Which next? Faster glass or D7100 body? (Page 2): I have a similar set of lens as you do, yours probably a little better. I just moved from the D3100 to the D7100 and I see a huge...

Revet Loc: Fairview Park, Ohio

NormanHarley wrote:

I have been slowly building up my gear and am on t... (show quote)

I have a similar set of lens as you do, yours probably a little better. I just moved from the D3100 to the D7100 and I see a huge difference in low light capabilities between the D3100 and D7100. Really good glass is ultimately my goal but the D7100 will improve all of your existing glass in low light (especially if you post process).

jcboy3

Revet wrote:

I have a similar set of lens as you do, yours probably a little better. I just moved from the D3100 to the D7100 and I see a huge difference in low light capabilities between the D3100 and D7100. Really good glass is ultimately my goal but the D7100 will improve all of your existing glass in low light (especially if you post process).

Look at DXOMark low light ratings for these cameras: the D3100 is rated at 919, the D3200 at 1131, and the D7100 at 1256.

That's a 40% improvement from D3100 to D7100, but only a 10% improvement from D3200 to D7100.

That is why I think the upgrade would be a bit of a disappointment in terms of low light performance.

On the other hand, the D7100 does have an auto focus motor. So you could use older AF-D lenses (such as the 80-200 f/2.8 AF-D ED); they don't have VR but are fast and quick to focus and cheap compared to the lenses you need for the D3200.

bakedtator Loc: Corpus Christi Tx

My question is why referb. Are you really saving that much money on a body that no one else has ever used? I shot the d7000 for three years before stepping up to full frame. Im sure the d7100 will do great and be an awesome upgrade for you.

tomeveritt Loc: Fla. + Ga,NY,Va,Md,SC

Regardless of the choice you make now, go for the D7100 at some point. We do Pro work and the D7100 provides us with Pro quality, now and for years to come.

The 50mm f1.4, is great value and fast.

I won't begin to tell you the benefits of the D7100 over other bodies, there are many.

Good Luck and Have Fun. :thumbup:

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

NormanHarley wrote:

I have been slowly building up my gear and am on t... (show quote)

Sensitive topic. As important as lenses are, a "step-up" camera is also nice. Going from the D3200 to the D7100 is a substantial step. Then you can decide how much money you want to spend on lenses. Cameras come and go, but lenses are forever. You will enjoy the D7100 and be able to stop second guessing yourself.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

bakedtator wrote:

My question is why referb. Are you really saving that much money on a body that no one else has ever used? I shot the d7000 for three years before stepping up to full frame. Im sure the d7100 will do great and be an awesome upgrade for you.

I always look for refurb first, but with new models, they are not available. I bought a refurb D7100, and it's like new. Right now, I could save about $300 by choosing a refurbished D7100. That's $300 that doesn't go onto my credit card

lrm Loc: Sarasota, FL

MT Shooter wrote:

The D7100 will gain you almost nothing in resolution over the camera you already have (both are 24MP DX sensors). I would say you will gain more image quality by progressing to better quality lenses.
If you simply need to ADD a body, the D7100 would be an excellent choice.

It is always wise to remember that it is the LENS that captures the image, the camera is merely a recording device.

Added question: will a move to the D610 or D750 gain in resolution and IQ (since they are also 24MP however FF). I have the 3200 and have been dithering between the 7100 and the 750.

NormanHarley Loc: Colorado

jerryc41 wrote:

I always look for refurb first, but with new models, they are not available. I bought a refurb D7100, and it's like new. Right now, I could save about $300 by choosing a refurbished D7100. That's $300 that doesn't go onto my credit card

I am enjoying all of the input and comments, this is helping. I investigated the 85mm AF f1.8 vs the 85mm AF-S f1.8 and the price difference between them would save me around $200 give or take. I am thinking that I can easily afford the refurbed D7100 and a used 85mm AF lens by graduation time. This is the camera and lens that I think will cover most of my needs for the grandkids at school. Then I can add extra fast fixed primes and save a few dollars with the AF series lenses instead of needing the AF-S series. Thank you all for your help. UHH members rock! I think I will go ahead with the D7100 purchase first so I can familiarize myself with the controls so I will be ready and competent this spring.

GrandmaG Loc: Flat Rock, MI

NormanHarley wrote:

I have been slowly building up my gear and am on t... (show quote)

I just purchased the D7100 & love it. I upgraded from a D5000. So many nice features...a great upgrade! All your current lenses will work on it. I have all three of the primes you mentioned but the 50 f/1.4 is my favorite. You can get a 50/1.8 for $100. I vote for body first, then a 50 prime & then a wide angle.

GrandmaG Loc: Flat Rock, MI

NormanHarley wrote:

I have been slowly building up my gear and am on t... (show quote)

I just purchased the D7100 & love it. I upgraded from a D5000. So many nice features...a great upgrade! All your current lenses will work on it. I have all three of the primes you mentioned but the 50 f/1.4 is my favorite. You can get a 50/1.8 for $100. I vote for body first, then a 50 prime & then a wide angle.

Screamin Scott Loc: Marshfield Wi, Baltimore Md, now Dallas Ga

While I would normally say go for lenses first, In this case I'd say the body. Yeah, IQ wise, what you have isn't bad & the D7100 isn't a big step up in that department. The improvement in functionality & build is much better though. The D3200 is a base camera & is menu driven. The D7100 is higher up on the chain & is more button driven. Personally, I utilize lots of older manual focus lenses (including a 105 Dine)& the D7100 will meter with those older lenses, whereas the D3200 will not The D3200 can mount the older Pre Ai lenses without damaging the body though. If you don't mind manually focusing the lenses, you can find great,older, fast, pro grade lenses for a fraction of what something comparable new...If you are a pro (making your living off of photography & shooting fast moving subjects), you may not want to go this route as it will take longer to get the shot, but for most on this forum, it is a viable alternative to save funds this way.

NormanHarley Loc: Colorado

GrandmaG wrote:

I just purchased the D7100 & love it. I upgraded from a D5000. So many nice features...a great upgrade! All your current lenses will work on it. I have all three of the primes you mentioned but the 50 f/1.4 is my favorite. You can get a 50/1.8 for $100. I vote for body first, then a 50 prime & then a wide angle.

I can't wait to move to the D7100, so many features that my entry level D3200 doesn't have. I need the longer focal length of the 85mm first to match where we have to stand or sit in the school auditorium. But I will get the 50mm very soon afterwards with it's affordability! Thank you, GrandmaG.

NormanHarley Loc: Colorado

Screamin Scott wrote:

While I would normally say go for lenses first, In... (show quote)

My Dines is my favorite, fastest and sharpest lens so far, I love it! And I am also hesitant to take it to the school setting because it is my only macro lens. Being able to meter with the D7100 will be a huge asset with it's use. And I like the idea of saving money with the older glass, I am very used to manual focusing, I almost prefer it. My needs will never be those of a professional. Heck, my D3200 takes incredible shots for a guy like me! My friends and family love seeing the pics on Facebook.

GrandmaG Loc: Flat Rock, MI

NormanHarley wrote:

I can't wait to move to the D7100, so many features that my entry level D3200 doesn't have. I need the longer focal length of the 85mm first to match where we have to stand or sit in the school auditorium. But I will get the 50mm very soon afterwards with it's affordability! Thank you, GrandmaG.

You are very welcome! The 85/1.8 is an awesome lens. New it is $900.

katbandit Loc: new york city

NormanHarley wrote:

Thank you. I have been looking at the refurbished D7100 at Cameta, mainly because they offer a 1 year warranty instead of a 3 month. I am not going to go full frame because of expense and I have decided that the crop frame sensor gives me excellent results for my snapshot type needs.

i recently purchased the d7100 new from b and h photo and the price wasn't much higher than a refurbished..and i got with it the full warranty and a camera bag and also an extra battery ..check it out before considering a refurbished..