What would you splurge on? - Updated With First Purchase

[annnewjerz]

So, with the way the economy has been going, I figure that what I receive for Christmas (money and gift card wise) will be the last big amount of money I get to spend on anything photography related for at least a little while...probably at least through the first half of the year (or maybe longer) unless I get some more suckers who want to pay me to photograph their kids

There are a few things I am looking into getting and wanted some guidance as to which to get, what you would get, or alternative suggestions for what you think I may find myself needing sometime down the road.

I am will have about $1,000 to spend...so many goodies and so little money!

1. A nice, full-sized, carbon fiber tripod and good sturdy ballhead. After receiving a really great article from "YesDear" about how much money you can waste by buying cheaply made gear to start with and then later on purchasing something well made, I have decided that investing in a nice tripod to begin with would be wise.

2. A new D90 camera body. I know I know, I just got my D60 in September...so that's a little premature, but like I said, if I don't think I'll be able to spend any significant portion of money anytime soon, it's now or probably two years from now.

3. Some new lenses. I have the 50mm f/1.8, the 18-200mm VR and the 18-55VR kit lens, but there are some others (to say the least) that I have been looking at. I don't mind manual focus - so suggestions would be appreciated. I have been thinking about looking for a used fisheye or a used micro lens. I would also like to have the Sigma 30mm f/1.4 and an ultra-wide...but obviously, I can't get all of them (Darn!)

4. Gary Fong diffuser. I asked for the SB-600 for Christmas and I hope DH got it, so assuming he did...this would be a good accessory to compliment it.

5. A new computer monitor. Right now I am doing all of my photo editing on a laptop and would like to get an HP 22 inch widescreen that switches from Portrait to Landscape position to hook it up to, so I can see the images larger while editing.

6. Anything else!!! I can't get all of this stuff, but I'm hoping I can get the most for my money...so any suggestions, websites with best prices or ideas are appreciated!

Thanks!!!
Ann

UPDATE: So I made my first purchase. I was out at Best Buy and had no intention of buying anything, but had my gift cards burning a hole in my purse. I happened to see the monitor I had been keeping my eye on for a few months listed for $299 - but I knew Office Max had it for $230, so after doing a price match I ended up with this:

http://www.amazon.com/W2207H-22-inc...1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1229817154&sr=8-1

An HP 22 inch widescreen LCD monitor that can switch from Landscape to Portrait view. On another thread recently it was recommended and for $246 after tax, I figured..how can you beat it?

MORE TO COME!!!

 

[MICKEY88]

So, with the way the economy has been going, I figure that what I receive for Christmas (money and gift card wise) will be the last big amount of money I get to spend on anything photography related for at least a little while...probably at least through the first half of the year (or maybe longer) unless I get some more suckers who want to pay me to photograph their kids

There are a few things I am looking into getting and wanted some guidance as to which to get, what you would get, or alternative suggestions for what you think I may find myself needing sometime down the road.

I am will have about $1,000 to spend...so many goodies and so little money!

1. A nice, full-sized, carbon fiber tripod and good sturdy ballhead. After receiving a really great article from "YesDear" about how much money you can waste by buying cheaply made gear to start with and then later on purchasing something well made, I have decided that investing in a nice tripod to begin with would be wise.

2. A new D90 camera body. I know I know, I just got my D60 in September...so that's a little premature, but like I said, if I don't think I'll be able to spend any significant portion of money anytime soon, it's now or probably two years from now.

3. Some new lenses. I have the 50mm f/1.8, the 18-200mm VR and the 18-55VR kit lens, but there are some others (to say the least) that I have been looking at. I don't mind manual focus - so suggestions would be appreciated. I have been thinking about looking for a used fisheye or a used micro lens. I would also like to have the Sigma 30mm f/1.4 and an ultra-wide...but obviously, I can't get all of them (Darn!)

4. Gary Fong diffuser. I asked for the SB-600 for Christmas and I hope DH got it, so assuming he did...this would be a good accessory to compliment it.

5. A new computer monitor. Right now I am doing all of my photo editing on a laptop and would like to get an HP 22 inch widescreen that switches from Portrait to Landscape position to hook it up to, so I can see the images larger while editing.

6. Anything else!!! I can't get all of this stuff, but I'm hoping I can get the most for my money...so any suggestions, websites with best prices or ideas are appreciated!

Thanks!!!
Ann

in order to get the most for your money, you should carefully analyze the type of photos you take, decide which piece of equipment would be of the most use and benefit,


sure a good tripod is a good thing to have, but if you will only use it once a year is it a good investment..??

 

[Chikabowa]

I TOTALLY agree with Mickey88 about making sure you buy equipment that you are going to be sure to use. If you don't use a tripod A LOT, then I wouldn't bother. I have an incredible $700 Bogen that hardly EVER gets used because it's so heavy. I use it only when doing personal, long exposure shots, or (and this is new) when I'm working with a client - not a child - and doing panoramic shots that require a 6 shots series. It's an awesome tripod, and I love it, but if I had actually spent the money on it (it was inherited from DH when we got married!), it would have been a waste.

But I also have a $30 cheapo that I used the entire time at Disney. It's not the best... but it did what I needed it to do!

My suggestion is to buy good glass. Always buy good glass.
Are you pushing your camera to the very limits of it's capabilities? Do you feel held back because your camera won't perform certain functions that you need? Do the lack of lens choices impact your photography? Those are all good questions to ask yourself before you invest in a new body. Body technology is changing so quickly, that every six months there seems to be something new. So if your answer is no to those questions, then maybe hold off from buying a new body. Unless, and I make this statement based on limited lens options for the D60, you feel limited on your lens choices... which in this case, it might be a good upgrade for the better glass.

But new glass is always good. And it can improve your shots so much. The brand new 50mm f1.4 will now autofocus with the D60. So maybe sell your 50 f1.8 and your Sigma 30 f.14 and buy the new 50?

If you are doing paying-client work, then you need to have a good editing program, a good monitor to edit on, and you need to be color calibrated (with color calibration software) to your lab to ensure quality. Those are all good investments if you are charging money for your work.

 

[kaffinito]

I have read that the Nikon 85mm f/1.4D AF Nikkor Lens is awesome for portraits... (It's also a little pricey and would unfortunately take up your whole budget)

I sympathize with your wanting to upgrade bodies so soon after buying the D60. I've been eying the D90 and D300 myself. I would stick with what the pp's have said and upgrade your monitor and software so you can process your pics better, especially if you are getting paid to take them. Good luck with your decisions and do let us know what you've picked!

 

[annnewjerz]

Mickey88, as usual...I do agree. I don't plan on using a tripod 100% of the time I shoot (for example, if I'm just taking snapshots of my dogs or if I go to the zoo I probably wouldn't lug around a tripod) but for longer exposures (which I have tried with my Gorillapod and they are okay), macro shots, Christmas lights and some shots of landscape I would definitely like to have one. It also seems like shots that I have taken using some sort of pod look sharper. That may be user error on my part for using aperture priority mode and maybe some of my shutter speeds are too slow, making the photos a little soft...but the stabilized photos I have taken just look much more clear and crisp.

Susan, I would be disappointed too if I bought that $700 Bogen. Hahaha. I was thinking something somewhere between that and a cheap-o $100 tripod. For now, I'm sure those would suffice with my small D60 but if I do plan to upgrade in the future to a larger body, I'd like to make sure the additional weight is supported. I was thinking a mid-range set of legs with a nice head might be best, since I can always swap out legs.

As far as the monitor goes, I wouldn't say I currently have "clients" who are paying me, but I did have my first friends of friends who paid me to take their Christmas photos and while it was a very small amount, I am getting sick of editing things on a 14 inch laptop screen. I may be young, but after staring at this screen for hours at a time my eyes seem to be going.

As far as upgrading to the 50 f/1.4, I'd probably get the Sigma 30 f/1.4 instead, because I find that my 50 f/1.8 is a little tighter than I'd like. I really don't mind the manual focus, in fact I kind of enjoy it...so having a focus motor in the lens really isn't a big deal to me right now since one day I hope to upgrade the body to something with the motor inside anyway.

I still have plenty of time to consider, I probably won't make any purchases until at least after Christmas passes. Right now I have too much on my plate to "worry" about what new toy I'm going to buy next

 

[DVC Jen]

You can never go wrong with good glass. I agree about thinking about your shooting style - what you photograph the most and buying things to enhance that.

I would only upgrade the camera body if like someone else said - you can't get your camera to do all you want it to anymore. That is the only reason I am on the waiting list for the new 5DM2 - my 30D has been a wonderful camera for me - but it is starting to frustrate me a bit.

If you are really leaning towards a tripod - be careful with the cheaper ones. I have gone through 2 cheap ones and finally have a manfrotto with a good pan/tilt head on my list. It is not the most expensive but also a lot better than I have been using. I tried the ball heads - but I personally like the pan/tilt heads better.

I have also found out that good editing software can make a WORLD of difference. I got lightroom last Christmas but silly me didn;t even open the box until August ( i know i know) and wow - my photos definately look better processing the raw files with lightroom versus the canon software that came with my camera.

Oh - and most important - when you decide - let us know what you are getting so we can live vicariously through you.

 

[ukcatfan]

I will 2nd, or 3rd, or whatever the software. From what I understand, the RAW software that comes with Nikon is extremely limited. Many like Lightroom and when I tried out the trial version, I liked it as well. I personally like Bibble a little better though.

 

[annnewjerz]

I will 2nd, or 3rd, or whatever the software. From what I understand, the RAW software that comes with Nikon is extremely limited. Many like Lightroom and when I tried out the trial version, I liked it as well. I personally like Bibble a little better though.

Thanks - off the top of your head do you know if Bibble has a free trial?

 

[Groucho]

I would go for lenses. You're using a basic kit lens, their cheapest price, and a decent but slow lens with a big zoom range. I would consider an F2.8 zoom or perhaps a very wide angle or a telephoto depending on your shooting tastes.

If you buy quality lenses, you'll stick with them. If you buy another camera body, you'll just have a hankering for the next one when it's released in a year or two. It's a losing battle.

For tripods, I think $200-250 seems to be the main level of where you can get a really quality one. I am very happy with my carbon fiber one that cost not much over $200, I can't see spending much more than that unless you need flip locks or more weight capability.

 

[annnewjerz]

I would go for lenses. You're using a basic kit lens, their cheapest price, and a decent but slow lens with a big zoom range. I would consider an F2.8 zoom or perhaps a very wide angle or a telephoto depending on your shooting tastes.

If you buy quality lenses, you'll stick with them. If you buy another camera body, you'll just have a hankering for the next one when it's released in a year or two. It's a losing battle.

For tripods, I think $200-250 seems to be the main level of where you can get a really quality one. I am very happy with my carbon fiber one that cost not much over $200, I can't see spending much more than that unless you need flip locks or more weight capability.

Based on the amount of lenses in your signature, I had a feeling that'd be your vote.

I actually don't use the 18-55mm VR at all, literally...I haven't taken it out since I got the 18-200 VR. I would like to sell it, but they only give it an estimate of $80 on KEH.com and you need at least $100 of stuff apparently before they will buy it from you. Sheesh!

The 50mm f/1.8, while really cheap, I have been pretty happy manually focusing it in almost all situations...daylight and low light. I think if I was going to use it for low light and a moving subject (like the rides in WDW) I would probably need something that auto-focused just to be on the safe side.

I think I am going to buy used lenses, although I'm not positive. Right now I am looking at Nikon's 10.5 Fisheye (it seems like it would be a fun one to have) and a 105 Micro. If I got both of them used, that would eat up about $600 of the budget.

If only I had about $1,500 instead of $1,000 right now, I'd be golden...but at the moment I'm having a tough time narrowing down my options.

 

[Quicklabs]

Another possibility is a Sigma 10-20 super wide angle. It can get downright fishy at that wide end if that is what you are looking for, and it's a pretty versatile little lens. I'm loving mine.

 

[annnewjerz]

Another possibility is a Sigma 10-20 super wide angle. It can get downright fishy at that wide end if that is what you are looking for, and it's a pretty versatile little lens. I'm loving mine.

That's one that I have been considering as well. So hard to make a decision. Like I said, so many lenses, so little money. I really want to spend it all, but don't want to just spend it to spend it (because as stated earlier, with the way the economy is going, this may be my last chance to make a big purchase for a while - and I need to take advantage!!!!)

Isn't saving money supposed to be the hard part, not spending??

 

[MarkBarbieri]

It all sounds so very complicated. My advice is to avoid the stress of choosing. Send me the money. I'll spend it on a 24mm T/S lens. I'll send you links to all the pictures that I take with it so that you can get all the enjoyment without having to do any of the work. It's a great solution for you and I'm so nice to offer.

 

[annnewjerz]

It all sounds so very complicated. My advice is to avoid the stress of choosing. Send me the money. I'll spend it on a 24mm T/S lens. I'll send you links to all the pictures that I take with it so that you can get all the enjoyment without having to do any of the work. It's a great solution for you and I'm so nice to offer.

That sounds perfect!! PM me with your home address and I'll make sure to put that check right in the mail

 

[Groucho]

Based on the amount of lenses in your signature, I had a feeling that'd be your vote.

LBA is a sickness, I admit it.

I think I am going to buy used lenses, although I'm not positive. Right now I am looking at Nikon's 10.5 Fisheye (it seems like it would be a fun one to have) and a 105 Micro. If I got both of them used, that would eat up about $600 of the budget.

I would look for a Kiron-built 105mm F2.8 macro. It's stunning (better rated than the Nikon one and most/all other OEM macros in the same range), one of the finest macros ever. It was sold under a couple different names (Kiron, Vivitar Series 1, Lester A Dine, maybe one or two others) but is a knockout in any form. I love mine! It does do 1:1 magnification, you can read a little here (there's a ton more out there, just went for one of the first Google responses that included Nikon as I wasn't sure if it was made in that mount. It was but not in a Canon mount.)

Another very highly-regarded one is the Tamron 90mm macro. I actually have a line one on one, but it's not quite as good as the Kiron.

 

[Chikabowa]

I love the Nikon 60mm f2.8 micro. The new version is outstanding. I've played with a friend's lens over the summer (the older version) and then I've rented it many times... I'm buying it this week!

 

[annnewjerz]

I love the Nikon 60mm f2.8 micro. The new version is outstanding. I've played with a friend's lens over the summer (the older version) and then I've rented it many times... I'm buying it this week!

What were you shooting with the 60mm? I do like the price of the 60 more than the 105, but I am worried that if I go to shoot critters or anything that may need to be close up either A. I will scare them away or B. I will be too scared to get close (think spiders and caterpillars ). How close (in inches if you could approximate do you have to be??

If I was going to use the micro solely for flowers, mushrooms, whatever I wouldn't be so hesitant...but I'm a little scared of the bugs and I think they may be a little scared of me

 

[Chikabowa]

My friend who let me borrow her lens, shoots with a D80. I shoot with a D3.
I don't shoot bugs... I mainly use the macro for lots of details shots at weddings and the such. Here are some that I took with that particular lens.

I get my lens down really really really close when I'm shooting. I usually hand-hold macros.

These are some straight-out-of-camera stuff I did the first time I used this particular lens. Some are under/over exposed and some are out of focus, and my white balance is all over the place, but I was practicing and learning and these shots were just throw-away stuff for me.
(Oh... and I've found that photobucket makes my pictures look horrible, so please excuse that!)

Yeah... I'm really super close to all the subjects when I'm shooting. Within inches.

Honestly, I hated the 105mm when I rented it. I thought it was horrible and terribly slow to focus. But I rented it 1) Before the 60mm and 2) Before I nailed a technique for shooting macros. My friend who lent me her lens does macros exclusively (stock work) and she gave me some pointers that have helped my technique tremendously.

 

[YesDear]

I also have the 60mm 2.8 and love it. I learned macro on the original 55marco from Nikon so the focal length was good for me. I still have that lens and will use every once and a while.

I rented a 10.5 for the cruise this past September and it is on my wish list. I am searching for the right used one at the right time. Lots of people are switching to FL and getting rid of their DL stuff. I am happy to help them!

And by the way you can send me the money and I will do the same thing Mark offered. The reason you should send to me is that at least I will be taking the pictures with Nikon not Canon. Gotta keep it in the family girl!!!!

I highly recommend Nikon Capture NX2 for your RAW processing. Designed for Nikon by Nikon. I use that and CS3 if I want to get creative.

 

[annnewjerz]

I get my lens down really really really close when I'm shooting. I usually hand-hold macros.


These are some straight-out-of-camera stuff I did the first time I used this particular lens. Some are under/over exposed and some are out of focus, and my white balance is all over the place, but I was practicing and learning and these shots were just throw-away stuff for me.
(Oh... and I've found that photobucket makes my pictures look horrible, so please excuse that!)

Yeah... I'm really super close to all the subjects when I'm shooting. Within inches.

Honestly, I hated the 105mm when I rented it. I thought it was horrible and terribly slow to focus. But I rented it 1) Before the 60mm and 2) Before I nailed a technique for shooting macros. My friend who lent me her lens does macros exclusively (stock work) and she gave me some pointers that have helped my technique tremendously.

1. Honestly, I have no desire to shoot buts at the moment, I just thought that one day I might get adventerous. I guess if that was the case I could shoot nice bugs, like lady bugs and such if I got the 60mm, anything that isn't the stinging variety

2. Straight of the camera or not, great pics. I am mainly interested in flowers, plants, really detailed shots for things like baby's feet, etc. if I take more pictures of kids anytime soon.

3. As far as the autofocus, I probably won't be getting an autofocus micro lens. I am considering either the AIS variety (which after speaking to Jeff I have discovered this won't focus OR meter with my current camera - so I'm still undecided on that) or the AF-D variety lens that will just not focus, but will meter. I'm leaning towards AF-D type because A. at least it'll meter with the D60, B. when I eventually upgrade my body in a year or so, it'll autofocus with that in case I ever want that feature.

Thanks for the advice, this definitely just throws another choice into the pile!!!