I went out looking at Nikon lenses today and I am not sure which one I want. I am looking at both the 105mm and the 60mm, leaning towards the 60mm at this point, but it is out of stock and on order at both of the stores I visited. The 105mm is in stock, but I don't want to make that the reason for my decision. I was also looking at the Nikon DSLR's again today. I have been thinking about adding another body so that lens changes aren't as frequent. I noted that the D70 was only $50 cheaper then the D70s. Gee for that difference maybe I don't want another D70? The only notable difference I found between the D70 and the D70s was that the D70s has a contact that allows you to attatch a cord remote to the cam and the D70 has the wireless remote, which I have. I also looked at the D50, not a bad deal for the price, seemed a tad bit smaller than the D70. The price was around $500 and even came with a lens! What turned me off though was the fact that the D50 wasn't as quick as the D70 on the trigger and it records using an SD card! This would make an excellent cam for someone looking to upgrade to a digital SLR on a budget. The D200 looks like something I want but can't be found in stock anywhere around here. I am not pressed for time, so I may just wait for the D200 to come in. I have been busy reading reviews, but there is so much to read, just looking for someone that uses one of these cams. Does anyone here use either the D200, D70s or the D50? Or maybe you use the Nikon 60mm or the 105mm? What are your experiences with it? What do like or not like about it? OK I am off to check out B & H Photo, maybe they will have a D200 or a Nikon 60mm lens in stock? Yeah right! LOL! Will check back later on, lots of research and work to do! Hugs to all! Brenda :)

Here in Sweden its a 15 week waiting period for the D200...sigh...i know cause i want it!!! #:oD This is a thread i will keep an eye on. #:O)

1)Known differences between the D70 and D70s; D70s has a cable release, 2inch LCD screen (1.8 on the D70), larger battery capacity (needed due to the larger LCD screen), Newer firmware (newest D70 firmware update will give you the same features). The price diff between the two was $200 at one time....for $50, it's probably worth it. 2) D50; Pros...Less $ Cons...feature limited compared to the D70s (eg top end shutter speed, etc), SD card, kit lens is not very high quality 3) D200...very very limited supply, in fact some are paying more than list price just to get it. Expect to pay around $1700 to $2000 for the body right now. Metal construction, better sealing against dust, etc. Loads of yummy features. Note that some "banding" issues have been reported in early production D200's...it may be best to wait until that is sorted out.

I think I have about 2 weeks waiting till my D200 comes in. They said 4 to 6 weeks. I heard about an issue, but Nikon said by the time mine arrives on the shores here that will be solved. Had something to do with turning it for vertical shots. I was listening in "sort of" on a guy who was bringing his back for a check on that. Almost turned me off getting one, and made me think D2X But I think I'll be quite happy for awhile with a 200.

There is loads of info over at the Nikon forums at DPREVIEW!

Nikon SLR Lens Talk Forum

Just do a search on the lenses you are interested in!

The "banding" issue on the D200 is also being discussed over there. Some threads show examples of this too!

Banding

A workaround using Photoshop:
Easy Photoshop bandage for D200 striping woes

I have the D70s, but won't be of much help since I'm a novice. The D70s uses the wireless remote as well. I've been using it lately experimenting with night shots. I can already see how the remote cable attachment would come in handy, since the remote doesn't always work from behind the camera. As for a lens, I'm saving my pennies for a telephoto VR lens. I seem to come up on shots that need a telephoto often, so for now that's my goal. Good luck and let us know what you find!

Still looking have found the 60mm in stock in a few places and can order the D200 but it doesn't say when it will arrive. Going to hang in there a bit til my local photo shop has both the lens and the cam... Should be a week or two guess I better go sign my name to the list. OK back to work! sigh Have some beauties I shot today, maybe I will share later... Brenda :)

Calumet has d200's in stock - at least on the 18th ~http://www.calumetphoto.com/ . I've the d50 but pretty much got it for doing vr photos so the 6 MP doesn't bother me at all as 6 images stitched together is way big enough at that resolution. I do however lust for the d200, but really don't need. Lens choice so much depends on use, perhaps decide what you really want to shot and go from there.