I have the same camera and I looooove my fisheye. I do have a 12-24 wide angle but for artistic purposes the fisheye is a lot of fun. I have Nikon's which I think was around $649 about 2 yrs ago.
Just be aware, with our camera it will not auto focus so you have to do that yourself. It will auto focus on the D7000 and all the fx cameras I believe. And also the d90.
I love it and use it often. There ageless expensive brands but I am more than pleased with what I have.
elandel So sorry to hear of your stained sensor issues on your new camera. It makes one wonder why these problems are not discovered in testing prior to release to the public.
Taking short cuts I guess.
The old map is gone but you can always get it through the Google website. I haven't had occasion to test it for the alleged bugs then I never used the old one either. I use a GPS for places I am unfamiliar with.
I just entered my work address (3 possible ways to go) and it did validate the route I use most often.
Just back from both those locations. I had 12-24 and 18-200. Before the trip I contemplated getting the Tamron 18-270 but I would not have needed it. I was fine at 200mm and honestly used the wider angles more.
Forget about shooting anything at the shows. Not allowed and the few times I saw someone trying to shoot they were asked to stop. There are eyes everywhere!!! Even with cellphones.
The GC had lots of haze in early July which I filtered out in Photooshop with Topaz Lens Effects. As for camera settings, so many variables. Start with your usual settings and check the results. Same with a polarizer. Depends on where you are relative to the sun.
Capturing the fabulous lights of LV at night was accomplished with support and bumping up the ISO.
Have fun.
Another vote for Shutterfly. Do a search for a promo code. They have them often. I did one in January that looks fantastic.
Before I got my first dslr 2 yrs ago I took fantastic close-ups and macros with my advanced point and shoot cameras. I was so disappointed with my results after I stepped to my new camera. I thought I was doing something wrong. But I soon learned it was due to the difference in how the cameras functioned.
So now I do have a dedicated macro lens but more often than not, somewhat similar results can be obtained by using the zoom lens and get my 'close ups' that way. AND I still carry a small quality point and shoot for those old macro shots I used to enjoy.
Also, when you are zoomed out for those close-ups, make sure your shutter speed number is not slower than the the distance of your zoom if you are hand holding. In other words, if you are zoomed to 200mm the shutter speed should not be slower than 1/200. And open the lens to the widest aperture for some good bokeh.
I felt the same way when after several years with advanced point and shoots. I was so miserable with my new dslr over 2 yrs ago. Just a suggestion but seek out your best local camera shop and see if they have camera specific classes. We have a shop locally that does that. The manufacturers send a field rep/instructor to teach all about the camers. The go through all the menus and recommended settings. It was such a help. Also this same shop offers 1:1 time for a small fee with someone who works there or affiliated with them.
Try http://www.picnik.com/. They have a very small anual fee for full access but I believe you can do the thin border for free.
What are you looking for? A club with set meeting dates and monthly competitions or people to go shooting with?
There's the Wantagh Camera Club and I think a Freeport Camera Club. More but you'd have to Google them.
There's also The Long Island Photography Meet Up. That's what I belong to and they are a wonderful group of folks from all over Long Island. There's a wide range of ability from new amature to pro but most of us are advanced hobbiests. The cameras range from simple point and shoots to full frame dslr's. We have an annual meet and greet and occassional lectures or workshops to attend. Otherwise it's a location based meet up where we go to a specific pre-arranged location anywhere from local to as far as 2 hours away.
Have a look: http://www.meetup.com/LI-Photographers/