Last week, a local camera shop started an auction for 5k worth of camera gear, 2.5k worth of Nikon stuff and 2.5k for Canon. The profits will be given to a local charity by the store owner.

I was bidding for Canon but as everyone was fighting for it in the last hour, I decided half-heartedly, to bid for Nikon and I just found out I won being the highest bidder at 800$ for a 2500 gift card. As a die-hard Canon fan, I think this is the best opportunity to see what happens on this side of the bridge.

As I'm relatively new to Photography in general and even more to Nikon, I'm trying to make a list. I have a nice budget but it's not limited. The only camera I like so far from Nikon is the almighty D300. I'm open to all suggestions as far as lenses and bodies go.

Thanks ahead!

 

I. want.


haha, congrats on the bid though!
The D300 is definitely and awesome camera. That's what I have and I love it to death. To be honest, I probably wouldn't go to any lower camera in the Nikon line-up than the D300, but that's just personal. The only problem you'd have with get a D300, is that you will be fairly limited in the lens selection(s) if you indeed don't plan on spending more than $2500.

The D300 will most likely run you between $1600-1700. That leaves you about $800. I know some would disagree, but if I did it all over again, I wouldn't mind buying the 18-200 VR first with the D300. It is a very strong lens with excellent reviews to boot. It's a terrific walk-around. Some would say not to buy it for no other than the reason that it's a DX lens however. And there is some merit to that. If you by chance really into Nikon (like jupitersolo) and feel the desire to ever switch over, it may be considered a hinderance later down the road if you got into photography and decided to get a FX camera such as the D700.


That was a little more than I intended to write, but that's my

D300
18-200 VR

That will leave you with about $200-300 left. Not sure what you could/want to do with that, but there ya go.

EDIT: If I didn't have a budget though, I would've no doubt gone for the 24-70, and 70-200

 

^ Hey thanks. I have the brochure for the D300 and it looks like a terrific camera to say the least. I think that'll be the body of choice. I'll try to go check out the 18-200 tomorrow if I can.

 

Cool!
Let us know how you like it!
I still love my 18-200.

 

D300 and 17-55 2.8 AF-S DX


And Congrats

 

congrats! d300+equipment would get my vote as well. i've never used it but it just looks and seems to take amazing photos. enjoy it and post pics

 

tis the season to give...i'll send you my address...

congrats on the sweet winning bid...now go get yourself a D3 (you're halfway there)!

 

D300 or D700.

For you, knowing you can easily upgrade whenever you want....go D300. 17-55 like jup said...and if need be a longer like the 70-200VR...or wait a bit.

Dont forget to get a really good case for new gear. I prefer lowepro gear.

 

don't forget the Memory, fast memory cards are key.

 

<~~~ jealous

i would love to have 2.5k to throw towards nikon gear, would make the pain of switching alot easier

 

Thats so awesome! wondering if they have anything like that around my area...

 

congrats on winning the bid. it does show you more people prefer Canon

 

or more people just aren't as smart...








that was a joke... :putsuphiscamerabattlegearreadyforthecanonites:

 

Depends on what what Canon body you have? If you have a Canon crop body then I'd put the $2,500 towards a D700.

Pretty sure you can afford the difference.

Or sell the gift card for 2k and buy more Canon stuff.

 

I can't recommend any Nikon lenses because I don't know enough about them, but congrats on winning the gift card! That's cool. I'll put my vote in for the D700. I would use this opportunity to go the full frame route, and by all accounts the D700 is top notch.

 

I'll try to find some time this week to check out the D700. Looks pretty rugged and big although I have the impression it's too much of a camera for me. I will definitely post pics.

 

Oh, if you have $$$ to spend on equipment get the D700. But if you just want a good camera go with the D300, it has better walk around lenses, a D300, 17-55 and 70-300VR, would be a great set up.

 

Just picked up the D300 body. Next up is the lens.

 

I missed this thread earlier. Congrats on the winning bid and the new camera.

Now list the D300 on CL or something and buy some more Canon gear.

 

+1

 

, You know which one?

 

The upcoming 50 mm F 1.4 AF-S. Next up will be a wide angle.

 

You'll be lucky if you can get that lens before next month.

 

Look who's here.

 

nah just playin...congrats!

 

Luckee. Congrats.

 

have fun with it.

 

Congrats.

I'm sure it's something you get used to, but the controls look less intuitive more difficult to use than I'm used to seeing.

 

Next month? I'm taking delivery of it this afternoon.

 

Suite!!

 

Congrats on the new rig nokia!

 

The local guy just called me about something else, they said they had a 50mm 1.4G in stock today.

 

B&H has January availability on its website. Anyone who gets this lens, please post pics and a short review.

tks

 

Return it, it has a Canadian warranty

 

A little update.

I love this camera. I love this lens.

 

how about some 3200 and 6400 ISO shots, please?

 

I hear its a bit odd on filter size they chose and 1.4d is a bit quicker only .8sec but it did fix some purple fringing.

 

Not bad, I can't wait to get one. The one in stock was gone yesterday.


And you're in trouble, you've been bitten.

 

Working on it.

 

Here you go sir.