After comparing, my decision is Nikon D200 w/18-200 lens, your thoughts before I click BUY button?
Here is my order..any other MUST HAVE items you would add to list right now?
Nikon D200 10.2MP Digital SLR Camera with 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G ED-IF AF-S VR DX Nikkor Zoom Lens
SanDisk SDCFX3-2048-901 2 GB Extreme III CompactFlash Card
Nikon MB-D200 Multi-Power Battery Pack for the D200 Digital Camera
Nikon EN-EL3e Rechargeable Li-Ion Battery for D200 Digital SLR Camera
Nikon Digital & Film SLR System Case Gadget Bag for D200
Hoya 72mm DMC PRO1 Digital Multi-Coated UV (Ultra Violet) Filter
Nikon Lens Pen Cleaning System
Nikon Micro Fiber Cleaning Cloth
Introduction to the Nikon D200 DVD
Nikon D200 Digital Field Guide
Total price with shipping: $2643.06 from Amazon.com
This is the exact camera and lens that I use probably 80-90% of the time. I think Amazon has bumped up the “kit” with a few things that they get practically for free to cover the real expense of finding and selling the lens, which has been going for about $200 over retail. As long as you can accept the fact that you probably can’t get it any other way, I say go for it.
Now… You can probably do without the multi-battery pack, the lens cleaning stuff, the field guide, the DVD and the gadget bag. If you could only FIND the D200 and 18-200 lens at “retail” price, you could save about $500. The fact of the matter is simply that you can’t find it, though. So I say buy what makes you happy. If you buy anything less, you will always look back and regret your decision. Who knows when the 18-200 will become widely available again?
Okay, it’s not the world’s PERFECT lens, but it is not too shabby. As I said, unless I am doing something really critical, it is my choice for a casual “walk-around” lens. Go here and read Rockwell’s review:
http://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/18200.htm
Go here and look at the sample images. Click on them to view them full screen. If you click at least once in the white space, your cursor will turn into a magnifier when you scroll it back over the image. Click again over the image and it will zoom to 100% size so you can really examine the image.
http://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/18200/examples/index.htm
“Optically, this lens is the best superzoom we’ve seen, though it’s not compatible with Nikon teleconverters, extension rings, or coupled macro bellows. It also costs about $300 more than third-party digital-only glass. But are extremely rugged construction, unusually well-controlled distortion, and four extra handholdable speeds worth the extra bucks? That, and more.”
http://www.popphoto.com/cameralenses/2763/lens-test-nikon-18-200mm-f35-56g-dx-vr-af-s.html
Tips for Buying & Using a Camera : How to Clean an SLR Camera
|
|
Canon Speedlite 580EX II Flash for Canon EOS Digital SLR Cameras $468.95 Further development of Canon’s flagship Speedlite has led to the production of the 580 EX II. This is the premier Speedlite for all photographers, including professionals. Newly designed to match with the EOS-1D Mark III in terms of improved dust- and water-resistance, body strength, and the ability to control flash functions and settings from the camera menu (EOS-1D Mark III only). Other features… |
|
|
Sony A77 24.3 MP Digital SLR with Translucent Mirror Technology – Body Only $1,398.00 World’s Fastest DSLR Ever Never miss another shot. Whether you’re shooting a sequence of your preschooler’s somersault, or the game-changing instant when ball meets bat, the a77 flawlessly captures fast action and fleeting moments with up to 12 fps continuous shooting-all at full 24.3-megapixel resolution with uninterrupted auto focus. And packed with cutting-edge technologies-like the world’s fi… |
|
|
Canon 430EX Speedlite Flash for Canon EOS SLR Cameras – Older Version $400.00 CANON SPEEDLITE 430EX FLASH… |
|
|
David Busch’s Canon EOS Rebel T3i/600D Guide to Digital SLR Photography (David Busch Camera Guides) $19.55 The Rebel T3i/600D is one of the most advanced entry-level cameras Canon has ever introduced. It boasts an astounding 18 megapixels of resolution, blazing-fast automatic focus, and cool features like the real-time preview system called Live View, full high-definition movie shooting, and an amazing new wireless flash capability. As the owner of a Rebel T3i/600D, you demand the ability to take outst… |
|
|
David Busch’s Canon EOS 5D Mark II Guide to Digital SLR Photography $17.54 “David Busch’s Canon EOS 5D Mark II Guide to Digital SLR Photography” is perfect for those new to digital photography or those who just want to make sure they get the most out of their Canon EOS 5D Mark II. The book is a complete guide to this digital SLR camera, including how to utilize the amazing 21 megapixels of resolution, enhanced high-ISO performance, and many other features unique to the 5… |
|
|
Nikon D7000 For Dummies (For Dummies (Computer/Tech)) $16.10 Learn all about the Nikon D7000?the fun and friendly For Dummies way!Whether you?re a digital camera beginner or an experienced photographer, this is the book you need to get the most out of the Nikon D7000, the update to Nikon?s popular D90 model. The helpful tips and tricks in this fun and easy guide will get you quickly up to speed on the D7000?s 16-megapixel sensor, 1080 HD video capabilities,… |