HELP: D3100-->D7000 or Nikon 85mm f/1.8G AF-S and/or Nikon 50mm f/1.8G AF-S Lens?

[dragion]

I've owned my D3100 for about 3 yrs now and feel a need for an upgrade.
I'm in a dilemma about either upgrading my D3100 to the D7000 or keep it and purchase new lenses instead.

I'm feeling that I'm ready to "learn" more with the D7000 compared to the entry level D3100.
I'm on a very tight budget and would like some advice on making a sound decision.

Also, would the D7000 be more beneficial of an investment over better lenses with the D3100?
I'm considering the Nikon 85mm f/1.8G AF-S FX and maybe the Nikon 50mm f/1.8G AF-S FX lens.


Any advice/feedback would be greatly appreciated!

 

[Flugelbinder]

Re: HELP: D3100-->D7000 or Nikon 85mm f/1.8G AF-S and/or Nikon 50mm f/1.8G AF-S Lens?

I´m on the same boat... I just don´t see what more can a lens do to improve the sensor and the low light sensibility...

 

[Don Kuykendall_RIP]

Re: HELP: D3100-->D7000 or Nikon 85mm f/1.8G AF-S and/or Nikon 50mm f/1.8G AF-S Lens?

I started off with the D3100 and went to the D5100 and now have a D7000. Normally I would tell you to get the lens but the jump to the D7000 gets you lots of options. The IQ is wonderful and the body is much more substantial. That was important to me since I destroyed my D3100 by dropping it less than three feet to the floor. You also get the commander mode which opens up a lot of options for flash when you are ready to go there.

You should consider a refurbished body. That is what I did and you can get a really good deal. Where I got mine it came with a 1 year warranty

Nikon D7000 Digital SLR Camera Body - Factory Refurbished includes Full 1 Year Warranty

I just checked and they are out of stock with them now but you might check with them to see if they are going to get any more of them.

Your present lenses will work with it and you can also use some of the older lenses since the body has the built in focus motor. Some great lenses there and they are cheaper.

 

[dmc]

Re: HELP: D3100-->D7000 or Nikon 85mm f/1.8G AF-S and/or Nikon 50mm f/1.8G AF-S Lens?

Go for the glass. Both are excellent prime lenses. I have the 24 Mp D7100 and, to be truthful, other than being able to use my D glass, my 6.2 Mp D40 takes equally good photos. I think you will really only notice a difference if you blow up your photos to poster size (and I mean BIG). For most of us the extra Mp is not really important.

 

[Flugelbinder]

Re: HELP: D3100-->D7000 or Nikon 85mm f/1.8G AF-S and/or Nikon 50mm f/1.8G AF-S Lens?

My thoughts exactly. The simple fact that one can use non AF-S lenses is worth the upgrade, no?

 

[Deezey]

Re: HELP: D3100-->D7000 or Nikon 85mm f/1.8G AF-S and/or Nikon 50mm f/1.8G AF-S Lens?

I have to agree with Don.

In this case I would upgrade the body then go for new glass. It sounds like you are no longer growing with the camera. And while a new lens would improve image quality, it sounds like you need the upgrade to a more quality experience more.

Good glass on a camera that now no longer wows you can really take the punch out of a new lens.

Sent from my SCH-I405 using Tapatalk 2

 

[Don Kuykendall_RIP]

Re: HELP: D3100-->D7000 or Nikon 85mm f/1.8G AF-S and/or Nikon 50mm f/1.8G AF-S Lens?

My thoughts exactly. The simple fact that one can use non AF-S lenses is worth the upgrade, no?

Having shot both camera's I can tell you that there is a lot of difference other than MP . The D5100 and the D7000 share a sensor and there is a difference in how they handle the processing. The quality of the D7000 is better than the D5100. Both are good but there is a difference even using the same lens.

 

[Horoscope Fish]

Re: HELP: D3100-->D7000 or Nikon 85mm f/1.8G AF-S and/or Nikon 50mm f/1.8G AF-S Lens?

Going from a 3100 to a 7000 is, in my opinion, is a freakin' no-brainer. Let's see what you'll be getting by upgrading: a built-in focus motor, better than 2 full stops more dynamic range, a full bit better color depth (that's a LOT), way more focus points, dual card-slots, weather sealing, faster burst shooting, better max shutter speed, faster max ISO, way better battery life...

.....

 

[Bill16]

Re: HELP: D3100-->D7000 or Nikon 85mm f/1.8G AF-S and/or Nikon 50mm f/1.8G AF-S Lens?

I agree with HF and Don! Given the choice between a couple lenses to use on the D3100 or to get the D7000, I'd buy the D7000! I think you'll be a lot happier, and then you can work on trying to get a lens when you can!

 

[Flugelbinder]

Re: HELP: D3100-->D7000 or Nikon 85mm f/1.8G AF-S and/or Nikon 50mm f/1.8G AF-S Lens?

That is, in fact a no-brainer. I tried a T4i (sorry guys) under the same conditions last night (after I got the 28-85) and there´s still a HUGE difference between IQ...

 

[singlerosa_RIP]

Re: HELP: D3100-->D7000 or Nikon 85mm f/1.8G AF-S and/or Nikon 50mm f/1.8G AF-S Lens?

Plus, with the 7000, you'll have lots of controls on the outside of the body. Multiple command wheels and buttons, so you don't have to go to the menu to change things.

 

[Flugelbinder]

Re: HELP: D3100-->D7000 or Nikon 85mm f/1.8G AF-S and/or Nikon 50mm f/1.8G AF-S Lens?

Yeah, and the 7100 even has 2 custom settings, for what I read...

 

[Horoscope Fish]

Re: HELP: D3100-->D7000 or Nikon 85mm f/1.8G AF-S and/or Nikon 50mm f/1.8G AF-S Lens?

Yeah, and the 7100 even has 2 custom settings, for what I read...

You get the U1 and U2 settings on the mode dial on the D7000 as well. Very nice. Dual command wheels are something else I wouldn't want to live without now that I've had them.

....

 

[Flugelbinder]

Re: HELP: D3100-->D7000 or Nikon 85mm f/1.8G AF-S and/or Nikon 50mm f/1.8G AF-S Lens?

I didn´t know the 7000 had them also. Great. So, what really are the main differences, besides the sensor?

 

[Flugelbinder]

Re: HELP: D3100-->D7000 or Nikon 85mm f/1.8G AF-S and/or Nikon 50mm f/1.8G AF-S Lens?

I am going through that thread now, sorry about the off-topic... Bottom line is, the 3100 will always "taste" like it´s not enough...

 

[Flugelbinder]

Re: HELP: D3100-->D7000 or Nikon 85mm f/1.8G AF-S and/or Nikon 50mm f/1.8G AF-S Lens?

Somebody wrote on his blog that the 7100 is the best Nikon at the moment.......

 

[Spozry]

Re: HELP: D3100-->D7000 or Nikon 85mm f/1.8G AF-S and/or Nikon 50mm f/1.8G AF-S Lens?

Like just about everyone has said...upgrade! Get those lenses later. I have a 3100 which has been fine but I feel very restricted by it now so I ended up buying the 7100 this week. Haven't used it yet but I can't wait! I have both the lenses you mentioned and both are super nice but I think you'll be happier upgrading the body first.

 

[Nathan Lanni]

Re: HELP: D3100-->D7000 or Nikon 85mm f/1.8G AF-S and/or Nikon 50mm f/1.8G AF-S Lens?

The d7000 will definitely challenge you and your existing lenses will be better with the d7000.

Here's a comparison of the two cameras from DxoMark labs. The link will show you all the analysis plus you can see individual lens scores attached to different camera bodies.

Nikon D3100 versus Nikon D7000 - Side by side camera comparison - DxOMark

 

[Deezey]

Re: HELP: D3100-->D7000 or Nikon 85mm f/1.8G AF-S and/or Nikon 50mm f/1.8G AF-S Lens?

Like just about everyone has said...upgrade! Get those lenses later. I have a 3100 which has been fine but I feel very restricted by it now so I ended up buying the 7100 this week. Haven't used it yet but I can't wait! I have both the lenses you mentioned and both are super nice but I think you'll be happier upgrading the body first.

Wait wait. You bought a D7100 this week ......and here it is Friday....and no pictures?

Sent from my SCH-I405 using Tapatalk 2

 

[gqtuazon]

Re: HELP: D3100-->D7000 or Nikon 85mm f/1.8G AF-S and/or Nikon 50mm f/1.8G AF-S Lens?

If it was me, save your money and buy the equipment right the first time. There are currently rebates on amazon and bh photo to help you save a bit.


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