D7100 as a first dslr
- Thread starter Sapy
- Start date
It appears that the crowd have mixed feelings but I would strongly recommend starting with higher models but not the top models, although there is no rule that prevents anyone from starting with a D610 or D800 especially if you have the funds.
Like with my other hobbies such as tennis and golf, I buy something that is more on the higher end so that it minimizes or even prevents me from selling and upgrading to the better models. I find it more practical that way.
I started with a D80 then moved to a D700 after 2 years so I skipped on the D200, D300/s. Hey, why not?
Re: 18-140mm vs 18-105 VR lens. The 140mm is pretty new and the 105 is a good starter lens. I started with the 18-135mm lens and learned how to not like it after trying the prime lenses. The 18-135mm could barely provide any image isolation and just like any kit lenses, they need a lot of light indoor which comes to my next suggestion. Get a good speedlight. SB700 at a minimum or SB 910.
Good luck with your decision.
Like with my other hobbies such as tennis and golf, I buy something that is more on the higher end so that it minimizes or even prevents me from selling and upgrading to the better models. I find it more practical that way.
I started with a D80 then moved to a D700 after 2 years so I skipped on the D200, D300/s. Hey, why not?
Re: 18-140mm vs 18-105 VR lens. The 140mm is pretty new and the 105 is a good starter lens. I started with the 18-135mm lens and learned how to not like it after trying the prime lenses. The 18-135mm could barely provide any image isolation and just like any kit lenses, they need a lot of light indoor which comes to my next suggestion. Get a good speedlight. SB700 at a minimum or SB 910.
Good luck with your decision.
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Thank you guys for great answers, didn’t expect so many quality replies so big thanks again!
As Nickt mentioned I am really willing and eager to learn more about dslr and my dilemma was partly connected with a fact that the learning curve will be easier with entry level dslr. But as a mentioned before, I have experience with dslr (Olympus e-410 for a few months now) and that was the turning point which made me wish to learn and “do” more with camera.
My second dilemma was about kit lenses (18-105mm or 18-140mm – I was also considering 16-85mm but the hole deal at this point will cost to much). The thing that I have noticed at 18-140mm is a little weight on the end so I am hoping that 105mm will be lighter. I am very happy with what BackdoorHippie has sad that he is still using 105.
As I see it second lens will be prime and I am thinking 35mm 1.4 but that’s another story. What would be nice to see on a lens is smaller f number, considering bokeh, night shooting and everything else that prime has to offer.
@Jonathan
Grat post thanks, helped me a lot!
@Gquazon
Yes that’s right for the beginning I need a start lens or better to say a “walkaround” lens and after I would go for prime (thinking about 35mm 1.4).
Anyway, thanks once again guys for your a great response you did help me a lot!
Of course more answers and experiences with camera and lenses (105 vs. 140) are more than welcome!
Thanks again!
Sapy
As Nickt mentioned I am really willing and eager to learn more about dslr and my dilemma was partly connected with a fact that the learning curve will be easier with entry level dslr. But as a mentioned before, I have experience with dslr (Olympus e-410 for a few months now) and that was the turning point which made me wish to learn and “do” more with camera.
My second dilemma was about kit lenses (18-105mm or 18-140mm – I was also considering 16-85mm but the hole deal at this point will cost to much). The thing that I have noticed at 18-140mm is a little weight on the end so I am hoping that 105mm will be lighter. I am very happy with what BackdoorHippie has sad that he is still using 105.
As I see it second lens will be prime and I am thinking 35mm 1.4 but that’s another story. What would be nice to see on a lens is smaller f number, considering bokeh, night shooting and everything else that prime has to offer.
@Jonathan
Grat post thanks, helped me a lot!
@Gquazon
Yes that’s right for the beginning I need a start lens or better to say a “walkaround” lens and after I would go for prime (thinking about 35mm 1.4).
Anyway, thanks once again guys for your a great response you did help me a lot!
Of course more answers and experiences with camera and lenses (105 vs. 140) are more than welcome!
Thanks again!
Sapy
I have not used (or handled) the 18-140. I have seen a few good mentions. Quite a few happy 18-105 users around here. The d7100 has a decent size and weight. Even though the camera is heavier than my d3100, the setup feels balanced and more comfortable in my hand than the d3100 when a heavier lens is on. There is room for my pinky finger so I have a better grip on the d7x00. I don't think the extra few ounces of the 18-140 would bother me on this camera.
Flugelbinder
Senior Member
There's another point that nobody has mentioned yet and it was one of the reasons that made me change. If you're planning on doing portraiture using off-camera flash, the 3100 has a sync-speed of only 1/200. The 7100 has the High Sync Speed mode buit in... Just something else for you to consider...
I have the battery grip for my 7100 AND the big 18-300mm. But then I'm quite huge (6' 5" and 16 stone).
Nero
Senior Member
Well people here have been honest about personal issues so I figure in order to explain why I have to do the same. I was diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome when I was around 4, so I wanted to play it safe and start out slow in case I needed extra help getting the basics down. Luckily I seem to have some sort of natural ability in photography (or the fact I've enjoyed taking pictures since I was at that same age, btw I'm not trying to brag or anything) so I was still able to learn pretty quickly. I plan on upgrading soon but I don't regret my purchase.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk 4
Isn't it great how nature balances out life? It would seem that the challenge is finding what that balancing factor is in each individual circumstance. I support (in a very, very desultory manner) some charities that seek to help children with such challenges find the ying to their yang by presenting them with a host of different experiences from which to learn.
Nero
Senior Member
Pretty much. Guide Mode on my D3100 was the factor for me. Haha
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Flugelbinder
Senior Member
Thinking about buying only the body and to put another lens on it. Maybe Sigma 17-50 mm f2.8, what do you think? Financially this is the combo I could survive!
Great combo. Go for it...
Well to go with the Nikkor would be viser but I was force to consider cheaper versions like Tamron. Anyway it seams that Sigma would be better solution though a little bit expensive. Hope this is ok combination for start, so if there is no other opinions, should I give it a go?
Just to keep you posted, I am sitting at Geneva airport and I just become happy user of the new D7100. It was big discount so I didn t have a choice . I mean the 18-105 was 40$ so have to take it also.
Anway more news and photos when I get home.
Best regards by the user with big smile on his face)!
. I mean the 18-105 was 40$ so have to take it also.Anway more news and photos when I get home.
Best regards by the user with big smile on his face
)!Just to keep you posted, I am sitting at Geneva airport and I just become happy user of the new D7100. It was big discount so I didn t have a choice
Anway more news and photos when I get home.
Best regards by the user with big smile on his face
Good decision and congrats! I have a 3100 now but plan on upgrading to the 7100 here soon. My only suggestion would have been get a lower end if you are unsure if photography is something you want to invest your time and money in. However it seems you already know you enjoy photography.
I bought my coolpix p510 in June 2012 on vacation as an impulse spur of the moment buy. Didn't use it much after that until spring rolled around when I realized I want more. Then in April 2013 I bought my 3100 again as an impulse spur of the moment buy and was very happy with it until I wanted to venture into indoor/dark scenario/star photography where a flash may not be acceptable. The low light on the 3100 is not very good and gets pretty noisey over 800iso. I am glad I got the 3100 to confirm my love for photography but not even a year later I am hungry for more. The 7100 was not financially smart when I bought my 3100 but in hindsight it may have been better to just get it right off the bat. However I do not regret my 3100 decision at all. And was/is an amazing camera to learn with. I didn't use the guide function a whole lot but did use the info button tons!
This post isn't necessarily directed towards you as you just picked your 7100 up! But for anyone else reading this thread trying to make the same decision that's my experience!