Birthday dilemma

[SussexBlue]

I've got a birthday coming up and my wife has given me the choice of either the D3 or the 200mm F2 which feels weird because I wished for these on the 'money no object' thread.
Currently I have the D300 with mainly primes and the beast and am quite happy, when she told me I was on cloud nine but after trying to make the choice I'm questioning do i really need either, it's funny I've always lusted after the 200 and now it's within my grasp I'm hesitating. I suppose a lot of my hesitation has to do with the fact of me being made redundant and the guilty feeling I would have with her spending that amount of money. I'm unlikely to get another job in my field (aircraft engineer) at my age 58. Obviously I feel down at the moment and Gina who I love dearly is hinting at trying to make some money from my hobby and calling it an investment.
What would you do

 

[kalibre]

Can't help on the emotional front I'm afraid, but if you do decide to take advantage of her generosity then I can only offer the following advice. Only you will KNOW if you need the 200 f2 based on your shooting habits and the subject matter. If that is a big thing for you and you are happy with the D300 body then go for it. Otherwise (and my general advice) would be do go for a D700 instead of the D3. If you're think of going full frame anyway have you thought of changing your DX lenses if you have any?

The D700 could be purchased plus another decent lens for the same money as a D3. If you like the D300 then you'll be blown away with the D700 and it's high ISO performance is superb.

I'm in W.Sussex if you fancy having a play with a D700 before you buy.

Hope that helps.

 

[HoppyUK]

There are are some big questions hidden in there fella which I will not dare to presume upon, but here are some kit comments.

I recently made a money no object decision to stay with crop format. It is better for me and I believe this is where most future investment will go, and crop camera sensors and cameras will improve at a faster rate than full frame, closing the gap still futher.

This is a treat purchase, not based on any clearly stated need. Nothing wrong with that at all, so go with your heart. That will tell you what you want, rather than poring over endless specifications for an objective reason.

If you go full frame, all your shorter lenses will instantly go wider, and your long lenses will get less long. Your Tokina 12-24 DX will need to be replaced with an expensive full frame alternative, and you'll probably need something longer to retain the reach you presently have.

Good luck. Life is just beginning

 

[V8burble]

Would the jump to FF require the loss of the D300? If not then you may only need to look at replacing less glass (if any, depending on what you've got). It's a difficult one.... I think you need to talk to the Mrs and discuss what each could give you and her expectations.

 

[SussexBlue]

Thanks all, perhaps it wasn't the best idea to post this thread after a few tipples last night, reading it again this morning I come across as a spoilt brat
Going to Park Cameras in a few days to have a play and consider my options, I'm more than happy that my current lens line up meets my needs at least on DX, if I decide to go FX then I think a better way may be the D700 leaving some money in Gina's handbag for another day. I'll be keeping the D300 whatever so I suppose that would make the D90 surplus.
I think maybe the 200 should stay on my wanted list for the future to give me something to strive for.
On another vein I have a D70 that's been unused for a long time and I'm thinking of getting it converted to have a play with IR, anyone done this?.
John
P.S. thanks for the offer Kalibre but I'd be to scared of using someone else's camera

 

[kalibre]

No worries John, I'm sure you'll be chuffed with whatever you end up with.

With regards to the IR thing I've got a couple of mates who've done the same thing with D70's with good results. So long as you keep in mind that you'll probably only use it once in a blue moon after the initial honeymoon period ends!

 

[HoppyUK]

Thanks all, perhaps it wasn't the best idea to post this thread after a few tipples last night, reading it again this morning I come across as a spoilt brat
Going to Park Cameras in a few days to have a play and consider my options, I'm more than happy that my current lens line up meets my needs at least on DX, if I decide to go FX then I think a better way may be the D700 leaving some money in Gina's handbag for another day. I'll be keeping the D300 whatever so I suppose that would make the D90 surplus.
I think maybe the 200 should stay on my wanted list for the future to give me something to strive for.
On another vein I have a D70 that's been unused for a long time and I'm thinking of getting it converted to have a play with IR, anyone done this?.
John
P.S. thanks for the offer Kalibre but I'd be to scared of using someone else's camera

You don't come across as a spoiled brat at all; rather the opposite I thought, with a post that comes over as considerate and rather touching

FWIW, when I was up for changing, my full frame option was based around the Nikon D700, rather than the D3. If you don't need the D3's chunky professionalism, you save a fair bit and get a lighter camera with built-in flash. If you need extra speed, bolt on the battery pack.

What stopped me going in that direction, apart from the things I said above, is that full frame kit is substantially bigger and heavier than crop, as well as much more expensive, and if you want to do wildlife you are looking at some massive tele primes to get the reach.

 

[dazzajl]

You don't come across as a spoiled brat at all; rather the opposite I thought, with a post that comes over as considerate and rather touching

Exactly what I thought.

My only real thoughts that might be useful is that in terms of a long term investment, glass is always going to be a better bet than bodies.

In 4 years time, the D3, D700, 5DII, 1DsIII or any other current top of the tree is going to be old hat, out dated and cheap as chips. A 200 f2 will always be top quality and always give you the satisfaction of using one of the best there is.

 

[mastertrinity]

I've got a birthday coming up and my wife has given me the choice of either the D3 or the 200mm F2 which feels weird because I wished for these on the 'money no object' thread.
Currently I have the D300 with mainly primes and the beast and am quite happy, when she told me I was on cloud nine but after trying to make the choice I'm questioning do i really need either, it's funny I've always lusted after the 200 and now it's within my grasp I'm hesitating. I suppose a lot of my hesitation has to do with the fact of me being made redundant and the guilty feeling I would have with her spending that amount of money. I'm unlikely to get another job in my field (aircraft engineer) at my age 58. Obviously I feel down at the moment and Gina who I love dearly is hinting at trying to make some money from my hobby and calling it an investment.
What would you do

well i have two responses:

1. you have the best wife a photographer can wish for.
2. our loved ones our trolling this forum hunting us down, it could be anyone even you!

 

[markta]

Sorry to hear about the impending redundancy, John.

I'm out of work myself, so I know how you must be feeling...

Well if your wife has a sister, say 37/38 years of age, may I have her telephone number?

Re the goodies/new toys, it's a nice predicament to be in..I guess much depends on what you shoot. Top guys like Andy Rouse are in awe of what the D3 can do, for wildlife shots, but of course if you shoot wildlife, a 200mm isn't going to be of much use..

If you do landscapes, then the D700 will be hard to beat, unless she can stretch to a D3X of course

I agree with peeps when they say decent glass will long outlive camera bodies, but to get the ultimate quality, a decent quality sensor with glass will always get you the best...

It's a tough call as David Dickinson always says. Mmmmmm