Camera/lens Advice

[krazoguy]

Hi all! I am a longtime reader but do not post frequently. My family (me, wife, 5 yr old and 18 month old boys) and I are headed to the world for the first time next week. We have been on 4 dcl cruises where I got bit both the Disney and photography blogs. I am looking at ordering some new gear before our trip and thought I would get the input from some of the experts here if you don't mind sharing your thoughts!

First of all, here is my current gear:

Nikon d7000
Nikon 18-105 dx
Nikon 55-200 dx
Nikon 35mm f/1.8 dx
Nikon 50mm f/1.8G FX
Nikon 85mm f/1.8G FX
Tamron 70-200 f/2.8 VC
Sigma 18-250
Nikon SB-700 speedlight
Sony RX-100 v1

I am considering purchasing a Nikon d750 with either the kit 24-120 or the sigma 35 f/1.4 or a combination of the Nikon 24-85 and Nikon 35mm f/1.8 Fx. Basically, I'm looking at keeping the budget around 3k.

I have been on the fence about this for a while. I'm not completely dissatisfied with my. Current setup but I know that these Disney world trips only come along ever so often and I want to memorialize it as best I can. With the exception of dark ride and nighttime I am just not sure if there is a pressing need.

I know the weight of the new body will be a bit more but I don't think it is that drastic of a difference. I just can't decide what would be the best for the trip. My first thought is that the 35 mm sigma could pretty much stay on the whole time except for animal kingdom.

My goals are lots of character meets and in general just documenting my family enjoying ourselves in the park.

I know I am all over the place in this post. I just know it's now or never time on the camera purchase decision and I just can't decide what would be best. Any thoughts would be extremely helpful!

 

[xlxo]

Some thoughts...

• When it comes to travel, I leave the bulkier FX at home.
• D750 is a great upgrade
  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lqm1rKf1j80
• I wonder if there are upcoming Black Friday deals...

 

[photo_chick]

The gear you have will get dark rides and nighttime shots. The impression I get from your post is that you realize you can do what you want with your current gear but you want new toys. There is nothing wrong with that if you have the cash to get it. If that's the case then go for the setup you really want and have fun. It's not always about what the specs on paper say or what others think we should do, sometimes we want what we want.

 

[havoc315]

I just got the D750... I love it, and you wouldn't regret it.
But you already have a very complete kit with an excellent camera. You honestly don't *need* more for the type of shots you're talking about. The D750 would certainly help in low light situations.
But if you're mostly taking family pictures, the D7000 is more than up to the task. If anything, I might consider upgrading my walk around lens -- You'd get a lot of use out of the Nikon 17-55 2.8.

But you do have some great full frame glass already. And you would have fun with the D750. It would give you some improvement even in family pictures potentially.
Personally, I got the D750 body only for $2100 (see my post about greentoe... I got an authorized version with full USA warranty, etc). I got the 24-85 for $300 refurbed. Within your $3,000 budget, you could add a used or refurbed copy of the Nikon 18-35.
You'd then be covered all the way from 18mm to 200mm in high quality glass. The 50/1.8 and 85/1.8 are both fantastic performers on the D750.

I haven't felt the need for a 35mm prime on full frame. (I had the A99 before the D750). Remember with the crop factor, your current 35mm is equivalent to 53mm on full frame. So on full frame, I actually find 50mm to be pretty wide.

 

[krazoguy]

Thanks all! I have decided to just enjoy the gear I have for this trip. I am comfortable with what I have and I know what to expect. Hopefully I will have something I'm proud to bring back and share with you all when I return. Again, thanks for the input. I guess I needed reassurance that my gear was adequate for what I wanted and I definitely got that!