Finally, it's a D80

[kishra]

Finally after pondering which dslr to get I decided on the Nikon D80 and did not waste much time ordering one.

It arrived yesterday and although I haven’t had much time to use it yet I am quite happy I chose the D80.

I have briefly used a Canon 10d in the past and owned Pentax and Canon film slrs’ in the 1960’s and 80’s but this is the first digital camera I have purchased.

Choosing the D80 was not an easy decision as the Pentax K10d was a strong contender and I went back and forth between the two over the last couple of months, the Canons were not seriously considered as I felt digital Rebel Xti was not quite up to it and the 30D was excellent but overdue for an update (also out of my price range).

I got the kit with the 18-55mm lens, as it only cost marginally more than the body only and I do not own any Nikon lenses, an Edge Technologies 2gb 130x SD card completed my initial purchase.

Having used only metal bodied cameras in the past I must admit the light-weight plastic body is going to take a bit of getting used to but I guess when I acquire some longer lens I will know how well balanced it feels.

Wish List:

I intend to replace the 18-55mm lens with the Tamron 17-50, 2.8, the Nikkor 70-300 VR and possibly a 85mm prime for portraits, I also like what I have seen of Sigma’s 10-20 wide-angle.

The SB600 flash, a battery grip and a couple more 2gb SD cards along with the lenses mentioned above will have to wait on me working like a dog to raise the funds and of course the “Almighty Wife's” approval.

So guys, any comments on my wish list? Any suggestions?

Thanks for taking the time.

Kish.

 

[Big Daddie]

That sounds like a really good outfit. Not knowing what you like to shoot makes it hard to advise on any other additions. E.g. do you do any low-light photography, which might call for a faster lens.

Congratulations on your choice.

 

[LeungPhotos]

Looks a like a sound decision on your equipment. Congrats and enjoy!

--



http://photography.leung.us

 

[tatanka]

The 70-300 VR is a "peach." You can't go wrong.

For an inexpensive walkaround lens, the 18-135 is hard to beat, but if you have a lot of cash, go for the 18-200 VR.

Portraits? Try the Nikkor 50mm 1.8 prime. It's a little over $100 and probably the best bargain going.

Other stuff.... The $17 IR remote is real handy and the battery grip adds a lot of balance to the D80.

 

[kishra]

Thanks Big Daddy,

I shoot most things really and will probably do some low light stuff.

I like trying to find interesting images of everyday things and places, I am not impressed with photos of exotic locations as I think an idiot with a point & shoot camera in a Buddhist Temple would bring back some shoots that impress a lot of people.

I am a creative director and work with photographs shot by all sorts of professionals everyday so it takes a lot to impress me now, but I still find photography a retreat from the commercial world I work in.

My photography is a personal thing really I am not sure too many people would like the stuff I do but it keeps me happy.

Kish.

 

[kishra]

Thanks Leung and Tatanka,

I appreciate your encouragement and suggestions.

Kish.

 

[Big Daddie]

Cool. I wish my creative juices could flow more easily.

Well, interesting lens choices besides the excellent ones you've already mentioned could be:

• 85mm 1.4 or 1.8: great portrait lens, and you can do wonderful "out of the ordinary" shots by leveraging the bokeh.

• 50mm 1.8 or 1.4: fast, low-light shooting, if a bit too telephoto for indoor shooting.

• 35mm f/2: see above, but a focal length more useful indoors.

• A macro lens? That also could give you excellent opportunity to do something out of the ordinary.

Then there's the usual filters that you may already have from your previous cameras ... polarizer, neutral density, graduated neutral density for landscapes, etc.

For unusual shots, I lust for one of Nikon's DC lenses, though I'll never spring for one.

 

[kishra]

I really like prime lens like the few you suggested, do you think extension tubes on a 50mm 1.8 or 85mm will work as well as a dedicated macro lens?

Kish.

 

[Patco]

and possibly a 85mm prime for portraits,

You might consider getting something like the Tamron 90 2.8 Di, and have your portrait prime as well as an excellent macro lens.

--
Patco
A photograph is more than a bunch of pixels

 

[kishra]

You might consider getting something like the Tamron 90 2.8 Di, and
have your portrait prime as well as an excellent macro lens.

An interesting suggestion, thanks, it's worth looking into.

Kish.

 

[tjtoed]

Great choice going with the D80. I owned a K10D for about 2 months and sold it as the AF was horrible and every picture required too much PP. With the D80 I use JPEG straight out of the camera about 99% of the time.

I have the Tamron and it is a great lens, also the 70-300 VR is, in my opinion, one of the must have lenses out there... I recently picked up the 18-200 VR and so far so good. It is about the ultimate walk-around lens out there and the added VR is a life saver.

Good luck and we expect to see some pictures.

--
TJ
D80
Tamron 17-50 f/2.8
Nikon 18-200 VR
Nikon 70-300 VR
SB-600

 

[Big Daddie]

The main issue you may have with tubes is the working distance. However, many members here have had very nice results with tubes on the 50mm 1.8.

There are dedicated macro lenses which can double as good portrait lenses. I went the more unusual route of buying some old MF lenses that won't even meter on my D80. But I love the prices and the results (e.g. the famed "Bokina," or the Kirons and their Lester Dine/Vivitar variants).

A dirt-cheap new macro is the Vivitar 100mm 3.5, maybe only $120. Awful build quality but produces nice results.

 

[kishra]

I have a 35 year-old Canon 50mm 1.8 from my Canon F1, it will not mount on the D80 but could work with a reversing ring and used as a Macro.

When I get a ring I will post some results (if it works, that is).

Kish.

The main issue you may have with tubes is the working distance.
However, many members here have had very nice results with tubes on
the 50mm 1.8.

There are dedicated macro lenses which can double as good portrait
lenses. I went the more unusual route of buying some old MF lenses
that won't even meter on my D80. But I love the prices and the
results (e.g. the famed "Bokina," or the Kirons and their Lester
Dine/Vivitar variants).

A dirt-cheap new macro is the Vivitar 100mm 3.5, maybe only $120.
Awful build quality but produces nice results.

 

[kishra]

Thanks TJ,

I am surprised the K10D did not work out but I think going to the D80 was a good decision, I am happy with my choice.

Kish.

 

[Philfm]

Wish List:
I intend to replace the 18-55mm lens with the Tamron 17-50, 2.8, the
Nikkor 70-300 VR and possibly a 85mm prime for portraits, I also like
what I have seen of Sigma’s 10-20 wide-angle.

My advise, don't go for the Tamron 17-50, rather look for a similar Sigma. Me and a friend of mine have identical D80's that we bought together, only diff, he has a Tamron 17-50 lens and I have the Sigma. In my opinion, the Sigma is the better of the two.

Enjoy the camera, you won't be disappointed
Phil

 

[kishra]

Thanks Phil,

I hadn't considered the Sigma but I will take a closer look at it.

Anyone else prefer the Sigma over the Tamron? How about the build quality, thats a big thing for me.

Kish.

 

[Photoyoda323199]

The APO 50-150/2,8. Its a very good lens, and I am very satisfied with the picture quality, the size and handeling. It does not change in size during focusing or zooming. No plastic feeling.. It has "on board" focus engine which means that it can be used with D40(x) or any other future Nikon Bodies.
By the way, did you know that you can use the pop-up flash as a strobe flash.
Nice..
Have fun!
--
http://home.c2i.net/gunnar-bye

 

[Philfm]

By the way, did you know that you can use the pop-up flash as a
strobe flash.

On the D80? How?

Do you know anything about a Sigma 300 zoom? I'm looking for one, want to replace my Tamron 300

 

[kishra]

Thanks for the info on the Sigma and the flash tip I wasn't aware that was possible, guess I need to get stuck into the manual.

Kish.

The APO 50-150/2,8. Its a very good lens, and I am very satisfied
with the picture quality, the size and handeling. It does not change
in size during focusing or zooming. No plastic feeling.. It has "on
board" focus engine which means that it can be used with D40(x) or
any other future Nikon Bodies.
By the way, did you know that you can use the pop-up flash as a
strobe flash.
Nice..
Have fun!
--
http://home.c2i.net/gunnar-bye

 

[saintmarc]

I got a D80 myself and I read a lot before to make a decision.
It was delivered with a 18-70 which is a really good lens.
I had a look also on a 18-200 VR but it's a bit more big.
So better to buy a lot a lenses you should think to make your bag lighter.
Your wife will be happy and you won't need to work like a dog.
BTW, the pictures from the D80 are excellent.