Nikon pricing going up again?

[mountainpete]

Hi,

This might effect the US too...

I am hearing from three local dealers in Calgary that price increases close to 20% are expected on Nikon prices in the next few days. That's on top of the 10% increase that happened earlier this year.

The news is moving up my plans. I'm going to bite the bullet and pickup the 105 mm VR macro lens. It went from $839 to $949 last month. Better to buy now then wait until it hits $1200 :Wow1:

It sounds like it's all part of a market correction to reflect current currency values. Anyone else considering buying sooner?

Sounds like electronic items, especially photography equipment, is going to see some price jumps. Just look at the $8000 price tag of the new D3x!!!

Pete

 

[Colorado David]

Not again!!??

 

[Michael Slade]

I'm done buying digital bodies.

I'm investing in film for my 8x10 and 8x20. Platinum/palladium salts are also on my list, as is a variety of high-quality hot-pressed 100% rag papers.

I have what I need and it works well. To try to keep up with the latest to me is pointless.

But...if you're in the mood for new gear, then buying now isn't a bad idea.

 

[Lost Canadian]

Hi,

This might effect the US too...

I am hearing from three local dealers in Calgary that price increases close to 20% are expected on Nikon prices in the next few days. That's on top of the 10% increase that happened earlier this year.

The news is moving up my plans. I'm going to bite the bullet and pickup the 105 mm VR macro lens. It went from $839 to $949 last month. Better to buy now then wait until it hits $1200 :Wow1:

It sounds like it's all part of a market correction to reflect current currency values. Anyone else considering buying sooner?

Sounds like electronic items, especially photography equipment, is going to see some price jumps. Just look at the $8000 price tag of the new D3x!!!

Pete

Last month was a planned increase, thankfully Nikon sent out fair warning via a memo to dealers, which of course was made known all over the net. I was happy for the warning. On a side note, are you sold on the 105 VR? If you're looking to save a few pennies there's the optically superior, and slightly more useful length, at least for macro, Sigma 150mm. If you're using it for macro you won't be using VR, you'd be using a tripod, so not having VR on this lens is not much of a loss, not when you factor in the performance and price difference.

Lab results for both lenses.

Sigma 150mm

Nikon 105 VR

 

[Lost Canadian]

I'm done buying digital bodies.

I just picked up a F100 for $260, can't beat that. I'm running my first roll of Ektar 100 through it right now. Can't wait to see how they turn out. It's my first real film camera, not counting my little $30 Holga.

 

[Michael Slade]

I just picked up a F100 for $260, can't beat that. I'm running my first roll of Ektar 100 through it right now. Can't wait to see how they turn out. It's my first real film camera, not counting my little $30 Holga.

Holga IS a real film camera! It shoots the same film as my Hassy and Mamiya!

I did see a Nikon D1 for $200 on Craigslist locally. I did think about getting it actually, if nothing else than for another disposable timelapse rig, and possibly a touch of nostalgia. I had the first D1 on the west coast...sent to me personally by the VP of Marketing from Nikon.

 

[bajasurf]

I just picked up a F100 for $260, can't beat that. I'm running my first roll of Ektar 100 through it right now. Can't wait to see how they turn out. It's my first real film camera, not counting my little $30 Holga.

Welcome to the Dark Slide(Film Jargon). I am shooting film only again after a 2 year digital experience. I like digital but love film. It costs me 16 cents,including the cost of film and processing, for 5x7 prints at my local Ensenada Costco. You will be very happy with the F100. Having enjoyed your digital photos you are a natural for 4x5 film. Michael Slade is a great source for information (as is Teri) when you decide to take the plunge. Looking forward to seeing your first photos from the F100.

 

[mountainpete]

Last month was a planned increase, thankfully Nikon sent out fair warning via a memo to dealers, which of course was made known all over the net. I was happy for the warning. On a side note, are you sold on the 105 VR? If you're looking to save a few pennies there's the optically superior, and slightly more useful length, at least for macro, Sigma 150mm. If you're using it for macro you won't be using VR, you'd be using a tripod, so not having VR on this lens is not much of a loss, not when you factor in the performance and price difference.

Lab results for both lenses.

Sigma 150mm

Nikon 105 VR

Thanks Trevor. I've actually been looking at both lenses and they are almost identical in price right now. In fact the Nikon is currently a bit cheaper.

I really like the Sigma but it's then truly a dedicated tripod macro lens. The Nikon 105 can also be used as a decent portrait lens.

I think it will probably come down to what I like better when I start playing in the store :elkgrin:

Pete

 

[neliconcept]

Thanks Trevor. I've actually been looking at both lenses and they are almost identical in price right now. In fact the Nikon is currently a bit cheaper.

I really like the Sigma but it's then truly a dedicated tripod macro lens. The Nikon 105 can also be used as a decent portrait lens.

I think it will probably come down to what I like better when I start playing in the store :elkgrin:

Pete

sigma 150 is a dedicated tripod macro lens?

shot with a 150 sigma

 

[mountainpete]

sigma 150 is a dedicated tripod macro lens?

shot with a 150 sigma

Nice shot. Did you take it?

 

[neliconcept]

Nice shot. Did you take it?

friend of mines who took it, he just sold the lens for something bigger, i think the 300 f2.8

but it does take good shots of portraits/beauty

ive been thinking about it

but honestly i want the 200 f2.0 and a 24-70f2.8 for my fashion kit

i think the 135L and the 150 sigma are on par with tact sharp images, but of course the 135 is a stop faster at f2

 

[Rob O]

I really like the Sigma but it's then truly a dedicated tripod macro lens. The Nikon 105 can also be used as a decent portrait lens.

Pete

I've been extremely happy with they Sigma 150 f/2.8 Macro (on Canon bodies). And, while it lacks IS (VR) and the AF system painfully slow ... it's an awesome prime (I use MF anyway).

I'll have to dig up some of the handheld portraits/people shots I've done with it. The orange shot is tripod mounted, the other two handheld.

 

[mountainpete]

I dropped by a local shop. I really like the Tamron 180 mm! Very sharp. The Sigma is very nice too.

I think it will come down to what size I want. If it's 105, I'll go Nikon. If it's bigger, I'll probably go Sigma. I'm not worried about AF speed as I always go manual for macro shots. Flowers and insects will be the main usage.

Would love more suggestions and experiences!

Pete

 

[neliconcept]

I dropped by a local shop. I really like the Tamron 180 mm! Very sharp. The Sigma is very nice too.

I think it will come down to what size I want. If it's 105, I'll go Nikon. If it's bigger, I'll probably go Sigma. I'm not worried about AF speed as I always go manual for macro shots. Flowers and insects will be the main usage.

Would love more suggestions and experiences!

Pete

is their a nikon 160 or 180mm macro? i know canon has a 180 but curious about nikon

check it out, may be more in the money range though.

i agree on the manual for macro work, if thats what you really strickly think you may do, invest in a macro ring light (not a real big ring light like profoto or broncolor)

that will light up the area more consistent

 

[mountainpete]

Well I made the jump and ordered two items:

Got the last Nikon SB-800 flash (the new SB-900 is too expensive!) and got a very sweet deal on a Sigma 150mm macro. After some research I decided that was the lens for me and I got it at a price that is cheaper then Amazon's best price with CAD exchange. Plus, I get a 10 YEAR warranty here in Canada!

Both should be in my hands in a week or so. I'll be posting pics when I can.

Pete