THE BUDGET WEDDING / EVENT KIT:
This really was a special project. With so many new photographers restarting an interest in the Wedding, Event, and PR work, some of the costs of startups can be overwhelming. Especially when you start looking at $2000 bodies, $1400.00 lenses and $1300.00 flash units much of which is overkill, underwhelming in actual help for the new shooter and overwhelming for the bank account or credit card.
It came about because I was asked to create a Wedding/Event kit for a new shooter. There were two parameters in mind. Quality meaning longevity and budget. To me thats a challenge, a fun project, because some of the choices at first seemed easy enough but I was looking for long term and expansion.
Simple yet good quality. It was to be for a new photographer, actually being trained as a second shooter. That left out lower priced, pure amateur models, been there, done that. And to keep the cost down. So I looked into some of the things on the shelf from my backup and spares collection. Some things I could modify, and just like on the Iron Chef show made due with the items we had. This is what we came up with.
The CAMERA:
I selected the D200 because of cost today vs what you get. Remember the basis if this is a balance of quality and accessories to do the job professionally.
New this was a $2000 camera with the grip.
It was an extra camera in my collection, hardly ever used, and in mint condition.
So we have an absolutely immaculate NIKON D200.
Complete with the popular and needed optional two battery handgrip.
These prosumer models use gas, so the grip and two batteries is preferred. I believe it was 1800 dollars new plus 200 for the grip. Both batteries read 100% and the camera combo is flawless and low miles, very low miles,
LENS:
This is not the inexpensive base plastic lens from Nikon. This is the step up to Aspherical glass, Metal Mount not plastic, MA/M switch and this is the middle grade 18-70 3.5-4.5 AF-S ED. It is bigger and heavier than the 18-55. Faster and sharper at the ends. it retailed at $369.00
It ONLY works on digital SLRs. Perfect for flash Wedding work and about 90% of what you will shoot. Being "Frank", in lieu of being "AL", on D40's and other amateur sized Nikons, this is not the choice lens.
It's more lens than camera. There is simply more to it. This is heavier because it has ED glass in it, a motor, it's AF-S and a 3.5 which is one stop above a 2.8. It is not as smooth as the all plastic cheapies, which self lube, but it will last the miles. Thats the difference in amateur and prosumer lenses.
FLASH:
These are not bad units and can keep up with the heavies. For the money this is a significant savings over the cost of the Nikon strobe and does a nice job for the new shooter, as a backup, or single on the lightstand. I have several for backups now.
I used them to replace my Vivitar 285's during the Strobist rush. This flash also has the paperwork and the box. Twin flash tubes and Nikon D-TTL, plus full manual and communication. It can do it all.
FLASH CABLE:
This ProMaster 7500 DX has been adapted to fit the Jacobs battery packs with a coiled Quantum MB5 cable installed and locked in place. No loose cables, no loose batteries.
COMPLETE WITH A NEW BLACK BOX:
A brand new BLACK BOX. Thats a 200 dollar kit.
LIGHTSTAND ACCESSORIES:
The kit also includes a Jacobs Perfection Bracket. And a light stand adapter for the pack. If you use the 7500 DX as an off camera light.
TOTAL KIT:
Included boxes paperwork, instruction books, and all cables etc. $1420.00 It lasted ten minutes and was sold. Sorry no more available. Careful shopping can keep you in the game. Everyday there is some kind of special on this site. It tells me if people read.