Advice needed on camera lenses

[Rerun]

Too all the camera gurus out there...

Just thought I would dig up this thread.

I just bought a used Nikon D300 camera
(per Nikon website : The D300 is a Pro-level D-SLR with a 12.3-MP DX-format CMOS sensor with Nikon EXPEED Image Processing System and large, 3-inch 921,000-dot colour LCD)

complete with a AF-S DX Zoom-NIKKOR 18-70mm f/3.5-4.5G IF-ED lens and a Battery Grip (increases FPS from 6 to 8)

I also have a AF-S DX VR Zoom-Nikkor 55-200mm f/4-5.6G IF-ED lens and a AF-S NIKKOR 50mm f/1.8G lens.

I also own a tripod.

I will be selling my original camera, the Nikon 3100 c/w the AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR II lens.




What should I start saving for now?

[sketchyt]

Depends on what you're going to be shooting and what your budget is.

Are you doing sports, portraits, landscapes, etc...?

[Rerun]

Originally Posted by sketchyt

Depends on what you're going to be shooting and what your budget is.

Are you doing sports, portraits, landscapes, etc...?

I shoot a lot of landscapes and action photography (indoor and outdoor). Not very much into portraits although I will be taking my camera to my step-son's wedding in a couple of weeks.

Budget is whatever my wife will let me spend... so its not that high (max $500?)

[Sr. Mints]

I too have the D300, and my goto lens is certainly the nikkor AF 85mm F1.8D. Granted, I only have that, a 35mm, and a low-end 70-300mm right now--and to be honest, I don't have time nor inclination to shoot much anymore--but the lens was certainly worth the investment, and won't annihilate your budget at around $400-500.

I can dig up some photos later.

[Rerun]

Originally Posted by Sr. Mints

I too have the D300, and my goto lens is certainly the nikkor AF 85mm F1.8D. Granted, I only have that, a 35mm, and a low-end 70-300mm right now--and to be honest, I don't have time nor inclination to shoot much anymore--but the lens was certainly worth the investment, and won't annihilate your budget at around $400-500.

I can dig up some photos later.

Yeah... that 85mm would be nice for those indoor shots where the lighting isn't that great. Right now I use my 50mm but end up having to do a lot of cropping (after the fact) in order to get close ups.


By the way.. I just heard this weekend that Nikon is coming out with a D9300 model and some figure its the replacement to the D300/D300S

[sketchyt]

Originally Posted by Rerun

I shoot a lot of landscapes and action photography (indoor and outdoor). Not very much into portraits although I will be taking my camera to my step-son's wedding in a couple of weeks.

Budget is whatever my wife will let me spend... so its not that high (max $500?)

If you were doing indoor stuff, I'd suggest you buy a flash.

If you're doing indoor sports in crappy lighting (i.e. kids hockey), it's pretty tough if you're spending on something that's not 2.8.

From what I've seen, a good walkaround lens would be the Nikon 18-200mm VR could possibly suit your needs. You'd probably want something wider for landscapes though but it'll be ok.

You also can't lose with a fast prime 50mm or 85mm lens though.

[Regulator75]

85mm on the D300 (DX crop) is way too tight indoors.
The cheaper 35mm(DX) or 50mm(FX) f/1.8 would be better on your body.

Not too sure why you'd upgrade to a much older (2007) camera VS the D3100 (2010) camera?

Sure the D300 focus system is better, but the sensor in the D3100 is newer and better.

http://www.dpreview.com/products/com...cts=nikon_d300

[Regulator75]

More tech comparisons here.
http://www.dxomark.com/Cameras/Compa...D300___664_440

Higher ISO and better low light performance on the D3100.

[Rerun]

Originally Posted by Regulator75

85mm on the D300 (DX crop) is way too tight indoors.
The cheaper 35mm(DX) or 50mm(FX) f/1.8 would be better on your body.

Not too sure why you'd upgrade to a much older (2007) camera VS the D3100 (2010) camera?

Sure the D300 focus system is better, but the sensor in the D3100 is newer and better.

http://www.dpreview.com/products/com...cts=nikon_d300

The D3100 fps was too slow at 3 fps for the action shots I take at dog shows. I needed something a lot quicker (6-8 fps). The D300 w/o grip is 6 fps and w/grip is 8.


The D300 also has 51 focus points as compared to the 11 that the D3100 has.

But the big reason was the fps.

[Regulator75]

Originally Posted by Rerun

The D3100 fps was too slow at 3 fps for the action shots I take at dog shows. I needed something a lot quicker (7-8 fps).

Fair enough, just wanted to make sure you're aware of the differences.
Look forward to the pics.

[SebC]

Good old spray and pray.

It gets the shots. You just have to find them after.

[Regulator75]

Originally Posted by Rerun

The D300 also has 51 focus points as compared to the 11 that the D3100 has.

Yes, I'm aware.
Also, the 300s shoots 7fps without grip.

[ah123]

Originally Posted by Rerun

I shoot a lot of landscapes and action photography (indoor and outdoor). Not very much into portraits although I will be taking my camera to my step-son's wedding in a couple of weeks.

Budget is whatever my wife will let me spend... so its not that high (max $500?)

The good thing about the D300 is that you can use lenses without the built in motor (e.g. 85 1.8d) and you can find the used variety of those lenses at very reasonable prices. Places like keh.com or Vintage Visuals (vintagevisuals.com) can be real treasure troves at times

[Rerun]

I think the first thing I will buy is a new bag. My current bag is just too small now. With a new bag, that will make four in my possession, but I bet I'm not alone in that category.

I really should get some cleaning equipment too. I've got none. Any recommendations on what works well?

What about filters? All my lenses have UV filters on them (for protection) but should I invest in others?

[Regulator75]

Originally Posted by Rerun

I think the first thing I will buy is a new bag. My current bag is just too small now. With a new bag, that will make four in my possession, but I bet I'm not alone in that category.

I really should get some cleaning equipment too. I've got none. Any recommendations on what works well?

What about filters? All my lenses have UV filters on them (for protection) but should I invest in others?

I've been a fan of Tamrac bags Adventure series (9) (Backpack style).
Quality build and wont break the bank.

Grab a couple authentic lenspen too, works great on lenses and filters. Also the lens cloths that come with optical glasses are another inexpensive option (I always keep a couple in my bag).

I'd stick to some higher end UV filters, the newer Hoya HD series is great, though the more expensive B+W are the top of the line. However, I don't always use my filters all the time anymore. Especially when shooting at night, as ghosting happens more often with long exposures.

[Rerun]

Picked up a very lightly used Lowepro Nova 5 AW camera bag tonight for $35

[ah123]

Originally Posted by Rerun

Picked up a very lightly used Lowepro Nova 5 AW camera bag tonight for $35

Pretty good bag. It was my first camera bag and it survived a trip to Africa...now I just use it to store my gear

[SebC]

Originally Posted by Rerun

I think the first thing I will buy is a new bag. My current bag is just too small now. With a new bag, that will make four in my possession, but I bet I'm not alone in that category.

I really should get some cleaning equipment too. I've got none. Any recommendations on what works well?

What about filters? All my lenses have UV filters on them (for protection) but should I invest in others?

For action shots, #nofilter. You need as much light as you can, filters cut it down. I'm a big fan of plain old ND filters for flash portraiture and long exposures at night (fireworks). Some people like their polarizers, but I don't actually use mine that much.

[Sr. Mints]

Here's a shot with the 85mm I mentioned above. I agree with Regulator that it shots tight indoors, but I've made it work for me.