larry_johnson6

<p>The time has come for me to employ some kind of touchless shutter release. I need one that works with a D610 and a D810. What advice (type/brand/etc) does the Forum advise?</p>

<p>Ten or 12 years ago when Mamiya had their excellent MF model 7 rangefinder film cameras I mused about a future when that kind of form factor might house a larger than "full-frame" digital sensor in a body that could accommodate and couple with their fine lenses. Well, clearly, that's not going to happen with them, but how about a similar product from Nikon. I don't have a guess whether any of Nikon's existing F-mount lenses would have an adequate image circle to provide a basic five lens kit until R&D could create some contemporary lenses. If that is too far-fetched, then yes, I'd be curious about a sleeker body hosting a conventional 24x36 sensor, an integral EVF, and a modified menu of goodies and capabilities that somewhat reflected their solid rangefinder cameras of the 1950s - 1970s. I'd prefer it to be designed with two levels only: true amateur and sealed and strengthened for the pro-sumer. Let it be a tad smaller, noticeably lighter, certifiably quieter, offering a choice between 24mp and 36mp, be less menu-driven, and a neat and purposeful design. How soon?</p>

<p>I appreciate the remarks warning about using something like Hoya's single element filters. In doing some follow up research to your advice to get something better I found that Nikon has such a product that will work with my 50mm lens. Would this be a reasonable way to go?</p> <h1 id="title" >Nikon D3100 10x High Definition 2 Element Close-Up (Macro) Lens (52mm)</h1>

<p>I do very little macro or close up work, so the idea of spending hundreds on a specialty lens isn't very practical for me. BUT . . . on the rare occasions when I'd like to home in on some tiny subject and fill my FX frame, I'm wondering if the image quality would be really good if I turned to something like the Hoya Close-up filter (+1, +2, +4) set. These would be used with a Nikon 50mm f1.4D. What do you think? Do you have any personal experience or observations to share?</p>

<p>Thanks, Bob. That's a strong endorsement for the 85mm 1.4G over the 1.8D. Realistically I know a FF 24 MP won't replace what I get from a 400 MB scan of a good 67 trans, at least not for huge prints, but I believe I can get satisfactory quality if I limit things to, say, 20x30 prints from the D610. I've had several sessions using the comparison tests from DxO the past week: Interesting stuff. Meanwhile, I've moved on from the 35-70 idea. A week ago I added a 50mm f1.4D to my kit and have been trying it out. Now, looking further ahead, I expect to get a very good 85mm prime next, unless my local camera shop guy convinces me I'd be better off with an excellent used 80-200 f2.8D he's got two of! Any opinions about that? Thanks.</p>

<p>Thanks, Bob. That's a strong endorsement for the 1.4G over the 1.8D. Realistically I know a FF 24 MP won't replace what I get from a 400 MB scan of a good 67 trans, at least not for huge prints, but I believe I can get satisfactory quality if I limit my print to, say, 20x30 prints from the D610. I've been doing several sessions using the comparison tests from DxO the past week: Interesting stuff. Meanwhile, I've moved on from the 35-70 idea. A week ago I added a 50mm f1.4D to my kit and have been trying it out. Now, looking further ahead, I expect to get a very good 85mm prime next, unless my local camera shop guy convinces me I'd be better off with an excellent used 80-200 f2.8D he's got two of! Any opinions about that? Thanks.</p>

<p>John, good suggestions. Of the two scenarios I'm considering, using primes makes a lot of sense. The next piece in the kit would be the 50mm f1.8D (used ~$110). DxO gives it a great grade, and the 85mm f1.8 gets similar props. </p>

<p>I appreciate the input from everyone so far, and Lex, yours is the kind of specific explanation I can relate to. I thought this lens might be an affordable gap-filler for me, allowing me to keep it on for a lot of general walk-around use. Yes, I know several of the contemporary 24-70 and 24-105 range lenses will perform better, so I need to work on budgeting for this and buying right, once.</p>

<p>In July I purchased a new D610 and the terrific 16-35 f4 VR zoom, and have been adjusting my thinking away from medium format film work. I'm looking ahead to adding to my kit and keep reading about the 35-70 zoom that apparently was quite popular fifteen years ago. My question is, does it hold up to a current 24 mp sensor and produce good, sharp images capable of being printed, say, 20"x30"? I value optics over any weight or size concerns. What do you think?</p>

<p>Final decision was to pair the Nikon 16-35 f4 VR II with the D610 body. The noticeable distortion from the ultrawide views is lessened by specific lens correction software and a bit of post production editing. It's great just leaving one lens mounted and being able to cover most of the shoot satisfactorily.</p>

<p>It appears this thread is ready to be "tied off." Thanks for all the thoughtful input the past couple of weeks. I've investigated every suggestion and weighed them against my plans (and my budget) and feel content with my decision. Regards.</p>

<p>Hey, Scott: I fully agree with the straight lines, especially if they're verticals. I know one can minimize a lot of the convergence issue by shooting "level," but that doesn't always produce interesting perspectives or emphasize the keys to a space. Your mention of the 18mm follows my musing about the 20mm, but I wasn't sure if it would have the field of view I needed. I'll look into the availability. One question: what is your feeling about subtly correcting verticals and horizontals in post processing?</p>

<p>Thanks, GJ. I like the coverage you showed in the interior shot. I mulled the idea of getting the Nikon 20mm and being able to have f2.8, but I know I'd sometimes need wider coverage, and even doing a two-shot stitch would present some issues in post: matching lighting and getting the alignment just right. Your lens features the 2.8 along with a good zoom range. So, I'm back to thinking the wide zoom is the answer. Actually, it would be really nice to have for some canyon shooting, too. Whatever I get will do double duty for my landscapes. [ larryjohnsonphotography.com ]</p>

<p>My thanks to all who have (so far) contributed experience and advice to this thread. I'm coming into this new application (for me) from 16+ years of serious landscape work with a 67-MF film system and six primes. The majority of work, initially, is scheduled for real estate images which will serve fliers, brochures and website portfolios. There are a couple of commercial building projects on the horizon. I'm looking forward to some magazine spreads, too -- gotta have a growth path in mind, right? Many of you have mentioned distortion issues with several of these lenses, and I've learned of a number of effective fixes available with post-production software. Because I'll still be doing landscape shooting, I want glass which will let me produce sound, large (30x45) prints. Whether that means single captures or multi-stitches, the end product will need to compare favorably with my MF past. For the new work I'll be bringing along the big 4-section Gitzo, as well as an 8' step ladder, to help with more favorable perspectives. It would be great to add a 28 mm PC-E to the kit in a year, but that isn't good fiscal policy right now. So, I think I have concluded there are 2-3 viable solutions for me to concentrate on. Now, it turns on the shopping process: I'll aim for select pieces in the used/refurbished market over the next couple of weeks. I appreciate all the input from the Nikon forum. Thanks.</p>

<p>Just read another timely question from the responses. I use a CF Gitzo four-section tripod that, when fully extended and on my Bogen 3047 head, puts the camera about 6'6" tall. I've shot a reflex Medium Format (6x7) for fifteen years so my technique is pretty solid. The interiors on my list range from nice residences to moderate corporate and commercial spaces. There have been a couple of church tasks, as well.</p>