My Wish List - Almost a Reality :)

[AutumnCurl]

So as most people do i have a list of Equipment i want to get, however in my case i am lucky enough to say that i will be able to purchase a lot of mine in the next few months.

My Long term aim is to have my own studio (run from home to start with) - and i feel that i will purchase items in 2 groups.

So I will list them in groups and i am after some recommendations ( of course i have read a lot online and started to talk to shop assistances etc, but it great to hear from people who may use the items every day) What i don't really need to hear about things being pricey and to change it out for a cheaper brand etc - as price isnt really deciding my list. I have between 15-30 grand to spend and my current list is around $24000. I also only use nikon - its family thing - we always have and always will

So Group 1 ( the stuff ill get first)

Nikon D3s body or Nikon D700 Body (i'm really leaning towards the D3s) ( i want a FX this time)
( if d700 then also Spare battery & Nikon MB-D10 )

Lenses - Going to aim to buy 3 first Please advise your opinions and any other recommendations

AF Nikkor 85mm F/1.4DIF - the new one with nano coating

AF-S Nikkor 24-70mm F/2.8GED

AF-S Nikkor 14-24mm F/2.8GED

AF-S VR Micro-Nikkor 105mm F/2.8GIF-ED

AF-S Nikkor 70-200mm F/2.8GEDVR11

2 Compact Flash Cards - fast ones

Nikon SB 900 Speedlight

Manfrotto 055x pro tripod with 808head (need to research these)

77mm Uv fliters



Group 2

Bowens Gemini 400/400 studio kit or similar

Pocket wizard plus 2 Transceiver

backdrop with frame preff. Manfrotto

LightMeter

Mirrored Plexiglass sheet

Rollout wooden floor

brick back drop


I am sure there are things i have missed or not discovered yet, i am open to advice

[swifty]

Can't really offer much advice but jz quickly, the newer AFS 85mm f1.4 is the G lens. The D lens is the older screw driven one.

BTW what do you shoot?

[AutumnCurl]

haha i forgot to put that hey I love nature, but i love taking photos of people so the aim of the new stuff will be people with a focus on children and families.

I have the nikon booklet of lenses and the G is noted on my spread sheet, however i have found a lot of places here dont stock the new one yet.

[richie4540]

how about adding

grey card for setting white balance

backpack / case to hold it all in

film camera to experiment with / Holga or hasselblad?


regards richie

[Wayne]

D3s or if want D700, I would wait for new release which should be very soon.
85/1.4 D or G
24-70/2.8
70-200/2.8
More than 1 speedlight
perhaps a reflector kit?

I would buy it all overseas from the USA or HK, you will save thousands and you could negotiate a great deal if buying all together and Nikon currently has huge rebates in USA for the lenses on this list.
Buying that gear here would be a serious waste of $$ in my opinion, others will feel differently...

[AutumnCurl]

Thanks Wayne do you mean import it? as shipping and taxes would apply and i am also not sure how that effects warranty? As i have been told that the australian warranty is different. I have been advised wholesale prices here from 2-3 shops and i am waiting on some quotes.

I do have a sb600 so that will do for the moment + the sb900.

I have a great lowpro backpack that holds multiple lens and my laptop.

Reflector kit is a good idea - i was just talking about it to my hubby before ( not that he cares) but i may just buy one out of my weekly spendings :P

Does anyone use a D3s all the time? as i have small hands and im concerned about the dial placement - the shops i have been into have been out of stock - i think its due to the floods and shipping has been delayed so will go have a good play when one comes in.

[Wayne]

I guess no need to reply given the member status..

[ricktas]

The OP is currently under a ban for creating multiple accounts on Ausphotography. The mods and I are discussing if we should allow re-instatement of one of the accounts.

[Wayne]

Thanks Rick

[AutumnCurl]

Wayne please reply when your about

[Wayne]

Yes import it. Many sellers are helpful with shipping and customs declarations, so seek them out. PM your email address and I will give you a guide. I have imported almost $30K worth of gear this past year and have saved thousands. IMHO locally we get robbed for most gear most of the time, so I choose to spend my $$ overseas until the Aust market can be competitive.

[Sobriquet]

definitely start with the 24-70 as it will give you a bit more scope in the studio (unless your studio is very long) the longer lenses are not so great for human in the studio.