Going to get D80, should I use this setup?

[sapphy]

Nikon D80 (body only) - ($1380~$1550)
AF-S 12-24mm f/4G IF-ED DX - $1680
AF-S 18-70mm f/3.5-4.5G IF-ED DX - $390
AF-S VR 55-200mm f/4-5.6G IF-ED DX - ($399~$410)
AF 50mm f/1.8D - ($170~$185)
Nikon SB-400 - ($188~210)

In preparation for my overseas trip, I have decided to go for D80. Been using F31FD for almost a year so I thought maybe it's time for an upgrade. I'm a casual shooter and photography is a hobby, not work. Do you agree or have any comments with the above setup? The reason I forgo the kit lens was because I need the wide angle, and at the same time it does not come with a VR! (I have shaky hands)

On a side note, I'm also looking for a tripod, any recommendation? Hopefully it's light and steady, but less than $200?

[jedinite]

Think you should get the Tokina 12-24 f4 instead and get either the 17-35 AFS used or 17-55 afsnikkor. Would be a way better investment in glass. Don't know the 55-200VR so can't really help you there.

[sapphy]

But.. Those are way out of budget! Haha I just read the thread on preferred WA, I think I'll agree with you and go with Tokina on that..

[helmiz]

I would get SB600 instead of SB400, thats the only change I would do.

[jedinite]

Originally Posted by sapphy Nikon D80 (body only) - ($1380~$1550) AF-S 12-24mm f/4G IF-ED DX - $1680 AF-S 18-70mm f/3.5-4.5G IF-ED DX - $390 AF-S VR 55-200mm f/4-5.6G IF-ED DX - ($399~$410) AF 50mm f/1.8D - ($170~$185) Nikon SB-400 - ($188~210) In preparation for my overseas trip, I have decided to go for D80. Been using F31FD for almost a year so I thought maybe it's time for an upgrade. I'm a casual shooter and photography is a hobby, not work. Do you agree or have any comments with the above setup? The reason I forgo the kit lens was because I need the wide angle, and at the same time it does not come with a VR! (I have shaky hands) On a side note, I'm also looking for a tripod, any recommendation? Hopefully it's light and steady, but less than $200?

Hmmm


Maybe you should consider the Tamron 17-50 2.89 heard good things about it, you can never go worng with fast glass...almost.

[sapphy]

Originally Posted by jedinite Hmmm Maybe you should consider the Tamron 17-50 2.89 heard good things about it, you can never go worng with fast glass...almost.

Hi, does it mean that at the tele end, it will still be able to set it's aperture at 2.8?

[jedinite]

Yep

I believe that's a constant aperture lens

[bigfoot888]

Is that too many lenses for you to carry?

why consider the all around lens 18-200VR instead + 50 f1.8 for low light?

SB-400 might not enough though its compact in size.
SB-600 is bigger but should be ok.
SB-800 is a shot and don't look back. (this is what i did)

for tripod you can try Benro. i think Jack here in CS is selling with a good price.

just my opinion.. good luck bro!

Originally Posted by sapphy Nikon D80 (body only) - ($1380~$1550) AF-S 12-24mm f/4G IF-ED DX - $1680 AF-S 18-70mm f/3.5-4.5G IF-ED DX - $390 AF-S VR 55-200mm f/4-5.6G IF-ED DX - ($399~$410) AF 50mm f/1.8D - ($170~$185) Nikon SB-400 - ($188~210) In preparation for my overseas trip, I have decided to go for D80. Been using F31FD for almost a year so I thought maybe it's time for an upgrade. I'm a casual shooter and photography is a hobby, not work. Do you agree or have any comments with the above setup? The reason I forgo the kit lens was because I need the wide angle, and at the same time it does not come with a VR! (I have shaky hands) On a side note, I'm also looking for a tripod, any recommendation? Hopefully it's light and steady, but less than $200?

[sapphy]

Originally Posted by bigfoot888 Is that too many lenses for you to carry? why consider the all around lens 18-200VR instead + 50 f1.8 for low light? SB-400 might not enough though its compact in size. SB-600 is bigger but should be ok. SB-800 is a shot and don't look back. (this is what i did) for tripod you can try Benro. i think Jack here in CS is selling with a good price. just my opinion.. good luck bro!

Hi, thanks for your opinion. The reason why I didn't go for 18-200 is because I figured I'd need the 12-24. And also due to budget constrain I have to settle with multiple lenses setup

As for the flash... I'm not too sure myself because I'm not so into flash

In fact, if I go for 18-200 VR, I'll skip the 12-24 totally and go with your build. Do you think it's a good idea if I go for that? I love taking scenic shots which is why I'd prefer to go for the 12-24.

[blurboiboi]

Originally Posted by sapphy Nikon D80 (body only) - ($1380~$1550) AF-S 12-24mm f/4G IF-ED DX - $1680 AF-S 18-70mm f/3.5-4.5G IF-ED DX - $390 AF-S VR 55-200mm f/4-5.6G IF-ED DX - ($399~$410) AF 50mm f/1.8D - ($170~$185) Nikon SB-400 - ($188~210) In preparation for my overseas trip, I have decided to go for D80. Been using F31FD for almost a year so I thought maybe it's time for an upgrade. I'm a casual shooter and photography is a hobby, not work. Do you agree or have any comments with the above setup? The reason I forgo the kit lens was because I need the wide angle, and at the same time it does not come with a VR! (I have shaky hands) On a side note, I'm also looking for a tripod, any recommendation? Hopefully it's light and steady, but less than $200?

have you tried John??... last i hear from a friend body only for D80 is only 1180... not sure i remember it correctly or not...

[sapphy]

Originally Posted by blurboiboi have you tried John??... last i hear from a friend body only for D80 is only 1180... not sure i remember it correctly or not...

Serious? I don't think it's quite possible even for grey sets..

Perhaps you could do me a huge favour by asking him?

[kyo86sg]

Kyo86sg recommend changes. dont carry to much lens, try 3 the most.

Nikon D80 (body only) - ($1380~$1550)
AF-S 12-24mm f/4G IF-ED DX - $1680

Change to Tokina 12-24mm F/4G DX (<$700)

AF-S 18-70mm f/3.5-4.5G IF-ED DX - $390
AF-S VR 55-200mm f/4-5.6G IF-ED DX - ($399~$410)
AF 50mm f/1.8D - ($170~$185)

Change to AF-S 18-200mm F3.5-5.6 DX IF ED （1，100）

Nikon SB-400 - ($188~210)

Change to Nikon SB-600 ($330-370)

[geraldkhoo]

Originally Posted by sapphy Nikon D80 (body only) - ($1380~$1550) AF-S 12-24mm f/4G IF-ED DX - $1680 AF-S 18-70mm f/3.5-4.5G IF-ED DX - $390 AF-S VR 55-200mm f/4-5.6G IF-ED DX - ($399~$410) AF 50mm f/1.8D - ($170~$185) Nikon SB-400 - ($188~210) In preparation for my overseas trip, I have decided to go for D80. Been using F31FD for almost a year so I thought maybe it's time for an upgrade. I'm a casual shooter and photography is a hobby, not work. Do you agree or have any comments with the above setup? The reason I forgo the kit lens was because I need the wide angle, and at the same time it does not come with a VR! (I have shaky hands) On a side note, I'm also looking for a tripod, any recommendation? Hopefully it's light and steady, but less than $200?

It'll be tough to travel with so many lenses... and based on what you are getting... I would suggest that you consider this series of lenses... which should be within your current budget... and give you a bigger bang for your buck...

Tokina 12-24 f/4 (instead of Nikon 12-24 f/4) ~ $750
Tamron 17-50 f/2.8 (instead of Nikon 18-70) ~ $650
Nikon 70-300 VR (instead of Nikon 55-200 VR) ~ $880
SB-600 (instead of SB-400) ~ $350
Total = $2630 (as compared to $2680)

So the end amount is around what you have listed. The advantage is as follows:
1. The Tokina may be not as good as the Nikon... but not much... check out the following. However, the saving can be put to getting better stuff for the rest of the lenses.
http://www.kenrockwell.com/tech/digi...comparison.htm

2. Tamron 17-50 f/2.8 is a good lens. It is a constant f/2.8 throughout the range of 17-50. This lens stays on my cam most of the time, and especially when I travel.

3. Nikon 70-300 VR is much better than the 55-200 VR in different ways, including the VR. The 70-300 VR is VRII or enhanced VR with Normal and Active modes, while the 55-200 only has normal mode VR. You also get more reach.

4. SB-600 has much more in it than SB-400, not only in terms of reach of flash, but also the flash head can turn sideways that SB-400 cannot. I don't own the SB-400, but the SB-600 can be configuered as a slave/remote flash.

You may be concern about not having the range between 50-70 in your set up, actually it is not much to be concern about as you just need to take 2-3 steps forward or backwards to move in that range.

Hope this helps

[jedinite]

And if you really need to get a 50 1.8 look for a used one, that should not cost too much.

[ssping83]

Originally Posted by geraldkhoo It'll be tough to travel with so many lenses... and based on what you are getting... I would suggest that you consider this series of lenses... which should be within your current budget... and give you a bigger bang for your buck... Tokina 12-24 f/4 (instead of Nikon 12-24 f/4) ~ $750 Tamron 17-50 f/2.8 (instead of Nikon 18-70) ~ $650 Nikon 70-300 VR (instead of Nikon 55-200 VR) ~ $880 SB-600 (instead of SB-400) ~ $350 Total = $2630 (as compared to $2680) So the end amount is around what you have listed. The advantage is as follows: 1. The Tokina may be not as good as the Nikon... but not much... check out the following. However, the saving can be put to getting better stuff for the rest of the lenses. http://www.kenrockwell.com/tech/digi...comparison.htm 2. Tamron 17-50 f/2.8 is a good lens. It is a constant f/2.8 throughout the range of 17-50. This lens stays on my cam most of the time, and especially when I travel. 3. Nikon 70-300 VR is much better than the 55-200 VR in different ways, including the VR. The 70-300 VR is VRII or enhanced VR with Normal and Active modes, while the 55-200 only has normal mode VR. You also get more reach. 4. SB-600 has much more in it than SB-400, not only in terms of reach of flash, but also the flash head can turn sideways that SB-400 cannot. I don't own the SB-400, but the SB-600 can be configuered as a slave/remote flash. You may be concern about not having the range between 50-70 in your set up, actually it is not much to be concern about as you just need to take 2-3 steps forward or backwards to move in that range. Hope this helps

i second this combination over the threadstarter's original one.. btw to ts.. you're spending 4000+ one shot on camera hardwares?!.. WOW~! *envy* lol..

to cut costs a bit.. i reckon 55-200 VR will suffice.. (but that's coz i dun shoot much telephoto also la haha).. and you will also not lose the range between 50 and 70.. =).. or alternative you can also get the equally good but no VR version of the 70-300.. which is less than a third in the price.. =)

the savings you can invest in a good and light tripod.. maybe carbon fibre? and a good heavy duty carrying bag.. (since your setup seems REALLY heavy le)

[senray]

That's a lot of lens you're going to carry for travelling I think.

I would suggest to replace

AF-S 12-24mm f/4G IF-ED DX - $1680
AF-S 18-70mm f/3.5-4.5G IF-ED DX - $390

with the Tamron 17-50 f/2.8

at 17mm is already wide enough for more landscape shots. The Money can be saved up to buy a SB-600 instead of SB-400 and get yourself a good tripod.

that's my take for someone who is on budget like me

Overseas trip should be relaxing and fun, it can be tiring to bring so much ya?

[sanith]

If i am travelling soon, i will stick with a camera i have used, whose controls i am familiar with. Unless you have the time to learn to use your new camera, dont take it for the trip. But D80 is an excellent camera and will serve you well, i am very happy with mine.

[sapphy]

Thanks everyone! It seems like everyone here disagree on me getting the SB400, and I'm not too sure myself too cos I'm not so much into flash. I thought of just getting it for the bounce and stuff.

For Tamrom 17-50 it looks like a better choice instead of going 12-24 and 18-70. I might go ahead with that, and quite tempted to replace 55-200 with 70-300 too..

[eikin]

Originally Posted by sapphy Nikon D80 (body only) - ($1380~$1550) AF-S 12-24mm f/4G IF-ED DX - $1680 AF-S 18-70mm f/3.5-4.5G IF-ED DX - $390 AF-S VR 55-200mm f/4-5.6G IF-ED DX - ($399~$410) AF 50mm f/1.8D - ($170~$185) Nikon SB-400 - ($188~210) In preparation for my overseas trip, I have decided to go for D80. Been using F31FD for almost a year so I thought maybe it's time for an upgrade. I'm a casual shooter and photography is a hobby, not work. Do you agree or have any comments with the above setup? The reason I forgo the kit lens was because I need the wide angle, and at the same time it does not come with a VR! (I have shaky hands) On a side note, I'm also looking for a tripod, any recommendation? Hopefully it's light and steady, but less than $200?

not sure about what you'll want to shoot, but my current setup for trips is just 1 camera + 1 wide angle + 1 kit lens range, sometimes without flash and tripod. trips are more enjoyable with lighter setup

[zaren]

i would go for 18-200VR and a SB400, for the smallest/lightest setup that covers almost any shooting situation without having to change lenses or lug a tripod ard. VR throughout the zoom range will be great for you since you have shaky hands. i will also bring along the f31d in case i want a stranger to take my photo, and also to act as a backup cam.