Thank you and more please!

texaslimo

Senior Member
Some time ago I posted that I was having a hard time deciding between a D7000 and D800 to replace my D70. The response was not only universal, but rock solid and right on point. Thank you to all who shared your experience. The advice given was to get the D7000 and spend the savings on some nice glass. I have had to wait a bit longer than I had hoped to be able to get the new body, but I am now within a month or so of being able to afford the D7000. My plan now is to get the new body, followed by a couple of good non-DX (FX) lenses, and then a couple of years from now move up to the D800 or future equivalent.

I am at the point now of narrowing down my choices for lenses and am seeking further guidance. I currently have an 18-70 DX, and a 70-300 f/4-5.6 VR. I am considering as one addition, a 50mm, F/1.4. I am also considering as the next lens purchase (after the 50mm) a macro lens of some sort. I would be appreciative of any input in regards to wise lens choices. Most of the photographs I take are nature shots, landscapes, and nature close ups (bugs, leaves, flowers, etc). If I have left out something obvious, which at this point is more likely than not, please educate me. Also, if i have omitted a key lens, please make me aware of that as well.

For those that followed my previous post, I am also following up on educational courses. I have found out that I can take, as a continuing education course, a class in photography for almost free at the local college. I plan to attend in either Sept or Oct after the fall semester begins (I am picking up four classes at the university and want to get those started before throwing another class on top of the rest). Nikon does offer classes, but there isn't one until 2013 in my area.

Thank you ahead of time,



P.S. What lens would you use to get a close up of something like a bird, where you could not physically get close to the subject, but still wanted a great deal of detail? Perhaps the more accurate question would be to ask just how much of a zoom do you need to photograph birds?
 
Last edited:

stmv

Senior Member
you are so on your way to a great kit, in regards to a macro, Iwould recomend a 105,, on a budget, you can buy a old manual 105 macro (a real real gem). another option is get a 28-105 with a built in macro mode.

a bargain is the 60 mm AF D lens, these sometimes can be found at discounted price of around 400, but the 60 macro is closer to the subject versus the 105.

A bird is usually a tele which you arleady have in the 70-300. With the extra resolution of the 7000, you can crop a bit (about 50% and still keep reasonable detail),
 

emoxley

Senior Member
I use a Tamron AF 70-300mm VC lens for birds. I mostly shoot hummingbirds, but do a few others too. Even with a 70-300mm you still can't be too far away. I wish I could afford a 500mm or 600mm lens. For a macro lens, I got the Tamron AF 90mm macro. It's a very nice lens, but I wish it had VC (vibration compensation) on it, because my hands have gotten so shaky. I wanted the Nikon 105mm macro with VR, but couldn't afford it. The Tamron was a good bit cheaper. Tamron has a better warranty too (6 yrs.). Good luck!
 

PapaST

Senior Member
I just picked up the Nikon 105mm two days ago and so far I'm very pleased. The first thing I noticed is the quick focus. Going around shooting timid creatures is a little easier now that I don't have to get right on them. Weight of the lens is not an issue to me, esp. if you're used to the 70-300.

I finally got to walk around my back yard and get some shots.



BPM_3133.jpgBPM_3101.jpg

lizard translucent.JPGlizard translucent2.JPG
 
Top