ian_scotland

Oregon beach<div></div>

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Until yesterday I would probably have agreed with those who say 'why bother ?'.

 

I had a UV filter in place - just to protect the lens glass - and a lens cap, on the 18-200mm VR. I was starting to think 'I don't really need this - I'm always really careful' when (yesterday) I dropped the D80 and lens until a hardwood floor. The lens cap was jammed so tightly into the filter that I couldn't remove it, but I could hear broken glass. I gently unscrewed the filter to find that the filter had taken all the force of the fall and was shattered into a thousand pieces. After extensive use of a Rocket blower and an Artic Butterfly, all the bits and the glass dust are removed and - thankfully - the camera and lens appear to be undamaged. The lens still zooms smoothly, and all the test shots I've taken seem fine. For me, a really useful lesson - and yes, I've already ordered a new lens cap and a new filter ! ?50 versus ?1000 plus - it's a no-brainer.

Oregon coast<div></div>

Nikon D80 18-200mm VR

Nikon D50 18-200mm VR<div></div>

I may be stating the blindingly obvious here, but with the 70-300mm VR (which is not a DX lens), you'll actually be shooting the equivalent of a 105-450mm lens on the D70. The 400mm lenses which are being recommended would - of course - give you a 600mm reach !

Yorkshireman living in West Sussex near Gatwick airport

FWIW, I'd go with two SB800's - but if the budget makes this impossible, go with two SB600's. There's something to be said for having identical operating systems and the 600/800 are very different. I have one of each and wish I'd gone for two the same. Trying to remember how to use a piece of kit can mean lost shots.

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"Perhaps you will replace your new lens with the 85/1.4, once you get serious about photography".

 

I think Frank might need to lighten up a little - why put someone down just because they but a lens that you don't like ? There's also a massive presumption here that Axel isn't serious about photgraphy. How do you know that, Frank ? Shouldn't photography - and this site - be about sharing what we do and appreciating that we all have different views - all of them valid. Each of the 85/1.4 and the 70-300 VR do great jobs - different jobs, but still great. And before Frank smacks me down (:-), I've got - and enjoy - both lenses!

Best wishes to all,

Ian

I've had the 18-200mm VR for about six months now (never been off the camera since I got it) and I've ordered the 70-300mm (which is expected in the UK this week). The big selling point on both of these lenses - for me - is the VR facility. The two lens together will give me VR from 18mm right through to 450mm (I'm using a D50 until my wife picks up the hints I've been dropping about how wonderful a D80 wold be !). The ability to handhold and produce sharp images even at slower shutter speeds is a big bonus. Hope this helps. Ian

I've been using Capture NX for a while now and find it so much easier to use that any of the other converter referred to in the thread. The big advantage is that changes are held in a separate file, with the original RAW image unchanged. The Control Point system is - as far as I'm aware - unique, and so easy that even a dodo like me can produce great results. Hope this helps. Ian

Fall<div></div>

Twins

Can I gently disagree with you ? The attached was taken with the 18-200mm VR and I've been delighted with it in a wide variety of situations.<div></div>

Blue wonder

This link was posted here a while ago - it may give you some ideas.

 

www.tabletopstudio.com/documents/jewelry_photography.htm#sparkle

 

Kind regards,

Ian

I found a 18-200mm VR in Oregon after searching all over the UK for months. I have been absolutely delighted with the results and it's the only lens I now use. It's as sharp as the 50mm f1.8 I was using with 35mm and I'm regularly hand-holding shots at 1/8 sec with pin-sharp results. As you've probably gatherd by now, I love it !<div></div>

I found a 18-200mm VR in Oregon after searching all over the UK for months. I have been absolutely delighted with the results and it's the only lens I now use. It's as sharp as the 50mm f1.8 I was using with 35mm and I'm regularly hand-holding shots at 1/8 sec with pin-sharp results. As you've probably gatherd by now, I love it ! Ian<div></div>

Yes, the built-in flash on your D50 will fire the SB800. You will need to set the SB800 up as a slave unit (press the Select button for two seconds to access the menu). The Nikon SU-4 wireless unit allows you to get the full benfit of CLS - with the remore units turned on and off at the right time. Sounds complicated but it's actually really easy. I also found the two manuals (D50 and SB800) an easy read. Regards,

Ian

A word of warning - avoid the shops around Fisherman's Wharf. The touts outside will tell you anything to get you into their store and the sellers are incredibly aggressive (and rude if you display any knowledge of your subject) - a thoroughly unpleasant experience. If you're travelling further North, I had the best service ever in a shop in Eureka in Oregon.

I bought the Nikon 18-200mm DX VR lens recently and since then I've yaken some of the best pictures ever. It allows you to do everything - from wide angle up-close to extreme distance, and the macro stuff I've taken has been described as "outstanding" by other amateurs. This is a lens which - if you can find one - you should buy.