As I process images from Umbria I realize that I’ve found a simple, effective equipment combination in the Nikon D300 and Tamron 17-50mm f/2.8. The images are sharp and have sufficient dynamic range for processing. The combination of aperture and usable ISO gives me the ability to shoot well past sunset. I have simple off-camera IR control of flash.
It’s a DX setup, but I have no need for a full frame sensor since I have wide and sharp DX lenses.
What would cause me to upgrade? The D300 is well built but heavy. I’d love a body the size and weight of the D80 but with the image quality of the D300. In fact, smaller and lighter would be better as long as it was balanced with the Tamron. The Tamron is optically perfect for me, but it’s not of the same build quality as the Nikon equivalent. But I’ll take the Tamron based on its size and weight.
