bill_keane2

<p>It's like Hyundai, which should be pronounced HY-YUN-DI, but in the US is pronounced, even in the ads, as HUNDAY...</p>

<p>"As a hypothesis, if I buy the 60mm f2.8 D lens and 2 SB 600's, do they work well together?"<br>

<a href="http://www.photo.net/photo/5721407">http://www.photo.net/photo/5721407</a><br>

<a href="http://www.photo.net/photo/5696391">http://www.photo.net/photo/5696391</a><br>

These were done with a Sigma 50mm 2.8 Macro on a D80 and an SB-600... <br>

You should have no issue. I don't think you're going to get so close to your subject that you will not be able to properly place the flashes. The SB-600 come with tripod stands making placement a breeze.</p>

<p>In general, Manfrotto pods are very, very substantial, and this one is no exception. I can't imagine not carrying one because ledges, sills and pedestals can all be used as the base.</p>

<p>"What's wrong with wedging the camera against a wall or a post though?"<br>

Nothing wrong, except I was using ISO100 at around a 2-second exposure. Plus the tripod gives you the ability to carefully frame, then relax. <br>

Thanks for the kind words Chris...</p>

<p>Well when I tried out the appropriate GorillaPod for my rig (that I originally went to buy), it was too big to be used inconspicuously... AND comparing the two side-by-side, it's not as stable as the Manfrotto with the ball-head that's 1/3 as big.<br>

BTW, the Leica table top with recommended ball-head is way, way, way more expensive than the Manfrotto...</p>

<p>"i'd wait on a new copy of the tokina 11-16, since you have two tele lenses already but no ultra-wide."<br>

Yeah, I'm gonna do that. </p>

<p>"If you do and spoil your pictures, complain directly to Bill Keane."<br>

Right... <br>

Anyway, the SB-800 not being closer than 2 feet (or 20 feet!) to a subject for proper function doesn't negatively impact the useability of the D90/SB-XXX wireless control. If anything, it enhances it. Cords don't help and undercut the D90's built-in wireless capability.</p>

<p>I was considering a GorillaPod for inconspicuous use in places where tripods aren't allowed, and I came across the <strong>Manfrotto 709B Digi with Ball head</strong>, for about $30...<br />It <em><strong>easily</strong></em> holds my D200, MB200 Grip, plus a Tamron 17-50mm. I used it at The Top of the Rock, and it was "rock" solid. <br />One of the best purchases I've ever made.</p><div></div>

<p>"You perhaps would not be allow that close with other non-macro flashes and would need the extension cord recomended already to move the flash back.."<br>

Not with the SB-600, or the SB-800 for that matter. For what's being described, a cord should not be necessary. That's the beauty of the Nikon system.</p>

<p>Hang on a second... The D90 will control the SB-R200 or SB-600 wirelessly. I would think of getting one of those. You can get one SB-R200 and ring bracket that will mount on the front of your lens. Or find another way to hold it. The tripod socket could be useful here for either the SB-R200 or the SB-600.<br>

Forget the wires. It's what makes the Nikon system so great!</p>

<p>So, given a 50mm lens, an FX sensor gives you a 4X6 print that looks like the standard angle of view from a 35mm camera...<br />A DX sensor with the same lens, gives you a 4x6 print that has the angle of view of a 75mm lens on a 35mm film camera. As if you cropped out a central portion of a 35mm negative and enlarged it to 4x6 (or proportionally larger sizes).<br />The Nikon D300, D90, D2x are DX cameras, while the D700 and D3 are FX. If you have a collection of Nikon lenses, they will retain their angle of view with the FX, and you will gain an apparent 1/3 telephoto effect if you go to a DX camera.<br />Many people love the DX for it's ability to "add" reach on telephoto lenses, BUT the DX format renders, say, a 20mm lens as if it was a 30mm (quite a difference).<br />So, if you want real wide angle in the DX format, think of lenses measuring in the 10-15mm range.<br />Keep in mind that some lenses have been specifically designed for the DX format... and will vignette badly if used on an FX camera.<br />Lastly, I was a very reluctant convert to digital.<br />I would never go back to film.</p>

<p>Well, come to think of it, the way I use my SB-600, an SB-400 might be a nice pickup for less weight, more convenience (keeping the SB-600 as well).<br>

And yes, I have done super-wide, and enjoyed it very much.</p>

<p>The Sigma 10-20mm is generally seen as a fine lens, and I am not sure if the Tamron tops it in any area except focal range.</p>

<p>I am so far having a blast with my Sigma 50/1.4... Now, since I returned my sample of the Tokina 11-16mm, I have a credit at B&H... Plus, I have a little more Christmas $ to spend.<br>

One option is to simply get a new copy of the Tokina when they arrive. Or should I go in a different direction?<br>

Right now, I have: Tamron 17-50/2.8; Sigma 50/1.4; Nikon 85/1.8; Sigma 150/2.8Macro; Sigma 300/4.0<br>

I like the performance of all of these... I could go for a Nikon 80-200/2.8 and just forget super-wide shots...<br>

I could simply get the Tokina and also an SB-800, selling the SB-600... <br>

What do you think?</p><div></div>

<p>Personally, some of my better macro shots were taken hand-held of moving things where a tripod was not feasible, or even allowed.<br>

So I'd take VR, not as a replacement for a tripod, but for when it's just not available.</p><div></div>

<p>El-Co Color Labs in New Jersey does 20x30's for $9.95, if you buy two, on photopaper, printed on a Durst Theta. There may/must be some interpolation involved, but regardless, glossy prints made from my D80/D200 are wonderful -- sharp, clear, great color.<br>

I did a shot of a new church complex in the Balkans, hand-held, ISO 100 with a Tamron 17-50 on my D200, and the 20x30 prints from this were used as gifts for major donors to the complex.</p>

<p>Great pickup! Mine continues to please!<br>

What is the playback zoom trick?</p>

<p>Welcome to the Tamron 17-50 club. It's a great lens, and, looking at the puppy's eye, it's not at all soft at 2.8...</p>

<p>As Matt mentions the Canon review, it is also interesting to note that the Sigma backfocuses with Canon full-frame bodies on subjects beyond 10 feet. I don't know if this has been resolved yet.</p>

<p>Apology accepted Stephen. I apologize for my response.</p>

<p>Here's one at 1.4...</p><div></div>

<p>Yes Andreas, I think a Nikon cap needs to be a speedy acquisition... The Sigma one is real tempermental in terms of how it wants to go on...</p>

<p>"Bill, that is remarkable resolution for f1.4. Thanks for posting the example." -- Dave Lee</p>

<p>Dave, you are right. It's quite a lens.</p>

<p>Thanks Hansen.<br>

I only chose the ISO because I was really rushed to see if I could post here quickly...<br>

Truth is, I am VERY impressed.</p>

 

<p>Stephen, what an ignorant expression! But for you, there's hope! An improvement in IQ is all you need! </p>