xp153dragon

<p>Until the D3/D700 were released, all of the digital cameras from the D100 to the D2Xs were DX format. The 12-24 and the 17-55 are the only "professional lenses" for DX. What I see is that Nikon will continue to develop the DX line, so obviously they have to make more DX lenses. The recent 35mm and 85mm micro lenses are filling out the prime arena. I would think that next would be some kind of AFS DX 16mm or an 18mm prime to cover the wide angle area of the DX format. I think that they want to have both complete DX and FX lines for us to choose from, offering more choices which means more products to sell and make money at. I am using a D80 and I am not a professional. I will stay with the DX line, and continue to purchase the newer DX lenses. This is just a hobby for me, and DX is fine. The FX format is just way to expensive for the normal amateur hobbyist.</p>

 

<p>Looks like a versatile lens, AFS/VR, prime for portraits and macro work. Good affordable price. I would like to have it.</p>

<p>I am using the Nikon D80/AF-D 70-300 ED zoom. My camera is a DX which turns my lens into a 105-450mm lens. I have it mounted on a Kirk BH3 ballhead with an older Bogen aluminum tripod. I shoot from the shoreline, always try to position myself higher than the surf line. (I usually do not want the horizon line in my images). I also use an 8GB SDHC card and shoot large fine jpegs. I live in California, and the best light is in the morning which works best.<br>

<a href="http://www.photo.net/photodb/folder?folder_id=864789">http://www.photo.net/photodb/folder?folder_id=864789</a></p>

<p >I also have the Kirk BH3, and am looking to upgrade my old Bogen aluminum tripod to a Carbon Fiber. The Gitzo's are very expensive. After looking at all the other companies, I see that Induro has the best bang for the buck.</p>

<p >Kirk BH-3 Ballhead with Quick Release - Supports 15 lbs (6.8kg) for $265.00</p>

<p >http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/554685-REG/Kirk_BH_3_BH_3_Ballhead_with_Quick.html</p>

<p >Induro C213 Carbon 8X C-Series 3-Section Carbon Fiber Tripod Legs - Supports 17.6 lbs (8 kg) for $370.00</p>

<p >http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/486858-REG/Induro_460_213_C213_Carbon_8X_C_Series.html</p>

 

<p>As a D80 user, the D300s looks like the best option for me to upgrade to as I can still use all of my SD cards. So in a year or two, when I decide to get a newer camera, that would be the way that I would go. I do not see any reason to go from my current D80 to a D90 or D300. I have a couple of DX lenses, so going towards the D700 is even less of an option.</p>

<p>I think that the AFS VR Zoom 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G IF-ED might be the better choice for your camera and budget. It will take you out to 450mm and it has good image quality, and goes for around $500 bucks. The AFS 300 f/4 is better, but goes for $1,000 bucks! You will also need to invest in a good tripod and ball head. I use the Kirk BH3 mounted on a Bogen aluminum tripod.<br>

For the price of the 300 prime you could get the 70-300 and a good ballhead/tripod. <br>

I have the non VR version and you can see how good that lens is by looking at my surfing pics.<br>

<a href="http://www.photo.net/photodb/folder?folder_id=864789">http://www.photo.net/photodb/folder?folder_id=864789</a></p>

<p>Instead of considering the 50, how about the new AFS Micro 60mm f/2.8G ED which will give you a prime lens that has macro capabilities and if you are using a DX camera, 90mm focal length which would probaly be better for portarits. </p>

<p>I have the 16-85 and use it with the D80, I am very happy with it. The only other lens that is better is the 17-55 which does not have VR and costs twice as much. I only use Nikon lenses and will not even consider anything else.</p>

<p>I have the AF-S DX Nikkor 16-85mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR and it is always on my D80. With the digital sensor it is a 24-127mm and is consedered to be the best of the consumer zooms. It is great for walking around, and has no lens creep. Some think it is expensive, but I feel that it is better than any of the 18-xxx lenses as it has the metal mount, VR2, etc. I am glad to have it and enjoy it immensly!</p>

I have the D80 and the SB600 and have found that the SB600 is great for stuff at home but does not have what it takes to shoot in larger environments. So if you plan on shooting events, weddings for friends, and other things, consider the SB800 as it has proven itself in the professional world. You can also set the SB800 as a commander and use the SB600 remotely and have enough light for most situations.

You say that you have $1200.00. At BandH Foto in New York, you can get the D90 with the AFS 18-105 VR lens for about that much with free shipping, and no taxes if you do not live in NY. I would go for it and not worry about it. The lens has a 5 year warranty, and you can go to Nikon Support and purchase the "Extended Warranty" which will cover you for the next 3 years. Then you will have a great camera, pretty good lens, and a lot of fun. The SB600 speedlight that you have will work great with what you get.

I am looking at this lens too and I am satisfied with it's performance. I would rather go with the newer AFS 24-85D ED lens, But I do not want to add another filter size to my collection = 67mm. I currently use the 70-300 which has a 62mm filter size which means that the Nikon 28-105 fits with my system. I have a Tamron 28-80 and I would rather have Nikon lenses for my Nikon cameras. If I was to get a 3rd party lens, it would be one of the Tokina ATX pro series. Which have pretty good reviews and have an excellent build quality of metal versus the cheap plastcs that we are forced to buy as consumers.

The SB28 (used about $150) is great and all you need. But, if digital is in your future, go with the SB80DX (used about $200), The price difference between SB80DX and SB28DX is minimal and the SB80DX is the succsessor which replaced the SB28DX. Many people have complained about the SB28DX on the digital bodies and having to spend a lot of time dialing in the correct exposure.

The best way to evaluate this lenses' capabilities is to go to the Nikonians.com wbsite, click their members galleries link and do a search on the Nikon 80-400mm VR, you will be amazed at the high quality images that come up. And there are lots of wildlife images, some from safaris in Africa. I plan on getting this lens soon at KEH and in the right hands, with proper technique and exposure, this lens is totaly capable of producing professional images.

i am switching from tri-x to fuji neopan 400 and was wondering about the iso film speeds that people use for this film. i do not have a dark room to use and will be taking all of my negs to a professional b&w lab for processing and printing.