p.2 #1 · If your budget was $3000 what would you do?
If the Safari is important to you, I would go the DX way as suggested, two bodies with compatible batteries and/or grip working with AA batteries you can find everywhere, and a (very) long lens like the 80-400VR (you might NEED 600mm equivalent) and another walk around zoom (17-50 2.8).
If the Safari is not the main objective, the D600 deal is a very interesting package to start with.
p.2 #2 · If your budget was $3000 what would you do?
I've always believed that good lenses trump the bodies. I think that your stated option of the d7000 and 24-70 is probably the smartest move you could make. The lens should last you several generations of bodies into the future and will retain good resale value.
I would advise renting any other lenses that you think you might need for your safari.
FWIW, I've purchased most of my lenses/bodies new, but I've also found some great deals on great lenses/bodies that were being sold on the used market. When the budget is really tight, that's a good way to pick up good glass and sometimes a good body.
p.2 #3 · If your budget was $3000 what would you do?
wildlife is where DX really shines. The pxel density gives you a lot more reach, and by spending half as much on the camera you have enough money to buy a real lens. It's the lens that will make or break you. A D600 with lenses that don't have enough reach is a formula for disappointment on a safari type trip. People on message boards like to obsess over cameras, but in the end it's lenses that determine what you can photo and how well.
Kent in SD
Nov 18, 2012 at 11:50 PM
a.RodriguezPix Offline • • • • [X]
p.2 #4 · If your budget was $3000 what would you do?
p.2 #5 · If your budget was $3000 what would you do?
Thank you to everyone for your help! BestBuy is having a killer sale on the d7000. I got the D7k with the 18-105 VR kit lens, a 55-300 VRii, a 32 GB class 10 memory card, and a $80 nikon carrying case. All of this was for $1250. Too good of a deal to pass up, and it made it unjustifiable for the extra 1600 it was going to cost me for an equivalent package for the d600!
Thanks again!
p.2 #6 · If your budget was $3000 what would you do?
Congrats!
Now read the manual, and have a lot of fun! New toys!
That sounds like a good price. I saw that Adorama will have a refurb D7000 body on sale for $785 for Black Friday. Assuming your is not a refurb that sounds like a nice price for the package.
