A Cheaper Alternative?

[Gosu_John]

Hi all,

I've decided to upgrade from my Canon S45 to a DSLR.

Initially was blown away by the Canon 300D, then as I slowly read up more, began to be impressed by the D100, then the D70 came out. Then the Canon 20D. Was bent on buying the Canon 20D but later decided that for my purposes its really not worth it for the 2.7-2.8k camera.

So D70 was what I settled on. A dream setup -

D70 [body only]
AF-S DX 17-55mm f/2.8G IF-ED
AF-S 80-200mm f/2.8D IF-ED OR AF-S VR 70-200mm f/2.8G IF ED [NEW]
Tamron Di 90mm 1:1 Macro

Total cost I calculated should be around 9.1k where I used recommended retail prices for the Nikkor Lenses. So in reality think should be lesser.

Are there cheaper alternatives to this setup? Any recommendations?

some points to state:
- F2.8 is a must
- Pretty settled on the Tamron from what I've seen.
- So basically is need a WA and a mid zoom 70-200 for street photography n candids

Can anyone help? All help mucho appreciated. Gracias!

[smallaperture]

IMO, that is a big step from a digicam to a dSLR and a few big lenses.

First, if you can afford it, why not? Some has got it as a gift from some rich auntiee, another got some inheritance, etc.

Next, it's a big jump in weight - that set up weighs a tonne compared with your digicam. If you're a fit ex-guardsman, no problem. Otherwise try carrying 3 bricks in a backpack and walk around for 2 hours and report back to me that you can handle it. These days, many photogs are IT people, so, they hardly see any bricks. I handle bricks and mortar and plasters on a daily basis.

Folks tend to buy equipment at the spur of the moment, and then, sell them away like almost virgin, and hopefully do not loose too much.

[Dennis]

What you have put up is pretty neat but should add in the 12-24 for wide angle. Have you also forgotton about the SB800 ?. and another SB800 and the Fish Eye and the....... Oh you will find out for yourself as you go along. Always remember when you go into a SLR (film or digital is the same) you are looking at the system not just the body.

[Gosu_John]

thanks guys for the replies!

now is to go research on whats the difference between the 70-200 and 80-200

both prices same too! at least on the Nikon official price guide list.

[TMC]

80-200 is the older version of the 70-200.

Here's how your planned setup would cost:

D70 body +1585
18-55mm f2.8 +2100
70-200mm f2.8 +2800
90mm Di Macro + 570
Extra Batt + 30
Filters + 60

Other possible items that you might get:
12-24mm +1400
1gb CF + 300


Calculate to see how much it would cost you. But I dont recommend getting all at one shot.

[obviousdude]

some other essentials to add:

tripod with ballhead $200 - $700
sb600 or sb800 $400 - $600

well, i didn't think these are essentials initially, but......

decide on what you need, if you don't travel much or drive, you may opt for the cheap aluminium tripods for example.

[mpenza]

you need a bag too to carry your stuff. cater ~$150 for it.

[mpenza]

btw, it's quite a heavy and expensive dream. I don't have any lenses that weigh more than 800g or cost more than $1k

[coldman]

Originally Posted by Gosu_John Hi all, I've decided to upgrade from my Canon S45 to a DSLR. Initially was blown away by the Canon 300D, then as I slowly read up more, began to be impressed by the D100, then the D70 came out. Then the Canon 20D. Was bent on buying the Canon 20D but later decided that for my purposes its really not worth it for the 2.7-2.8k camera. So D70 was what I settled on. A dream setup - D70 [body only] AF-S DX 17-55mm f/2.8G IF-ED AF-S 80-200mm f/2.8D IF-ED OR AF-S VR 70-200mm f/2.8G IF ED [NEW] Tamron Di 90mm 1:1 Macro Total cost I calculated should be around 9.1k where I used recommended retail prices for the Nikkor Lenses. So in reality think should be lesser. Are there cheaper alternatives to this setup? Any recommendations? some points to state: - F2.8 is a must - Pretty settled on the Tamron from what I've seen. - So basically is need a WA and a mid zoom 70-200 for street photography n candids Can anyone help? All help mucho appreciated. Gracias!

imho, What you really need is :

D70 (body only)
Tamron AF28-200mm F/3.8-5.6 XR Aspherical (IF) Macro or
Sigma 28-200mm F3.5-5.6 ASPHERICAL MACRO
SB600 flash
Tripod (<$100)
1gb compact flash card
midium size bag to carry all the stuff + water.

you don't need the f2.8 for street photography n candids

if you think 28mm not wide enough, then take a few shots and join them into a panorama, then resize.

at least that what i will buy if i upgrade to DSLR. but i will buy the 28-300mm lens.

[bAa]

Originally Posted by coldman if you think 28mm not wide enough, then take a few shots and join them into a panorama, then resize.

well, unless he takes purely landscapes?

[AReality]

Originally Posted by coldman if you think 28mm not wide enough, then take a few shots and join them into a panorama, then resize.

Depends on personal shooting style.
On a 1.5x crop, a 28mm is definitely not enough for me.

My personal opinion:
If U really wanna invest in a system, go for better lenses, body comes 2nd. I have seen too many people buying cheap lenses(incl. 3rd party), then sell them for a better one. In the end wasting more $. Good lens have better resale value in the long term than a good body.

[Garion]

Originally Posted by AReality My personal opinion: If U really wanna invest in a system, go for better lenses, body comes 2nd. I have seen too many people buying cheap lenses(incl. 3rd party), then sell them for a better one. In the end wasting more $. Good lens have better resale value in the long term than a good body.

Agreed. Lenses are probably the most important part of any system. To add to what AReality said, try not to buy all your lenses at one go as well. Sure it may seem convenient to buy all at one shot, but what if you discover that you don't really need a particular lens or very seldom use it at all? It will thus sit in your dry cabinet collecting dust and you would probably sell it off at a loss.

Gosu_John, this is what I would probably do if I were in your shoes:

1. Buy the D70 and the kits lens first.
2. Get a good, well-sized and comfy bag to put all your stuff in.
3. Buy (at least) a one gig CF card. Lexar or Sandisk Ultra II cards recommended.
4. A dry cabinet (abt 30-40 litres) to protect your investements from fungus (v. important!)
5. If you still have available funds, an external flash is recommended. f2.8 lenses are fast but not fast enuff especially indoors or in dim lighting. Built in flash isn't powerful enuff and might cause vigenetting (shadows) in your pics. Go for the SB-800, its one of the best flash units around now (~$600+)

Play around with your system and familiarize yourself with it first. Don't be disappointed if the quality of the pics is not what you expect. DSLRs have a learning curve, and images out of the cam require some post processing skills to extract the best out of them. Then, start selecting your lenses one by one depending on which areas interest you most. For e.g, you may take an interest in shooting insect macros, then go for the 90mm macro lens. Or, you might enjoy snapping events or fashion shows, then go for the 70 or 80-200mm.

In short, spend your money wisely, especially when it comes to lenses, go slow and think carefully before making the purchase. Else, as AReality has mentioned, you will end up losing $$$ just from buying and then selling lenses alone. Been there, done that (so have many others here, whether they like to admit it or not).

Hope this helps!

[mpenza]

Originally Posted by coldman at least that what i will buy if i upgrade to DSLR. but i will buy the 28-300mm lens.

not to say that the 28-300 is bad but it's definitely not up to par with the better consumer and pro lenses out there.

[AReality]

Originally Posted by Garion Else, as AReality has mentioned, you will end up losing $$$ just from buying and then selling lenses alone. Been there, done that (so have many others here, whether they like to admit it or not).

haha...
Been there, done that too...

What every newbie to SLRs will say "I better get a cheap lens 1st, coz buy body already no more $. Somemore, dun think I need so good quality lens..." It's a path where many pple wanna travel coz it's more convenient, but it's not the best path.

[LimCB]

Originally Posted by Gosu_John Hi all, I've decided to upgrade from my Canon S45 to a DSLR. Initially was blown away by the Canon 300D, then as I slowly read up more, began to be impressed by the D100, then the D70 came out. Then the Canon 20D. Was bent on buying the Canon 20D but later decided that for my purposes its really not worth it for the 2.7-2.8k camera. So D70 was what I settled on. A dream setup - D70 [body only] AF-S DX 17-55mm f/2.8G IF-ED AF-S 80-200mm f/2.8D IF-ED OR AF-S VR 70-200mm f/2.8G IF ED [NEW] Tamron Di 90mm 1:1 Macro Total cost I calculated should be around 9.1k where I used recommended retail prices for the Nikkor Lenses. So in reality think should be lesser. Are there cheaper alternatives to this setup? Any recommendations? some points to state: - F2.8 is a must - Pretty settled on the Tamron from what I've seen. - So basically is need a WA and a mid zoom 70-200 for street photography n candids Can anyone help? All help mucho appreciated. Gracias!

If you listen to those who said lenses are the most important part of a syatem, then you'd be screwed for sure.
Don't you know the brand is most important?

[AReality]

Originally Posted by LimCB If you listen to those who said lenses are the most important part of a syatem, then you'd be screwed for sure. Don't you know the brand is most important?

Gosu_John : Think you better listen to him. He's an expert. Go get a Leica. It's good. At least what's what the old men says.

Now come to think of it, I should've gotten a leica instead. Should've have bought canon. Leica lets me improve my pictures tremendously. It makes me look more like a professional street photographer. Made the wrong choice. Hope doesn't happen to u...

[Manfred Ng]

Originally Posted by mpenza not to say that the 28-300 is bad but it's definitely not up to par with the better consumer and pro lenses out there.

This sure sounds like the guru! I have the 28-200 and the kit lense. I can tell you no fight! The Kit lense is easily better than the 28-200 tamron xr lense. Listen to what most of them say go get the kit then start slowly from there. The kit lense is good enough for most or all of what you will need. Then maybe work for a flash or a very wide aperture 50mm standard lense. you won't go wrong. From there on you will know what you really want and go get the ends of the power you need, Artillery one kill all wide agle or the missles of long range tele!

[yowch]

Nikon 18-70 DX is certainly a good lens and unless you need f2.8, this is a keeper. I am using this lens. Not to mention Silent Wave Motor!

Tamron 28-200 is a convenient lens for the tele and some macro possibilities. Not fantastic, but remember to consider price. The Tamron has been rated highly over and over.

Get a good flash, I dare say that half of SLR photography is in mastering flash. If there is enough light, even idiots can get good shots. Knowing how to fill, compensate or light up a scene is really master photography level.

A simple start up for me will be D70 + kit lens, Tamron 28-200 and a third party flash (used in either Auto or Manual, no TTL). That's about $2200 + $500 + $200, with another $400 for bags, card, tripod, filters, total of $3300. If you get this set up second hand, it'll probably be about $2500.

[bcoolboy]

Hi John,

Here's a more exotic setup that is cheaper than your dream set, but with a personal guarantee that you will enjoy for a long, long time:

1.) D70 Body - around SG$1500
2.) AFD 50mm 1.8 - around SG$150
3.) AFS 70-200G VR IF-ED - around SG$2700 (With full warranty. Can be cheaper if you buy a Gray set)
4.) Canon 500D Close-up Lens Attachment - around SG$130+

The 50mm covers your wide angle by walking closer or futher to and from your subject;
The 70-200mm covers your telephoto range;
The 500D Close-up Lens Attachment covers your macro range (attached to your 70-200 VR).

You would not need a tripod because you can shoot in relatively low light with your f/2.8 aperture and VR. Of course shooting "bulb" is another issue.

If you have not heard of the Canon 500D, here's a link for your reference: -
http://www.camerahobby.com/Access-Canon500D.htm

Total cost of investment SG$4,480.00

If you have an extra SG$500 in your piggy bank somewhere, go for the SB-800. If not put that in your "to do" list and enjoy your VR lens for a while longer.

And of course a good sturdy bag, an extra battery and lots of CF space (around SG$300-400). YEAH!!!

Hope this helps.

cheers,
bcoolboy

[Gosu_John]

Hey all, thanks for the VERY useful replies. Am seriously thinking into looking into 2nd hand lens right now to cut down on costs but retain the high level of quality. haha