ussorca

<p>I noticed that B&H has one of these about $50 less than a SB-600. Do you have any experience with this unit on a Nikon, and do you think it's a good buy? Just general hotshoe use, probably with a diffuser.</p>

<p>I want to begin trying some macro work on the bugs and buds in the backyard. Can't spend on this yet, so here's what I have to start with: Nikon D90, Nikon 50mm f/1.8, Nikon 55-200mm AFS VR, and Nikon 85mm f/1.8. Also have a Tiffen close-up lens set, +1, +2, +4. My knowledge of this topic is nil so will rely on book(s) from the local library, to get started.<br>

What I'd like from you folks, would be some suggested lens combos from the above, plus any tips to help me get started. No fear "buglady", I'll be lucky to get a monarch butterfly before the year is out.<br>

<br />Good day, to all.</p>

<p>Thank you all, for your responses. I still believe that there is a useful purpose in that people could learn what is most possible in photography. an what more is enabled through post processing. The definition which could be used is already in place.<br>

Don't see any great groundswell of opinion in favor, so will just let it rest. John, your last two paragraphs did it.</p>

<p>I would like to be able to view only unmanipulated photos from each of the gallery selections. For instance, I would like to be able to select only "unmanipulated" from portraits, or from all, or from nudes, etc.<br>

My reason for this is well stated by Phillip Greenspun, in the definition that was collaboratively produced by the photo.net forum moderators in 2007. Would like to solicit opinions from both members and our forum moderators.<br>

Thanks.</p>

<p>Josh, slow down Pardner. First, go to a camera shop and get your hands on each of the models you are looking at. See what feels best in your hands and at your eye. Then, go looking for deals. The one Mark mentions for the D3000 sounds good to me. Those two lenses are budget priced and cover a lot of ground. The SB-600 is all he said it is, but is not a must to get started. Get the camera and lens(es) and start taking pictures. Have some fun and try for some improvements in <em>your </em>skills ( composition, etc.). Take a good sample of the kinds of work you want to do (portraits, etc.). Check out books at your library to help you learn about your areas of interest. You have the rest of your life to chase the next sexy body or hot lens that comes along, so again, take your time and take lots of pictures. Enjoy!</p>

<p>10 months ago, I was in your position. Believe me, you have all the good advice that you need, right here. I chose the Nikon D40 because I it had good reviews, I found a good deal on a used kit, and it "fit" me. No regrets. Good luck, and enjoy.</p>

<p>Matt & Diane, thank you both for your replies. Diane, as a user, I may single you out with more questions. Matt, do you ever put on training sessions or workshops? If you do, please let me know. By the way, my OS is Windows XP.</p>

<p>Would someone kindly be good enough to guide me through the steps I need to take to move some of my photos from Picasa to photo.net? Seems it should be easy, but I'm stumped. Detail would be appreciated, as I sometimes overlook the obvious. Thanks in advance.</p>

<p>I have found that navigating about p.n, from forum to forum, signing in, virtualy all activity is slowing down quite noticeably. Before I blame it on my machine, thought it best to check with you folks and see if others are noticing it, or if the administrators have some insight.<br>

Thanks</p>

<p>Thanks for your responses...I think. The "clapper" caper, reminds me of the old Jack Webb - Johnny Carson bit on the Tonight Show.<br>

Charles</p>

<p>Any of you folks know where an Avedon exhibit might be located?</p>

<p>Thanks to all responders. However, "man plans, God laughs". On New Years Eve day, I saw the dentist with a tooth that was broken. She advised the crown will cost about the same as a new D90 body. So, will keep using the D40 until the wife pronounces our budget has healed. Happy New Year, all.</p>

<p>My plans for 2010 include a D90. I'm interested in hearing from users of this camera, as to their experience with it, and their satisfaction (or not), with it. Will be using it with 50mm f1.8, and the 55-200mm, for portraits and street photography. My pp work is Picasa, lightly used. Would welcome advice for a "budget" flash, too. Thanks, PN'rs.</p>

<p>Me too, for Cameta. Got a 55-200mm and it's a good lens.</p>

<p>This has been a most interesting discussion. It's obvious that there are many years of study and experience that went into these responses. Has made me think about composition in my own efforts and the need to evaluate it more closely. Thank you, all.</p>

<p>Rachel, I would not buy the D5000 because of the autofocusing limitations. Since economics is a part of your decision, my choice between the D90 and the D200 would be based on that. They are both good cameras, and you will find, as months pass your desire for lenses will outstrip your need for any more features in the camera body. That has been my experience. <br>

Also, really think about what you will be shooting. If you shoot 100 pictures, how many will be sporting events? And try to find a photography class at your local community college. That was an eye opener as to how much was needed to understand photography, and to learn about my camera.<br>

Best of luck, lady. </p>

<p>I'm a beginner myself so have faced this, too. I decided to used Picasa because of simplicity and it is free. Some of the other posts have mentioned GIMP and Paint.Net. Those looked good too. I'm a beginner at not only DSLR, but also the whole broad topic of Photography. To me, that was more than enough to learn without adding postprocessing to the mix, for now. In any event, good luck and best wishes.</p>

<p>Kristy, thanks for puting up this post. After much reading, I went with the 50mm f/1.8, from Adorama at $135 with free shipping. The comments you elicited make me feel better about my choice. Good luck.</p>

<p>Wendy, since the printer is "fairly new", you can try calling Canon Customer Service. Try to rule out a problem with the printer itself. Good luck</p>

<p>Thank you, William. Led me straight to what I wanted. And, Josh Root had just kicked off the BETA for the new Calendar feature. This is sure a good site!</p>

<p>How can members/subscribers submit questions or suggestions about PN, to the editors? Or, is this something that just might prove too time consuming? Advice or thoughts, please?</p>

<p>Thank you, troops. Some good advice here. I had the 55-200mm on the camera, and took a couple using Andrew's tip. I was pleasantly surprised. Right too, about bokeh. Just can't get the result with these lenses. But, I am started using what I have. Also, have a line on a used 50/1.8, so there is some hope for that as a "next step". <br>

Again, thanks. I'm sure I'll be back with more questions....especially about lighting.</p>

<p>I have a D40, the 18-55mm kit lens, and a 55-200mm lens. Portrait work is most interesting to me, but my budget constraints keep me from throwing money at new equipment. Keep in mind I am an amateur and will remain such. </p>

<ol>

<li>Which of my two lenses is best suited for portraits? They will be single subjects, posed indoors and outdoors, and will be half-body, or head and shoulders. Will use natural light when possible, and work with pop-up flash if necessary. Results will be manipulated only through Picasa.</li>

<li>If I must, and if it would be a great advantage, I can find the money for the 35mm, f1.8 that Nikon released this Spring.</li>

<li>My remaining choice appears to be the 50mm, f1.8, that doesn't cost as much but won't auto-focus on a D40.</li>

</ol>

<p>Your usual informative responses will be appreciated.</p>

<p>Post Script for D.B. - Yes, I did sign up, and went to the third session last evening. So far, I'm pleased with it. Helps my humility by showing me how much one needs to learn, but all in attendance are in the same boat. As a plus, a lady brought in a Rolliflex twin lens that her father had given her. Quite a camera.</p>

<p>Thanks for the informative comments. The "Details" tag is most helpful. I found the "Definition of Unmanipulated" posting by Mr. Greenspan, and he does a good job of defining criteria for work. It makes good sense.</p>