matthew_banks1

I'm in a similar position and have this

to contribute a food for thought. Why

not go full frame and add a cheap 50

prime for now and another lens later?

I'm considering keeping my dx kit and

starting a prime only full frame kit to

complement. Doesn't cost much more

but leaves more options for the future.

I'd keep those dx lenses off and leave it

to lenses that can do justice to the new

camera.

I would also sub the 50 1.4 with a1.8,

and the 85 1.8 with the sigma 1.4.

Need a backup camera also, maybe a

used and abused d300?

<p>Thanks all esp Ariel for the insights. Yeah I kinda avoided the hot shoe as it is a bit strange to mount a flash that is bigger and heavier than the camera. I thought the GX1 might be a bit overkill for someone who intends to continue using a DSLR also, but your comments about the sensor make me want to give it a go.</p>

<p>I've noticed a lot of negative comments about the LUMIX GF3, including in the current discussion about expense of mirrorless cameras.<br>

I'm a D300 user and recently purchased the GF3 with the new retractable 14-42 zoom), pretty much all of the pics on the first two pages of <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/afewtoomany/">http://www.flickr.com/photos/afewtoomany/</a> were taken with this camera and lens combination (or 20/1.7)<br>

I'm not flogging my photos here, but was wondering how a different camera like the GX1 would give "better IQ" using the same lens. I initially hesitated because of the lack of thumb wheel and hot shoe, but I find the touch screen along with the regular wheel is effective, and I can trigger off camera flash with the pop up. ISO performance is not bad either.<br>

What am I missing out on by having the GF3 instead of the GX1?</p>

<p>I recently bought the Panasonic GF-3 with the new 14-24 lens that retracts when the camera is off, making it a very portable camera. The lens zooms using a switch rather than a turn of the lens which makes for smooth video, and it is stabilised to boot. <br>

They dropped the thumb dial and hot shoe, but you can use a different dial which I find convenient enough. The camera is smaller than the predecessors and is very noticeable when you hold it. Carry a gorillapod in your bag and you've got a good kit.<br>

I carry it on small outings when I would normally be camera-less because of the size of my D300 kit, so I'm glad I bought it. I was initially planning on getting the 20mm 1.7 but I'm pretty happy having just the zoom.</p>

<p>"be prepared or an onslaught of comments suggesting you not doing this job.."<br>

Haha he wasn't wrong! But of course this is to be expected in this forum. You can skip past condescending and unnecessary remarks like Robert's above.<br>

Judging by the equipment you have already aquired, I'm guessing you are a somewhat experienced photographer. Don't let people scare you off, as long as you manage the couple's expectations properly (and are charging less than a pro), just go for it. </p>

<p>I agree with the above. If the money saved chips in for a 2.8 lens like the Tamron 17-50 or Sigma 50-150 it will be great. The D90 has great ergonomics and same IQ as the D300, so coupled with decent lenses you will do well. For the record, I have the D300 but I think I would have been happy with the D90.</p>

<p>I don't get the future proof bit either. If you're planning to go to FX one day, why not just take the jump now and get used to the focal lengths? With that many FX lenses I don't see the point of investing in a new DX body. The D700 isn't that much more than the D7000, considering your overall invested amount.</p>

<p>I haven't piped up for a while. I got lots of great feedback when I was on the fence between a D300 and D700. I ended up with a D300 which I really like. However, I have come to realise that if you have NAS then second best is not going to be a cure - you will keep thinking about what could have been.</p>

<p>I think you have all fallen victim to a troll. Interesting read tho.</p>

<p>Wow, I'm seeing a pattern forming here WRT equipment selection :)</p>

<p>I just ordered the Tokina 50-135. I was deciding between this and the optically excellent 80-200, but the latter lens is a bit long for me. Might pay to have a play with the lens to see if it is the right focal length for you.<br>

The 50-135 works out roughly the same length as the 70/80-200 on a full frame camera, which is perfect for me.</p>

<p>Oh, and if this is your first step up from your kit lenses, I wouldn't go past a 35/1.8 prime. Will give you images you could not imagine with your current lens. My first non kit lens was the 50/1.4 (as it AF'd with my D60, otherwise would have been happy with a 1.8 if the AFS version was available at that time) and it was glued to the camera. The SB-400 was also a great way to get into bounce flash without breaking the bank, and it also made a huge difference for me. This may be digressing, but something I feel is important to consider if you are not certain about your next step.</p>

<p>I also have a D60. I once put on a Sigma 24-70 and the balance was all wrong, let alone it being a bad focal length for DX anyways. Smacked on an 80-200 (just to see) and it was even worse. Focussing would not be easy. Put on something even bigger and it looked like this:<br>

<a href="

I now have a D300 and am considering the 50-150 and 50-135 over the 70/80-200. Why? The latter lens is just too long for a DX camera as they are designed for FX. If you are into portraits you would be better off with the flexibility of a 50-150, and it autofocuses with your camera to boot. If you don't upgrade your camera in the near future you might regret getting anything bigger.</p>

<p> </p>

<p>I also have a D60. I once put on a Sigma 24-70 and the balance was all wrong, let alone it being a bad focal length for DX anyways. Smacked on an 80-200 (just to see) and it was even worse. Focussing would not be easy. Put on something even bigger and it looked like this:<br>

<a href="

I now have a D300 and am considering the 50-150 and 50-135 over the 70/80-200. Why? The latter lens is just too long for a DX camera as they are designed for FX. If you are into portraits you would be better off with the flexibility of a 50-150, and it autofocuses with your camera to boot. If you don't upgrade your camera in the near future you might regret getting anything bigger.</p>

<p> </p>

<p>...so what did you decide on?</p>

<p>OK, I admit I read only the first few responses as they are the typical "you are going to fail and you should get a professional". Really, these people don't know the person who is asking you to take photos and assume the worst.<br>

I was asked by a cousin to shoot her wedding and I'm glad I took her up on it. The equipment I have is OK but minimal (D300, Tammy 17-50, Nissin flash, borrowed 80-200) and I have done a few weddings in the past as a second shooter. I felt up to the task and I think it went pretty well.<br>

If you know the person and they genuinely want your assistance after seeing your work, go for it. If you are not confident, try and assist someone else's wedding before the big day and borrow a second camera body if possible.</p>

<p>Another + for this lens. I was suprised by the build quality and sharpness, and the VC works fantastic (not available on the more expensive Nikon or Canon equivalents). Compared to my 5omm 1.4G, the sharpness is good but bokeh is a bit crunchy and I find some distortion towards the edges, which is minor but enough to be annoying for me. Overall a great match for my D300.</p>

<p>You guys seem to take offence as if it is saying your guests will take better pics than the pro. <br>

I agree with the ad in that you can get a great balanced album when your pro shots are supplemented with some candids at the wedding. Considering so many pros nick off an hour into the reception it is up to the guests to capture the rest of the memories. <br>

That's what we did at our wedding, and I'm glad I didn't rely on the professional wedding photographer ALONE to capture the best shots.</p>

<p>How does a revamped Nikon 85 with VR sound?</p>

<p>I was thinking the opposite direction. I bought the 50mm 1.4G as it focuses on my D60 but wish I held out for the 35mm 1.8 which does the same but is much cheaper and in my opinion a much better focal length for general use.</p>

<p>I recently had the choice to get a D700 to couple with my 50mm 1.4G and shoot like you. I ended up getting a D300 with Tamron 17-50 2.8 and don't get much use from my 50 any more. I still wish I had have gone with the D700 and stuck to the prime...</p>

<p>Not sure if anyone will see this, but I just bought myself a........ (drum roll please)<br /><br />D300.<br /><br />I can't tell you how much this has been distracting me for the past few months. I can tell you I was VERY close to getting the D700. But, at the end of the day, the only real difference is a stop of performance, maybe 1.5 stops. Yeah I really wanted it but is it worth double the price? (Please don't answer that.)<br /><br />Anyways, I just bought the camera refurbed through Nikon Japan (3 year warranty) and will go and pick it up in a couple of days. Will get the Tamron 17-50 (VC) to go with it.<br>

Thanks again guys for all your input.</p>

<p>Hi Nadine, the wedding is actually next weekend. The first shooter is the one who keeps telling me to get the D700 and use the prime, otherwise I will simply be getting one step up on body and lens in comparison to my current setup. A valid point, and I have reread this whole thread and take other people's comments on board. <br>

Leaning towards a crop, and the D90 is going for a pittance in Japan where I intend to buy it. It will be very difficult to refuse. I'm sure I will be very happy with any 3 of the cameras I'm considering, and what is more important is what I do with them. <br>

Thanks for checking in - watch this space ;)</p>

<p>Thanks guys, looks like I have more than enough information here to digest before making the purchase. It seems a lot of people recommend getting to understand my needs better, so I'm leaning towards a D90 with Tamron 17-50 and moving up at a later date. That way I'll have a great camera for general use.<br>

Oh, glad everyone has shown so much interest in this thread, good to see some healthy discussion :)</p>