Last week I sold my Sigma 70-200 f2.8 and Nikon 18-70 f3.5-4.5 which meant I had a little over $600 to spend on camera equipment. I used $250 on a Promaster [identical to the Tamron] 17-50 f2.8 which left me around $350. Between job applications I took a peak at craigslist and saw a Nikon D200 with only 5000 actuations for $375. The average price for a D200 in this condition is $500. I got the body, box, all accessories, an extra battery, and two 16gb CF cards!!! This body, along with the 10.5mm DX fisheye I got for $140 are probably the two best deals I've encountered.
When I was looking to upgrade from my D40x I was on the fence between the D200 and D90. Eventually I made the correct decision and bought the D90. Then last year I was going to sell my D70, but after dropping and damaging my D90 I realized the value of having a backup camera. The D70 has been great but it's just too old compared to the D90 for it to be a comfortable backup; the D90 and D200 are a MUCH better duo.
Huge size difference between the D200 [left] and D90 [right]
Much better LCD on the D90 [right] 3" vs 2.5" plush higher resolution
The guy I bought the camera from is probably the nicest person I've met through craigslist. He showed me his personal studio, large format Hasselblad setup, and the new D7000 his wife gave him for Christmas. Before leaving he gave me a Giants themed Christmas card he made last December, featuring his Dog, Daisy. On the back was a song about the Giants' championship run sang to the tune of "Jingle Bells". It was a very good day. Now all I have to do is sell my D70. Any takers?!?!
A Giants Christmas Song
