snegron Offline Upload & Sell: Off
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Frogfish wrote:
A lot of good advice already but I'll throw my 2c into the ring :
Windows - don't upgrade to 8 or 8.5 simply for processing photos, you've already got an older system you've been happy with, no need to go to the latest, greatest and buggiest ! Stay with a stable system that covers your needs (Win 7 perhaps, with one of the latest two versions of LR, not though the Beta 5 out now). Buy a remote HD (no need for a SSD, a fast 2TB HD will work just fine and they are relatively cheap now) to store your photos on but work on your latest shoot on your computer before moving to your remote HD for occasional work and back-up).
D600 - read up on the 'oil issue'. Those that complain the loudest are those that don't want to clean the sensor (which does remove the oil IF it's present and usually only visible at f11 and above) or don't want to return it to Nikon to clean. You won't have an issue if you clean it yourself and reports are that it doesn't return so not a leak per se (don't take my word on that though). I bought a D600 (no oil - so maybe now Nikon have quietly resolved the issue) to backup my D800 and overall have been very satisfied. It's DR is virtually the same as the D800 so you are not losing anything there and it's a huge gain over your current cameras. For what you shoot (weddings, family, landscapes) it'd be a stellar camera.
D700 - would be my choice in your situation, not least because you won't need to upgrade your computer system (though adding more memory, which is very cheap and easy to install, won't harm at all). If you don't like it, for whatever reason, after 2 or 3 months, then you probably won't lose anything at all when offloading it again and can then go for a D600.
Lenses - you already have all you need ! The 35 you love, the 50 and 85 you have are HIGHLY rated even if bettered by some lenses today. The 80-200 AF-S is a great lens (I had one) so yes you can upgrade but you don't need to do it now or all at once. Don't let people with LBA (inc. me !) sway you into thinking you need to ditch those great lenses. Those 4 lenses cover everything you like to shoot - I'd keep the 300/4 too (excellent lens).
Weddings - if you are the prime shooter you need two bodies just to be responsible and avoid a possible lawsuit ! Keep your D200 in your bag with 2 lenses as back up (or sell them and get another D700) !
Short Version - sell the lenses and cameras not covered above, add your cash and buy 2 x D700 and you're set....Show more →
Thanks for the feedback!
The idea of Windows upgrade in my case is more for the purpose of forward software compatibility. I'm sure that in a year or two Adobe will team up with Microsoft to ensure that whatever new version of ACR won't be compatible with any older Windows version. Many current programs today require Service Pack 3 on XP in order to install. My impression is that Adobe and others have XP at the edge of a cliff and are more than eager to push it over the edge to its demise as soon as possible. My gut feeling is that software companies are designing everything with social media sharing potential. They assume that everyone is on Facebook and wishes to share snapshots from iphones and tablets. While many of us prefer our imaging software (and operating systems) to work toward creating the best possible image, we are quickly shrinking as a marketable group. In other words, I hate the idea of Windows 8, but I believe I will soon have no choice but to buy into it if I want to purchase and use future programs. I feel like sheep being force fed by Adobe and Microsoft.
That nagging leak issue with the D600 is something that concerns me. I would feel way more comfortable considering the D600 if Nikon were to make some press release indicating what is causing the issue and what they are doing to correct it.
The D700 is starting to look more attractive. I haven't seen any new/old stock on any online retailers recently though. Still looking!
As far as the lenses, I like the lenses you mentioned. I would also not want to part with any of my manual focus AIS lenses either. Not sure how they will perform on a full frame camera, but I have had great luck with them on my D200 and old film cameras.
I agree with you 100% regarding weddings! No matter what camera I end up buying, I will always have a D200 with 17-55mm 2.8 in the bag as back up. My idea is to use a full frame camera for the ceremony (in the church), then use the D200 for all the action shots of the reception. That way I wouldn't have to worry much about shooting large files for everything; the large files (most likely to be selected by the B&G for enlargements) would be shot with the full frame.
I do also like your idea of two D700's though!
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