport scene more than anything.

The other purchase I was leaning towards was a Nikkor 300mm f4 for $1515 or would I be better off getting a Nikkor 1.4TC to effectively make my 80-200 a 120-300 f/4?

Greg B wrote:Benny, my thoughts....

I just bought a 8 gig Transcend card (all my CF cards are Transcend and I have never had a problem)
from i Store for $89. Yes, you read that correctly, $89. 8 gig.

I have the 10-20 Sigma lens, it is a lot of fun, very good value, and a very good lens.

Flash, have you considered the SB-800 instead of the 600?

Dam that's cheap for those cards. I must get the iStore details and have a look. That is very cheap given I'm currently paying $99 for an Extreme 3 4GB card.

I like the 10-20 but the barrel distortion comments that I keep reading are scaring me a little. That's why I'm also looking at the Nikon. See how far the budget stretches at this stage.

I did also consider the 800 over the 600 but wasn't sure of the immediate advantages and given the $200 premium thought it not worth it unless that is, I'm missing something fundamental?

Generally I like to buy the best gear I can afford but the reality is that the moolah doesn't always stretch that far and on top of that my begginer status pushes me in the direction of cheap and cheerful as opposed to the bright and shiny version.

Benny, if you like landscapes and people, you already have a great lens for people so I would suggest one of the wide lenses and a good tripod for night shots. I would suggest the Sigma 10-20 and am considering one myself. Dont be put off by distortion talk, all of these DX ultra wides have some. If you are really worried about distortion at the wide end get the Sigma 12-24, supposedly most controlled at the wide end (where you need it) but has a size and weight penalty, about 600grams compared to 465grams or so for others.

I would suggest you look in the bargain section, (bottom left side of front page), as the prices there are somewhat better than you are talking in your posts (sometimes by $100s)


The Nikon 300/4 is a great lens. The only Nikon 80-200 (there have been a lot of models) which work with the current range of TC is the AFS version which is somewhat rare.

Glen wrote:Benny, if you like landscapes and people, you already have a great lens for people so I would suggest one of the wide lenses and a good tripod for night shots. I would suggest the Sigma 10-20 and am considering one myself. Dont be put off by distortion talk, all of these DX ultra wides have some. If you are really worried about distortion at the wide end get the Sigma 12-24, supposedly most controlled at the wide end (where you need it) but has a size and weight penalty, about 600grams compared to 465grams or so for others.

I would suggest you look in the bargain section, (bottom left side of front page), as the prices there are somewhat better than you are talking in your posts (sometimes by $100s)


The Nikon 300/4 is a great lens. The only Nikon 80-200 (there have been a lot of models) which work with the current range of TC is the AFS version which is somewhat rare.

I'll have a look at the 12-24 in that case. Might be a better fit for me. I prefer a heavier lens either way.

I cannot however access the bargains list yet. I thought it was a month and/or 50 posts or maybe some meaningful input. I reckon I've ticked all of those boxes so maybe one day I'll be able to see that list... *paging Gary Stark*

The 300/f4 is the one for me I think. Just need to save some beans and make the purchase.

http://www.photozone.de/Reviews/Nikkor% ... rt--review

Benny, the above is a useful review of the Sigma 12-24. I have it and am very happy with it, would just prefer something lighter for travelling (would love a DX 12mm light prime).

The 300/4 I also have and for the money is a great lens and allows use of the current TC (though a small disclaimer is in the manual with the D300 & 1.7, will have to confirm).

Benny2707 wrote:I'll have a look at the 12-24 in that case. Might be a better fit for me. I prefer a heavier lens either way.

I cannot however access the bargains list yet. I thought it was a month and/or 50 posts or maybe some meaningful input. I reckon I've ticked all of those boxes so maybe one day I'll be able to see that list... *paging Gary Stark*

The 300/f4 is the one for me I think. Just need to save some beans and make the purchase.

Don't worry about the 10-20 distortion.... it is a characteristic of that type of lens and isn't that bad. I will try and post some pics taken with the one I have to show you.

However the Sigma 12-24 is a full frame lens..... the Sigma 10-20 and Nikkor 12-24 are both DX lenses..... or there is the Nikkor 14-24 lens at >$2K

Bargains list you have to PM Gary.... it's in the FAQ, better watch out for that man, he can get grumpy

300/f4 is a lens I'd like one day seeing as the f2.8 is out of my reach unless I luck on an old one on ebay one day.

Glen wrote:http://www.photozone.de/Reviews/Nikkor%20/%20Nikon%20Lens%20Tests/46-nikon--nikkor-aps-c/310-sigma-af-12-24mm-f45-56-ex-hsm-dg-lab-test-report--review

Benny, the above is a useful review of the Sigma 12-24. I have it and am very happy with it, would just prefer something lighter for travelling (would love a DX 12mm light prime).

The 300/4 I also have and for the money is a great lens and allows use of the current TC (though a small disclaimer is in the manual with the D300 & 1.7, will have to confirm).

Thanks mate. I read that review just before you posted it. It's a pretty good one. How do you go with the protruding front end? Filterless all the time I take it?

To be honest I think I'd rather a 300/f4 before a super wide one. I think the Sigmas are a good thing but my Tammie 17-50 is pretty crisp as well and now that I know I won't be able to use a TC with my 80-200 It looks like the 300/f4 is the go. Now just to find a second hand one or a 'poon priced' version.

Benny2707 wrote:I cannot however access the bargains list yet. I thought it was a month and/or 50 posts or maybe some meaningful input. I reckon I've ticked all of those boxes so maybe one day I'll be able to see that list... *paging Gary Stark*

Seeing that you are listed as a Member, just above your avatar, you should be able to access the bargains section, just go to the portal page and you will see the bargains link on the lower left. BTW, I have the 300mm f/4 and it is a great lens. It also works nicely with the TC1.7.

Cheers,

André

Benny... you're getting pretty good advice here so I'll keep mine brief... the sigma 10-20 is currently the best value wide-angle option and plenty of us here have it and love it (including me). Nothing wrong with the nikon 12-24 either, but somewhat over priced in my opinion. All have some manner of distortion to deal with... just comes with the territory at that focus length. Also you could look at the nikon 10.5 fisheye, Stubbsy has demonstrated some excellent results with this one. Finally get the S800 flash... not worth skimping on this as the S800 has more commander features that you may find usefull later and has a higher power output... the extra couple of dollars are long forgotten.

Mj.

Yeah I think I might wait and get the 800. It'll mean delaying said purchase a little but you get that.

Thanks again everyone for the feedback.

Benny2707 wrote:Thanks mate. I read that review just before you posted it. It's a pretty good one. How do you go with the protruding front end? Filterless all the time I take it?

Benny I do use it filterless all the time and sometimes have issues shooting into/near the sun. I am careful of the protruding front end but is really not a problem with the cover on.

Glen wrote:

Benny2707 wrote:Thanks mate. I read that review just before you posted it. It's a pretty good one. How do you go with the protruding front end? Filterless all the time I take it?

Benny I do use it filterless all the time and sometimes have issues shooting into/near the sun. I am careful of the protruding front end but is really not a problem with the cover on.

It does look the business I'll give you that. At the moment (and after seeing the poon price) the 300/f4 will be the next one in the stable. Ideally the 300/f2.8 but dam that's a lot of cash.

Benny2707 wrote:It does look the business I'll give you that. At the moment (and after seeing the poon price) the 300/f4 will be the next one in the stable. Ideally the 300/f2.8 but dam that's a lot of cash.

Once you hold the f/4, you will be lusting towards the f/2.8 AND VR after a while...

Yi-P wrote:

Benny2707 wrote:It does look the business I'll give you that. At the moment (and after seeing the poon price) the 300/f4 will be the next one in the stable. Ideally the 300/f2.8 but dam that's a lot of cash.

Once you hold the f/4, you will be lusting towards the f/2.8 AND VR after a while...

Yeah I know I am already but dam they're expensive. One day.

Benny,

I would not get too carried away with lenses just yet. From your profile it appears that you have a couple of nice lenses in your kit already.
My choice would be the SB600 and packing out all of those little bits and pieces like the cleaning kit ND and CPL filters, batterries, memory card, gray card, colour chart with a grey scale (Q-14), memory upgrade for the PC and the list goes on. I am taling about the sort of stuff that will help you get the very best from the gear that you already have.

Andrew

Also, take into account the ready availability of long glass from Nikon.

Or the absence of it. The 70-200VR is often in short supply, and I've not had visibility of the current situation for several weeks. Anything longer .... start with a long wait.

They turn up haphazardly ....

You could consider selling the 55-200VR or the 80-200 (your choice) on eBay to help fund the growth. Seems to be little point in two lenses in the same range.

.

AndyL wrote:You could consider selling the 55-200VR or the 80-200 (your choice) on eBay to help fund the growth. Seems to be little point in two lenses in the same range.

.

Oh the 55-200 is going as soon as I get it back. It's at Nikon for repairs at the moment. Compared to the 80-200 it's a toy.

I'm just not sure I'll get that much for it given what you can get them for new.

There is always some sucker on eBay. People pay way too much for SH lenses.

I think I'll get the SB600 and learn how to use what I have, then next on the list is a 300/f4. Whether that is new or second hand will happen when it happens I guess.

Benny2707 wrote:I think I'll get the SB600...

Why not get the SB800 as already recommended? It is less than $150 more and if you do a side-by-side comparison it is worth it:
* higher guide number
* faster recycling (even faster with a 5th battery)
* greater zoom capabilities
* and many more...

ATJ wrote:

Benny2707 wrote:I think I'll get the SB600...

Why not get the SB800 as already recommended? It is less than $150 more and if you do a side-by-side comparison it is worth it:
* higher guide number
* faster recycling (even faster with a 5th battery)
* greater zoom capabilities
* and many more...

I'm sure it's heaps better but it's money that I don't have right now. I'm trying to sell a few things which will help but if I can stretch it I'll get the 800 if not I'll make do with the 600.

Benny, I think part of the reason everyone suggests you get the SB800 over the 600 lies in the fact that you listed prospective purchase items which are in excess of the cost of the SB800, thereby implying that the 800 is within your budget?

If you can wait long enough to save for the 800, I would suggest it is well worth while, as I believe (and I will be corrected if wrong) that one of the other points of difference over the 600 is the fact that the 800 can be set to act as a slave. I have used this where I have the onboard flash at 1/64 or 1/128 power (barely enough to affect exposure) which is strong enough to fire the SB800 (conditions apply). I am not sure if the 600 has this facility.

cheers

The SB600 is a very good flash. Sure it doesn't have some of the extras of the SB800 but are you actually going to use the extras? It will also depend what you want to do with it and how often you will need/miss those features

I have the SB600 and only need it for fill flash when I do the odd portrait but more often, I use it for fill flash in macro photography. I also use it with a better beamer to extend its reach for some wildlife photos. I have never needed the extra power of the SB800, I usually have the flash power turned down. I tend to do mostly nature photography so for me, flash is not as important, the big light in the sky is my flash

See what you want to use the flash for and compare the features of the two, that would then help you decide which one is best for you.

Patrick, the SB600 can be used as a slave flash, it just can't be used as a commander.

EDIT: Ken Rockwell, some people love to hate , has a comparison of the two flashes:
http://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/sb600vs800.htm

Cheers,

André

If it was I..

I would get a sb-800 + Sigma 10-20.. or Sell the 80-200 and purchase a 70-200VR..

Good Luck.

MATT

MATT wrote:If it was I..

I would get a sb-800 + Sigma 10-20.. or Sell the 80-200 and purchase a 70-200VR..

Good Luck.

MATT

I'm going to get the SB600 and start out with that. I'll also get some more memory and a cleaning kit and then see where I'm up to.

If DDP could get me a 300/f4 near Poons price then I'd not worry about the flash and would be getting one of them. But alas I'm just not sure they negotiate. If only Poon accepted credit card

Oh and the 70-200 VR is way outta my league price wise right now. Looks the business though.

Benny

I do not see why the lack of a credit card option should be a problem. I regularly use Pay Pal and others for OS purchases through online banking. Even the good old wire transfer through the local bank branch works. CC is usually my last choice. There are plenty of options that are probably more secure than giving away your CC number and only a little less convenient.

Andrew

Maybe a 50mmF1.4 ? great for available light photography and portraits

go the Ducati cards!!!!!!!

def go SB-800

do u have the en-el4e for ur MB-D10?