john_bailey7

<p>My first, recent purchase from local dealer. Please excuse the Iphone pix quality. I am running through my second roll and will frequent this forum.</p>

<p><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6021/6002672358_a1476b2aea_z.jpg" alt="" width="640" height="478" /></p>

here is an example. I was walking through local river shore in later winter<div></div>

I have used my Tamron 1.4 on this lens with A/F and decent results. I dont know what restrcitions you mean but have used it at indicated aperture of 2.8 to f8 on my D300. I'll check for pics to follow up.

Love the 85 1.8. Playing around indoor full open, 1600 ISO 1/80<div></div>

Reviews are opinions as are posts on BBS --> everyone has one.

 

I initially entered semi-pro DSLR world with D80 when $1000ish was my price point having spent $1000 in 1999 for Olympus 3.3 mpxl and subsequent p&s. Since I also own FE and F3 it made sense to use my existing lenses on Nikon bodies. Well after 1 yr of the D80 shooting sports, travel, macro and other images, I came to conclusion the D300, even $700 more than I recently paid, was the camera for me.

 

My requirements were better AF, higher ISO, more shooting option configuration, metering for AIS lenses, durability.

 

I hated to have lost the investment in SD cards and all the other accessories for the D80, but I recouped some of that through resale.

 

Having spent a couple of months learning the D80 UI through techniques, Field Guide and Magic Lantern, the learning curve has not been as drastic with the D300. I may be able to get by without the Hogan Ebook or these other guides. So far I have mated my AIS lenses, AF tuned a couple of long lenses, uploaded D2X profiles, and adjusted the shooting menus to my liking.

 

I've only been shooting images for the last 3 weeks and will hopefully become more fluent. The timing of the release worked in favor for the D300 for me. Others obviously have different needs/wants.

YMMV

This is 1600 ISO, tough shot late day 80-200 2.8 with TC at F4. No post processing except export to jpg and resized.

 

http://lh5.google.com/jjbailey930/R8XcOdBSSiI/AAAAAAAABNk/XZVp-blCXPw/s800/the%20dogs%20%281%20of%201%29%20%28Large%29.jpg

Bill,

 

i too have the D80 and kit lens. Intially I picked up a used 70-300non VR then 55-200vr. Both are now gone. What I recommend is looking for good used 80-200 AF 2.8 and if necessary a 1.4 TC that will get you to 280. I've been using this combo for daughter who plays college level soccer. Can't get too close due to sideline access but i do use tripod most of the time. I found a used 80-200 two ring for $600 and this is great when its overcast, foggy or shady. Since I am also using a Circ Polarizer this takes away about 1 F stop so the larger 2.8 takes care of that and the TC when needed. With the D80 I've had no problem focusing with this combo.

 

good luck

I bought this lens used for discount with this problem. I can get the lens to change between a and m still using the cracked ring. The camera does not know the difference at this point, I just check prior to shooting. Most my shooting iwth this lens is on tripod where I've shot many soccer games and a couple volleyball games. If you can get it to stick, then maybe its not a big deal. Keep us posted if you can get it fixed and what it would cost.

good luck

Breogan,

sorry that point was missed - I have a Sigma 10-20mm

best

John

Here is very wide shot of soccer field. Little distortion and it focuses fast and very sturdy as noted<div></div>

Shun,

yes, you are probably right. Thought he got it in time for Xmas 77 but was more like Spring 78. Too many college parties and years have intervened, but just like the commercial "FE keeps ticking" :)

My dad bought this as our first SLR new in 1977 - I have all original docs- and have been using regularly until I bought a D80 earlier this year. Its been with me through many trips and harsh conditions - I was a teenager when he bought it :). I left it in the back of a taxi on St Thomas in 1990 and providence prevailed as I contacted the cab company and the driver returned the camera to my hotel. Only 3-4 sets of batteries and one CLA and its as good as new.

 

 

Since then I picked up a very clean F3HP and keep BW film in the FE and color in the F3.