Nikon D300

[aspen2001]

I have been searching the web and I have found a wide range ($939 - $2000) of pricing on the D300 (USA Warranty).

Are there different model D300? One site told me the cheap model ($939) has a composite frame instead of Mag & that is the reason for the price difference. If the camera performs the same, does it matter?

This same site said that a Sigma 18-200mm f/3.5-6.3 DC SO lens was much better than the Nikon 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 DX VR and I should up grade to the Sigma for a better quality lens.

If this web site is lying I do not want to do business with this company.

I am trying to get the best value for my money from a reputable company.

Based on my research I have found several web sites that have the Nikon D300 w/Nikkor 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 DX VR for $1,549 -$2,499 for the set.

I will appreciate input/feedback. Thanks for the anticipated feedback.

[Xia_Ke]

As far as I know, there is only one version of the D300 but, more importantly just remember, if the price seems too good to be true, IT IS! I would stick with the more trusted sites like B&H, Adorama, etc. If in doubt, make sure to check the Camera Dealer Feedback Forum before buying. Checking a few trusted sellers, the cheapest I could find was about $1700 for body only so I would say any less than that, buyer beware.

[Frog]

Yeah...939 and I guarantee they'll ask you to call to confirm the order and then try to sell you a battery, too. It just isn't going to happen and if it was real I'd have bought their entire stock and been reselling them.
Do check the Dealer feedback forum and also check http://www.resellerratings.com/ before buying. Forwarned is forarmed.

[Franglais]

Only one D300.
I have never seen any reviews stating that the Sigma 18-200 is better than the Nikon 18-200.

Doesn't sound like a place you can trust

[Frog]

Also, any company you deal with should be an "authorized Nikon" dealer. If they aren't, they are selling grey market stuff that will not have a warranty with Nikon. I imagine you can check with Nikon whether some outfit is authorized.
The selling co. will try to tell you they offer their own warranty but it will be worth a little less than the paper its written on.

[another view]

There is only one D300; the differences might be in the accessories that come in the box (battery, instruction manual in English, etc) and warranty service. Camera dealers don't make a whole lot on cameras - they're in business for the accessories and services. If someone is taking more than a few percent off the price of a place like B&H then it's probably a gray market piece of equipment. I'd probably risk it on a 50mm lens but would never do it on a DSLR, personally.

Funny thing about B&H; they obviously are authorized but also sell gray market and have an explaination on their site about the differences between the two if purchased from them. The Feedback Forum here on this site should answer a lot of questions.

[fx101]

Yeah the $939 cannot be real. You're looking at near-retail for a D300. There's only one model, no such thing as a composite only. The Sigma 18-200 is a lot WORSE than the Nikon 18-200. The Nikon 18-200 is one of the best nikkors ever made. The only Sigma Lens worth buying is a 15-30mm (which I have) although Tokina has released a wide angle that might change the picture. Go with BH, Adorama, Beach Camera, Amazon, etc. Don't risk your purchase on a Broadway-Street dealer.

[aspen2001]

I want to thank everyone for the input. I got luck, my credit card company would not approve the purchase, until I call and OK the purchase.

I followed the link to resellerrating.com. I did find my seller listed there and the complaints were the things that happen to me.

[another view]

The Nikon 18-200 is one of the best nikkors ever made.

It's a really cool do-it-all travel lens, or a great one to take to a place like the farmer's market - but I really wouldn't call it one of the best ever. Great from the standpoint that since I have this lens, I'll be more inclined to take the camera with this one lens than leave it at home because I don't want to deal with a heavy shoulder bag and probably a tripod. But the image quality isn't even close to some other Nikkors. Of course, there is no comparison between images from this lens, and not having any image because the camera was left behind... That's the beauty of this lens.

The 18-200 is a good lens and I'm very glad I bought it. It's not great at everything (obviously nothing is) but I probably wouldn't put it up there with lenses like the 85 f1.4.