dave_makin

I used to own the 18-70 (Great lens); I own the 18-200, it came with the D200 I bought a year ago.

 

I really dont like the 18-200, the lens creep just annoys the hell out of me, the build quality is poor (actually, its crap) and the images (IMHO) are soft over 80mm.

 

I also own a 17-55 f2.8 (wow, what a lens) and a newly aquired 80-200 f2.8, so the 18-200 is history, I just need to get around to putting it onto that auction site.........

 

if your on a budget, the 18-70 is a great lens, leaves the 18-200 for dead. If you can get the cash together, look at the 17-55 f2.8 but be warned, once you have used it, you will be hooked on very expensive Nikon glass........

Thanks everyone for the responses, I will go ahead and procure online. I have used B&H before, they are great. I was more worried about the fact if you buy a lens O/S there is next to no chance you get any warranty coverage. But I had always thought that its always going to be a risk, the 80-200 is probably one of the lower risk lenses.

 

As an FYI, in Australia if we buy retail, we pay $1450 USD for the 80-200 and a whopping $2800 USD for the 70-200. So even with freight ($60 USD) and import tax (10%) there are still significant savings to be had buying online from the USA

 

Like I said, thanks again

 

Dave

Hello all, I know that there are hundreds of posting regarding this lens, I

attempted to Google but just got bombarded with threads and got lost, hence

the thought to post this. If you have seen these question's before, Im sorry.

 

I want the 70-200 VR2, I cant afford it. As such, I am looking at purchasing a

Nikon 80-200mm f/2.8 D ED Zoom AF Lens. I realise it lacks VR, other than that

all roads lead to this (still) being a great lens. I will use it on a D200,

mostly for landscape/nature stuff. I have 3 questions.

 

1. Production quality/variation - risk of buying online

 

I live in Australia, the retail price of the lens is outrageous. As such I

will either buy from B&H or some other online seller. How does this lens

compare in terms of sample variations ? If I buy online with limited

opportunity to return, am I likely to get a decent sample ? Is this a "risky"

lens to buy online ? BTW, buying online will save me almost 40%, hence the

risk.

 

2. Reliability

 

How does this lens compare in terms of reliability ? What are the chances of

me suffering a failure or mechanical problem ? If the lens is well looked

after, do the majority of them perform fault free ? I am assuming compared to

the 70-200 its a rather "simple" piece of technology

 

3. Tele Convertor

 

I know what T/C does in terms of slowing the lens down. I think I have read

with the Nikon 1.4 T/C on this lens not only will it get slower, I will also

loose A/F; is this true ?

 

Would a kenco 1.4 T/C still let me retain A/F ? If so what Kenco model ought I

look for ? I dont think I want to go any longer than 1.4

 

Like I said, sorry to re-hash old ground, appreciate any thoughts and advice

 

Regards

Sue,

You wont have to pay duty. I buy most of my gear from overseas (USA) and they only charge duty (well, GST usually as most photo equip. has limited to no duty) for goods over $1000 AUD in value. even then they sometimes let stuff through, so in my experience customs Australia are very reasonable.

 

Im also wary about buying bags without being able to touch and feel. Have you browsed this website ? Its not bad and populated by real people not reviewers..... http://www.cambags.com

 

With the US Dollar so low and air freight reasonable these days, buying from the USA makes a lot of sense, especially when you see how much we get screwed over in Australia

 

Regards and good luck

 

Dave Makin (Melbourne)

Raymond, I own both and have developed (am developing) my own work flow, but my sorting/culling work is done in Lightroom, to me itseasier to use and browse large batches of pictures. Adobe write nice software with a pretty intuitive interface, IMHO the Nikon software is a little clunky, but thats just me maybe. I primarily use the Nikon software for my RAW conversions, I think it does a better job

 

If you want my advice, download trial versions of both and install them. You then have 30 days to decide what you want to buy, I think its very reasonable that they allow you to download trial versions.

 

The Nikon trial version of NX is hard to find, so google something like "30 day trial download" and you can get to the link that way, its burried some place in the online Nikon USA store

 

Dave

Maybe have a look at Ken Rockwell's site, I seem to recall sometime ago reading an item from some guy who was using the D200 in Russia in what I would call extremem temperatures (well below zero)

 

Im from Australia; my definition of extreme cold probably differs somewhat..........

I bought a dry cabinet; IMHO its just not worth the risk, for around $250 USD (I am sure they are much cheaper in the USA/Europe, all photo gear is expensive in Australia)

 

I got a really good lockable dry cabinet that holds all of my equipment. It plugs into the mains, uses next to no power and maintains temperature/humidity 24x7.

 

Once the value of my equipment hit $5000 I figured I had to do something. My gear is stored on a 2nd floor and the humidity alters too much

 

My 2 cents worth

I bought the 17-55 about 6 weeks ago and the quality/sharpness of this lens is amazing. Its the first Pro Quality lens that I have purchased and I can now see what everyone was talking about. If you want my advice, you will not be dissapointed with the 17-55 2.8

Thanks everyone for taking the time to respond, the feedback is much appreciated.

 

We are taking 3 days, leaving on the Monday, needing to get to San Fran on the Wednesday.

 

I am thinking of driving to San Simeon day one, stopping along the way; then next morning checking out Hearst Castle and heading to Monterey; BTW, is the aquarium worth the visit ?

 

Craig, any advice on places to eat ?

 

Thanks again

 

Dave

I have a D200, its about a year old. It replaced a D70. They are both great cameras, I am very happy with the D200. I think the D300 will be a fine camera also, for me I dont see the value in upgrading to it. My next camera will be a full frame digital SLR, something like the D3. I hope to get at least another 2-3 years from my D200 and DX lenses. Maybe thats optimistic.

 

for what its worth, if your not interested in full frame, buy the D300 new. Avoid a 2nd hand high end camera.

 

If you want full frame, the Canon 5D is a real option and should start to drop in price.

 

One would assume the APS DSR's are now starting the nose dive into obscurity, a few years from now full frame ought to be the norm

I like Sandisk, they seem reliable; Extreme iii & iV

 

I have bought a couple of 8GB cards recently, but in thinking, my advice is to buy multiple smaller cards. The price is often the same or similar (ie. 4 x 2GB cards of 1 x 8GB card) however with a large capacity card, if you have a hardware failure, you loose every image rather than spreading the risk over multiple cards. Make sure you buy a decent hard case to hold the cards.

 

Word of warning regarding Ebay; many of the memory cards for sale are often Chinese fakes. They may work initially but you will pay the price in the long run. Dont take the risk of buying any memory cards on Ebay. If you buy Sandisk, make sure you have the hologram on the card and I think you can check the serial number online some place. Regradless, but it some place reliable. I live in Australia but I still buy my flash memory from B&H.............

 

Dave

Hello folks, I am heading to the US of A late in the month, October 1 I am

driving from los Angles up the coast to San Francisco. I am thinking that

along the coast we might stop at Hearst Castle and ofcourse Big Sur, etc. Any

suggestions for great photo Ops along the coast ? Will be in San Francisco for

4 days, would appreciate a few ideas for some photo Ops in San Fran; have been

there a few times before so I have a efw ideas, would appreciate any

suggestions

 

Thanks again, regards Dave

Thanks to everyone for taking the time to reply; many good comments, it has given me a few items to ponder

 

Kind Regards, Dave

Hello All, I am looking at long lenses; love the Nikon 80-400, not sure if my

budget stretches that far. Have been thinking about taking a look at the Sigma

50-500mm f/4.0-6.3 EX DG HSM; I shoot with a D200

 

Use will be general purpose; some sports, landscape, nature and even some

night time moon shots.

 

Currently have a Nikon 70-300 ED kit lens that came with a D70 I bought a few

years ago, to be honest its a little dissapointing and out at the 300 extreme

is a little soft for my liking.

 

My desire was to go all Nikon but I think I am going to struggle from a dollar

perspective to achieve that.

 

Would appreciate any recent thoughts or experiences with Sigma long lenses,

especially this model; thanks in advance

Guys, great pictures, I take my hat off to you all. We had a Lunar eclipse the other evening in Eastern Australia and I tried my hand at taking some shots but they pale in comparison to you guys. I had my shutter speed set too low I think. Anyhow, it has "wetted the appetite" for lunar shots, I think i would like to try getting some decent moon shots. Anyone aware of any web sites that specialise in night/astronomy photography ?

 

Dave

To everyone who responded to my question, many thanks for taking the time, it is much appreciated.Kind Regards, Dave

Hello all, I am traveling to Los Angles (well, staying in Orange County) late

September. I want to pickup a couple of Nikon Lenses.

 

Any tips on large Camera stores that carry stock ? Orange County area is good,

but I am prepared to travel up to LA

 

Thanks all

I have owned both, sold the 1.8 to buy the 1.4, driven by a desire to take advantage of low-light situations

 

Build quality; both are pretty crappy, they are fully "plasticated" lenses, the 1.8 has that matt finish plastic, the 1.4 has the glossy plastic finish.

 

Quality isnt what it used to be. BTW, I like the 1.4, glad I bought it

Hello folks, new member, please be gentle.

 

I am traveling to the US and Mexico Late September. Coming from Australia, where

photo gear is very expensive, I plan on using this opportunity to purchase a few

bits and pieces.

 

Currently a Nikon D200 User with 18-200 VR lens, 50mm f1.4, 70-300 Kit lens and

a Sigma 10-20mm W/Angle lens.

 

I am contemplating replacing my Sigma 10-20 with a Nikon 12-24. Its a good

opportunity to pickup a 12-24 (they seem to be selling for around $1000 in the

US) and I can Ebay my Sigma and get back what I paid for it in Australia. Why ?

Quality of the Nikon, a desire to move to all Nikon Gear and the Sigma, while

fun, can be a little disappointing and not as sharp as I would have wanted. If I

wasn't traveling I probably wouldn't bother but this is a golden opportunity to

pick up the 12-24 at 65% of the Australian price.

 

Am I mad ?

 

I am also thinking of a Nikon 10.5mm Fisheye and possibly the 105mm Macro.

 

Any ideas on the best place to buy camera equipment in either the Los Angles or

Orange County area ? I need to walk in and buy, so some place that has decent

stock is what I am looking for. Places like BH Photo wont ship to Motels so I

need to walk in to a store and shop.

 

Appreciate any thoughts

 

Dave

Melbourne, Australia