Hi Indrek,

I'm a Nikon DSLR user, glider, recreational and General Aviation pilot and
very enthusiastic aviation photographer.
I have been shooting with a D200 with a D70S as back up. Just bought 2 new
D300's

You would be far better off with the Nikkor 18-200 VR lens first off. The
D80 does not have built in sensor cleaning and even if it did, it never pays
to be complacent about microscopic dust getting on your sensor. In other
words, don't rely on auto cleaning sensors even if you've got it. The less
you need to change lenses the better.
Tamron offer an excellent 18-250mm lens but it doesn't have the VR.
You are far better off buying the most appropriate lenses first and waiting
to save for the 'wish list' lenses when you can afford them because
otherwise you eventually(read sometimes very quickly) finish up with a
cupboard full of old lenses you don't use, can't easily sell and were a
waste of money.
The vibration reduction is particularly beneficial for all handheld
photography, but especially for longer lengths and even more so when
shooting moving objects (planes)

The 70-300 VR lens is excellent, but don't bother with the non VR model. If
you follow my suggestion and go with the 18-200 VR first up, but are still
looking for longer length, save for the 80-400VR as your next purchase.
With 18-400 in two lenses both with VR, you will be the envy of many.

The D80 is an excellent camera, you won't go wrong there. Now that the D300
is out, don't overlook the possibility of getting a second hand D200 as
another option. Physically feel the camera, hold it, shoot a few frames and
listen to the shutter action and compare before you commit. Downside of the
D200 v D80 is weight. It is noticably heavier to lug around, but believe
me, its one horny camera.

See attached pic using D200/70-300VR combo. In the full size image you can
count the rivets! The owner of the plane has this image printed and mounted
in the back of his hangar at 1800mm x 1200mm and it blows everyone away who
sees it.

Hope I've been helpfull and happy snapping.

Rob Wintulich

"Indrek Aavisto" wrote in message
...
I am contemplating replacing my Konica Minolta Z3 with something better. In
the past this camera has taken reasonable shots of static displays, but
the
shots of flying aircraft have generally been mediocre, to say the least.

If anyone has any advice it would be much appreciated. A Nikon D80 with
the
kit 18-55 and a 70-300 zoom lens would just about fit in my budget. Any
comments about what sort of results I might expect with that set up?

Thanks in advance

Cheers,

Indrek Aavisto


--
Criticism is easy; achievement is difficult. W.S. Churchill

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