why not the D700? it is perfect for mommies
I agree, but I'm not JUST a mommy with a camera. My business income is what has given me this equipment money. I use my gear for shooting my kids, but just as often I use a little coolpix. I'm just of the mindset that I should have the best gear for my JOB that I can afford. I'm considering the D700, but since I'm also getting a battery grip, it may make more sense to get a D3 used in a few months.
Hi Sonya,
I looked at your galleries and it does not look like you need an updated D3 which will either be a 24mp+ camera in that body or in a D700 body.
Looks much more like you would benefit from a D300/D700 for children sessions - particularly the D700 which has the D3 high ISO range and would make it easier to get candids without flash (and not be so noticeable as you would be with a bigger D3 body).
That would give you some money to keep by until you shoot FX for a while to see what other glass might be released/what you might need (though you have some good glass for an FX body already).
I shoot a lot of kids sessions so going through a similar process - a D3x might be great for many applications but this isn't one of them.
The D700 would be my choice in your position.
Thank you, that's what I was considering as well. I would get a second grip, as I love the portrait shutter release....
D700 and either 24-70 or 28-70.
There's a fair chance that the AF speed on the D700 will be more akin to the D300 than the D3, but upgrading to the AF-S midrange zoom should help make up the difference.
And the D300 AF speed is fairly snappy as it is.
Keep an eye on the new Sigma 50 1.4.
If it looks good, perhaps sell your Sigma 30 1.4 and 50 1.8 and replace them with the Sigma 50 1.4.
Use the 50 1.4 on the differing format bodies to mirror your current perspectives.
You're in an enviable position with equipment options and finances, so enjoy it and don't rush into anything.
I'm in no rush, I won't by anything for a couple of months. Thanks for giving your opinion.
Forget the D3, the D700 make more sense.
Then sell off the D80 and your two starter DX lenses. Your Tamron isn't a great lens, but it also isn't a terrible lens and being a 2.8 and FX lens you can wait on that.
I'd go wide with the 17-35 and long with 70-200. Match these with a DX/FX combo you get 17 as really wide on the FX and 200 gives you reach on the DX.
You should be able to cover these with the $5K and the $ from the sale of the other stuff.
I like my Tamron, but I have considered upgrading to a Nikkor in that range.... I've also considered a 17-35 or a 14-24, but I don't shoot wide that often unless I use the fisheye, and that's for the fisheye effect. I have also at a couple different times considered the 70-200, but I'm am TERRIBLY afraid of dead battery syndrome that seems to follow that lens around. I would hate to spend that kind of money on glass only for it to cause me a headache.
The D700 and switch out that Tamron to a Nikkor 24-70 or 28-70 :wink: <---- The AF-S on that last one is incredible. Sharp and smooth lens, you'll love it Sonya.
I'm considering it. Thanks Linda. :tongue:
Sonya, My first question before I go into glass would be if you got the D700 would you want the grip. Be sure to compare the current D3 price to the price of rigging a D700 how you would see yourself shooting when you had it just as you want it (grip, enel4, charger) if those are thing you would use.
If you plan to take the grip from the D300 and use and stick with enel3 batteries then thats good.
I would get rid of the Tamron, the 18-55 and the D80 and look for a 28-70 to use on the FX camera. When I got some more money saved up the 55-200 would go next, yielding to a 70-200 vr. You may even want to get a 180mm 2.8 and get rid of the 55-200 sooner. The extra reach on such good glass will let you be less intrusive when shooting those little ones. Theat should allow the to show more of thier natural personalities more during the shoot.
I also just scrolled back up and saw the Tamron 90mm macro. I dont frequent the macro/flowers forum so I dont know how much you use it. If you dont, let it go. I se the 85mm 1.4 in red. I am assuming that is either on your list or already on its way. Get it.
Keep us posted as to what you are thinking.
I would absolutely get a second grip for the D700, but price is definitely a consideration to make when combining the two. I may be better off getting a used D3 this fall.
Again, I'm fearful of the 70-200. Too much money to spend for the chance it will give me trouble down the line, or as I read yesterday, right out of the box...
I agree about the lenses to get rid of. I will sell the kit lenses along with the D80 since that was how I bought it all originally. The 85 is in red, because out of all my toys, it's my favorite. I also love my macro lens. I don't shoot macro often, but I'm keeping that one around for when I'm in the mood to. It wasn't an expensive purchase, so I don't feel the need to ditch it since I will use it on occasion. The 180 is a nice lens I may consider....I got to shoot with Uncle Frank's at out get together last month. It may be a good compromise lens since I can't seem to *like* the idea of a 70-200.
Also, I do wear 2 bodies around my neck when at an outdoor session. I keep my fisheye on one, and the 85 on another in most circumstances. I realize the weight will be an issue regardless, and don't think the 70-200 fits me in that regard either.
