D300 and 70-200mm f/2.8 OR D700? (for photographing dance)

George Hampton , Sep 28, 2008; 10:59 p.m.

I have a budget enough to buy either a D700 body or a D300 body and a 70-200mm f/2.8 VR, and I need help deciding which one to go with. I currently have a D40 with the kit lens and the 55-200mm f/4--5.6 lens.

My primary reason for upgrading is to be better able to photograph dance performances, i.e. fast action in low-light. Based on what I've read, it seems like the ISO upgrade from the D700 is enough to warrant spending the extra money, but I don't have the money to get both the pro body AND the pro lens (yet). Will using a consumer level lens hamper the pro body so much that I shouldn't bother?

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Matt Laur , Sep 28, 2008; 11:46 p.m.

Your 55-200 will only project an image onto part of a D700's sensor (it's a DX-specific lens, and the D700 is an FX format camera). That would be a huge waste of the D700's capabilities.

What sort of situations are we talking about, here? Dance competition (like ballroom), or stage performances? How far away are you from the action? There are other lens options that might get you by, but it will help to know more about how you'll actually use the rig.

Shun Cheung , Sep 28, 2008; 11:50 p.m.

Since the D700 was introduced on July 1, we have had several threads where we repeat Dan Brown's comment: "is like dressing Miss America in a burlap bag." You might want to take a look at those threads:

(link)

Rene' Villela , Sep 29, 2008; 12:04 a.m.

Do you have a credit card? That will take care of any problem deciding!

Greg F , Sep 29, 2008; 12:32 a.m.

a lens like the 70-200mm f2.8 is going to outlast camera's in this digital era. my motto buy glass first.

mj t , Sep 29, 2008; 12:33 a.m.

@Rene' Villela wrote, "Do you have a credit card? That will take care of any problem deciding!"

Ok, so your answer might be a bit TIC - however, it is very, shall we say, uneducated.

Shun Cheung , Sep 29, 2008; 12:38 a.m.

I would assume Rene's comment is a bit of a joke.

mj t , Sep 29, 2008; 12:49 a.m.

You're always better off with top-notch glass, so I want to answer you directly:
go with the D300 and 70-200 - that lens is irreplaceable. Eventually, if you decide
to go with the D700/etc (FF), you'll enjoy it even more.

Granted, I dont have experience with the 55-200mm, but with that lens, considering
what you're shooting, you'll most likely be at 5.6 at best. The 70-200 2.8 will, forgive me,
"smoke" the 55-200 with regards to speed and quality. Combine it with the D300 and you
have a great combination.

Rene' Villela , Sep 29, 2008; 02:33 a.m.

I just find that the answer is simple..... I wouldn't buy a D700 to use with a 55-200 coz that is a waste of camera. A D300 and 70-200 seems a like a great set but it seems that the OP is wishing for the high ISO of a D700. His D40 with a 70-200 will do great and can keep him going for a while until he save more for a D700 or the D700 goes down in price. I find it so simple. Now if he wants everything at once... I don't think there is so much the PN community can do, he has to settle for a D300/70-200 combo. As Shun say, there are so many threads like this in PN.

Rene' Villela , Sep 29, 2008; 02:34 a.m.

George... Sorry if it sounded rude and uneducated! Rene'

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