jess_h2

<p>Ditto Emilio- I just got a D90 and the 35mmf/1.8 DX is my favorite and so far, most used lens. It's very versatile, wicked sharp, and makes it easy to tote the camera around and get great pics without looking all touristy/paparazzi around town like the zooms.</p>

<p>Wow! So many amazing photos!<br>

My favorites:<br>

Marc McCoy - What is clay? Modeling clay? Insane!<br>

Joseph Gewickey- Super B movie feel- I love it!<br>

Vineet Rajasekhar- I am obsessed with this!<br>

Lil Judd- wow! Totally agree with everyone else- amazing!<br>

Louis Meluso- Super sick; how did you get just one light to light up?</p>

<p>Hi all!<br>

A quick question- today I ordered Hoya multicoated UV filters for my new lenses. After searching the forum and reading everyone's input, I decided that I really didn't have much lose in keeping filters as a protective cover on each lens. But reading the posts about filters also made think about lens hoods. So far, I just left them in the boxes as I thought they were an optional accessory. It seems I might be mistaken, as many people seem to leave them on all the time. So I dutifully put on my lens hoods and really, on the 35mm and 18-105 mm kit lens they are quite unobtrusive. On the 70-300mm I installed the hood backwards to have it handy but also allow for easier storage as I don't use this lens as often. But I'm not sure how to store my camera with one of the smaller lenses + hood on. The bags I purchased (Kata rucksack and ephiphanie lola) have illustrations showing the camera with lens on inserted lens first/straight down vs. lcd down or on the side. Is this okay to do? Even with a lens hood on? Thanks!</p>

<p>Hi everybody! Thanks for checking in on me!<br /> Sorry I've been MIA- out shooting pictures all day! Today I took out some undergrads and shot photos of parkways for a design charrette on Friday. So getting my camera outside for the first time- I was so nervous about tripping over a curb or a root! I think I got some good photos (at least ones that are workable for the charrette and google sketch-up worthy), but also realized that I have a long way to go! Since my 35mm prime hasn't arrived yet, I shot using the kit lens. I also used the auto modes, because leading a group of sophomores around town is not a good time to try and look cool fiddling around too much with an obviously brand new sparkling Nikon! Even with the auto modes, there were times when I did not know what was "right." For example, when trying to shoot the very large trees that are in the parkways, at 4:30 pm on a very sunny midwestern day was a challenge. Shooting towards the sun resulted in lots of bright light with no sharpness, and conversely shooting with the sun to my back just mad the trees look like black outlines.<br /> Additionally, I wanted to show the slope of certain parkways (which would be unsuitable without grading for the design of bioswales/rain gardens), and I realized that it's very difficult to get in the right position to show slope. I tried crouching on the street, standing at the top of the parkway on the sidewalk, and even using driveways. Not an easy take! An average parkway is about 9-11 feet wide, so even a 10% slope isn't super dramatic, but quite relevant to the designing that I'll be heading up.....<br /> Other than having A LOT to learn, I do love my D90! It is heavier than I anticipated, especially with the 70-300 mm lens on, but it's a good weight. It feels balanced and substantial in my hand. I've taken a lot of pictures from my bedroom- ceiling fan, bookshelves, make-up brushes on my dresser, etc. Also a lot of shots out the window of the flower beds across the street. Just playing with the different focal lengths, and trying auto flash vs. no flash.<br /> Last night I fell asleep reading the user's manual, and I think I'm ready to ditch the auto mode. It is going to be a lot of trial and error, that much I can tell! I am quite conscientious of looking at the different "numbers" for the shots I've taken so far, trying to find a pattern/set of norms.<br /> So that's the update! I can't wait to get the prime lens- I can see how it will be good to learn on it, as I am currently too preoccupied with zooming and focusing to really pay attention to things like ISO, shutter speed, etc. Should arrive on Thursday.<br /> I also picked up some photography books for inspiration- Germaine Krull <em>Photographer of Modernity</em> and Sophie Ristelhueber <em>Fait</em>, two amazing women that make me dream of taking pictures! On a more practical note, I also got Photojojo, which is a project book and seems to have lots of tasks that will force me to work on individual skills and use my camera in a project oriented way.<br /> I wish I could have an hour or two of a guru's time just to ask questions about different settings and what the numbers actually mean. Reading the manual is okay, but I want to somehow make it all connect. Also, it's really hard to know what a good or bad photo is- I mean, I can tell when I like something or not, but from a technical standpoint, I've really got no clue! So far, my favorite photo that I've taken is of my Dr. Seuss books on my bookshelf. You can just see the titles on the bindings, and although it's a very simple photo, I just love the colors and sharpness- they almost "pop" off of the LCD screen!<br /> That's the update! Hopefully in the next few days I'll find time to watch some YouTube videos and demystify the zillion buttons and numbers bit by bit!<br /> ;-)</p>

<p>Thanks, Shun! I've taken that stance with my considerable Apple purchases, but somehow a camera seems so delicate!<br>

I've registered the D90 & 2 lenses online, hopefully I'm in good shape now!</p>

<p>Thanks, guys! Registering now. Any recommendations on the ESC 2 year extended warranty purchase? It would be $125 for my camera. Do you think it's worth it?</p>

<p>I'm so excited- my D90 arrived today, and I even managed to put the strap on it correctly!<br>

It's a little overwhelming, opening all the boxes, with all the paperwork. I want to make sure that I complete all the warranty stuff asap. Do I simply mail in the little postcards I received? I also received warranty forms- do I fill these out and keep them in the event that I need warranty service (at which point I present them?)? Any way to do this online?<br>

B&H sent me an invoice that is very hard to read because the printer ran out of ink. It appears that I need this invoice as "proof of purchase/proof of purchase date," so hopefully they will mail me another copy, as the date is totally illegible. However, would the email invoice also satisfy this warranty requirement?<br>

Thanks so much- can't wait for my battery to charge up so I can start playing!</p>

<p>Jess</p>

<p>I work as a bartender at a pub type bar in a college town, where I am also a grad student. All sorts of cameras come out after people have been drinking- from cell phones to cameras that I would <em>never</em> bring into a bar. I personally am furious when some jerk tries to take a picture without my permission while I'm doing my job, or simply hanging out off-shift. It just feels creepy. AND it happens a lot. I often hear the same complaints from my friends that work at the local coffee shop across the street. Whether the picture is of me or a patron, it puts me in a bad spot of having to appease the subject of the photo while also trying to get my point across to the photographer.<br /> An example- on "Dad's" weekend I had a guy call me over to order, when I ask him what he'd like he shoves a piece of paper my in my hand and tries to snap a photo, using a pretty sophisticated set-up I might add. I read the slip of paper and it says, "Matt, will you go on a date with me?" The guy laughingly says that his son is turning 18 and he wants to send him the photos as a joke. I was beyond furious, and when the guy went around the bar continuing his "joke" with other female bar patrons, I kicked him out. It's really hard for someone who is put on the spot being photographed to distinguish between a total creepster and someone who simply feels inspired to take a really great photo. Extreme example, yes. Okay to take pictures of people in bars/coffee shops/privately owned spaces without asking- NO.<br /> Does amazing stuff happen at the bar/coffee shop? Absolutely. Will I photograph there? With permission, yes!<br /> If I even suspected someone of using "stealth" equipment I would wig out. Not a good way to make friends in my opinion!</p>

<p>Completely blown away!<br>

<a href="../photodb/user?user_id=2344388">Matt Laur</a> - wow! I'm speechless!<br>

<a href="../photodb/user?user_id=5369057">Roberta Davidson</a> & <a href="../photodb/user?user_id=1373291">Peter Rafle</a> - I want to learn how to take close ups like this! Peter, I love the story too!<br>

Cannot wait to start shooting (D90 arrives Monday- yeah!!!)</p>

<p>I can't contribute too much to this thread, as I'm a total newbie, but I did purchase two bags along with my new set-up (which gets delivered on Monday!!!). Not sure how I'll like them, but since I noticed not too many women gave input I thought I'd pipe up.<br>

I bought the Kata 465, for reasons Eric listed. It doesn't look like a camera bag, looks really well made, has extra pockets for personal items, and I liked that it had different sizes since I'm a fairly petite girl. I do a lot of traveling and hiking, so I felt I needed something hands free that was ultra portable. Hopefully this one does that!<br>

For my second bag I bought the Lola from the new Epiphanie line. http://www.epiphaniebags.com/#/details-red/<br>

It's really cool that there are now a few lines of bags geared towards women that can serve as a functional purse as well as protect gear. I think this will encourage me to keep my camera with me and do a lot of everyday shooting, which as an urban design student is fabulous! Plus it's stylish and has great reviews on construction. I'll post more feedback when I get it, in case anyone is interested in purchasing/gifting it to a special lady. Oh, and men, don't be too jealous- Kelly Moore, who also makes fabulous camera bags for women, has promised to put out a "Kelly Boy" bag this summer, for those who might want something a bit more trendy/casual, yet functional! http://kellymoorebag.com/</p>

 

<p>Gary: good to know! You're absolutely right- I would like to be able to take close ups of flowers, bugs, plants, and even different soils (I truly am a garden nut!). Clearly, I have enough to keep me busy for a long time with the 3 lenses, but I will start saving my spare change for a macro. I'm guessing by your post that they are quite expensive....sigh, I knew when I finally made the jump of buying good equipment that I'd open a pandora's box of <em>needing</em> more and more...<br>

Eric: I'm stoked on the Kata (I got the smaller 465 which makes sense for my frame), and for a second bag I bought this: http://www.epiphaniebags.com/#/details-red/<br>

Now, for any other ladies out there, or those looking for a sweet gift for the lady photographers in their lives, I honestly think this bag would make any girl's heart skip a beat!<br>

Everyone else- I can't wait to be ready to use flash! I've been reading the beginner's forum a ton and am psyched to start practicing!</p>

<p>Thanks again for all the validation of my purchase! I feel MUCH better now- everything should arrive on Monday and I imagine the camera won't leave my hand for weeks!<br>

I know that I probably shouldn't have, but I went ahead and ordered the 35mm/1.8 as well. I read a lot of reviews, and it seems a lot of the feedback on getting a prime lens was positive. I like the idea of having something small for "casual" shooting when I go out. And, like everyone said, the price is right- only $200!<br>

I also got the Kata rucksack- not sure if anyone uses this, but it looks awesome and has amazing reviews! One question I have is about locking this type of bag- does anyone have experience with this? I sometimes take public transportation (think the Paris metro or Chicago L) and although I'm a very with it girl, I know that it's easy to unzip a pack!<br>

I'm also super wary because my friend's D90 set-up was stolen a few month's ago from her trunk while I was with her...I don't plan on leaving my stuff, but now that I've finally made the leap and put down cash, I'm pretty worried about keeping it safe. Any advice on how you guys keep your stuff protected from scratches, thieves, etc is welcome too!<br>

I can't thank you all enough- there are some cool cats out there in cyberspace! You guys saved me from getting a real bad deal!</p>

<p>Ramon- you're killing me!!! On one hand I'm drooling over the idea of several new lenses to play with, on the other I'm looking at my meager grad student stipend! ;-)<br>

Okay, so what is this flash that I need?<br>

Would anyone recommend buying some of these lenses used? Or is that just asking for trouble?</p>

<p>CRAIG! Now I want the 50mm lens too! It's not an expensive one, do you really think I should get it? Would those 3 lenses then be a good basis to start exploring with? I should mention, I am obsessed with gardening and plan on taking lots of close up pics of my plants (and the various creatures that choose my garden as habitat!). Is the 50mm a good lens for that type of shooting? I wouldn't mind shelling out a bit more for 1 more solid lens to round out my set-up.....(or should I just learn to use the other 2 lenses first, haha?)<br>

Suggestions???</p>

 

<p>Okay everyone! I asked for your opinions and advice, and I took them! I may be a novice, but I don't want to get screwed! I canceled my order. I had paid $1,370 for the 3 lenses I mentioned and D90 body. I called them and they were very apologetic about the lens mix-up; indeed posting the 18-55mm as an "upgrade" when that lens was already guaranteed with my kit. I was certain to get the lower quality 70-300mm lens. I am embarrassed to admit that I went for a package deal, which had lots of cheap accessories (I knew this going in but was only concerned with getting a good body/lenses).<br>

BUT the order was canceled and my paypal account was credited with the refund.<br>

In place, I found what I suspect to be an awesome deal on B&H- thanks for the heads up guys! Here is the link to the deal I got: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/588977-REG/Nikon__D90_SLR_Digital_Camera.html<br>

For those that don't want to check out the link, I got the 18-105 & 70-300 mm VR lenses along with the body. After the instant rebate, it was only $1,400!<br>

I also purchased a 4gb memory card and awesome looking backpack from them.<br>

Any other suggestions of "must haves" to get me started? I can't wait to start taking photos! I will definitely watch tutorials, but I'm really interested in knowing if I need extra lens filters, wide angle lens modifier things, etc....<br>

Thanks again- you guys really helped me out! I know that all of this is super elementary to most of you, but hey, we all start somewhere, right?<br>

Cheers!</p>

<p>Thanks, guys!<br>

I did my homework on the seller- and everything checks out. This is not once of those super cheap package deals- I am paying a decent amount of $. I emailed the seller to ask for more specifics about the lenses, including photos.<br>

I also visited the Nikon site and read about the lenses I should receive, and looked at the values. The 3 lenses total $427 according to Nikon set prices, so I realize these are not advanced/pro level!<br>

I also purchased using a purchase guarantee, so I can cancel at any time and get a full refund. I may do this when the seller replies with the specifics.<br>

Thanks again!</p>

<p>Hi all!<br>

I've just made my first "big" Nikon purchase. I've been saving up a long time for this! I am a novice, so although I did some research, I decided that basic lenses and a D-90 body would be a good start for me to learn.<br>

So I bought the D90 body along with these 3 lenses:<br>

- Nikon 18-55mm AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor f/3.5-5.6<br>

- Nikon 70-300mm f/4-5.6 AF Zoom- Nikkor<br>

- Nikon 50mm AF Nikkor 1:8 D<br>

I know these are relatively inexpensive and simple lenses, but hopefully a good start.<br>

After the purchase, I was notified that I could "upgrade" which would eliminate the 50mm lens but upgrade in the following ways:<br>

1. The standard Nikon 18-55mm lens will be upgraded to the Nikon G type DX.<br /> 2. The standard Nikon 70-300 lens will be upgraded to the Nikon G type IF (Iternal Focusing) ED (Extra Low Dispersion).<br>

Now, I am buying this with USA warranty, all new, purchase protection, etc. So I am not too worried about receiving knock-offs or grey market, but I am wary of agreeing to this switch. I figured a lot of people out there would be able to look at this and immediately know if this is a deal or a scam. Feel free to give me your honest opinions!<br>

I also wonder about the necessity of VR lenses for a novice like me. In the future I'd like to try them out, but do you think they are worth the investment from day one?<br>

Thanks in advance!<br>

Jess</p>

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