What would you buy?

[sk66]

I already *think* I know the *best* answer for me...but I'm going to ask anyways.
I have $4k+/- to spend *unaccounted for* (i.e. the wife doesn't REALLY know) on "stuff".

I have a nikon D300..nice camera.
an SB600 and SB 800 and a studio flash + Stands/umbrellas
A sigma EX 50-500
A Sigma EX 10-20
A Sigma EX 18-200 OS
A Sigma 150mm f2.8 macro
A Tokina ATX Pro 80-200 f 2.8
A Sigma EX 2x

Ive been buying "better lenses" (the 2 f2.8's).... My biggest complaint is not the lenses, but high ISO noise.
I've "lusted for" a D3x, but "logic" suggests a D700......and maybe a 24-70mm f2.8.
Or should I just buy a good lens or two and be happy with the D300? I make NO MONEY doing photography, nor do I intend to...I just want the maximum satisfaction from my hobby...
I'm stuck...money to spend, and no real objective.....I "feel like" D700 and a lens" would be best, but I have a sneaking suspicion that the real "best answer" is "a lens and patience/ contentment".

Overall I usually get comments like "you're dangerous", "sick", "should/could be published" from pics I think "are good" (and thus share), but I feel like many suffer from gear limitations...but again, it's just a hobby....(and I like it that way)

What would you do in my position?
(saving the money and adding to "the fund" IS a possibility)

[candleman]

mate, i'd be pretty happy if i had a D300

if i were you, with the gear you have..
with 4k, i'm sure you could get all three of the "Holy Trinity" lenses OK, posibly only 2 of the three New with a good chunk of change to find a second hand third)
Kirbinister could find you the third second hand for sure

14-24 f/2.8
24-70 f/2.8
70-200 f/2.8

they will last a lifetime (prettymuch) over all bodies, whereas a body will really only last a few years.
with the change, after getting two of the lenses, you could get a collapsable backdrop for portraits (if you're into that).
or save the change for that d700 too



but thats what i would do.. f/2.8 (gurgle)
i hope you make the "right" decision for your photography

[LoveDSLR]

Originally Posted by sk66

Ive been buying "better lenses" (the 2 f2.8's).... My biggest complaint is not the lenses, but high ISO noise.
I've "lusted for" a D3x, but "logic" suggests a D700......and maybe a 24-70mm f2.8.

I have both D3 and D300 + 24-70 f/2.8. My D3 is set to do auto ISO up to 6400. ISO noise is no longer that much concern for me anymore.
The best thing about my D300 is the 51 focusing points wider coverage and a lighter DX camera for vacation.
Canon 5D2 fixes my D3x lust and it works very well with my 85 L f/1.2 (I prefer it over the Nikon 85 f/1.4).

So which do you prefer? The best bargain low noise D700 or the good D300 + some awesome lens.

Of course your lens lust will never goes away even with a D700, so you'll be back to square one very soon.

Originally Posted by sk66

Overall I usually get comments like "you're dangerous", "sick", "should/could be published" from pics I think "are good" (and thus share), but I feel like many suffer from gear limitations...but again, it's just a hobby....(and I like it that way)

Who cares! I'll call you sick if you decide to pickup a Leica M8 for walkabout instead (lol).

[Wombat]

With 4k ?
Get prime lens. I have Zeiss 85mm f/1.4 it is sharp as anything. Ok - it is manual focus, but quality is with out comparison to other AF lenses.
If you get another 35mm prime lens, then i guarantee that you will not need 24-70mm lens.
Even the pros are getting prime lenses.

Just my 5 cents.

[jprime84]

Theres also the option of investing some of that into some high quality photo editing software where you may be able to reduce the ISO noise you dislike.

[sk66]

I have decided I will be investing in "better lenses". I put it in quotes because I find few negatives with the lenses I have, especially for the cost. But faster lenses will allow me to use a lower ISO, thus minimizing noise, and a "better lens" will be compatible with future bodies.

[Lakitu]

Might want to throw in something for your wife with all that.

[t blanchard]

Originally Posted by Lakitu

Might want to throw in something for your wife with all that.

I second this!

Your wife won't be suspicious if you showed up one day with all this new equipment? What, did you rob a bank or something? (just kidding, hahahaha)

[sk66]

Not much of that list is "new"...
My wife generally gets whatever she wants as well...but I guess it's not the same thing as buying something for her....

Does buying her a new house count?