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In Reply to: i'd like some advice for a new SLR camera posted by chiggy on October 22, 2001 at 09:56:56:
I have to say that between Canon and Nikon you're about even, and it matters more how it fits your hand. I'm one of those rare birds who thought the N70 interface was really nice.I've never seen the Sigma in real life, and it's new and quite rare, while they make good lenses (now) that wasn't always the case.
I've no gripe with my Sigma lenses for my Nikon, and before I had the Nikons I had a flock of Minolta SRT series stuff, all of which earned no shame at all, even though it was eventually worn out and put to bed.
I'd go to www.bhphotovideo.com and read the information they scarf up on the various cameras, and see what you think.
JJ
Follow Ups:
Hello Guys,thanks for the responses. I'll be able to check out B&H in person soon enough. Prelim hunting seems to indicate the N80 from Nikon for features and quality - the body these days is accessible at around $325!! The Minolta Maxxum 5 and 7 have amazing autofocus capabilities. I can't believe how fast they are compared to some of the pricier Nikons. Why on earth do big chains (best buy and the like) charge so much more than those funny places in NYC? gray market from below seems to indicate why.
I guess I'll have to check out Canon as well now.
On to the lenses - I like the idea below about picking up 28-105 lens. Makes more sense than a 28-70 or 80. Many of the camera stores seem to offer packages that look like pretty good deals. I think it wouldnt be too hard to not spend all that much more money and pick up a 28-80 and 80-200 or even a decent 28-200 lens...theres a Tamron 24-200 lens on the market but thats pretty pricey.
thanks for the help. i'm sure i'll have more questions.
regards,
chiggy
I have been working in this field for too many years. Sorry but good and 28-200 are mutually exclusive. Too many comprimises. Desiging a lens over that zoom range is very, very difficult. Designing a good lens that is both wide angle and telephoto is almost impossible. Shoot a straight line near the edge of the frame. It will be distorted (bent). Might get by with a digital SLR with that lens as most only use a portion of the glass. Best rule: By the best glass and skimp on the body. The image is made by the glass. The body's major functions are to hold the film flat and have a predictable shutter. I have been shooting Nikon as my 35mm for many years but am not realy biased against the major brands. Stick with Canon, Nikon, Contax or Leica (depending on your bank roll) buy used if you have to. I used to work in the used equipment biz. (that is what unemployed photographers do) You can get good deals on good equipment. There are many reputable dealers. Pick up a Shutterbug from the news stand and use the vendors that have a good return policy. In the used biz, cheapest price is not necessarily the best buy.What do I carry in my bag? 18/2.8, 20-35/2.8, 35-70/2.8, 80-200/2.8 and sometimes a 60/2.8 and a 300/2.8 (all Nikkors) D-1 and DCS 760
jj-I use the N70 too. Do you find the autofocus system works poorly in low light?
Someone mentioned the Canon autofocus system is superior in low light but I haven't held a Canon for years.
Chiggy, maybe you should check this out before buying Nikon.
bz
I've only had trouble when well into flash range (I mean big potato-masher flash, not on-board) on flat subjects with little
contrast.You DO have to aim at a contrasty part of the subject, let it settle, and then use it.
JJ
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