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Harvey_nikon

Harvey_nikon

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Hi all,

Finally got myself to a point where I can consider ordering my kit, now i'd love a D3s + nikon pro lenses but that isn't going to happen so:

D700
Grip+batteries+CF cards

2 x sb900

Sigma 24-70mm f2.8 EX DG HSM

Sigma 70-200mm f2.8 APO EX DG MACRO HSM II

Sigma 12-24mm f4.5-5.6 EX DG


I need to add a lencarta background, a bag or 2 & a quick strap.

But does the ok look good enough for a starter pro kit?
 
Hard to say without knowing what you plan to shoot?

Do you need the grip. Got a Link Delight one and never use it!

Why 2 SB900? You can get a 2 head setup from Lencarta for the price of a flash. Just got mine and looks good. Sure you want a muslin bdrop? If you are in homes you will find it too big.

For pro use I would go for Nikon lenses, do you need all 3? Maybe get the 24-70 Nikon and then maybe a used 70-200?
 
Shooting wise, pretty much everything. Lots of people after portraits and a couple of weddings too.

2 SB900's are for when I am out an about, I've already got a Lencarta light setup, and with the local hall only £12 for 4 hours inc electricity and heating studio wise I am set. Need a light meter though.

Trust me, I really really want the Nikon lenses, especially after hiring the 70-200 2.8 last year, however money is crappy and I've a wedding on the 12th of next month, and I don't really want to have to hire things. The Sigma's are purely for getting me through the starting gates until I can save enough for the Nikon lenses and either a D3s or it replacement. I'd be more than willing to go second hand but finding them in time is the real issue.

Already got a linkD grip coming with 2 batteries and BL-3
 
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If you are shooting a wedding you really need a 2nd body, not just for backup, but to minimise lens changes. Aside from the af and build, the tamrons are close to the nikon in IQ. Do yo really need 12-24?
 
Sounds like a complete enough setup for general use, but be careful about ending up a 'focal length collector'.

I made that mistake - "I need 10-400mm covered, or else I'll miss a shot for sure" and realised I have no need for anything wider than 35mm equivalent.

Anyway, that's a dream setup for a great many, so if you're confident it meets your needs, go for it.
 
cambsno said:
If you are shooting a wedding you really need a 2nd body, not just for backup, but to minimise lens changes. Aside from the af and build, the tamrons are close to the nikon in IQ. Do yo really need 12-24?
Click to expand...

Got the D60 as a backup, in good light it works very well, its just the ISO where it suffers. It'll do until I can get a 2nd hand D700.

I've used it at a wedding with a 70-200mm Nikon 2.8 and had some great results :)
 
You mentioned that you will be shooting pretty much anything? Why would you need all 2.8 lenses?
A mentioned before, how about looking at some quality s/h Nikon glass? From a resell point of view, should you ever decide to sell your lenses, you would get pretty much the same as you would pay now for nikon glass, whereas the sigma would depreciate. just a thought.
 
If Nikon lenses come up 2nd hand I'll happily get them, same as the D700. When I wasn't looking there was loads, now I am there is none :(

2.8 lenses are better for weddings and other low light shooting, I'd rather have it than not need it then need it and not have it.

And thanks for the link John, but I take little notice of anything Ken Rockwell says. Sb600's and 800's will be added simply to allow for more variation in flash togging.
 
I'd tuck a 50mm 1.4 in there as well, gives more options on inside shots where you cant use flash.
 
12-24mm can really wait. You may find 24-70mm wide enough for most things...
Grip can wait a little...

D700 - OK
24-70 + 70-200mm (range) - OK

Sigma: It is like letting back street kids fit budget tires to a Jaguar. You can compensate for backfocus with d700, but you can't do anything about centering defects, low contrast and poor sharpness compared to OEM lenses.

SB900 - would Sb800 + 600 do the same job?

2nd body?
 
my understanding was that the Sigma variants, while not equal to the Nikon lenses were pretty close. Is this not the case then?
 
hmm, if I drop the the sigma 12-24, get a new 24-70 2.8 nikon and the 2nd hand 70-200mm 2.8 VRI it's £200 cheaper....

think that's the way i'll have to go :)
 
"my understanding was that the Sigma variants, while not equal to the Nikon lenses were pretty close. Is this not the case then?"

According to some reviews and users some Sigma lenses give better image quality than the camera manufacturers own lenses however, some uses claim to have had repeated optical / focus defects with Sigma's whereas others, like me, have never ever had a problem.

You make your choice and you pay your money.
 
Harvey_nikon said:
hmm, if I drop the the sigma 12-24, get a new 24-70 2.8 nikon and the 2nd hand 70-200mm 2.8 VRI it's £200 cheaper....

think that's the way i'll have to go :)
Click to expand...

It is a no brainer... you will be surprised at how wide 24 is on a full frame body, I doubt you'll be needed that 12-24 much at all.
 
HarveyNikon, take some of the comments regarding Sigma with a pinch of salt - listening to some of the comments you'd think Sigma are making lenses with the bottom of a milk bottom. They make good stuff that, at times, shows up on the radar as having a slight problem. They manufacturer to specific buyers with specific budgets and all told, offer very good alternatives to the big boys' stuff.

Someone has a point though about 12mm being very wide on FF - I used a mate's 5D the other day with a 24-70 and was really surprised, then he whacked on a 17-40 and I couldn't believe how much scene was in shot.

Good alternative that I've used before is the 15-30mm Sigma. Might be worth a look.

Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8 is apparently a good lens, although not with Nikon 28-70mm build quality. Good optics though by all accounts....

Think your list is good. If you get the results then that's what maters surely? Punters won't quibble I doubt and you're sure to get just about any shot you try with that little lot :)
 
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