Getting a D300 this weekend...

[dslrnewbee]

Hi, I'm new here and am almost there with a D300. It was a hard deciding between a D300 and a D700 but since I'm new to photography, I decided to go for a D300.
After reading a couple of threads, the thought of focusing issues scare me...hope I dont get a lemon. Also, the process of 'fine-tuning' the lens is a little intimitating.

Anyway, if I dont start at ground zero, I may never start at all....
Lens? Havent decided yet actually but thinking of a all-rounder like the 18-105 or the 18-200mm. May opt for the former.

I may ask silly questions now and then and I hope the community here will be patient to help me....Been reading alot of the 51-pt AF system and the more I read, the more confused I get.

Ok, enough for now......Most of you are nice peeps judging from the threads...

Thank you for reading.....

[geraldkhoo]

let me congratulate you ahead of your getting a D300 it is a fine camera and have been enjoying it since i got it

[giantcanopy]

The decision between the 18-105mm or the 18-200mm boils down to the need for greater reach in the later, and budget considerations since the former can be had at a much cheaper price. There are of course several other differences between the two but I probably would not split hair and think too much.

Congrats in advance.

Happy shooting

Ryan

[tanandrew]

Hi congratulate to you for getting D300 is a very good Cam as for the lens 18-200mmVR is good you can use as travel lens like Landscapes ,portraits,etc and you have edition crop of 1.5 for the DX lens

[lili234]

Originally Posted by dslrnewbee Hi, I'm new here and am almost there with a D300. It was a hard deciding between a D300 and a D700 but since I'm new to photography, I decided to go for a D300. After reading a couple of threads, the thought of focusing issues scare me...hope I dont get a lemon. Also, the process of 'fine-tuning' the lens is a little intimitating. Anyway, if I dont start at ground zero, I may never start at all.... Lens? Havent decided yet actually but thinking of a all-rounder like the 18-105 or the 18-200mm. May opt for the former. I may ask silly questions now and then and I hope the community here will be patient to help me....Been reading alot of the 51-pt AF system and the more I read, the more confused I get. Ok, enough for now......Most of you are nice peeps judging from the threads... Thank you for reading.....

get the D300 and 18-200.

[Blur Shadow]

Great! Enjoy your camera!!

[DaoFoo]

Get the 18-200 if you can afford it. But don't loss sleep over either of those two lenses, cause you'll want to upgrade to primes and/or the trinity soon...

[prolensdreamer]

Originally Posted by DaoFoo Get the 18-200 if you can afford it. But don't loss sleep over either of those two lenses, cause you'll want to upgrade to primes and/or the trinity soon...

Wa, Trinity poison on the way.

[Redsun]

congrats on your impending purchase!

[geraldkhoo]

My personal recommendation is to get the D300 body with the Tamron 17-50 f/2.8 lens (without in-built motor). They do not produce this now, but it can be bought 2nd hand at about $450. I went through the initial phase of growing through different lenses, and at one time had the 18-200 (thinking it is a keeper), but I sold it and got the Tamron 17-50, and I still have the 17-50 (one of my fav lenses).

[5kywalker]

Welcome to the Dark Side...

[xintothezonex]

Hie there.. Anyway just my 2cents,
You will love the camera..
Get good lens.. even more u will love it.
To complete the set, get flash, tripod, can play around more..
Must really 'operate' the camera and soon u will master it.
Snap..snap..snap!
Happy shooting soon!

[b-a-k]

Originally Posted by 5kywalker Welcome to the Dark Side...

why is it the dark side lei?
anyways i'm also deciding between a D300 or E-3 setup..

brain tells me to go towards d300 and 18-200mm...nicely suited for travels...
then save up for d700
heart says E-3.... weather proof..maybe more suited to outdoor travels like dusty and drizzling environments?

comments?

[heckz]

im interested to get D300...have been calling few shops
which place gives the best service plus good price?

[dslrnewbee]

many thanks forthe kind comments....
As I travel frequently I am considering an allrounder 18-105mm or 18-200mm lens.
Yes, I am also considering a SB900 flash and a Gitzo CF tripod with a Kang-something ballhead.
The tripod and the ballhead is used and buying from a friend.

As for a good mid-zoom lens, I'm looking at a 17-55mm or a 24-70mm f2.8.
else I may even settle for a 24-85mm f2.8-4.0 lens. Any comments for this lens?

[jnet6]

If you are using D300, 17-55 is a better buy.

so you no need to buy 18-105/18-200.
A SB900 would be best.

For traveling, D300+17-55+SB900, if you need tele maybe 70-300 VR can help.

[MaZaCA]

er...... may I suggest D700+24-70....

just kidding..... have fun with your new toy.....

[samtcy]

I'm planning to get a D300 soon too (maybe this weekend at Sitex if there's good deals) by end of this year.

Where are you planning to buy yours? What's the best price you were quoted?
I went "market research" about 2 weeks ago (maybe prices have changed slightly ever since)and so far I was quoted $2033 by Alan Photo, $2100 by John 3:16, and $2120 by Cathay Photo.

There was this place who quoted me $1926 (inclusive GST) but tried to sell me accessories at high price (more on my blog post regarding this incident) which luckily I didnt fell for it.
So make sure that you beware of such sales tactics when you go shopping for your cam.

[dslrnewbee]

I may try Lords....
The 17-55mm lens is yummy but maybe a little to heavy lugging around during my travels...that's why thinking of a all-in-one 18-105/18-200 lens.

Use the 17-55mm for 'serious' shoots when I'm more familiar with photography

[jnet6]

Originally Posted by dslrnewbee I may try Lords.... The 17-55mm lens is yummy but maybe a little to heavy lugging around during my travels...that's why thinking of a all-in-one 18-105/18-200 lens. Use the 17-55mm for 'serious' shoots when I'm more familiar with photography

When you have over lapping range, one of the lens will be left alone.
And you'll like the output/performance of 17-55 more then 18-105/18-200.

Lots of people use 17-55 for casual shoots too.