d70s v. d80

[firstdigital]

i posted awhile ago in regards to how the d50 was but because of certain limitations that that the camera has like the limited iso, no backlighting, 2 commands less then the d70, e.t.c. and not to mention the various comparisons of the d70 and the d80 i kind off started to look at other options. should i get the d70s with a 70mm lens then spend the extra on optics or go and get the d80 with the 135mm lens kit. i understand that the optics play a major role in the quality of the photographs but the additional functions and commands that the d80 is capable off is also appealing. I am a novice photographer who plans on getting additional lenses in the 300mm to 600mm lenses for longer wildlife shots at the beach ;) so should i get the camera with all the bells and whistles or just save for optics? thanks in advance.

[tcadwall]

ok - this might be a bit unconventional around here, AS WELL AS unconventional advice from me. But for some reason, I am getting the picture that you are going to be cropping a lot.:D (regardless of how long your lens is)

If that is the case, then you might want the higher MP count in the D80. I would just hate to see that choice sideline your purchase of better glass. I think the 18-70 might be a better purchase than the 18-135 though. Can you do separates rather than kit? (not sure if the D80 is available with the 18-70mm in a kit)

--added--

All of that said, if you got a D70s, or D50 right now, and were able to get better glass now, you could easily upgrade the body later. After all, you WILL be spending more on glass than on a body.

[firstdigital]

o.k. guys heres what i maybe getting depending on the feedback....its a DEMO refurbished to factory specs D70s in mint condition with a full Nikon U.S.A warranty it comes with 2 lenses:
1. Nikon 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G ED AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor Lens
2. Nikon 55-200mm f/4-5.6G ED AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor Lens

but before i dish out $ 750 bucks for this kit can anyone tell me if i am making a good decision especially on the lenses and it being a DEMO model. thanks guys i really appreciate the support and quick responses i have been getting.

[TNB]

o.k. guys heres what i maybe getting depending on the feedback....its a DEMO refurbished to factory specs D70s in mint condition with a full Nikon U.S.A warranty it comes with 2 lenses:
1. Nikon 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G ED AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor Lens
2. Nikon 55-200mm f/4-5.6G ED AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor Lens

but before i dish out $ 750 bucks for this kit can anyone tell me if i am making a good decision especially on the lenses and it being a DEMO model. thanks guys i really appreciate the support and quick responses i have been getting.
Have you held a D200 or do you ever plan to get a D200? I simply ask since the D70s feels both more like a D200 and uses CF.

[tcadwall]

I'm not crazy about the 55-200mm. If you can't do body only, or just body and one lens, it still isn't a bad deal. Heck less than a year ago, I paid around $700 for the body. And another $700 for the 18-200mm.

Is it "factory refurb"? or refurbed by someone else? If it is factory it should include a full warranty I believe.