I bought a white box (used) Nikon D700 a couple of years ago from Abe's (via Amazon) & couldn't be more pleased...may be luck of the draw...
Elsiss wrote:
I was addressing the poster of this topic.
My bad; I thought this was a public forum...
Elsiss wrote:
Was thinking about travel to Spain. Just curious, what was the manner of theft of your camera? Pulled from your shoulder, hold-up, grab and run, etc? Good luck with your d7200.
Just spent several days in Spain on a Mediterranean cruise w/stops in Cadiz, Seville, Majorca, etc; I took my D700 w/24-70mm & encountered no issues. Simply pointing out that not all Spanish encounters are problematic.
I have been to Italy over the years at least 12 times and while I am not a Canon guy, will offer some suggestions from a Nikon perspective. I also am a somewhat avid amateur, but have no particular interest in selling any shots as a result of my travels. I create slideshows for my own amusement.
First, I never carry a tripod or monopod; I have a Manfretto monopod, but don't travel with it. In a crowded venue like St Pauls or the Borghese Gallery, they don't seem to be more trouble than they are worth.
When we first started going to Italy, I used a D90 with a 16-85mm Nikkor lens; later I moved up to a D300s and a 17-55mm f/2.8. Overlapping both those cameras, I also had a Sigma 18-270 that I carried with me but seldom used. It seems to me that particularly with the 17-55, it just "fit" and I avoided carrying around a bunch of stuff. Then I got a D700 and had to buy FF glass; began with a 24-120mm and then added a 24-70MM. When we were there in May, I rarely toted the 24-120mm and depended on the 24-70mm. It is a beast but takes beautiful photos.
So again, you have gotten a lot of great advice. Italy is a fabulous place and I am certain that you will enjoy it.
When I went FF (& I am only telling what I did); your circumstances may be different. I bought a used D700 & 24-120mm from Anazon. Later I bought a used 24-70mm; those are the lens I use now. There are times I need more reach but for now, I am OK. BTW, I have an array of DX lens, but they stay in the closet for the most part.
illininitt wrote:
Get the Canon T3I and be set for life! Canon has some great refurbs! Get a Sigma 18-250 and call it a life! Even though a ton of $$$$ geta Canon 10-18 and take it out on payments so you won't tie up sooooo much $$$!
While I am not commenting on the merits of the Nikon vs. Canon shootout, I do own a Sigma 18-250; I used it as my main travel lens when I was shooting with a D300s and I was satisfied. I now use a D700 and was looking for extra reach and as an experiment, put my old, old, old non-VR 70-300 on lt and the Sigma beat the pants off the Nikon at the max distance of each (sharpness). BTW, now use a Nikkor 24-70mm VR as my travel lens, but occasionally need more reach, and my 24-120 doesn't quiet do what I seek.
Not proclaiming universal truth; just one "avid-amateur's" experience!
I use iCloud @ $2.99/mo as well. It is mindless & worth it IMHO.
I use some 3rd party batteries (Batteries Plus) in my Nikon rigs & have never had a problem!
After going into Competitive Camera here in Dallas seeking the Unicorn model A & having been shown the door, I will stick w/my trusty D700 as it does everything I need (& probably some things I don't even know about). I pair it w/a 24-70 f/2.8 & it satisfies all my travel needs. Heavy but dependable!
I use a Black Rapid on my D700 & have found it to be reliable. I am mostly a travel & landscape shooter & avoid (generally) trekking. This solution works for me, but as noted above, it is useful to check the tightness of the screw into the bottom of your camera regularly.
Good luck with your decision!
When I was shooting DX, at one time bought the venerable 16-85, but then moved to the 17-55 because of the F/2.8 feature; I lost the extra reach, but liked the quality of the faster lens. Now shooting full frame; moved from the 24-120 to the 24-70 and am pleased. Still carry the 24-120 with me on trips but rarely use it.