Photography Question about digital slrs... - Page 4 - PhillyBlog

old old city · #31 (**permalink**) 05-23-2008, 06:13 PM

Who has the best price on a Nikon D300 anyway ?

Brian B · #32 (**permalink**) 05-27-2008, 11:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by arlee

Those Quantaray lenses are SO tempting, because they are such a great price. I think all of the non-Canon/Nikkor lenses - Sigma, Quantaray, Tamron - will be a bit soft. Sucks, when you think about the money you'd save.

Maybe you can get some sort of guarantee that you can bring back the lens if you don't like it? I mean, the proper alternative will cost more money, but I guess it's a start.

Why not try used lenses? That may sound ludicrous, but I bought a Nikon 85mm 1.8 (for 35mm full frame, not DX size - you can use them on your digital) at keh.com and saved some cash. I bought it rated in Excellent condition for a decent price, and was very satisfied with the purchase. Checking some of the forums, people who bought from there said that they've gotten clean lenses in good condition when purchasing those marked as bargains. Calumet here on Columbus Blvd. and B&H in NYC also deal used equipment that's well worth having. One thing to watch out for though...make sure you buy the right lens for your camera. For Nikon digital users, you'll want either D or G model lenses and those buying with the D40 or D60 will want the lenses specially made for their camera.

I've got a Quantaray lens that I bought some time ago, but I rarely use it. Once you use a good brand-name lens, your generic lenses mostly stay in the camera bag.

canudigme · #33 (**permalink**) 06-02-2008, 01:26 AM

Buying use lenses won't save you much if your buying Nikon or Canon unless you catch somebody getting out of the photography business or something like. You can check craigslist Canon & Nikon owners are selling the old stuff like its new. I guess the stuff made well. Don't waste money cutting corners on lenses its shows in your photos. Do your homework in ask question like your doing now. Quantaray is short term not really caring about the quality. Buy matching brand if you can you won't be sorry. Get the best if you can afford it. Oyeah take some classes. I shop at http://www.webbcam.net/ they are great people there. And other plus is they will take care of you after you buy not like Calumet.

phillyzcool · #34 (**permalink**) 06-02-2008, 09:42 AM

Used lenses can be a great buy. Ebay is likely your best bet because the true market value of the lens is determined by the bidding. Before you bid on anything, first watch the ebay final price for the lens you want, and then see if that discount to new-in-the-box is worth it to you.

Craigslist is tricky because a lot of the sellers ask too much for their items. But sometime you can find someone on Craigslist who is selling his stuff cheap.