Upgrade from Sony A77...

[robbins.photo]

So doing some comparison... Price wise, I think I'm looking at the d610 body only with the sigma 24-105 F4 or 5dmk3 with kit f4 lens.
The 5d kit runs about $400 more... And I'm not 100% on the 5D. No built in flash, slightly less mp.

I want the d800 so bad... But I think the body is my whole budget lol.
Thoughts?

Ok, in the interest of full disclosure, I'm a Nikon guy. I prefer Nikon's image quality and dynamic range. For me that is the most important thing in a camera, how good are the final images. Since I don't do video still images are really the only basis on which I judge a camera. However, that having been said, I think you'll find having a built in flash might not be as big of an advantage as you might think. I may be in the minority here but I've never used my camera's built in flash. I have a lower end but still rather nice external flash unit that gives me a lot more options and I think much better results.

I think maybe the best thing to do is maybe step back for a second and seriously think about where you plan to be a few years from now. Your planning on spending a pretty decent amount of coin here, and you have to remember your not so much buying a camera as you are buying into a camera system.

So forget about your budget for a few minutes and do some research into various lenses, accessories, etc and build a wish list. Then compare the two and decide what you think is going to be the best option for your money over the long haul. Which system offers you the features and benefits you think you'll use most in the coming years and at what price points?

 

[KooKoo102]

I have a lot to think about. I will be traveling most of the day today, but over the next few days I will crunch numbers and options. I really appreciate the input you all have given me. I want to get a body I can use for years to come, and not feel I NEED a different setup like I do now.
Thank you.

 

[KooKoo102]

Looks like d610 it is... Now I'm working on the lens area. It's either the 2 lens kit with 24-85 /3.5-4.5 and 70-300 / 4.5-5.6 or, body only and sigma 24-105 f4 art series. I can't decide. I'm used to having a constant aperture... ( even though it's not too bright) I like the idea of 24-105.
But the 2 lens kit gives me some good reach. But I'm not a fan of the variable aperture.

 

[gsgary]

Have you considered the a7 or a7r?

I have... But I do not want to get into e-mount again. Had a NEX-7 and got out of it because of that. Now add full frame e-mount.. Even harder to get lenses for it.

Thats funny my friend has one and he uses most of his Leica lenses on it

 

[jaomul]

Have you considered second hand. I see great deals on Nikon d700 at the moment. Still a great camera and if you don't need video a fast and excellent low light performer. Leaves money for some good lenses and accessories also

 

[jands]

Have you considered buying a D600 and save yourself about 400 bucks? You could put that money towards glass. Or is there something on the D610 that prefer over the D600.

 

[robbins.photo]

Looks like d610 it is... Now I'm working on the lens area. It's either the 2 lens kit with 24-85 /3.5-4.5 and 70-300 / 4.5-5.6 or, body only and sigma 24-105 f4 art series. I can't decide. I'm used to having a constant aperture... ( even though it's not too bright) I like the idea of 24-105.
But the 2 lens kit gives me some good reach. But I'm not a fan of the variable aperture.

The 70-300 mm Nikkor AF-S VR is probably one of the best lenses out there for Nikon in it's class - it is amazingly sharp, focuses fast, and for a 300 mm it's lightweight and easy to use. The image quality on them is just outstanding. I've got one and believe me it is one I can highly recommend.

 

[KooKoo102]

Thats funny my friend has one and he uses most of his Leica lenses on it

That would be great for me if I had other lenses to use, but I don't. I was referring to there being little full frame E-mount lenses available. Out of the 5 announced, only 2 are available to order. One is the kit lens and 35mm 2.8 zeiss.
Not enough for me to wait around for potentially months to get other dedicated lenses.

 

[KooKoo102]

Have you considered second hand. I see great deals on Nikon d700 at the moment. Still a great camera and if you don't need video a fast and excellent low light performer. Leaves money for some good lenses and accessories also

I try to stay away from used cameras and optics... Too easy for someone to "damage" something without knowing.. Then sell it.
I am looking to do some video work... So d610 it is.

 

[KooKoo102]

Have you considered buying a D600 and save yourself about 400 bucks? You could put that money towards glass. Or is there something on the D610 that prefer over the D600.

I have thought about it, but.. With the (slight) chance of having sensor issues, and the (minor) update on the D610.. I feel it may be $ well spent.

 

[KooKoo102]

The 70-300 mm Nikkor AF-S VR is probably one of the best lenses out there for Nikon in it's class - it is amazingly sharp, focuses fast, and for a 300 mm it's lightweight and easy to use. The image quality on them is just outstanding. I've got one and believe me it is one I can highly recommend.

Thank you, I have come to the conclusion to get that lens as well as the 24-85 that comes with the kit. Was able to find them both for about $400 each.. So that leaves me some room to spend a little on a prime. Looking at a 50mm 1.4, just trying to decide on sigma or nikon.

 

[robbins.photo]

The 70-300 mm Nikkor AF-S VR is probably one of the best lenses out there for Nikon in it's class - it is amazingly sharp, focuses fast, and for a 300 mm it's lightweight and easy to use. The image quality on them is just outstanding. I've got one and believe me it is one I can highly recommend.

Thank you, I have come to the conclusion to get that lens as well as the 24-85 that comes with the kit. Was able to find them both for about $400 each.. So that leaves me some room to spend a little on a prime. Looking at a 50mm 1.4, just trying to decide on sigma or nikon.

Well I don't have either of those, from what I've read the Nikon will give you slightly better image quality. I have to give Sigma some pretty high marks overall though, I just recently acquired a 70-200 mm F/2.8 Sigma lens with OS, and the image quality is much better than what I expected, it's actually very close to my Nikon 70-300 mm which is pretty impressive. I'm sure you can find some folks here that have actually used that particular lens though to weigh in on it, since things to vary quite a bit from lens to lens.

 

[goodguy]

The 70-300 mm Nikkor AF-S VR is probably one of the best lenses out there for Nikon in it's class - it is amazingly sharp, focuses fast, and for a 300 mm it's lightweight and easy to use. The image quality on them is just outstanding. I've got one and believe me it is one I can highly recommend.

Thank you, I have come to the conclusion to get that lens as well as the 24-85 that comes with the kit. Was able to find them both for about $400 each.. So that leaves me some room to spend a little on a prime. Looking at a 50mm 1.4, just trying to decide on sigma or nikon.

My rule of thumb is always go with Nikon lenses if you can!!!

 

[KooKoo102]

Okay, I have change my mind on a few things. Instead of going with the kit two lens set up, I'm thinking of going with the sigma 24–105 f4 and the Sigma 120-400... I can swing the money, I'm just curious if it will be money well spent? I'm basically paying double for the lens set up then if I was to do the two lens kit.

 

[KooKoo102]

I pulled the trigger..
Have been reading reviews all over, I went with the Sigma 24-105,120-400, and 50mm 1.4.
Oh yea, can't forget the D610