What to buy with the D70?

[kfandst]

Hi,

Newbie here

I have been reading many reviews about the D70 and some of the 20D and I am inclined towards the D70. I'm thinking of getting the D70kit (with Nikkor 18-70 lens). Need some advise from the regulars in this forum.

Qn 1) Since I am a new member, I wouldn't qualify to buy items from the forum. Then, where else would be a good place to buy the kit? Of course, I would like to buy the kit before $200 rebate expires end Feb.

Qn 2) I'd like are opinions about which are the most important accessories to buy for the D70 taking into account I'm on a A$2200 - A$2400 budget? Which should I be looking at first: Filters, Flashes, Lenses?

Qn 3) Any reliable and responsive CF Cards to recommend?

Thanks.

[lukeo]

Personally I think you should take the time like I have to become a useful (hopefully) active (certainly) member of D70users.

If you have knowledge of computers, photoshop, general photography experiance extra .... find the threads and add some useful information.

It doenst take long and you might help someone along the way.

Some of the things I consider important

Bag :
lowepro nova 5 or minitrekker


The good stuff :
D70 kit
Hoya 67mm UV + CPL filter
Nikon ML-L3 wirless remote
1GB SANDISK ULTRA III CF card

SB 800 flash
50mm f1.8 Prime
UV filter

70 210mm AF-D
UV + CPL Filter

[MHD]

1) post a bit more.... and then you will (SERIOUSLY ITS WORTH IT!)
2)Get the kit so you have a the kit lens... then perhaps the sb-800 flash and then a 50/1.8 lens (value++++)
3)MOst CF cards are the same

and Welcome!

[Onyx]

There are a number of places now bundling either the Nikkor 70-300G or Tamron 70-300 with the D70 kit (ie. body and 18-70DX lens), for around $2000-$2100 pre-cashback. I believe these are fairly good value and will get you started with at least coverage of the telephoto range.

The non-optional accessory is CF card - but since you can always buy extra in future, and prices on them are dropping all the time, it makes no sense to spend up big here inititally. UV + CPL filters are also must have starter items for most.

Then you got your choice of bag: backpack, shoulder bag, hippack, fitted cases, etc. as your storage needs and fashion dictates.

[Greg B]

I agree with the above kfandst.

Actually, dollar for dollar, the sigma or tamron 70-300 give you excellent value and usefulness for your money. You get a longish telephoto capability, and a handy 1:2 macro capability, all for under $300. You need a card obviously, but I would make this lens and a bag the other other two of your first three purchases.

Oh yeah, be prepared for more spending.

Where are you from?

[stubbsy]

kfandst

As a starting point the kit lens is the way to go. BUT before you buy the camera with the lens, ask here if anyone has a kit lens to sell (I for one look like having mine to sell very soon and there are no doubt others). That way you'll get a reasonably new & well looked after kit lens for less than you'd pay when buying it with the camera.

Also I'd suggest you think about the types of photography you like to do:

Do you take landscape shots? Then look at either the Sigma or Nikon 12-24 for wide angle
Do you take portrait shots. Kit lens is great starting point for this.
Do you take zoom shots from a distance. Depending on your budget the 70-300 G or the better but more expensive 80-400 VR are the go.

And.. It's easy to get to the 30 posts mark - just be involved no one will bite your head off. We're pretty friendly here. Once over 30 you can buy stuff at very attractive $$$

Cheers

[Hlop]

3)MOst CF cards are the same

Sorry, I have to disagree with that. They are really different especially in speed
Have a look to this link: http://www.robgalbraith.com/bins/multi_ ... =6007-6816
Comparison seems to be accurate enough. At least, when I've bought SanDisk Ultra II and compared it with my old (virtually old, because it's just couple of months older) Ridata in the field I found that SanDisk is really much faster. With SanDisk I could shoot continously without stoping, With Ridata camera was pausing to flush data from internal memory to CF card

[Greg B]

stubbsy, don't forget kfandst's budget - no room in there for VR or ultrawide zooms. The wide end of the kit lens is great for a new owner (35mm equiv 27mm, fantastic, when I got the 28mm for my OM1 way back when, I thought I was made!)

[bago100]

Hi kfandst

Firstly, welcome to the forum. It is a busy place and very hard to keep up with all the posts.

All the advices you have been given thus far are excellent advices but they have omitted one very important thing.

If you have a significant other, then you must encourage your significant other to get involved in your new hobby and prepare them well, so you can spend even more money to expand your hobbies capability.

One very wise member here (our Gitzo guru and patron) suggested that one should smile very frequently, keep the mouth shut and do whatever one is told willingly. This strategy has, from all reorts, been a very successful one for him and is one that we should all aspire to.

Now, if you don't have a significant other, then I can't help you any further. You're on your own and temptation will be great indeed!

Cheers

Graham

[gstark]

kfandst,

my guess is that there are probably two of you to welcome here. Whether I'm right or wrong in that supposition isn't really imporatant; that fact that you are welcome is.

Essential stuff?

D70 body, obviously. Kit lens, probably. While Stubbsy is somewhat correct in that a relatively unused kit lens could probably be bought for around $300, I would query his assertion that buying it separately from the body+kit combo would work out cheaper. Usually you'll see the lens add around $200 to the body cost.

If you don't buy the kit lens with the body, expect to pay $600 for one, new; that's where the savings in buying the kit les will materialise - if you make the possible mistake of not buying the lens with the camera.

Be wary of dealers offering D70 "kits"; the [b]only[/] real kit includes the 18-70DX. Laugh loudlky at those trying to sell you a 28-80 as a part of the kit. Scream hysterically if they offer a non-Nikon lens as the kit lens. Foaming at the mouth would be a good reaction too.

As essential as the battery is a CF card. Someone has mentioned a Sandisk; others hav argued the merits of getting a high performance card and still others have said there's no difference between them.

Confused?

If I say they're all correct, would it confuse you even more? I figured as much.

But to some degree, they are. The vital point they're missing is the way the card interfaces with the camera, and while a slow card will always be slow, a super-duper-double-turbo card won't talk to the camera any more quickly than the maximum speeds that camera is engineered to speak at

And that magic number that you're looking for is around 40x. Sandisk 40, Sandisk 2000000x ... no difference.

Astone 40x ... exactly the same performance, and significantly less than the price of the equivalently sized Sandisk 40x. We're running several Astones here, with no issues at all, performce, reliability, or anything else.

UV + CPL filter would be useful, and others have also mentioned some form of 70-300 lens. I can't argue against them, but as Stubbsy suggested, consider your photographic needs and desires and use those as youre guide.


You also mentioned that you're not (yet) eligible to buy through our bargains section. This is true, but it's really quite easy to fix that "problem".

As others have suggested, post messages. Not trash though; that won't cut it; Leigh or I will just delete 'em. Obviously you'll have more questions regarding your potential purchase; feel free to continue those questions within this thread.

Look at other threads, particularly the newbies sections. Do the tutorials make sense to you? If not, ask away; we're all waiting to answer your questions.

Tell us about yourself: look at the thread about members who play the guitar, and add your thoughts, and perhaps a bit about your own background, to that thread.

If you're in Sydney, make an effort (if you can) to get to the picnic this Saturday. Apart from getting to meet with quite a few of us, you will be able to play with cameras and lenses beyond your wildest dreams.

And any residual questions you have regarding what to buy will be answered.

Finally, be sure to add your locality to your profile; I simply will not be adding any new memebrs to the members' section unless they have that information in there.

Agagin, welcome, and enjoy.

Just as well I'm not long winded, eh?

[birddog114]

There are a number of places now bundling either the Nikkor 70-300G or Tamron 70-300 with the D70 kit (ie. body and 18-70DX lens), for around $2000-$2100 pre-cashback. I believe these are fairly good value and will get you started with at least coverage of the telephoto range.

The non-optional accessory is CF card - but since you can always buy extra in future, and prices on them are dropping all the time, it makes no sense to spend up big here inititally. UV + CPL filters are also must have starter items for most.

Then you got your choice of bag: backpack, shoulder bag, hippack, fitted cases, etc. as your storage needs and fashion dictates.

And the same set up for the wife too

[kfandst]

Thanks for the reply folks. I feel at home already.

Greg B, I'm from Sydney.

Bago100, thankfully, the other half likes to go travelling and my excuse is that: good camera = good photos = good memories.

yraen69 and onyx, sorry, what's a CPL filter? Is it better to get filters from Nikon or the Hoya filters. I read from somewhere that it is more economical to purchase a "ring adaptor" for the largest filter rather than to get filters for each lens size.

I'll be heading to Tibet for a visit sometime in April. So I hope to get all the necessary stuff and have a few months of getting used to the camera.

I'll do more posts and watch out for 2nd hand offers as well.

[lukeo]

CPL = Circular Polarising Lens filter

Here is an example ever been driving just after its been raining and the sun comes out all that horrible glare off the glass and the road well polaroid sunglass's are the only thing that can cut that out ... a CPL is much the same. Must be Circular not Linear (old) for the D70 (autofocus reasons).

CPL removes the glare from water and other highly reflective surfaces that would otherwise be blown out highlights in a photo.

Work best at 90 degree angles to the light ... rule of thumb when shooting something shiny stand with shoulder pointing at sun.

my 2 cents.

[lejazzcat]

Get a good tripod - eg. manfrotto legs and head

Depending on the type of photos youll make - indoor or outdoor - will recommend the size of legs you should get .
055- outdoor
058- studio or large format cameras
monopods- sport ...

Remeber that the head must be able to take the weight of the body and a lens of say up to 500mm = heavy. (avoid ball heads IMHO)

Dont skimp on quality here as it will repay you with years of reliable service for and wont blow over in the smallest breeze.

[birddog114]

Get a good tripod - eg. manfrotto legs and head

Remeber that the head must be able to take the weight of the body and a lens of say up to 500mm = heavy. (avoid ball heads IMHO)

Dont skimp on quality here as it will repay you with years of reliable service for and wont blow over in the smallest breeze.

lejazzcat,
Any ideas why we should avoid ballhead?

[birddog114]

And have you try the Man 055 yet? with what head?

[lejazzcat]

Get a good tripod - eg. manfrotto legs and head

Remeber that the head must be able to take the weight of the body and a lens of say up to 500mm = heavy. (avoid ball heads IMHO)

Dont skimp on quality here as it will repay you with years of reliable service for and wont blow over in the smallest breeze.

lejazzcat,
Any ideas why we should avoid ballhead?

Hi BD,
The manager at Kayell told me his experience with their useage by numerous pro photogs reporting that they often started slipping with a regular useage, especially when used with long heavy lenses. Lots of returns...maybe they have fixed the problems these days (2years ago)
I trust his opinion - pro shop...

[birddog114]

lejazzcat,
I hope you'll have time and my pleasure to have you at the picnic days same as other mini meets at my base, for you to break any ballheads which I have them in my inventory with the beast 200-400VR same as my three Gitzo tripods.

Kayell, they do not know nothing about these ballheads, they're a pro- shop? what do they have in their inventory? I talked to them recently on few pieces of equipments and they're gone nuts, and do you know that their "razor" is very sharp? can cut your CC in half.

[MHD]

I bought a ball head to work with the heavest lens I could imagine owning, the 200-400VR...

I got the Acratech AUB and the stats say it can take the weight... and after playing with it I recon it could...

they day I can afford a 10K lens I can afford to upgrade my ball head to a gimball mount (king cobra)

[lejazzcat]

And have you try the Man 055 yet? with what head?

Yep - i like it, not as nice as your Gitzo but for a beginner, a good unit. And theres lots around secondhand...

I went with the 329 3 way head, and use it on my 058 legs when im in the studio .
Outdoor with a 35mm, i use 628B self standing monopod and good technique.

[lejazzcat]

lejazzcat,

I hope you'll have time and my pleasure to have you at the picnic days same as other mini meets at my base

I look forward to it But Ill have to get a d70 first
As for the ball heads - sure for 35mm they work well, but what if people want to also use a med or large format? And they are more expensive than the 3ways ...

Kayell, they do not know nothing about these ballheads, they're a pro- shop? what do they have in their inventory?

Ok, theyre no L&P, but there Ok .

[birddog114]

And have you try the Man 055 yet? with what head?

Yep - i like it alot, not as nice as your Gitzo but for a beginner, a good unit. And theres lots around secondhand...

I went with the 329 3 way head, and use it on my 058 legs when im in the studio .
Outdoor with a 35mm, i use 628B self standing monopod and good technique.

lejazzcat,
Here's the "top gun" head which I have (BH55Pro):
http://www.reallyrightstuff.com/ballheads/index.html
It's always on the G1335

Secondly:
The Markins 20 is my second grade BH on the G1227G
http://www.markins.com/2.0/eng/products ... _2004.html

Third:
My third ballhead is a backup unit
http://acratech.net/miva/merchant.mv?Sc ... t_Code=ubh

[lejazzcat]

And have you try the Man 055 yet? with what head?

Yep - i like it alot, not as nice as your Gitzo but for a beginner, a good unit. And theres lots around secondhand...

I went with the 329 3 way head, and use it on my 058 legs when im in the studio .
Outdoor with a 35mm, i use 628B self standing monopod and good technique.

lejazzcat,
Here's the "top gun" head which I have (BH55Pro):
http://www.reallyrightstuff.com/ballheads/index.html
It's always on the G1335

Secondly:
The Markins 20 is my second grade BH on the G1227G
http://www.markins.com/2.0/eng/products ... _2004.html

Third:
My third ballhead is a backup unit
http://acratech.net/miva/merchant.mv?Sc ... t_Code=ubh

Showoff !
BDog, you sure have some nice toys , i mean tools.

Your tripod and head (1) would probably cost more than the D70 !
I was trying to offer the new member a cheaper alternative.

[kfandst]

Thanks for the input folks.

Ok, I think this is what I am going to get for my starter pack.

D70 with Nikkor 18-70 lens
1 GB 40x Sandisk CF Card for the long trips
1 Nikkon UV + CPL Filter at the largest lens size
(btw, is the UV + CPL filter the same filter or separate ones?)
1 adaptor ring to interface the 18-70 lens and the large size filter.

Would anyone recommend buying an additional 2 year warranty?

With the $2200 - 2400 budget, I think this is all I can afford. The rest will have to wait until I have enough dough...

[johndec]

1 Nikkon UV + CPL Filter at the largest lens size
(btw, is the UV + CPL filter the same filter or separate ones?)

Seperate. If you want to see the fur fly, post a "Do I need a UV Filter" question

[lukeo]

For your cash I think you should be able to squeeze in either a 50mm F1.8 or 300mm zoom.

Depends if your preference is wild life photography or portraits of people ... but that would be my recommendation.

Don't forget to lash out $40 dollars or so on some cleaning strips and ecllipse cleaning fluid .. you can find deatils searching these forums.

[atencati]

Thanks for the reply folks. I feel at home already.

Greg B, I'm from Sydney.

Bago100, thankfully, the other half likes to go travelling and my excuse is that: good camera = good photos = good memories.

yraen69 and onyx, sorry, what's a CPL filter? Is it better to get filters from Nikon or the Hoya filters. I read from somewhere that it is more economical to purchase a "ring adaptor" for the largest filter rather than to get filters for each lens size.

Good question that, This is one I wish I had done differently. Not a native Nikon shooter I didn't realze the 67mm Kit lens is an odd size. I wish I had gone with 62 and 77 mm filters with the appropriate step-up rings. This seems to be a little softer on the pocket book. Then again, that depends on your future plans. Great article on filters here

http://www.bythom.com/filters.htm

As far as other accessories, Protect that purchase!!!! Invest in a good bag. i can't beleive the way people treat cameras after spending so much on them. Amazing.

Welcome to the group , enjoy your toy (when it arrives) Watch out for the lust...........................

Andy

[birddog114]

And have you try the Man 055 yet? with what head?

Yep - i like it alot, not as nice as your Gitzo but for a beginner, a good unit. And theres lots around secondhand...

I went with the 329 3 way head, and use it on my 058 legs when im in the studio .
Outdoor with a 35mm, i use 628B self standing monopod and good technique.

lejazzcat,
Here's the "top gun" head which I have (BH55Pro):
http://www.reallyrightstuff.com/ballheads/index.html
It's always on the G1335

Secondly:
The Markins 20 is my second grade BH on the G1227G
http://www.markins.com/2.0/eng/products ... _2004.html

Third:
My third ballhead is a backup unit
http://acratech.net/miva/merchant.mv?Sc ... t_Code=ubh

Showoff !
BDog, you sure have some nice toys , i mean tools.

Your tripod and head (1) would probably cost more than the D70 !
I was trying to offer the new member a cheaper alternative.

lejazzcat,
As I said many times, if you're thinking of what you're going to do with photography in the near future, better saving you monies to get the right stuff at the first moments and never ever have to upgrade later.
Cheaper way does not mean it'll last

[kfandst]

Can someone explain the the difference between using the camera's inbuilt timer vs a remote.

If the remote is cheap, I might consider getting one. Good for taking couple shots. Others may not know how to compose or may camera shake.

Arrrghhh.... this means I will also need to get a tripod...more $$$$ to spend...

[gstark]

The self-timer is built into the camera, and releases the shiutter after a predetermined delay. Typically that delay would permit you to run around and get yourself included within the camera's field of view.

The remote permits you to release the shutter at this time regardless of where you happen to be.

Each has pros and cons, but the remote is quite cheap.

Remember that you should be using your eyepiece blind (comes with the camera) when using either technique.

Ok y'all, be honest now, who doesn't use their eyepiece blind?

Who can't even remember seeing it in the box?

[kfandst]

Uh..oh...Now in a dilemma.

After reading the poll "What would you prefer" in the General Discussion thread, it seems like the D70 with kits lens (18-70) may become a white elephant soon after. Now considering the D70 body + Nikon 24-120VR. Is this lens lust

I don't really have a preference for the type of photography yet. So its difficult to decide now. If I buy the 24-120, I would not be able to take wider angle pictures, and it would some time before I can afford another lens. On the other hand, if 17-70 seems to be a general usage lens.

Can anyone offer further advise?

[stubbsy]

I don't really have a preference for the type of photography yet. So its difficult to decide now. If I buy the 24-120, I would not be able to take wider angle pictures, and it would some time before I can afford another lens. On the other hand, if 17-70 seems to be a general usage lens.

There are 2 big benefits for me using the 24-120 VR as my walkaround lens compared to the kit lens:

1. the VR increases my good shot count (less images are blurry because of hand shake)
2. It has a longer reach (which is traded off at the other end in less wide angle)

For me I have dealt with the wide end by buying a 12-24.

For you, look at the types of photos you've taken in the past. How many times have you taken or wanted to take a wide shot? If there are a lot then at some time you'll want to go wider than the 18-70 OR the 24-120. So Get the 24-120 and later when you can afford get the wide end covered (provided we're not talking years away).

If not then Gary's earlier comment is right, get the kit now to get the wide end at a good price. Then later buy a good zoom when you can afford it (eg the 80-400 VR or the 70-200 VR or if budget is tighter a 70-300 NON VR lens).

Bottom line - i'd get the lens NOW that best matches what your likely to buy in the future.

And YES it's a very tough decision.

[lukeo]

I know it's hard to know what to get

the kit

or the body and 24-120 VR ....

with the body do you get a battery, charger strap etc? ie is it the same as the kit just without the kit lense?

price diff about $400

[benkho]

Try vanbar.com.au. They sell $1800 inc GST before $200 rebate

[birddog114]

I know it's hard to know what to get

the kit

or the body and 24-120 VR ....

with the body do you get a battery, charger strap etc? ie is it the same as the kit just without the kit lense?

price diff about $400

with the body you get everything you need in it, Nikon says the kit, is just made up the lens and body, once it started the new kit is in one box, camera and lens. Now the kit is consisting of two boxes:
- Camera in one box and 18-70Dx in another separate box.

[kfandst]

Hi,

Just wondering how would I know if the D70 I would be purchasing is the latest batch?

Apart from the firmware, are there any differences between batches?

Has there been a batch(es) that is "faulty" with issues such as "dust", etc?

TIA!

[Glen]

kfandst, I believe all batches are the same. The firmware is easy to change. These cameras did not hang on shelves at the start of their model life, they were in very short supply. June 30th last year, I had trouble finding one at a good price

[Mj]

kfandst, I'm not aware of any 'bad' batches... would think it highly unlikely that you would end up buying an early batch as the product an all accounts has been selling swiftly.

[rokkstar]

Ok y'all, be honest now, who doesn't use their eyepiece blind?

Who can't even remember seeing it in the box?

 LOL, when I first saw that I didn't know what it was - so I clipped it onto my strap and spent a good 20 minutes trying to get the lens cap to "securly clip" to it!! I thought it was a lens cap holder.

Matt

[birddog114]

kfandst
"dust bunnies" love to have them dearly, without those then NO DSLR exist! learn to live and treat them well then you'll be a happy man! have you seen the "dust bunnies" pics which was posted yesterday by our member?

You're too careful! "bad" batches, who got them now? love to hear any complaints!

Too safe now, it's. I don't think the D70 will trouble you if you look after it well.

[kfandst]

Well, the reason why I asked is because compared to prices from Maxwell, the prices on the ebay and Internet seem so much cheaper. And HKG seems to be the gateway for cheaper D70s.

What makes Maxwell’s prices higher than the rest?

Quality of services centers (should I be concerned about this?)?
Quality of goods (different batches produced by different countries at different quality standards)?
Extent of warranty (some in ebay have offered local warranty? How different is this local warranty from Maxwell’s? I’ve seen the website at Maxwell but it doesn’t explain much)?

[birddog114]

Well, the reason why I asked is because compared to prices from Maxwell, the prices on the ebay and Internet seem so much cheaper. And HKG seems to be the gateway for cheaper D70s.

What makes Maxwell’s prices higher than the rest?

Quality of services centers (should I be concerned about this?)?
Quality of goods (different batches produced by different countries at different quality standards)?
Extent of warranty (some in ebay have offered local warranty? How different is this local warranty from Maxwell’s? I’ve seen the website at Maxwell but it doesn’t explain much)?

The prices on eBay and Internet are the "Grey" or another word is "Imported", they sell cheap cos they bought cheap and no big mark up.

Maxwell, why their prices are so expensive? they have nearly 100 staffs a new leased "flashy" building & "flashy" cars, the staffs need foods and pay their mortgages and they need to pay the bank for their mortgages of the new building, lastly they are the sole distributor of Nikon in Aus/ NZ, they're the king of Nikon products and they know how to make money. We make the contribution into those mentioned if we buy locally stock from Maxwell.

Local warranty:
- From Grey/ Imported stuff, Return to their seller/ rep. in Australia and they take care of the sending back to HKG/ Singapore.
- Maxwell, taking care of whatever happens to you your camera in their locally workshop based in Lidcombe.

End up nothing are difference in buying local or imported gears.

[Rusty W. Griswald]

And don't forget a Monopod if you intend on shooting a lot of sports photos.

[kfandst]

I might be able to make a purchase through a friend in SGP or HKG. However, the warranty is only local to country of purchase.

Would it be advisable that I purchase via this method, or rather from a supplier like HK Supplies that offers local warranty in Aus?

Is it very costly to service a camera at the local shops here?

[pippin88]

Remember that you should be using your eyepiece blind (comes with the camera) when using either technique.

Ok y'all, be honest now, who doesn't use their eyepiece blind?

Who can't even remember seeing it in the box?

Besides the fact that I had to dig my box out just then to find out if this thing really existed and that I got it, why would you use it?

[birddog114]

I might be able to make a purchase through a friend in SGP or HKG. However, the warranty is only local to country of purchase.

Would it be advisable that I purchase via this method, or rather from a supplier like HK Supplies that offers local warranty in Aus?

Is it very costly to service a camera at the local shops here?

You have to make your own selection, no one can give you or advise you to buy from o/s or local suppliers
1/ You may buy from a friend from SGP
2/ You may also buy from HK Supplies
3/ You may also buy from HN, Teds, Domayne, Dick Smith, etc.. stores with Nikon, Maxwell Local Warranty.
The local shops here do not provide service any type of DSLR, with Nikon you have to go back to Nikon/ Maxwell Optical Industries, expensive or not, it's depend on what wrong with the camera and parts, no ones can give you the quote without seeing or knowing the problems.
Even you buy local stock from Maxwell, once the warranty expired after 12 months from DOP you still have to pay to get it fixed.