New to the site and body/lens dilemma.

PeteMo

PeteMo

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Pete
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Hi everyone :wave:, been browsing the forums for a while and thought I'd finally start getting involved by asking a couple of questions. My name's Pete by the way, living just "ootside" Newcastle upon Tyne, married with 3 lads.

Like all types of photography really but would like to get into portrait photography in the very near future. Nothing too heavy to start with. My wife runs a toddler group and thought that would be a good starting point. I've approached most of the parents and they are quite happy for me to go ahead.

She's got additional rooms at her workplace so I can set-up there - already pencilled in some lighting just wanted to ask some of you more experienced guys ( and gals) for advice on a body/lens upgrade.

Currently have a Nikon D70s with 18-70mm, 28-105mm & nifty-fifty f1.8. Here's what I'm pondering:-

I know that , generally, everyone advises upgrading the lens as opposed the body. The thing is, I'm quite happy with results from my D70s and love the size and feel but I really hanker after a few more focus points and a bigger screen with better resolution for better image checking. That's what sways me to a used D300.

My thinking is I should upgrade to a D300 (would ideally like a D300s but can't justify the extra outlay) rather than stretch to a fast lens like the 24-70 f2.8 or 70-200 f2.8 which are £1100+. I could hire these lenses for between £60-£75wk anyway as and when I would need them.

The thing is, would I do the D300 justice and get images of acceptable quality using my existing lenses. I think I'd be fine using the 50mm but you folks out there who have and use know for sure. :shrug:

Anyway, I've waffled enough, so any feedback is greatly appreciated and i look forward to taking part in many more threads to come ! :thumbs:
 
I used all of those lenses on my D300, the 18-70 is regarded as one of the best kit lenses, much better than the 18-55 which came after it, I think Nikon realised it was too good and was stopping sales of the upgrades so they stopped including it.

the 28-105, is it a 3.5-4.5 macro, I recently got one of these and am really impressed with it so i'd say go for it, those lenses are perfectly usable on a D300
 
Hi Darren thanks for a quick response. Yeh, the 28-105 is the macro. Got it for £95 a few months ago and I'm quite impressed with the results. It's a bit of a hidden gem by all accounts and I don't think I would part with it or my other lenses to be honest.

Is your D300 a keeper ? That's why i'm keen to upgrade my D70s now as I couldn't imagine needing to change it for ages if I got the D300:cool:
 
Hi Pete, welcome to TP.

My upgrade path was D40x - D70 - D90 - D300 and I've had the D300 for about 6 months now and it is stunning. The lenses you have will all produce great images on a D300 and the only thing I can suggest is that if you want to get into portraits in a more serious way then a Nikon 85mm f1.4 is considered the bees knees, it is however not cheap.


Cheers

Andy
 
I went from D40 - D90 - D300. D300 is a lovely camera, feels right to hold and really like having all the buttons and controls to change things quickly. Agree, no need for D300s, SH D300 will do you fine.

I use a 50mm 1.4AFS for 90% of my baby pics. You could argue thats all you need. I also have a 70-200 2.8VR which is great outdoors or in large space. An 85mm 1.8 could compliment your 50mm too. Your other lenses are probably not up to the job for paid stuff (maybe 18-70 in emergencies).
 
Have you considered the Nikon D90? It has eleven focus points (the D70 has five I believe). Do you really the D300's 51 focus points? The D90 has a focus motor so will work with any lens, and will also act a commander for wireless speedlights. I've had mine for a couple of months and am amazed at the quality and feature set.

Obviously, the D300 is a step up from the D90, but if budget is an issue you can pick up a nearly new D90 body for about £500, or brand new uk stock for a bit over £600.
 
D300 are around £650 SH so little difference in price... plus the D300 (IMO) is nicer to hold and has more external controls.
 
Thanks guys. Yes Patrick I've held the D90 several times but can't help feeling that it just isn't quite right :shake:. My D70s is just marginally bigger and heavier and just feels better, that's why I'm swayed toward the D300.

What I'm really getting at is do you think that I'd be wise going for the body upgrade NOW and just hiring the necessary lenses ?? As it would probably be some time until I could recoup the cash outlay on a £1200 lens especially as this will be only part-time as I work full-time at present. I just think it makes more financial sense in the short term until I start to possibly make some kind of income from it. Ideally I'd just like to make enough from it to pay for any purchases further down the line :)

Anyone done a similar thing ??
 
Pretty limited at the minute as I've put some to one side for lighting. That's why I thought a body upgrade is more logical at present. Somwhere in the region of £500 - £800.

Checked your site Simon, some really nice images there mate. That's what I'm aiming for in time !! :clap:
 
I went from the D70s to the D300 great move - the 18-70mm performs excellently and you probably wouldn't need to change it for use in a studio environment, and you've got the nifty for arty shallow DOF shots.
 
Well, D300 SH is aruond £650 but stick your 50mm on and thats an excellent setup. I would be tempted to sell your other kit and get a Tamron 2.8 - either the 17-50 or 28-75. While the 18-70 is a nice lens, being able to go to 2.8 or 3.2 is useful.

Thanks for the comment Pete, virtually all are taken with the D300 and 50mm 1.4AFS, which hopefully shows what you can do with just that.
 
I think that moving onto a D300 is looking like the right move at present. If I sold my 28-105 & 18-70 I could probably stretch to a s/h Tamron 17-50 aswell :thumbs:

Anyone use the Nikon 24-85 f2.8 for portrait work as an alternative to the Tamron as suggested by Simon ?
 
Any comments on the nikon 24-85 f2.8 matched with a D300 for portrait work then folks ? Or is the Tamron 17-50 the way to go ?

If I kept hold of my D70s at the moment and used the 24-85 on that would I see a huge leap in IQ compared to my 18-70 & 28-105 ?? :thinking: I'm guessing so but just want confirmation really.

Still unsure which route to go down without more opinions from you guys :D

Cheer,
Pete
 
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