christopherseid

<p>I am a wedding photographer, and I have 3 D700s too. I bought my 3rd D700 because i kept having this "flashy" problem with my SB900 on my first D700. I think the SB900 is too heavy and its puts a strain on the connection. This is especially true for us wedding photographers because the flash is on the camera all day and we are running and moving alot. I find i had to hold the flash and apply a little front downward pressure to it to make sure the contact are secure when i wanted to shoot with flash...a real pain, (yes, one hand holding camera, one hand putting pressure on the flash). Thus, i went head and purchased a 3rd D700. The same Sb900 works fine on the new D700. This made me to believe it has to be a hot shoe problem. I plan to bring the oldest D700 to Nikon Service...hopefully they can fix it!</p>

If weight is a concern, go with the D80. I have a D70, D200 and also the 18-200mm. I bought the D200 and it's weight was not a concern when i first got it...but if you have to shoot for long periods, the weight does slowly kill you! I never had wrist problems...but i am getting a small pain these days and considering a D80 to replace it. I recommend the D80 so you have some spare change to buy the 18-200.

I have both lens...just got the 18-200mm after waiting 5 months!! I had the 70-200mm for about 3 months. I also have the D200 and D70. I really like the pictures from the 70-200mm...great bokeh and sharpness. However, it is quite heavy especially on the D200 if using for an extended time. I got to play with my 18-200 for that last 3 days and was a little dissappointed with the large F stops after having used the 70-200 in low light situations. But the 18-200 is extrememly light and compact and perform decently in daylight. Since you said you are not worried about price, my recommendation is to get the 70-200mm first, and if you have spare cash...then the 18-200mm! For my friend's wedding...i think i will still carry all my stuff (meaning my 17-55mm on my D200 and 70-200 on my D70) while on hikes, parties and daily run-arounds, i think i will go with the D200 with 18-200mm. My 2 cents. Good luck! :-)