dberryhill

<div></div>

<div></div>

<div></div>

<div></div>

<div></div>

<div></div>

<div></div>

<div></div>

<div></div>

<div></div>

<div></div>

<div></div>

<div></div>

<div></div>

<p>Wow! My thanks to you all for your informed and helpful insight, and for your time. As much as I hate to return a shiny new toy, the 18-200 is going back for a refund. I'll likely add the 35/2.0 soon, as Eric suggested, since I'd like a prime a little wider than 50mm. Then, assuming the bank account eventually recovers, I'll add either the 80-200 or the 70-200vr. I'll probably just keep the d200 and carry it with the kit lens (18-70) in my truck. I've used the 18-70 a lot since I first got a d70 in 2004. I know its limits, but I like it</p>

<p>My wife knew I had a not so secret lust for the d700. So, spending more money than she should, she bought me one for Christmas. But she also allowed the salesman at B&H to talk her into getting the 18-200VR lens. He told her it was a good match for the d700. That surprised me. I've bought from B&H since the 70s, and have been pleased with their integrity. After getting the 18-200, I thought that I could put it one my d200 and use it as my 'carry around in my truck' outfit. Many of the pictures I have liked have been those that I just came upon. So, with the d200/18-200 combo, I'd be ready for anything, and if it were to get stolen, it wouldn't be the end of the world.<br>

I could use the d700 and my primes (50 and 85) for portraits and other situations where I know in advance what I'm going to be shooting.<br>

But then, after taking some shots with the d700, I reconsidered. It's a great camera. Will I be happy using the d200? So, instead of keeping the 18-200, why not send it back and trade it for the 24-70 or the 70-200VR? That would obviously dig the financial hole deeper. But, before I get too old to see through a viewfinder, I'd like to work with really top-notch equipment. I want to see what I can do.<br>

Therein lies the dilemma. Any and all thoughts would be much appreciated.</p>

 

<div></div>

<div></div>

<div></div>

Toy Store Window<div></div>

<div></div>

<div></div>

<div></div>

<div></div>

Tim and I go back a ways. I've learned to ignore what he says, and instead look at his marvelous photography. BTW, Tim's work has been selected POW a couple of times, and as I recall, the shots were made with the 18-70.

 

At the very least, you all have reassured me that I haven't been taking pictures for several years with a piece of junk glass, and was just too blissfully ignorant to know it. I've learned more than that, but that is what has been nagging at me, particularly when I've to some festival or other event and seen all the long, fast lenses. I've felt endowment challenged.