Camera Labs

Hi,

Shortly after I joined this excellent forum a couple of weeks back, I already
made up my mind and decided to go for the Nikon D 80 + the amazing
18 - 200 mm VR lens as soon as I've saved the money I need.

Now I'm confused again (something I really hate!!!) since a friend of mine
who owns a Nikon D 200 + the 18 - 70 mm kit lens told me to purchase that
camera, too because it has an alloy body, is weather-sealed and has many
features the D 80 lacks.

Please help me before I become insane.

John_0812

If you will forgive me for slightly misquoting


What! Are you suggesting that any of us try to justify our purchases by persuading our friends to do the same thing.

A look at some of the pictures taken by forum members (Flickr etc) who own a Nikon D 80 + the 18 - 200 mm VR lens is enough to show that you won't be disappointed with that choice. Zorro's post here echoes that view.

If you need or want the D200 then go for it and enjoy. But it might be the photographic equivalent of a set of graphite shafted golf clubs for the 10 handicapper - I write as one tempted down that path too often!

Bob.

_________________
OM-D E-M5 + ED 12-50mm, H-PS14042E, H-F007014E, L-RS014150E, M.ZUIKO DIGITAL 45mm 1:1.8.
Gitzo GT1541T, Arca-Swiss Z1 DP ball-head.
Astrophotography: TEC 140 'scope, FLI ML16803 camera, ASA DDM60 Pro mount.

That one is really nice
The only difference is that on the golf-course you can immediately see the handicap, whereas with the photos you take your talent is only revealed in the privacy of your own rooms...
-------------------
But to answer your question John_0812, stay with what you've planned, you're reading the post of a totally satisfied owner of that gear
And remember: "There's always a bigger fish..." (Those of you who know where that quote came from are awarded a roaring applause )

_________________
Thomas (beware: Nikon-fanboy and moderator!) My Lens Reviews, My Pictures, My Photography Blog
D800+assorted lenses

May the Force be with you.

_________________
OM-D E-M5 + ED 12-50mm, H-PS14042E, H-F007014E, L-RS014150E, M.ZUIKO DIGITAL 45mm 1:1.8.
Gitzo GT1541T, Arca-Swiss Z1 DP ball-head.
Astrophotography: TEC 140 'scope, FLI ML16803 camera, ASA DDM60 Pro mount.

>>roaring applause<<

_________________
Thomas (beware: Nikon-fanboy and moderator!) My Lens Reviews, My Pictures, My Photography Blog
D800+assorted lenses

Hi, Bob & tombomba 2,

Seems to me that you've been annoyed by me recent post.

Neither was is my intention to suggest anything nor did I ever want to bother
somebody.

I just wanted to tell the members of the forum that I'm confused again.

But I thank you anyway for your reply.

Regards, John_0812

No, please don't think that. We've all been there and I was trying to make a joke and express sympathy with this new complication in your life.

Bob.

_________________
OM-D E-M5 + ED 12-50mm, H-PS14042E, H-F007014E, L-RS014150E, M.ZUIKO DIGITAL 45mm 1:1.8.
Gitzo GT1541T, Arca-Swiss Z1 DP ball-head.
Astrophotography: TEC 140 'scope, FLI ML16803 camera, ASA DDM60 Pro mount.

Your confusion John_0812 is well known, accept my sympathies!
But on a lighter note, it's only a camera you choose, may non of your problems ever be any harder than this
Back to your prob: if you already have managed to set aside a budget around 1500EUR, you are certainly going to be very satisfied with what you can buy for that money. And if you can invest 400EUR more for a D200 body instead of the D80 so be it, but you'll certainly not make better pics with the D200 body. So the question in the end remains: what are the additional features worth for you. And as the law of diminishing returns would suggest, these additional 400EUR will give you not so much satisfaction as the last 400EUR, that will buy you the Nikkor 18-200mm VR over the kit lens.
If you're able to invest 400ER more, why not think about
- a Nikon SB-800 flash (350EUR): much more powerful than the built in one, can be used as a remote slave with gels, to adapt the flash-color to the ambient light, etc.
- a Sigma 10-20mm ultra-wide (if you can find a good-quality copy of this lens - be careful) (480EUR)
- A copy of the CaptureNX software to process your RAW-pics (100EUR)
- A copy of Photomatix HDR-processing software(100EUR)
- A stable tripod and head (200EUR)
I personally consider all these add-ons as more value and fun than an upgrade from D80 to D200 body.
Plus the sad story that everyone is agreeing upon is, that the body has the shortest lifespan of any of those investments. So don't overdo it in that department...

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Thomas (beware: Nikon-fanboy and moderator!) My Lens Reviews, My Pictures, My Photography Blog
D800+assorted lenses

Hello, John_0812

If you see Gordon's video review of the D80, you'll hear that's [the D80 + the VR 18-200] one of the dream combinations of digital SLR today.

So if you like the look and feel of the D80, and can afford both that camera and the VR 18-200, then go with it!

What both Bob and tombomba2 were trying to say is that sometimes, a little improvement (or even the illusion of it) isn't worth the extra money and that, on the other hand, maybe someone who isn't a professional won't take full advantage of a very expensive piece of equipment.

They were just trying to help you, they're not upset at you.

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Nikon D90 + MB-D80 + SB-600 + AF-S VR 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 + AF-S 35mm f/1.8 + AF 85mm f/1.8 | My photos on Flickr.

Bob & tombomba 2,

Thanks for your respond.

John_0812

Hi, luis!

I really appreciate your remarks.

Thank you very much indeed!!

John_0812

Hi John, the D200 sure is a nice camera, but I'd only recommend it over the D80 if you NEEDED features like 5fps shooting, tougher build quality etc. Or of course if you simply like having higher-end products!

The D80 is a superb camera, and if buying it allows you to also invest in a superior lens from day-one, then that would be my personal choice. Put it this way, going for the D80 shouldn't be seen as a compromise, unless again you absolutely need the extra benefits of the D200.

Be aware though there is expected to be a Nikon announcement later this month, so you may want to wait and see if it heralds a new DSLR.

Gordon

Hello, Gordon!

Thanks for your answer to my post.

After reading your advice I'm 100% persuaded that going for the D 80 plus the first-class Nikon 18 - 200 mm VR lens would be best for me.

Now my decision is final and I'll stick to it!!!

By the way, I really like this site and want to tell you that you're doing a great job. Keep it up, please!!

Best wishes and heartfelt greetings from the Philippines.

John_0812

I bet Thomas heard that in his sleep, lol.

Zorro

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http://zorrofox4.deviantart.com/



Various lenses, SB800 & Manfrotto 190 with 460MG head

Hi, zorro!

Nice to hear from you again.

Thanks and good luck to you.

John_0812