Which kit would YOU choose?

[desertdave]

dominantlys kit w/ batt grip. The grip is only 128$ and it gives you 3 days worth of shooting! I agree go full size sensor (FX) for that kind of coin, Dave

 

[haynchinook334]

Well, to a point.

A full frame camera like the D700, would be my "base", and I would build upon it.

D700 $2,249... That would leave some room for some awesome glass.

My Kit (screw your guidelines)

D700 -$2,249
Nikkor 24-70 f/2.8G ED- $1,635
Nikon SB-600- $199
Nikon MB-D10- $220

$4,303

This.....

This was pretty much my upgrade option.

But, you asked for the 300s option, so I'll got with kit 1.

 

[Live_free]

D700 and a good used copy of:
nikon 35-70mm f/2.8 D
This can usually be had on eBay for around $300. Just make sure it's a later model and the push/pull zoom isn't worn.
For example:
Nikon AF Nikkor 35-70mm f 2.8 D Lens - NO RESERVE - eBay (item 180512101228 end time May-29-10 19:43:28 PDT)

This would save you $100s, you'd have a very professional carry around, and you could always auction off the lens when you have money to buy the 24-70mm.

Actually, you could also get the 70-300mm VR zoom, it's surprisingly sharp and light weight, lots of glass for the money.

I don't buy used... Never have... Never will.... Thing is I got gypped once and won't do it again. While it would save me Hundreds I also wouldn't have a warranty on 4k dollars of equipment. Also I plan to ONLY buy 2.8 or better glass as I don't want to waste money on something worse and then have to upgrade later, better to save up firstly.

 

[Live_free]

Well, to a point.

A full frame camera like the D700, would be my "base", and I would build upon it.

D700 $2,249... That would leave some room for some awesome glass.

My Kit (screw your guidelines)

D700 -$2,249
Nikkor 24-70 f/2.8G ED- $1,635
Nikon SB-600- $199
Nikon MB-D10- $220

$4,303

This.....

This was pretty much my upgrade option.

But, you asked for the 300s option, so I'll got with kit 1.

I'm looking into it right now and gonna talk to my local camera shop (have given them LOADS of business) and see what kind of deal on all that I can get. If it's around that 4.3k I'm gonna go for it.