Nikon Equipment Advice

TMACTMAC Registered Users Posts: 18 Big grins
edited October 30, 2008 in Cameras
Currently I have a Nikon D50 and Nikon 17-55 f/2.8G ED-IF AF-S DX lens for family potrait photography. I would like to invest in more equipment in the near future but currently have the money to make one choice - camera body or lens. I'd consider buying the D300 (or save more for D700) OR go for the Nikon 70-200 f/2.8 VR lens. I rented the 70-200 on borrowlenses.com and was amazed by the lens. What do you think is the better option to start with - purchasing an upgraded camera body or another lens?

Your expert opinions are very much appreciated!

Comments

  • Awais YaqubAwais Yaqub Registered Users Posts: 10,572 Major grins
    edited October 30, 2008
    If d50 is doing good i would go for 70-200 wow what a lens.
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  • jonh68jonh68 Registered Users Posts: 2,711 Major grins
    edited October 30, 2008
    I would get the 70-200 or save for the D700. Each will make dramatic improvements over getting the D300, although they would be different on what types of improvement.

    With your current lens, you will find greater opportunities for low light,ambient photgraphy, not to mention wide angle shots with being a true FF body if you get the D700.

    The 70-200 will give range through out the 17-200 focal length at a consistent 2.8. If you need more or want more reach, the 70-200 is a no brainer. If you want to get better shots with your current lens, the D700 is the way to go.

    You already know what the D50 is capable of with the 70-200 and your current lens. The D300 will not improve dramatically the IQ with either lens. The d700 will under low light situations. If you want the D300, get it for more features, better response, but not for improved IQ. Don't get me wrong, the IQ is better than a D50, but it is hard to find in normal viewing.
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  • RaphyRaphy Registered Users Posts: 431 Major grins
    edited October 30, 2008
    If you are interested in a D700 down the road, buy the lens...
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  • TMACTMAC Registered Users Posts: 18 Big grins
    edited October 30, 2008
    jonh68 wrote:
    I would get the 70-200 or save for the D700. Each will make dramatic improvements over getting the D300, although they would be different on what types of improvement.

    With your current lens, you will find greater opportunities for low light,ambient photgraphy, not to mention wide angle shots with being a true FF body if you get the D700.

    The 70-200 will give range through out the 17-200 focal length at a consistent 2.8. If you need more or want more reach, the 70-200 is a no brainer. If you want to get better shots with your current lens, the D700 is the way to go.

    You already know what the D50 is capable of with the 70-200 and your current lens. The D300 will not improve dramatically the IQ with either lens. The d700 will under low light situations. If you want the D300, get it for more features, better response, but not for improved IQ. Don't get me wrong, the IQ is better than a D50, but it is hard to find in normal viewing.

    Such great advice. You and the other who have replied have confirmed my belief that the D700 and 70-200mm lens are the way to go for me. Now it's the decision of which to do first.....
  • ziggy53ziggy53 Super Moderators Posts: 24,082 moderator
    edited October 30, 2008
    TMAC wrote:
    Such great advice. You and the other who have replied have confirmed my belief that the D700 and 70-200mm lens are the way to go for me. Now it's the decision of which to do first.....

    The lens you currently own is a "DX" or crop 1.5x lens. It will not work very well on the Nikon D700 body.

    If you purchase the Nikkor 70-200mm, f/2.8G AF-S VR IF-ED it will work great on the D50 as well as the D700.
    ziggy53
    Moderator of the Cameras and Accessories forums
  • jonh68jonh68 Registered Users Posts: 2,711 Major grins
    edited October 30, 2008
    ziggy53 wrote:
    The lens you currently own is a "DX" or crop 1.5x lens. It will not work very well on the Nikon D700 body.

    If you purchase the Nikkor 70-200mm, f/2.8G AF-S VR IF-ED it will work great on the D50 as well as the D700.

    Oops!

    Still, I would go with a D700 over the D300.
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  • Shane422Shane422 Registered Users Posts: 460 Major grins
    edited October 30, 2008
    Go for the lens now. In the spring there will be another round of cameras out that will be even more advanced and you'll be ready them. I have a D50 and it it were not at 45K actuations, I wouldn't be waiting patiently for the UPS man to arrive with my D90. I need a backup.
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