View Full Version : Beginner Questions and Equipment Advice
illuzian
08-10-2010, 2:18pm
Hi Guys,
Just some quick questions - and if these have been asked to death can you point to the right kind of search terms as photography lingo definitely isn't my usual forte!
Okay:
f/stop and filters - when a ND or Polarizer states it will reduce the light by X amount of f/stops am I to assume this will not affect DOF?
For longish night shots with a f/4-5.6 300mm cheapo lens what would be the ideal aperture for DOF especially when zoomed? I like the time lapse effect caused but want to reduce noise while increasing DOF
And lastly equipment:
Okay I have the D90 with the generic 18-55mm and the cheap AF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 non ED lens and I have a Tokina Macro lens on the way since I love the world up close.
What should I look at buying next? My two areas of interest are Nature and Macro photography - landscape, birds, animals, insects etc.. Should I invest in a flash setup such as the R1C1 or some SB600s etc or should I invest in a more quality zoom lens with ED to avoid chromatic aberration etc which I have already experienced once?
Thanks very much in advanced all.
-Ant
1. Correct
2. F/8
3. Flash will be important for micro....I think a R1C1 is overkill right now, a sb-600 etc with a way of diffusion would be a good choice
illuzian
08-10-2010, 4:02pm
1. Correct
2. F/8
3. Flash will be important for micro....I think a R1C1 is overkill right now, a sb-600 etc with a way of diffusion would be a good choice
Thanks very much Kiwi - should I go the sb600 or sb700? Would you recommend just one or two or more since they are reasonably affordable? Are there any "good" Aftermarket flashes that are alternatives too?
Sb900 if you have the budget, purely because I believe it can act as a commander, start with one flash.
Oh, I never recommend 3rd party anything if it's an option
illuzian
08-10-2010, 5:27pm
Thanks again kiwi! Might look at an sb900 instead - is there any advantage over using the sb900 as a commander instead of the d90's commander system? Also if the budget allowed would there be any benefit in buying the su800 commander unit or is this total overkill?
on the topic of 3rd party. i have an old simga ef50 dg super flash on my D90. works a treat. the pop up flash on the camera can work as a commander on the flash too so you dont have to have it attached to the cameras hotshoe!:D
you could pick one up for $100 or the newer version which is even better :)
The d90s commander mode is fine and you dont need commander on the flash also.....but for example the d3 doesnt so it's a bit of future protection
The su800 I think is not a necessity... But if you ever go down the r1c1 path in the future it comes with one anyhow
illuzian
08-10-2010, 6:21pm
Thanks a bunch ving and kiwi!
I think I will go for a sb600 or sb900.
Here's another question: Should I go for the kenko rings for greater than 1:1 magnification on macro or something else?
On a 300mm lens, use the smallest aperture available. Larger apertures are recommended for shorter focal lengths, to minimise refraction, but on a 300mm lens with the diagragm set at f22, you have a lens size of about 13.5mm. That's still quiet large. Usually 4mm (give or take) is a good size to aim for, so if you have f32 on your lens, then that would likely be better still. There will always be exceptions however.
After you get the SB 600 or 900 speedlight get yourself a good sturdy tripod.
and enjoy your photography. :)
illuzian
09-10-2010, 2:47pm
Thanks Darey and TOM :) Already have a sturdy Vanguard tripod! Should of mentioned that - it's fairly well built although I'd love a Manfrotto eventually!
geoffsta
10-10-2010, 5:46pm
illuzian.
After many months of practice, practice practice, I think I have mastered the 70-300 Sigma lens.
Try running the camera with these settings on a reasonably sunny day.
ISO 200 - f7.1- Metering Centre weighted, and AF on constant (AF-C)
I was seriously thinking of chucking it in the bin, until yesturday.
NikonUser
10-10-2010, 6:09pm
Hi Guys,
....
And lastly equipment:
-Ant
Just go straight for the AFS 600mm f4 VR-II ...... it'll save you money in the long run when you buy many telephotos in the mean time until you realise that you 'need' the 600mm :party7::laughing1:
illuzian
11-10-2010, 3:26pm
Thanks geoffsta - my lens is the Nikkor AF non ED - it has horrible chromatic aberration when zoomed past about 125mm so I really do need a new telephoto! :( If anyone can recommend a decent quality lens which has a decent zoom + image quality please do!
Thanks NikonUser - I already think I 'need' the 600mm however I also need the 12k it costs :P It's a very hard decision lol! Maybe if one day I begin to profit from photography I will get it!
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