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

[Ballistics]

Because it's a lot of money.

It's not the money per say I am certain on the body it's the lens choice that is plaguing me and how much to spend, what to spend on. For example I can get a brand new D7000, 18-105, and SB700 for right under $1400. I could also get a plethora of configs within a couple hundred bucks of my budget.

I would highly recommend getting a cheap $60 or $70 flash. I have the SB700, and I haven't used its TTL feature in a very long time. I bought the YN560 flash for $45, and it's more powerful and just as consistent but it has no TTL.
As for the lens, to tell you to go one way or the other would really be shooting in the dark. If money isn't really an issue, buy a bunch of lenses, try them out for a couple weeks and then return the ones you don't want.

 

[Mike_E]

Mike E; thanks a bunch this is really getting me narrowed down.

Ok I see your point about lacking on the wide end and I was considering that last night as well. So would something like the 17-70mm Sigma/16-85mm Nikkor be better then a 18-105mm? Would a superzoom like 18-250 sigma/Nikkor 18-200/300 be a better choice? Also if I already have 50mm in my focal range I am basically getting the prime for better low light performance and faster focus correct?

The only Sigma lens that I own is an old manual focus 80-200mm macro -a fine lens- that I picked up at a thrift store for $13.

I took this with it while out on a hike



Still, I'd probably go with the 16-85mm. You should get at least 90% of what you want to shoot done with that range. And yes, the 50mm would be better for low light.

 

[HerkFE]

Last question....I think...is a new D7000 and 18-105mm kit worth a $100 more then a refurb D7000 and 18-105?

 

[Ballistics]

Last question....I think...is a new D7000 and 18-105mm kit worth a $100 more then a refurb D7000 and 18-105?

It's a difference between a 90 day warranty and a year warranty. If it's only $100, I'd go new. Having said that, don't buy the D7000 kit. You're paying $300 for a lens that you can get for about $175 on ebay.

 

[HerkFE]

Last question....I think...is a new D7000 and 18-105mm kit worth a $100 more then a refurb D7000 and 18-105?

It's a difference between a 90 day warranty and a year warranty. If it's only $100, I'd go new. Having said that, don't buy the D7000 kit. You're paying $300 for a lens that you can get for about $175 on ebay.

It's only $200 more then the new body; current prices are $896 body only $1096 with 18-105, it's only a $100 more then a refurb d7000 body and refurb 18-105mm lens.

 

[Ballistics]

Last question....I think...is a new D7000 and 18-105mm kit worth a $100 more then a refurb D7000 and 18-105?

It's a difference between a 90 day warranty and a year warranty. If it's only $100, I'd go new. Having said that, don't buy the D7000 kit. You're paying $300 for a lens that you can get for about $175 on ebay.

It's only $200 more then the new body; current prices are $896 body only $1096 with 18-105, it's only a $100 more then a refurb d7000 body and refurb 18-105mm lens.

I didn't know they dropped the price.

 

[HerkFE]

At that price is that worth it?

 

[Ballistics]

At that price is that worth it?

That's up to you lol.

 

[HerkFE]

At that price is that worth it?

That's up to you lol.

BOOOOOOO *throws tomatoes*

 

[Janeen]

I went in to pre order a d7100 and then I seen the Sony a77! Needles to say.... I STILL have no camera! You're not the only one confused! ?!

 

[Ballistics]

I went in to pre order a d7100 and then I seen the Sony a77! Needles to say.... I STILL have no camera! You're not the only one confused! ?!

It will be a long time before I consider Sony DSLRs as competition to Nikon or Canon.

 

[Janeen]

Yea, I think im gonna stick with the 7100.

 

[jamesbjenkins]

Never, ever, ever, listen to Ken Rockwell.

This. Whatever KR says, do the exact opposite.

 

[bc_steve]

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?

I would get the D7000. Look at getting the 70-300 instead of the 55-300. It is a better lens.

 

[bc_steve]

and the 50mm 1.8 is definitely worth getting. If you are on a budget look at the 1.8D, an excellent lens and quite cheap.