steve_smith50

The. D750 is a fine camera. It will take some time to learn how to use it, which can be a fun process.

 

Because of the size of the files, you may want to get a 16 GB card for slot 1 for shooting RAW (NEF). The second slot can be overflow or

backup, I use it for JPEGs as backup, I put in a card with half the capacity of the slot 1 card and with similar write speed. 16GB in slot 1, 8

GB in slot 2. If you plan to shoot many photos before downloading, a 32 GB card in slot 1 may be wise.

<p>We have the Tokina 12-24/4. It's a solid, good quality lens throughout the zoom range, I use it for real estate interior shoots and occasionally for event shoots.</p>

<p>I use MF Nikkors much of the time on our D200, have created many very nice images. I have a 28/3.5, it delivers beautiful images on the D200. As does our 50/2 and Micro 55/3.5; our 80-200/4.5 does ok.<br>

You'll do well with either a D200 or D300 with good MF Nikkors, if you're good. Much more about the skill of the photographer than the particular body.</p>

<p>Micro 55/3.5 pre-AI comp. ap.; 28/3.5 AI; 50/2 AI.</p>

<p>We have shot several thousand images with our D70s and have had no problems with image noise except at ISO 1600 from time to time. Can't recall seeing any noise at other ISOs. Surprised to hear about your problems. Might want to have the camera checked out.</p>

<p>I use Capture NX, which is professional-level software with very good capabilities, cost under $150. Works best with Nikon cameras but I have used it successfully with Canon images also.</p>

 

<p>IMO some people tend to want to upgrade equipment for the wrong reasons. As others have said, the quality of images is less about equipment than it is about light and composition. You can make fine images with a D40 with the lenses you have and other reasonably priced lenses. My wife uses our D70s, a body with relatively similar image capabilities, as her main camera and has taken National Geographic-quality images with it using our AF Nikkor 28-105 lens.<br>

Learning how to work with the software is also important. We shoot mostly RAW, to have finer control over White Balance and color schemes.</p>

<p>Our Nikkor 50/2 AI is a fine lens, have gotten great images, close, mid-distance, distance. Image quality isn't about the latest-and-greatest, coolest looking lens with a massive lenshade and huge front element. One of my best lenses is a Micro-Nikkor 55mm/3.5 lens from the mid 60s, the elements look tiny by comparison with modern AF lenses, yet it produces great images.</p>

<p>Is cost a consideration? If so, would suggest the 35/2 and the 50/2. I have found very little difference between AI and AIS lenses that I have owned; Bjorn Rorslett notes any differences of consequence in his lens reviews on his site.</p>

<p>I have shot extensively with the 18-70 and 28-105 zooms on our D200. Both are solid performers throughout the range, should be able to find used under US$200.</p>

<p>If cost is a concern, you might want to consider the AF 28-105D. Has been sharp for me on both film and digital bodies. But few zooms will be as purely sharp as quality prime lenses, past and present.</p>

<p>One advantage of the D200, 300, 700 and the 2 and 3 series DSLRs is that they provide full metering capability with Nikon manual focus AI'd, AI and AIS lenses. Of relevance to your father if he is thinking about going to digital since I would expect he has MF lenses and maybe some AF lenses as well.<br>

There is a difference in the build quality of the pro and semi-pro bodies. Yet my wife has shot all over with her D70s, including overseas travel, and we haven't had any problems with durability. But we also are careful with our gear, no rough handling.</p>

<p>You might want to consider the manual focus Nikkor 50/1.8 (AI or AIS versions). Very fine lens, considerably cheaper than the AF version.<br>

I would suggest you spend a little time with Bjorn Rorslett's lens reviews, which I have found to be quite accurate:<br>

http://www.naturfotograf.com/index2.html</p>

 

<p>I would second an earlier responder's suggestion that you consider the AF-D Nikkor 28-105mm. My wife uses that lens for 90% of her shooting; sharp throughout the zoom range, good color and contrast. Has a macro feature also, quite decent, especially at 50-70mm. Available for a reasonable price. A good option for a walking around zoom.</p>

<p>We have both the D200 and D70s. Get very good images from both. For a lightweight carry-around camera, D70s could be a good option. Long battery life (at least compared to D200). Should be able to get one used in good condition for under $300.</p>

<p>Your D40 is capable of making sharp and pleasing images with good lenses. It can take time to develop a good eye, understand how to use your equipment effectively...white balance, depth-of-field, ISO et al. <br>

When I started out years ago I was mentored by some skilled, experienced photographers, who helped me develop my understanding of light, perspective, lens qualities. Spending some time with a skilled photographer will help far more than changing equipment.<br>

My wife is a fine photographer, her eye is better than mine. She has taken shots while just walking around with our Canon point-and-shoot camera that people were sure were taken with one of our Nikon DSLRs.</p>

<p>Hi Adam, hope things are going ok there, have three in my family on active duty, two have done tours in Iraq.<br>

If you haven't handled any of these cameras yet in person, I suggest waiting to make a buying decision until you're back stateside. As other posters have noted the camera and lenses and run several thousand dollars. You might want to rent or borrow a D300 and then a D90, you may be surprised at how few differences there are. I often suggest to people that they buy a less expensive camera and then get the best lenses they can afford, you'll continue to use the lenses for many years to come.<br>

My wife has taken very fine shots with our D70s that people often think were taken by "better" cameras.<br>

I live in NYC, would be please to connect with you when you are back to look at cameras, lenses et al.</p>

<p>The late version 80-200/4.5 AI we have has performed well on our D200, have not had any signficant issues with color fringing that a previous poster has reported. The lens will meter in all methods (Matrix, Centerweighted and Spot) in both Aperture-priority and Manual modes. I would think that the 80-200/2.8 will perform better on your D700, but is also much more expensive.</p>

<p>The Canon P&S cameras are good, we have a Powershot A530, some pics are as good as from our Nikon DSLRs. The Canon SD880 might be worth looking at, slim, easy to carry in a pocket or woman's bag, excellent features.</p>

<p>Here's a list of Nikon authorized repair shops. I have used APS in Morton Grove, IL and Photo-Tech in NYC, both did good work.<br>

http://www.nikonusa.com/Service-And-Support/Nikon-Authorized-Repair-List.page<br>

Also, Chuck Solseth in Rochester, MN did some nice work for me a while back on a Nikon body, don't know if he is still in the business.</p>

<p>I'm only familiar with Nikon. One option would be to buy a new D200 (Best Buy has them for $599) or a well-cared for used D200, and look at buying older AF and manual focus Nikkors, rather than third-party lenses. Nikon made high quality professional MF lenses for years, which can be bought today for less than the cost of many third-party lenses. A number of the older AF lenses can be had at reasonable prices as well, under $200.<br>

I would rather spend less on a body and more on high quality lenses, since they deliver the image.</p>

<p>She does not need an SB-800 or 900 unless he is going to advance to semi-professional level work. An SB-400 for snapshots or SB-600 for larger grouos would be fine (we have both).<br>

As to lenses: the 17-55 is an expensive lens, does she needs that? Is she not getting good results with the Sigma 28-70 ( I don't have that lens)? If she needs something wider, maybe a fixed AF Nikkor 20mm. If she is going to do many portrats, small group shots, the AF Nikkor 50mm/1.8 lens would be great. She may want a longer zoom, 70-210 or 70-300, something like that.<br>

Those of you suggesting she buy the most expensive lenses and flashes, suggest you consider whether those would meet her needs appropriately, given her skill level and shooting interests.</p>

<p>Kayla, could you borrow a digital SLR from someone to use for the class? Or rent one? I don't recommend that people spend hundreds of dollars just to have equipment that qualifies them for a class. Plus more in the future for additional lenses et al. I would encoyrage you to borrow or rent for the class, then see how your needs evolve.</p>

<p>Don't know if the 50/1.8, a fine lesn as others have noted, will be long enough for shooting the bkbal/v-ball pics you have in mind. You may need something 105mm or longer. The fixed lenses may be a better choice over zooms for indoor sports shots, faster lenses more suited to the situation.</p>

<p>Blower first, then a microfiber cloth next, applied lightly.</p>