It's the D70 for me!

[Trish323]

I have been gone way too long! I have had to severly limit my computer time at home due to the fact that I am using computer at work all day. I am trying to avoid a surgery on my other shoulder and have been keeping the problem at bay by limiting my use. Anyway...I follow along and continue to enjoy seeing the work of my favorite birdmen...Harry, Steve and now Andy! Love the egret fest and can't wait to join in! Also enjoying everyone's work on DGRIN.

I have read reviews till my eyes are ready to pop out and have decided that the Nikon D70 is a good choice for me entering the DSLR realm. I will order the 70-200 VR to complement the kit lens. And that will HOPEFULLY keep me smiling for a little while. I am going to get a Laptop also which I **hope ** will help me use a computer more comfortably.

If there is anything anyone has a burning desire to share about my choice Please speak up...I will be leaving as soon as the store opens...

I feel I have really done my homework...for my needs...this is a good choice...

This review comparing the 20D and D70 confirmed my choice..

http://www.kenrockwell.com/tech/20dd70.htm

Hope to get some shots this weekend...

[wholenewlight]

Welcome to the D70 club, Trish.

I know the 20D is a fine camera. And if I were shopping right now, I would strongly consider it. But, I liked the D70 a lot better than the Canon digital rebel when I bought mine a year ago. And I haven't regretted my purchase in the least. I believe the D70 to be a marvelous combination of quality, performance, and price. I carry it with me much of the time (travelling to work, weekends, etc) and it hasn't let me down.

A new shot from yesterday. . .

http://cs-pics.smugmug.com/photos/18244358-M.jpg

the shot seems a little soft here but when I crank up the magnification, it looks clean . . . hmm . . anyway, have fun with your new toy.

[Andy]

good luck, enjoy your new camera. it's a fine choice, and hey- you can swap glass with harry!

now, go git it, and git some birds and seascapes :D

[Trish323]

Welcome to the D70 club, Trish.

I know the 20D is a fine camera. And if I were shopping right now, I would strongly consider it. But, I liked the D70 a lot better than the Canon digital rebel when I bought mine a year ago. And I haven't regretted my purchase in the least. I believe the D70 to be a marvelous combination of quality, performance, and price. I carry it with me much of the time (travelling to work, weekends, etc) and it hasn't let me down.

A new shot from yesterday. . .

http://cs-pics.smugmug.com/photos/18244358-M.jpg

the shot seems a little soft here but when I crank up the magnification, it looks clean . . . hmm . . anyway, have fun with your new toy.
Cute Shot John!
I am pretty sure I made the right decision for me. I am anxious to get it charged and get going!
Thanks,
Trish

[Harryb]

Hey Trish,

Congrats on your choice. The D70 is a great camera and you will enjoy it. The 70-200 is probably the best zoom Nikon makes. Its a bit short for wildlife shooting but I can always lend you some longer glass if you have the need. Small nominal fee of course :rofl

Harry

[Trish323]

I was all set to get the 20D..it is a Very FINE piece of equipment!! The price was not the deciding factor. The very bottom line after reading everything about all DSLR's...was comfort when I was holding it...My thumb just couldn't get a comfortable hold on the 20D.... Go figure! I can't wait to get my big lens and get going! This is a big jump for me from the 717..which I will not part with.

Another hour in the charger and I'm off!!

[USAIR]

No...no burning desire
Just go for it...what ever your choice is it's a good one...can't go wrong :thumb

Have fun
Fred

[Trish323]

Hey Trish,

Congrats on your choice. The D70 is a great camera and you will enjoy it. The 70-200 is probably the best zoom Nikon makes. Its a bit short for wildlife shooting but I can always lend you some longer glass if you have the need. Small nominal fee of course :rofl

Harry
Hi ya Harry!

I finally did it! And I can definately state that I didn't put this much thought and angst into conceiving my first born!:D

If I opt for one zoom...and forgo the 70-200...what do you think would be a good choice...for the bird shots??

[Trish323]

No...no burning desire
Just go for it...what ever your choice is it's a good one...can't go wrong :thumb

Have fun
Fred
I did! I got it! And I plan on many hours of shooting!

[jwear]

the 70/200 is the next best thing to sliced bread or tv the computer things like that there --- after i got the lens i was a happy guy .You also have the greatest of guys to shot with that has more lens to play with and is a great help .I am very envious . looking forward to somemore nikon here in canon town :D Jeff

[Harryb]

Hi ya Harry!

I finally did it! And I can definately state that I didn't put this much thought and angst into conceiving my first born!:D

If I opt for one zoom...and forgo the 70-200...what do you think would be a good choice...for the bird shots??
Hey Trish,

There's 3 that I would consider the Nikon 80-400VR (its been good to me). It's pic quality is excellent, its light, it can be shot handheld. The big drawback is its extremely slow focusing. You'll lose a few BIF shots because of that.

Then you have the Sigma 80-400. Its around $300 cheaper than the Nikon and a big plus for it is that you can use TCs with it which you can't with the 80-400 (you would lose AF though). This is also another slow focuser but I don't believe its as bad as the Nikon. Its heavier than the Nikon (3.6 lbs vs. 2.9lbs)

Then you have the Sigma 50-500 (The Bigma). It has excellent image quality and focuses better than the 80-400s. The big problem is that it doesn't have VR like the 80-400s, its slower, and a lot heavier 4.1 lbs. You will normally need a tripod with it.

I would go with one of the 80-400s and I would give a slight nod to the Sigma.

[jwear]

The only good fish is the one you had for dinner
http://www.dgrin.com/images/statusiconDefault/user_online.gif http://www.dgrin.com/images/buttonsDefault/report.gif (http://www.dgrin.com/report.php?p=82401)

what's this Harry ??? :rofl why not let her try out my ---- your 400 and see what it is like before $$$$$ is spent nothing like hands on Jeff

[Harryb]

The only good fish is the one you had for dinner
http://www.dgrin.com/images/statusiconDefault/user_online.gif http://www.dgrin.com/images/buttonsDefault/report.gif (http://www.dgrin.com/report.php?p=82401)

what's this Harry ??? :rofl why not let her try out my ---- your 400 and see what it is like before $$$$$ is spent nothing like hands on Jeff
Hey Jeff,

I figure Trish knows that she can try out any of my lenses already. If she didn't before she knowsnow. There will still be a nominal fee of course. :rofl

[Trish323]

Hey Trish,

There's 3 that I would consider the Nikon 80-400VR (its been good to me). It's pic quality is excellent, its light, it can be shot handheld. The big drawback is its extremely slow focusing. You'll lose a few BIF shots because of that.

Then you have the Sigma 80-400. Its around $300 cheaper than the Nikon and a big plus for it is that you can use TCs with it which you can't with the 80-400 (you would lose AF though). This is also another slow focuser but I don't believe its as bad as the Nikon. Its heavier than the Nikon (3.6 lbs vs. 2.9lbs)

Then you have the Sigma 50-500 (The Bigma). It has excellent image quality and focuses better than the 80-400s. The big problem is that it doesn't have VR like the 80-400s, its slower, and a lot heavier 4.1 lbs. You will normally need a tripod with it.

I would go with one of the 80-400s and I would give a slight nod to the Sigma.
Harry,

I tried the 80-400VR...Nice lens...but it moans as it "finally" gets focused...then I slapped on the 70-200VR...and all of a sudden I could hear the angels singing!!:clap So I bought it...and paid more than I should have but the lens lust has already begun and...you know how it goes! I want SPEED and distance...so I figure I can add the TC's at a later date or maybe purchase another less expensive lens for my distance....I am very impressed with it..WOW! and WOW! It certainly gives me more speed and I wanted to cover the 18-200 which I have done now with really good GLASS! I have lots of learning and playing ahead of me...and it's great to know that when I finally know I can't live another minute without the reach...all I have to do is buy a lens...not the whole farm...at least for a while! Before I can post..I have to figure out how the heck to upload my photos because the card reader ion my printer won't take the CF card:huh ...I'll try the usb until I get a separate reader...geez...I am overwhelmed! Thanks for your input and I look forward to shooting with you!

[Trish323]

the 70/200 is the next best thing to sliced bread or tv the computer things like that there --- after i got the lens i was a happy guy .You also have the greatest of guys to shot with that has more lens to play with and is a great help .I am very envious . looking forward to somemore nikon here in canon town :D Jeff
Hi Jeff,
Yupper another Nikonian! Am boy am I happy with my purchases today. You are SOO right about the 70-200...it is fantastic!!:thumb I can't wait to shoot with it. I know it doesn't have the reach I originally set out to get...but damn it is FAST!!

Glad to be in the neighborhood!

[DeanMcM]

Hi Jeff,
Yupper another Nikonian! Am boy am I happy with my purchases today. You are SOO right about the 70-200...it is fantastic!!:thumb I can't wait to shoot with it. I know it doesn't have the reach I originally set out to get...but damn it is FAST!!

Glad to be in the neighborhood!
You have been hanging out with that Harry guy to long... :wink

Seriously... good luck with your new camera. I just purchased a 20D,
but the D70 was my second choice (Very nice camera).

[Adrian van Ammers]

Harry,

I tried the 80-400VR...Nice lens...but it moans as it "finally" gets focused...then I slapped on the 70-200VR...and all of a sudden I could hear the angels singing!!:clap So I bought it...and paid more than I should have but the lens lust has already begun and...you know how it goes! I want SPEED and distance...so I figure I can add the TC's at a later date or maybe purchase another less expensive lens for my distance....I am very impressed with it..WOW! and WOW! It certainly gives me more speed and I wanted to cover the 18-200 which I have done now with really good GLASS! I have lots of learning and playing ahead of me...and it's great to know that when I finally know I can't live another minute without the reach...all I have to do is buy a lens...not the whole farm...at least for a while! Before I can post..I have to figure out how the heck to upload my photos because the card reader ion my printer won't take the CF card:huh ...I'll try the usb until I get a separate reader...geez...I am overwhelmed! Thanks for your input and I look forward to shooting with you!I'm looking forward to some first pictures! Have fun. And nice to meet you here at dgrin.

[Trish323]

You have been hanging out with that Harry guy to long... :wink

Seriously... good luck with your new camera. I just purchased a 20D,
but the D70 was my second choice (Very nice camera).
Hi Dean,

Congrats on your new 20D!! I struggled with the choice..but the end result was getting the one that fit best in my grip.
Both great cameras.

Harry mentioned the D70 to me and I looked at it further.
But by his comments here...he had a devious plan....he's gonna charge a fee for me to use his lenses! He's a smart boy! I bet the Egrets aren't paying very well for his modeling fees...he needed to go to plan B...:rofl

Hopefully I can meet up with the old Egret stalker soon and shoot some birds!
Good luck with your new baby!

[Trish323]

I'm looking forward to some first pictures! Have fun. And nice to meet you here at dgrin.
Hi Adrian!

Thanks, Good to see you on here. I have not been anywhere for a while. Gearing up once again and fully charged to get out and see how much I don't know! Pretty scary move to the DSLR but one I just had to make!

I know you are enjoying your new camera too! Keep those beautiful windmill shots rolling!

[Adrian van Ammers]

Hi Adrian!

Thanks, Good to see you on here. I have not been anywhere for a while. Gearing up once again and fully charged to get out and see how much I don't know! Pretty scary move to the DSLR but one I just had to make!

I know you are enjoying your new camera too! Keep those beautiful windmill shots rolling!http://adrian.smugmug.com/photos/17070261-L.jpg

[Trish323]

http://adrian.smugmug.com/photos/17070261-L.jpg
Beautiful Adrian!!! What color and clarity! Thank you!

[Harryb]

Hey Trish,

You made a good choice. The 70-200 is probably the best zoom Nikon has made. If you need more reach my rates are very reasonable. :rofl

All donations made will go to my Home for Wayward Lenses. :D

[jwear]

Harry,

I tried the 80-400VR...Nice lens...but it moans as it "finally" gets focused...then I slapped on the 70-200VR...and all of a sudden I could hear the angels singing!!:clap So I bought it...and paid more than I should have but the lens lust has already begun and...you know how it goes! I want SPEED and distance...so I figure I can add the TC's at a later date or maybe purchase another less expensive lens for my distance....I am very impressed with it..WOW! and WOW! It certainly gives me more speed and I wanted to cover the 18-200 which I have done now with really good GLASS! I have lots of learning and playing ahead of me...and it's great to know that when I finally know I can't live another minute without the reach...all I have to do is buy a lens...not the whole farm...at least for a while! Before I can post..I have to figure out how the heck to upload my photos because the card reader ion my printer won't take the CF card:huh ...I'll try the usb until I get a separate reader...geez...I am overwhelmed! Thanks for your input and I look forward to shooting with you!I just rented a 1.7 for sunday so we will see what it does I think the 2 will slow things down too much Jeff

[david_h]

Good choice on both camera and lens. (You couldn't have gone wrong anyway - the D70 and 20D are the two best values in the dSLR world as far as I'm concerned).

I wouldn't pay too much attention to Ken Rockwells "reviews". Many of the items he writes about he has never used. In any event you are going to be very happy. I've had a D70 for a while and it's never let me down. Every poor shot has been because of my lack of ability, nothing to do with the camera.

I have different needs to you in lenses. I leave birding to Harry and the experts here and most of my pictures are portraits, weddings or landscapes. Trying to find the new Tokina 12-24 mm, which is proving to be rather difficult at the moment. My one successful bird shot was actually done with the old faithful 18-70 kit lens.

So welcome to the wonderful world of Nikon dSLRs. You are in for an exciting spring and summer.

[Trish323]

I just rented a 1.7 for sunday so we will see what it does I think the 2 will slow things down too much Jeff
Jeff,

The "Surfer Dude" salesman told me I could even use the 2.0TC and be ok as far as speed goes, and as long as ambiant light was good. Let me know how the TC works for you!

[Trish323]

Good choice on both camera and lens. (You couldn't have gone wrong anyway - the D70 and 20D are the two best values in the dSLR world as far as I'm concerned).

I wouldn't pay too much attention to Ken Rockwells "reviews". Many of the items he writes about he has never used. In any event you are going to be very happy. I've had a D70 for a while and it's never let me down. Every poor shot has been because of my lack of ability, nothing to do with the camera.

I have different needs to you in lenses. I leave birding to Harry and the experts here and most of my pictures are portraits, weddings or landscapes. Trying to find the new Tokina 12-24 mm, which is proving to be rather difficult at the moment. My one successful bird shot was actually done with the old faithful 18-70 kit lens.

So welcome to the wonderful world of Nikon dSLRs. You are in for an exciting spring and summer.
Hi David,

I will stay clear of Rockwells stuff from now on!

I have been spending this morning learning about the camera. I will hopefully get tomorrow morning and give it a whirl!
Glad you are enjoying your camera!

[Dee]

Congratulations on the camera and the lens! Now go get some closeups of pelicans, or some bird butts, or the bird man himself! :rofl

[jwear]

Jeff,

The "Surfer Dude" salesman told me I could even use the 2.0TC and be ok as far as speed goes, and as long as ambiant light was good. Let me know how the TC works for you! trish this is hand held with the tc 1.7 ,I have forgotten does harry have the 2 ??? i will rent that next time out but the 1.7 is good i just need to get better with the camera. never trust a ''surfer dude '' today was sunny but not real brite . the 1.7 for sure works !!!!!:thumb Jeff

[Trish323]

Congratulations on the camera and the lens! Now go get some closeups of pelicans, or some bird butts, or the bird man himself! :rofl
Hi Dee,
Thanks! Due to the holiday I have had no time as of yet to read the manual and learn the functions of my camera. I did shoot a few test shots/most got trashed...this one was a test for color and wow is it right on:
http://fahner.smugmug.com/photos/18384362-M.jpg

[Trish323]

trish this is hand held with the tc 1.7 ,I have forgotten does harry have the 2 ??? i will rent that next time out but the 1.7 is good i just need to get better with the camera. never trust a ''surfer dude '' today was sunny but not real brite . the 1.7 for sure works !!!!!:thumb Jeff
Jeff,
It sure does get you close! I am not sure what Harry has, but if he does have a TC2.0...I'll have to give it a try before I buy. So did it slow the 70-200 down much??

[Lee Massey]

Hi Trish,

Congrats on your new purchase. :) As others have said, you have a great camera and a fantastic lens. Best of luck and again, congratulations.

Thanks,

Lee

[Angelo]

Trish - I'm tuning into this thread a bit late so I guess you already purchased the D70. I'm certain you will enjoy it very much. I don't know who Rockwell is but just about every review I could find heaped much praise on this baby.

Harry, please share the info with Trish that you gave me about the eBook on the D70. - Trish this training manual is a must.

Good luck and happy shooting.

[jwear]

Jeff,
It sure does get you close! I am not sure what Harry has, but if he does have a TC2.0...I'll have to give it a try before I buy. So did it slow the 70-200 down much??trish yes and less sharp but the humming bird shot was fine with me i would buy a 1.7 for sure but will wait until one of us has some shots and trys the 2 out .I know harry has at lest one so will wait to hear from him I know i will post a duck in flight shot with tripod 200 and tc1.7 and that is why i say the 1.7 is worth the $ and setting are important Jeff please let me know what you think and try out i do not want to waste anymore $ on something i think will work only on the stuff i know Jeff

[Steve Cavigliano]

And what took ya so long? :lol

The D70 is a sweet machine and I think you'll get great results from it :thumb :thumb

Not that the Sonys are chopped liver, but as you point out, a Dslr gives you so much more flexibility for stuff like bird shots :clap Not to mention, cleaner high ISO images :):

OK, I've read enough of this thread to know you've got it in your hands. So where's da pics?.....lol J/K, but I would love to see some of your first shots (other than the bouquet) when you get time :-)

Congrats again,
Steve

[Trish323]

And what took ya so long? :lol

The D70 is a sweet machine and I think you'll get great results from it :thumb :thumb

Not that the Sonys are chopped liver, but as you point out, a Dslr gives you so much more flexibility for stuff like bird shots :clap Not to mention, cleaner high ISO images :):

OK, I've read enough of this thread to know you've got it in your hands. So where's da pics?.....lol J/K, but I would love to see some of your first shots (other than the bouquet) when you get time :-)

Congrats again,
Steve
Hiya Steve..

Well a crummy day here but I went out to give the camera a try...and came back with nothing worthwhile...I need to read the manual and should have spent the time doing that first..:dunno I will post some picks when I get at least one worthwhile Shot with the 70-200..I may need to spend some time with the Birdman...I know he can help me out! Trust me..when I finally get something worthwhile..it'll be on here!!!! Huge learning curve for me..