New owner of Nikon D3100, need help with accessories?

[Wadecool]

I recently purchased a Nikon D3100 and am thrilled with it. It is our first DSLR since our old Sony p&s and I bought it now so that I could gain some proficiency before our first trip to WDW in May. Now, the questions.... The strap that comes with it is uncomfortable just walking around in the yard, so I can't imagine walking all over the parks for an entire week with it. Can you guys recommend a good camera strap? I think I'd like one that could be carried over my shoulder (across my body), but I'm not sure. I should also mention that I'm extremely tall, so the strap would have to be pretty long. Question 2, I'm leaning toward a Lowepro Slingshot bag, but can't decide between the 100 or 200. I'm thinking the 200 would be able to carry my camera, extra lens, and maybe the random stuff we'll need all day at the parks. Do you guys/gals agree with this logic? Last question, the kit I bought comes with 18-55mm and 55-200mm lenses. Which lens will I most likely use at WDW? Since all I've ever owned are p&s cameras, I'm clueless as to how to decide what lens is right for a particular situation. Sorry for the long post, I am excited to get started into "real" photography and want to learn from the knowledgeable folks here. Thanks in advance.

 

[ssanders79]

As far as lens use that will end up being based on your shooting style. I typically shoot with a 35mm and grap the 18-55 to get wide shots (sometimes you can only back up so far). The 55-200 is rarely used (I figure I can zoom with my feet).

The camera strap that I use is a free one that SmugMug gave away. It is a strechy neopreme strap and is quite comfortable. If I had to go out and buy one today I would be searching for something similar.

I started with a smaller bag and worked up to the Tamrac Adventure 7 which is a full size backpack with more than enough room for my gear, my daughter's snacks + family essentials. Plus there is room in the laptop compartment for our packable rain gear. I have 3 bags and still use them all. You will understand in a few years.

 

[Gianna'sPapa]

I agree and disagree with ssanders79. I agree that wider is better at WDW but disagree on use of the 55-200. While the feet zoom is somewhat preferred, sometimes (and I would argue, most times) its not possible because of various reasons including crowds, location, etc. If you desire to shoot the shows in front of the castle or want close-ups of characters on the parade floats you will probably need your long zoom. Unfortunately, the kit lenses are not fast lenses and you will have issues if you try to shoot indoor dark shows or the nighttime parades. Also dark rides will be a struggle with the kit lenses. Another also, is that if you intend on photographing at AK, you will need the longer reach for the Safari ride and many times the animals in general. There is a lot of use for the long lens at WDW. I would recommend if you desire to shoot the dark stuff that you look at obtaining at fast lens 30-35mm f1.8 or faster. As far as the fireworks, what you have will work fine (remember wider is better) except you should have a tripod and/or a remote or use the delay shutter.

As far as a strap, the Black Rapid Strap works well, but is a little pricey. Op/Tech has a lot of support and is cheaper. In fact, I'm looking at their double strap. I own the Slingshot 200 and while I really like it, it is small. You cannot carry a lot of extras in the upper compartment. It your intention is to carry a lot park extras you may want to look at a backpack type.

 

[Wadecool]

Thanks for the info. Its really nice to have access to experts when trying to figure this stuff out. Ok, I have a question regarding straps, specifically those with quick release points, like those on the Op/Tech. I have been reading some reviews that people don't trust those quick release straps an are afraid they will just unsnap on their own and the unthinkable will happen, $$$ camera meets concrete. I realize that that the DSLR I have is one of the lighter ones, but should I worry about using a strap with quick release points?

 

[NLD]

I have a Black Rapid strap and love it, used it on last trip to WDW and found it very comfortable. Definitely worth the $$ IMO.
For lenses, I'd bring both lenses plus pick up the Nikon 35 1.8 or Sigma 30 1.4 for dark rides and other low-light situations.

If you plan to shoot any night shots and/or fireworks, the other accessories you'd want would be a tripod and a remote shutter release.

 

[Gianna'sPapa]

Thanks for the info. Its really nice to have access to experts when trying to figure this stuff out. Ok, I have a question regarding straps, specifically those with quick release points, like those on the Op/Tech. I have been reading some reviews that people don't trust those quick release straps an are afraid they will just unsnap on their own and the unthinkable will happen, $$$ camera meets concrete. I realize that that the DSLR I have is one of the lighter ones, but should I worry about using a strap with quick release points?

While anything can go wrong, my SIL (professional videographer/photographer) has used Op/Tech for years without an issue. I haven't dropped a camera with the BR, but it did come loose once (probably user error). I have been very vigilant since to ensure both connectors are tight.

 

[photo_chick]

On straps... I have a Crumpler Industry Disgrace and I love it. I've used a number of different straps and that one is my favorite. It can be worn across the body, over the shoulder or around the neck. It breathes well in the heat too. I avoid the straps that use the tripod mount to attach to the camera because I have seen tripod mounts break. But a lot of people use those styles with no issues whatsoever.

Which lens really does depend on your shooting style and no one here can tell you what to use when. It's just one of those things you have to learn about yourself.

 

[Wadecool]

Ok, I just picked up the 55-200mm lens that came in my d3100 kit and it comes with a lens hood. Can anyone enlighten me as to what the advantages of using a hood are and when to use one?

 

[Gianna'sPapa]

I know of two reasons. First, for protection of the lens. Anytime my lens cover is off the hood is on. Second, it helps to prevent stray light from entering the lens and causing flare. The only time it comes off my lenses is when I use the onboard flash and it causes shadowing.

 

[Wadecool]

Regarding lens protection, I purchased a $10 UV filter for each of my lenses. Is this sufficient? Do you know if these filters affect or interfere with the autofocus or rangefinder?

 

[Gianna'sPapa]

The use of an UV filter for protection is a personal decision. The effects of UV on a digital sensor is negligible or non-existent. For film the UV filter was almost mandatory, but not so for digitial. I personally don't use one. The cheaper filters have been known to contribute to flare. I haven't heard of them causing many problems with autofocus.

 

[Wadecool]

The use of an UV filter for protection is a personal decision. The effects of UV on a digital sensor is negligible or non-existent. For film the UV filter was almost mandatory, but not so for digitial. I personally don't use one. The cheaper filters have been known to contribute to flare. I haven't heard of them causing many problems with autofocus.

Thanks for indulging th newbie questions. I appreciate the info.

 

[m-tinkerbelle]

hey guys!
I'm not intending to hijack this thread, but I'm very interested in this camera. Also, I didn't want to start a new thread about the same camera or violate any board's rules.

I saw a couple of good deals for this camera and I don't know which one I should choose.
One comes with a 55-300 VR and the other one comes with a 55-200 VR. Which one should I choose? is 55-300 too wide? I'm clueless about lenses and saw your comments about whether or not using a wide lens is good or not at disney parks ;D
maybe i should stick to the basic kit that comes with the 18-55 and leave the wider lens for a future buy when I get more understanding of all of this stuff?

also, someone mentioned in other post that this camera doesn't have a built in auto-focus, does the 55-300 lens or 55-200 lens come with auto focus? what should i buy to make it auto focus?

thanks!

 

[Wadecool]

hey guys!
I'm not intending to hijack this thread, but I'm very interested in this camera. Also, I didn't want to start a new thread about the same camera or violate any board's rules.

I saw a couple of good deals for this camera and I don't know which one I should choose.
One comes with a 55-300 VR and the other one comes with a 55-200 VR. Which one should I choose? is 55-300 too wide? I'm clueless about lenses and saw your comments about whether or not using a wide lens is good or not at disney parks ;D
maybe i should stick to the basic kit that comes with the 18-55 and leave the wider lens for a future buy when I get more understanding of all of this stuff? we

also, someone mentioned in other post that this camera doesn't have a built in auto-focus, does the 55-300 lens or 55-200 lens come with auto focus? what
should i buy to make it auto focus?

thanks!

As the OP, I say hijack away. We bought the kit with the 55-200mm lens also because DD has several school pageants each year that I know I'll need it for. As far as whether I should have gotten the 55-300mm, for me it came down to price. With this camera, the autofocus and vibration reduction (VR) are built into the lens itself, not the body. I almost bought the kit with the lenses that don't have AF & VR, so try not to do that. From what I have gathered so far, the 18-55mm lens will be the best lens for just walking around the parks taking shots of family, characters, etc. I'm still extremely wet behind the ears with the whole DSLR thing now, but I'm sure the pros will step up and give their .02. Btw, I am really glad I bought this camera, it is everything I'll ever need.

 

[m-tinkerbelle]

As the OP, I say hijack away. We bought the kit with the 55-200mm lens also because DD has several school pageants each year that I know I'll need it for. As far as whether I should have gotten the 55-300mm, for me it came down to price. With this camera, the autofocus and vibration reduction (VR) are built into the lens itself, not the body. I almost bought the kit with the lenses that don't have AF & VR, so try not to do that. From what I have gathered so far, the 18-55mm lens will be the best lens for just walking around the parks taking shots of family, characters, etc. I'm still extremely wet behind the ears with the whole DSLR thing now, but I'm sure the pros will step up and give their .02. Btw, I am really glad I bought this camera, it is everything I'll ever need.

thank you for your reply! I'm not finding many camera models here where I live and this seems the best DSLR camera according to my budget. Thanks for pointing the AF VR out, are all the VR usually AF or should I look carefully that the VR lens states that it does include the AF?

so then a 18-55mm (no VR) is ok for walking around and taking pics of the characters and family but the fact that it doesn't have VR would mean that I have to walk around the parks with a tripod?

Maybe I'll stick to the basic kit (I'll see if they still have the one with 18-55VR) and leave the 55-200 or 55-300 for some other time

thanks a lot for your patience! I'm too newbie when it comes to photography
I'm so glad that you all know so much about photography and also are such big disney fans that you understand how important it is to get nice decent normal pictures at disney to keep and cherish
I've been to other photography boards but literally ran away because people don't understand why i would take a dslr to a kiddie place

 

[Wadecool]

thank you for your reply! I'm not finding many camera models here where I live and this seems the best DSLR camera according to my budget. Thanks for pointing the AF VR out, are all the VR usually AF or should I look carefully that the VR lens states that it does include the AF?

so then a 18-55mm (no VR) is ok for walking around and taking pics of the characters and family but the fact that it doesn't have VR would mean that I have to walk around the parks with a tripod?

Maybe I'll stick to the basic kit (I'll see if they still have the one with 18-55VR) and leave the 55-200 or 55-300 for some other time :good vibes

thanks a lot for your patience! I'm too newbie when it comes to photography
I'm so glad that you all know so much about photography and also are such big disney fans that you understand how important it is to get nice decent
normal pictures at disney to keep and cherish
I've been to other photography boards but literally ran away because people don't understand why
i would take a dslr to a kiddie place

I think the lenses for the D3100 either have both AF & VR or they don't, but you should check. As
far as needing VR for just shooting with the 18-55mm, I figured it was better to have it and not need it.... You didn't say where you are getting your camera, but when I bought mine at Best Buy, I saved $100 on the 55-200 lens by purchasing it bundled in the kit. If you don't have a Best Buy in your area, you could always get it online. I hope to have a decent knowledge of mine by the time our trip comes in May. Good luck.

 

[OKW Lover]

Just to suggest a couple of very inexpensive accessories:

• one of those lens cap keepers. I lost my lens cap the second time I used the camera.
• A circular polarizing filter. Really tunes up those blue skies and puffy white clouds.

For expensive accessories, I'm saving my pennies for an 18-200 zoom.

 

[DVC Mike]

For the Nikon D3100, I'd start with the 18-55 VR and the 55-300 VR,

 

[Mama_Dis]

My favorite cheap prime is my 50mm 1.8. I love it for getting pics of the kids, but it's not so great for getting background/scenery types of pics, so I only use it about 30% of the time at Disney. Other than that, I'm using my 70-200 VR.

 

[m-tinkerbelle]

Thank you all for your tips and explanations! Anything you put in this thread will be useful for me as well. I'll let you know what I decide to buy. I still have to check some smaller stores to see if they have even better deals (most of them were gone after Christmas). I don't have a Best Buy store here, I don't think there's any in all of Spain. But I can find the camera with the 55-18mm for like 520€ ($736) and it seems to be the best price available in this part of the world for that same camera. If I pay some more I can get a 55-200 or 55-300 for like 620€ which is cheaper than buying the lens myself, but I have to check the AF VF thing. Well I'm not going to talk more about prices because I know everything is far too more expensive here.

Unfortunately, buying through the internet to U.S. sites is no longer a good idea for me, since they changed the customs regulations and it made it harder to buy successfully without having to travel to Madrid to pay any additional taxes and blah blah.

Again, thank you all!