new body - D90 Vs. D300s

[candleman]

a call for opinions.

I’m coming relatively close to upgrading my body (camera body that is )

I’m kind of torn,

All i really want is better high ISo capabilities, thats the primary driver.
The D80 is just not up to par anymore

The secondary driver is a better AF system.
In playing with a D300 + 80-200 the AF tracking was significantly faster and smoother than when the same 80-200 was mounted to my D80.
Unfortunately the D90 is cursed with the same AF system as the D80.. ok its not terrible.. but it could be better in low light.
i say this is a secondary because its relativley rate the camera will hunt n the work i do.. but when it does it "hacks me off".

Faster frame rate would be nice.. but very rarely do i need high frame rate as 95% of my work is posed/studio based, and with running multiple speedlights as my studio kit.. they can really only pop two or three shots off then they need a break to recycle anyway.


Heres what I’m thinking
I WANT a D300s but the D90 is extremely appealing

my reckoning:
For the price of a D300s body only, i can get a D90 AND a used 80-200 f/2.8 (AF-D)
I came about an inch form actually buying an 80-200 a few months back but couldn’t bring myself to do it at that time.
I really do want that lens


Heres a comparison between the D90 and D300s
http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/sidebyside.asp


Rundown is,
Same sensor, D300 has the AF system from D700 and does 7fps,
However, D90 seems to fulfil my immediate needs with brilliant high ISO capabilities, and gets me a nice lens..
but the D300s will offer something i don’t currently have.. high frame rate and superb AF in a robust body

The D80 has done about 33,000 actuations according to the “image number” in flickr

If i bought a D300s i would need to sell the D80 first.
But the D90 i can buy now, and get the lens later

IF i got the D90 and 80-200
That would give me D90+80-200f/2.8 and a D80+24-70 f/2.8 .....which really in terms of focal length is brilliant for any event

With the D300 i would still be stuck with just one focal range available at a time.

another up side to the D90 is that they are virtually identical in terms of button layout.. so using them both together would be seamless..



What would you do in my shoes... or whats your opinions
so it realy boils down to
what would you prefer.. D300s and 24-70 f/2.8
or
D90+80-200f/2.8 and a D80+24-70 f/2.8

tough call

[inkista]

You didn't mention video, so... used D300 and the lens, while keeping the D80 would probably be the way I'd go.

[zona5101]

having a backup body is always a good thing...and another nice fast zoom would be great addition - for me unless I was going full frame, the D90 + lens. (and a mb-d80).