john_caradimas

<p>I want to contribute my experience from a short stop-over in Heathrow, at mid-January.<br>

I had some time between my flights, and being an avid smoker I had to find a place where I could smoke. So I exited the airport completely, even though I would have to go through security check again, to reach the outside where there was the only smoking area.<br>

While enjoying my cigarette, I noticed some interesting "Christmas lights" and shapes that I was interested in photographing. Having read all those stories about the latest laws etc. I thought it would be prudent to ask first, so I located a couple of policemen who were inside the building. I went in and asked if it was OK to take pictures of that area. They nodded and gave me permission.<br>

Later on, a little before our flight, while waiting at the gate, I noticed several people snapping pictures of the airplanes which were at the gates, without anyone bothering them. And our flight was to US, so there were supposed to be additional security measures at that gate, but I didn't see any.<br>

I am not sure if that was before or after the new law was brought in effect, but if what we read lately is any indication, I am sure that if you are interested in photography, UK shouldn't be very high on your list of countries to visit. I know it isn't for me, both for the photography-related restrictions and the fact that smoking is as restricted there, as it is in US.<br>

Yeah, I know, to each his own.</p>

<p>While the 24mm/1.4 may be a fantastic lens, and indeed investment in lenses makes more sense than investment in cameras, there is a slight problem with your approach. The 24mm lens will become a 36mm one on your D200. So what you are looking at is a relatively very expensive 35mm lens. And the gain, compared to your 35mm/1.8 lens is only what? 1/2 stop? </p>

<p>On the other hand if you do get a D700 (I have it and I love it), you will need to invest in FX lenses, and believe me they are way more expensive than the DX ones. When I moved over to the FX side of things (just because I didn't want to have two lens sets, on for DX the other one for film cameras), I got myself some lenses which I consider good for my photography type, but would make most pros stare with disbelief. I currently own and use the following lenses with the D700:</p>

<p>- Nikon 18-35mm f/3.5-4.5 AF-D<br>

- Nikon 24-85mm f/2.8-4 AF-D<br>

- Nikon 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G AF-S</p>

<p>The reason behind the two first lenses (vs the newer 17-35mm or 24-70mm, although I would like to find an 28-70mm/2.8) is because I also use them with my Nikon F2A (and the F5), on which the aperture ring is necessary. I also own several prime Nikkors 16mm/3.5, 24mm/2.8, 28mm/2.8, 35mm/2, 50mm/1.4 (in AF and AI versions etc) which are of course usable on all my cameras. The 35mm and the 50mm ones are the ones I use in low light, but with the D700 low light shooting is an entirely different story.<br>

So, by smartly choosing your lenses, you can avoid spending a fortune for the latest Nikon f/2.8 extra-expensive ones and still get excellent pictures. It all depends on your requirements.</p>

<p> </p>

<p>Your question basically comes down to ... Apple vs Windows. Similar to ... Chevy vs Ford, Colt vs Kimber, whiskey vs bourbon, etc. etc.</p>

<p>I have been a Windows user for more than 20 years. I must admit, I never liked them, I consider them to be a "patch-work", not a real Operating System. I switched to Mac in January 2009. Never looked back, never plan to go back. Why?</p>

<p>My Toshiba notebook with Windoze XP needs about 8 minutes to fully boot (with all the anti-virus, anti-spam, anti-fishing, anti-malware, anti-you-name-it) software that it needs to run without problems. My Macbook boots up in 2 minutes and I have only one anti-virus program running in it. Even that, according to some Apple users is not necessary.</p>

<p>Photography-wise, I am a very recent user of the various image editing/managing/organizing programs, but basically whatever is available on Windoze is also available for Mac. On the other hand, my prefered image program, Aperture, is not available on Windoze. So for me, the answer is clear, Mac OS.</p>

<p>Oh yes, and I drive a Jeep.</p>

<p>P? As in the "Program mode" of my digital cameras? 0%.</p>

<p>I use Aperture priority in 90%, manual in about 8% and shutter speed priority in about 2%.</p>

<p>Or there about.</p>

<p>Sorry, I forgot, I may use the P mode for about 5% of my pictures shot with the Canon S90, but all my Nikons could very well not have that setting.</p>

<p>What do you mean with this question? I mean, if I do not shoot slide (Velvia 50 in summer, 100 at winter) what should I use with my Nikon F2A and F5?? Or with my Mamiya 645 Pro?? And please don't think that I am a old traditionalist, who has these cameras from my youth. My Nikon F2A, my pride and joy together with the 6 prime Nikkors I use with it, were bought about 9 months ago (OK, I admit, I had an F2 Photomic for 15 years, starting at the tender age of 17). Why?</p>

<p>For a very simple reason, you just can't get the colors you get with Kodachrome (now obsolete) or Velvia with any digital camera without a lot of post-processing and a lot of trial and error. Of course, all my slides get scanned and entered in my Aperture library, just like my digital pictures, but in most cases, these slide pictures don't get any "touch-up" in the softwarem contrary to most of my digital raws.</p>

<p>Oh well, I may be an old traditionalist, but I just love the way these slides look.</p>

<p>How important is Nikon past to me? Well, I'll let you judge.</p>

<p>My current inventory consists of : A pristine Nikon F2A (bought from Sover Wong too) with the following Nikkors 16mm f/3.5, 24mm f/2.8, 28mm f/2.8, 35mm f/2, 50mm f/1.4, 105mm f/2.5. I also have a (more modern) F5 I use too. Since I have twins (to which all these goodies will be passed on, when they learn to appreciate them), maybe I should call Sover for another F2?!?!</p>

<p>And don't just think I am an old traditionalist only, I also own and shoot a D700, a D40X and a Canon S90.</p>

<p>The 17-35mm should be an exceptional lens, but if it is outside your budget and if you do not need the f/2.8 aperture, get the 18-35mm Nikon. I have one I use with my D700, and it is an excellent lens.<br>

I wish I could afford all those pro lenses, but hey, I have a family to feed and photography is only a (very serious) hobby for me, so I need to compromise.</p>