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anthony_valvo

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Posts posted by anthony_valvo

    Got a Zuiko 150 f2, but I have no camera!

    in Olympus

    Posted

    <p>I own this lens and use it on the EM1. Its focus is fast and the lens is super sharp with creamy backgrounds. This lens is on par with Nikon's 200MM f2 and that says a great deal. I don't think I will ever sell this combo. I think Oly just put the EM1 up for a Black Friday special, so check it out. It's a very nice camera.<br>

    Good Luck<br>

    Anthony</p>

    <p> </p>

    Request for educated input- D3x or D4?

    in Nikon

    Posted

    <p>If the same price, I think the D4, especially if you like low light and sports. I bought my D3x in like new condition last year for $4k. They should be even less now. Its my landscape and nature camera and it is outstanding. I thought about a D4 and a D800, but the D3x is the right compromise of resolution and pro-build. I don't need or want video, so its the camera for me.<br>

    If you could get the price down on the d3x, I think its a more compelling decision. Then use the money for some nice glass.<br>

    Anthony</p>

     

    dead nikon F6?

    in Nikon

    Posted

    <p>I use Surefire batteries in the F6. They seem to be reliable and the battery meter works. Always carry a spare set on important shoots.</p>

    <p>Anthony</p>

    Question about 300mm f/4 auto/manual focus.

    in Nikon

    Posted

    <p>I bought mine many years ago in the 90s, new, and I still use it today. I never saw a need to upgrade. This lens has such quality to it and I actually prefer it to the AFS. Since I use a D3 and D3X, the focus has been plenty fast for me, especially if you learn how to properly use the limiter. I recently shot wolves, as a preserve, with the D3x and this lens. Even wide open the images just blew me away. I think its one of the best values on the used market today. You made a nice choice.</p>

    <p>Have Fun<br>

    Anthony</p>

    D3x in the field, D700 in the studio

    in Nikon

    Posted

    <p>Sure:<br>

    The viewfinder is better. Vertical handling is better. Balance is better with the integrated grip. Moving through settings like ISO, quality and size is quicker. No reference to the AF - although I find the D3 series to handle all my AF needs without issue. </p>

    <p>Anthony</p>

     

    500 mm F/4 P? or other?

    in Nature

    Posted

    <p>You might consider the 400MM f3.5 AIS. This is one of my favorite lenses. I wish Nikon would bring it back in an AF version. There advantages to this lens. The first is the weight. You can hand hold this baby, and its small enough to fit in to a backpack. Its very sharp wide open. And, has about the smoothest manual focus I have ever used. Last, it works well with converters.</p>

    <p>Anthony</p>

    Nikon D3 in crop mode

    in Nikon

    Posted

    <p>I had both cameras at the same time and recently sold the D300. If you a have never used a Nikon top of the line body, I would say go for it. The D3 is just an amazing value today. I think you will find that you like it a great deal. A 5mp crop will easily make a 11X14, even larger, depending on the subject. The high ISO capability of the D3 is probably all you will ever need. The 12MP sensor produces a great file, sharp and detailed file at 12MP. The AF and speed are superb. It probably one of the best all around performers ever made.<br>

    Good Luck</p>

    <p>Anthony</p>

     

    Which one is the best low light performer of these four full frame cameras - D700, D3, D3s and D3x?

    in Nikon

    Posted

    <p>My vote would be for the D3. Its the best performance / value play of all the cameras you mentioned. There is something to be said about a full on pro-body. D3s would be best for low light, but the extra $ is not worth the margin of improvement. As for the flash, just get the little sb-400. Its small and light and way better than any built in flash. Leave it on camera or just through it in the bag or a coat pocket.<br>

    Good Luck<br>

    Anthony</p>

    <p> </p>

    New Sigma 35mm 1.4

    in Nikon

    Posted

    <p>For availability try Dodd Camera. There is guy there that handles internet sales named Brad. Very good person and kept me updated regularly on my order. They had a bunch coming in, but I don't know how many were spoken for.</p>

    <p>One thing I started to consider when I tested the 35MM AIS against the AFS and the Sigma. My 35MM AIS is a very late serial number. These were and may still be in production. I wonder if Nikon tweaks the manufacturing process on this old AIS lenses. Certainly the optical formula has not changed, but a more modern process and better coatings, actually could lead to a better product at the end of model life then when this lens was available 20 years ago. My AIS is quite good wide open and blazing sharp stopped down. Its also have the size of the sigma and nikon modern lenses.</p>

    <p>Anthony</p>

    <p>Anthony</p>

    New Sigma 35mm 1.4

    in Nikon

    Posted

    <p>So a while back I bought the Nikon 35MM 1.4 AFS and the 85MM AFS. After some testing, I returned both lenses. I was not all that thrilled with the build quality and the 35 was not as sharp (in the center) as my 35MM AIS 1.4. For that matter, the 85MM AFS was no better than my AFD. So, back they went.<br>

    When I saw reviews on the new Sigma, I was skeptical. But, at that price I decided to give it a try. Well it finally came today. This is one of the sharpest lenses I have every used - good bokeh too. Its take sharp at 1.4 on my D3. No focus issues and built beautifully. This is really an impressive piece of glass. I highly recommend it, if you are in the market for a 35mm. Its AF is near completely silent and the manual focus is smoother than my AFS nikkors. I still be keeping my 35MM AIS, but this lens will see a good amount of use due to the nice fast AF.<br>

    Just one man's opinion and experience, but I figured some might be interested in a practical view point.<br>

    Best</p>

    <p>Anthony</p>

    <p> </p>

    F4 or F100?

    in Nikon

    Posted

    <p>Well, the F4 is indeed a pro body and its a camera that I really love. I've shot most of Nikon's Film bodies. These days I've settled on the F6 and the F4, with the F6 getting most of the shooting time. For digital I shoot a D300 and D3. I think much depends on how you shoot and what you want out of the camera. If you can swing it, I would recommend an F6. Its the best camera, that I have ever shot - film or digital. The experience in shooting with the F6 is really sublime. For me there is a difference between the pro and prosumer bodies. The ergonomics are better, the build is better, the tool is just better all around. <br>

    You can get an F6 used for about $1,200 and I'm guessing you will be able to sell it in a few years for as much. I bought mine for less about five years ago. Prices on these seem to gradually creep up. So, in the end, it will just cost you the film. I was thinking the other day that digital camera depreciation has cost me far more per shot than film has in the last ten years - funny how it works out that way. <br>

    If not, go with the F4 and some nice Ais and AFD glass. You can't go wrong.</p>

    <p>Anthony</p>

     

    In praise of Nikon FM/FE/1/2/3

    in Nikon

    Posted

    <p>FE was my first modern SLR, followed by an FE2 and then an F4. Still shoot the F4 and an F6. I would love an FM3a, but they are about the same price as a nice F6 on the used market. Crazy pricing. Nice to see people still love film cameras.</p>

    <p>Anthony</p>

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