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Advice needed: Thinking of buying a used D200

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Cytokine

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I had a Canon DSLR D60 6mp and now a G10 which when used on manual I found to be a great training camera as there was very little room for error before high lights clipped etc.,

With a small budget I am thinking of a used D200, doing some research on reviews it seems to me that Nikon cameras have a more linear approach to dynamic range, and the D200 was very good at retaining high lights.

Any thoughts? and also what would be a good starting budget zoom lens?

John
 
Spend your $$ on lenses and get a less expensive body. Lenses were the greatest boost to my IQ...

But my best decision budget lens were the Nikon 50mm 1.8 ($100) and the Tamron 28-78 f2.8 ($330).
 
Thanks, those two lenses sound good, I have just read some reviews on the super zooms and while they are handy there is a price to pay in IQ loss.

John
 
Thanks Gale,

I have a good feeling about this camera, I am not hung up on high ISO which seems to be the flavour of the year in all cameras, having started with a Film SLR and shoot mainly during the day, The D200 should be alot better than my G10.

John
 
The D200 is a great camera and mine still gets use even with its replacement.

What kind of budget are you on for a lens or two and do you want wide angle, telephoto, prime.

The 50mm 1.8 is a great lens for under $100

Are you looking for professional grade lenses or consumers that do a great job?
 
Hi Blindstich,

I will have to sell my G10 and some other photo kit, so budget willl be small , the 50mm could be a good starting point, with good IQ. will this become a 75mm with the x 1.5 factor?

John
 
I never wanted to used flash before I got my SB-600. With the diffuser or ceiling bounce it looks like the flash hasn't even been used.
 
I had the D200, why I sold it beats me, I have a D300 now.
Here are 3 lenses that work VERY well on the 200 and 300,
Nikon 18-70
" " 50mm 1.8
Nikon 70-300vr
All very reasonable and cover a lot of territory.
 
You are correct.

You may also want to check out Keh.com as they have inexpensive used equipment that even if it says bargain it is better than that.
Cytokine said:
Hi Blindstich,

I will have to sell my G10 and some other photo kit, so budget willl be small , the 50mm could be a good starting point, with good IQ. will this become a 75mm with the x 1.5 factor?

John
Click to expand...
 
I have not upgraded from my D200 and I am still being published. Great camera. I took my new 50mm, f/1.8 lens to the Renascence Festival yesterday. Worked great and super sharp. One of the sites that I visit rates lens from 1 to 5 with 5 being the top rating. Lists the 50mm as being a 5 when set between f/4 to f/8. Had fun, being that I most often have my 17-35mm, f/2.8 lens on the camera, which weighs a ton. This 50mm lens is a steal when you realize that it cost under $135. I don't know what a used D200 is going for now, but I should have bought one when they were on sell at Best Buy. Now I am going to wait until the D400 comes out.
 
I second the Nikon 70-300 - $125 gray market is a good deal no matter what. That and a 50 1.8 you are at $225 with a lot of potential!
 
If you are not in action and super low light all you need is a D200. I have it and use it more than my D300. My mosy majority of shots are below 800 and my D200 makes me smile every time. That is the truth.
 
Cytokine said:
... the 50mm could be a good starting point, with good IQ. will this become a 75mm with the x 1.5 factor?
Click to expand...
You've got it (75mm "effective").

The D200 has the premium sensor design - CCD - like NASA, the new Leica M9 & medium format pro cameras - it's a great choice.

I too prefer "old school" zoom = foot powered. Either Nikon 50mm "D" is a beauty (consider the 50mm f1.4D, 2/3 a stop faster for low light shooters - if you can use the 75mm "effective") - I love it, but I have a 35mm & 12-24mm & a LX3 for wider work. If you prefer a more "general purpose" length (indoor work especially) - Nikon's new 35mm f1.8 may be worth considering.

Using one prime, or for a "value, semi-pro dSLR kit" (accumulated over time) - consider something like:
  • D200
  • 12 - 24mm f4 (Tokina)
  • 35mm f1.8 ... & or ... 50mm f1.4D
  • 55 - 200mm VR
  • Hoya HMC filters
  • SB 600
  • economy Bag
best.
--
Vaya con Dios
imo
(c) 2009 fastglass
 
Thanks everybody,

Lots of good advice, and surprised by the strong atachment people feel for this camera.

Interesing point about high end using CCD's

The prices in the UK are not as good as the USA and apart from ebay (which I try to avoid) there are very few used D200,s for sale, but will keep looking.

John
 
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