Just bought a new DSLR.

[derekmac]

So, not sure if I've made a good, or dumb move here, but I bought a new DSLR.  I picked up a Nikon D7100 with the 18-105 lens, and bought a Nikon 70-300 lens for it.  So far I'm loving it, and the features it has, but haven't really had a chance to get out and play with it.

The reason I'm not sure if it's a smart move or not, is because of the camera gear I have now.  I have a Sony a57 with the 18-55 kit lens (blah, lol), Minolta 70-210 f4 and Minolta 100 f2.8 macro (), macro flash, remotes, filters, ect.

I know in the long run, the Nikon will serve me better, but it's going to cost a small fortune to replace everything I have.  The 70-300 replaces the 70-210, and I found it used for $400.  Replacing the macro lens is what's going to hurt.

[Tomcat_81]

Almost exactly the same reason here  for the many pictures I'm posting at the moment - Got a Nikon D7200 after my beloved Canon EOS 10D had been at my side for more than 10 years. Also the 70-300 only joined me a week ago, got it used, but good.

I have to admit that, when looking at my CANON-stuff, I seriously considered giving back the new NIKON. But after a week I got used to the new feels and wheels.

I'd say never mind your old photo-equipment, I know that it hurts leaving behind all the things you needed. But for me it turned out that starting anew I could re-adapt some of the equipment to my needs. And Nikon is a great field...

I leave behind 5 Canon lenses, filters, a very good flash, remote control etc. etc... but they'll continue to be useful in my sister's household. It took me about 7 years to collect these things one after another, especially since I had started with the EOS when I was still studying. My early years in my job saw me literally counting the money I got with nothing of it to spare, so every lens ment a couple of months with less to spend on everything else.

Have fun with your great new cam!

Tomcat

PS: Take your time and play with cam and lenses, this revived my joy in photography. The Nikon was an enormous step upwards, which sadly also meant about 50 knobs and wheels more than on the antique EOS... but I've come to like the new knobs ;-)

[derekmac]

Many years ago I wanted to go Nikon, but I had Minolta gear from my SLR days, so I bought a Sony a100 when it first came out (2006 or 2007).  I had that for a good many years before getting my a57.  I wouldn't have bought the a57, but a firmware update on the a100 caused it to do weird things at times.  The a57 was a pretty big upgrade though, so I wasn't sad when I bought it.

I'm pretty excited to have a new camera though.  This one does have quite a few different things that I had wished my Sony had.  Just having dials or buttons dedicated to something instead of having to go into a menu is a huge plus for me.

Camera equipment is sooooo bloody expensive!   The good thing is, it'll last damn near forever if taken care of.  The technology in the bodies might change quite a bit, but even really old lenses shoot just as well as the new stuff.

When I was in Henry's (camera shop) today looking at what they had, I was really interested in an older Nikon 80-200 f2.8 lens they had.  I wanted that, but the guy talked me into the 70-300, even though it was cheaper.  What he said made sense too.  The 70-300 is a newer lens, and will focus much faster, is lighter, and longer.  He said (and I agree) that even though it's only a 3.5-5.6 lens, the noise in the pics the camera takes is so low, that you can afford to shoot in higher iso settings.  My wife also liked that it was close to half the price, lol.

A macro lens is a must have for me, and will be my next lens purchase.  I also want to get a half decent flash, and have been reading excellent reviews on the Neewer flashes, and they're under $100.  Being a 1/3 the cost of a Nikon, I'm willing to try one out.

[Tomcat_81]

There is just that missing macro-lens for me, too ...
 

[Tomcat_81]

And the 70-300 still needs some time for me to get used to.

Attached you will find the view from my desk, that mountaintop is 22,7 km away...
Took the small piece around the top of the mountain out in original resolution to show the quality.

Taken at 300 mm, ISO 200, F9, 1/200, handheld. I was quite amazed how well that worked, but I couldn't shoot another pic of that quality- all others got slightly blurred, even though the weather conditions remained stable.

We'll see!

Tomcat

[derekmac]

I ordered a battery grip and flash for it today. They're both made by Neewer, but have awesome reviews.


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[pfrsantos]

Every time I see this thread I always read it "Just bought a new DKS".

 

                  

[dks]

Every time I see this thread I always read it "Just bought a new DKS".

 

                  

Obviously you are in love with him, and everything you see reminds you of that stud

[derekmac]

I thought about buying a new DKS, but I keep hearing that the old model is much better! 

[dks]

Classic movie star looks ..

[pfrsantos]

Every time I see this thread I always read it "Just bought a new DKS".

 

                  

Obviously you are in love with him, and everything you see reminds you of that stud

Yes, I think it's about time I face that fact...

 

[pfrsantos]

Classic movie star looks ..

Yeah, like that guy from 9 1/2 weeks, Mickey Rourke.

Show content

[dks]

He was never a proper star... unlike e.g. Gary Cooper

[derekmac]

Grip and flash came today.   Also bought a big diffuse thing that goes on the flash.  With a few test shots, it does seem to soften the flash and give good results.  The flash does also have a built in diffuser and light bouncer.

[Chako]

 

[dks]

It is a good starting point, so that you can slowly work yourself up to a Canon. 





 

[derekmac]

I looked at Canon, but wanted an upgrade from what I had.



Haha, no hate for Canon here.  This camera just had the features I wanted, and the price was right.

[dks]

Al branded DSLRs take great pictures - they have been doing that for over a decade and for most of us when purchasing a new one it comes down to what equipment we already have.