View Full Version : Saving for new setup...
I have decided that I am going to invest in the hobby and get a new camera and lenses. I pretty much have decided on Nikon (either the D50 or the D70). Please let me know if the D70 is worth the extra money, or is there a new camera coming out the might be better around the same price coming up at the beginning of the year.
Brian
i would go with the d70 just for the ability to use cf cards and because it has commander mode for wireless flash capabilities using an sb-800 or sb-600.
I went to a local camera shop today and checked out the D70s..I love the way it feels. My short, fat fingers seemed to fit very well. Now I need to decide what lenses to start with. And by the way, while I was there and since they had one, I checked out the D2x. I used to be a mainframe computer programmer and the thing scared me. Too many buttons and nobs.
Brian
JerseyJay
08-17-2005, 4:17 PM
And by the way, while I was there and since they had one, I checked out the D2x. I used to be a mainframe computer programmer and the thing scared me. Too many buttons and nobs.
Brian
:lol: :lol:
Brian,
It is not that bad. It takes some time but anyone can get used to it.
phishphorphun
08-17-2005, 4:37 PM
I think you will be more satisfied with the D70 over the D50 for the two obvious reasons that Hir0 pointed out. If you plan on taking a serious amount of photos of your fish, having the ability to use commander mode with the remote SB800 speedlight flash will make your efforts much more rewarding.
I did a lot of research, mainly here, before I bought my D70. And the main thing that I was convinced was to get the SB800 speedflash before spending a lot of money on lenses. I already had a couple lenses that I could use from my Nikon N6006 35mm setup. So I bought the D70 "body only" kit and then bought the Nikon 50mm 1.8d lens. Until this day, 99.9% of all my fish photos are taken with this lens. Needless to say, I enjoy it immensley. And it only cost about $100...new. It is a great lens for for aquatic photography.
I added the Tamron SP AF28-75mm f/2.8 XR Di as my mullti purpose lens a couple months ago. It replaced the Quantaray 35-80mm f/3.5 that I had (gave that to my daughter with the N6006). I think the Tamron is a much better lens than the kit lens that comes with D70.
You can get the D70 body here (http://www.buydig.com/shop/product.aspx?sku=NKD70) for only $739 and add the Nikker 50mm 1.8d lens from over here (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=247091&is=USA&addedTroughType=search) for another $105.
Add the SB800 (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=300467&is=USA&addedTroughType=search) speedlight flash and you are all set for great fish photos.
paradise
08-17-2005, 5:34 PM
Bobby, a small note, your link to buydig is a good price, and I have purchased from them before, and just got a D70 body for my uncle, that had a problem (not their fault) they gave me RA# right away and I should be getting my replacement within 48 hours. Great place.
The D70 is worth the extra money. The commander mode alone is the key difference. That means that you won't need to pick up a SB-800 to use as a master.
Both the 50mm f/1.8D and the Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8 are great lenses. The Nikon kit 18-70mm f/3.5-4.5 isn't a slouch either considering how much it costs (usually $200 difference to have it in a kit versus not going with a kit). Have all three lenses myself, although don't use much of them any more (haven't gotten rid of the Tamron either).
I've taken aquatic pictures with each of them and with the right setup, each one of them can be used for this purpose (the Tamron and the Nikon 50mm are sharper than the kit lens). The Tamron has a very useful zoom range for indoor photography and the Nikon kit lens has a nice range for outdoor photography (although I've used the Tamron before for outdoors stuff).
phishphorphun
08-17-2005, 6:49 PM
Bobby, a small note, your link to buydig is a good price, and I have purchased from them before, and just got a D70 body for my uncle, that had a problem (not their fault) they gave me RA# right away and I should be getting my replacement within 48 hours. Great place.
When I was shopping for my D70 back in January, I was ready to order it from B & H. Just before I placed the order I decided to do one more search. Out of nowhere, Google came up with a site that beat the B & H price by a hundred bucks. It was buydig.com. The irony...it's B & H's web only discount outlet. Same company. Same great service as B & H.
paradise
08-17-2005, 7:08 PM
really? I did not know that. That is weird, their prices are so different. sometimes they are a lot cheaper, but sometimes more. I was looking for a 2nd battery for my grip and they were $80 for some reason, but b&h was standard $50 that it costs everywhere. Weird. But, yeah, 100% satisfied every time so far (3 purchases). And, B&H is great too, just got my first order placed, will be here tomorrow (tracking number within 12 hours of ordering, before it's even in the UPS system).
As far as price...the local camera shop only wants $749.00 to the D70 and they have it in stock no shipping or waiting. Not sure on the other prices, I would like to get a 50mm leanse however I want some thong a litte more flexable for the first and I want something with a good zoom, approx. 300mm for sports shots of the kids and family (have to be able to make it universal for the approval)
Brian
paradise
08-17-2005, 7:50 PM
well the benefit of ordering online is that shipping is much cheaper than Sales tax :)
phishphorphun
08-17-2005, 7:50 PM
As far as price...the local camera shop only wants $749.00 to the D70 and they have it in stock no shipping or waiting. Not sure on the other prices, I would like to get a 50mm leanse however I want some thong a litte more flexable for the first and I want something with a good zoom, approx. 300mm for sports shots of the kids and family (have to be able to make it universal for the approval)
Brian
That's a good price. Is there a sales tax in NC? You don't have to pay sales tax on web purchases. Shipping is usually free at buydig.com. But if it is only a few dollars difference, I know dealing with a local shop can remove any skepticism.
You may be able to work a good deal for a longer zoom lens when you buy your camera from the local shop.
There are several threads in the hardware folder in the forums discussing longer zoom lenses. Just about every question has been answered about prices and values compared to quality and build of different brands.
phishphorphun
08-17-2005, 7:57 PM
really? I did not know that. That is weird, their prices are so different. sometimes they are a lot cheaper, but sometimes more. I was looking for a 2nd battery for my grip and they were $80 for some reason, but b&h was standard $50 that it costs everywhere. Weird. But, yeah, 100% satisfied every time so far (3 purchases). And, B&H is great too, just got my first order placed, will be here tomorrow (tracking number within 12 hours of ordering, before it's even in the UPS system).
I was looking through my paperwork and can't find the reference to verify the connection. I know I have something somewhere stating that buydig.com is a sub. of B & H. I've been wrong before, so I could be this time too. :confused:
Yes, NC does have a state tax...I did not think of that. I appriciate all the advise and I have been reading through all the threads. That is why I have choosen the Nikon over the Canon. But as with others I will be a newbie to digital SLR cameras, and the last SLR I used was a Minolta XG-A.
Brian
Does the D70s not come with a battery pack? :-( I was looking at the buydig.com site and they have a package with two Nikkor lenses a 70-300MM f/4-5.6G ZOOM AF and a 28-100 f3.5-5.6 G AF zoom nikkor lens plus a battery pack a other incidentals. I was all in the price area I was thinking of spending. Any thoughts on those lenses?
Brian
phishphorphun
08-17-2005, 8:52 PM
Are looking for a D70 or D70s? The bargains I think are for the D70 now. Yes, the D70 body only kit comes with battery, charger, usb cable, viewfinder cover and strap and software (from my memory). You have to buy memory card and card reader.
You can go to B & H and price the value of the lenses. They are both basic zooms. I wouldn't reccomend buying lenses until you know for sure what you want and need. The package deals usually end up giving you something that you will end up trying to sell, to help you buy something you really want. :rolleyes:
Your right...D70 not D70s I think I was told the s ment there was an upgrade to the sensor.
And you are also right need to verify my needs before my wants. No need to get stuff it will not ever use or need.
Brian
paradise
08-17-2005, 9:26 PM
. That is why I have choosen the Nikon over the Canon.
??? explain :)
Agree, dont buy packaged lenses, NEVER any good :)
alanhill
08-18-2005, 7:03 PM
I am very happy with the kit lens for the D70 for general photography. The reviews I've read say that it is good optically and very good value for money and I can't disagree.
Alan