$1200 For Nikon prosumer lvl body and lenses what should I buy?

[HerkFE]

So I have around $1200 to spend on a DSLR body and lenses I have been looking at the D7000 and the D90 but I am open to other options at the prosumer or higher level and some different lens choices. If you had $1200 to spend what would you by? I already have a good bag, tripod, memory cards, etc...I am willing to go used, refurbed, or new as long as the retailer is reputable.


So please share your suggestions and any reasoning behind them.

Thanks!

 

[CaptainNapalm]

I would get the d7000 with the 18-105mm lens as a kit. Right now you can probably get it new for less than $1,200. This would give you a great camera with a good overall lens with decent coverage. Later decide what you need more of when it comes to lenses.

 

[coastalconn]

Well, what do you plan on shooting? Landscapes, people, street, wildlife?

 

[HerkFE]

I will be taking pics of my family, my travels, cool things I see, and may play with some long night exposures. I was looking at getting a D7000, 18-55 VR, 50mm 1.8, and 55-300mm vr $1213 shipped.

 

[DCerezo]

If I had $1200 to spend... I'd save up another $900 and pick up a Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8... But that's just me.

 

[DCerezo]

I'd get the D7000 or a D700...

 

[HerkFE]

I said with lenses DC I don't see how I would be getting a D700 with glass for under $1200

 

[Mike_E]

For what you've said you wanted to shoot what you listed should do you well.

 

[goodguy]

I would get the d7000 with the 18-105mm lens as a kit. Right now you can probably get it new for less than $1,200. This would give you a great camera with a good overall lens with decent coverage. Later decide what you need more of when it comes to lenses.

Agreed!
In your price this really is the best and only camera to get with lenses.
The D7100 will be 1200$+tax so you are looking at over 1300$ alread, add to that lenses even the most basic 18-55mm and you are looking at probably 1400$+tax

The D7000 is an awsome camera so thats the right camera to get.

 

[RoCoFF]

Just to throw a wrench into the entire thing. A Used excellent condition D300 would get you a great camera PLUS leave a nice chunk of change for a top notch lens(es) of your choice.

 

[HerkFE]

What would I gain over the D90 and lose in contrast to the D7000 if I went that route?

 

[kundalini]

I have a D300 & D700. Their technology may be a bit older, but they still take great shots. But then again, I have lenses that can squeak out the best of both of them.

 

[HerkFE]

Ken Rockwell seems to think very highly of the 18-200mm does the board agree with that view for the most part? I can get a refurb d90, 50 1.8, and refurb 18-200mm VRII for about $57 over my budget or the aforementioned D7000, 18-55 VR, 50mm 1.8, and 55-300mm vr for $1213 shipped. Thoughts?

 

[Ballistics]

Ken Rockwell seems to think very highly of the 18-200mm does the board agree with that view for the most part? I can get a refurb d90, 50 1.8, and refurb 18-200mm VRII for about $57 over my budget or the aforementioned D7000, 18-55 VR, 50mm 1.8, and 55-300mm vr for $1213 shipped. Thoughts?

Never, ever, ever, listen to Ken Rockwell.

 

[Ballistics]

I can get a refurb d90, 50 1.8, and refurb 18-200mm VRII for about $57 over my budget or the aforementioned D7000, 18-55 VR, 50mm 1.8, and 55-300mm vr for $1213 shipped. Thoughts?

D7000 refurbished is $750 from adorama. I wouldn't go for the 55-300VR or the 18-55 for that matter. I have the 18-105 and the 55-200mm and once you shoot with the 50mm 1.8, you aren't going to want to shoot with kit lenses anymore. The IQ is night and day.