DSLR upgrade question 

"AestheticsInMotion" (aestheticsinmotion) 02/12/2018 at 18:54 • Filed to: None

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After four years of window washing, I’m celebrating the sale of my business with a new camera. I’ve got a pretty good idea of what I want, but could use some advice on a few issues. Random images from my camera roll and the internet for your time

99% set on a Nikon D5600. The 3400 would have been great at 2/3 the cost, but the lack of microphone jack and articulating LCD is a bit of a deal breaker. And I certainly don’t need anything BETTER than the 5xxx series at this point. So, with that said...

Should I buy just the body and a sepperate lens, or one of the two bundles that comes with kit lenses?

The body only is 650, the bundle with an 18-55mm is 750, and the bundle with a 18-140mm is 950. Configuration details in the link below. I buy everything used but for once.... I’d like something new, that hasn’t been handled by other people. Some peace of mind for expensive gear I don’t know too much about, I guess.

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I can spend about a thousand, but that’s more than I’d LIKE to spend. I also need to replace my old tripod and it would be nice to get some extra batteries, a better case aand maybe a gimbal + rollbar mounting setup.

Shooting everything from small item closeups in light boxes to portraits, landscapes, cars—in motion and stationary, adventure photography and yoga/gymnastics/martial arts/sports stuff up close.

Whats the best choice based on that, for the price? Kit lenses start at $100 more than the body, can I get a better lens for a similar price? Any good recommendations for *tall* stable tripods without breaking the bank? Info dump appreciated

BlueMazda2 - Blesses the rains down in Africa, Purveyor of BMW Individual Arctic Metallic, Merci Twingo > AestheticsInMotion 02/12/2018 at 19:08

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If AestheticsInMotion dabs in the wild and nobody is around to see it, did AestheticsInMotion really dab?

The Compromiser > AestheticsInMotion 02/12/2018 at 19:12

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Wife says get the kit with the 18-140mm. Lens is usually a $500 option. She sells cameras for a living. And shoots awesome pics (professionally and amateur). I do what she says.

AestheticsInMotion > BlueMazda2 - Blesses the rains down in Africa, Purveyor of BMW Individual Arctic Metallic, Merci Twingo 02/12/2018 at 19:13

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The Power-Dab has been known to cause severe ILLness, and as such should only be used when absolutely necessary.

AestheticsInMotion > The Compromiser 02/12/2018 at 19:16

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Finding knowledgeable specialists and listening to them is how I survive without coming apart at the seams trying to master every single thing I’m interested in. Thank you, and thanks to your wife! Unless I hear of a better, cheaper separate lens I will take her suggestion

SPAMBot - Horse Doctor > AestheticsInMotion 02/12/2018 at 19:34

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Starred for Guinea pig. I know nothing about cameras.

MINIGTI > AestheticsInMotion 02/12/2018 at 19:56

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I second the 18-140. I find 18-55 a useless zoom.

AestheticsInMotion > MINIGTI 02/12/2018 at 20:21

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I’m considering buying the body and a prime 35mm. Possibly get a zoom later when the budget allows...

The Compromiser > AestheticsInMotion 02/12/2018 at 20:26

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She’s a Pentax junkie. We have a shelf in our closet that is just boxes for cameras and lenses. It’s a large long shelf too. I have her hand me down first camera. And she decides what lenses I need to take based on where I am going that day. I must appropriately accessorize I guess...

whatisthatsound > AestheticsInMotion 02/12/2018 at 20:53

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I went mirrorless because the image quality is as good if you aren’t shooting at night or sports. Most importantly, we take the camera everywhere and I wanted something light to travel with. I went with a Fuji XT-2, bonus is that it is waterproof. I know this isn’t a DSLR, and will only further complicate your search. I’d go through bhphotovideo.com for gear or adorama.com they both have excellent customer service and more importantly a solid return policy. Here are some compressed files from someone who has never used a camera before with the kit 18-55 lens. Fuji at night and Porsche

Audistein > AestheticsInMotion 02/12/2018 at 21:07

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Whatever you do, I suggest at some point picking up the a 35mm prime.

I have the Nikon DX 35 mm f/1.8 and I absolutely love it. I use that more than the 18-55mm that came with my (aging) camera. I don’t really find the kit lens that much more useful than the prime, so maybe go for the more expensive kit lens if you plan on using that.

For example, I took all these on an old D5100 with the 35 mm prime. https://oppositelock.kinja.com/i-took-some-pictures-of-cars-1797765257

If you do get the 18-140 mm, I would recommend getting a lens hood or a UV filter not just to improve photos (reduce glare) but also to protect the lens from scratches.

I also have the DX 50-300 mm for a zoom and its really great too. Nice and sharp and the VR is awesome. When you do eventually go for a zoom, that’s one option.

AestheticsInMotion > Audistein 02/12/2018 at 21:13

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The camera body and 35mm prime are in my cart. I think that will be the perfect setup starting out. Lens hood or filter recommended for this, or is that just for telephoto lenses?

No Prius Needed > AestheticsInMotion 02/12/2018 at 21:49

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I also highly recommend the 35mm. Its so sharp. I haven’t touched my 18-135 since I got it. I’ve got a Tiffen UV filter on it which is pretty good but you might want a polarizer depending on what you will be doing with it.

AestheticsInMotion > No Prius Needed 02/12/2018 at 22:06

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That is beautiful. I ordered the camera body and the 35mm. I can’t wait to try it out. Bless Amazon for free one day shipping

Audistein > AestheticsInMotion 02/13/2018 at 01:08

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My 35 mm prime came with a small lens hood. Saved the lens the one time I dropped it, and has stopped me from bumping the lens itself into windows and stuff. Lens hoods usually screw on backwards for storage.

UV filter can protect the lens itself from scratches, if that’s a concern. Also makes it easier to take photos through glass/water or deal with the sun being in the frame.

You should also see if you can get a little lower price than Nikon’s website by looking on very reputable online retailers like B&H Photo Video or Amazon. (Avoid any suspicious or unknown websites.)

AestheticsInMotion > whatisthatsound 02/13/2018 at 01:35

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I’m glad I already purchased, otherwise these shots would have me second guessing myself.

No Prius Needed > AestheticsInMotion 02/13/2018 at 10:14

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Good choice. Have fun with it!