Upgrade from Nikon d40x help requested

[1pogacsa]

Hello! I am new to this after reading the forums for the last several weeks. I am a recreational photographer. Have a few lenses 18-55, 70-300, and an 18-135. I am interested in upgrading and have looked at the d300s as well at the new 7000. I will have to take some courses to upgrade my skills as well (I do a lot of auto/p photography) I primarily take photos of kids, sports and the occasional wedding. I am interested in continuing to shoot weddings/events mostly as gifts. I am interested in buying the 50 mm lenses 1.4 but have been considering the 18-200. After reading blogs and forums my head is spinning. Can anyone offer their thoughts on camera body and lens? Thanks.

[Buried]

I have a D300 and it has been my favorite camera so far. The benefits of the on-board autofocus motor compared to D40x, the 3" hi-res screen, top LCD control panel and a more robust, better built body will definitely blow the D40X out the water any day. I was in the same situation as yours as to choosing a D300 over a D7000, and in the end, what really pulled me towards the D300 was the body. It just felt amazing to hold when compared to the likes of the D5000 or even the D7000.

Other than that the D7k is practically the same as the D300(s) albeit having more megapixels and newer technology, the image quality in good light is practically the same.

[Shokinen]

Originally Posted by Buried

Other than that the D7k is practically the same as the D300(s)

Quite similar but not targeting the same audience.

The D300s has:
- Dual card if you shoot RAW+JPEG
- Bigger Buffer. If you shoot RAW with Active Lighting on, you'll squeeze more images before it gets full
- 51 focus systems instead of 39
- 8fps is you use the battery pack

If you aren't concerned by those things go with the D7000. Today's bodies are way more advance then what pros were using couple years ago. The D7000 category covers what most of people needs. The D300s and above and target a more specific market with specific needs. If you do know if you need those things already, well there is good chances you don't. Spend you money on good glass instead. The photographer makes the images, not the camera... unless you shoot in auto mode


As for the lens 1pogacsa, what do you feel you are missing / cannot accomplish with your current setup ?

[Dave C.]

i can highly recommend the nikon 50mm 1.4G, it is a GREAT lens!! on any body, even on your d40 (since it has the SWM for AF). as far as the 18-200 VRii save your $$, i owned this lens for about 6months and it is no where as good as the 50 1.4, or any other fast lenses. sure it has a huge focal range, but the image quality is just not there, it is soft almost always, and the boka is is not there either. I sold mine and went with the 70-200 VR and it is a night and day difference!! of course it is 2x the price, but FAR worth it!!! The image quality isn't even comparable. the 70-200 2.8 blows the 18-200 out of the water all day long! so if you can afford it that is the way to go.

i have learned the hard way that buying only what you can afford at the moment when it comes to glass will only come back and bite you later, save your $$ and buy the best you can the first time, you will never be disappointed! so if it's Nikon and a 2.8 or faster lens it will prob be from ~450.00+ (primes) to ~1600.00+ (zooms) but WELL worth the extra $$ if you can swing it.

[kirbinster]

I guess it really depends what you want to do with the equipment. I don't understand why you want a 50mm f/1.4 - its an expensive lens with limitted use. On a DX body you are really better off with a 30-35mm lens. You have the 18-200 range covered with your other glass, so unless you plan to sell it why do you want the 18-200? Sure its nice to not have to change glass, but is that really needed. Since you will get very little money these days for a used D40x I would say keep it and put one lens on it and another lens on the new body and carry both when you need to.

[1pogacsa]

I feel like I am missing speed mostly. I use my 18-135 most of the time but then don't always carry my bigger lens along. I do take a fair number of low light photos, particularly in arenas and so I know that I need a flash as well...thank you for your feedback, it is very helpful to read others opinions.