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| Lens buying advice needed | Rating: 
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| Posted by Judith: Mon Dec 2nd, 2013 09:44 | 1st Post |
So... I've got myself a nice shiny new job with a nice shiny salary and am thinking that it's high time I treated myself to a decent lens or two or three for my D200.  I want a camera as well but Nikon are being very unobliging in that department as I want a D400. I can sit it out a while longer on the camera. Might be forced to buy a D600 but I don't really want to go full frame.  Anyway, I currently have a cheapo nikon 35-80mm that I got for 30 quid on ebay a couple of years ago. It's actually not as bad as it sounds but not brilliant either so what would you recommend in that range? Budget of few hundred pounds-ish. Other lens I have is an oldish nikon 28-200mm. Again not bad, but not brilliant I was thinking on a 55-200mm which seems to get good reviews. Any other suggestions?
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| Posted by jk: Mon Dec 2nd, 2013 12:55 | 2nd Post |
| There is the superb but heavy 80-200 f2.8 AFD or the 70-200 f2.8 AFS VRii but these are targeted at FX use and are expensive £1500. Then there is the 70-300 f4.5-5.6 AFS VR (£400) this costs very little and is razor sharp. It works on both FX and DX camera but is very light compared to other FX lenses. Dont worry about the f4.5 as modern camera with high ISO gets round this. I recommended this lens to Eric and I think he looked at it and got one as well. The 55-200 you mention is f4.5-5.6 as well and has VR but I would go for the 70-300 as it is better for a little extra in price. I would also say that if you want an interim D200 replacement would be a D300 or D300S would be had for £400ish.
____________________ Still learning after all these years! https://nikondslr.uk/gallery_view.php?user=2&folderid=none |
| Posted by Eric: Mon Dec 2nd, 2013 13:15 | 3rd Post |
Judith wrote:So... I've got myself a nice shiny new job with a nice shiny salary and am thinking that it's high time I treated myself to a decent lens or two or three for my D200. Where is the job Judith...Spain or Scotland? And can we ask what you are doing on dry land? I would ask yourself.... 1. What proportion of my shots are at 28-35, 35-80, 80-200? 2. Which additional range would I most need ...wider or longer? I have both the DX 55-200 and the FX 70-300 (105-450) ....not strictly true. I lent my 70-300 to a friend and haven't seen it for 2months. LOL He thinks it's the dogs doodahs. Interestingly, looking at some shots the other day I was surprised to discover some of the best shots were at 200mm...on the 55-200. That's not to say it necessarily any better (may have been a good day for me!) but it confirms they are both more than capable. It's just the 55-200 is a shorter range and would be limited to DX bodies. Not looking at prices, I might be inclined to get both the 18-105 and the 70-300....to give you a complete spread 18-450.
____________________ Eric |
| Posted by Judith: Mon Dec 2nd, 2013 16:39 | 4th Post |
Now, JK, you know how I feel about weightlifting!!! If I wasn't so pathetically weak in the arm dept, I would buy myself a D800 but I'm just not prepared to go to the gym often enough to be able to use it!! So, that also rules out silly, heavy lenses as well. And, as for the high iso capabilities of the D200... And, no, I'm not buying your D300!! lol  Eric, I'm on dry land but surrounded by water in Shetland. Am working as a technical clerk at on the construction site of the new gas plant they are building there. I even have my very own hard hat!  Hard work, long hours and 5.00am rises but at last I'm seeing some of that nice money stuff in the bank.So, back to lenses. Well, Shetland has thrown a spanner in the works of my usual photography which makes that 70-300 quite attractive as there is a lot of scope for nature photography between bird colonies, otters and killer whales. There's even a company taking you on photography jaunts to the best spots for piccies which I might try out next summer. I wouldn't normally have bothered about getting to 300mm but the lure of cute little otters is making it attractive. Long lens aside, I want something that will be decent enough for portraits as well as general photography so the 18-105 might be ok for that. Hmmmm...
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| Posted by jk: Mon Dec 2nd, 2013 16:46 | 5th Post |
| No chance of getting my D300 it is my underwater macro camera along with a D90 for my wide-angle underwater shots. D300s units are going on ebay at good prices, cheaper than repairing the D200 and you get video if you want. I wouldnt suggest a D300 unless you definitely rule out video.
____________________ Still learning after all these years! https://nikondslr.uk/gallery_view.php?user=2&folderid=none |
| Posted by Judith: Mon Dec 2nd, 2013 17:21 | 6th Post |
| Some of the wildlife around here... http://www.shetlandnature.net/
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| Posted by Eric: Mon Dec 2nd, 2013 17:42 | 7th Post |
Judith wrote:Now, JK, you know how I feel about weightlifting!!! If I wasn't so pathetically weak in the arm dept, I would buy myself a D800 but I'm just not prepared to go to the gym often enough to be able to use it!! So, that also rules out silly, heavy lenses as well. And, as for the high iso capabilities of the D200... And, no, I'm not buying your D300!! lol The 70-300 would still work for portraits as well...being = 105 at the short end. Traditionally the 135mm was favoured by many portrait shooters. You may have to stand back on Orkney for group shots though. 
____________________ Eric |
| Posted by jk: Tue Dec 3rd, 2013 03:34 | 8th Post |
| If you want a little extra reach with the camera then of course there are the 80-400 f4.5-5.6 as well but this is a larger and heavier lens. Comes in Nikon (two models) and Sigma variants. The Sigma I have performs very nicely but not as good as my Nikon 400mm f2.8 Go to Ffordes in Inverness before you buy!
____________________ Still learning after all these years! https://nikondslr.uk/gallery_view.php?user=2&folderid=none |
| Posted by Judith: Tue Dec 3rd, 2013 07:49 | 9th Post |
| Yes, but you need a bloody crane to lift the 400mm f2.8!! lol I shall have a look. I'm never in Inverness but there's a place called Calumet in Edinburgh. Eric, you exaggerate - Orkney is way further away than 300mm!
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| Posted by Iain: Tue Dec 3rd, 2013 09:02 | 10th Post |
| I would recommend the 70-300mm vr as well Judith, it's light but very capable. I wish I was up there, it's a place I've always wanted to visit for the wildlife.
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| Posted by blackfox: Tue Dec 3rd, 2013 09:26 | 11th Post |
| another good lenses thats very versatile is the 300mm f4 ,lightweight ,good in lowish light ,and will take either a 1.4 t.c giving 420mm or a 1.7tc giving 500mm ,but still light enough to carry round comfortably all day ,the bonus being that the minimum focus distance is 1.5 metres in any configuration .giving you a long reach lens that at the flick of a switch doubles as a macro/close up lens . take a look in my gallery for shots with this p.s its light enough that you don't need v.r either
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| Posted by Eric: Tue Dec 3rd, 2013 13:10 | 12th Post |
| Judith Nikon are doing a £40 cashback on the 70-300 this Xmas. Best price £389 comes down to £349. Prices
____________________ Eric |
| Posted by jk: Tue Dec 3rd, 2013 15:13 | 13th Post |
Judith wrote: Yes, but you need a bloody crane to lift the 400mm f2.8!! lolNo gain without pain. Calumet prices are not best/lowest but usually they have good stock.
____________________ Still learning after all these years! https://nikondslr.uk/gallery_view.php?user=2&folderid=none |
| Posted by Eric: Tue Dec 3rd, 2013 15:37 | 14th Post |
jk wrote:Judith wrote:Mifsuds do px if Judith wanted to reduce the outlay.Yes, but you need a bloody crane to lift the 400mm f2.8!! lolNo gain without pain.
____________________ Eric |
| Posted by Judith: Tue Dec 3rd, 2013 17:57 | 15th Post |
Thanks. That's an interesting site, Eric. Yes, I would sell off my existing lenses to offset the price. Might get a better price on ebay but I'll certainly ask them for a quote. I think Santa might just be good to me(self) this year.  Eek!! Mr Blackfox, that one is a wee bit out of my price range!
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| Posted by Judith: Tue Dec 17th, 2013 18:42 | 16th Post |
Well, I went into John Lewis today and had a wee play with the 70-300mm. Very nice and surprisingly lightweight. I think it may have to find its way into Santa's sack.  I couldn't remember the price on that link that Eric posted but now that I've seen it's 40 quid cheaper + the nikon cashback, I'll ask if they will price match, seeing as they say they are never undersold! Just easier to get to a John Lewis store in the event of a problem than a shop in Devon. :thumbsup:
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| Posted by jk: Tue Dec 17th, 2013 18:53 | 17th Post |
| Well I hope that Rudi delivers for you. I love it. I took it and the D300 to Guyana with me this year as it makes a perfect long reach but light combo. I used the XPro1 for all my wide and normal length shots.
____________________ Still learning after all these years! https://nikondslr.uk/gallery_view.php?user=2&folderid=none |
| Posted by Judith: Tue Dec 17th, 2013 19:32 | 18th Post |
| Just checked JLs website and they only price match if the competitor is within 8 miles of a JL store. Oh well, I guess they ain't getting my money then!!
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| Posted by Robert: Wed Dec 18th, 2013 02:07 | 19th Post |
| Good for you Judith! :thumbsup:
____________________ Robert. |
| Posted by Eric: Wed Dec 18th, 2013 04:05 | 20th Post |
| Harrison's Cameras are in Yorkshire, which is a bit closer. They will often price match...email them Mifsuds price. But Mifsuds are a long established family business with a good reputation for customer service.
____________________ Eric |
| Posted by jk: Wed Dec 18th, 2013 07:00 | 21st Post |
Eric wrote: Harrison's Cameras are in Yorkshire, which is a bit closer. They will often price match...email them Mifsuds price. Mifsuds are good and very helpful over the phone as well. If I am looking for a piece of kit then I tend to phone them now that my friend at Jacobs' Photo Digital is not there as the company has gone bust! Judith - I would also try going to/using Ffordes in Inverness. Jan used to use them as well. They are also very helpful.
____________________ Still learning after all these years! https://nikondslr.uk/gallery_view.php?user=2&folderid=none |
| Posted by Judith: Thu Dec 19th, 2013 05:23 | 22nd Post |
| Well, a small lump has been added to Santa's sack. Just bought an 18-105mm from Devon cameras. 220.00 in JL and 158.00 from Devon cameras. Anyone bought from them before? Should be in my eager paws tomorrow.
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| Posted by Judith: Thu Dec 19th, 2013 06:41 | 23rd Post |
| And the 70-300mm from Mifsuds should be getting loaded onto the sleigh around now as well!!! Ho, ho, ho....
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| Posted by jk: Thu Dec 19th, 2013 07:41 | 24th Post |
Judith wrote: And the 70-300mm from Mifsuds should be getting loaded onto the sleigh around now as well!!! Ho, ho, ho....Nice one. Enjoy. Makes those 5:00am starts all worth while!
____________________ Still learning after all these years! https://nikondslr.uk/gallery_view.php?user=2&folderid=none |
| Posted by jk: Thu Dec 19th, 2013 07:42 | 25th Post |
Judith wrote: Well, a small lump has been added to Santa's sack. Just bought an 18-105mm from Devon cameras. 220.00 in JL and 158.00 from Devon cameras. Anyone bought from them before? Should be in my eager paws tomorrow.Never used them before but you should be OK. What 2 lenses!! Spendthrift.
____________________ Still learning after all these years! https://nikondslr.uk/gallery_view.php?user=2&folderid=none |
| Posted by Judith: Thu Dec 19th, 2013 10:29 | 26th Post |
| Pfft!!! Mifsuds phoned to say they would be out of stock till January. You'd think their website would tell you before you put the transaction through. Sigh. Only one new toy to play with.
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| Posted by jk: Thu Dec 19th, 2013 11:01 | 27th Post |
| I guess that January will be soon enough as long as they can deliver it to you in the Northern Isles! That 18-105 will be perfect for a lot of your pictures.
____________________ Still learning after all these years! https://nikondslr.uk/gallery_view.php?user=2&folderid=none |
| Posted by Judith: Thu Dec 19th, 2013 11:09 | 28th Post |
| I'm not in a hurry, just impatient!
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| Posted by Eric: Thu Dec 19th, 2013 13:59 | 29th Post |
Judith wrote: Pfft!!! Mifsuds phoned to say they would be out of stock till January. You'd think their website would tell you before you put the transaction through. Sigh. Only one new toy to play with.Ask Harrisons to price match Mifsuds. :thumbsup: Havent used Devon cameras...they USED to have a mixed reputation. Whereas Harrisons have always given me exemplary service. But then...they are in Yorkshire.
____________________ Eric |
| Posted by Judith: Thu Dec 19th, 2013 15:58 | 30th Post |
| No bias there, then, Eric! I've already spoken to them and they are going to phone me when they are back in stock. I'm not in a great rush - want it by mid Jan when I get back from Shetland. I'll be going back there in time for the Up Helly Aa so will probably take my camera with me then. No point in taking my camera just now as we get about 5 hours of daylight at the moment adn I'm working during all of them!!
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| Posted by Eric: Thu Dec 19th, 2013 18:33 | 31st Post |
Judith wrote:No bias there, then, Eric! What can I say? Always fancied seeing the Up Helly....never seem to get that far North at that time of year. Maybe one day.
____________________ Eric |
| Posted by MaxSouthOz: Fri Dec 20th, 2013 00:39 | 32nd Post |
Up Helly? sounds a bit non-PC to me. 
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| Posted by Robert: Fri Dec 20th, 2013 02:28 | 33rd Post |
| Yea, it's a Mac thing!!! LOL, couldn't resist that!
____________________ Robert. |
| Posted by jk: Fri Dec 20th, 2013 04:26 | 34th Post |
MaxSouthOz wrote: Up Helly? sounds a bit non-PC to me.It is what the English cricketers who are on holiday in Oz need!!.
____________________ Still learning after all these years! https://nikondslr.uk/gallery_view.php?user=2&folderid=none |
| Posted by Judith: Sun Dec 22nd, 2013 12:49 | 35th Post |
| Grrr...no toys arrived yet to play with and I go away back to work tomorrow. :-( Despite me paying extra for next day delivery, the crappy courier service that Devon cameras uses is complaining about my postcode (I am in a town on a main road but too many twats down South think that anything north of Edinburgh is the Highlands!!) so it won´t get here till xmas eve and I'll be away. Sigh... Am going to complain as Royal Mail would have got it to me next day!
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| Posted by jk: Sun Dec 22nd, 2013 14:13 | 36th Post |
Judith wrote:Grrr...no toys arrived yet to play with and I go away back to work tomorrow. :-( Despite me paying extra for next day delivery, the crappy courier service that Devon cameras uses is complaining about my postcode (I am in a town on a main road but too many twats down South think that anything north of Edinburgh is the Highlands!!) so it won´t get here till xmas eve and I'll be away. Sigh... Am going to complain as Royal Mail would have got it to me next day! Probably sent it via Shetland pony mail. Wait until after Independence you wont get any deliveries! Blame Mr Salmond. 
____________________ Still learning after all these years! https://nikondslr.uk/gallery_view.php?user=2&folderid=none |
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