dilemma, help needed.

[scott236]

I current shoot with Nikon d300s, nikon 50mm f1.8, nikon 70-210 f3.5-5.6 and a tamrom 28-75 f2.8. I am wanting to upgrade my equipment but i really dont have ANY cash to spend to speak of so i was thinking of selling all my stuff and some none photography stuff which should get me around the £1500 mark.
I was then thinking a used canon 5d, 17-40 f4l and a 70-200 f4l or even a second hand 1ds mk2 and a 50mm f1.4 prime lens.
Both these options would get to my budget but do you think it would be a wise/better image quality(full frame sensor etc) choice or not.
Im not brand loyal i mention canon has they have affordable full frame bodys and f4l lens.
I mainly shoot portraits,kids etc (all as a non professional)
scott.

Any advice/opinions welcome

 

[boliston]

The D300s is a pretty good cam and almost certainly better quality build than a 5d.

I'd aim to go for some pro nikkor 2.8 glass if you sell your existing glass, but perhaps hang on to the 50/1.8.

Perhaps aim for some of the "older" 2.8 stuff such as the 17-35, 28-70 and 80-200 instead of the current G/nano crystal stuff.

 

[allanm]

If you keep the Nikon ( good choice!) and 50mm and sell the others and non photo stuff what will you have to spend?
If you want to cover approx 17-200 you could go first for a Nikon 18-70, a cracking lens and although it was sold as a kit lens, it really is good quality and can be bought used for around £100. Or if you want f2.8, look at a Tamron 17-50 f2.8. Another superb lens and IQ is not far off the brilliant Nikon 17-55 f2.8 at 1/3 the price. Budget around £200 -£250

Keeping to the f2.8 upgrade path, have a look at an older ( one touch) Nikon 80-200 f2.8. No focus motor but should af quick enough on your D300s. Its a lovely lens, nice and sharp and not too heavy. It should balance nicely on you camera, but there is no tripod mount / collar on it. If this is important to you, look for a 3rd party mount or go for the later lens with the mount included. Earlier lens can be bought for around £300, a massive saving on a new one and a great investment. Later lens is almost double that.

There you go, sorted.

Oh, hang on, they are exactly the lenses i have just bought for my D200....

Allan