Thinking of a D40x - Have many, many requirements for extras

Skullfish1 · 18 Nov 2007 at 22:20

Ok, I'm hoping to get a DLSR at some point early next year and after fooling around in a camera shop for half an hour, the D40x felt by far the best in my hands so I'm thinking of going for that one.

I've been using a Canon S2 IS for a couple of years now and *think* I've cut my photographic teeth on it, at least I can compose a picture alright. I'm now bumping my head on the limits set by a bridge/super-zoom camera, so want to make the big leap.

The two areas that interest me most are low-light photography and landscapes, with portraits a close third. I don't see myself having a massive use for a telephoto right now, though who knows what the future will hold. Also after using the S2 IS I couldn't go back to a non-stabilzed lens, so it'll need VR. I'll be shooting a friends wedding in August, so any hints on the sort of lenses that are good for that would also be excellent.

Is there any lens in the world that'll do this all for me? I was thinking of buying body only and trying to find someone to do me a deal as the kit lenses I've found don't fill me with joy. Is this a good idea?

I'd quite like to find a good wireless flash to use as well, both at the wedding and in my own interior stuff. Unfortunately I've no idea what I'm looking for.

The saddest thing is, I've already chosen my crumpler bag... :rolleyes:

Skullfish1 · 18 Nov 2007 at 23:22

The lens budget depends on the deal I could get by buying body-only, not ridiculous in any case given that this will be my first SLR foray and I'm a student. I know the type of photography I've described generally dictates more expensive lenses, but I was wondering if there were any low-mid budget ones that scraped under the radar or concessions I could make?

For my first flash, would it be worth it going wireless then, or make do with a cabled one? Near the price of the camera body seems a lot for a flash straight off the bat.

Skullfish1 · 19 Nov 2007 at 11:22

What are the advantages of the D80 over the D40x that make any difference. As already pointed out it has a wireless controller built in, but anything else to justify it as a first DSLR? Wouldn't it be better to put that cash towards more lenses?

A D80 would be completely out of my budget right now, but who knows in a few months. I might get lucky.

Does it matter that the 50mm f/1.8 Nikkor isn't AF-S or -I being a prime?

Skullfish1 · 19 Nov 2007 at 11:48

So if I went for the D80 I'd have access to second hand lenses as well? Hmmm, tempting...

Alright, cheers guys. Choices ahead.

Skullfish1 · 19 Nov 2007 at 22:13

After doing some more reading around (to the detriment of essays!) I think the D80 might actually be the camera for me. Its remarkable how fast your impressions of relative price change when you start looking in depth at photo gear. :rolleyes:

So, unless something better is released before March (time of birthday) how do you guys think a D80 with the 18-200VR and a large aperture (i.e. 'fast?') 50mm prime would stack up for the wedding in August? Hopefully I'd be able to afford an SB-800 before the wedding as well.

How would that do me for low light stuff as well, both portraits and cityscapes etc? I'd look to get something like the Sigma 10-20mm for landscapes another time.

Skullfish1 · 20 Nov 2007 at 19:35

Yup. 'Bout this much... <---->

I think when I buy (21st birthday, plus anything I get around xmas cash wise, plus savings) I'll be able to afford the body and one expensive lens with all the necessary camera extras, which will have to do most of my photography for a while, with a cheapo s/h prime a little bit further down the line.

Handily the groom has just informed me that his AV company has a load of nikkor lenses that they use for their photographic work, and as their company is doing his lighting anyway I should be able to blag a few of their lenses for the day.

So, wedding aside, D80 with 18-200Vr and a 50mm fast prime, good starter kit? Could it be a good idea to get the one expensive do-it-all-ish lens, then get various second hand primes to fullfill the more specialised roles?

Skullfish1 · 21 Nov 2007 at 00:28

Good question, but I'm not soley responsible, theres at least three of us that will be snapping away. They're really having to do the wedding on a budget, i.e. everything themselves. I don't think they have very high expectations at all for the photo side and would quite like to surprise them.