Consumer Level Nikon System

[Kayaker72]

Someone at work has settled in on getting the Nikon D300s and is asking me about lenses. They haven't let me know what the budget limitations are, but my general impression is that it is around $2,000-$2,500 for the entire kit. They are moving up from a P&S. I don't really know Nikon too well, so I was wondering what people here thought would be a good kit basic Nikon kit?

If they were buying into Canon, I think their budget would be equivalent to something like:

• 18-55 II kit lens (maybe the 15-85)
• Some sort of zoom to ~300 mm
• 50 mm f/1.8 II
• 430EX II

Any thoughts on what the good equivalent equipment in the Nikon world is would be appreciated. I am planning on giving them a couple of options and letting them select.

Thanks,
Brant

[HDNitehawk]

Sounds like they should have asked advice a bit sooner

[Kayaker72]

yeah, I know.

[andnowimbroke]

That was a good camera, and I did do research for the same thing you're looking for. Unfortunately, I've forgot anything that might have helped you. If I trip over my notes, I'll post it here.

[Kayaker72]

I am getting ready to write up my recommendations to my friend. I wanted to run my thoughts by everyone here before I sent the email.

1. I am thinking that, unless they buy used, the D300s is too much money and they should go with a D7000 or a D5200 and invest the savings in glass
2. General purpose lens. I am planning on giving them a couple of options
   
   1. Less expensive: Nikkor AF-S DX 18-105 f/3.5-5.6G IF-ED VR
   2. Little bit more: Tamron AF 17-50 mm f/2.8 SP XR Di II LD
   3. Little bit more: Nikkor AF-S DX 16-85 f/3.5-5.6G IF-ED VR
   4. While there is a 17-55 f/2.8 equivalent, it is out of her budget range
   
   
3. Telephoto lens. I've since learned that they want to take photos of birds.
   
   1. If possible invest money here: Nikkor AF-S 300 mm f/4D IF-ED
   2. Less expensive option: Nikkor AF-S 70-300 f/4.5-5.6 G IF-ED VR

Does anyone know a reason to stay with the D300s over the D7000 or D5200?

Thanks,
Brant

[Mark Elberson]

Does anyone know a reason to stay with the D300s over the D7000 or D5200?

Nope, the D300s is pretty old. I'd much rather have a D7000. I think it's much more comparable to the D300s than the D5200.

[Kayaker72]

Thanks Mark...my email with my thoughts/recommendations is off....

[Mark Elberson]

Just saw in the news feed that Nikon released a D7100

[Kayaker72]

Yep. I saw it this morning and included it in the email. But I pointed out the price difference and that they'd need to wait a couple of months if they wanted to see it reviewed before buying.

[Mark Elberson]

I think it's funny how all new Nikons have HUGE megapixel numbers. They and Canon totally flip-flopped! It looks like integrated WIFI/GPS type features will soon become common place based on the past few releases. I think Canon needs to integrate the ST-E3 (and an auto-focus assist lamp) into their next body. I'm actually surprised that Nikon has not yet released any new Speedlights with integrated wireless (RF) capabilities. Nikon Speedlights used to kill Canon's Speedlites but the 600EX-RTs changed all of that.