Replacement for D50 + 18-200mm

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SazzyB

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Hi, I'm new and couldn't find the beginners forum so hopefully you will treat me gently :lol:

I have been into photography for a long time, first with a Pentax ME Super and now digital.

I've currently got a Nikon D50 and Nikon 18-200mm VR DX lens.

I keep thinking about upgrading but I always have in my mind that a good photographer can make great shots with any camera and perhaps I should just try harder!! I would like slightly sharper shots, especially for macro/ enlargements but also for landscapes.

I am looking for recommendations from those who have upgraded from same.

I take a whole range of photos, I don't want to have to carry loads of really heavy gear though. I take landscapes, people (when travelling usually), animals (horses), bees, butterflies and wildlife. Also occasional sports (horses).

I've never used a macro lens or a teleconverter but am thinking both of these could be fun. However having seen some of your photos of you macro set ups (whats with all the gaffer tape and tubes :shrug:) I'm not sure you will help!

So, recommendations and advice please! Main questions below:-

Would I see any difference with a better/ different body?
If so, which should I look at?
Any disadvantages with the new cameras?
Is the 18-200mm still a good lens?
What lens should I get for taking photos of bees etc.?
What exactly does a teleconverter do, and are the images just as sharp?
Any other kit recommendations?

Thank you all! :love:
 
Sazzy

I would keep hold of the D50 as it is a very capable little camera and you will regret getting rid of it... For landscape stuff I would be tempted to get hold of a 18-70 Nikon lens these are petty cheap and appear on the forum form time to time....

This is a very under rated lens and is a cracker for landscape and general walk round, the 18-200 VR is a great all in one lens and ideal for holidays and when you do not want to be carrying too much stuff but sometimes can suffer at the extreme end of the lens.

If you want to try some macro work a tamron 90 macro is a good place to start..... Teleconverters will increase the focal lenght of the lens but there will be some image degradation they are better suited to fast glass or primes....

I would stick with the D50 and get some additional glass and see where that get you...

Regards

Nigel
 
:agree: The D50 is a great wee camera, I preferred mine to the D80 I had at the same time! I couldn't hand-on-heart recommend replacing a D50 with a D40 or a D60, the 50 may not have the latest processor, or the bigger LCD, but it's every bit as capable a camera and in fact in some ways it's actually a lot better than the models that superceded it :lol:

Oh and :welcome: to TP :wave:
 
keep the D50 - it has the in-built focus motor which is unusual for the cheaper Nikon's.

I use a D40 and have wondered about getting a D50 to allow me to cheaper lenses.
 
I second the keeping of the D50, its a great camera. It was my first DSLR and when I compare the images i took with it to my current shots, they hold up very well.
If you sell the 18-200, you will miss it, so keep hold of it for when you just want to grab the camera and lens and see what comes up.
I can also recommend the 18-70. When it was introduced, it was noted for its sharpness, you would have to spend a lot more money to get a better lens in that range. Second hand prices can be from about £120 upwards.
Tamron SP90 or Sigma 105 lenses would be great for Macro work and wont break the bank either. Again, try for used. If you look on the photo shopping forum , there is a list of used camera gear retailers. Keep an eye on them, they usually have some good stuff for sale.
Then, you will need a tripod. Redsnapper is the way to go here..then a flash..... its never ending, oh, and a bag to put it all in.......

Allan
 
allanm said:
I second the keeping of the D50, its a great camera. It was my first DSLR and when I compare the images i took with it to my current shots, they hold up very well.
Click to expand...

I very much agree with the above, as i've found this myself, definitely keep your D50 even if you buy a new model, i regret selling mine :( and try and get a 18-70mm lens, they can normally be had for around £110-£130 second hand, and if you really must upgrade i guess the D90 would be the next one to buy, depending on your budget of course :)
 
The D300 is a superb camera and will go well with the 18-200 vr. It is basically the same as my current setup of D200 + 18-200. You will not be disappointed with that purchase BUT consider that the camera you have is also a good camera. Which would give you the biggest improvement more glass OR a replacement camera. Maybe if you get the D300 you could sell the D50 and get a nifty fifty with the proceeds. That would give you a really good pair of lenses that would complement each other.
 
If you buy a D300, then keep the 18-200vr as it will seem like a different lens. No more colour fringing on the extreme borders ( D300 deals well with CA), and I found mine seemed a little sharper.
Also, try and get an 18-70 at least.
If you do decide to sell the D50, I know someone who is looking for one for his daughter so she doesnt stop borrowing my D300!:thumbs:
Allan
 
SazzyB,
Welcome.
Stick with the D50, i long for a D300. However as stated you can get some more gear instead i have again been hankering after a D300 for about a year and a half now and even said i would get one in a years time, thats been and gone.
I have not really been out shooting but hope to change that very soon, i have been building my lens collection, having got a 50mm 1.8 love that, got the wide angle off here thats the Sigma 10-20. Just waiting for the 18-70mm nikon again from here.
I have not used the D50 anywhere near what it can do and even though the D300 is oh so tempting the camera itself will not improve my picture taking other than maybe a bit better colour. Thank you for your post and the others i personally will save £25 a week i think for a year and get use of the D50 and then get a D300 or possibly by then a D300s.
The D300 come up here from time to time around the £750-£850 mark.
I certainly will not get rid of the D50 they sell for pittance considering they sold for Wasnt it £700 when launched?
I myself am considering a full IR conversion to the D50 when i do Upgrade.
Sorry for the rant oh i also got a SB600 of here, not used yet. Just added some ND grads to go with the Wide angle.
 
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