Body upgrade or glass?

[M38A1]

I've had my Nikon D40x and 18-200VR f/3.5 for 18 months or so now and really like the results. I just don't love 'em. If the sunlight gods are in line with one another and I use f/8, shots happen.

So my big quandry is do I upgrade my body to the D90 series or start with the purchase of new glass. The 18-200VR is a great all-around 'vacation' lens that does well for most shots, but it is a bit 'soft' outside f/8 +/- a few stops.

The D90 has some features I like to include the upgraded CMOS sensor, 11 focus points and a DOF preview button, as well as enhanced colors, much faster focus lock time, and what I believe to be an auto-bracketing feature. ISO performance is considerably better with the D90 as well as non-image enhancing features like a larger LCD, and four frames/second burst.

I generated a nice review between the two at:
http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/compare_post.asp?method=sidebyside&cameras=nikon_d40x%2Cnikon_d90&show=all


So if it's not a body upgrade, then I'm considering the 70-200VR f/2.8 and maybe a 35mm f/1.8 that would be equal to the nifty-fifty mm (52mm) that would be a prime and BRIGHT lens.

Can anyone shed your thoughts? My gut tells me the glass is limiting me at the moment as the shots are not 'tack-sharp'. Yet some of the on-board features of the D90 are things I also see as improving the shot quality.

Thx-

[poser]

keep in mind, any glass you buy should also work on the D90.
So I would start with the glass untill the body is what's holding you back

[NitroRoo]

Glass hands down. Generally the wider the range of a zoom the poorer the results. I would pick up that prime lens first and take a look at the difference in your results, you will be amazed. Like poser said you can always upgrade your body later, but the lens is what gives you your images. Your 18-200 isn't going to get any better on the new camera... in fact, with higher resolution you will just see more of the imperfections.

[M38A1]

Well, I did some poking around today. B&H has the D90 body down to $815 now and that mucks things up a bit.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/580241-REG/Nikon_25446_D90_SLR_Digital_Camera.html


I went over to Precision Camera in Austin and spoke with Cole, a guy with a wealth of information was eager to help. He said he hears it all day long from people about 'what to do'. His recommendation was the body upgrade simply due to some of the features like an automated bracketing function. Tell it your +/- range and it does an initial shot and one under and one over all at the same time. The sensor is upgraded providing for better color saturation, focus is eleven points user specified instead of three, faster focus/lock times and a few other things that I was wanting like a 3" LCD that spools up when you focus allowing for the 'over the head shots'.

He did say that my list of glass I wanted was a good choice to include the f/2.8 70-200VR and the f/2.8 105Macro in that order. He suggested I ditch my 18-200VR f/3.5 and replace it with the 17-55VR f/2.8. That would provide a gap from 55-70 which I don't see as a big deal. I've got a 50mm f/1.8 older AF lens that won't autofocus with the D40, it will with the D90. He said that was a good lens, but why not just spring for the f/1.4 50mm? Faster, modern and would be considered 'prime'. I'm not sure the 50 f/1.4 would auto focus on the D40 - I forgot to ask. I went back and priced some of the stuff and I just window-shopped a cool $4,700. Naw.... I don't think so. LOL....

So...... Nothing has changed. I'm still stuck without making a decision! :thumb:

.

[Gilk51]

So...... Nothing has changed. I'm still stuck without making a decision! :thumb:

You tha man! :zen:

:lol2: I completely understand your position! :rofl:

[M38A1]

Doh!

B&H can be dangerous. I just priced a D90 body for $815 with free shipping and a 50mm f/1.4 prime for $465 also with free shipping. Both in-stock. No sales tax.

Thinking
Thinking.
Thinking..
Thinking...
Thinking....
Thinking.....

.

[NitroRoo]

haha... of course a camera AND a lens would be even better! :) (sorry not helping, I know...)

[Tracker]

Do your part to stimulate the NYC economy. They need all the help they can get. :rofl: (I'm jealous)

[M38A1]

Hmmm....... Two things now come to mind with a price reduction.

1) Possibly the D90, albeit fairly new, might be on the phase-out list of Nikon?
2) Cookies enabled allow B&H to see my specific continued hitting of the D90 body page to make a specific price change.


They've got it down five-bucks from yesterday. :doh: Now sitting at $809.95, in stock and free shipping. :eek2:

Does anyone have any scoop on the D90 life expectency?

.

[Gilk51]

Does anyone have any scoop on the D90 life expectency?

Probably until you buy the next one... :roll: