Which Nikon DSLR?

[jyl]

I think it is about time to try out a digital SLR. Now, I know this stuff is pretty new-fangled and may turn out to be a passing fad, like automatic transmissions and them little cellphones. So I don't want to spend a lot of $.

I'm planning to buy a used Nikon DSLR that will accept my manual-focus Nikkor Ai/AiS lenses, and also buy one (1) fantastic plastic auto-focus zoom do-everything slow-as-molasses lens for everyday use.

The Nikon DSLRs that I'm looking at, and which will meter with Ai/AiS lenses, are the DX-sensor D200 and D300, and the full-frame D700. (The D1/2/3's are more pounds than I really want to tote around, in addition to being either way obsolete or way expensive. The D300S doesn't seem like a big improvement over the D300.)

A used D200 body costs about $600 (eBay price). A used D300 body costs about $1,100 (eBay price). The D700 costs $1,900-2,000 for a used body (eBay prices).

Which would you get? I can pay up for the D700, but would need a really solid reason to do so.

Next, which lens would you get for everyday use? I don't want the crappiest kit lens that Nikon's beancounters ever squeezed out, but I don't need pro-level stuff either.

[Jim Richards]

Hey John, perhaps a D90 at this place for ~$780 (body only):

Nikon | D90 SLR Digital Camera (Camera Body) | 25446 | B&H Photo

[AFC-911]

You can technically use any Ai or AIS lens on any Nikon DSLR. It won't meter or autofocus for you, but unless you're shooting sports, it's not really a problem.

I just got a Vivitar 75-150 f3.8 manual focus lens for my D70 & I really like it.

As far as kit lenses go, the 18-70mm ones are actually pretty good & I've been really happy with them.

[RWebb]

don't think they all work on the lower end bodies

check out the charts Nikon has for a D-40 & see if it will work with all your lenses

also a D-70

the D700x is due out soon & the bodies you mentioned will plummet in value

I agree re the that kit lens.

the VR zoom is a great all purpose lens - AF-S Zoom-NIkkor 18-200 ED DX VR

[RWebb]

BTW - digital bodies are like popcorn - they get outmoded as fast as it goes stale...

[AFC-911]

Originally Posted by RWebb

don't think they all work on the lower end bodies

check out the charts Nikon has for a D-40 & see if it will work with all your lenses

also a D-70

the D700x is due out soon & the bodies you mentioned will plummet in value

I agree re the that kit lens.

the VR zoom is a great all purpose lens - AF-S Zoom-NIkkor 18-200 ED DX VR

It's the non-Ai lenses that won't mount.

Nikon Lens Compatibility

[Scott Douglas]

Have you actually held any of those in your hand?

I've had pretty good luck with my D80 and 18-200 VR.
It fits my hand like a well worn driving glove and I doubt I'll ever get rid of it.

[deanp]

I have a D200 and it performs well and feels well built and solid. I would buy it again tomorrow.

If you are looking at new look at B&H, used KEH or B&H. Can also look in the classifieds at nikonians.org.

[alf]

I have the D80 18-200 like Scott and a 35 1.8 prime, great versatile set up but like all DSLRs a little big and heavy.

Find myself with a Canon S90 (a compact with F2.0) with me most of the time.

[slodave]

Originally Posted by jyl

Next, which lens would you get for everyday use? I don't want the crappiest kit lens that Nikon's beancounters ever squeezed out, but I don't need pro-level stuff either.

Don't be so quick to discount the kit lenses. When my dad bought his D300 a few years ago, he bought it with the 18-135mm kit lens and gave that to me with his old D100. The lens has proven to be better than at least one of his expensive Nikon lenses, so much, that he replaced it (not with a kit lens ). The kit lens does lack the VR...

That said, something in the 18-135mm range is good for a walk around lens.

[campbellcj]

I've had a D200 since 2006 and it has been a fantastic body (I still use it regularly) but as far as the technology goes, it is long in the tooth at this point. The D300/D300S has some significant improvements including better low-light/high-ISO noise performance so if you want similar "near-pro" build quality and features, I would lean that direction. All the recent Nikon bodies are very good so you kinda just have to pick your price point and go for it.

Lens recommendations depend on your shooting style but I agree the 18-200 VR or VRII is an awesome "do-all" single lens. I use mine for travel with the D200 when I don't want to schlep around the big heavy stuff.

Also highly recommended is a small, fast prime such as a 35mm, 50mm and/or 85mm.

[campbellcj]

I forgot to mention Nikonians - massive forum/info/podcast site.

Nikonians :: The Nikon User Community

[jyl]

I "think" that no autofocus is okay, assuming that focusing a MF lens in a DSLR viewfinder works "okay". I would need metering, and wife/daughter certainly would. I think that rules out the D40, D90, etc?

If the D700 price fell soon, that would be interesting. What's a good all-around lens for the full frame Nikons? I think the ones mentioned so far are for the DX Nikons?

[Steve Carlton]

There are charts out there that spell out the functionality of the different bodies with the older lenses. Look on Nikonians or Thom Hogan's Nikon Field Guide and Nikon Flash Guide for them. Thom's site is also good for Nikon reviews, as he is an actual bonafide Nikon guru.

IMO, skip the D700 for now. Lots of hype for "full frame" camera bodies, but it's a mixed bag. Having the 1.5 crop factor of a D300, for example, can be a huge advantage. An 18-200 will function as an 18-200 on a D700, but on a D300 you essentially get more "reach," as it functions as a 27-300. The 1.5 crop factor body is a MUCH cheaper way to get more reach than longer focal length lenses.

My gut tells me the best body for you to get is a D300. It's a big improvement over the D200 and is of the more robust metal-framed family with weather-sealing, amongst other advantages. I wouldn't exchange mine for a D700, I'd only get the D700 in addition to it for the reasons above. The 1.5 crop factor bodies are called "DX" vs "FX" for the "full-frame" bodies. DX lenses are cheaper and full-frame lenses are less critical on a DX body because only the heart of the image is catching the sensor.

I'd say go to eBay as a last resort, unless you buying from someone reputable like Cameta Camera. Some of the reburbished bodies can be killer deals. First choice for used would be Buy & Sell - FM Forums IMO, as you're dealing with a camera buff and buyers and sellers there have often acquired reliable feedback ratings. The Nikon-mount SLRs - FM Forums forum is also an excellent resource.

Lens-wise on a DX, I'd say hands-down the basic lens if you want top quality is the 17-55 f/2.8, but it's no bargain. The Tamron 17-50 f/2.8 is 90% the lens for 35% the price. Add to that the excellent quality, bargain Nikon 70-300. Good wider stuff is out there, but it's not critical to have it unless you have a specific need. Nikon's entry-level zooms are all very good, and some are better yet. You'll generally lose image quality for the larger range you take.

[RWebb]

also, it might matter if your lens has been "AI'd" by a 3rd party - some of mine have

i.e. converted to an AI lens vs. being made that way by Nikon

I thought nikon.com had the charts...

for sports or wildlife photos, the older lenses suddenly become - and I steal from Sarah Palin here - more telphoto-ey when using a DX body

[campbellcj]

Although I do not have one personally, the 24-120 has a good reputation as an "all around" lens for full-frame bodies.

Or you could get a pair like a 24-70 (stellar) and a 70-300 but that is way more dough.

For DX I agree with Steve that the 17-55 is top notch, but I found it too short for my needs in many situations. It is the only lens I have ever sold to-date...But I might have kept it had I not gotten the 24-70 to use full-frame and which also works great on DX (36-105 equiv).

[jyl]

One of mine is a third party Ai, I think maybe the 35mm f1.4? Can't recall. I need to check if that one will work.

[Steve Carlton]

Some useful links:

This guy is highly recommended for AI conversions:
Compatibility Table

Nikon SLR Camera & Lens Compatibility Chart

Nikon Lenses

Pixel-Peeper -- Over a million full-size sample photos from lenses, SLR cameras and digicams.