r_wagner

<blockquote>

<p>I am going to order the same camera and lens thru Adoroma for about $100 more than I paid, but I will have the assurance of a warranty and know where my camera came from.</p>

</blockquote>

<p>AMEN</p>

Adorama has refurbished by Canon 5D I's right now for $1,800.00 shipped.

As well as Blue Stripe Photo w/free shipping

Just what I've been waiting for the last 5 years. For my type of shooting it fits perfectly.

Whoops! Here is the link: http://my.execpc.com/~bdccam/

If your D70 isn't under warranty or is under warranty you can give this place a call. They are really reasonable and do nice work. In my own experience they are about a 1/3 of the cost of what Nikon would charge you.

For 3rd party lenses look into the Sigma 24-60mm/2.8 EX DG. I've been using one for about 1.5 yrs. and I haven't had any problem with it. It's not quite a Nikon, but close. Image quality is excellent. Look here for reviews:http://www.photographyreview.com/cat/lenses/35mm-zoom/sigma/PRD_323601_3128crx.aspx

For 3rd party lenses look into the Sigma 24-60mm/2.8 EX DG. I've been using one for about 1.5 yrs. and I haven't had any problem with it. It's not quite a Nikon, but close. Image quality is excellent. Look here for reviews:

 

http://www.photographyreview.com/cat/lenses/35mm-zoom/sigma/PRD_323601_3128crx.aspx

Here's the link:

 

http://accessories.us.dell.com/sna/ProductDetail.aspx?sku=A0517149&Page=productlisting.aspx&spagenum=2&items_per_page=25&orderby=&sortdirection=&image_flag=True&show_summary=True&category_id=6096&brandid=&mnfsku=&SearchType=&Pageb4Search=&ModelSelection=&iCompatid=&selectiontypeids=&l=en&c=us&cs=04&SubmitSearch=&servicetag=&reset=False&k=&mnf=&prst=&prEnd=&InStock=&refurbished=&fe=

I didn't ascertain the geographical shipping target(s) on Sept. 9. I may or may not get a 11-18 (I dislike the post processing involved to correct distortion in these type of lenses). I am more inclined to wait a bit because I think that KM will come out with either a full frame or near full frame sensor in the next 18 months or less, thus making my existing lenses more than adequate for my needs.

The latest from Minolta Japan is that the 11-18mm will start shipping Sept. 9. In tests that I have read there is differences between Tamron and Minolta lenses but nothing indicates a trend that one is better than the other. The differences are more likely due to the individuality of each lens.

re: Pixmantec

 

Assuming Tina is using a PC platform.

Buydig.com has the D70 kit w/lens USA for right around $1000.00 plus you get the $100 rebate. $900 for the whole kit is one heck of a price. They also include free ground shipping. I'm sure other reputable dealers have similar prices.

Two sites that are fairly good are:

 

http://www.photozone.de/active/news/index.jsp

 

and

 

http://www.photographyreview.com/reviewscrx.aspx

 

Hope they're useful for you.

For Lex:

 

Canoga Camera has a lower check out price for the D70 at $859.95.

According to Sigma's lenses website they're not. Check it:

 

http://www.sigmaphoto.com/lenses/lenses_all.asp

 

Best

Please, buy a D70 now and start shooting. Sitting on a fence and waiting for your price isn't any fun. But, if your budget is REALLY tight, I can see your point of heming and hawing, a little bit. Heck, it looks like the price of the the D70s is going to be arounf $899.00. Do it when it becomes available.

 

Best

Kelly; OS X has an "Activity Monitor" that tells you just about everything you want to know about your CPU status, system memory usage, disk activity and disk usage. Probably very similar to NT Windows Task Manager.

Just a little trivia; David Hannum, a banker and rival of P.T. Barnum is the author of the quote: "There's a sucker born every minute."

Hi Daryl,

 

What will help with AF on the D70, especially with telephotos, is to set the camera to use the center focus area only. If you try it, I hope works out.

 

Regards

Here is the the 4,699.97 price. The best price so far and a really nice retailer.

 

http://www.robertsimaging.com/cmItemDetail.jsp?pid=6410

"The only 'maybe' down-side of the lens is it goes into 'macro' mode at 35mm"

 

 

Gerald, what do you mean by this? You have to physically put into 'macro mode' by pushing a lock button and turning the focal length ring to the "M" position. Otherwise it just performs as a "standard" zoom at the 35mm end.

 

Regards

Hi Tom,

 

I use a Nikkor 35-70mm/2.8, which is a push/pull zoom, in the desert southwest USA extensively and I haven't noticed anymore dust problems than with conventional zooms.

I second Leslie's advice. I use a 35-70mm/2.8 on my D70's and it really performs and balances well. This is one really sharp lens. Distortion and flare (if you keep it away from the sun) are virtually non existent. Instead of using the flimsy bayonet mount hood, I keep the 62mm screw in hood for the 60mm/2.8 micro on it all the time to protect the front element, which is real close to the end of the lens. I use the screw in shade for the 85mm/1.8 (which is a lot deeper) for sunny landscape shooting. I had a chance to buy a friend's 28-70mm/2.8 recently and I put this one for sale. The purchase of the 28-70 fell through and I withdrew the 'for sale' ads. And as an after thought I was glad it did.

Don't know if you've found one but one just came up for sale at this website:

 

http://www.photo.net/gc/view-one?classified_ad_id=604284