Buying new camera: Sell DX Lenses (D610) or Keep (D7100)

bmilcs

Senior Member
Hey guys,

I'm a newer shooter that just sold his D7000. It was a great camera to learn on but I yearned for the improved sensor and better low light performance of newer models.

My current lenses:

- Tokina 11-16 2.8 UWA
- 35 1.8g DX
- 50 1.8G fx
- 60 2.8D
- 70-300 VR II

My options are:
a) Sell my Tokina / Nikon 35mm DX lenses: Buy D610 and primarily use 50mm / 60mm (the 35mm 1.8 / 60mm 2.8 macro are my most used lenses - 50mm would take it's place)
b) Keep DX Lenses / Buy D7100

The D7100 looks like a fantastically sharp camera without the AA and superior focusing system. BUT the D610's low light performance seems outstanding in retrospect.

What would you do in my position? Having gone from DX to FX, was it worth it entirely? Would you go back in time and swap?

Low light performance (candid family shots, chasing kids around the house, etc) and small product shots (shaving brush / razor / soap) are my main targets. I also do portraits and landscapes here and there.

I really am leaning towards the D610 but I can't find buyers for my lenses :(
 

Eduard

Super Mod
Staff member
Super Mod
You can sell on this site, eBay, Nikonians, FredMiranda or directly to KEH or Adorama. You have a lot of options.
 

hrstrat57

Senior Member
I would tell you this your 60 2.8 D and 70-300 VR full frame lenses are absolute killer on my 12 MP D700 sharp, sharp !! Was quite surprised and pleased.

In addition to eBay I have had great recent success with craigslist.....Boston craigslist is extremely active with Nikon....have seen a lot of action on Worcester too. No so sure about Albany Springfield and Pittsfield haven't checked....
 

hrstrat57

Senior Member
I would keep the D7000 as a real nice backup BTW and just sell the DX glass, real nice to have a crop camera for extra reach. It won't bring a lot of cash back used presently from what I see on Craigslist locally here.....and they appear (unlike lenses which sell easily ) to move very slowly at least in my region.

I still use the crop D300 extensively for this reason and will not part with it. I believe the layout on the D7000 and D610 are nearly identical?
 

Pretzel

Senior Member
My question is: How much low-light shooting do you really do? Do you do more wide-angle shots (landscapes, night skies, etc)?

Both cameras are fantastic, but there are pros and cons to each, so it would help to know exactly what your goals are before you buy the next body and end up thinking, "I wish I had..." Ya know?

Just my quick .02, which is really only worth .000005 on most days. ;)

My PERFECT world would be to have a full frame AND my D7100, just to be clear!
 

Horoscope Fish

Senior Member
My question is: How much low-light shooting do you really do? Do you do more wide-angle shots (landscapes, night skies, etc)?

Both cameras are fantastic, but there are pros and cons to each, so it would help to know exactly what your goals are before you buy the next body and end up thinking, "I wish I had..." Ya know?

Just my quick .02, which is really only worth .000005 on most days. ;)

My PERFECT world would be to have a full frame AND my D7100, just to be clear!
Could have been my post... ^^^

I keep toying with the idea of going FX but then I starting invested in really good glass and discovered how important it is to fine-tune the auto-focus on those lenses. Doing so helped me realize just how good the image quality can be on my '7100 and that kind of kills the urge to go full-frame. But, all that being said, if money really and truly was not a factor in the equation I'd go full-frame because... Well... Because why the hell not?

....
 

bmilcs

Senior Member
My d7k needed heavy AF Fine tune. They were tack sharp but there's something special about FX images and also D7100.

I really loved my 35mm on my d7k. I rarely wanted the reach of my 70-300 and when I did use it, I stayed sub 200mm anyways. I'd say the majority of what I shoot is low light.
 

bmilcs

Senior Member
How do you fellas do Craigslist safely? Springfield is not a good area. So afraid of getting ripped off. What protocol do you follow in person to ensure you get the money?
 

Horoscope Fish

Senior Member
How do you fellas do Craigslist safely? Springfield is not a good area. So afraid of getting ripped off. What protocol do you follow in person to ensure you get the money?
I've always made arrangements to meet prospective buyers someplace like a Starbucks or a Denny's (during the day) to conduct business. I let them know I expect cash, if that's all I'll accept, or if I'll take a check or what have you. People who won't meet in a public place during bankers hours can shop elsewhere.

....
 

bmilcs

Senior Member
Man I'm still afraid. Maybe it's the area I live in, but there is a ton of crime around here. But I do get lots of responses from ads after your previous suggestions. Thanks again.
 

BackdoorArts

Senior Member
Could have been my post... ^^^

I keep toying with the idea of going FX but then I starting invested in really good glass and discovered how important it is to fine-tune the auto-focus on those lenses. Doing so helped me realize just how good the image quality can be on my '7100 and that kind of kills the urge to go full-frame. But, all that being said, if money really and truly was not a factor in the equation I'd go full-frame because... Well... Because why the hell not?

....

^^^^ And mine as well.

Ask yourself this, "What ISO would I really need to use with my D7000 to do my 'low light' shooting?" I found that the D7000 essentially became unusable after 1600, whereas I find the D7100 at ISO 6400 to be as good as or better than the D7000 at ISO 1600. So, if you can live with chasing your kids around the house at 1600, you'll be more than fine with the D7100, and save yourself some significant money on the exchange of formats.

People on the interweb go on and on and on and on about low light performance, but the question never gets asked, "What percentage of your shots are at high ISO?" If you're shooting 25% or more of your shots at 1600 or faster, then yeah, it's going to actually be important to you. But, the differences between the current crop of Nikon DX sensors and their FX counterparts is getting smaller, and for the average user the D7100 at ISO 6400 plus a decent noise reduction tool will be more than enough. Don't buy the hype.

But, if it's really that important to you, and you're going to change formats, wait for the D750 to shake out. Word on the street is it's better than the D810 in low light, and only $400 more than the D610.
 

hrstrat57

Senior Member
How do you fellas do Craigslist safely? Springfield is not a good area. So afraid of getting ripped off. What protocol do you follow in person to ensure you get the money?

You are well served with caution....

80% of my deals are at my local Dunkin Donuts in my home town where I am a regular and well known. I make the buyer drive to that spot = don't like it no deal. I have also used 2 local state park and rides. All 3 locations are well covered with video. Video is mandatory......

I take control of all deals including buying. When buying I suggest the location based on above criteria. Seller balks at my suggestion I walk away. Again always a public location, nobody comes to my home and I don't go to anyone else's home.

I only communicate via telephone and only accept calls from local area code without explanation......and if the deal is too good to be true it is a scam. 100% of the time!
 

hrstrat57

Senior Member
one more thing I think you have a Hunt Photo in Holyoke? Make friends in there.....the one down here in Providence is absolutely outstanding for lightly used gear.....have bought multiple bits of kit in there at the same or lower price than KEH....and I get to demo before I buy!

A good LCS is your best photography friend!
 

bmilcs

Senior Member
UPDATE!

THE D7000 and Tokina/Nikon 35mm are all sold! I now have $1400 to spend on a Nikon d610. Where should I purchase from ? =]
 
Top