Using Manual Mode

I am starting to use manual mode and I can see how much better it is creatively. I am also able to get sharper images by using a faster shutter speed and bumping up the ISO. The D7000 does extremely well with the higher ISO settings and using 3200 ISO is no problem or even much of a compromize if any at all.

I am loving this camera. It performs better than I thought it would.

I know this is of no real use to anyone except if you are contemplating an upgrade. I can give it a full 5 star rating.

How is manual mode with the 18-55 vr? Any trouble?

You're spot on with the use of Manual Mode as a foundation for creativity. Unless I'm reacting to something (sports, wildlife) I usually live in Manual Mode (Aperture otherwise with rare exceptions). The D7000 is very good at high ISO setting, to be sure.

trarmstrong, I would say that Manual Mode shouldn't give you any trouble with any lens, and if it does then it'll likely give you trouble with every lens. It's more a matter of taking some/all of the decision making away from the camera-engine (where it makes some/all of the exposure decisions) and setting things yourself, relying on only the camera's meter to verify your settings and the AF - if that.

Or were you referring to Manual Focus mode on the lens? I can tell you that all lenses perform flawlessly in manual focus mode - it's the photographer that is usually found lacking there. LOL

Here is my take: Manual Mode and no vibration use common sense and proven practices in taking pictures with your camera and you will be amazed.
Now why? You ask. A lot of "older" camera users came from cameras that had no auto functions; all they had was a primitive light meter an example a Nikon FM had three led's in the view finder (over-on-under) and you could move the aperture ring in between the f-stops. It did not have a choice of matrix, center weight or spot metering it just had one. Amazing!
What I do not understand is that users feel if they spend top dollar for a camera and just use it in auto mode then just buy a kodak instamatic (fixed focus and used cube flash) save the money for real needs.
Now don't get me wrong, if there is a local Boy Scout office near by spend 4$ for the the a merit badge book and do the requirements. I show that book at our basic digital class and you can put it in the camera bag as its a good resource (and if you were a scout I am sure some one said check your resources like this forum).
Save your money for a light-flash meter it will prove to be your most valuable tool! Practice manual focusing as speed will come later and above all we learn from our mistakes!

Ciao,
Lou Cioccio
I miss those DOF markings on those new digital lenses.
Here is an example hand held 1/125 at wide open can't remember if auto focus or manual used spot metering.