Upgrading to DSLR ~$2000 budget

[jbeland]

Well seeing as how this is also my first post here on this forum, I though I'd also take the time to quickly introduce myself, so hello everyone! I've been reading over the different threads on the forum here and have found a lot of useful information/tips that I've put to good use. I had the desire to get into photography a bit over a year ago when I got sick of the limitations my crappy P&S. I didn't know too much about photography, so I was hesitant to spend too much on a camera outright. I originally opted for the Fuji HS10. So far it's done me very well and allowed to me experience some of the options cameras have to offer.

I've decided to upgrade to a DSLR in the near future, with an approximate $2000 budget, although that's -somewhat- flexible.

I've mainly found myself shooting outdoor landscape photos, both during the day and at night (I really love photographing light trails). As well as some wildlife and some macro photography (water drops, smoke trails, etc). One limitation I really found with my HS10 was went I took a trip to go back country camping and it rained almost the entire time. I barely got to take out my camera at all in fear that it would get moisture/wet and be damaged, so I suppose that should also seriously contribute to what I'm looking for in a camera. These listings/pricings are from Henry's Canada, where I would most likely be purchasing my camera from. With that said, I've come across these cameras in my searching, but am also open for other suggestions:

Canon EOS 7D w/ 18-135 EF-s IS lens: $2099

Nikon d7000 w/18-200 VR II lens: $2059

Nikon d7000 w/18-105 VR lens: $1599

Nikon d90 w/18-200 VR II lens: $1599

Pentax K5 w/18-135 WR Lens: $2149


I put the d90 and the d7000 in there as well because I wasn't sure if the additional features of the d7000 really merits the hike in price? I also figured the K5 has the best weather protection, but I'm not too sure how the others fair in terms of rain/cold/moisture as they don't advertise nearly as much as pentax does for the K5. In the future I would also like to upgrade to an ultra wide angle for my landscape/cityscape shots and a macro lens as well.

I'm not sure if I was detailed enough to be helpful, but I can always pinpoint further if necessary.

Thanks

 

[ghache]

Nikon d7000 w/18-105 VR lens: $1599 + 50mm 1.8 and youll be an happy camper.

 

[Trever1t]

+1 the D7000 and 18-105 is the one I'd get with your budget.

 

[jbeland]

thank you for your quick responses! I noticed you both recommended the same camera. I was curious if this was the clear winner (at least subjectively) or at least your reasoning behind choosing this option? Also a key feature for me is the weather resistance so I was wondering if anyone had any idea how weather resistant it was? I know the manual for the d7000 says not to immerse it in water or expose it to high levels of humidity as it may cause irreversible damage, but isn't the humidity 100% outside if it's raining?

 

[Trever1t]

No camera unless specifially designed for submerging will withstand a dunk. You can use a plastic cover for foul weather if it rains hard and find lenses with at least a dust gasket.

The D7000 is technologically advanced over the D90.

 

[KmH]

Nikon's new D7000 is redefining what a consumer level camera is capable of.

The Nikon 18-200 mm lens is a jack-of-all-trades, master-of-none lens.

Many design compromises have to be made to build a lens that has such an extreme 11x+ zoom range. manyn think it is one of Nikon's worst lens values, but Nikon sells a bunch of them because people care more about not having to change lenses than they do about overall image quality.

So, I too recommend the Nikon D7000 with the 18-105 VR kit lens.

 

[cfusionpm]

If you aren't dug into a brand yet, the D7000 offers the most features and performance per dollar ratio of any DSLR right now. Picking one up with a 18-105 would leave a small chunk to use on a flash, another small lens, or another accessory of some kind.

But if weather sealing and moisture is a key concern though, the Canon 7D is very well sealed, and significantly more so than the D7000. For your needs, IQ and feature differences between the two are more or less negligible, so the extra cost may not be justified on that alone. Both Nikon and Canon offer a great range of lenses and accessories, and if you wanted a well-sealed Nikon, throw a D300s into your mix of options.

 

[Ken Rockwell Fan]

I'd go for the D7000 body or D90 body and spend the rest on good glass like the 80-200 2.8 ($800ish used). The 18-200 has a conveinient range but it's no where near the quality of Nikon's pro glass. If you are in the rain a lot you'll need the best lens you can get.

 

[Derrel]

Nikon d7000 w/18-105 VR lens: $1599

 

[orb9220]

Yep have the D90 but if had the funds and starting out.

Then the D7000 & 18-105 kit lens. Save monies for later when you can better determine your needs for glass.

Personally the All-in-One's like the 18-200 don't cut it for me. They may work great for you. But there is no need to be in a hurry getting it until you know more.
.

 

[usayit]

If weather sealing is a high priority, you need to check the lenses.... not just the camera.

I don't believe the canon 18-135 efs nor the nikkor 18-105 vr are weather sealed.

edit
don't think the nikkor 18-200 is either... maybe a Nikon shooter can confirm.


As for canon, not all but a lot of L level lenses are sealed. I do know my 24-105L was sealed.

 

[DxAxN]

I know the op stated a budget limit, but was just curious if the 18-105 was recommend purely on that or Is the image quality of the 18-105 better than that of the 18-200.

I was reading some reviews on the 18-105 on the nikon website and most seem to be happy with this lens, but there are a few reviews stating that the plastic tabs had broken off or there was noticeable wear on the plastic mount from lens changes.

Anyone here with the 18-105 lens have similar experience?

 

[MrLogic]

It's better to invest in good glass, IMO. None of the glass you listed is any good. The 18-105 is decent at best.

A used Nikon D40 is more than capable. The D7000 is overhyped and overpriced as it is... not a good value if you're budget is only $2,000.

IMO, of course...

 

[jey1234]

You might also want to look in to the 16-85mm lens. That's the lens I'm planning on getting with my D7000 next month. Good Luck

 

[djacobox372]

It's better to invest in good glass, IMO. None of the glass you listed is any good. The 18-105 is decent at best.

A used Nikon D40 is more than capable. The D7000 is overhyped and overpriced as it is... not a good value if you're budget is only $2,000.

IMO, of course...

Glass is indeed more important... however to suggest that the D7000 is "overhyped," and the d40 is "more then capable" in comparison, is ridiculous.

The D40's CCD sensor is VERY inferior to the D7000. With the D7000 you get better color, almost twice the linear resolution, AND about 3.5 stops of improved ISO performance (THAT'S HUGE!). Then there's the all-metal body, the better controls, the 1080p video, AF and non-cpu lens compatibility, etc. etc.

If the TS wants to save more $$ for glass, a better option would be a D90.

Personally I suggest he look at the following kit to start:

D7000 = $1300
Memory card = $50
Tamron 17-50mm f2.8 af = $350 used (EXCELLENT wide to normal zoom for every day use--pro quality)
Nikon 70-300mm f4-5.6 AF ED = $100 used (Very inexpensive telephoto, a great option until you have the $$ to upgrade to a 70-200mm f2.8)
Nikon SB-600 flash = $175 used (a camera without a flash is naked)

Total = $2000

Purchasing the body new with a warranty is a good idea, however lenses and flashes are far less prone to malfunction--if they work fine when you first use them, they will likely still work 5 years later.

Buying peripherals used on ebay (from a buyer with a return policy) is a good way to save $$, and you are always protected by ebay buyer protection if the buyer tries to rip you off--personally I feel safer buying from a seller on ebay then a retailer--because with ebay I have a third party protecting me.