New Nikkor or Nikon 810

Wolverinepwnes · Dec 13, 2014

So I've had the Nikon D300s since it was released and it has served me well. I do recreational work and photography is a hobby. I want to spoil myself and i'm debating between investing in a new high end lens (14-24 or 27-70) or getting a new full frame body. Any thoughts?

snowbear · Dec 13, 2014

If it were in my budget for either, I'd go with the lens, but you have to decide if the D300 is not doing something you want.

D-B-J · Dec 13, 2014

Does the D300s limit you? Do your current lenses limit you? Decide which one you feel more limited by and upgrade that piece [emoji5]️

Wolverinepwnes · Dec 13, 2014

to a certain extend the 300 does. Starting on a Dx felt like the right decision and i feel like I have spent enough time on it that I can move up to a full frame. I could use more pixels and the ISO. on the other hand the gloriousness of the 14-24 lens is making it a tough decision.

tirediron · Dec 13, 2014

If you are going to go the lens route, I would definitely pick the 24-70 over the 14-24; the 14-24 is indeed an excellent lens, but unless you have a specific need for a LOT of really wide shots, it's not going to be as useful as the 24-70, especially when you eventually upgrade to FF.

goodguy · Dec 13, 2014

Get the D810, best camera in its class!!!
Worry about the lenses later, to get the most of this camera you can start with few primes and then later get the 24-70mm 2.8G

JTPhotography · Dec 14, 2014

Get the 810, the deals right now are ridiculous. You can always be on the lookout for used lenses later.

astroNikon · Dec 14, 2014

I think you'd find out how much the d300s was limiting you if you had a d8x0 for a while.
Or, put in another way, how much more fun, flexible and capable the body is.
I'd say go for the body first.

jaomul · Dec 14, 2014

The d300s is a great but aging camera, on nikons crop line it's image quality has been bettered, but it's speed and build has not. If you go for the d810 you'll get a better camera in most ways except fps.

Do you need high fps? Big buffer? If those are not big requirements for you, the d750 and lens upgrade is possible for d810 price. It's not what you asked but another option, if 12 mp is a little less than you need, 24 may be plenty and 36 might just be a number that sways you d810 way but not necessary

KmH · Dec 14, 2014

I would get the 24-70 mm lens.

Wolverinepwnes · Dec 14, 2014

I like to do landscapes and night photography so I think i would benefit more from the ultra wide angle and I have a 50 prime and a telephoto. The 14-24 would benefit me more.

I'm very close to pulling the trigger on the 810 but then the voice on the back of my mind tells me: you've use the 300s for years now, why don't u just wait a couple more years and get the next FF that's released! its frankly maddening!

greybeard · Dec 14, 2014

If you go FF what lenses do you currently have that will work with it?

Wolverinepwnes · Dec 14, 2014

70-200 2.8, 50mm 1.4, 105 2.8.

ruifo · Dec 14, 2014

The D810 can be seen as two cameras in one, a FX 36mpix and a DX 15mpix combo. It really can replace and upgrade you D300s, with much better ISO but a bit less FPS (5fps on FX and 5:4 modes, 6fps on 1.2x and DX modes, without the grip; and 7fps in DX mode with the grip). I believe the D810 is really worth it, and you will be able to use it for many years to come (200k actuation cicle), just like you did with the D300s.

For lens, I almost got the 14-24mm, but in the end decided to go with the Nikkor AF-S 18-35mm f/3.5-4.5G IF-ED. Optically, it is second only to the 14-24mm, very sharp corner to corner while wide open, and way way way lighter than the 14-24mm, making the 18-35mm ideal for travel. The 18-35 also can take 77mm filters, while the 14-24mm needs a way more complex solution to take filters. Going to 35mm adds great flexibility as well. The 18-35 costs 60% less than the 14-24mm too.

Here are my sample shots with the D810 and the Nikkor AF-S 18-35mm f/3.5-4.5G IF-ED version:
- Nikon 18-35mm f/3.5-4.5G ED AF-S - an album on Flickr
- Flickr: The *18-35mm G & D810, D800, D800E - Nikon Nikkor* Pool

Wolverinepwnes · Dec 14, 2014

ruifo said:
The D810 can be seen as two cameras in one, a FX 36mpix and a DX 15mpix combo. It really can replace and upgrade you D300s, with much better ISO but a bit less FPS (5fps on FX and 5:4 modes, 6fps on 1.2x and DX modes, without the grip; and 7fps in DX mode with the grip). I believe the D810 is really worth it, and you will be able to use it for many years to come (200k actuation cicle), just like you did with the D300s.

For lens, I almost got the 14-24mm, but in the end decided to go with the Nikkor AF-S 18-35mm f/3.5-4.5G IF-ED. Optically, it is second only to the 14-24mm, very sharp corner to corner while wide open, and way way way lighter than the 14-24mm, making the 18-35mm ideal for travel. The 18-35 also can take 77mm filters, while the 14-24mm needs a way more complex solution to take filters. Going to 35mm adds great flexibility as well. The 18-35 costs 60% less than the 14-24mm too.

Here are my sample shots with the D810 and the Nikkor AF-S 18-35mm f/3.5-4.5G IF-ED version:
- Nikon 18-35mm f/3.5-4.5G ED AF-S - an album on Flickr
- Flickr: The *18-35mm G & D810, D800, D800E - Nikon Nikkor* Pool

Thank you for the response. I have to admit those are some fantastic shots! I think i'm gonna pull the trigger on the 810 and it will serve me well for many years to come. I'll have to do some research on the 18-35 vs the 14-24, but Ive used the 14-24 lens in the past and its just such insane lens when used right and that front element as obnoxious as it is, is beautiful. Thanks again.

Also hows your Nikon 50mm f/1.2? its definitely on my wishlist.