What would you get with a $3000 budget

[Div]

Hi all

I'm new to the forum and have been thinking of getting into photography again for quite some time.

I have been going crosseyed trying to decide on which avenue to go down i.e. camera, lenses, flash etc.

I am buying all my gear from scratch and like the feel of the nikon line of camera's.

I want a camera I can grow into and would like to be able to do many different types of photography. Travel, portraites, landscape, sport shooting and also very interested in macro.

I'm torn between a D200 and a D80 and can't decide which way to go. I have read about problems with the D80 metering not being predictable but also that it is fine. Anyone had any problems with theirs?

So what I was thinking of getting first off was the D80 and get some better glass i.e. a 18-200mm VR and a 50mm 1.8 or 1.4

Or should I get an offcamera flash as my first investment other than the 50mm?

The other option is to wait for PMA and if canon bring out something special maybe the d200 will come down in price.

Or do you think it's better to go with the D200 and 18-200mm VR with no other accessories. Then save up for them later if I can.

Any advice would be much appreciated, how would you kit yourself out if you had a budget of around $3000?

Thanks in advance

-David

[losfp]

IMO only - Get an 18-200VR and an SB-600.

Then get the best body you can find for the leftover money. With that combo, there'll be very little else that you NEED if you are not a pro depending on performance to pay the bills.

Then once the bug bites and you save up more... the sky's the limit

[bwhinnen]

Unless you need the extras of the D200 I wouldn't bother with it at the moment, don't get me wrong I love mine, but would equally love the D80 if it met my requirements (wants ).

After seeing the results from a decent speedlite I would get one of those, that will be my next purchase personally. I've read lots on the 18-200VR and most of it is good, like all lenses you read the good and the bad so...

Take a trip to a camera shop that has all in stock and take some test photos if you can (just remember the D80 uses SD cards and the D200 uses CF cards!

Brett

[!~DeViNe~DaRkNeSs~!]

considered Canon?

[Oz_Beachside]

Consider carefully your long term outlook.

Do you see yourself investing more in the long run, then perhaps buy one lens, which suits one of your needs, then build up.

If see that this will be your fixed budget for many years, then the 18-200 would cover many bases (I think it is the rolls royce alternative to the "twin lens kit" as you dont have to swap, and get great performance).

If I had $3000, with no gear, and only wanted to spend that, and that was all in the long term, i'd get a D200 - $1800, a 18-200 $1200. You can get better deals in a package, and get an SB-800 packaged in.

If I $3000 and saw myself spending more as the budget arrived, I'd get some better glass, say a D200 and a 28-70 / 2.8.

As for the body, think of them as disposable, but you will have the glass for decades. So go with what feels good to you, a D40, a D80, a D200, D70s, or canon equivalents.

[Kris]

considered Canon?

What he said

[Mr Darcy]

I second losfp.

It is basically what I started with, though I have added an SB800 so far, and find that a much better flash than the 600. The 18-200 is such a versatile lens, it will do most of what you want, and will quickly show what your second lens should be, while still getting the shot reasonably well. You may find you want a little wider, or longer or faster. In my case, a dedicated macro is on the list.

D70s + 18-200 +SBs
I lusted after the d200 (Hell, I still do ), but couldn't justify the expense.
I am still learning how to drive the d70s anyway.

[MATT]

I'd go a D40 with 70-200VR ...

If you dont get it now you will lust after it forever...


MATT

[Oscar]

Welcome to the forum David. Enjoy!

Have you considered getting a second hand DSLR? Something like the D70/s are good cameras and you could find one at a very good price. This should give you more to spend on quality glass, possibly a flash and a tripod.

If I was starting over I am sure that would be the way to go. Cameras are superceded quickly these days and there is always more features on the next cameras coming out which we can drool over.

Go for glass which is quality and something you will always keep. Update the camera at a later stage after you are more familiar with the use of the DSLR.

Just MHO.

Cheers, Mick

[shutterbug]

Canon 30D and 50mm
Fuji S5 and 50mm
Nikon D200 and 50mm

[!~DeViNe~DaRkNeSs~!]

Welcome to the forum David. Enjoy!

Have you considered getting a second hand DSLR? Something like the D70/s are good cameras and you could find one at a very good price.

YES ... WELCOME!

i think u should get a 2nd hand also and see how u go.... then after u have re-established ur skills in a few months u can buy a new body...this way u can get a cheap D70s and an Excellent (new) Lens or 5....
Then once ur all up to scratch in a few months u can consider going upwards...this way u also come out with a spare body!

but in 2 weeks u'll be sick of nikon and ull turn to the DARK SIDE

Sorry this may not make sense....at work ... GTG

[DaveB]

Yeah, I'm another one who can't quite understand this thing about people preferring the Nikon bodies...
But there's room for everyone in this world, including the weirdos!

I'm curious that no-one's suggested getting a normal lens (given that 50mm is telephoto on these bodies). Something around 28mm is "normal" (literally, it matches the diagonal dimension of the sensor). Actually, 29mm for DX (1.5x) and 27mm for Canon (1.6x). When working with full-frame (e.g. film) bodies the "normal" focal length is 43mm, which was traditionally rounded up to 50mm (although there are some 45mm lenses).

There's a lot to be said for working with a fast prime lens in terms of developing your photographic skills, but a decent zoom will present you with more opportunities (although it won't necessarily encourage you to take best advantage of them). Canon have their EF 35mm/2.0 which is similar in terms of construction and features to their 50mm/1.8, while Sigma have a 30mm/1.4 HSM lens which I've heard good things about and is available in Nikon mount. That Sigma lens has HSM for full-time manual focus (similar in Nikon terms to AF-S) which to me is a major feature.

I think getting a prime and a decent zoom would be a good idea. Maybe you might get one lens to start with, maybe both at once.
Even an SB-600 would be good, but it wouldn't hurt to wait a while until you're ready to start learning/using it.

Also carefully consider your tripod! A good tripod is just as important as the features of the body and lens, and getting a cheap piece of plastic for a tripod will be a waste of money.

[Oz_Beachside]

I'd go a D40 with 70-200VR ...

If you dont get it now you will lust after it forever...


MATT

hmmm, that is bloody great advise!!! Depending on your style, maybe add a 50mm/1.8. or add a SB800

[Div]

Hi guys thanks for the advice so far.

I have considered a second hand d70s but am not sure where to get it from or what price I should be paying.

I have also considered starting with the base model D40 and buying the best glass i.e. the 70-200mm but then I have a pretty limited range and couldn't afford to get another lens in the lower range. How versatile is the 70-200? I'm also worried about only having 3 point AF with the D40. Also it is a $2400ish lens. I don't have access to the prices on this forum yet.

I don't know if I'll use all the extra functions on the D200. Do you guys use them alot or are they not so useful? But I didn't want to get a simple camera and outgrow it in a year. I guess i'm looking for a body that will last me atleast 3 years with enough room to grow into the camera. I also want it pretty robust.

I'm definately leaning toward the D200 + 18-200 VR or D80 + 18-200 VR and SB-800, but i'm keeping an open mind about the other two options

d40 or d70s with great glass.

What do you guys think?

Will i be too limited with just the 70-200mm to begin with? Is it better to go a cheaper body now and get better glass and wait till another nikon model comes out then get a d200 maybe? or the new one.

Are second hand cameras a worry?

Thanks for your help.

Regards David

[Reschsmooth]

I have never used the 70-200 VR. I have the 80-200 2.8 which suits me very well, and is probably about half the price of the former (an 80-200 goes for about $1000 second hand).

Add a 35-70 2.8 for something like $400 or so (second hand), a 20 2.8 (about $300 second hand), and you have $1000 for a body (perhaps a d70s?) second hand and enough cash left over for memory/tripod/saving for SB600/800/donating to the World's Greatest Shave to sponsor me getting my head shaved for charity

Apart from the 50 1.8, all my lenses are 2nd hand, some from ebay, others from retailers, and apart from a repair to one, have not had any problems.

Just my thoughts

P

[Yi-P]

Above whats all being said above, you must keep one very important aspect of equipment choice. What you going to use most on.

Maybe you've been out of the photography square for a while and gotten a bit rusty on the matter. I strongly suggest you to get your fundamental body and kit lens first then decide what you really need before chucking in the multi thousand dollar investment for something you're not going to be using.

A D200 is sure looking nice, but do you really need all its functions? Most enthusiasts find the D70(s) very capable of doing 90+% of what they really need, if you know how to use the camera. A next step into the D80 will be more than enough to start digital photography.

The suggestion of a D70/D200+18-200VR is good, but this kit will not do special purpose photography, it is more of a general do-it-all kit without changing lens.

Apart from that, an external flash is almost inevitable in photography. A must buy for every SLR type camera. You may add that into your budget as well.

[Oz_Beachside]

Others have said, you need to match your gear to your needs. the 18-200 is great for general purpose, all rounder, but anything "all-rounder" usually has its compromises.

As an indication of second hand pricing, I am selling a 8 month old D70s for about $700 and a used-once 18-200 VR for $980. That would be $1800, and an SB800 is about $500. Throw in a 50mm for low light, and you are still under your budget.

If you want to go for specific use photgraphy, we need to know a little more about your "specifi uses".

[Aussie Dave]

I agree with many of the comments that have already been made.
Will you be looking to upgrade/add to your arsenal over the next few years or will this $3000 be the set budget for a while ?

If it's set for now, I'd strongly consider Oz' D70 and 18-200. This will leave you some money left over to afford a few other "essentail items that you'll soon find you are in need of (for general shooting) - eg. Speedlight, Tripod, 50mm prime lens, good bag, etc...

If you will have the cashflow to upgrade little by little, I'd consider getting the D200 or D80 (whichever suits you better), along with some good quality lenses (as suggested previously). Then, as you advance your skills, you will gradually figure out what equipment you want/need and can purchase when possible.

The same method can be said for going Canon (just amend the model numbers ).

I'd look at both Nikon & Canon carefully before purchasing though....even though I'm a Nikon fan

[Div]

Thanks for the advice guys!

Maybe i haven't looked at canon closely enough. I kind of dismissed it, but the 30d could be my answer. About $500 less than the D200 but seems to have allt he features I want, except weather sealing.

I haven't done too much reading on the lenses though. There looks like alot to choose from in canon glass.

Any canon users out there with lens advice? I guess the best question is...if you could only have two lenses which ones would they be for the most versatility?

I'm thinking maybe the 70-200 IS f/4 or 2.8 and the 17-55mm I guess I shouldn't write canon off just yet. I am still waiting for the 40D to be announced so the 30D drops in price. Although it is already about $1500 so maybe it won't drop that much.

Is this forum prodominantly nikon shooters?

-Dave

[Alpha_7]

Thanks for the advice guys!

..... Is this forum prodominantly nikon shooters?

-Dave

Dave it once was, it started out life as a D70users forum, but quickly outgrew the name as other shooters and cameras came out, and the community grew. That said a lot of the original crew here cut their teeth on the D70, but have gone on to other bodies both Nikon, Canon and other brands. (That said the Pentax, Sony etc) aren't very well represented here..

[gstark]

That said a lot of the original crew here cut their teeth on the D70,

Some of cut their teeth on film.

(That said the Pentax, Sony etc) aren't very well represented here..

But that only reflects the performace of the products in the sales charts, really.

That's not true in terms of the Canon representation here (because of how the forum started) but that's certainly changing too.

[Mj]

Always a hard decision this one....

These days I'd probably recommend going for a well cared for D70s unless the newer models have something specific you're after. Much the same as the D70 but includes a wired remote capability.

Or something similar in a Canon body of course is an option.

With the money saved you can select some glass to suit your current interests... remember bodies come and go but glass tends to hang around.
Also important to decide Canon or Nikon first for the same reason.

I won't even begin to attempt to advise on glass options as the selection process is quite a personal thing... but I would suggest you go for quality and don't exclude the secondhand market.