d70 lens advice

[rahudman]

Hi!

First post, go to say this site it a blessing from above! Am wanting to buy a d70 for my expanding photograpghy passion. Have never own an DSLR before, and after many hours of research have settle on the d70.

I read the post by "kfandst" on advice for lenses (very handy). Was wondering if anyone out the d70 land could guide me towards the best general lens(es) to have as my first addition to the d70 body. Have been doing alot of architectutral/building photos for work, but want a beginers set-up that can handle a reasonably wide variety of tasks. I have spend a few years living in the US and Canadian snow area/fields, and would also like that to eventually be an area of photography to get into.

Found a pretty good deal for a d70 with the standard 18-70mm and 70-300mm nikon lenses. Also with just a 28-100mm. Any ideas? I'm TOTALLY open to suggestions, and appreciate ALL feedback.

Thanks....

[kipper]

Buying it with the 18-70MM DX Lense is a must. Forget the other lenses that they try to package as the kit lense. They are not that at all. As for other lenses it all depends on what sort of budget/cash you have after you have spent the money on your camera. As part of your initial kit I'd ensure you have atleast 2x512mb CF (preferably bigger CF cards if you can afford it). Also the faster the CF card the better, go for 60x or 80x if you can eg. Sandisk Ultra II. Try investing in a second battery for the camera, it's always handy to have out in the field if the other goes flat or it fails. I've heard of cases when they have died, probably quite rare but you don't want to be one of the statistics. After you've bought all that you might want to look at the following lenses (depends on your cash though):


All prices are in australian dollars:

Nikkor 70-300G - ~$180-200
Nikkor 50/1.4 ~$400
Nikkor 85/1.4 ~$1250
Nikkor 70-200VR - ~$2200

[rahudman]

Thanks kipper. Much appreciated! I can get a very good deal for the d70 with 18-70 AND 70-300. Should I go for that? Thinking I may as well, getting an extra lense for very little outlay?

Anybody else got any ideas/suggestions?

Thanks again kipper......

[kipper]

Yeah, I'd opt for that as you're most likely will never any of the other lenses added in as part of the deal. Out of interest what sort of price is the dealer offering?

[kipper]

Make sure you get them to add in a couple of Hoya HMC UV Filters for the lenses aswell for nothing. They should be able to.

[gstark]

Hi, and welcome.

Buying it with the 18-70MM DX Lense is a must.

Especially with the rebate that Maxwell's are currently offering. Basically, you pay an extra $200 to buy the body plus lens, then you get a $200 rebate from Maxwell's.

I'll let you do the math on the net cost to you of the lens.

From whom have you seen you "deal" with the 70-300, and what is the actual deal? We do have our collective finger on the pulse here and may be able to source something even better.

As part of your initial kit I'd ensure you have atleast 2x512mb CF (preferably bigger CF cards if you can afford it). Also the faster the CF card the better, go for 60x or 80x if you can eg. Sandisk Ultra II.

2 x 512MB is good advice; if you can make one (or both) of them 1GB, so much the better.

Don't worry about getting anything faster than 45x unless you anticipate upgrading to a faster camera in the very short term. The D70 is optimised for around 40x cards, and if you pay more for extra performance, then you're paying more for performance that the camera simply isn't capable of.

Unless you're shooting in cold climes or going to be spendings days at end in the never-never, don't bother with a second battery either. If you're going on longish shoots, just make sure that you can recharge the battery each night. The battery life of the D70 is legendary, and as a general rule, only extreme shooting conditions or user stupidity will cause you to run out of power.

[stubbsy]

rahudman

kipper's advice is pretty good. Unless you want a 24-120 VR lens in the near future get the 18-70 AND the 70-300mm package as the 70-300 is a good value lens provided light is good. Definitely get a second battery. You really only need CF cards around 45X as faster than that makes little difference with the D70.

Finally - if you buy the D70 with at least 1 Nikon lens before the 28th Feb you get a $200 rebate from Nikon

Edit Boy you guys were fast - 4 posts while I typed. Now my info is redundant

[gstark]

Peter,

Edit Boy you guys were fast - 4 posts while I typed. Now my info is redundant

Not to mention somewhat dated.

Last week Birddog told us that maxwell's have extended the eligible purchase date for the rebate until the end of March.

[stubbsy]

Last week Birddog told us that maxwell's have extended the eligible purchase date for the rebate until the end of March.

Tha's interesting cos I checked the Maxwell site before I posted (slowed me down, it did) and it still says 28 Feb (http://www.nikonclub.com.au/cashbacks/index.html) Clever Huh - probably too busy marking up their prices to maintain the web site

[kipper]

I kind of agree and disagree with not needing the second battery Gary. It all depends on how much you use the inbuilt flash if you're not fortunate enough to have the SB800. I noticed when I used my inbuilt the battery life was shortened quick smart. So having that second battery can come in handy. Also shit might happen such as your battery charger might play up. I know that you have the CR2? adapter but then you have to try and source those batteries.

[gstark]

I kind of agree and disagree with not needing the second battery Gary. It all depends on how much you use the inbuilt flash if you're not fortunate enough to have the SB800.

I have the SB800, but mostly - and very frequently - use the inuilt flash.

I also mostly use VR lenses, which also drain the battery quite heavily.

Despite that, I stand by what I said. Barring exceptional usage conditions - weather, or longer than a day away from civilisation, the only reason for needing an extra battery would be user error.

[gstark]

Clever Huh - probably too busy marking up their prices to maintain the web site

They'll do anything to avoid bringing their website up to date. It took 'em several days to even post the forms for the rebate, after they had announced it.

[birddog114]

1 battery will last you couple days shooting with flash, non flash around 1000+ shots. Unless you're in the remote area, with no power.

Yes, the package you are going to get is the one you're temp. happy with, until you get more spare cash and spend on other lenses, this hobby is not cheap btw.

The D70+ 18-70 + 70-300 package should weight you down around $1800.00 after cash back from Maxwell, end of March 31st.

Apart from the above, you have to get a bag, filters, if money is tight use a plastic shopping bag for awhile, save up and buy a proper bag, buy one and use for life, don't buy today and again buy another bag next month.

So do the sum and make sure you get the right stuff from the beginning.

[SoCal Steve]

One additional battery drain I didn't see mentioned here (just an oversight, I know) is using the camera to upload images to the computer.

[kipper]

Yep, which is what I was doing overseas at times and it was draining it good. Plus if you use the LCD a lot it tends to reduce the battery life compared to using it conservatively.

[fozzie]

SoCal Steve,

It is better to use a CF Card Reader/Writer for this function.

FYI:

http://www.sandisk.com/retail/im-cf-reader.asp

Cheers,

[birddog114]

Yep, which is what I was doing overseas at times and it was draining it good. Plus if you use the LCD a lot it tends to reduce the battery life compared to using it conservatively.

Get something cover the LCD and you won't see anything, pretend you're shooting with 35mm camera

[gstark]

One additional battery drain I didn't see mentioned here (just an oversight, I know) is using the camera to upload images to the computer.

Can you say "bad idea" ?

Can you say "don't do this" ?

Can you say "buy a CF reader for $20 and this problem goes away" ?

[SoCal Steve]

Bought a USB one a year ago when I used a Coolpix 5000.

Didn't know about the battery drain issues back then but didn't like all the wear and tear on those little socket pins in the camera.

Now I'd buy Firewire.

[rahudman]

Cheers guys, has been a good first experience on the forum, very impressed. I originally saw the deal for d0 plus 18-70mm & 70-300mm at Ted's online for $2199 (after cash back). Was able to use that to negotiate the same package at arond $1850 with a couple of extra things thrown in. I think that will be a good deal in the end.

I would like to be come a regular forum user, I think it is an excellent idea. I'll be sure to keep in touch with you all and let you know when I have my new d70.

Can anyone point me in the best direction for a good deals on d70 with included lens(es). Web address, phone numbers etc. The deal I'm brokering will probably hold up, but am keep to prusue other posibilities just in case it goes pear shaped....

....cheers

[rahudman]

Let me know if you guys have come up with any places I might also look for a good d70 and lens deal......

Thanks so much.....

[Link]

Hi!

Was wondering if anyone out the d70 land could guide me towards the best general lens(es) to have as my first addition to the d70 body. Have been doing alot of architectutral/building photos for work, but want a beginers set-up that can handle a reasonably wide variety of tasks. I have spend a few years living in the US and Canadian snow area/fields, and would also like that to eventually be an area of photography to get into.

The kit lens would be the best choice to start with. If you're interested in landscape and architecture photography, you'll probably want a wide-angle lens such as 12-24mm... But the price is a bit steeper for those!

Link.

[birddog114]

Cheers guys, has been a good first experience on the forum, very impressed. I originally saw the deal for d0 plus 18-70mm & 70-300mm at Ted's online for $2199 (after cash back). Was able to use that to negotiate the same package at arond $1850 with a couple of extra things thrown in. I think that will be a good deal in the end.

I would like to be come a regular forum user, I think it is an excellent idea. I'll be sure to keep in touch with you all and let you know when I have my new d70.

Can anyone point me in the best direction for a good deals on d70 with included lens(es). Web address, phone numbers etc. The deal I'm brokering will probably hold up, but am keep to prusue other posibilities just in case it goes pear shaped....

....cheers

You're lucky if you can bring it down to $2150.00 before rebate, but I doubt it. $1850.00 your target price (before rebate)! could be worth waiting another year and with new rebate in 06

[gstark]

Birddog,

You're lucky if you can bring it down to $2150.00 before rebate, but I doubt it. $1850.00 your target price! could be worth waiting another year and with new rebate in 06

I understand that he's already basically got that deal sewn up - $1850 after rebate. So that's D70, 18-70 plus 70 -300 for $2050, plus a few extra goodies.

Rahudman, is this still at Ted's? What else is in the deal? If you've got a reasonably sizedCF card and a card reader in there, plus perhaps a bag to carry it all in, then I'd suggest moving with that deal. If the extras comprise their usual tripod, and $0.30 cleaning kit, keep negotiating with them.

The tripod is inadequate, and hopelessly so. In terms of extra value, it's zero.

Likewise the cleaning kit; it's useless when it comes to cleaning your sensor and in terms of extra value, it too is zero.

[MHD]

I'll second gary on the tripod... I'm having problems even selling it...

I dont know why they sell it with the d70 as it is no where near suited to the task, even with the relitively light kit lens/.

[birddog114]

I'll second gary on the tripod... I'm having problems even selling it...

I dont know why they sell it with the d70 as it is no where near suited to the task, even with the relitively light kit lens/.

MHD,
Don't you know they're all marketing hype for the newbies? That why how they make monies cos they know all newbies want everything for nothing! the more they bundle with useless stuff or garbage, the more people tempted to Even they can't or not discuss what those stuff can do for you.
Back to 5 or 6 years ago, when you buy a computer for $999.00 bundle with free $2K of software

[SoCal Steve]

Birddog tells it straight, it's just like the old boardwalk pitchman. Pile on the cheap extra giveaways until it looks like a great deal and they finally can't resist and think that they must be getting a great offer.

"And if you buy now we'll throw in this ... (cheap P.O.S.)"

Remember what P.T. Barnum said!

[rahudman]

Hi guys,

In response to the deal I am trying broker; The deal is NOT at Ted's. I used that one as a negotiation tool. I currently have (and please don't laugh) a Kodak dx7590. Was a great camera for me at the time, as I wanted to see if I would enjoy photography without paying heaps of cash up front. Gave me a fully working camera with miminal cost (got the camera for a very good price). It gave me a little taste of the art with a camera that did have some manual control.

Now I am looking at a d70 from the same business. My boss (working in construction estimating) bought me the wide angle attachment so I could do alot of photography of our work. Have been using it to convert into pdf doc's for web page and brouchure use.

The deal I am TRYING to get is 18-70mm & 70-300mm for (hopefully) around $1850-$1900 after cash back. I would be happy to let you guys know who they are as soon as he has given me the deal FOR SURE. They are considering iving me this deal for return purchase (as I had promised after I bought Kodak), I don't want him to get bombarded with heaps of requests for that deal (especially sinse it is not even definate) and blow my chances out of the water. Hope you can understand? I will be ABOSULUETLY sure to share the info with all out there if he gives me the go ahead.

Hope that makes sense? Like I said, not totally sure if I will get this deal at all, so any other suggestions in where to go would be appreciated.

thanks guys....

[birddog114]

Hi guys,

In response to the deal I am trying broker; The deal is NOT at Ted's. I used that one as a negotiation tool. I currently have (and please don't laugh) a Kodak dx7590. Was a great camera for me at the time, as I wanted to see if I would enjoy photography without paying heaps of cash up front. Gave me a fully working camera with miminal cost (got the camera for a very good price). It gave me a little taste of the art with a camera that did have some manual control.

Now I am looking at a d70 from the same business. My boss (working in construction estimating) bought me the wide angle attachment so I could do alot of photography of our work. Have been using it to convert into pdf doc's for web page and brouchure use.

The deal I am TRYING to get is 18-70mm & 70-300mm for (hopefully) around $1850-$1900 after cash back. I would be happy to let you guys know who they are as soon as he has given me the deal FOR SURE. They are considering iving me this deal for return purchase (as I had promised after I bought Kodak), I don't want him to get bombarded with heaps of requests for that deal (especially sinse it is not even definate) and blow my chances out of the water. Hope you can understand? I will be ABOSULUETLY sure to share the info with all out there if he gives me the go ahead.

Hope that makes sense? Like I said, not totally sure if I will get this deal at all, so any other suggestions in where to go would be appreciated.

thanks guys....

Be realistic, that deal is not real! the good deal around is $1800.00 after cash back for the D70 + 18-70+70-300G, squeeze them more, and they can get down to that figure.
Pls. repeat after me: $1800.00 Aussie plastic/ no more no less

[rahudman]

I would love to get the D70 + 18-70 +70-300mm for $1800 after cash back!! Is there anywhere else you know that I can get that sort of a deal??

I'm squeeze as hard as I can!

Cheers...........

[birddog114]

I would love to get the D70 + 18-70 +70-300mm for $1800 after cash back!! Is there anywhere else you know that I can get that sort of a deal??

I'm squeeze as hard as I can!

Cheers...........

PM georgie, he ordered 1 yesterday

[rahudman]

Hi again,

Sent a message to (PM) gorgie. Let me know if there is any other help you can offer, much appreciated.

[Goldfish]

Hi Newbie here so go easy !

I got the following deal last week:

Nikon D70, AF-S 18-70 F3.5-4.5 DX ED, 70-300 G, 2 X HOYA UV FILTERS, ML-L3 REMOTE CONTROL, SANDISK ULTRA II 512MB delivered to my door for $2,250 from digitalcityonline.com.au sydney, and I still get $200 back from Nikon taking it down to $2,050

[Glen]

Welcome Goldfish, hope you enjoy your stay

[birddog114]

Hi Newbie here so go easy !

I got the following deal last week:

Nikon D70, AF-S 18-70 F3.5-4.5 DX ED, 70-300 G, 2 X HOYA UV FILTERS, ML-L3 REMOTE CONTROL, SANDISK ULTRA II 512MB delivered to my door for $2,250 from digitalcityonline.com.au sydney, and I still get $200 back from Nikon taking it down to $2,050

Goldfish,
Welcome! those lenses are not enough, start looking into 28/1.4 and 85/1.4 same as 70-200VR cos I can see "gold" in your nick name

[Goldfish]

Welcome Goldfish, hope you enjoy your stay

Thanks Glen, I already find the Forum very interesting, making the trip more than worth it.

[Goldfish]

Hi Newbie here so go easy !

I got the following deal last week:

Nikon D70, AF-S 18-70 F3.5-4.5 DX ED, 70-300 G, 2 X HOYA UV FILTERS, ML-L3 REMOTE CONTROL, SANDISK ULTRA II 512MB delivered to my door for $2,250 from digitalcityonline.com.au sydney, and I still get $200 back from Nikon taking it down to $2,050

Goldfish,
Welcome! those lenses are not enough, start looking into 28/1.4 and 85/1.4 same as 70-200VR cos I can see "gold" in your nick name

Thanks Birddog114, I would love more lenses, but just not yet $$$, I am interested in getting a Macro, and a portrait lens, any suggestions?, oh and controry to my nick, there aint much gold here, so cost is a factor.

[Glen]

Goldfish try the Sigma macro 105, reasonably priced with good results

[birddog114]

Goldfish try the Sigma macro 105, reasonably priced with good results

Try to pull in another follower

[gstark]

Goldfish try the Sigma macro 105, reasonably priced with good results

Try to pull in another follower

That sums it up nicely, Birddog. Those with Sigma glass are followers, those with Nikkor glass are leaders.

[sirhc55]

Goldfish try the Sigma macro 105, reasonably priced with good results

Try to pull in another follower

That sums it up nicely, Birddog. Those with Sigma glass are followers, those with Nikkor glass are leaders.

Ever heard of lost leaders

[murf59]

I bought the D70 body only for $1250 when I was only being curious I dont have the Standard lens that comes with the D70. I an using a nikon 35mm-80mm off of my F70 should I but the standard lens and if so how much ashould I pay?

murf59

[Mr Rotty]

HI guys,

Another newb photographer with a D70 here. I'm interested in a fast lens that will give me some nice action shots without blur. What would you guys recommend?

[sirhc55]

Welcome Mr Rotty - I think you will probably be overwhelmed with the answer 70-200mm f/2.8 VR Nikon

[jethro]

mr rotty first of all welcome and do yourself a favour buy the 70-200vr its a smoker!

[Mr Rotty]

Thanks for the welcome guys. Quite expensive isn't it! Looks like the cream of all AF lenses

[stubbsy]

Mr Rotty

Welcome. The 70-200 VR is the best lens for what you want, but you're right it's expensive. You get what you pay for. Additionally there's a worldwide shortage of the lens and its as scarce as hens teeth.

Once you get to 30 meaningful posts here and post an image for critique you're likely to become a Member and that gives you access to our bargains area where you can buy lenses (including the 70-200 VR) at good prices (not expensive Maxwell Australia ones).

If the 70-200 VR is out of your price range there are other lenses to consider, just they won't be as good. I can't recommend a different lens from experience since I bought the 70-200 VR, but others will no doubt chime in with advice on alternatives at a lower cost.

[Soulboy]

Once you get to 30 meaningful posts here and post an image for critique you're likely to become a Member and that gives you access to our bargains area where you can buy lenses (including the 70-200 VR) at good prices (not expensive Maxwell Australia ones).

You wouldn't fancy bringing one over to the UK would you?

[kipper]

Should of acted quickly when Warehouse Express had them for 1089gbp (~$2600AU) back in January/February

They've gone up by 100gbp since then and are now 1189gbp (~$2840AU.)

[sirhc55]

Mr Rotty - I have just received the underdog Sigma 70-200 put it on the camera and the first shot was a bottler.

Check out KerryPierce threads on this forum for some stunning photos taken with the Sigma 70-200 - always remember that you can put the very best (and expensive) lens into anyones hands but not everyone can make it sing