[bonsai dave]

I have been for waiting for a over 2 years to get a digital slr. Well I got an early birthday present from my lovely wife. I wanted to get a nikon d300s but it was over our budget. So I got a d90 instead and got a good deal on it. Now i just need to learn how to use it and it will be all good.

 

[Nicklfire]

you lucky Sob...

Get a macro lens?

 

[bonsai dave]

No I wish . It came with a 18-105vr lens..

 

[gmachine19]

I wish i bought a d300 instead of a d5000. I want to upgrade soooo badly right now!

 

[bonsai dave]

I wish i bought a d300 instead of a d5000. I want to upgrade soooo badly right now!

I really wanted the d300s but for what i paid for the d90 with 8 gb memory card,screen protector
and camera bag with taxes is still less than what they were asking for the d300s lens not included..

 

[scherzo]

It is really more about the glass. Most people can get away with great shots with a lower level body and a better lens.

The other part of it is really knowing your camera. I know people who shoot better than me with point-and-shoot cameras!

Congrats on your first SLR..

 

[JessicaRae]

I just finally got a new computer lol so next on the wish list is a good d-slr
i have one of the original canon rebels suits me fine for now but id like to get more serious with it
ENJOY

 

[Nicklfire]

now you gotta take shots with it and show us what pictures look like with someone new to photography

 

[2wheelsx2]

Congrats. That's a great camera. I agree with others. I'd upgrade the lens before I upgraded the body, but I'm lusting after a D700.

 

[bonsai dave]

Congrats. That's a great camera. I agree with others. I'd upgrade the lens before I upgraded the body, but I'm lusting after a D700.

thanks .what type of lens should i be looking to get?

 

[2wheelsx2]

thanks .what type of lens should i be looking to get?

A lot depends on your budget. The kit lens is ok, but is not fast enough to get some shots without a flash. For example I got a 28 -55 with my D5000. I want to get a macro for close shots of interesting things like flower and insects, a fast flexible zoom like a 55- 200mm to get more wildlife and action shots. You kind of have to tailor the lenses to the kinds of things you want to do. If you take a lot of portraits for instance, you might want to get into a "prime" lens. I put "prime" in quotes as there's not really such a thing in DX format, hence my desire to get into the D700.

 

[bonsai dave]

here are a few pictures with my new camera. I'm still getting use to it.

 

[tony1928]

Hi Dave,

I got the same camera and have been using an old 18-200 lens for all around shooting. I find that having a single lens works out great for 90% of the time. That being said, my wish list includes two lenses, a macro and a superwide. Nikon glass is obviously fantastic but I might go Tokina or Sigma for those two to save a bit of money and not sacrifice much performance based on my research. I'd also invest in a better flash to avoid that deer caught in the headlights look when shooting indoors.

 

[2wheelsx2]

Nice points Tony. I didn't point out the flash as Dave asked about lenses. If you don't have an outboard flash, get one. I got an SB400 and wish I got an SB600 (want the 900 but out of my budget for camera gear). The ability to pivot the flash and use bounce makes a huge difference if you're going to do fill lighting.

 

[tony1928]

Just sharing my noobish experience. I also have the SB400 and regret not going bigger.....or rather, maybe saving up later and getting a bigger one. The SB400 works nicely as something you could lug around easily for day to day shooting. Still a world of difference between that and the onboard flash. Worth every cent. Once in a while I will take the 400 off to economize on space and I usually end up regretting it.

On a side note, I've been playing around with shooting with ultra high ISO's (in low light) and the D90 seems to do a phenomenal job. Pics typically go grainy as you up the ISO but the D90 seems to have great noise reduction.

 

[2wheelsx2]

I know a few guys looking for a deal on SB400's, so you can always upgrade Tony. Right Gil? The SB400 is a bit weak for anything but small portraits, but as you say, it's very useful. I rarely ever leave it behind as I bought a Lowepro sling bag (once again I wish I had gone bigger as I went with a base one).

 

[halonine]

It is really more about the glass. Most people can get away with great shots with a lower level body and a better lens.

The other part of it is really knowing your camera. I know people who shoot better than me with point-and-shoot cameras!

Congrats on your first SLR..

I totally agree with this. I am no where NEAR a good photographer, but have recieved many complements on pictures I have taken. I'm using an old canon rebel xt (350d). I've got a few lenses for it, favorite being the 70-200mm F/4L. LOVE IT.

I've used quite the few dslr's with stock kit lenses, all the camera being better than mine, and still, I prefer my setup. However, I am looking to upgrade the body as mine is fairly limited. Been looking at the canon 7D's a lot lately....just might have to heh.

I don't have a macro lens right now, and really...I don't think I would use one enough to justify the cost. I'm going to pick up the Canon 17-40mm f/4L pretty quick. After that, im pretty well setup for all the shots I like to take.

Current lenses are the 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6, 70-200mm f/4L, and the 50mm f/1.8

Tyson

 

[bonsai dave]

Thanks to Tony , Gray and Tyson for your input and advice. I have a lot to learn and I will take my time and get comfortable with the lens I have and get a better understanding on how my camera works before I get a new lens. I was wondering if any of you are using a lens protector? I was wondering what type of camera bags are people using. I just got a lowepro fastpack200. Wow i never knew camera Bags can be that expensive.

 

[2wheelsx2]

If you don't have it, get a UV filter. The last thing you want is a scratch on that lens. Make you get a good one, like a Hoya ($25 - $30). Lousy to ruin the optics on your camera with a lousy filter. I got the Lowepro Slingshot AW100. Should have got the 200. Nice little bag, but it's already full, with the flash and the charger. If I got another lens, light diffusers etc., I'd need a new bag.

Good plan to take your time. Shoot a few thousand shots with your camera (I think I have > 3000 now in 9 months) and see what you like and don't like and can and cannot do, then make your decision on things like flashes and lenses, etc. Saves buying the wrong thing.

 

[bonsai dave]

If you don't have it, get a UV filter. The last thing you want is a scratch on that lens. Make you get a good one, like a Hoya ($25 - $30). Lousy to ruin the optics on your camera with a lousy filter. I got the Lowepro Slingshot AW100. Should have got the 200. Nice little bag, but it's already full, with the flash and the charger. If I got another lens, light diffusers etc., I'd need a new bag.

Good plan to take your time. Shoot a few thousand shots with your camera (I think I have > 3000 now in 9 months) and see what you like and don't like and can and cannot do, then make your decision on things like flashes and lenses, etc. Saves buying the wrong thing.

I picked up a 67mm kenko pro 1 digital protector low profile frame.