[scollins]

Recently I decided that I needed to fill a zoom gap in my lenses, and the Nikon 24-70 F2.8 was the right lens for the job. I've already got the 17-35 F2.8 and the 70-200 F2.8 VRI.

So today I stopped by the local Nikon crack-peddler (Glazer's) to see if they'd work on the price a little. Another local shop was selling them for $1,799, and I could order one from B&H for $1735 with Next Day Air shipping. The one drawback to buying local is the 9.5% sales tax. But, if you don't buy local, then that means local shops will go out of business (eventually), and then how do you go "hands-ons"? Also, I'm a small business owner too, and I certainly appreciate my customers.

As I'm walking around the store, taking stock of what's available before I approach a salesman, I notice that they've got 2 Nikon D3 bodies in the used case at $2,599. Well now, what have we here-ah? That is a great price! Naturally I'd rather have the D3s for that amazing ISO capability, but not for twice the price!

They were from their rental shop, one with 86,000 clicks, and the other with 180,000 (!!!). I'm looking at the 86,000 click body, and it looks flawless. Have them throw on a lens (85mm f1.4) and take some test shots. Works perfectly! I mess around with all the buttons and settings, and I would never believe this thing had that many shots on it.

So, I ask if they'd take 15% off the camera, if I buy a lens too. They counter with 10% off (which basically covers the sales tax), and we work a price on the lens at $1840. Not as good as the other local shop, but I also don't have to driver an hour there and back to save $41.

So I say "DEAL!" and I walk out of the store with my new (to me) Nikon D3 and 24-70 lens. To say I'm excited is an understatement.

I'll get some shots (from it and of it) posted shortly. I may even have to use my little P&S so I can show some "side by side" shots.

And now I've got an excellent condition Nikon D300 plus a grip to sell. I'll have that ad posted up here soon too......

[Chewy734]

Congrats! Looks like you got a good deal overall, and that camera is sweet!

[Sniz]

lucky bastard!

[immiketoo]

Merry Christmas to you!

[bosstones]

Congrats! Not get snappin' and post the results!

[scollins]

Need to get out and get some pics. I did use it to take some pics of some stuff for sale, but those aren't sexy.

Here are probably some of my last shots with the D300....


Nikon D3 and 24-70 F2.8, left side by scollins1868, on Flickr


Nikon D3 and 24-70 F2.8, right side by scollins1868, on Flickr

[c0nstant]

sweet! can't wait to see some shots

[UdubBadger]

Nice buddy

[remmib]

Nice camera and lens.

Just wondering, how do you know how many clicks a camera has got???

[immiketoo]

Impressive...

[scollins]

Originally Posted by remmib

Nice camera and lens.

Just wondering, how do you know how many clicks a camera has got???

Thanks.

On the Nikons, you just take a JPEG and then look at the EXIF data through something like http://regex.info/exif.cgi and it will include the shutter count.

You need to look at the JPEG directly from your computer. If you upload it to a site like Flickr, I don't think you can see it.

[BillLee]

its so beautiful.

[TL]

nice combo
i'm in the market for a FX camera too as I just recently sold my D90. D700 or the D3s but I'm trying to wait until the next gen bodies to be announced in 2011 to pull the trigger.

[scollins]

Originally Posted by TL

nice combo
i'm in the market for a FX camera too as I just recently sold my D90. D700 or the D3s but I'm trying to wait until the next gen bodies to be announced in 2011 to pull the trigger.

D700 is probably the only one to get an update any time soon, as the D3s just came out. The D3x might get an update, but it doesn't sound like you are considering that one. And Nikon doesn't seem to introduce new cameras early in the year, but later. So you might be waiting quite awhile. But I'm no expert...

I can imagine a D700 replacement would utilize the D3s sensor, and add video. I don't care about the video capability, but the ISO range of the D3s sensor would have been real nice. I also thought about buying a new D700, as the out of pocket would have been similar given the current rebates:

Local shop:
D700: $2,399
24-70: $1,840
Rebate: -$300
Total: $3,939.

I already have the battery grip, so that wouldn't be an incremental cost. But the horsepower of the D3 is just so much more than the D700 that the extra $240 was worth it, even buying used. Shooting 9FPS at 14bit with the D3 vs 5FPS with the D700 is quite a difference, and that is a spec that is important to me. It might not be important to you.

I've managed to buy just about everything used, saving some money in the process without giving up on quality. I think I got a good deal on the D3 because the D3s is out now. Same thing with my 70-200 VRI.

But dang, when you start adding up the money this hobby requires, even buying used... YIKES!!!

[TL]

Originally Posted by scollins

D700 is probably the only one to get an update any time soon, as the D3s just came out. The D3x might get an update, but it doesn't sound like you are considering that one. And Nikon doesn't seem to introduce new cameras early in the year, but later. So you might be waiting quite awhile. But I'm no expert...

I can imagine a D700 replacement would utilize the D3s sensor, and add video. I don't care about the video capability, but the ISO range of the D3s sensor would have been real nice. I also thought about buying a new D700, as the out of pocket would have been similar given the current rebates:

Local shop:
D700: $2,399
24-70: $1,840
Rebate: -$300
Total: $3,939.

I already have the battery grip, so that wouldn't be an incremental cost. But the horsepower of the D3 is just so much more than the D700 that the extra $240 was worth it, even buying used. Shooting 9FPS at 14bit with the D3 vs 5FPS with the D700 is quite a difference, and that is a spec that is important to me. It might not be important to you.

I've managed to buy just about everything used, saving some money in the process without giving up on quality. I think I got a good deal on the D3 because the D3s is out now. Same thing with my 70-200 VRI.

But dang, when you start adding up the money this hobby requires, even buying used... YIKES!!!

photography is definitely an expensive hobby

thanks for the info
looks like i might have to get a D7000 instead and then wait for the next gen D700 as the D3s is way out of my budget now or i can take your route and get something used.

[scollins]

Originally Posted by TL

photography is definitely an expensive hobby

thanks for the info
looks like i might have to get a D7000 instead and then wait for the next gen D700 as the D3s is way out of my budget now or i can take your route and get something used.

Glazer's had another used D3 in the case........ I bet they'd ship it.......




Of course, now the wife is looking at a bigger diamond ring. I should have gone for the D3s instead, since it looks like the D3 is going to end up costing A LOT more anyway.....

[hipnotic]

that is awesome

[kamek]

Originally Posted by remmib

Nice camera and lens.

Just wondering, how do you know how many clicks a camera has got???

Use the shutter count utility from www.astrojargon.net

[remmib]

Originally Posted by kamek

Use the shutter count utility from www.astrojargon.net

I found that site too, but it seemed that it doesn't work on the 7D.

[scollins]

It's a disease, damnit! I sold the D300+grip+extra battery today. The buyer wanted someone from a camera store to check it out first. Fine, whatever, I know it is in top rate condition. Yep, camera store guy agrees.

So naturally, I HAVE to buy an SB-900 with the cash! Wow, so much more powerful that the SB-600 I already have.

My other toy showed up today: Photoflex Litedisc holder with bonus 52" white/gold reflector (free!)

When does it end!?!?!?!?!

[M_Six]

The big problem with this thread is that there are no . Show us what that full frame can do.

[UdubBadger]