Nikon fantasy: Hi. I am in a position to upgrade my equipment and would like all you Nikon people to assist me. Currently using a D3000 with a Tamron 28-300 as a walk around. I like...

jstar Loc: Western MA

Hi. I am in a position to upgrade my equipment and would like all you Nikon people to assist me. Currently using a D3000 with a Tamron 28-300 as a walk around. I like wildlife ( yes birds!) and action. Assuming a D800 with the large sensor, what lens combination would you buy for it with about $7,000 to spend. The more I look, the more I think too manychoices.
Also, If any Cannonites think I should convert, I'd listen to what you have to say. Thanks

Nikonian72 Loc: Chico CA

If you a truly a wildlife fanatic, you should take a look at MT Shooter's choice of lenses:
http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/user_profile.jsp?usernum=9172
http://mt-images.com

jstar Loc: Western MA

Nikonian72 wrote:

If you a truly a wildlife fanatic, you should take a look at MT Shooter's choice of lenses:
http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/user_profile.jsp?usernum=9172
http://mt-images.com

I looked at MT's page and website and didn't find a list. I contacted him and he has replied. Thank you for the referral

Festus Loc: North Dakota

Please read the many reviews on the Nikon D800 and which lenses are the most appropriate. (Nikon.com is a good starting point) Because of the high pixel count if you don't purchase an appropraite lense you will be defeating the whole benefit of the D800! The D800 is not a camera body for the feint-of-heart. There is a real learning curve to get the most out of this excellent camera.

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

If you like wildlife and action, and only $7K to spend, you will want to stay with crop frame for the speed and apparent focal length advantage ! If you might be buying used, you will want Canon for the superior focusing and availability. For glass, Depending on how much you want to carry or spend, I recommend 70-200 2.8 with 2X converter or 300 2.8 with 1.4 and 2X converters.

photonynikon Loc: upstate New York

Festus wrote:

Please read the many reviews on the Nikon D800 and which lenses are the most appropriate. (Nikon.com is a good starting point) Because of the high pixel count if you don't purchase an appropraite lense you will be defeating the whole benefit of the D800! The D800 is not a camera body for the feint-of-heart. There is a real learning curve to get the most out of this excellent camera.

you would also have to seriously upgrade your computer to handle the files fron the D800-budget some bucks for THAT too!

photonynikon Loc: upstate New York

imagemeister wrote:

If you like wildlife and action, and only $7K to spend, you will want to stay with crop frame for the speed and apparent focal length advantage ! If you might be buying used, you will want Canon for the superior focusing and availability. For glass, Depending on how much you want to carry or spend, I recommend 70-200 2.8 with 2X converter or 300 2.8 with 1.4 and 2X converters.

Superior focusing?????

jstar Loc: Western MA

Actualy, as far as the camera goes, I have done my homework, and I believe it's the right choice. My computer will have no problem handling it. I'm just trying to get the most bang for my buck with the glass. I'm DX right now, so I am looking for something for birds and action shots that will allow me to take advantage of the FX and the megapixels involved. MT did make a suggestion that I am looking at seriously, but the more educated opinions I get, the better I will be. (Thanks again, MT )

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

I now assume you are stuck on the D800 and I also assume you will spend $3500 for it leaving $3500 for glass - Am I correct ??

jstar Loc: Western MA

No. After the body, I will have $7000 for glass in addition to what I already have. I currently have a Tamron 28-300 3.5/6.3 . A 50 1.8 (NIkor) and the 18-55 and 55-200 Kit lenses. I was hoping to improve the walkaround (Tamron) and specifically get something longer for birds, as long as I can get quality. The Nikon 200-400, for instance is almost $7000 by itself. I may go with it and wait on the new walkaround, or I may go with something different. It depends on what I read, and what the good people of UHH tell me. As I said earlier, lot's of choices. I want to make the best one for me.

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

I think my best recommendation is going to be a 70-200 F2.8 with 1.4 and 2X - the latest and greatest - because it is Nikon. This will be lighter, smaller and cheaper than the 200-400. I also like a 300 2.8 with 1.4 and 2X........ It's what I use - in Canon.

photonynikon Loc: upstate New York

I bought my first Nikon, an F2a in 1977, and since then, I've only bought one non-Nikkor lens...after shooting with it, I found it had a color-cast that doesn't show with ANY of the Nikon lenses... the offender was sold at the next camera show.You wouldn't put a Chevy motor in a Ferrari, why anything but a Nikkor on a Nikon?