Santa might bring me a present if I only knew what to ask for! I am a amateur that is in water a little over my head. I have been using a point and shoot Kodak Z90/24 zoom and have a...

Susan.G. Loc: Avoca, Michigan

I am a amateur that is in water a little over my head. I have been using a point and shoot Kodak Z90/24 zoom and have a little following of family and friends that love my pictures (mostly of birds). My husband surprised me with a Nikon D5100. Sooooo much to learn. It came with a VR AF-S 18-55mm lens. I am expecting my back ordered 70-300 mm lens soon. I am hoping the 70-300 mm lens will work well for my close up shots of birds. I am not sure what to use the 18-55 mm lens for? I would like to take some portrait shots of the grandchildren and so far have practiced on my Cat with mixed results. A lot of my bird photos are taken through a window because I have a bird feeder mounted on the deck that is approximately 8 feet away. Will the 70-300 lens work well for this or will I need to ask Santa for new lens already?

Bruce with a Canon Loc: Islip

18-55 Kit lens is a killer lens for most applications, for birding you will want a 300-400 mm lens ( my opinion) and a tripod. 70-300 will be more than you need at that range, Make sure you pur a lens hood or filter infront of your lens to keep the front element PRISTINE.
you might consider a book on general digital photography
:Digital photography for dummies" is a goodn start.
And I am not calling you a dummy, In havbe thois book and I started taking photographs in 1972.
Might consider used photo magazines aned books as well. GREAT sourcfe of information cheap.dont forget GOOGLE and onoline photo classes or local college classes.
ENJOY
One last thing, better to grow IN to a camera than to grow OUT of one. Sounds like you have the right gear!

Susan.G. Loc: Avoca, Michigan

Bruce with a Canon wrote:

18-55 Kit lens is a killer lens for most applicati... (show quote)

Susan.G. Loc: Avoca, Michigan

Sorry Bruce with a Canon! Looks like I need to learn how to post also! Ha!
Part of my reply to you got mixed in with your answer. I appreciate your help.

Indi Loc: L. I., NY, Palm Beach Cty when it's cold.

Susan.G. wrote:

I am a amateur that is in water a little over my h... (show quote)

My first question...Have you been "Naughty, or Nice?"
I have the D5100 Kit that you have. The 18-55 mm lens is a good, all purpose lens. The 55-300 mm that came with it is OK, not great, but after all, it came in the package. Will yours be the 70-300mm as you said, or the 55-300? What are that lense's specs?
I recently purchased a new, 50 mm Nikkor f 1.8 lens and I'm having a lot of fun with it. I paid about $130 for it. It's Grey Market, but it's still warrantied. Got it at B&H photo.
You might also want to look at the Nikon website and check out the clearance(?) and reconditioned lenses. They're significantly reduced and guaranteed by Nikon.
Oh, I forgot. The 50mm I bought is AutoFocus, but not for the 5100. You have to use manual focus.

nyweb2001

My Canon Rebel XS came with an 18-55mm and a 75-300mm. The 18-55mm is what I have on most of the time. It's a good all around lens. The 75-300mm is what I use for bird shots, although it may be a bit much for just going through the window.

Susan.G. Loc: Avoca, Michigan

Indi, I hate to admit it but more naughty than nice. (ha-ha)
The other lens that Nikon finally shipped is the 70-300 mm f/4-5.6 G VR ED AFS. Thanks for your response. I just got a catalog from B&H, I will check it out.

Indi Loc: L. I., NY, Palm Beach Cty when it's cold.

Susan.G. wrote:

Indi, I hate to admit it but more naughty than nice. (ha-ha)
The other lens that Nikon finally shipped is the 70-300 mm f/4-5.6 G VR ED AFS. Thanks for your response. I just got a catalog from B&H, I will check it out.

Don't forget to check out Nikon's site, too. Some real bargains there.

Susan.G. Loc: Avoca, Michigan

Nyweb2001,

I haven't even had time to get outside with my camera yet. I tried the 18-55mm lens to try my bird photos and I can't get close enough . They seem far away. I am so used to using a zoom lens it seems strange. Thanks for your input. Project this weekend is to get out and start practicing!

Susan.G. Loc: Avoca, Michigan

Thanks Indi, will do!

Indi Loc: L. I., NY, Palm Beach Cty when it's cold.

Susan.G. wrote:

Nyweb2001,

I haven't even had time to get outside with my camera yet. I tried the 18-55mm lens to try my bird photos and I can't get close enough . They seem far away. I am so used to using a zoom lens it seems strange. Thanks for your input. Project this weekend is to get out and start practicing!

Make sure you're camera is set for the largest file format...
Menu (Button)-->shooting Menu-->Image Size--> Large (16.1)
At 8 feet, you should be able to get reasonable detail when you see it in an editor.

Susan.G. Loc: Avoca, Michigan

Ok, I will do that. Thanks again!