Lurker Saying Hi and Thanks!

[MauraAndIainsDad]

Hi everyone. I've been lurking on the Photography Board for about the past week and thought I should drop in and say Hi and also a big Thanks! I've recently purchased a Nikon DSLR after years of frustration with PnS cameras. However, I'm not that great at it yet but I have already gotten lots of great advise and tips here. In fact, I'm anxiously awaiting the delivery of a GorillaPod and hope it arrives today so that I can have it for my weekend trip to Charleston, SC and Washington DC beginning tomorrow. If I shoot any good photos, I'll start posting them - and feel free to offer any critiques that will further help me improve my photos. Your photos here are great!

Thanks again!
Greg

 

[Groucho]

Welcome! I only started posting in this forum regularly in the past couple months and have already made a good pest out of myself.

Good luck with the Gorillapod - I assume that you got the SLR model?

I see they have an SLR Zoom version now, support up to 6.6 lbs - I'd have to think that it'd have pretty stiff legs to wrestle with when mounting onto things though.

 

[MauraAndIainsDad]

I actually ordered the SLR Zoom model thinking it should be more sturdy. I'm having it shipped express but I'm not sure they actually processed my order yet. I'll be bummed if it doesn't arrive today - especially since I paid extra for shipping!

 

[handicap18]

Welcome aboard Greg. Glad to have you as part of the team. If you stick around and participate in the reindeer games then you'll be sure to learn a few things along the way. This board has been a tremendous help to my photography. It certainly is a great place to learn. I've had my Nikon D50 for a little more than 10 months. I'm up to about 4,000 shutter clicks, including almost 1500 during a 4 day Disney trip back in June. I look at the pics I took over the first few months and compare them to the one's I've taken recently and see a huge difference. Be patient with the new camera. It will take a while to learn its ins and outs. I've been using SLR's since the mid/late 80's and am always learning something new. This board has been the biggest help in that regard.

Beware of NAS (Nikon Accessory Syndrome). There is no known cure and it can hit pretty hard. Once you've gotten it there is no way of getting rid of it, and since you've already purchased a Nikon dSLR, well, you've got it.

Definately post pictures when you get a chance. We're always looking to look at more pictures. Also tell us a bit more about your equipment. But beware, others may chime in on ways to feed NAS. Just take it one day at a time and you'll get though it.

 

[MauraAndIainsDad]

Hello again. Sorry - I should have noted that I bought a D50 as well. I have the basic 18-70mm and 55-200mm lenses. And yes - I'm already feeling the symptoms of NAS with my Gorillapod purchase. Is there a 12-step program available (in case I need it later)?

 

[Amy]

Welcome Greg! I've been hanging around this board since summer, and let me tell you, this has got to be the most EXPENSIVE board on the DIS! You'll want this accessory and this photo software and this tripod and this camera bag..........

Hey - let me know how you like the Gorillapod. I'm looking to get some kind of small tripod for our trip to WDW next summer.

 

[MauraAndIainsDad]

this has got to be the most EXPENSIVE board on the DIS!

Considering we're on the DISNEY boards, that's really saying a LOT!

 

[handicap18]

Hello again. Sorry - I should have noted that I bought a D50 as well. I have the basic 18-70mm and 55-200mm lenses. And yes - I'm already feeling the symptoms of NAS with my Gorillapod purchase. Is there a 12-step program available (in case I need it later)?

The 12 steps go something like (in no particular order):
Step 1: Buy a new lens
Step 2: buy another lens
Step 3: plan another trip to Disney to put new lenses to work
Step 4: buy a speedlight flash
Step 5: buy a diffuser for said speedlight flash
Step 6: buy remote shutter release
Step 7: buy more memory cards
Step 8: buy a second hard drive, preferably external w/a card reader to take on extended trips
Step 9: buy another lens
Step 10: oh yeah, they make lenses with VR, another new lens
Step 11: plan another trip to Disney to put new lenses & other accessories to work
Step 12: Did someone say African Safari, hmmm guess that means I'll have to get a super telephoto lens. 200-400mm f/4 with VR here I come!! (oh and don't forget about the 1.4x teleconverter to make it a 280-560mm f/5.6). Don't want to get to close to those lions and rhinos. Do they have a smiley of a husband sleeping on the couch?

and it goes on and on and on and on

 

[MauraAndIainsDad]

The 12 steps go something like (in no particular order):
Step 1: Buy a new lens
Step 2: buy another lens
Step 3: plan another trip to Disney to put new lenses to work
Step 4: buy a speedlight flash
Step 5: buy a diffuser for said speedlight flash
Step 6: buy remote shutter release
Step 7: buy more memory cards
Step 8: buy a second hard drive, preferably external w/a card reader to take on extended trips
Step 9: buy another lens
Step 10: oh yeah, they make lenses with VR, another new lens
Step 11: plan another trip to Disney to put new lenses & other accessories to work
Step 12: Did someone say African Safari, hmmm guess that means I'll have to get a super telephoto lens. 200-400mm f/4 with VR here I come!! (oh and don't forget about the 1.4x teleconverter to make it a 280-560mm f/5.6). Don't want to get to close to those lions and rhinos. Do they have a smiley of a husband sleeping on the couch?

and it goes on and on and on and on

I've already completed Steps 1-3.

Plus, I've been looking at the macro/extreme close-up thread and think I need another new lens.

 

[handicap18]

I've already completed Steps 1-3.

Plus, I've been looking at the macro/extreme close-up thread and think I need another new lens.

I currently have 3 lenses, Nikon 18-70mm, Quantaray 70-300mm and Nikon 50mm f/1.8. I've already pre ordered the new Nikon 70-300mm w/VR to replace my old Quantaray (currently rescheduled to be released next week). I'm probably going to upgrade my 18-70mm for the new 18-135mm sometime next year. I'm also looking at getting a Sigma 24mm or 28mm f/1.8 macro. I have a plan to eventually get the 80-200 f/2.8, hopefully in about 2 years (its a $900 lens). Others I'm considering, 85mm f/1.8, 105mm f/2.8 VR macro, and 80-400mm VR. Thats just the tip of the iceberg.

I also have the speedlight SB-600 which I LOVE! It is so much more powerful and verstile than the built-in pop-up. I got a Gary Fong Lightsphere II diffuser for it and my flash pictures are great. I'm very happy with the set up.

 

[fitzperry]

I'll be waiting for a full report on the Gorillapod. A few posters w/ P&S's have had pretty good reviews of the basic model. I have a tabletop tripod that I don't think is sturdy enough, even though the specs indicated that it would accommodate my D70 and lens, so I've been a little hesitant to trust the Gorillapod folks. I hope it works well for you!

Have fun in Charleston! It's one of my favorite cities!

 

[Groucho]

I took me a little while to decipher "LBA" as used on some photography forums - a more generic name for NAS.

LBA, of course, means Lens Buying Addiction.

Accessories can add up, too. After hemming and hawing, I'm probably going to go pick up a Bogen 3001BPro tripod some day this week... or I may still go for an Amvona one although I don't trust that they'll last as long. Decisions decisions! But no more lenses for a while! I'm going cold turkey on that addiction!

Fortunately for me, I really hate using flash, so I am not hungering for something better than the built-in one. I did just order another 2gb memory card ($15 after rebate at ZipZoomFly!) but that's for the wife's SD600 so she will have more room for movies.

As soon as I get everything (gotta order an Op/Tech SOS strap for the camera bag, too), I'll post of picture of what I am going to try to lug around Disney in 4.5 weeks. I'm really getting nervous about just how I'm going to carry it all without getting overloaded - but I do plan on sticking with my current bag.

 

[extreme8]

I'm probably going to go pick up a Bogen 3001BPro tripod some day this week... or I may still go for an Amvona one although I don't trust that they'll last as long.

I'm waiting for the delivery of my Amvona tripod so if you can delay your purchase for a couple of days I'll be happy to give you a first-hand review.
The email JUST arrived that says it's been shipped and even UPS ground from MA to CT is only a day or so.

It seems I'm up to about step 10 in the 12 step program and I've only had my new DSLR since September.

I bought my Nikon D200 after my Minolta 5D went belly up and couldn't be repaired. I sold off all of my Minolta gear on Ebay and started over with Nikon rather than going to Sony.

I currently have the 18-70 kit lens, the 18-200 VR, and the 50 1.8. I'm just about to pull the trigger on the 70-200 2.8 VR but $1500 is a lot of cash and I'm still hemming and hawing over it.
Eventually I also plan to get the 105 macro, the 80-400, and a real wide angle.
I added the MB-D200 vertical battery grip to improve handling and extend the shooting time between battery changes.
I bought the SB-800 flash about 2 weeks ago and, while a bit expensive, it really is a nice piece of equipment. I may buy a SB-600 for dual flash setups.
I've got 6 2GB cards, and a 40 GB Digimate data tank for storing my pictures when I'm not near my computer.
I picked up an inexpensive shutter release on Ebay and it works fine.

Yup, that's about step 10.
...
...
Africa you say.....? Hmmmm.

 

[handicap18]

ohhhhh extremem8 I want to be you. I'd love to have the 70-200 f/2.8 VR SWEEEET lens. Eventually I want to get a super wide angle in the 10-20 range. Though its not as important as other lenses right now. Check out the Gary Fong diffusers. Really makes a difference in photographing people with a flash. Brings out great colors and gives a real nice soft light.

I wish the D50 was able to be fitted with a verticle grip. Thats about the only real grip I have with it.

 

[jann1033]

The 12 steps go something like (in no particular order):
Step 1: Buy a new lens
Step 2: buy another lens
Step 3: plan another trip to Disney to put new lenses to work
Step 4: buy a speedlight flash
Step 5: buy a diffuser for said speedlight flash
Step 6: buy remote shutter release
Step 7: buy more memory cards
Step 8: buy a second hard drive, preferably external w/a card reader to take on extended trips
Step 9: buy another lens
Step 10: oh yeah, they make lenses with VR, another new lens
Step 11: plan another trip to Disney to put new lenses & other accessories to work
Step 12: Did someone say African Safari, hmmm guess that means I'll have to get a super telephoto lens. 200-400mm f/4 with VR here I come!! (oh and don't forget about the 1.4x teleconverter to make it a 280-560mm f/5.6). Don't want to get to close to those lions and rhinos. Do they have a smiley of a husband sleeping on the couch?

and it goes on and on and on and on

very clever...to bad it's all to true and reading it made me start thinking about teleconverters again

 

[jann1033]

Considering we're on the DISNEY boards, that's really saying a LOT!

so you figure our sense of $$ has been skewed by yrs of over spending? which leads to that age old question,which came first the disney or the camera?

Ow by saying that i might accidentally have started one of those "disney is cheaper than staying at my uncle matilda's for vacation" threads

 

[extreme8]

Check out the Gary Fong diffusers. Really makes a difference in photographing people with a flash. Brings out great colors and gives a real nice soft light.

I was sold on the Fong diffuser but after reading some of the posters on Nikonians and DP review turning up their noses at it I had second thoughts.
I guess I'll give it a try.

You can never have too much hardware.

 

[ukcatfan]

so you figure our sense of $$ has been skewed by yrs of over spending? which leads to that age old question,which came first the disney or the camera?

As much as I love taking pics, I have to say that Disney came before the camera for me. I have only missed three of my thirty-one years on this big round ball. And one of those three years was when I was not even one and my parents took my older sister by herself as a treat. My favorite trip so far was taking my wife and two step-daughters for their first time. We went through about ten rolls in four days.

Now that I live within three hours away, I doubt that we will miss another year. My first experience with taking pics at Disney was with a Kodak disc camera. I usually was allowed about three or four cartridges for our week long trip. I take more pics than that at one show these days!

Kevin

 

[handicap18]

I was sold on the Fong diffuser but after reading some of the posters on Nikonians and DP review turning up their noses at it I had second thoughts.
I guess I'll give it a try.

You can never have too much hardware.

I bought a Lumiquest Ultrasoft diffuser when I got my flash and it does a good job, but its not as versitle as the GF Lightsphere. The GF is a lot smaller and can be used with the flash in the horizontal or verticle position. I liked the results with the GF better. What sold me on the GF was a friend of mine who is a pro had his business partner do the photography for another friend of ours wedding. There were 3 photographers all using the GF and my buddy also brough his camera along and was also using the GF. The results were awesome. Plus I couldn't believe how small it was and how vestile is was. I went out and got one about 4 days after the wedding. I only hesitated because of the $50 price, but now I'm glad I got it. I take a lot of pics of the kids and use it all the time now.

Your right about never haing too much hardware.

 

[Groucho]

Oh geez, I keep forgetting about teleconverters. Sometimes I wonder if I should have skipped the old 400mm 5.6 and picked up a nice TC - I wouldn't get quite the reach or aperture but it'd be much smaller and probably better quality. Oh well, it's fun having a huge lens in the collection.

I'm waiting for the delivery of my Amvona tripod so if you can delay your purchase for a couple of days I'll be happy to give you a first-hand review.
The email JUST arrived that says it's been shipped and even UPS ground from MA to CT is only a day or so.

Which one did you get?

I ended up making a spreadsheet the other day of their offerings - they do a horrible job of explaining the differences between them. If only they had a "compare" function on their site... or said "this CF883 is CF83 legs and an H92 head" instead of making us guess. And the H92 head looks like it has the same QR as the Bogen 484RC2 that I have. But is it? Beats me!

Anyway, my goals are one that weighs under about 4.5 lbs (without head) and supports at least 8.5 lbs. Most of the Amvona ones don't have those kind of numbers - and the carbon fiber ones don't seem to be noticably lighter than the alloy ones. The Bogen 3001BPro that I'm considering is 4.2 lbs and supports 11.1 lbs - I don't think any of the Amvona ones can do that. It also goes down to 22.1" (without head), which isn't too bad. The only real complication is that it's fairly low - 57.1" max w/o head - and I'm pretty tall (around 6'2"), so I'll be stooping. The 3201BPro is a much better 69.3", but 25.6" compressed and weighing in at 5.3 lbs - and costs a little more, too. On the other hand, it supports 13.3 lbs. Ack!

I suspect that the Amvona tripod will be quite nice out of the box. My concern is long-term reliability - especially after my terrible luck with their holster bag. I'm sure their tripods are better but I can't help but wonder how they'll last vs a Bogen - I hope to buy this one tripod and never have to buy another as long as I live.

Eventually I want to get a super wide angle in the 10-20 range.

Have you considered the Zenitar in a Nikon mount? It's a Russian 16mm fisheye lens and is beloved by all on the Pentax forums, and I can only assume that it's popular on other bodies, as well. It's very cheap for a fisheye and the quality is very good. It is full manual, though - not sure what you have to do on the D50 to meter. On the Pentax, you just set it to full manual and hit the AE-L button to stop it down, the camera meters, and you shoot. Supposedly you can even skip that in Av mode somehow but I haven't figured out the trick yet. Anyway, it's a lot of fun for a fairly low cost, I'm looking forward to playing with it at WDW.

edit: Try this link for the Zenitar in a Nikon mount - this is the one from the guy in Russia who sells a ton of 'em and reputable. It looks like it's only available in Nikon, Pentax K-mount, and Pentax M42 screwmount - the latter can be used with adapter on many cameras. (Ones listed on eBay for the Canon include an M42-to-EOS adapter.)

edit2: I'm going to start a new tripod thread.