[nicklovick]

My Konika-Minotlta 7D is dead
I fell at the motocross last year and my camera hit a rock as I fell. I knew the lens was a right off immediately. It turned out the body was also damaged beyond repair (despite me using it for the remainder of the MX season).

The insurance company sent me a Sony Alfa 100 as a replacement for my 7D.
But... the Sony while being a great camera was not up to the standard I am used to. It had no flash sync socket, no user pre-set memory's and no fingertip controls (all the settings were changed by menus).
Now that Minolta has been taken over by Sony they seem to be aiming more towards the armature market. So its time for a change of manufacturer...

I have been looking at the Nikon D200 with Nikons 18-200mm DSLR lens which looks just right for my needs.

I can stretch to £1500 for body and one lens for now. I would rather spend less than this as I will need to buy adaptors etc to make my metz flash compatible with a different brand.

I was wondering if anyone has any other suggestions or ideas?

[Dabhand16]

Well, I'd obviously support your plan, but I suspect the Canon boys (and others) might have other ideas.

How about going back to basics and shortlisting a few then getting your hands on them to see how they handle?

I also don't like menus so would shy away from cameras that rely on them to alter settings.

[nicklovick]

Originally Posted by Dabhand16

How about going back to basics and shortlisting a few then getting your hands on them to see how they handle?

I'm in a bit of a rush for this as I've been using a borrowed camera for a couple of months now. And the MX season is already under way.

I've never been keen on Canons... I just never liked the feel of them. I would be interested to hear what Canon users have to say though.
What would be the Canon equivalent of the D200?

[Dabhand16]

Not that familier with Canons, but I guess a 30D would be close.

Bad luck that your camera got wrecked BTW

[stepheno]

Sorry to here about your hassle Nick. By all accounts the D200 is a cracking camera but I've never handles one. However I do have a Canon 30D - I'm not going to say it's better than Nikon but it is a damn fine camera -

• all photography settings are non-menu
• it has the fastest startup time in it's class
• 5fps in RAW
• excellent high ISO/low noise ratio
• spot metering

If you link that to a good lens then I think you will have a cracking set-up for sport shooting. I currently use it with a 100-400 L IS for sport and I reckon it's an unbeatable combo. If you can't run to a 100-400 then the 70-300 IS is equally good but missing the last 100mm.

Best I could find is £659 inclusive, body only at Park Cameras. Well that's my twopenneth - let us know what you decide

[Dave]

I think the D200 would be perfect for you Nick. The ability to change most settings on the camera from the top & back panel I would expect to a be a godsend in your line of shooting. Then add the robust build quality & hopefully it will keep up with your falls

As for lenses the 18-200mm lens is very good, but would you not prefer a fixed f/2.8 lens to throw the background out of focus ? The Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 would be a cracking lens, & we know Dod shoots with that lens well. From memory though I think I remmebr you saying you like to have a wider field than 70mm though ?

[Dave]

Noting Stepheno's post, if you wanted to go longer than 200mm then I would possibly consider Canon models, as I have to say their 100-400m lens is better suited to fast sport than the Nikon equivalent. If staying below the 200mm end though, I think you will find the Nikon D200 best bet, in my eyes anyway

[nicklovick]

Some great food for thought there guys

I'm thinking along the lines of the 18-200mm as it will be my only lens for the time being. Above 200mm I find my hands aren't steady enough and tripods/monopods are a pain.
The sigma 70-200mm still appeals to me, how does the optical quality compare to genuine nikon lenses?

I've looked at the 30D and the price is a + point... but its a canon can it stand up to the kind of use I need it for?

[Dave]

Originally Posted by nicklovick

The sigma 70-200mm still appeals to me, how does the optical quality compare to genuine nikon lenses?

I ran a test here that may be of use :- Budget prime vs Premium Zoom vs Pro Zoom lens

Having had the Sigma 70-200mm, I would say the optical quality was half way between the Nikon 17-55mm & Nikon 18-200mm. That said, in the real world when your panning & following fast bikes I'm not sure what difference you will notice. In addition if you like to shoot a wide focal range, is it better to have the 18-200 ready for that cracking shot, rather than lose it through changing lenses

You could also consider this For Sale AF-S Nikkor ED 80-200mm f/2.8 D IF ED

[Dave]

Originally Posted by nicklovick

I've looked at the 30D and the price is a + point... but its a canon can it stand up to the kind of use I need it for?

I'm sure it can, but you need to get down a dealers & try out both cameras. I know I can can carry my D200 via the grip , with a telephoto lens no probs, plus the location & number of switches allow for quick adjustements to camera settings, which may be of importance to you .

[dod]

Get the Nikon Nick. The D200 has the environmental sealing a la canon 1D series. For what we do it's the only way to go. Alternatively, look at a second hand 1D mkII or 1D MkIIN. You should pick them up at about the same price or less than the D200 and if it's a good source should come with a guarantee. Shutter's rated for 200,000 actuations so even one with a 40/50K count is still good for some time. A used D2X would also be worth looking at.

Alternatively look at a new MkIIN from Hong Kong, roughly £1800.

[Dave]

Originally Posted by dod

....Nikon Nick.....

I see a new Username coming on

[nicklovick]

Hmmm, wish I could get my hands these cameras but its a problem in Orkney... I think one of the local paper photographes has a D200 so I'll ask to have a play with his.

I'm pretty much convinced I need a D200. The lens choice is still up in the air though...
After using Sonys 18-200mm for a couple of weeks with my mums 7D I fell in love with the lens and I got some stunning shots first race of the season with it.

As it's going to be my only lens for the time being I need it to be versatile...

[nicklovick]

Oh another thing is, I can get very close when shooting MX I've never needed more than a 105mm lens.
AF speed is more important focal length.