Semi Newbie Needs Help

[Mike]

First off please excuse the relatively low tech question that I am about to put before the forum. I have recently been put in charge of Public affair for my National Guard unit. As part of my responsiblities, I am also the unit Photographer. I have been issued an old Canon F-1. It is a good Camera, but for the type of shooting I am doing I'm finding It has some draw backs. I have decided that I need a second Camera. I need a camera that will go everwhere I'm going to go. It must be able to do the typical " Grip and Grin" of an awards ceremony, or capture an artillery round in mid flight. These photo's will be for press release, so quality is a must. I need to be able to take 2.5 fps at the minimum. and was wondering what lenses to go with. Please bare in mind that I am something of a beginner, thought I have been taking pictures for the last 4 years all my equipment has been manually and provided for me. Cost is also a factor in that I must be able to convince the unit that I need this equipement. Lastly I would like to know of a good company to mail order from. I am told that you have to be wary of photo shops from N.Y. is this true. I have been looking at Nikon's but am unsure if I need one or which one. I think that I am past the N-60. I was thinking along the lines of the N-70, N-80, or the N-90s (Too Much Camera?) But was wondering what you would recomend. I hope to hear from someone soon. Peace Mike

[Richard Knight_old]

I would suggest the N90s and an 80-200mm f2.8 D type Nikon zoom (make sure this has the tripod ring as some older ones don't). To shoot at the fps you mention, you will need a fast shutter speed (as well as to stop the action of a shell in flight). This will require the large aperture that the f2.8 allows.The f2.8 aperture will also help in the low light conditions of the awards ceremonies. The D type lenses allow the 3D metering available on the N90s (a super metering system and camera BTW). The quality of this lens is comparable to many higher priced medium format lenses.
As for mail order firms, I would concentrate on B&H and Adorama (both reputable and based in NY) as well as Camera World of Oregon (Portland). You have heard right that there are many disreputable firms out there but these ARE legitimate firms. Hope this helps.

[alistair]

I replied to this post on another forum so I will just agree with Richards choice of body and lens. The F90 and 80-200 make an excellent combination.
cheers
alistair