What is the ultimate D2Xs system if it is to be the last camera system purchased?

Question

I'm not a pro but don't want to be held back by the camera system and technology creep as I expect to shoot better pictures over time. I plan to go with the D2Xs over a D80 because the D2Xs's current technology should be sufficient for a long time. Since the D2Xs is standard, my question is really about lenses and total cost of the system. I can spend $5,000 to $7,000 for camera and lenses.

I think I need about four lenses; a micro, wideangle, mid range (28-55-85MM) and telephoto (200 or 300MM). Most pictures will be taken while "putzing" around and will include walkaround, landscape, portrait, wildlife and closeups of flowers, etc. What are the best value lenses in the focal lengths I need? Long-focal-length lenses I want stablized.

Thanks!!

Answer 1

The D2Xs is Nikon's top of the line model. The body itself costs $4250. For the lenses you say you want, add another...
$400 or $740 for the 60mm or 105mm micro
$1200 for the Nikon 17-55 f/2.8
$1600 for the Nikon 70-200 f/2.8 (stabilized)
and maybe another $900 for the Nikon 12-24mm.
Do you want a flash and tripod with that? Add another $310 for an SB800 flash and perhaps $700 to $1500 for a quality tripod (I've been drooling over a Gitzo + Arca-Swiss combination myself.)
Add another $400 to $800 for some 2GB SanDisk Extreme lV memory cards, perhaps a protective B+W UV MRC filter for each lens, a circular polarizer (a 77mm thread will fit both the 17-55 and the 70-200 lens), a spare battery for the camera, spare batteries for the flash if you get one, and a nice carrying case.
Top that all off with Photoshop CS3. That's $650 for the program itself and a few hundred more if you buy some plug-ins. If you plan on bulk-processing, also consider Nikon Capture or Capture One.

That list adds up to about $8.000 without the extra options and software, to over $20.000 for the full package.

Between the D80 and the D2Xs, Nikon has the D200 for 'just' $1340. The D200 offers a metal body, 5 frames per second, 11 auto-focus points... it's a very nice camera. Then either add the lenses I mentioned above, or take your lens selection down a notch as well.
I use the D200 with the 17-55mm f/2.8. This is an awesome combination, but it's pretty heavy and conspicuous for 'putzing around'. The D200 is used by plenty of professionals, so I doubt it'll hold you back (unless you really need 8 frames per second). By the time you outgrow it, upgrade to whatever replaces the D2Xs.
I'd also skip the 12-24mm zoom to begin with (although it is a great lens for landscapes), the expensive tripod (there are plenty of options for under $200), and one or two other items. It's easy enough to assemble a professional setup for under $7000... but you can't get the top of the line versions of the entire Nikon catalog.

Answer 2

OMG answered just what I was thinking in his "Best Answer" above. Why not get the D200 and spend the "extra" money on either more or better lenses?

I also use the D200 and 17-55 combo and think it's great. I "go to" the 17-55 when I am "serious" or doing more critical work, but usually have the infamous 18-200 VR lens on my D200 so it's ready at all times. I use the 60 mm macro lens, but recommend the 105 mm VR macro. I have two "cheap" Nikon lenses on my wish list right now. fhotoace's favorite 24-85 and Nikon's new 70-300 VR lens. Both are very well reviewed and both cost about $1,000 less than Nikon's ultra-pro level lenses.

I defer to OMG's list for accessories and I'd take his advice on anything.

And I have some bad news for you. I'm 56 years old and I'm starting to look at major purchases as "the one that will last for the rest of my life." Haha - that's not YOUR bad news, though. The bad news is that I doubt ANY electronic device will be the "last one" you buy. Either it will ultimately fail or you will so fascinated by a newer and "better" version of what you already have that you will just need to buy a new one. At $4,500 it will be very painful to replace the D2Xs. You can have three D200's for that money. Get a D200 and then do not hold back on buying lenses.

Answer 3

come on man....don't be over-ambitious.........I perfectly accept to OMG's and Dr.Sam's answers.........Get the D200 and some very good "expensive" lenses. Take help from Kenrockwell on why an expensive camera body is unnecessary.