SB600 + 35mm 1.8G + D90!! [Archive] - RedFlagDeals.com Forums

B0000rt

Oct 12th, 2009, 10:26 AM

So we brought my son over to a cousin's house to do a small shoot, and she had nothing fancy, D70s, 50mm 1.8D and a black backdrop and the pictures turned out great. I'm pretty tired of the "OK" quality our SD700 IS gets...

The camera will be used primarily to take pictures of the little tyke, for now :D

Rather than putting cash down on a kit lens, I was just thinking of diving right into the 85mm 1.8... The SB400 for bounce if required, and the D90 since the D5000/3000 isn't compatible with a bunch of lenses... I'd really like the D300s but outta my budget...

My only real concern is about the lens... Does it have too much tele? Am I going to have to stand too far back to be able to frame the shot? 85mm is 127.5mm on the D90 right? Or should I be going for the 50mm 1.4D or 1.4G? instead?

I've pegged my budget at about $1500 USD.

picp01

Oct 12th, 2009, 10:47 AM

The 85mm is a nice portrait lens in 35mm.
With an APS-C sensor it becomes quite a long focal. At nearly 130mm, this would be used for head or head and shoulder shots I think.

The 50mm converts to 75mm. In my opinion this is more polyvalent. With the cash saved you could purchase another lens.

I say this because neither of these 2 lenses are a good options for a 1 lens kit.

If you absolutely need a prime for your portrait work I'd pick the 50mm and with the money saved compared to the price of the 85mm I would pick up a cheap zoom (consider buying used).

Otherwise I would pick a good quality zoom.

Kasakato

Oct 12th, 2009, 11:14 AM

frogger

Oct 12th, 2009, 04:50 PM

It won't focus as fast but for practicality for portraits you should consider the Tamron 28-75mm f2.8 zoom

Winkle

Oct 12th, 2009, 05:44 PM

I would go with the 50mm 1.4D and an SB600 with umbrella and stand. Reason: the 50 1.4D is lightly better focusing than the newer lens, and since you have a D90 it will focus. Unless you only need tight shoulder and head shots, the 85mm is likely too long. The SB600 gives you the option of off camera flash which will have a huge effect on portraits. All should be under $1500.

AF-D 50 f/1.8 is also pretty good too, and cheap ($150 CDN). Optically its performance is nearly the same but its significantly cheaper because of its build quality (more plastic and made in China).

Kasakato

Oct 12th, 2009, 05:47 PM

AF-D 50 f/1.8 is also pretty good too, and cheap ($150 CDN). Optically its performance is nearly the same but its significantly cheaper because of its build quality (more plastic and made in China).

Yup, but minus while max. out the budget. ;)

THINKPADT61

Oct 12th, 2009, 07:25 PM

I am selling my 85mm f1.8 AFD.... is very good lens for portrait

http://www.redflagdeals.com/forums/nikon-lens-85mm-f1-8-105mm-f2-5-ais-800168/#post9567610

cyder

Oct 12th, 2009, 08:11 PM

danodealo

Oct 12th, 2009, 08:20 PM

Can I just offer some different advice? How good are you with Cameras? I purchased a D40, some lenses, then thinking I needed more options and upgraded sensor I switched to a D90. The D90, at least for me and initially, is much harder to get nice pictures out of the box. There are so many adjustable settings and options that simply 'getting the shot' can be pretty hard to accomplish since picture controls can affect your histogram as well as many small adjustments on the D90. I've actually put my 35m. 1.8 which should also be considered onto the D40 and wish I had saved myself the money from a 1000$ body and invested it all into lenses for my D40. This camera cranks out colour and excellent shots. I also own the SB-600 and love it, the only thing you would be losing is Off-camera flash by putting it on a D40 rather than a D90 but for umbrella shots, etc, this might not matter.

Also, the D40 is a far better camera than the D5000 which IMHO is Junk

adfactor

Oct 12th, 2009, 08:22 PM

Cyder the SB400 DOES SWIVEL. I've got three of them sitting right here. They work great and its all the flash anyone really ever needs. (unless you really use nikon's creative lighting system).

To the original poster: A D90 is complete overkill for what you're looking to do, so is most of the other items that people are suggesting you pickup in this thread.

D40/D60/D3000 or a D5000 would be fine for what you're doing. You don't need to worry about the lack of compatibility with older lenses because you aren't going to be using any older lenses anyway (This is a wife tales that people who think more lenses + more filters + more money = better shot).

Get yourself any of the camera's above, a SB400 WHICH DOES BOUNCE FLASH and the standard kit VR lens to get started. You'll get some great shots. With the savings over the D90 invest in the Nikon 35mm AF-S 1.8 lens and you'll get incredible pictures indoors. When you get a chance to spend some more cash sell the kit lens and go for the Nikon 18-200mm VR lense. Save the rest of your money and spend it on your kids!

I've got to say that i've only posted a few times in threads related to photography on RFDs but each time I just see crazy suggestions. This is probably the worst place to get advice on photography purchases.

danodealo

Oct 12th, 2009, 08:24 PM

Listen to this guy :arrowd:

Cyder the SB400 DOES SWIVEL. I've got three of them sitting right here. They work great and its all the flash anyone really ever needs. (unless you really use nikon's creative lighting system).

To the original poster: A D90 is complete overkill for what you're looking to do, so is most of the other items that people are suggesting you pickup in this thread.

D40/D60/D3000 or a D5000 would be fine for what you're doing. You don't need to worry about the lack of compatibility with older lenses because you aren't going to be using any older lenses anyway (This is a wife tales that people who think more lenses + more filters + more money = better shot).

Get yourself any of the camera's above, a SB400 WHICH DOES BOUNCE FLASH and the standard kit VR lens to get started. You'll get some great shots. With the savings over the D90 invest in the Nikon 35mm AF-S 1.8 lens and you'll get incredible pictures indoors. When you get a chance to spend some more cash sell the kit lens and go for the Nikon 18-200mm VR lense. Save the rest of your money and spend it on your kids!

I've got to say that i've only posted a few times in threads related to photography on RFDs but each time I just see crazy suggestions. This is probably the worst place to get advice on photography purchases.

Kasakato

Oct 12th, 2009, 08:25 PM

adfactor

Oct 12th, 2009, 08:28 PM

You probably want to send it into Nikon then, its broken. :lol:

http://static.photo.net/attachments/bboard/00O/00OODP-41682784.jpg

Kasakato

Oct 12th, 2009, 08:31 PM

http://static.photo.net/attachments/bboard/00O/00OODP-41682784.jpg

Thats tilt. ;)

Swivel allows you to bounce upwards while the camera is in portrait. For this reason alone I would recommenced at least an SB600. If the OP was not focused on people shots, the SB400 may have been a better option.

adfactor

Oct 12th, 2009, 08:36 PM

Thats tilt. ;)

Swivel allows you to bounce upwards while the camera is in portrait. For this reason alone I would recommenced at least an SB600. If the OP was not focused on people shots, the SB400 may have been a better option.

My mistake. :)

B0000rt

Oct 12th, 2009, 09:44 PM

one thing with the SB400 is that it doesn't have a lot of height over the camera, so if you weren't bouncing and have a large lens hood or were going to use zoom or both there will be a significant shadow in the bottom of the picture. Should not be a problem with a prime.

Also the SB 400 doesn't swivel so you can't bounce off the ceiling if you were taking a portrait.
That's true, I'll consider the SB600 then..

Can I just offer some different advice? How good are you with Cameras? I purchased a D40, some lenses, then thinking I needed more options and upgraded sensor I switched to a D90. The D90, at least for me and initially, is much harder to get nice pictures out of the box. There are so many adjustable settings and options that simply 'getting the shot' can be pretty hard to accomplish since picture controls can affect your histogram as well as many small adjustments on the D90. I've actually put my 35m. 1.8 which should also be considered onto the D40 and wish I had saved myself the money from a 1000$ body and invested it all into lenses for my D40. This camera cranks out colour and excellent shots. I also own the SB-600 and love it, the only thing you would be losing is Off-camera flash by putting it on a D40 rather than a D90 but for umbrella shots, etc, this might not matter.

Also, the D40 is a far better camera than the D5000 which IMHO is JunkI'm alright with adjustments, I'll put in the time to play around with things. Like I initially mentioned, my budget is $1500, so any combination of whatever would suffice.35mm 1.8, or 50mm 1.8 or 1.4 or D90 or SB600 or SB400 all would sit under this.

Cyder the SB400 DOES SWIVEL. I've got three of them sitting right here. They work great and its all the flash anyone really ever needs. (unless you really use nikon's creative lighting system).

To the original poster: A D90 is complete overkill for what you're looking to do, so is most of the other items that people are suggesting you pickup in this thread.

D40/D60/D3000 or a D5000 would be fine for what you're doing. You don't need to worry about the lack of compatibility with older lenses because you aren't going to be using any older lenses anyway (This is a wife tales that people who think more lenses + more filters + more money = better shot).

Get yourself any of the camera's above, a SB400 WHICH DOES BOUNCE FLASH and the standard kit VR lens to get started. You'll get some great shots. With the savings over the D90 invest in the Nikon 35mm AF-S 1.8 lens and you'll get incredible pictures indoors. When you get a chance to spend some more cash sell the kit lens and go for the Nikon 18-200mm VR lense. Save the rest of your money and spend it on your kids!

I've got to say that i've only posted a few times in threads related to photography on RFDs but each time I just see crazy suggestions. This is probably the worst place to get advice on photography purchases.
Well the problem with me is I hate buying and selling things, I'd rather overbuy something abit, rather than underbuy it and regret my purchase. The D90 might be overkill for what I want it for now, but I'm sure I'll come to adore 3" 920k pixel screen :D Trust me, I already spend enough on this tyke. He's already got birthday and Christmas presents for the next couple of years ;) The 18-200mm VR or VRII is what I'd eventually get down the line, if the wife allows it, but I have to make my case for the initial camera first before we even delve into that!

The thing is, I want to try to be smarter than you guys (or atleast tell myself that lol) and not buy and sell and buy and sell things all the time ;)
:lol::D:cheesygri

pmc

Oct 12th, 2009, 09:55 PM

http://www.nikonusa.com/Assets/Camera-Lenses/1929-AF-ZOOM-NIKKOR-24-85mm-f-2.8-4D-IF/Views/353_1929_AF-ZOOM-NIKKOR-24-85mm-f-2.8-4D-IF.jpg

http://www.nikonusa.com/Assets/Flashes/4802-SB-600-AF-Speedlight-Unit/Views/353_4802_SB-600-AF-Speedlight-Unit_front.jpg

http://www.stofen.com/Images/OM_MZ3.gif

http://www.nikonusa.com/Assets/Photography-Accessories/Batteries/25345-MB-D80-Multi-Power-Battery-Pack/Views/353_25345-MB-D80-Multi-Power-Battery-Pack_front.jpg

Options:

http://www.manfrotto.com/webdav/site/manfrotto/shared/_images/Manfrotto/product_images/490.jpg

http://www.manfrotto.com/webdav/site/main/shared/products/055CXPRO3/D0010_c75cbb4bdb34cd8ecfc80769694bbe48_L.jpg

craftsman

Oct 13th, 2009, 12:58 AM

Also, the D40 is a far better camera than the D5000 which IMHO is Junk

Actually, I just shot with the D5000 in NYC for 6 days. While the movie mode needs a bit of work, the rest of the camera is pretty solid - good colour, low noise, excellent white balancing, accurate metering...

As for the D40, it's also a great little camera and is more than suitable for most people who take everyday shots.

Winkle

Oct 13th, 2009, 08:19 AM

Actually, I just shot with the D5000 in NYC for 6 days. While the movie mode needs a bit of work, the rest of the camera is pretty solid - good colour, low noise, excellent white balancing, accurate metering...

As for the D40, it's also a great little camera and is more than suitable for most people who take everyday shots.

Agreed. The D40 is a great camera but it can't compare the what the D5000 is capable of as the D5000 uses the same sensor as the D300 and the AF-system from the D90 which puts it miles ahead of the D40 although the D5000 is grossly overpriced if you want to argue on that demerit alone.

danodealo

Oct 13th, 2009, 03:09 PM

Well the problem with me is I hate buying and selling things, I'd rather overbuy something abit, rather than underbuy it and regret my purchase. The D90 might be overkill for what I want it for now, but I'm sure I'll come to adore 3" 920k pixel screen :D Trust me, I already spend enough on this tyke. He's already got birthday and Christmas presents for the next couple of years ;) The 18-200mm VR or VRII is what I'd eventually get down the line, if the wife allows it, but I have to make my case for the initial camera first before we even delve into that!

The thing is, I want to try to be smarter than you guys (or atleast tell myself that lol) and not buy and sell and buy and sell things all the time ;)
:lol::D:cheesygri

This was my reasoning for suggesting that the D40 was more than enough Camera, especially for starters. And there is absolutely no problem with selling them used, many photographers know what a great camera this is and will give you excellent resale value on it if you find you need more. Not to sound like ken rockwell too much but putting money into lenses will give you far superior results than spending it on body alone. The technical image quality of my shots with a D90 are not noticeably different from my D40. The main difference is at high iso but since you mentioned shooting indoors with flash this is a non-issue.

B0000rt

Oct 13th, 2009, 09:29 PM

This was my reasoning for suggesting that the D40 was more than enough Camera, especially for starters. And there is absolutely no problem with selling them used, many photographers know what a great camera this is and will give you excellent resale value on it if you find you need more. Not to sound like ken rockwell too much but putting money into lenses will give you far superior results than spending it on body alone. The technical image quality of my shots with a D90 are not noticeably different from my D40. The main difference is at high iso but since you mentioned shooting indoors with flash this is a non-issue.
Hmm, I told my wife about the D40 and that it was "Half the price of the Camera body I originally wanted" and she said "well if it's cheaper it must be worse, why not just get the more expensive one" I can't argue with her there ;)

But hey, a D40 (470 USD) + 18-200mm (750 USD) + SB600 (220 USD) + 35mm 1.8 (200 USD) - $50 for the kit lense is abit over budget... (1590 USD) Hmmm!

pmc

Oct 13th, 2009, 11:35 PM

B0000rt

Oct 14th, 2009, 10:24 AM

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist.jsp&A=cart&Q=add

You'll be using the 18-50 the most and you'll want the fastest aperture you can afford even with flash especially when you're going to use it indoors to have a more balance frame.
I can't see what's in your cart...

Yes, I know about B&H, Adorama, BeachCamera, J&R, Amazon, RitzCamera, B&H is probably the cheapest, with no tax, and decent shipping..

Hmm the price difference between the D90 and D40 is ~390 if you factor in $50 for the kit lens....

Has anyone else gone from the D40 to the D90 and found it not worth the money?

Kasakato

Oct 14th, 2009, 07:20 PM

Has anyone else gone from the D40 to the D90 and found it not worth the money?

I have shot with pretty much every camera Nikon makes, except the D3s and D3x, cant afford to even touch one. :cry:

There is a difference between cameras, you get more features and options. The question is: do you really need them? If I was just shooting for the fun of it, a D40 would make me happy. Its small, light, and does everything I need when having fun. On the other hand, if I'm shooting a concert or the like, I want a bigger body, bigger VF, easy to change settings, etc. In which case I pick up a D200 or D300.

In short, what you plan to do with the camera effects what you probably want to buy. If you can afford it, a D90 is great to have. If not, a D40 is sufficient. Ultimately its the person who takes the picture, not the camera.

B0000rt

Oct 14th, 2009, 09:10 PM

You know what, I'm convinced, D40 it is... And since it's discontinued, they're a steal right now, $350 USD clearance at Target! Wahoo!

Thanks for all your help guys!

Daijoubu

Oct 15th, 2009, 08:42 AM

You can easily find a D60 body for 400CAD, or ~450 with the VR kit lens (which is fine - but if you have the money, get the Tamron 18-50mm with a constant f/2.8 and the Nikon 35mm f/1.8)

Instead of buying the SB-400, the popup flash can become quite useful with a little mirror :)
Save the money and get the SB-600 when you really do need it.

http://www.redflagdeals.com/forums/softlite-sl-1-ceiling-bounce-your-popup-flash-702164/

Goes for like 10$ last time I've checked on eBay

B0000rt

Oct 15th, 2009, 09:37 AM

Astin

Oct 15th, 2009, 09:59 AM

B&H is probably the cheapest, with no tax, and decent shipping..

Umm... there's still tax from B&H. You'll get nailed by UPS for PST + GST (but not brokerage charges).

Anyway, if you can only pick one prime on a crop body, then I'd say 35mm is the way to go. You can always crop a 35mm, but you can't expand the 50mm.

B0000rt

Oct 15th, 2009, 10:12 AM

Umm... there's still tax from B&H. You'll get nailed by UPS for PST + GST (but not brokerage charges).

Anyway, if you can only pick one prime on a crop body, then I'd say 35mm is the way to go. You can always crop a 35mm, but you can't expand the 50mm.
Not for those living in Jersey ;) Check the zip in my location ;)

The only 50mm prime that would work on the D40 would be the 50mm 1.4G which is abit pricey compared to the 35mm 1.8G.. (200 USD vs 450 USD)

Winkle

Oct 15th, 2009, 10:30 AM

Not for those living in Jersey ;) Check the zip in my location ;)

The only 50mm prime that would work on the D40 would be the 50mm 1.4G which is abit pricey compared to the 35mm 1.8G.. (200 USD vs 450 USD)

Go with the 35 DX prime, the 50 is equivalent to 75 on a Nikon cropped, bit of a longer prime, its good but not as useful as the 35 and if you're only getting one prime for now you'll be itching for something a bit wider.

pmc

Oct 15th, 2009, 10:31 AM

You should buy the best you can afford at the moment...you should be able to get the D90 plus an 17-80 2.8 Sigma zoom. You'll have video included better low light capabilities and a more durable body, better meter, better processor...that siad the D40 is okay but if you even have a little doubt D90 over D40...D90 it is :)

ALSO the D90 isn't restricted to lense compatabilities

NuggyBuggy

Oct 15th, 2009, 11:04 AM

If you're interested in shooting with off-camera flash - umbrellas were mentioned - make sure whatever you buy (body and flash) is CLS-capable.

If it were me, and I were on your budget and lived in New Jersey, I'd:
- buy a used or new D90 or D5000, maybe from a dealer like B&H which would offer a return
- buy a used SB600 flash online
- buy a used 35/1.8 for when you want to shoot available light.
- buy a used 18-70 for a great, versatile, and cheap zoom

I'm guessing you could buy the last 3 things for about $450-500 total in the US.

Daijoubu

Oct 15th, 2009, 11:30 AM

$400 new or used? The whole kit with the lense is $500 at FS + taxes though.

New, BB had it for $440, but without VR
http://www.redflagdeals.com/forums/bb-nikon-d60-439-a-796966/

The D3000 may also be a option (D60 with small upgrades) if you're after the lightest/low-end DSLR from Nikon, priced at 500$ though

NuggyBuggy

Oct 15th, 2009, 11:34 AM

If you have a little kid, I'd seriously consider buying a body with video. I don't have such a body (though I do have a GH1) and hence, always end up carrying a P&S or E-P1 with my SLR.

B0000rt

Oct 15th, 2009, 01:52 PM

Jesus, you guys are making this decision harder and harder for me! You're right the 720p video would be a great option!

Frick, D90 hmmmmmmm!

Edit: Seems that you can only record upto 5mins at a time? Well I guess that doesn't matter much, as we wouldn't record more than 2 mins at a time

pmc

Oct 15th, 2009, 06:26 PM

...and then there is RAW :D

Tell your boss you need a family allowance increase :idea:

Your battery will run out at 20 mins LOL but it's not a video camera, it's more or less a YouTube or similar featured camera for posting for family and/or friends.

frogger

Oct 15th, 2009, 06:32 PM

D90 for $860 at Aden right now seems like a good deal.

Kasakato

Oct 15th, 2009, 07:44 PM

guaranine

Oct 15th, 2009, 08:40 PM

I was in the same boat a couple of months ago, and honestly, after handling both cameras, I couldn't go back to the D40/D60.

Plus, as people already mentioned, Aden has an awesome deal for the D90. If you get it along with the 18-105 lens it's still only $1140, which is a very good price. However, I'd recommend price matching at either BB/FutureShop or Black's instead of buying from Aden. Black's has a 30 day price guarantee meaning even after the first price match you can still get some money back if you find a lower price within the 30-day period. That's where I got my kit from and I was very happy with it. You also get 25 (I think) free 4x6 prints and a 1 hour training session with one of their store experts. Don't know if that's worth much, but it could be a nice perk.

If you want to get a bit creative with the flash once you get it, D90 lets you fire the SB600+ units remotely without any addons, which is nice. I'm not sure if anybody said it in this thread yet, but D90 has the built-in autofocus motor for those pre AF-S lenses, the top LCD, two dials instead of one, 11 af points instead of 3. To me, these were important functionalities even though I was purchasing my first DSLR.

Best of luck with your search

B0000rt

Oct 17th, 2009, 11:54 AM

guaranine

Oct 17th, 2009, 12:12 PM

If money permits, the 35mm. With crop magnification it translates into roughly 50mm, which was the 50mm lens' original intent. But they both got very good reviews and I've seen quite a few people sporting both primes.

kenbong

Oct 17th, 2009, 12:46 PM

B0000rt, I'm saying you should get the D90 as well due to the fact you're using this mainly for kid shots.

Some people say video on an SLR is BS, but when you have kids (I have an 18month old daughter) it's pretty handy being able to switch between stills and video. There nothing like capturing your kid throwing their toys all over the living room via video. A still shot just would capture the moment as well.

The fact that the D90's popup flash can act as a commander for off camera flashes is something you should keep in mind. I've recently started playing around with the Nikon CLS and it's opened up a whole new world of photography. Also, the D90 has a built in motor to auto-focus lenses which don't have a motor. This alone would disqualify the D40 for me (I used to have the D50).

I've got the 50mm 1.8 and if I were to do it over, I'd go for the 35mm 1.8. The 50 is just a bit too long for indoor shots. Also, while primes are great for indoor, they sometimes aren't that great for kid shots since they are constantly in motion. I find I'm usually better off trading in sharpness for zoom so I usually keep the 18-200 on the camera with my SB600.

sfu_engineer

Oct 17th, 2009, 01:05 PM

D90, 18-55mm VR kit lens, 35mm F1.8, SB600. Would be my initial startup kit. If you can't afford the flash you can get by with the fast wide/normal prime.

Kasakato

Oct 17th, 2009, 03:24 PM

Ok final question since the D90 supports both

50mm 1.8D or 35mm 1.8G?

The latter is $70 more, and since I'll be using it more for portrait, the 50mm translates into 70-something-mm vs the 35mm's 50-something-mm on the crop sensor...

If I only could chose one, it would probably be the 35mm. Its right around "normal" on a DX body. Since you only can choose one, I would go as close to normal as possible.

B0000rt

Oct 17th, 2009, 03:26 PM

D90, 18-55mm VR kit lens, 35mm F1.8, SB600. Would be my initial startup kit. If you can't afford the flash you can get by with the fast wide/normal prime.

B&H, J&R, Adorama and Beach Camera don't have the D90 w/ the 18-55mm VR..

Only with the 18-105mm VR.. Bought the 35mm 1.8G already though, gonna place the order with B&H later tonight for the D90 and SB600, though I might buy the SB600 in store instead of online...

xtracrispy123

Oct 17th, 2009, 03:36 PM

The thing to keep in mind about wide-aperture lenses is that you can get really nice blurry-background effects when you open it up.

There appears to be a big difference in how this blur (called bokeh) is rendered, based on the lens and diaphragm blade design.

Some people are saying that the 35mm is not that nice looking, while the 50mm is good. It's all personal preference.... but me personally, I'd rather get a 50mm and spend the extra money elsewhere.

Like a flash.
Or even a flash umbrella if you want PERFECT pictures of your kids.

B0000rt

Oct 17th, 2009, 03:45 PM

TBH, I'm not really into the bokeh stuff yet, I just want the pictures to be sharp as hell for now :D

Flash is already in the budget, and with the 35mm 1.8G I'm ~$300 under budget, all the more to go towards the 18-200mm in the future ;)

Kasakato

Oct 17th, 2009, 03:49 PM

B0000rt

Oct 17th, 2009, 03:58 PM

A sharp subject with creamy bokeh is what really cares a pleasing portrait.

Can't get bokeh with a flat coloured background ;)

Kasakato

Oct 17th, 2009, 04:16 PM

Can't get bokeh with a flat coloured background ;)

Sure you can, why not? There is no such thing as a perfectly flat and homogeneous backdrop.

xtracrispy123

Oct 17th, 2009, 10:28 PM

You may not care about bokeh now... but once you see it in action, I guarantee it'll make you want more.

I think that bokeh or depth of field is the #1 thing that you want an SLR for, next to things like ISO performance or focus speeds.

A picture that is 100 percent in focus seems like a good idea at first... but when you start getting into composition or subject isolation, having the flexibility to 'erase' away the background with bokeh can really add some oomph to the picture.

But once again, it's all personal opinion. Why not go to the camera store and try all the lenses to see which ones fit you best?

B0000rt

Oct 18th, 2009, 01:08 PM

Well for what it's worth, thanks for all your help guys and gals!

D90 is on order from B&H
35mm 1.8G is in hand and
SB600 is in hand,

And so it begins....

VMalska

Oct 18th, 2009, 02:30 PM

Well for what it's worth, thanks for all your help guys and gals!

D90 is on order from B&H
35mm 1.8G is in hand and
SB600 is in hand,

And so it begins....

SB600 is great (I got it...remember to use AA 2450 mAh Energizer Rechargeable batteries). 35mm 1.8 is great as well. Sorry about the D90 though, POS camera. It's crammed with many useful features...like 24 fps movie shooting that doesn't auto focus when you zoom in...or Live View...but you know...you'll find out soon by yourself anyway.

B0000rt

Oct 18th, 2009, 03:07 PM

SB600 is great (I got it...remember to use AA 2450 mAh Energizer Rechargeable batteries). 35mm 1.8 is great as well. Sorry about the D90 though, POS camera. It's crammed with many useful features...like 24 fps movie shooting that doesn't auto focus when you zoom in...or Live View...but you know...you'll find out soon by yourself anyway.

Duraloops are in it... It feels smaller than the SB800 though...

Hah, I don't mind, I was playing around with the D90 at Bestbuy and it was fine, The Live View is a neat feature but I probably won't use it much... The HD video is alright since I'll just be with my kid that doesn't move around much yet :D

Kasakato

Oct 18th, 2009, 03:08 PM

SB600 is great (I got it...remember to use AA 2450 mAh Energizer Rechargeable batteries). 35mm 1.8 is great as well. Sorry about the D90 though, POS camera. It's crammed with many useful features...like 24 fps movie shooting that doesn't auto focus when you zoom in...or Live View...but you know...you'll find out soon by yourself anyway.
Live view is useful when shooting macros, the magnification helps when focusing.

24fps gives movie a unique cine feel. There is nothing wrong with 24p.

Most professional directors do not auto focus, everything is pulled. It does add a bit of a challenge but its nothing that cannot be overcome, certainly not bad for the first DSLR with video. When using a parfocal lens, zooming is not an issue anyways.

If you don't know what you're talking about, its best not to talk at all.

VMalska

Oct 18th, 2009, 03:32 PM

Live view is useful when shooting macros, the magnification helps when focusing.

24fps gives movie a unique cine feel. There is nothing wrong with 24p.

Most professional directors do not auto focus, everything is pulled. It does add a bit of a challenge but its nothing that cannot be overcome, certainly not bad for the first DSLR with video. When using a parfocal lens, zooming is not an issue anyways.

If you don't know what you're talking about, its best not to talk at all.

If you can't get your point across by using proper words, it's better not to try. Live View is never helpful if you know what you're doing. I've never found LV to help with manual focusing. EVER. There's nothing wrong with 24p, but there is something wrong with not AF-ing. There is the Canon T1I, much better videos...But honestly: who bothers with video on a DSLR?...But meh, guess it's hard for some people to understand a person who shoots B&W Street with a LS and doesn't edit images.

VMalska

Oct 18th, 2009, 03:40 PM

Duraloops are in it... It feels smaller than the SB800 though...

Hah, I don't mind, I was playing around with the D90 at Bestbuy and it was fine, The Live View is a neat feature but I probably won't use it much... The HD video is alright since I'll just be with my kid that doesn't move around much yet :D

BestBuy FTW. Much better customer service than Henry's...they're willing to do anything for you. The LV IS a neat feature, but once you have it...it's a little bit addictive...the only way to stop is to remember that you're losing image frame (it's much easier not to get addicted when you don't have it =)). The HD video, yes it is alright...remember a tripod^^...and also, for the flash, remember the LS...For macro purposes, for portraits, or for general purpose photography...you really can't beat LS. I do B&W Street photography (Henri Cartier-Bresson style...I also like Bruce Gilden though)...and believe me, without the sphere I would get much harsher images (and much harsher repercussions from people on whom I used flash o.O).

Kasakato

Oct 18th, 2009, 03:44 PM

If you can't get your point across by using proper words, it's better not to try. Live View is never helpful if you know what you're doing. I've never found LV to help with manual focusing. EVER. There's nothing wrong with 24p, but there is something wrong with not AF-ing. There is the Canon T1I, much better videos...But honestly: who bothers with video on a DSLR?...But meh, guess it's hard for some people to understand a person who shoots B&W Street with a LS and doesn't edit images.

Im fairly sure my words were correct, and since you got what I was saying, the post served its purpose.

If you can come up with a way to focus on fungus spores, using the optical VF, please let me know. I would be interested. Perhaps you have zoom vision?

Kasakato

Oct 18th, 2009, 03:46 PM

BestBuy FTW. Much better customer service than Henry's...they're willing to do anything for you. The LV IS a neat feature, but once you have it...it's a little bit addictive...the only way to stop is to remember that you're losing image frame (it's much easier not to get addicted when you don't have it =)). The HD video, yes it is alright...remember a tripod^^...and also, for the flash, remember the LS...For macro purposes, for portraits, or for general purpose photography...you really can't beat LS. I do B&W Street photography (Henri Cartier-Bresson style...I also like Bruce Gilden though)...and believe me, without the sphere I would get much harsher images (and much harsher repercussions from people on whom I used flash o.O).

Loose image frame? What the heck is that? Frame rate? Viewfinder accuracy?

VMalska

Oct 18th, 2009, 04:17 PM

Lose image frame? What the heck is that? Frame rate? Viewfinder accuracy?

You see less in the Live View of what the picture is going to be than in the viewfinder.

B0000rt

Oct 18th, 2009, 04:17 PM

The LV IS a neat feature, but once you have it...it's a little bit addictive...the only way to stop is to remember that you're losing image frame (it's much easier not to get addicted when you don't have it =)).
I don't get your posts, in one you trashtalk Live View, and in this you say it's addictive....

The D90 viewfinder has 96% coverage.... So I'm sure Live View has something similar...

Kasakato

Oct 18th, 2009, 04:25 PM

You see less in the Live View of what the picture is going to be than in the viewfinder.

That does not make sense, why would a digital display not show 100% of the sensor.

Guess what? It does.

VMalska

Oct 18th, 2009, 04:25 PM

I don't get your posts, in one you trashtalk Live View, and in this you say it's addictive....

The D90 viewfinder has 96% coverage.... So I'm sure Live View has something similar...

Lol it's nothing unusual for someone to think something is bad, but find it addictive. I don't think the LV has 96%...but more like 91 or 92...which is still problematic.

VMalska

Oct 18th, 2009, 04:27 PM

That does not make sense, why would a digital display not show 100% of the sensor?

Don't ask me...look at Olympus or Sony...they don't...ask them. Also, I have not been able to locate the LV coverage for the D90...maybe because nobody cares enough about it due to not using it^^

Kasakato

Oct 18th, 2009, 04:39 PM

Don't ask me...look at Olympus or Sony...they don't...ask them. Also, I have not been able to locate the LV coverage for the D90...maybe because nobody cares enough about it due to not using it^^

Sony's a 550 and 550 cover 100%.

Here is the D90 test pattern: http://www.imaging-resource.com/PRODS/D90/D90VFAL.HTM It is near 100%.

VMalska

Oct 18th, 2009, 04:44 PM

Sony's a 550 and 550 cover 100%.

Here is the D90 test pattern: http://www.imaging-resource.com/PRODS/D90/D90VFAL.HTM It is near 100%.

Thanks. It IS good =). Although, I still prefer the viewfinder o.O.

B0000rt

Oct 18th, 2009, 04:54 PM

Sony's a 550 and 550 cover 100%.

Here is the D90 test pattern: http://www.imaging-resource.com/PRODS/D90/D90VFAL.HTM It is near 100%.

I think it's best you just click this link and be done with it:
http://www.redflagdeals.com/forums/profile.php?do=addlist&userlist=ignore&u=262125

Winkle

Oct 18th, 2009, 05:48 PM

Don't ask me...look at Olympus or Sony...they don't...ask them. Also, I have not been able to locate the LV coverage for the D90...maybe because nobody cares enough about it due to not using it^^

You can't locate the LV coverage for the D90 because it's 100% like most other live views out there.

Olympus utilizes a two-mode live view system. Most live view systems simply involves having the camera lock its mirror up and display the image directly from the main sensor, which would result in 100% coverage.

Olympus has this mode plus a 2nd mode where a 2nd mirror in the view finder redirects the light to a smaller secondary sensor within the view finder, and the image is displayed from this smaller sensor, which offers smaller coverage but has the advantage that the main mirror is not locked up and the main sensor is not exposed.

Sony has implemented this 2-mode live view system in their newer cameras like the A380 and the A550, hence why Sony and Olympus has "non-100% coverage live view modes" but they also have the other live view mode that provides 100% coverage.

Daijoubu

Oct 19th, 2009, 08:37 AM

I think it's best you just click this link and be done with it:
http://www.redflagdeals.com/forums/profile.php?do=addlist&userlist=ignore&u=262125

Thank you, I've went through a few of his posts and...yeah

B0000rt

Oct 21st, 2009, 08:11 AM

Thanks everyone! My D90 body arrived yesterday, and last night I was playing with the SB600 with the D90 in commander mode, pretty cool!

pmc

Oct 21st, 2009, 11:41 AM

Thanks everyone! My D90 body arrived yesterday, and last night I was playing with the SB600 with the D90 in commander mode, pretty cool!

FINALLY any longer and your child would have been married and gone LOL

Congrats what lense(S) did you get?

B0000rt

Oct 21st, 2009, 11:47 AM

FINALLY any longer and your child would have been married and gone LOL

Congrats what lense(S) did you get?
Lol... It didn't take THAT long...

Got the 35mm 1.8G, we'll see whatelse I augment this with :D

Winkle

Oct 21st, 2009, 12:06 PM

Thanks everyone! My D90 body arrived yesterday, and last night I was playing with the SB600 with the D90 in commander mode, pretty cool!

Congrats and welcome to the Nikon camp! Hope you will stay awhile :cheesygri

sfu_engineer

Oct 21st, 2009, 12:09 PM

Speaking of Live View again I find myself using it more than I would have thought as I can switch into it and see how my settings affect the photo (ie. metering the scene) before switching back to non-Live View to take the photos as the response is faster.

rubberband

Oct 21st, 2009, 02:01 PM

Lol... It didn't take THAT long...

Got the 35mm 1.8G, we'll see whatelse I augment this with :D

Good choice.

I'm luck enough to have a good selection of nicer Nikon glass, but this lens has been stuck to my camera almost exclusively since I got it. You'll like it I'm sure.

skyblue12

Oct 21st, 2009, 08:17 PM

no one ever sells their 35mm on craigslist boo

phuviano

Oct 22nd, 2009, 12:07 AM

no one ever sells their 35mm on craigslist boo

Check on Fred Miranda. I got one of these, but not going to sell it... :)

Qube

Oct 22nd, 2009, 12:37 AM

From 0 to now 4 months old baby... here is how I progressed...

D200 - Nikon 50 1.8D - Lots, then sold
D200 - Tamron 17-50 2.8 - A Bit
D200 - Nikon 50 1.4D - A Bit
D200 - Nikon 35 1.8G - The Most

Now I have a D60 I carry everywhere as a "toss around" camera (thanks RFD!), complementing the SD790 for HD video...

D60 - Nikon 50 1.4G / Nikon 35 1.8G - Alternating, more 35 usually
D200 - Tamron 17-50 2.8 / Sigma 10-20 4-5.6 - Alternating, more 10-20 usually (perspective fun!)

What I'm starting to find in the D60 has better high ISO performance than the D200. This makes me sad :(

In my opinion, the 35 will do you well. When you want to go wider or get closer, think about the 18-200 as a general purpose.