Advice Needed for Nikon D3000 Quick plz...

[kramerzoo]

Hey all!! This is literally my first post on DisBoards...and going through a few pages, I know this is the right place for my question...

I am in the process of planning out first fall trip to WDW and we are def doing the MNSSHP...
I am a total novice with photography so a lot of terminology still confuses me
I have a Nikon D3000 that my husband got for me a couple of years ago....

So...here's my questions: I want to attempt to take the best possible pics during the party and wanted to know recommendation for lenses without breaking the bank. I am also really hesitant about taking our clunky tripod...less is always better for me.
I have 18-55mm lens and a 55-200mm lens...I am assuming are standard with the D3000...I also have a flash with adjustable head...not sure model..but it is a Nikon flash that I was told was a pretty good one and I am getting more and more comfortable with using the flash.

So...long story short...Any one has recommendations for a new lens I could get to take better pics of the parade and during ride and/or inside shots when I really don't want to over power the scene with a flash.

I really hope this makes sense...I am so excited to be taking our first trip during the Fall...and I want to make sure I can capture all the memories!!

Thanks a million in advance for all the help!!!
Jessica

 

[daisy 'n donald]

i also have the d3000 which i love! (however, i also just got the d7000!)
i'm bringing my d3000 to wdw when we go in sept...i asked a few threads down about what lenses to bring...

i have the 35mm f/1.8 prime lens...and i LOVE it! it's inexpensive (about $200) and it's great in low light....it's comparable to the 50mm lens for full frame cameras...i've checked a lot of other dis'ers exif info on their indoor shots, and most are taken with 50mm f/1.8 or f1.4....

but i highly recommend the 35mm anyway, it's great for portraits.....

 

[NLD]

Yep, the 35 f/1.8.

It's a little more expensive than the 50mm but it's a better focal length on your camera.

Link to the lens on Amazon, so you can exactly which one.

If you want fireworks shots and good night shots, bring the tripod. And get a remote shutter release for your camera. You can always store the tripod in a locker during the day, and then retrieve it at night.

 

[NLD]

Here are some shots with the 35 1.8 in low-light settings, on a Nikon D60. Your D3000 should have better ISO capabilities so you should be able to do even better....



Hippo, Hippo, Burning Bright by nicole_lynn_, on Flickr


Tinkerbell Aglow by nicole_lynn_, on Flickr


Jasmine by nicole_lynn_, on Flickr


With Snow White by nicole_lynn_, on Flickr


Magic Kiss by nicole_lynn_, on Flickr

 

[kramerzoo]

Thanks a million!
I am not sure about the difference between the 2 lens...I did read a couple of reviews that says that the auto focus on these lenses do not work on the D3000...Is that true??

NLD...thse pictures are amazing...and that is without using a flash??
Am I able to use my flash with these lenses?? And do I use this lens for for all my night and indoor photos??

And one more question...for night my ISO should be higher correct?? With these lenses what mode do I use?? What are other recommendations for settings?

Oh and before I forget...maybe cuz I never paid attention before, is it common to see people with tripods?? I took pics from NYE 2011 at DHS and they came out OK without a tripod. But they def did not turn out like some I have seen...

I am so sorry for asking so many questions....but I am really excited and want to make this quick trip a great one! Thanks again!!

 

[photo_chick]

As far as loosing functionality with some lenses on entry level Nikons... Nikonians.org has a really good chart that breaks down all the lens designations from Nikon with each camera body to tell you what functionality you will and won't have.

http://www.nikonians.org/nikon/slr-lens.html

 

[NateNLogansDad]

Thanks a million!
I am not sure about the difference between the 2 lens...I did read a couple of reviews that says that the auto focus on these lenses do not work on the D3000...Is that true??

NLD...thse pictures are amazing...and that is without using a flash??
Am I able to use my flash with these lenses?? And do I use this lens for for all my night and indoor photos??

And one more question...for night my ISO should be higher correct?? With these lenses what mode do I use?? What are other recommendations for settings?

Oh and before I forget...maybe cuz I never paid attention before, is it common to see people with tripods?? I took pics from NYE 2011 at DHS and they came out OK without a tripod. But they def did not turn out like some I have seen...

I am so sorry for asking so many questions....but I am really excited and want to make this quick trip a great one! Thanks again!!

They make a version of the lenses without the auto focus motor built into the lens. As long as you get the one with the motor built in, they will auto focus. I've had both my 35 and 50mm on my brother's D3000 with no problem. Pop your 18-55 kit lens and walk around with the zoom set to 35mm and take some pictures. Then set it to 50mm and try that. That will give you an idea on the focal length difference of the 2 lenses. Pick the length you like better and go from there.

Many people store their tripods in a locker during the day and bring them out at night. I lug mine around under the kids stroller

If you want to take a look, I used the 50mm for the Halloween Parade in October. Here's the link to the page in my TR, just scroll down to the parade pics AFTER Hallowishes (Post #207)
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2849032&page=14

And b/t/w don't apologize for asking questions. That's how we all learn Not too long ago I was asking about a magical filter that would make my point and shoot camera take great pictures in the dark Now I'm looking for faster lenses and bigger bags to fit all my crap into. The guys and gals here are a bunch of enablers....I mean... plethora of knowledge and are ALWAYS there to help you purchase new toys

 

[kramerzoo]

They make a version of the lenses without the auto focus motor built into the lens. As long as you get the one with the motor built in, they will auto focus. I've had both my 35 and 50mm on my brother's D3000 with no problem. Pop your 18-55 kit lens and walk around with the zoom set to 35mm and take some pictures. Then set it to 50mm and try that. That will give you an idea on the focal length difference of the 2 lenses. Pick the length you like better and go from there.

Many people store their tripods in a locker during the day and bring them out at night. I lug mine around under the kids stroller

If you want to take a look, I used the 50mm for the Halloween Parade in October. Here's the link to the page in my TR, just scroll down to the parade pics AFTER Hallowishes (Post #207)

And b/t/w don't apologize for asking questions. That's how we all learn Not too long ago I was asking about a magical filter that would make my point and shoot camera take great pictures in the dark Now I'm looking for faster lenses and bigger bags to fit all my crap into. The guys and gals here are a bunch of enablers....I mean... plethora of knowledge and are ALWAYS there to help you purchase new toys

WOW!! Thank you!! Love those pics. They are so crisp. I used my 55-200 lens last year for Fantasmic and a lot of them were blurry...that shows you how beginner I am. haha

What was the general setting on your camera with your lens?? And when using the 50mm lens do you use the external flash?
And thanks for your great idea about using my 18-55mm to simulate the size of the focal length.

If I think a=of any more questions, I will post...hehe...I am learning a lot by stalking the Disboards...haha

Thanks again!!!
Jessica

 

[NateNLogansDad]

WOW!! Thank you!! Love those pics. They are so crisp. I used my 55-200 lens last year for Fantasmic and a lot of them were blurry...that shows you how beginner I am. haha

What was the general setting on your camera with your lens?? And when using the 50mm lens do you use the external flash?
And thanks for your great idea about using my 18-55mm to simulate the size of the focal length.

If I think a=of any more questions, I will post...hehe...I am learning a lot by stalking the Disboards...haha

Thanks again!!!
Jessica

Thanks Jess, I got pretty lucky with most of them. I used shutter priority at 1/30th of a sec and ISO around 1600. I got there early and took a bunch of test shots first to see what looked decent on the camera before the parade started, and that helped me get a good spot at the same time.
I try to take at least 10 pictures for every 1 shot I want to keep. I'm not a very good photographer so I've adopted the 'spray and pray' method.

Believe it or not, that 55-200 lens can get some pretty decent pictures during Fantasmic! Once you get the exposure triangle down, you'll be able to squeeze everything out of your equipment....than your wallet get's sooo much lighter

B/t/w
As far as I can remember, I've never used the flash with the 50mm or the 35mm but I could be mistaken. If I did, it would be just to bounce it off of a wall during a kids birthday party. Generally, I leave it off.

 

[NLD]

Thanks a million!
I am not sure about the difference between the 2 lens...I did read a couple of reviews that says that the auto focus on these lenses do not work on the D3000...Is that true??

NLD...thse pictures are amazing...and that is without using a flash??
Am I able to use my flash with these lenses?? And do I use this lens for for all my night and indoor photos??

And one more question...for night my ISO should be higher correct?? With these lenses what mode do I use?? What are other recommendations for settings?

Oh and before I forget...maybe cuz I never paid attention before, is it common to see people with tripods?? I took pics from NYE 2011 at DHS and they came out OK without a tripod. But they def did not turn out like some I have seen...

I am so sorry for asking so many questions....but I am really excited and want to make this quick trip a great one! Thanks again!!

The lens I linked you to (with the Amazon link) will auto-focus on your camera.

It's a good lens--sharp, contrasty, and yes autofocus works on your camera. Inexpensive, too, and nice and light.

For night shots, if you're using a tripod, you don't need a fast lens. You could use your kit lens with a tripod. The fast lens is important for times when you can't use long shutter speeds (dark rides, taking pics of subjects that move (like people) and you're in a low-light situation.

 

[kramerzoo]

Thanks for all the help everyone!!

My husband asked my last night what I wanted for my birthday and I told him about the 35mm lens. He nearly passed out when I told him the price. hahah (considering I wanted a 18-300mm lens for Christmas...almost $900...Holy Christmas!!)
Needless to say, he thought that was a fair price...so I am going to Disney with a new lens!! Can I get a WHOOP WHOOP?!?!

Thanks again!!
Jessica

 

[Icemann]

That 35 will work great on that D3000 you will get a sharp clear picture with it.You have to use a tripod for real low light and fireworks, have fun and WHOOP WHOOP

 

[NateNLogansDad]

The 35 is a great lens! It's such a nice lens for indoor pictures, outside of Disney too!

Just a thought, if he was considering the other lens, you could get the Sigma 18-250 AND the Nikon 35mm for LESS than the Nikon 18-300. Just sayen!
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/609112-REG/Sigma_880_306_18_250mm_f_3_5.html

And so the addiction begins.....

 

[kramerzoo]

The 35 is a great lens! It's such a nice lens for indoor pictures, outside of Disney too!

Just a thought, if he was considering the other lens, you could get the Sigma 18-250 AND the Nikon 35mm for LESS than the Nikon 18-300. Just sayen!

And so the addiction begins.....

Thanks a lot!!
Watch out!! I am a professional when it comes to shopping and the husband's wallet is always open!! LOL!!!

 

[NateNLogansDad]

Thanks a lot!!
Watch out!! I am a professional when it comes to shopping and the husband's wallet is always open!! LOL!!!

AND that lens used to be around $550 when I originally bought it. Heck, for $550 now, you could buy the MACRO version. Oh, wait. Did I say that

 

[FigmentHair]

Great. You guys talked me into the lens too. Haha.

 

[NateNLogansDad]

Great. You guys talked me into the lens too. Haha.

You aren't going to be allowed to play with us anymore, are you?

 

[kramerzoo]

I don't think so....{insert evil laugh her}

 

[kramerzoo]

Quick question....I am finally making taking the plunge....new lens this weekend

So my question is are you able to use the 35mm and 50 mm lens during the day? I know they ate best used in low light which is why I choose these 2.....but are these lens able to be on camera all day???

Thanks again for the help!!

 

[NateNLogansDad]

Quick question....I am finally making taking the plunge....new lens this weekend

So my question is are you able to use the 35mm and 50 mm lens during the day? I know they ate best used in low light which is why I choose these 2.....but are these lens able to be on camera all day???

Thanks again for the help!!

absolutely