Why be snide? [rhetorical question]

Upon recently discovering UHH, I was comfortable with the apparent camaraderie, enjoyed many of the pictures, and learned a few things.

Now, I sense unpleasantness creeping in, and I have enough of my own grouchiness not to want any additional.

So, I'm out of here.

Wow! I guess that I've been out of the buyer loop a long time. When I purchased my 24-120 for my Nikon D700, it was not--as far as I know--a
"kit lens." Doesn't matter, I love the lens, have been using it for quite a while, and hope you enjoy the 24-120 as much as I do.

My very subjective "contribution":
On my new Fuji X-E2s, I'm using just one lens--Fujij's "kit" 18-55. On my old friend, Nikon D700, I have Nikon 24-120, another old friend. Occasionally, usually for flowers in our garden, the Nikon D60 macro.
Why? Long story short -- as my life changes, so do my needs.

I've been using MACs for 30+ years, but if I were to change, I'd probably look at Lenovo, which took over from IBM a while ago.
Good luck!

Thank you, magpix, and everyone else who has replied. Replacing the "kit" lens, which I like, or adding the 55-200 are great and appealing suggestions. Since reading these recommendations, I've been researching both options. And now (for now) I'm going to shoot and wait. Get to know my new camera a bit better.
As I remember (don't have my notes in front of me), each of these lenses is approximately twice the weight of the 18-55, and I'm not sure that I'm ready for that.
Thanks, again,
brookie

Quick back story
I've been divesting myself of Nikon gear, which I assembled over an extended period of time. Keeping just one camera, D700 and two lenses, 60mm macro 2.8 and 28-105 3.5-4.5. Reason? Can't handle the weight anymore and I don't need what I did when working.


So, the above Nikon camera and lenses are old friends that I will take out from time-to-time.

And the Fuji X-E2s, with the very good 18-55 "kit" lens, is becoming my new friend. Eventually, I'd like just one more lens for the Fuji. Sharp, zoom that might extend my range to 200mm, not too heavy.

I'd appreciate any suggestions you might have.

As always, thank you.

From personal experience / preference only: When I was shooting exclusively with Nikons, out of a fairly large collection of lenses for the D700, the 24-120 f/4 was my favorite, most used lens. Versatile and reliable and relatively light. Have fun and good luck!

Just a small note of caution, Maggie, based on recent personal experience.

You might want to go slow on making purchases. As I began planning retirement and photography, I put together a wonderful kit that proved not to serve my needs in retirement. What I needed when employed became redundant and overwhelming. Back on track now. No one's fault, it just happened that way.

On the other hand, it's never too soon to research and to enjoy the process. I think by starting at UHH, you have a great start. And, personally, my 'go-to' research stand-byes are consistently dp.review. com and B&H.

Best wishes and Enjoy
brookie

Thanks so much, craggycrossers! The many serious, helpful, and meaningful replies have been gratifyingly beyond expectations. I'm replying to you directly because after reading all responses, researching, and re-evaluating, I've settled on the Fuji X-E2s with accompanying lens. After many years shooting Nikon exclusively, neither Fuji nor mirrorless cameras in general had crossed my mind.

Thank you all for your help.

Highly subjective, so I'll try to explain.

With two D700s and a few Nikon lenses, I have as much as I need in terms of quality and functionality; but sometimes it's too much--weight, ease of use, a camera I can grab at a moment's notice are increasingly important.

Picture quality, of course, is important.

I'll keep one or both D700s.

Can you recommend the best point and shoot that you know for under $1,000?

Thanks!

I have the two D700s that served me well when I was still working. Now, one camera has the 24-120 lens and the other 60mm macro--both Nikon.

Having sold almost everything else, I'm continuing to debate selling the D700s and buying "down" to something lighter and compact and less expensive. Given that I retired three years ago, and still have not let the two cameras / two lenses loose, and influenced by what I've read here today, I'm probably going to keep what I have.

I should add that I also have the attachable battery pack that allows me to increase or decrease the camera weight. AND I loved the camera a long time ago and continue to love it. AND it does everything I ask of it.

Thoughts?

Thanks for listening!

Kevin, I'm not a professional or even an expert amateur photographer; but I do appreciate fine photography for mood and technique. Lovely work. I hope you post more portraits of any subject you choose.
Thanks for sharing!

I'm amazed at how many people have brick and mortar stores that match B&H prices. Either your local stores have changed or maintained pricing that matches my on line experience, or I simply live in the wrong place. Best wishes to all of us.

For me, there is a clear distinction between purchasing photo equipment on line and other merchandise, such as books, clothing, etc., on line.

For this discussion, I'll stick to photo equipment.

For minor pieces, when a brick and mortar store is convenient, I go there; but not for major equipment. So, all of my cameras and lenses over the last 10 years or so have come mostly from B&H, Adorama, KEH, and Amazon. Why? Price. Reliability. Service. Honesty. I could go on, but you get the idea.

Ethically, I evolved into this position: I never take up a salesperson's time and never handle equipment, unless I'm in the store to purchase that equipment and then only because I need it at that very moment. (A rare occurrence.)

Prior to reaching this ethical bargain with myself, I had spoken with salespeople, handled equipment, and told them what I was willing to pay. Occasionally, this worked out, but more often the salesperson displayed annoyance or hostility and could not meet my bottom line.

I miss talking photography and equipment face-to-face. On the other hand--using B&H as an example--I "meet" helpful, knowledgeable people who are generous with their time and don't push to make a sale. In addition, they take returns without a hassle.

In preparation for purchasing equipment, I read about product and communicate with fellow photographers on line. This usually leads me to make buying decisions that are right for me. And when I misstep, as already noted, B&H and others accept returns.

One final point: I've used Nikon bodies and lenses (DSLR) exclusively for 15+ years, so purchasing new equipment is probably less demanding a task than it is for someone who works in multiple systems.

Thanks for listening.