got new gear! well kind of...

Hi all newbie here. I hope this is in the correct section.... Just picked up a used but great condition Nikon D700 ( ) and a Sigma 50mm 1.4 dg hsm.... All I can say is YES!!! I really like it. I had a 5d mark iii a long time ago but had to sell it so it has been a while that I have had some camera gear. Figured I stay on my current budget and not go crazy! I got it all at a great deal and am very happy to be back shooting. If you guys/gals have any tips it would be greatly appreciated.

Thanx!

The thing with Nikon is that you can use many of the older AFD lenses and they don't cost a lot. I would recommend the AFD 28-105 f3.5-4.5. You can have it for about $120. It has a good enough macro magnification ratio 1 to 2. AF is fast and accurate. I used to shoot bike races with it. And of course, the AFD 70-210 f4-5.6 zoom. Another great, sharp zoom. I can be had for about $120 too.

I have a D750 and a Sigma 35mm Art so a similar set up and once I fine tuned the focusing it's an amazing combination. I'm sure your D700 and Sigma 50mm will be just as much fun to shoot with.

I think that's a great pick for a budget full frame camera. Much better autofocus system than, say, the 5D2.

I have owned the older 50mm Sigma and it wasn't sharp wide open. I had to go to f/2 to get something in sharp focus. I hope yours is fine. But wondering why you didn't get a Nikon 50mm instead?

I was reading and watchimg some reviews comparing the Nikon to the Sigma. According to them the Sigma was a better choice especially for full frame. Plus I figured since it was more expensive than the Nikon, I could always sell and try the Nikon 50mm later. So far I have no complaints. They mentiones something about it hunting for focus but I havent seen that yet. Even in low light on the outer focus points I have no issues.

Nice camera, nice lens. Nikon has nice SOOC JPEG1. If you take it out at the evening golden hour it will gives you its best.

Just picked up an old Tamron 19-35mm. Havent had a chance to take it out yet though, just been shooting in my place. I really dig wide angle shots so I cant wait to try this in the wild!