Posts: SusanFromVermont | Ugly Hedgehog

ialvarez50 wrote:

Hello guys,

I have several hard drives connected to my computer, one of them is a Seagate Expansion drive, basically an external drive. Yesterday the drive stop being recognized by my computer, I am concerned because I have about 120,000 photos in it. I change the USB 3 cable 3 times now and no, its not connecting. Any recommendation to recover all my photos?

Thank you in advance.

Glad to hear you found the problem with your drive. Hopefully you will now purchase a replacement and one more so as to have more than one backup. I had a 4TB external drive fail within the first year I owned it, but since I had other backups, I didn't even worry about the photos. Just erased everything and sent it back to the company for a replacement under the warranty.

Since then, I have purchased only HGST UltraStar drives, which have a 5 year warranty. The company can give that long a warranty because the drives are better quality than the "consumer grade" drives. I put one of the 4TB drives into my computer, and have another in a case with fan being used as an external drive. The replacement for the one that failed is still in use, but if something should happen with it after the 1 year warranty is over, I will get another4TB HGST Ultrastar.

I did not figure this out all by myself. I listened to good advice. You should do the same. Listen to what others say, such as the great advice given here by Gene51:

Gene51 wrote:

And thinking hard drives are cheap is exactly what... (show quote)

(Main Photography Discussion)

thinking of upgrading to full frame camera. I am a Nikon user

Bertk wrote:

I have D50 and D90 which pretty much does the job for me. I am interested in macro and bird photography. What is better full frame or crop sensor? Secondly, if full frame, then should I go for D750 or D850.

The D850 has more pixels, meaning it has better resolution capability. Regardless of whether you are photographing a large or tiny subject, resolution is wonderful to have. So if that is important to you, the D850 is the right camera!

Equally important are the lenses you use with the camera. High quality lenses are required to get the best results because a lesser lens will limit how well the camera can produce an image! For macro, you will use a macro lens, usually the 105mm, although you could go longer. For birds, you will need a long lens, either a long zoom such as the 200-500mm or a long prime. But anything beyond the 300mm f/4 has a huge price tag!

When making the decision, just keep in mind that camera and lens are interdependent. Lesser quality of either one can limit the other.

(Main Photography Discussion)

Nikon d810

starlifter wrote:

Another d810 query. In anticipation of my d810 purchase next month. Lens wise Any thoughts I would like to go the holy trinity set up starting with the 2.8 24-70mm. Ideally I would go the nikkor route but the budget won't allow it, so I,m thinking sigma art or tamron G2. I realize these are also higher end lens but not as dear as the nikkor. Any thoughts?

Have you looked at the pre-owned lenses on B&H? They have the 24-70 at $100 more than the new Tamron. [This is the non-VR version.] The same lens refurbished from Nikon is about $300 more than the new Tamron. I also have this lens, purchased refurbished from Nikon. It is a great lens, and it is well known that Nikon cameras function better with Nikon lenses. Quality is excellent as well, while other companies lenses can be variable from one to the other of the same model.

It is worth considering the refurbished or pre-owned [as long as you purchase from a trusted vendor such as B&H].

(Main Photography Discussion)

200-500 lens need a teleconverter?

Red Sky At Night wrote:

If I am purchasing a new AF-S Nikkor 200-500 lens to go with my D850 do I need to also purchase a teleconverter? I've been trying to read some information online but I am confused if it is something I really need? I will be using it both for animals and landscape. Thank you.

You do not need to use a teleconverter. As OP have said, you decrease light coming in, and slow down shutter speed. The primary reason for using one would be if the 500mm reach is not enough. Also, I have heard that the 1.4x is ok to use if you are happy with how it affects things, but the 2.0x is even more detrimental to performance.

I recently purchased the 200-500, and like it a lot. There will always be situations where I wish it had more magnification, but cropping is an option with which I am comfortable. The other alternative is the Sigma 150-600mm Sport, if you can handle the extra weight and smaller maximum aperture. After that, you are getting into very big dollar amounts! Give your D850 a chance - with all those pixels cropping won't be a problem.

(Main Photography Discussion)

Camera Bag Recommendation

Pysanka Artist wrote:

I have outgrown the camera bag I got with my original camera kit. Looking for recommendations for a quality camera bag and recommendations on a style. This is the gear I currently have (all Canon):

7D Mark II camera
EF50mm f/1.8 STM
EF100mm f/2.8L MACRO IS USM
EF-S18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS II
EF-S55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS STM

Would like to be able to carry all. I don't plan on carrying along a laptop or anything. Thanks in advance!

There are quite a few high quality camera bags. I suggest you go to BH's website and look at ones that might be the right one for you. They have ways to filter so you are not looking at hundreds you are not interested in, and they have good photos showing off their interior. Look at the specifications and see the internal dimensions so you can do some rough calculations of whether your gear [current and future] will fit. Take into consideration the weight, which is why so many have multiple bags. If the bag is too big, it will also end up weighing a lot!

A rolling bag is good if you are going to be taking everything on a trip, I just got one that is a Think Tank. The quality is wonderful, but they are expensive. Got mine used on eBay.

Do your research before going to the local camera store. That way you will be a bit more ready to make a decision if you find one you like.

(Main Photography Discussion)

Camera bag with wheels

maren wrote:

I am in need of a camera bag with wheels for traveling. My back pack gets too heavy running through airports and hauling in and out of motels. The size would have to comply with carry-on bags for flights. I have looked at local camera stores and they don't seem to carry them. I am looking on line, and it is hard to tell what they are really like. Are these a rare item? Thank you for any input or suggestions.

Once you find one that fits the gear you have to carry, be sure to check out pre-owned bags on B&H and other sites. You can also go to eBay, I got a Think Tank Airport International v.2 for less than half the price new. Love it! Just be careful - I've seen some selling bags at OVER the retail price...

(Main Photography Discussion)

Camera bag with wheels

Bipod wrote:

Here's one used by Ansel Adams:
https://i.pinimg.com/736x/f7/72/73/f77273604e9a4e3d99d3384feaaae5d7.jpg

Definitely not a "carry on"!

Luckily I can use the back of my SUV for my gear!

(Main Photography Discussion)

Another Question!

bohleber wrote:

Has anyone had experience using a circle light for shooting flowers. Are they worth the money?

Don

Never used a ring flash, but after doing some research, decided against it because the even light can make an image seem rather flat. Instead, I purchased a Nikon SB-200, which is a small, low-power, off-camera flash. I like it because it shows up shadows that give better 3-dimensional appearance.

You don't say what camera or lens you are using, but another problem I encountered which sent me to the off-camera flash, is that the on-camera flash would often result in capturing an image with the lens shadow in it! I use a 150mm macro lens.

(Download)

(Main Photography Discussion)

Back button focus

starlifter wrote:

Hello fellow hoggers. While I am familiar with BBF on my D7200 , I will getting a d810 next month. While has a AF on button of it's own I'm wondering if I have to disable the half shutter function? Thanks for your input.

Go to the manual. It has the same basic instructions for BBF as the others. I have the D810, and use BBF only.

(Main Photography Discussion)

Compiling Photos

kaitoo212 wrote:

What is the advantage or process of taking multiple shots and layering them for a finished photo? Does one take multiple shots at different times of the day, at different settings or apertures to make this process work through Photoshop for compiling the photos. Some of the beautiful photos I have seen on here look like this process. I am interesting in learning how to accomplish this process!
Thank you UHH
k a i t o o/daniel

When taking multiple images, you want them all exactly the same subject and composition, preferably taken from a tripod. Each image should be a different exposure - one at the exposure and shutter speed set by the camera, and one at a stop or two below that and the other at a stop or two above. If your camera does not have a "bracketing" setting, you can do it manually by moving the control on your camera up or down. If the scene has an extremely wide dynamic range, you may want to do several above and below images. Then when ready to do post processing, you can choose which ones to use if you don't want to use them all.

Then you can use a process for compiling an HDR image which combines the ones you designate. Then many of these programs allow you to choose a pre-set rendering or to "tone map" by adjusting the colors in the image using sliders.

If you enjoy post processing, and only want to replace part of the "best" image, you can also use PS CC to put them into the same image as different layers. Then it involves painting with black or white to hide or show parts of the images.

How you handle the process of combining photos is up to you - you can make it look as natural as you want, or as "HDR'd" as you want!

(Main Photography Discussion)

Lens

tuomi1947 wrote:

Trying to find a reasonable price for a used 150-600 lens tamron or sigma , Nikon 200-500 ?

There are professional comparisons that show the Sigma Sport is better than the Sigma Contemporary or the Tamron. It is also better in some ways than the Nikon 200-500. These are the pros for the Sigma Sport. There are some cons, due to variations among individual lenses. but not sure whether they should be a deciding factor in choosing which lens to purchase.

Here is a link to an article that discusses these lenses, even though it is titled as a review of the 200-500mmm lens:

https://photographylife.com/reviews/nikon-200-500mm-f5-6e-vr

(Main Photography Discussion)

PSCC question

Manglesphoto wrote:

I am considering a 2017 - 27" iMac to replace my 2012 - 21.5 , My question is about PSCC, I see that the basic plan also includes both versions of lightroom, can I use PSCC without using Lightroom ? .
I have no desire or need to use either.I have my own catalog system set up and it works very well for my use.
Thank you for your help
Frank

Yes, you can use PS CC without LR Classic CC. I don't even have the other, mobile, version of LR installed on my computer. With PS alone, you can open pictures in it without going through LR. Or you can use Bridge to house your cataloging system.

I started with LR, so my images are linked with it, but I also have devised my own cataloging system. LR is very flexible that way, it does not require you to use a system determined by the program. I like it because it lets me view all my images in a folder as thumbnails on the screen, and they are much better than the ones I see from the folders on my hard drive. As others have said, using LR for your Catalog has other advantages as well.

That said, I used to use LR for most of my editing, but with the Adobe CC subscription, I began to learn PS CC. Now, while I do use some LR Classic CC editing functions more, for a large proportion of my images, the ratio has changed! I may do a few basic changed in LR, but most of the editing is done in PS. Sometimes I experiment and try both for certain processes - this is because LR actually does some things better than PS! But with ACR, you have the same choices you can make. It is all a matter of preference.

(Main Photography Discussion)

What's happening with the Nikon D850?

Norm11 wrote:

Nikon through its resellers is now offering a $200 discount on the D850.
Either that means sales are slowing and they're trying to boost them, OR, they're coming out with another improved body, OR they're refocussing on the mirrorless market.

I've had my eye on the D850 since it was introduced (I am a D750 shooter). Should I go for the discounted price, which is still over $3K, or sit on my hordes of easily earned cash to see what's the next great thing?

If you want the D850, and the price tag doesn't scare you, go for it! A new version may come, but it is difficult to predict when and how much different it will be from the D850. You will end up with a camera you will love, and have another excellent camera [the D750] as a second camera!

I had my eye on the D800 for a while, but was not ready to purchase. When the D810 came out, I switched to that one. Finally purchased it, have been very happy with it. The D850 came out soon after, but I did not regret purchasing the D810. My feeling was that this was enough camera for me, I was still learning how to use it, so rushing out to buy the next new best thing was foolish!

I would like to own the D850, and perhaps eventually I will. In the meantime I have a great camera to use, and will concentrate on increasing/improving my stable of lenses. That is how I approached moving from the D7000 [my first DSLR!] to the D810, so when I did buy it I was ready!

(Main Photography Discussion)

Thinking of adding a lens to my D810

larryepage wrote:

These are all good lenses to consider. You might ... (show quote)

I recently purchased the 200-500mm, have not used it much yet because of how cold it has been, mixed with a fair amount of rain, this winter here in Vermont. But I am quite satisfied with the results! And, as you point out, the price is reasonable. Being aware of the build and not weatherproofed, I also purchased rain sleeves! Plus keep it well protected when not in use.

(Main Photography Discussion)

Refurbished camera

Bobnewnan wrote:

Goodness, how did we get from refurbished cameras to Sears going under?

The same way we got from cameras new and used to cars new and used! Analogies that relate to a photography-based discussion! This one was in reference to Warranties and trust!