New Camera,, New hobbie How did I do?

[matthew_justice]

Hello all this is my first post. I just pucrhased my first camera and

I am taking a photography class in summer session. This is the camera

I bought I paid 100 even Nikon N65 SLR in Excellent condition.

Quantaray 28-80mm 3.5-5.6 Aspherical lens. From others I heard that I

should buy a new lens. Do you have any suggestions for a poor college

student..Did I get a good deal?

[walter_strong3]

Don't worry about whether or not you got a good deal. Just use the equipment and have a good time. Years from now when you are a high paid executive you can get new gear and not even think about the price!

[alex_lofquist]

By the time you have used the lens once, you will probably have more experience with it than many of its detractors. It is the nay-sayers that keep the prices down on lesser known equipment. I have seen good images from uncelibrated manufacturers. As to suggestions, just smile and go on taking pictures.

[dean_williams]

You don't need to buy an new lens, Matthew. All you need to buy is film. Buy as much as you can, and shoot as much as you like. If you didn't get a manual with your new baby, look for one to download on the web. Get to know your camera, find what interests you and enjoy yourself. You're gonna love it!

 

Dean

[david choo]

Matthew, don't fall into the trap of focusing on equipment. Get film and lots of it. Buy it in bulk if you can and have fun. It's kind of funny to me. Most of my best images were made when I didn't spend thousands on stupid equipment.

 

HAVE FUN! :D And yah you got a good deal.

[loreneidahl]

Yes.

 

You'll get even a better deal out of it if you use it to express your vision.

 

If the choice is between getting no lens and a used lens -- what option is going create the best picture with your camera body?

 

As you learn how to use the zoom you find out what range(s) you use the most. Get prime lenses in those ranges. Keep the zoom, its a good range for most types of work.

 

Spend your money on film. Learn how to SEE first and then consider lenses to help you SEE better.

 

A used lens in good shape on your camera body is better than a brand new lense sitting on the store shelf.

[matthew_justice]

Thank you all very much I am totally new to the world of cameras. This site has given me so many ideas. I am looking foward to my class, I have never felt this way about a class lol.

[r s]

Make sure you scan and post some samples here to show your work.

Congratulations on getting a camera - you'll soon experience something I think most people that get started with photograhy realizes and that is that you start to SEE the world differently.

It's an interesting change and something that is well worth the 100 bucks :-)

[the tightwad]

"don't fall into the trap of focusing on equipment" I'd have to agree

with this point of view. If anything the photographic equipment that

you buy exist only to enable you to take pictures at all,i.e. they

are the "Tools of the trade" no more or less.

 

As an example......

The camera & lens you bought are both well suited to the jobs that you'll give them so buy some film and go have a ball learning this

wonderful craft of photography!!!!! Buy new/different equipment as

they will be needed as tools only. No one really cares if the picture was taken with a $10 camera or a $10,000 camera as long as the results

capture the eye of the observer.

[the_macman]

I would definitely invest in a 50mm lens and from there, start learning.

[the_macman]

Reasons: a 50mm lens has an outstanding sharpness and overall picture

quality. It's something you notice right away in comparison with the 28-80.

Amazingly sharp pictures is a motivational thing for beginners. It's also a very

fast lens, meaning it will allow you to shoot in poor lighting conditions where

your 28-80 will be useless.. For the same reason, it will allow you to make

meaningful portraiture, such as in focused subject and blurred background,

something your 28-80 usually can't.

[joshchapman]

The N65 is a great body to start with (a friend of mine had one and absolutely loved it until it was stolen). I'd say just try to get a cheap lens and try it on your camera before you buy to make sure there aren't any problems. For sure you have to get out there and use it, though. As for 50mm prime vs consumer zoom... well... low light ability, sharpness and background blur vs. convenience and a chance to try a few ranges to see what you like.

Enjoy your new hobby.

[david_prouty]

Nobody can say if your lens is bad except you. Use it and then decide... for yourself... if it's good enough! I have a 70-200 zoom for my old Canon AE-1 that some people would say sucks. But, I like how it creates a soft look. Good for what I use it for. Not for other things. If I need a less soft look I use a different lens. Have fun with your camera, because if it's not fun, what's the point?

 

Dave

[h._p.]

This thread ought to go on the front page - so many people telling someone to stick with what he's got! Excellent advice from all of you.

[the_macman]

I've always discouraged beginners to explore at first with their kit lens,

because very often they are disappointed and some of them end up believing

that it's not worth to play with so much buttons and a bigger/heavier camera

for those blah results. Very often, some even find that their P&S camera did

better... The truth is that some P&S cameras actually are able to output better

images than SLR kit lenses.

 

Every time I've been asked for advice from newbies, I strongly encouraged

them to get a 50 before they start playing with the camera. After all, this is how

all the beginners in the 60's, 70's and 80's started. I think it's the best way to

start.

 

The kit lens is convenient because of the zoom. Let that for family shooters

who buy a SLR in order to shoot barbecue parties and camping but who have

absolutely no intention of learning more and more about photography. I'm

categorical: for those who want to learn, the 50mm should be the FIRST step.

[the tightwad]

Macman has good point about the 50mm being a good learning lens. The

50mm limits the perspective view to help the novice learn to "see"

good pictures. However, in this case my advice to the poster still

stand......use what you already own. Set the Quantray to 50mm and LEAVE

IT THERE WHILE YOU ARE LEARNING. True, it may not be the best solution

but it will be the best in this case because it helps the novice learn

how to work with what's "on hand" to get the shot. Something we all

face from time to time. It also limits the equipment the novice has to

overcome while learning.

[frank.schifano]

Chalk up another vote for The Macman. I too agree with him on this issue. The lens you have on the camera now will do for casual snapshots, but that's what it is designed to do. Don't expect to make photos in low light without flash with the thing as you will be disappointed. Nor should you expect razor sharp 8x10 prints from it either. With a fast 50mm lens (f/1.8 or better) and some fast film you will be able to make some stunning images under less than optimal conditions. The fixed focal length will also force you into thinking about composition before you fire the shutter.

[matthew_justice]

Thanks to all for your thoughts. It is really starting to make sence. You are all very kind to take time out of your lives to help a newbie.