When I got my D700 the thing I was asked the most was, why not the D800. Very Recently I started hearing, “do you wished you waited for the D600. My choices have seemed to bother a few people in an interesting way. Success in photography does not always require the latest and greatest gear. It requires good gear that does what you need it to do and for you to actually get out there and shoot.

The D700



To be honest, when I bought my first DSLR, the Nikon D90, I settled for it because I couldn’t shell out the cash. The D700 was my first choice, however I could not justify the cost. The camera is a piece of primal photography power, and a lot of fun to use. Released in 2008, it’s not spring chicken, but performs admirably.

Why Not Get a D800



The reason for not buying this camera really falls to value per dollar. The retail value of the Nikon D800 body is $2999.95. This would have depleted all the money I had been saving. My D700 was slightly used and not abused. So the cost of it, with a Nikon MB-D10 Multi-Power Battery Grip, and and Nikon AF Nikkor 85mm f/1.8D Lens was still nicely below the D800. Another thing with the D800 is the file size. With the D700 I don’t have to make a drastic investment in hard drive space.

Why the 85mm f1.4D and Not the G

Another question I got was why did I get the Nikon 85mm f1.8D Lens instead of the Nikon 85mm f1.8G. Yes we did review it here the G is a great lens. For me the D gives me more versatility, because it had an aperture ring. I’m shooting more film and the camera’s I like to use require and aperture ring. It that’s simple. I try to buy gear that I can use with everything I have.

Why Not Wait for D600





At the time of the purchase of my D700, the D600 was a rumor. After shooting with the Canon 7D I realized I was passed ready for an upgrade. If I decided to wait on a rumor I would of not have been shooting with a full frame sensor. My current kit now consists of two bodies making me more efficient and helping me feel more comfortable now having a back up. In all honesty, I will probably get the D600, if it does exist. I will go fully full frame, retiring the D90. For my photography plans, it’s the only path I see. The most important thing is that I am shooting with better gear.

Avoid Gearlust





Lusting after the latest and greatest new gear, can be a hindrance.

If you take a look at the internet, it’s easy to get caught in the “Look how good this is, you should buy it now” mentality.

Most times things are incrementally better or so drastically different it’s not what you were hoping for. In most situations what you need is already available. It’s proven & reliable. For the longest time you have seen fantastic images created with gear that’s already out or much older. Furthermore some of the images you really admire we’re shot on film or on cameras literally older than you. It’s all subjective really. If a new camera is released, and it’s what you need, by all means, get it. It’s better to look at what you need instead of what people say you should have. This is the line of thinking that led me to purchase the D700.

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