Just when you think you've got it all worked out...

Yvonne_Dubai · Apr 6, 2012

... you decide you want a dSLR. Urgh...

Okay, so about 4 years ago (?) I bought myself a Canon 400D. I had (and still have) no idea about how to set it up manually, but hey, all my friends in 'Canine agility' had one, so I wanted one too. :blushing:Unfortunately it got stolen and I didn't have money to replace it (nor did I get any money back from insurance). I was a true 'auto-geek' but I did really take some decent pictures of the dogs in action.

Today, I no longer have the dogs, I live in Dubai, have a little more in my budget and still absolutely love taking pictures. But, now I want to do it properly with a nice camera that suits me and workshops/courses to teach me how to do it for real.

Over the past few weeks I've been reading up on absolutely everything about the camera's that could possibly suit me and which fit in my budget. I have a budget of approximately $2000 and that has to include the whole lot. Body, lenses etc (and preferably a nice backpack to keep it safe).

I think I've made up my mind to buy a Nikon D7000 but here is my problem... one site tells me to stick with Nikon lenses too. The other site says: nope, Tamron is the lens for you. Vat to do?? Can someone give me some advice please? I've tried to look up other posts about this issue but couldn't find any. I'm sorry if I'm the millionth person to ask the same question. Thanks for your help!!

Oh yeah, I like taking close ups, taking pictures of my students (they have e-portfolio's so pictures are a must), I love animal and nature photography (flowers, insects, camels etc.) I chose for Nikon because reviews tell me it's better for indoor photography (my students) than the Canon. Please tell me if I'm wrong.

KmH · Apr 6, 2012

Camera makers do not provide their proprietary information to 3rd party lens and other gear makers.

The 3rd party gear makers have to 'reverse engineer' their gear. Consequently, compatibility issues can arise, such that at some later date in the future you get a Nikon D8000, but all the Tamron lenses you bought aren't quite working right with your new D8000. You then discover that you have to send all your Tamron lenses back to Tamron so they can 're-chip' your lenses so they will work with your spanking new D8000.

Additionally, Nikon's USA warranty states: Nikon Digital Imaging Warranty

This warranty does not apply to any defects or damage directly or indirectly caused by or resulting from the use unauthorized replacement parts and/or service performed by unauthorized personnel.

3rd party lenses are "unauthorized replacement parts".

Yvonne_Dubai · Apr 6, 2012

Ok thx

so Nikon it is!!

DiskoJoe · Apr 6, 2012

Nikon is a fine brand. If you can afford it Nikkor/Nikon lenses are a good way to go. Tamron lenses are pretty decent. A friend of mine has the 17-50 f2.8 and loves it. Good lenses for the price and you. For landscape I would say go with the Sigma 10-20 f4-5.6. Good solid lenses with great image quality. Get a tripod too. Then you can do night photography. Dubai is a great place to be for night photography. But if you really want a awesome set up I would say go straight Nikon and get the 14-24mm f2.8 and the 24-70 f2.8. Add a 70-200mm to this later and you would never really need any other lenses.

Derrel · Apr 6, 2012

KmH said:
Additionally, Nikon's USA warranty states: Nikon Digital Imaging Warranty

This warranty does not apply to any defects or damage directly or indirectly caused by or resulting from the use unauthorized replacement parts and/or service performed by unauthorized personnel.

Click to expand...

3rd party lenses are "unauthorized replacement parts".

Uh...NO. Incorrect. A "replacement part" is not a lens made by a third party. It is what is says it is--a replacement part installed by a non-authorized third party. A "replacement part" means something like a mirror assembly, lens mount, electronic component or what have you that was RE-PLACED. As in "was there originally and was RE-placed". Without a part ORIGINALLY having been used in the making of the camera, a "re-placement part" simply can not exist. Nikon has recently disallowed ALL repairs by NON-authorized third parties. Nikon does not ask if one has used a third party lens when a warranty claim is made. THe idea that third party lenses can be called "replacement parts" is ridiculous.

tirediron · Apr 6, 2012

I think Derrel's correct here. I have never heard of warranty issues resulting from the use of 3rd party lenses. Items such as third-party batteries however, I would stay away from. What it boils down to is that Nikon and Canon both make complete systems and their lenses work flawlessly with their bodies. The build-quality is usually better than 3rd party, and the performance is usually better as well. That said, the price can be a LOT higher. You can usually get much "more" lens buying from Tamron, Sigma or Tokina for your purchasing dollar, HOWEVER, the build-quality and optical performance won't usually be as good, BUT is that going to matter? Are you a pixel-peeper? Are you worried about extreme corner sharpness wide open at 200mm, or do you just want to take nice photos on a budget?

If you can affrod the Nikon glass, go for it. You won't be sorry, BUT if you want a few more toys, buying 3rd party might be the way to go.