I just can't make up my mind....

[Quicklabs]

There is so much to like about DX: I like to shoot close, and the crop factor helps that. I also have some DX glass that I like: Sigma 30 1.4, Sigma 10-20and the Nikkor 18-200, which has been so nice for travel.

But I love the amazing ISO capabilities of the FX. I have nice glass for that, too. Nikon 24-70 2.8 (I love this lens), Nikon 50 1.8, Sigma 150 2.8.

I was really hoping a significant upgrade to the D300; maybe pushing the ISO to 3200 (without the Hi Factor), better dynamic range.

My choices:

a) Do nothing now. Continue to wait for the next DX camera upgrade (prolly at least 18 months out for a D400?) Console myself for having to wait by picking up a 80-400 that will give me crazy zoom for zoo trips.

b) Get the D700 now, My 24-70 would be my walk-around lens for day trips. Hang onto the D80 to keep it for my "Zoom" camera.

c) Make up my mind about FX vs DX and dump my DX glass. With the price increases this past year, I could prolly just about break even since all the lenses are in terrific shape.

I dunno. Suggestions?

 

[Gdad]

Here is what I would do.

Get the D700.

Trade both the Sigma 30 and the Nikon 50 in for the Sigma 50.

Trade the Sigma 10-20 on a nice wide FX prime if you want something wider than 24mm. Maybe a 16mm fish?

Keep the D80 & 18-200vr for a day-trip kit for when you don't feel like lugging along heavy gear.

Wait on a new 80-400 AF-S- the current one is aweful.

 

[Quicklabs]

The Sigma 50 is better than the Nikon 50?

 

[mabas9395]

Canon makes a great full frame camera. Probably not the suggestion you were looking for though.

 

[Gdad]

The Sigma 50 is better than the Nikon 50?

I have had the Nikon 50mm f/1.2 AIS, 50mm f/1.4 AFD, and 50mm f/1.8 AFD- not the new AFS but I have seen samples. And a little disclaimer- I still have and am partial to the f/1.2 because the bokeh can be interesting- but not everyone likes 'interesting'. For a 50mm lens that just turns the background into a smooth creamy canvas the Sigma is completely in a different league than anything else I mentioned above. Harsh backgrouns- wierd patterns- bright highlights- all just melt away. And the auto focus puts the AFD and AFS to shame- every bit as fast and deliberate as the 24-70. I have actually seen the Sigma compared head to head with the legendary 58mm f/1.2 Noct and it faired quite well. So to answer your question I would say yes- much better.

 

[Quicklabs]

Thanks, Jeff. Very, very helpful. I like the idea of keeping the D80 with the 18-200 for my "on the go" kit.
The Sigma is intriguing! Thanks for the great recommendation.

 

[Gdad]

Thanks, Jeff. Very, very helpful. I like the idea of keeping the D80 with the 18-200 for my "on the go" kit.
The Sigma is intriguing! Thanks for the great recommendation.

I have a D40/18-200vr kit I use the same way. (When DD isn't using it anyway)