Help and advice new camera kit

Ladies and Gents, I am struggling a little, I am looking to buy a new camera, I am specifically looking for high ISO range to ease the strain of low light photography at gigs and festivals, so I think that the D700 is probably the camera I want (can't afford the D3, other ideas most welcome). So that could be the body sorted, problem two is of course lens, I have a collection on F-mount Lenses but no FX lenses, my budget isn't huge so I need a good fast lens that allows a flexible zoom range and great low light qualities and this is where I get stumped, 28 - 200 range would be great but suggestions, comments, experience would be great. So any of you guys and girls have any ideas? Oh yeah and a good iTTL flash the SB800 + SB900 are a little pricey, any good alternatives out there? probably £700 - £800 max on the lens

Thanks in advance, the regsy

Here are some Amazon UK links I found for you

Nikon SB 700 - Hot-shoe clip-on flash - 28: Amazon.co.uk: Electronics

I have the SB700 and I'm very happy with it. This is about the furthest I've ever used it. I'm standing on the other side of the street when this photo was taken and I was using a 35mm f1.8 lens

As for a lens I don't have it yet but I'm looking at the Sigma 70-200 f2.8. I think most people are going to recommend a zoom in this range be it Nikon or second party. Sigma has two versions of this lens right now, a new one and an older one. If budget is a factor you might want to look at a second party lens over the higher priced Nikon.

Older Sigma 70-200mm f2.8 APO EX DG Macro II Lens For Nikon: Amazon.co.uk: Electronics

Newer Sigma 70-200mm f2.8 EX DG OS HSM Lens for Nikon Digital: Amazon.co.uk: Electronics

In my research I have found anything over 200mm in "fast glass" the prices start to get "Stupid" if you know what I mean.

Nice capture Rick, making good use of that 35 1.8! You'll have to give us a review of the Sigma when you get it, the nikon is just too much for me.

cnyram said:

You'll have to give us a review of the Sigma when you get it

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Around Feb, if my tax return permits

AxeMan said:

Around Feb, if my tax return permits

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Lol, bump up your withholding now to make sure you have enough .

Sorry Regsy, I won't highjack anymore

You'll find the D700 is a wonderful camera. The Nikon 24-120 F4 is probably within your price range. If you want more reach and don't have the money, you could probably get a Tamron 28-200 for about 125.00$ (that's what I paid from mine on Ebay). It's not the best but it does the job. But you must get a 50 1.8 or 1.4 also. This should keep you shooting until you have the money for the 24-70 2.8 and the 70-200 2.8.

Thanks Marcel

You're more than welcome my friend.
I justa got back from Hungary and am working crazy at editing and post processing some of my 1900 shots.

Hope you got some great shots Marcel, only 1900? Thats a day at a festival for me LOL

Yes, but I was cycling and I needed to keep my eyes on the path. I've only once taken photos while cycling and "never again".

LOL I nearly stepped off a stage trying to get a shot of the band on the stage next door, I dread to think what I'd be like on a pushbike with a camera! LOL