Im trying to get into macro photography as a sideline. this interest has been getting up of late and i'd play with the 60mm macro in the mornings. I felt that i needed another body as i dont want to do accidental harm to my main D300. would someone recommend which Nikon body i could go for?

i was looking at the D2X / D2H / D2HS or D200 options. even the old D1X came up. Resolution (megapixel) is not a huge deal as its more of an experimental sideline and I also dont really want to pay too much for the 2nd body.

Any ideas? thanks. I have only 1 macro - the 60mm f2.8 at the moment.

If you want a true backup body, get the D300 but if you want another camera to mess around with the D2 series is an excellent choice. Of course most people feel the D300 will give you punch and you might find yourself using the D300 more. I noticed that with my D200 and Fuji S3 Pro. I used the D200 way more and preferred the files over the Fuji. Same goes with my D300 and the D200. The D200 sits in the bag most of the time and I might even sell it soon. It is collecting dust and losing value everyday.

Chris

exactly. cameras actually lose money. perhaps i should not get a second body now! but still very tempting. i just looked on the fleabay...

fleabay market rates now:
D2X - 400 to 780GBP
D2XS - 680GBP
D2H - 300 to 460GBP
D2HS - 560GBP


still not dirt cheap.... ....

Don't forget the D70 and D1x you mentioned originally. D70's go for around $300 here and have very nice IQ.

I like my D1h, as well. Only bad thing about D1h/x is the battery, so snag a couple spares from Battery Barn (note to self to get another spare as well) if you do find an inexpensive D1h or D1x. UK is only $9.95 for shipping according to http://www.batterybarn.com/shipping.htm

http://www.batterybarn.com/en4.htm is the one you'd need

I'd get a D70 or D80. For $300 and $500 respectively (150 and 250 GBP) they're cheap but full featured.

I just sold my old D70s which I kind of regret, because it was one good body. It does have a built in focus motor which D40/60 Doesn't. Now I'm missing my second body to use when I need something light and when doing things where I don't want to bring the expensive equipment.
This may not be very helpful to you, but a cheaper body does have it's place with me, since I don't have the $$ to screw up more expensive gear.

Ive used the D70 before. Had it with me for 2 years before i upgraded to the D300. I was looking at the D2 series, but they seem pricey still. I suppose i'll take on a wait and see, and perhaps will need to but a second body on hold. its just that funds do not allow for that now. Im trying to save up for perhaps a 105mm macro. the 60mm is way too close for me i realised. i was also tinkering to get a 70-180mm macro, but its a f4.5 and it wouldnt be a good walkaround lens, and i might as well simply get a 105mm. what do you think guys?

thank you!

I have the 105 mm micro, but for my type of shooting it's a poor walk around lens, simply because of the focal length. Also remember that for short focusing distances the aperture will decline. Still - This is rarely a problem for macro shooting since the shallow DOF often isn't desirable.

If you're following this thread, please go on to this... thanks.

http://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/673108/0#6014712