Unexpected potential upgrade opportunity (from D70 to D200)

[cyanide]

Ooooh....

I lent the D70 + 70-200 VR to my partner a couple of days ago to do some work-related photos. He really liked the lack of shutter lag (he currently has a Sony 828) and asked how much one would cost... then, out of the blue (and totally unprompted, I might add!) said, "well, you could always get an upgrade and I could take yours... didn't you mention there was a new Nikon DSLR out?"

Oh, the temptation.... and he has offered to put some money towards the D200, too...

I have not reached the limits of the D70, so I don't really "need" an upgrade... I know I would probably be fine with the D70 for a while yet... but I wouldn't be human if I said it wasn't VERY tempting...!!

I am not ready for a D2h or D2x sized camera yet - I like the smaller size of the D70/D200, especially as the grip is an option... but there are functions on the D200 that are attractive - the time lapse option, for one... wired remote... better AF... LOL - let's face it - I am really just looking for positive affirmation, aren't I?? Hmmmm....

But are there any 'voices of reason' as to why I should just stick with the D70 and let the +1 get a D70s of his own....? The extra outlay for a D200 (even with his contribution) *is* a factor, but at this stage not a huge one - I have been saving for an 85 1.4 (or a Noct, if I can find one!!) anyway, so it just delays that a bit, I guess....

Then of course, sourcing a D200 will be the next issue.... the Nikon dealer here said it will be a month (I mentally added "at minimum" to that) before he gets stock, and no idea on price yet... and from reading That Place Which We Do Not Mention, stocks seem short all over the place...

But, regardless - Ooh, ooh, very excited - even just at the thought!!!

Cheers all

[Killakoala]

You only live once, so make the most of it while you've got it. I know what i'd do and it sounds like you already have made you're mind up anyway.

[firsty]

Just do it..... I love my one

[Greg B]

You GO girl!!

[sirhc55]

It’s a no brainer Rae - enjoy your new camera

[losfp]

When the powers that be give you a hint like that... Take it!!

That is of course if you can afford it...

[Oneputt]

New toys...ahhhhhh.............

[Frankenstein]

But are there any 'voices of reason' as to why I should just stick with the D70 and let the +1 get a D70s of his own....?

....absolute silence.......

Frank

[nito]

darn rae, I wish my wife would let me "upgrade". Enjoy the new camera and we hope to see some fine quality images with the new toy.

[gstark]

Rae,

What better reason than to let your partenr share your lenses?

[CraigVTR]

I will not be the first person to say anything negative. Just place an order and wait for it to arrive.

Craig

[cyanide]

Thanks for the responses. Yeah, I guess I am pretty much decided already – as I said, positive affirmation... (Frankenstein – lol...)

Gary – have thought of that in the past and figured that if I could get him involved - *with* a vested interest (even if he has no particular LLD of his own) - lens purchases would be just that bit easier… now to test the theory!! (But to be fair to him, he has never even questioned a lens purchase…)

Cheers all. I am moving very quickly into the mental space of being a D200 owner… Will check back with the shop in another month and see if the price is known (and reasonable) yet – and if that avenue doesn’t work out, I guess I will join the queue at Birdy’s….

The next question is a lens to “pass on”… we will of course share my existing lenses but I know he will want one to leave on the camera 90% of the time… and until I decide on an upgrade/ replacement for the 18-70, that is currently my daytime lightweight option lens…

I am thinking that the 18-200 would be a good first lens for him - I know he definitely wants more reach than the 18-70 anyway, and this would eliminate any lens changes in sandy/dusty conditions (I have been considering one for a walkaround/ travel lens for myself for the same reasons….). The Nikon dealer here has them (one?), for somewhere around market price I think (about AUD1200) but I will also look elsewhere…

Otherwise, perhaps I should consider the 24-120, given some of the negative reaction to the price-quality ratio of the 18-200? I know it won’t be any better quality, but at least I am paying less for the ‘pleasure’…?

Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated. He is likely less fussy with lens quality (at this point, anyway) than I am, but at the same time I don't want him to be disappointed or become disillusioned with his "new" camera...

[stubbsy]

Rae

I think the 24-120 would be the perfect first lens for your partner. I find mine is my preferred walkaround lens and have retired my 18-70. Why the 24-120? It will give your partner a good workable zoom range, it's well made (although there were some problems with early versions of the lens these have been well & trully sorted) and it will give hime the added benefits of VR which should not be underestimated.

[cyanide]

Stubbsy, thanks for the comment.

I will ponder this a while I think, as a decision won't have to be made for a few weeks yet (and I mean ponder the lens choice, not the D200 purchase... I am fairly sold on THAT... ).

Thanks all - cheers.

[kipper]

Stubbsy why not the 18-200VR? Not sure what the build quality is like in comparison but it would give even more longer reach, while not in the same class as the 70-200VR it would allow the user to have a lens that does everything. Then when they get more involved they could always upgrade to something more beefy

[dooda]

I too think that the 18-200 vr is a no-brainer. Especially for the extra mm's on the wide end.

An investment in glass has more impact on image quality, but getting a new body is oh so much more fun.

[Glen]

Rae, the body is a no brainer, I haven't seen enough on the 18-200 to say yes or no, but truly doubt it is good enough to justify the (large) chunk of money they are asking for it.

[nito]

I have to say VR is a great feature for lenses. Only problem is the clink sound it makes when engaged. Really handy at high focal length. They say the 18-200VR performs like the 24-120VR but with better reach.

[cyanide]

Well, after pondering a bit I have now swung back the other way... to NOT getting a D200.

A bit of a turnaround, for a week, I suppose... I was fairly set on the decision by the time I last posted in this thread... but something was gnawing at me still... the D200 is a great camera - I do not dispute this at all - but for me, I don't think it is that much greater than my current D70, which I am yet to 'outgrow'...

So, I guess that just frees up a bit of money for the lens that is next on my lust list....

So, instead of taking my D70, my partner will likely get a D70s and the 18-200 lens.... and then promptly borrow all of my other lenses!! Ah well, if I can bring myself to lend him my 70-200 VR, I guess it's "lurve".... lol...

Cheers all

[Killakoala]

As long as you are happy, that's what counts. Enjoy your D70 and buy some nice new lenses instead.

[birddog114]

Cyanide,
Good move!

[losfp]

Probably not a bad choice in the end, Rae. New toys are nice to have, but no one really actually NEEDS them

The D70 is plenty of camera, and I likewise still have a ways to go yet before it is the limiting factor in my photographic results (as opposed to my skill and technique )

Of course, you do realise that we will have to kick you out of the forum for making a sensible logic-based purchasing decision, don't you?

Not on my watch!!!!!

[LOZ]

They say the 18-200VR but with better reach.

Well if that is right that it performs like the 24-120VR stay well clear unless you like nice soft happy snaps. LOZ

[birddog114]

They say the 18-200VR but with better reach.

Well if that is right that it performs like the 24-120VR stay well clear unless you like nice soft happy snaps. LOZ

LOZ,
Bring your 24-120VR to the mini meet and we will fix it for you free.

[LOZ]

They say the 18-200VR but with better reach.

Well if that is right that it performs like the 24-120VR stay well clear unless you like nice soft happy snaps. LOZ

LOZ,
Bring your 24-120VR to the mini meet and we will fix it for you free.

Birddog You would not have a hole deep enough in Belmore I will bring it tomorrow thanks LOZ

[birddog114]

They say the 18-200VR but with better reach.

Well if that is right that it performs like the 24-120VR stay well clear unless you like nice soft happy snaps. LOZ

LOZ,
Bring your 24-120VR to the mini meet and we will fix it for you free.

Birddog You would not have a hole deep enough in Belmore I will bring it tomorrow thanks LOZ

My concrete driveway needed to be demolished

[LOZ]

[birddog114]

:lol:

LOZ,
Did you move to Leura? no more in the Hills area?

[LOZ]

Yep will be here for 6 months or so during renovations walls floor beams doors kitchen garage ect been renting the property for 2 years big mistake $$$$$$$$$$$ (white ants ) not shore how I will last up here in winter with out walls .When finished back to the smogggggg and then maybe back to work . LOZ