D5200 or D7100

AvyJoe said:

AvyJoe wrote:

I'm on the fence regarding which Nikon DX model to purchase. I primarily take action photos of my teenage daughter playing soccer and of family and friends. I purchased a AF-S FX NIKKOR 50mm f/1.8G for portraits and walking around, and am considering a AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR II for reaching across the soccer field and as my primary lens. I understand the latter lens is not ideal, but I like its diminished size, weight and costs compared to other super zooms. Any insight would be appreciated.

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You'd do fine with the D5200 if you don't mind it's smaller viewfinder, and definitely if you shoot more video (the articulated display is useful for that). The D7100 will be a very competent camera, but if you don't see yourself getting very involved with your picture taking - basically just putting the thing on P or A mode most of the time - then much of what the D7100 offers may be lost on you.

For sports and action shooting, the most important things are high shutter speed. reliable AF tracking, and fast lenses - the latter of which can get very expensive, so high ISO image quality becomes important as well as the f2.8 lenses you might really want aren't in the budget. All of this the D5200 will give you. The D7100 will give you a bit more AF capability, but only a skosh better IQ.

As for lenses, the 18-200 is an OK lens but the 18-300 is better suited for the resolution levels of the D5200. A D5200/18-300 would be a nice pairing. Personally, If you've already got a 50mm, I'd opt for a 70-300 for the tele work and use the savings over a D7100 system to get an 18-105 or the 16-85 (now on sale) for your walkaround lens if for no other reason than to not make the camera so nose-heavy with a big tele on it. The D5200 balances better with lighter, smaller lenses. The D7100 can handle bigger glass more easily owing to its bigger size.

If you ever want to go cheaper and buy "D" lenses (screwdriver AF), you'll need the D7100. The D5200 doesn't accept them.

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The 18-200mm lens is an old design, not as fast as more developed or newer lenses. Both the 70-300 or the new 70-200mm f/4 are better choices. The &0-300 has extra reach but it's focusing and IQ lag beyond 200mm. The new 70-200mm f/4 is a SOTA design that has been getting very positive reviews:


It is also an excellent lens for portraits, events, etc.

Now, the D7100 is the much better body at this point. The AF is excellent, the sensor is as good as the D5200's but with the extra of having no AA filter system. Speed and VF are also better and if you ever like to go manual it has dual wheels for SS and aperture control. The back LCD is also better and it'll balance larger lenses better as well.

Good luck!!

Thanks for the insight. With a crop factor of 1.5x isn't the equivalent range of the 18-200mm actually 27-300mm? That said, isn’t the 70-300mm overkill? Weight and size are a concern to me, video not so much.

Get the d7100(d7000) with the kit 18-105vr and a 70-300vr.

For the price you will get WAY better quality results.I also think camera body will hold up better.

I use both working with skiphotography and while them not being as tough or as fast/sharp as a true high dollar pro lens they do really put out nice great quality images.

The Af will be better for sports than the 18-200, the 18-105 has a plastic mount and may not hold up as well but does take great images .

If you don't need superwide go with the 28-105mm 3.5-4.5 AFD screwdrive zoom sharp and reliable and metal mount.


I have never used the 5200 but shoot 1-4000 images a day with the d7000, (I would get the d7100)

Best of luck with your decision.

Mats

AvyJoe said:

AvyJoe wrote:

Thanks for the insight. With a crop factor of 1.5x isn't the equivalent range of the 18-200mm actually 27-300mm? That said, isn’t the 70-300mm overkill? Weight and size are a concern to me, video not so much.

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You'd be surprised how often you will wind up at the tele limits of a 70-300 if you are not right down on the sidelines. The point to the 70-300 is that within the 70-200 FL range, it is a sharper lens than the 18-200, focuses faster, and has better VR. Beyond 200mm, it loses just a touch of sharpness wide open. I definitely would NOT walk around with a 70-300; it's a strong telezoom for a purpose. But if you're looking at a convenience zoom for a newer body, the 18-300 is a more modern design that outperforms the 18-200 for $100 more...and it's on sale through March 2.

I agree with Renato. Even though the IQ of the d7100 isn't yet fully understood, the pro AF module of the d7100 would tip the scales for me. It's basically the same AF module used in the d4 and d800, IOW, it's the best Nikon has to offer.

The 70-300 is a very light, compact lens and I agree with the others that it would likely be a much better lens for sports than the 18-200. If you don't want the 70-200 f/4 that Renato recommends, then the 70-300 would be next best, IMO.

In the end, you need to buy in your comfort zone. The d5200 also has a pretty good AF system and the sensor seems to be good as well. I'd guess that either camera would do okay for a basic sports camera and either should do general photography very well.

good luck

Kerry

Joe

300mm on a DX body is about the minimum range for big-field soccer. Sadly, you will find that 200mm will be too short, while being OK for social and walkabout shots.

< realise that you don't wish to hear that >

One thing in favour of choosing the 7100 in your situation is that Nikon has used a creative crop mode on the camera which effectively brings you even closer to your subject than normal DX mode. The number-crunchers here at DP can probably identify exactly how much closer but it is descroibed as 1.3x on top of the usual DX crop. The 5200 does not do this.

Soccer and social events are very different - you may need to consider two separate lenses - a 300mm for soccer alone and something else for regular-life shooting

It may be too big, too long and too expensive but a very fine soccer lens is Nikon's 300 f/4, one of Nikon's legends for IQ . . .

Good luck

Keith