D80 or D200?

[pest22o]

This my dilema a D80 with a VR 18-200 lens or a D200 with whatever stock lens it comes with, what would you guys do?

[alveraz]

I shoot with both. If it's not a matter of cost, the D200 of course. But to be honest, most of my work is done with the D80. Both will give you fabulous results, just keep in mind the glass and photog are more important than the body.

I wish I could give more insight on that lens, but I've never used it. Also, if you have the means to buy a D200 why not throw in a little more for the new 300 body (when you can find one)? Just a thought.

www.zampanophoto.com

[Jeff Anderson]

I've got the 18-200 VR lens on a D70 and I dont know if I will ever take the lens off. Its not the fastest lens in the world, but its just soooo versatile. If you're doing any type of event photography I would think this would be great. If you're doing more portait style or shoot in a more controlled environment a set of fast primes might be a better choice. The stabilization of this lens is great though. full telephoto at 1/60 handheld is no problem at all. probably could go slower on the shutter if you had to.

[pest22o]

I've got the 18-200 VR lens on a D70 and I dont know if I will ever take the lens off. Its not the fastest lens in the world, but its just soooo versatile. If you're doing any type of event photography I would think this would be great. If you're doing more portait style or shoot in a more controlled environment a set of fast primes might be a better choice. The stabilization of this lens is great though. full telephoto at 1/60 handheld is no problem at all. probably could go slower on the shutter if you had to.

Fast Primes? any suggestions or links of any specific lenses you think are good, Nikor right?

[Jeff Anderson]

well I had nikon in mind but if you have an unlimited budget then there are the zeiss nikon primes... look at the threads for 35mm adapters. I've seen some great lists of nikon primes that perform well. All I've got experience with is the 50mm 1.8 - fantastic lens. I'm contemplating getting an 85 or maybe a 105 to add to that but for the most part I just shoot with my 18-200. Periodically its nice to have the extra speed of the 50 though assuming I'm willing to focus manually.

[Eastside Parkway]

The 18-200 is probably the greatest lens ever made. I shoot with it on a D80 and I love it.

The lens is way more important than the camera. Go with the D80/18-200.

[Jeremy Ordan]

The 18-200 is probably the greatest lens ever made. I shoot with it on a D80 and I love it.

The lens is way more important than the camera. Go with the D80/18-200.

Owners of the 70-200 f/2.8 VR will disagree with you on that.

The 18-200 is one of the most versatile lenses made... I would hardly put it into the category of greatest lenses ever though.


Buy pro glass if you can afford it. Nothing beats fast glass and 2.8 zooms are the best.

[pest22o]

what's considered pro glass? Carl Zeiss Planar T 1.4/50 ZF Lens is one I was looking at or the 55mm 1.4 nikor lens.

I decided to go for the D80 and get the VR 18-200 and 50mm f/1.8 nikor lens.

Or the D80 with a Carl Zeiss Planar 1.4/50 ZF lense and get a 18-135mm AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor lens

What do you guys think?

I like to shoot at night and in the street, But I dont wanna just do ne thing I wanna try portriats as well. So any advice or another set of combinations Im not thinking of?

[pest22o]

I was looking at a price range around 1600 or maybe 2000 if it's worth it.

[tmnt]

I'm hopefully getting my D80 with the 18-135 today, pretty damn excited about it. Was really wanting the 18-200 VR but just out of my price range for now. Maybe will win lotto tonight and get a couple 2.8 zooms.

[Eastside Parkway]

Owners of the 70-200 f/2.8 VR will disagree with you on that.

Actually, I own that lens too.

The point was that it's better to buy a cheaper body and invest in good lenses.