casimir_artmann

I bought my first SLR, Chinon CM-4 with 50/1.7 prime for $200. In those days the green-back was worth half of it's current value, so for me it was more like $100.

Regards Casi

I'm starting to plan a trip to South Africa. I will probably go for a

safari during a week and are not shure if my equipment will be good

enough. Purpose with pictures are personal use and smaller exhibitions

via the local photoclub.

I have Nikkor 85/1.8, 200/4.0, Tokina AF 400/5.6 prime lenses and

Manfrotto 055 tripod. If shoting from a car, are primes a realistic

alternativ, or should I get a 80-200/2.8 instead. Bean bag as support.

I'm using F90X and FM2, so VR is no realistic alternative.

On the wide side do I have 24-35-50 primes. I presume that 24/2.8 and

50/1.4 will be good enough and zooming with my feet.

Regards Casi

P.S

I will be using slide film.

D.S

I have travelled a lot with my F90x/MD10 and used primes 24, 50 and 85. I have also tested some shots with a 24-85/2.8-4.0. This lens together with 50/1.8 and a flash would problably cover 80-90% of my photo situations during travel.

I have a Nikon 28-80/3.5-5.6 but I'm not fond of it. Compared to primes gives the 24-85 acceptible quality. Something that 28-80 doesn't do. Of course, to have the four times higher price is reflected in the result.

If travelling light, I'll use FM-2, without motor and 50/1.4 or 35/2.0.

Regards Casi

they use a camera. Except some Pros because the are earning money with them. I'm still trying to figure it out :-)

Regards Casi

What features is a must then?

A Metz flash without bells and whistels costs 25% - 50% depending of model, of a Nikon SD-28, and there is not so much difference in guide numer. Price of $100, $200 or $400 is a difference that must be justified.

Regards Casi

Yes, I would agree that F80 is a better camera than F65. The question is if difference in price can be justified. If you want to take both family pictures, vacations shots etc, just a single 50 mm prime would not be enough. F80 with 50/1.8 will cost approx as much as F65 with 28-105/3-5-4.5. In either case, do not buy a new lens until you have master your current equipment.

An F65 could serve as an extra body if upgrading to a later model, eventually digital.

Regards Casi

My favourite lens is a Nikkor very old 85/1.8 that have been AI-modified a long time ago. I'm now thinking of getting it chipped in order to have it usable on Nikon's latest cameras. So sort of, you can "upgrade" your old lenses.

Regards Casi

I think that F65 with 28-105 will give you most value for your money. When you have learned to use the zoom, try a 50/1.8 prime. A tripod would also be good to have for outdoor photos.

It's better to spend money on good lenses if you want pictures on your walls.

I'll think the lack of TTL-flash support for external flash limits the use of F55.

Nikon F65 would probably be a better choise. F65 with 28-105 is an excellent combo. The 28-80 is so an so, I have it, and 28-100 got vey bad critique in british outdoor photography.

Regards Casi

Why not rent them to someone who needs big glass for a while.

Regards Casi

I have 24, 35, 50 and 85 primes. After I bought the 24/2.8 prime I seldom use 35/2.0. I was travelling light to Barcelona last fall, and used 24/2.8, 50/1.4 and 85/1.8 together with an FM-2. Didn't miss 35 mm prime.

Regards Casi

Manfrotto strap 102 that fits the regular 055 tripod doesn't fit 055

PRO. The is no screw hole in the tripod. Do you know which strap to

use instead?

Regards Casi

I had read two reviews of F55/N55 in European magazines. It's a decent entry level camera, but do not buy i if you know that your needs will grow. On the other hand, it's good value for money as advanced P/S.

As usual is the optics much more important, and the 28-100 zoom got a very poor rate in Outdoor Maganzine (UK).

Regards Casi

Nikon SB-28 is one of few items that are different between U.S. and Europe version. Some accesoaries only work with U.S. version. I'll think it's the extra batterypack or something similar. Ask the dealer, and if he couldn't give you an answer, go to another place.

Regards Casi

How much stuff is resonable to carry on a day-tour?

A Nature Trekker backpack with primes covering 24-400 mm, two bodies,

flash and Bogen 3021 tripod. Without film this this package weights

25 lbs.

When out in the nature, I usally walk a mile or two from the car

before reaching a resonable view, and then continues by feet.

Just added a 400/5.6 prime and tripod, and my load was up 8 lbs. I

think that I should stop adding more weight, in order to be fully

mobile.

What is your load?

Regards Casi

Rainforrest are very dark. I visited Taman Negara in Malaysia two years ago.

Shooting 400 slide film, most of my shots were at f2.8 and 1/60s. I did not bring a tripoid or flash at that time, but I will do it on my trip this winter.

It is very hard to see any animals at all in the rainforrest, except insects, if you not are using a blind.

Good luck. Regards Casi.

PS.

Some photos can be found in the library at http://www.artmann.se

DS.

I'm preparing a visit, together with my family, to the Malaysian

eastcost in mars-april next year. That kind of motives can I find? We

will not visit the rainforrest except for short daytrips.

What about using 100 ASA slide film, and have 400/800 ASA color film

as backup for low light situations?

Regards Casi

Security for domestic flights in Europe are also more stringent since last week horrible disaster.

I was not allowed to bring my Manfrotto (Bogen) monopod with me as carry-on luggage. I brought it with me without problems on several international and dometics flights thru Europe the weeks before.