d7000 or d5300

randomguy27

Exams are finally over! Can focus on getting a camera now haha

So I think I have settled on the D7xxxx due to the ergonomics and button layout. Basically I either get the D7000 from a local store then a lens for about $500. Or I get the D7100 and a lens from the grey market for about the same price.

Both the Nikon 18-140 and the sigma 17-70 come into this price range. Any one have experience with these two lenses? The Nikon has a bigger range, but the sigma has a lower aperture for any low light kind of stuff. But I guess that's where a prime could come into the mix? Any thoughts on the two lenses?

Also will be buying a wide angle lens later on down the track


Thanks everyone.

Postman

Relevant perhaps, it's on Flickr so can view full size.

I took this with zero astro photography knowledge (and a tripod) using a D5100 - exactly the same sensor as the D7000. It was beyond pitch black as I was sleeping miles from civilisation in a car.



ISO 6400 for 30 seconds at f/3.5.

I have several others that don't look bad either.

Postman

Another on the D5100, certainly low light pitch black high ISO. 6400 for 30 seconds at f/7.1.

Photobug

Exams are finally over! Can focus on getting a camera now haha

So I think I have settled on the D7xxxx due to the ergonomics and button layout. Basically I either get the D7000 from a local store then a lens for about $500. Or I get the D7100 and a lens from the grey market for about the same price.

Both the Nikon 18-140 and the sigma 17-70 come into this price range. Any one have experience with these two lenses? The Nikon has a bigger range, but the sigma has a lower aperture for any low light kind of stuff. But I guess that's where a prime could come into the mix? Any thoughts on the two lenses?

Also will be buying a wide angle lens later on down the track Thanks everyone.

@randomguy27 - why would you buy a D7000 when the refurbished D7100 is selling for around $900. See the main blog for dealer and price. Plus, check out the Nikon Black Friday sale...10% off any refurbished DSLR's. The D7100 is a very solid update to the D7000.

I don't own either of those lens but will provide my comments anyway. Check out the DXO data on both lens. The 18-140 is good when closed down to 5.6/8. Both lens would make a great all around lens.

Just confirmed, Nikon's price for a refurbished D710 is $849.96 through 11/24. The refurbished D7000 is $619.96. I stand by my comments, spend the extra money for the D7100 - new or refurbished.

spraynpray

One other bit of bad news is that you may find the 18-140 isn't wide enough or fast enough for a lot of star shots. I find my 17-55 f2.8 is usually on 17mm/2.8 and only my 11-16mm Tokina f2.8 is ideally suited to that genre. Oh, and make sure you get the 24mp sensor whether you get the D7xxx or D5xxx.

Save up a bit more for the best tool you can afford - you'll end up upgrading otherwise, and that costs you more.

Photobug

@spraynpray's advise on buying the best tool you can afford is a great advise. This way you may gain one or two additional years out of it before upgrading. Remember, upgrading is an ongoing process. Keep moving toward the best lens...I always tell people dig deeper and buy that better lens. It will save you in the long run.

Also your right about the 17mm some times is not enough wide angle view. There are refurbished 17-55 f2.8's and good used ones around too.

randomguy27

Unfortunately Nikon Australia don't do refurbished models, nor can I import them here. Black Friday sales don't exist here either. So guess that leaves me with getting a grey import (1400 vs 800). I could always buy of ebay. But what's the point when ill only be saving a $100

And yeah the 18-140 lens wont be for the star stuff! Ill probably be buying the tokina 11-16 in a month or so. Just wanted a good general walk around lens. I was looking at the sigma as it looks to be faster for indoor family events.

sometimes i wished I lived in the US tech is so dear in Australia!!

heartyfisher

where do you live in australia.. my friend has a 16mm F2.0 samyang for sale :-) he lives in melbourne. Yes thats the one I almost bought.

spraynpray

I'll give him forty quid for it..... >:D<