What is the ultimate D2Xs system if it is to be the last camera system purchased?

I%26#039;m not a pro but don%26#039;t want to be held back by the camera system and technology creep as I expect to shoot better pictures over time. I plan to go with the D2Xs over a D80 because the D2Xs%26#039;s current technology should be sufficient for a long time. Since the D2Xs is standard, my question is really about lenses and total cost of the system. I can spend $5,000 to $7,000 for camera and lenses.





I think I need about four lenses; a micro, wideangle, mid range (28-55-85MM) and telephoto (200 or 300MM). Most pictures will be taken while %26quot;putzing%26quot; around and will include walkaround, landscape, portrait, wildlife and closeups of flowers, etc. What are the best value lenses in the focal lengths I need? Long-focal-length lenses I want stablized.





Thanks!!

What is the ultimate D2Xs system if it is to be the last camera system purchased?
The D2Xs is Nikon%26#039;s top of the line model. The body itself costs $4250. For the lenses you say you want, add another...


$400 or $740 for the 60mm or 105mm micro


$1200 for the Nikon 17-55 f/2.8


$1600 for the Nikon 70-200 f/2.8 (stabilized)


and maybe another $900 for the Nikon 12-24mm.


Do you want a flash and tripod with that? Add another $310 for an SB800 flash and perhaps $700 to $1500 for a quality tripod (I%26#039;ve been drooling over a Gitzo + Arca-Swiss combination myself.)


Add another $400 to $800 for some 2GB SanDisk Extreme lV memory cards, perhaps a protective B+W UV MRC filter for each lens, a circular polarizer (a 77mm thread will fit both the 17-55 and the 70-200 lens), a spare battery for the camera, spare batteries for the flash if you get one, and a nice carrying case.


Top that all off with Photoshop CS3. That%26#039;s $650 for the program itself and a few hundred more if you buy some plug-ins. If you plan on bulk-processing, also consider Nikon Capture or Capture One.





That list adds up to about $8.000 without the extra options and software, to over $20.000 for the full package.





Between the D80 and the D2Xs, Nikon has the D200 for %26#039;just%26#039; $1340. The D200 offers a metal body, 5 frames per second, 11 auto-focus points... it%26#039;s a very nice camera. Then either add the lenses I mentioned above, or take your lens selection down a notch as well.


I use the D200 with the 17-55mm f/2.8. This is an awesome combination, but it%26#039;s pretty heavy and conspicuous for %26#039;putzing around%26#039;. The D200 is used by plenty of professionals, so I doubt it%26#039;ll hold you back (unless you really need 8 frames per second). By the time you outgrow it, upgrade to whatever replaces the D2Xs.


I%26#039;d also skip the 12-24mm zoom to begin with (although it is a great lens for landscapes), the expensive tripod (there are plenty of options for under $200), and one or two other items. It%26#039;s easy enough to assemble a professional setup for under $7000... but you can%26#039;t get the top of the line versions of the entire Nikon catalog.
Reply:OMG answered just what I was thinking in his %26quot;Best Answer%26quot; above. Why not get the D200 and spend the %26quot;extra%26quot; money on either more or better lenses?





I also use the D200 and 17-55 combo and think it%26#039;s great. I %26quot;go to%26quot; the 17-55 when I am %26quot;serious%26quot; or doing more critical work, but usually have the infamous 18-200 VR lens on my D200 so it%26#039;s ready at all times. I use the 60 mm macro lens, but recommend the 105 mm VR macro. I have two %26quot;cheap%26quot; Nikon lenses on my wish list right now. fhotoace%26#039;s favorite 24-85 and Nikon%26#039;s new 70-300 VR lens. Both are very well reviewed and both cost about $1,000 less than Nikon%26#039;s ultra-pro level lenses.





I defer to OMG%26#039;s list for accessories and I%26#039;d take his advice on anything.





And I have some bad news for you. I%26#039;m 56 years old and I%26#039;m starting to look at major purchases as %26quot;the one that will last for the rest of my life.%26quot; Haha - that%26#039;s not YOUR bad news, though. The bad news is that I doubt ANY electronic device will be the %26quot;last one%26quot; you buy. Either it will ultimately fail or you will so fascinated by a newer and %26quot;better%26quot; version of what you already have that you will just need to buy a new one. At $4,500 it will be very painful to replace the D2Xs. You can have three D200%26#039;s for that money. Get a D200 and then do not hold back on buying lenses.
Reply:come on man....don%26#039;t be over-ambitious.........I perfectly accept to OMG%26#039;s and Dr.Sam%26#039;s answers.........Get the D200 and some very good %26quot;expensive%26quot; lenses. Take help from Kenrockwell on why an expensive camera body is unnecessary.



skins.be blog