peterd

Ok thanks. Yes I see where my logic on the AF is flawed. I will turn that back on but continue to control the ISO an F stop manually which is what I was having issues to begin with. Thanks. Peter

Hi all, I have been reading and shooting pictures like hell last couple of days and had the opportunity to really get a

lot of different shots of the blue angels here in Seattle for Seafair. I got some really respectable shots with my 18-

200vr with a B+W polarizer.

Likewise I used my Nikkor 70-300 ED that I bought back in the day for my N80 and while I got some ok shots, I

noticed it was rather mushy in the 200-300 range and I really found myself thinking I needed another polarizer in the

sun which is a gimme. Where this spans out to the guts of my question is the eternal question of the future of my

gear. I am lovin the D80. its amazing because it easy and I get instant feedback and can then go back and look at all

the pictures that evening and improve and learn much quicker than film which did not encourage me to improve do to

cost involved. So that said, I got to thinking do I invest in an expensive filter, or do I consider upgrading to a nicer

more versatile (an newer digital specific lens) and just sell the other one and not spend the money on the filter

instead investing in something that i will get more use out of. The differences on between my 2 lenses is dramatic,

but I am not ready to blame to 70-300 either. I was doing all manual focus because I want to force myself to

improve and AF while awesome, is also like a crutch. So does anyone have any sage advice on these? Someone in

another post suggested I consider Sigma but I dismissed it thinking to stick with only Nikon glass, but I am starting

to rue those words and wonder if there is something I am missing out in since Sigma seems well regarded.. Also the

80-400 has not gotten the AF-S treatment though it is available in the VR. Cost for Nikkor at Adorama is $1429 while

the Sigma HSM is $849. There is a lot to say for you get what you pay for, however there is a lot to say for marketing

hype also. Also, if I get another lens, should I just keep this since I dont think its a terrible lens (not the cheaper one)

and I probably would take a big loss selling it anyway? Anyone care to weigh in on this? The pics I have seen for the

sigma on flickr have been pretty damn

stunning. I know a lot is on the photographer, but I have an analogy that works for me as a musician that is a truth I

swear by that I tell less experienced guitarist. A crappy amp will make an great guitar sound ok, while a great amp

will make an ok guitar sound amazing. That is if you get where I am coming from with regards to the lens. I have an

amazing amplifier by the way! Thanks Peter

 

 

 

PS- how do I add a pic in my post that you can expand? That was sweet in my other thread and really useful. If you

have pics of either lens please include.

Nick I would be interested in the article. If you can find an online link, it would be an interesting read I think.

 

Owen definately helps to have the information. I was pretty sure it would still be a great value, I just would hate to buy one and a few months later out comes the first refresh in 14 years.

 

Bernard: Thanks for the kindness. I already felt a fool on that one. I am a musician first so when it comes to being in a studio, my skillset is much higher.

 

Rene: I kidnapped your dog! :D

Rene, I aim to please. ;) Everyone starts somewhere.

LOL well Hugh for 97 monthly installments of 24.99 it can be yours. I did indeed misunderstand Carl. My apologies. I assumed it was a lens manufacturer. Minor homer Doh! That just shows my inexperience. Thanks for pointing that out.

I want to stay with Nikkor. Just a preference I have.

BTW my subject meant if they are coming out with one. There is no AF-S currently. Sorry for the confusion.

I actually did a walk in while waiting for my girlfriend as she scoured clothes. I did not have my body with me so I had nothing I could keep and look at home. I did take a D80 body in the store and take some pics with a 50mm which I own and the 85mm but I had to just sort of look at the display. Not really a good way to evaluate the camera. I considered buying it to play with it a little with the thought of returning it if need be. But its not exactly cheap either since this store wanted 499 which is 100 more than online. Its a risk either way though I think it is safe. So I opted to ask around to see if anyone has one and what they think about it. If everyone hates it or loves it, then you get a feel for how decent a value it is. As to the D version, I did not really see a digital specific one on Nikons site though I may have missed it. Peter

I was looking at one of these and thinking it would be a very useful lens for shooting people especially in a fashion

context. However this was released in 1994 I believe and I was wondering if anyone has heard if there will soon be a

digital only refresh of this lens as I have seen happening to so many others. I am told it is a wonderful piece of glass

in the price range and would suit my level I think as well. Thoughts? Peter

Thanks to everyone for the wealth of information and the insight of your experience. I think at this point I have all I need from this to get out there and shoot. I have settled on taking my 18-200 along with my 50mm. I invested in a polarizer and some knicknacks to maximize my weight. The GF has a tripod I may take depending on stability and weight. Pictures to come sometime in late September or Early October. Peter

Not really looking to buy any additional lenses as I am already overspent to make this happen. My last big lens investment was the 18-200. I am curious about the teleconverters since I have never used one. Has anyone tried the Nikkor ones that they have with I think 1.4 and 1.7 for the 18-200VR and how did it work out? I did drop on a B+W MC polarizer for this lens. Peter

You know I have to actually step away from the lens and ask why you are not considering the D80 which is a bit

better and I think gives you a black and white option that you dont have on the D60. Some comparisons below but

you will see the D60 is not so much less and I think you will get much more longevity and love from the D80. If this is

totally outside what you wanted to know I apologize, I just wanted to suggest it prior to you buying the body and

being past the point of choosing. Personally I would not buy a kit camera set save the one that includes the 18-

200VR lens and then only if it saves you a lot of money. Pricing below:

 

D60 Kit with 18-55VR lens 629.95 (BH\Adorama). I dont think it is sold body only.

 

D80 Body USA : 729.00 (BH\Adorama) ; W 18-55VR 899.95 (Adorama) 849.95 wo VR

 

You can find a lot of deals for used like new gear online and elsewhere for lenses, and you probably dont really need

VR all the time. I would consider seriously getting the better body and one lens and grow from there. A 50mm prime

is only around 100 and a great starter lens. Peter

 

PS Adorama ships free but not sure about BH. I got mine there in a sweet kit with a bag and much more including

extra battery and a memory card so at least I could use it right away. I got a 16GB SD card for under 75.00 new.

Stane that is a great photo. Both the GF and I are from Europe so this is a family visit. However I am taking advantage of it to flex my budding skills at taking some great pictures. The need to travel light and unencumbered is very important so that is why I am looking at what I have. Also I am rather broke after a pair of airline tickets so I dont really have the money to spend on additional lenses I may not even need. I spent most of my pennies on the 18-200 to get a super flexible lens even if not the best on the martket. I appreciate the info.

 

Anyone know the difference between a regular vs multicoated circular polarizer? B+W has both and to my level and skill would it even make any difference.

 

Thanks again. Peter

Thanks for all the info. There is a lot to assimilate but what I am taking from all of this into my brain is below:

 

Lens 18-200VR + 50mm. As I have em no brainer.

Polarizer for VR. I have it for the other but I was going to get one anyway. I have on B+W from a different lens but its good to get an education into the quirks and truth be known I dont want to correct in PS if possible color.

SB-400: Truth is I dont need better til I grow into it. This looks like a good flash to cut my teeth on. It can go into luggage until I have need. For most day trips I probably wont even carry it.

 

As to the suggestion to go other places, I certainly wish I had the time. Where we will in be poland borders slovakia and ukraine but they dont have a developed transit system so its hard to get around easily as you can from Prague. Maybe in the next 10 years the euro trains will expand but for now its an 8 hour bus trip to budapest etc and that is not really how I envision spending valuable time. I will be sure to post pics when I return. I have 1 16gb card and will get another. I plan to shoot raw so I am practicing now with the camera and so is the GF so we can get it down. I appreciate everyones effort and insight. It has been supremely helpful. Peter

 

PS I heard the older SB flashes dont work well if at all with the D80.

That is great to hear. So you have no opinion on Tiffen or Hoya? I see those pushed a lot. I agree on the flash. I actually like Shuns idea of the 600 bc I can tilt. Since its 200 new I am sure I can find one used and if not, a good piece of gear lasts a lot longer than a crappy one.

Lil, I saw at B&H that there was a kit with a UV, polarizer and warming which looked interesting. I already have the

UV but wonder if its worth it to consider something like that or whether to just always buy separate. Also, what is

your opinion of the different brands? I have Tiffen and a few others but there is also the BH\Adorama house brands

not to mention so many other brands. Any recommendations and things to avoid there? Good to know whats junk

early.

 

As to the flash, I dont mind spending a little cash but I dont want to be that dumbass with the most expensive rig

shooting point and click if you get my meaning. I am not very advanced and I just need some decent low light

shooting for things I cant catch normally such as buildings with lighting, people etc. I know that a flash is a

necessary investment, the question is how much flash do I really need? Probably not as much as the camera sales

guy would tell me for sure. My friend recommended an SB-400 as a good entry level but solid flash.

 

Thanks again for the input. Still working through your pics. You've got the touch. Peter

Thanks for the info. I love the photos that were offered because it really lets me see what it can do and that is great. My 50mm is actually a f1.4 so I will toss that in the luggage though it may not go out on foot with me. I definately have a polarizer on my shopping list, along with the remote for the D80 for taking pics from in front of the camera (GF demands it ;)). My goal is to travel with a small single camera bag with the lens mounted so it is small and unobtrusive and I will get a small strong plastic tripod to strap to it.

 

Jason: I would totally pack you in the luggage but the weight limits wont allow it. I really dont think you want me to cut you up into 4 pieces to make it so. :)

 

James: Italy is totally on my list but I dont have the time this year to dedicate it the time I want. I did also want to get back to St Petersburg but I am limited by this little work problem, namely that I have to.

 

Tom: Thanks for the pic sample. I love the color a polarizer adds. However a lot of people say shoot neutral and then PS the pics. Anyone have an opinion on that?

 

Lil: The pics are great and what I really like is that your friend is where I am, in the stages of exploration of a camera I am learning to use. I never did much with my N80 because I would go out all day, blow a lot of film, and end up with a bunch of expensive crappy pics. The digital pretty much reinvented the experience and I am again excited to shoot pictures where before I was ambivalent about it.

 

To everyone else, thanks in advance. I am thrilled for the feedback. Anyone got a suggestion on an inexpensive but decent flash or should I just roll with the built in for now?

Hey all, I am about to embark on a trip and I want to grab a lot of good pics. I am thinking about just taking one lens

on this trip, my 18-200VR I picked up in January. I also have a nice 50mm I am thinking of throwing in the bag, but

given the range of the other, I am toying with the idea of only taking the one lens and some filters to really minimize

my size and weight of my setup. I see no reason this is not a good idea given I shoot for pleasure and this lens is

pretty versatile. Thoughts on that? The idea of a single small camera bag slung to my shoulder as I go zipping about

is really appealing to me. Peter

 

Trip:

 

Seattle To Prague for 5 days

While in Prague we are taking a train for 2 days to Vienna

 

Prague to SE Poland for 8 days

We will visit Ukraine

 

Poland to Northern Spain to see the festivals in the beginning of Sept. Since on border with France float back and

forth.

 

Then rent a car and drive through Spain and maybe Portugal ending up in Madrid. ~ 10days.

I really like David Busch's Nikon D80 Field Guide. I think especially for someone who has not deep knowledge of camera functions (myself included) that it is a great and useful replacement for the D80 manual. And its full color pics throughout. It small enough to travel with you also. It also focuses on the camera and not the software which you should approach after you know how to use the camera. Peter

 

http://www.amazon.com/Nikon-D80-Digital-Field-Guide/dp/0470120517/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1215648417&sr=1-1

Any reason why you would not just upgrade to a D80? Its not that much more unless you are strapped. Also I would

not buy the bundled lens. A lot of people off load lenses cheaply on cra-list for example. I do know that the D80 does

B|W though you can do this in photoshop as well. Hope that helps. I love mine and I am certainly not a gear head.

Interesting photozone review on the 18-200vr Nikkor. I read other reviews that just glowed but this one did not seem to impress much. That is a great site to look things up, even if some of it went over my head a bit. Its not off the table but it makes me think more.

LOL! Brilliant Lex!

Thanks all for the info. As to whoever asked, I am not really sure what lenses I am want to buy yet but what I am planning to get is the Nikkor 18-200 DX VR and I started looking at the competitors from there. I think mostly looking at the tele zoom lenses. I appreciate the input. Peter

I seem to be getting beat up about an idea for a fashion style site. This is not a business model, more an interest I am pursuing if you will and I keep saying it. As to the comment I mentioned from Phil, it was something stated when I was reading his light guide. I may not have understood it right which is why I asked. That said, this portion of the website is very small in the design layout overall. In many ways sort of a side note. As a lot of people starting a project, I dont have money to hire photographers professionally and as a musician (25+ years classically trained), I would never tell someone to hire a musician who knows what they are doing, rather practice til it sounds good. I can do this and I ask for advice so I will get better and my questions will get fewer and smarter. Much was good and appreciated. Some was rather "pointed" which is all good I suppose but felt hypocritical. You have to start somewhere. I will post the website if I manage to get it up and then maybe my goal is clearer then. Thanks all I think I have what I need. Peter

Hi all, as I have been looking at compatible lenses for my Nikon D80, I see

there are a lot of different brands that I know nothing of. Can I get an honest

opinion of them if you have it and what you do or dont like about ability or

construction? The Sigma lenses in particular look really nice but I dont know

how they perform or if they are even well made. Looks are decieving. Brands I

was wondering about that I am aware of:

 

Sigma

Tamron

Tokina