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Question: I recently retired and my work colleagues clubbed together and bought me a FujifilmX-T100 with an XC15- 45mm kit lens, as they know I like photography. It’s very generous of them, but I’ma Nikon DSLR owner, so I was wondering what the camera would be worth – it is unused and still in the box. Depending on the value, I’d be keen to add a telezoom lens to my Nikon outfit – can you advise on what I should consider for both Nikon and third-party options? Trio of telezooms
Marc says: Congratulations on the retirement Peter, and on having such generous friends! We’ll happily take the X-T100 and kit lens off your hands for £267, it being in like-new condition. And we promise not to tell your colleagues! That should go nicely towards the coveted new telezoom, and we have three stellar options for you. First, the Nikon AF-S 200-500mm f/5.6E ED VR is a tip-top telephoto zoom characterised by a constant f/5.6 maximum aperture for consistent performance throughout the zoom range. Picking this up in good condition for £869 could make great sense. Third-party options should absolutely be in the mix. We recommend the Sigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM C, Nikon fit (£634, good condition) or the Tamron SP 150-600mm f/5-6.3 Di VC USD, Nikon fit (£604, good condition). Both of these will deliver great quality, outstanding clarity and won’t cost the earth. In fact, by trading in the Fujifilm kit, you’re well on your way to offsetting half of the cost.
PETER SALE, ANGLESEY
Getting closer tonature
Question: I have been spending many hours walking around where I live with my existing camera kit, a Nikon D610 and AF-S 24-70mm f/2.8E ED VR. It’s a great combination but it’s limited for photographing birds, insects andmammals, which I’m increasingly drawn to. So, I have several questions. First, howmuch is my current kit worth? I’d say it’s in excellent condition. Next, should I invest in a more up-to-date, higher resolution camera body? Or do you think I should stick with the D610 and invest inmore lenses? Or should I go all in and invest in a better camera andmore lenses? I’d be happy to consider brands other than Nikon.
DAVE FRANCE, WHITSTABLE
Marc says: Let’s start off with a quote for your well-looked-after Nikon kit: we’re currently paying £370 for an excellent condition D610, and the AF-S 24-70mm f/2.8E ED VR (also in excellent condition) comes in at £880, giving you a total kitty of £1250. Upgrading to a higher resolution camera could really give you the greater clarity and versatility that you’re looking for. We recommend grabbing a Nikon D850 in good condition at £1859, but trading in your D610 at the same time gives you a total purchase price of £1489. Revolving around a newly designed 45.7-megapixel BSI CMOS sensor and proven Expeed 5 image processor, the D850 is clearly distinguished by its high resolution for recording detailed imagery. If you prefer to stick with the D610, but invest more in lenses, take a look at the Nikon AF-S 200-500mm f/5.6E ED VR, available for £964 in excellent condition. Delivering a powerful zoom with extended reach, this FX-format lens introduces a new level of super- telephoto versatility. Combining this in your arsenal with the Nikon AF-S 60mm f/2.8G IF-ED Micro (£354, excellent condition) will help you get down to detail on those pesky critters. Boasting a fast aperture for macro photography, and with a comfortable 60mm focal length, it is the ideal lens for an affordable price. Finally, if you opt to switch to a mirrorless system with top-notch lenses, we’d suggest the Sony A7 III (£1369, excellent condition) as a fantastic, future-proofed choice. The Sony A7 III has been refined for improved speed and low-light performance, the full-frame
24.2-megapixel Exmor R BSI CMOS sensor and Bionz X image processor pair to realise an impressive 10fps continuous shooting rate and improved autofocus performance for faster, more reliable subject tracking along with wide frame coverage. You’ll need the right glass of course, so we say go all in on the Sony FE 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 G OSS (£734, excellent condition) and the Sony FE 50mm f/2.8 Macro (£344, excellent condition). These two beauties will cover the range of wildlife scenarios that you’re looking for. This shiny new set-up comes in at a total of £2446, but remember, by trading in the Nikon kit, you only pay a total of £1196. Not bad for a system change and extra lens!
Issue 83 | Photography News 29
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