Best Way to Imporove Photography..
May 8, 2012 10:18:50 #
Okay so I know I'm probably flooding the message board with a question/topic a day but I am just really interested/fascinated by this new world, and I am looking to make a pretty big purchase.
My set up currently stands at: D3100, 18-55mm DX lens, a 55-200mm DX lens, and a 35mm f/1.8 prime.
I really like my two zoom lenses, and Ken Rockwell gives their optics really good reviews. I take care of my equipment so I'm not as worried about build quality...I guess ultimately I am wondering what will improve the quality of my pictures the most...
I am really interested in a D7000 body, but they say glass is what makes the difference - not the body.
I am also really interested in the 10-24mm wide angle, but i'm not sure that it'd be worht the 900 for the nikkor lens.
Lastly - I am wondering if I should just get one of the top notch Nikon lenses, and have a small range, but higher quality. One examples of this would be the 24-70 or 24-120mm.
Any suggestions? Will a new kit lens on a D7000 look better than a top notch lens on a D3100?
My set up currently stands at: D3100, 18-55mm DX lens, a 55-200mm DX lens, and a 35mm f/1.8 prime.
I really like my two zoom lenses, and Ken Rockwell gives their optics really good reviews. I take care of my equipment so I'm not as worried about build quality...I guess ultimately I am wondering what will improve the quality of my pictures the most...
I am really interested in a D7000 body, but they say glass is what makes the difference - not the body.
I am also really interested in the 10-24mm wide angle, but i'm not sure that it'd be worht the 900 for the nikkor lens.
Lastly - I am wondering if I should just get one of the top notch Nikon lenses, and have a small range, but higher quality. One examples of this would be the 24-70 or 24-120mm.
Any suggestions? Will a new kit lens on a D7000 look better than a top notch lens on a D3100?
May 8, 2012 10:29:40 #
A great lens on a mediocre camera is better than a mediocre lens on a great camera.
May 8, 2012 10:39:25 #
^^ if that sentiment is echoed, i think i have made my decision haha..
Now it just comes down to the wide angle vs. replacing my 18-200mm range.
I wonder how much better the optics are on the Nikon 24-70 2.8 compared to the 18-55mm kit lense..
Now it just comes down to the wide angle vs. replacing my 18-200mm range.
I wonder how much better the optics are on the Nikon 24-70 2.8 compared to the 18-55mm kit lense..
May 8, 2012 10:57:42 #
Stef C wrote:
^^ if that sentiment is echoed, i think i have made my decision haha..
Now it just comes down to the wide angle vs. replacing my 18-200mm range.
I wonder how much better the optics are on the Nikon 24-70 2.8 compared to the 18-55mm kit lense..
Now it just comes down to the wide angle vs. replacing my 18-200mm range.
I wonder how much better the optics are on the Nikon 24-70 2.8 compared to the 18-55mm kit lense..
I shot Canon so I can't speak for the Nikon models but I have the 24-70 2.8 (Canon's L glass) and had Canon's 18-55 kit lens. I sold the kit lens and purchased the 24-70, it's a HUGE difference in quailty, 95% of my images are taken with the 24-70, there is a reason this lens is one of the preferred lens for portrait photography (another is the 70-200) for both Nikon and Canon.
and I echo the statement, upgrade you glass first, then when you feel you are limited by your camera, that is when you upgrade the body.
May 8, 2012 11:38:47 #
^^MWAC, that is exactly what I was thinking, but the newest kit lenses for Nikon supposedly have great optics. I'm just worried about dropping a grand and losing my range down to 18mm, and not seeing the "difference" i need to back it up.
I'm thinking renting may be the way to figure this out, but that can get expensive and that money could be going toward a purchase.
I wish there was rent to own haha.
I'm thinking renting may be the way to figure this out, but that can get expensive and that money could be going toward a purchase.
I wish there was rent to own haha.
May 8, 2012 11:44:21 #
Stef C wrote:
^^MWAC, that is exactly what I was thinking, but the newest kit lenses for Nikon supposedly have great optics. I'm just worried about dropping a grand and losing my range down to 18mm, and not seeing the "difference" i need to back it up.
I'm thinking renting may be the way to figure this out, but that can get expensive and that money could be going toward a purchase.
I wish there was rent to own haha.
I'm thinking renting may be the way to figure this out, but that can get expensive and that money could be going toward a purchase.
I wish there was rent to own haha.
I rented before I purchased the 24-70, I have 3 kids and bills I couldn't afford to make a mistake by purchasing $1,500+ lens that wasn't what I thought it was.
I tried out the 135 L, the 24-70 and the 70-200. While I loved the 135, I wanted something that was a little more versatile, so I knew I neededa zoom. I loved the 70-200 but didn't think I needed that much reach and the 24-70 seemed to fit the bill. I'm happy with my choice. If it wasn't for renting first, I would have ended up with the 135 which I would not have loved.
May 8, 2012 11:51:16 #
MWAC wrote:
quote=Stef C ^^ if that sentiment is echoed, i th... (show quote)
i also have the 24-70 2.8 L and i use it everyday. it's an awesome lens!!! i also totally agree with renting first before laying down some serious bucks...or go to a camera store that stocks these lenses and try them out.
May 8, 2012 12:23:59 #
I have a Nikkor 24-70 2.8. It is well worth the steep price. I just puschased a D-7000 to go along with my D-90. So far love it. IMHO get a better lens and maybe just the D-7000 body.
May 9, 2012 07:03:04 #
Absolutely right
Mac wrote:
A great lens on a mediocre camera is better than a mediocre lens on a great camera.
May 9, 2012 08:50:09 #
To improve photography, get better. Buying more equipment doesn't improve your technique or your eye.
I say this from experience, not to be mean. I've fallen for the newest, latest, and greatest, and it never made my photography better. I've seen some stunning photos taken with low end cameras and kit lenses.
What I'm saying is money spent on books, maybe photography courses, or joining a club is better spent than buying a new camera body. Some day, you may outgrow what you have, but if you are still asking what camera will improve your photographs, you probably aren't at that point.
I say this from experience, not to be mean. I've fallen for the newest, latest, and greatest, and it never made my photography better. I've seen some stunning photos taken with low end cameras and kit lenses.
What I'm saying is money spent on books, maybe photography courses, or joining a club is better spent than buying a new camera body. Some day, you may outgrow what you have, but if you are still asking what camera will improve your photographs, you probably aren't at that point.
May 9, 2012 09:30:27 #
bkyser wrote:
To improve photography, get better. Buying more e... (show quote)
Very true, and very good point. I guess I should have asked "When making a new purchase, is a lens or body going to show more difference".
I went with the Nikkor 10-24mm DX. I got it for 766 Mint on Ebay. I think that I'm fine with my arsenal for a long time to come.. i'm covered from 10-200mm with 3 lenses, and have a prime in there in case.
I will absolutely be practicing and practicing and practicing and... :)
May 9, 2012 09:46:06 #
May 9, 2012 10:24:47 #
biggest thing that helped my photography was driving to chicago and taking a full day of one on one photography lessons from dan ablan.
best money i ever spent. he is an awesome photographer, has a great biz there and does 1 and 2 day personal training.
best money i ever spent. he is an awesome photographer, has a great biz there and does 1 and 2 day personal training.
May 9, 2012 11:10:56 #
Stef C wrote:
quote=bkyser To improve photography, get better. ... (show quote)
Don't think of it as practice. Think of it as having fun photographing.
May 9, 2012 11:19:13 #
The 24-70mm is considered one of the best Nikon zoom lenses. You can't go wrong there.
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