Old timer needs kicking into digital age.

[MattUK]

Originally Posted by littlehaggis

I can see where your coming from on value for money Matt, but only concern is that the
d5100 felt a bit too small in my big hands, the D90 and 7000 felt more my size when I tried them today. I'm still undecided though.

Of course - it's your call. I was just going on the budget you mentioned. A D7000 is a great cam (I have it myself), but it's around £850 new for the body alone, which pretty much blows your budget..

[littlehaggis]

Hi Matt, thanks very much for all your input, it's much appreciated. I've been back to Jessops and spoken at great length to one of their helpfull assistants, and have been informed of a possible Nikon cash back offer which may start in November. He thinks it will be somewhere in the region of 60 pounds; price of a memory card perhaps. So I'm going to wait a while. I'm not going to be recieving my camera until my 50th birthday in January anyway and my wife has informed me that Tescos are offering vouchers for Jessops from now until March next year, which will also help my budget. Fingers crossed I'll be able to get the D7000 a memory card and a primary lens to start me off.

I've had a look at your photo page and think you are a very talented guy with that camera of yours, what wide angle lens do you use for landscapes and what would you recommend I bought as a primary? Or maybe I should buy a good wide angle?
Kind regards Littlehaggis.

[MattUK]

Thanks for your kind words. I use a Sigma 10-20mm f/3.5 for landscapes. There's a cheaper f/4-5.6 though which a lot of the guys on here have and are very happy with.

However, I'd probably suggest that you get the body only, and get a good general use ('walkabout') lens, such as the Sigma 17-70mm f/2.8-4. It's wide enough to use for landscapes, and packs a bit of zoom too. It's also a great price, at around £300.

[OldBoy]

Agree with what Matt said about the Sigma 17-70mm F2.8-4. Most users rave about it.

Don't forget you can use Nikon AIS lenses with the D7000 most of which are great value.

[littlehaggis]

Thanks Guys very much for all your advice, I'll keep you posted.
Kind regards Chris AKA littlhaggis.

[Dorsetman]

I have to say that as an owner of several cameras i can heavily reccommend the Nikon D7000. I still use film now and this was my choice move. Its not east to pick up and learn but the level of control you can implement once you have learned more is exceptional. My other camera is a Nikon D3x and i also have a Canon 1D mk3 so i can spe3ak honestly about the brands. If i was in your position i could compare either the 60D or the D7000. Stretch your budget a little and you will not be disappointed. The 18-200 kit lens with the Nikon is more than enough to get you started before you crave better glass.

My only piece of advice, never let your film camera stop getting used, for me there is still nothing like it!

[littlehaggis]

Hi there Dorset Man, that's exactly what I wanted to hear. Someone who really appreciates the dilema I have. I've been so used to film that this is a real big deal for me. Not only am I changing the media with which I take pictures, but also the brand. I've always used Olympus and still love my OM4 and selection of lenses. It's only because I tried my daughters Olympus Pen whilst on holiday that I've got interested at all, but now I am, it's the D7000 or nothing. If my budget wont stretch in January, I don't think I'll bother with anything else until I can afford it. It's the only camera I've picked up that I have any inclination to buy.

Don't worry about me not using my film camera either, I wont ever be getting rid of that, and the nice thing about all of this, is that my sixteen year old daughter is taking after her old man and loving photography as much as I do. The om lenses will be put to good use too; we've bought her an adapter for the pen to take the om lenses for christmas.

Thanks again and I'll keep you posted.
Kind regards Littlehaggis.

[thefonz78]

Glad you have decided on a Nikon. You better hurry up and buy it the d7100 will be out soon!