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I Finally Got a DSLR
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Nov 25, 2018 17:42:31   #
jbgs
 
Hey there fellow Hoggers,
I have been a member for some time now and only posted once due to the fact I only had a cell phone. Well, those days are over. I now am the proud owner of an almost new Nikon D-7000. Well, it is new to me. The shutter count is just under 5K. So it still has a ton of life left. I figure it is a good starting off point. Although I do have a few questions, for instance. Filters, since I have a few different lens sizes. Would it be smart and more cost-effective to buy step rings with a filter box or is there anything detrimental about not having different filter sizes for each lens? While we are on the subject of filters. Are AmazonBasics and good? I bought one of the UV filters for each of my lenses. More or less I got them to help protect the lenses. Another question I have is are those fisheye and macro adapters you screw on to the front threads of your lens worth it or is it just a gimmick? Obviously, an actual lens would be better, but will those work as a starting off point? Thank you for all of the help, I will be sure to post pics next time once I am comfortable with my set up.

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Nov 25, 2018 17:46:34   #
donald4u Loc: California
 
I use a filter on all my lens . When I use my polarizer filter or ND filter I take it off. Check out Steve Perry's Videos. I learned a lot from him and the people here too.

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Nov 25, 2018 17:54:35   #
Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States
 
Congratulations!
Learn all you can about the camera and its capabilities. Enjoy!
As for filters, consider buying the largest you would need and get step-up rings for the smaller lenses if available.
This will keep your initial filter costs down. You'll probably want to take off the UV when using the step-up rings. Too thick a filter set may cause vignetting, especially on wide-angle lenses.
I had close-up diopters for my old film camera lenses. They work, but are not usually as good as a dedicated macro lens. I do not have them for my DSLR though (different sizes and my second camera focuses down to 2cm).

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Nov 25, 2018 18:04:55   #
PixelStan77 Loc: Vermont/Chicago
 
jbgs wrote:
Hey there fellow Hoggers,
I have been a member for some time now and only posted once due to the fact I only had a cell phone. Well, those days are over. I now am the proud owner of an almost new Nikon D-7000. Well, it is new to me. The shutter count is just under 5K. So it still has a ton of life left. I figure it is a good starting off point. Although I do have a few questions, for instance. Filters, since I have a few different lens sizes. Would it be smart and more cost-effective to buy step rings with a filter box or is there anything detrimental about not having different filter sizes for each lens? While we are on the subject of filters. Are AmazonBasics and good? I bought one of the UV filters for each of my lenses. More or less I got them to help protect the lenses. Another question I have is are those fisheye and macro adapters you screw on to the front threads of your lens worth it or is it just a gimmick? Obviously, an actual lens would be better, but will those work as a starting off point? Thank you for all of the help, I will be sure to post pics next time once I am comfortable with my set up.
Hey there fellow Hoggers, br I have been a member... (show quote)
Enjoy your new D7000. Learn it's capabilities and create some awesome images. I always use a UV filter on my lenses mainly for front glass protection. It comes off if I am using a Polarizing Filter and then back on.

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Nov 25, 2018 18:06:41   #
broncomaniac Loc: Lynchburg, VA
 
Congrats on your acquisition! Enjoy your new gear.

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Nov 25, 2018 18:34:04   #
robertjerl Loc: Corona, California
 
Enjoy your new journey.
I am a Canon shooter, but I have read good things about the 7000, though that line is up to the 7500 now.
As to filters, I haven't used them since I quite doing film. Everything they do can be done with software in PP (post processing). And as to "protection", I use lens hoods instead. Not having the filter is one less piece of glass to degrade the image quality or reflect light and make lens flares. In fact there have been some lens for digital cameras that really didn't play well with "protective/UV" filters and left people wondering why their expensive lens didn't have the IQ they expected.

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Nov 25, 2018 19:01:06   #
Soul Dr. Loc: Beautiful Shenandoah Valley
 
I'm in Robert's camp when it comes to lens filters. I only occasionally use a ND or CPL filter.
I also believe not having a UV filter on the lens makes for less problems.
Using a lens hood is enough protection for my lenses. I have never broken a lens in the 40 years I have been shooting.
Of course there are others here who will be in the opposite camp.
Oh, and congratulations on your new to you Nikon D7000. I have that camera too.

will

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Nov 25, 2018 19:12:57   #
Silverman Loc: Michigan
 
jbgs wrote:
Hey there fellow Hoggers,
I have been a member for some time now and only posted once due to the fact I only had a cell phone. Well, those days are over. I now am the proud owner of an almost new Nikon D-7000. Well, it is new to me. The shutter count is just under 5K. So it still has a ton of life left. I figure it is a good starting off point. Although I do have a few questions, for instance. Filters, since I have a few different lens sizes. Would it be smart and more cost-effective to buy step rings with a filter box or is there anything detrimental about not having different filter sizes for each lens? While we are on the subject of filters. Are AmazonBasics and good? I bought one of the UV filters for each of my lenses. More or less I got them to help protect the lenses. Another question I have is are those fisheye and macro adapters you screw on to the front threads of your lens worth it or is it just a gimmick? Obviously, an actual lens would be better, but will those work as a starting off point? Thank you for all of the help, I will be sure to post pics next time once I am comfortable with my set up.
Hey there fellow Hoggers, br I have been a member... (show quote)


You should concentrate on learning how to use your D7000 camera, be careful not to get sucked into the G.A.S. syndrome. Get proficient with what you have now, then as you gain experience you will be able to better determine what is your next best investment.

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Nov 25, 2018 19:20:30   #
jbgs
 
Hey Will, maybe you can answer this. I have two lenses now an AF-S DX Nikkor18-105mm F:3.5-5.6G ED VR and an AF-S DX Nikkor 55-200mm f/4-5.6G ED. My question is when shopping online for used glass at say Adorama, Craigslist, or eBay, what do I look for? Will any F mount work? Are there any I want to stay away from? Also, where is the best place to get used glass? Or any gear for that matter.

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Nov 25, 2018 19:35:01   #
ltj123 Loc: NW Wisconsin
 
Great for you! I have UV On all my lens, circular polorizer that use occasionally. Plus couple specialty filters.
Find easier to clean filters then lens. I like Hoya filters, decent quality & pricing..

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Nov 25, 2018 20:24:16   #
kpmac Loc: Ragley, La
 
Congratulations on graduating. You'll like that camera. I own one as a backup and use it all the time.

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Nov 25, 2018 22:19:12   #
Soul Dr. Loc: Beautiful Shenandoah Valley
 
jbgs wrote:
Hey Will, maybe you can answer this. I have two lenses now an AF-S DX Nikkor18-105mm F:3.5-5.6G ED VR and an AF-S DX Nikkor 55-200mm f/4-5.6G ED. My question is when shopping online for used glass at say Adorama, Craigslist, or eBay, what do I look for? Will any F mount work? Are there any I want to stay away from? Also, where is the best place to get used glass? Or any gear for that matter.


I have the 18-85mm lens also, it's my walk around lens. I had the 55-200mm lens at one time but sold it and got the 55-300mm lens instead, I wanted a little more reach. Most any Nikon F mount will work on the D7000. What's nice about this camera is it has the built in focusing drive, so any Nikon lens that is AF and doesn't have the built in focusing motor will auto focus on this camera.
I would recommend getting some prime lenses like a 50mm f1.8. If you want to do macro I would recommend the Nikon Micro series which is their true macro lenses.
If you are looking for used lenses I would recommend KEH or mpb.com. I have found that mpb.com has pretty good prices on their used lenses. I have bought and sold with them with good results. You also might want to check the Nikon site for their refurbished lens. I have also bought lenses off ebay too. But you do have to be careful and do your research on the listing and the seller. Make sure the pics are of the actual lens and not some copied and pasted in pics.
And I check the seller's rating and look at comments from previous buyers. I usually don't buy from sellers with less than 99.5 rating.
Hope this helps some.

will

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Nov 26, 2018 06:48:38   #
jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY
 
Congratulations on your D7000 - nice camera. As for those screw-in adapters, don't bother.

One good filter and a set of step-up rings is the way to go. Alternatively, you can buy a $100 filter for each lens. Xume magnetic adapters will let you pop the filters on and off in less than a second. I like the idea of a clear filter on lenses just to keep off dust, dirt, and grit. The magnetic adapter lets me remove it quickly.

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Nov 26, 2018 06:54:34   #
rmorrison1116 Loc: Near Valley Forge, Pennsylvania
 
I'm in the no protection filter camp. Use a lens cap and a hood. Odds are, if you don't touch the front element of your lens, it won't get fingerprints and smudges on it. Blow dust off with a bulb blower or canned air. UV filters are a complete waste of money on a digital camera. Enjoy your new camera.

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Nov 26, 2018 07:24:47   #
spraguead Loc: Boston, MA
 
I've been shooting the D7000 since 2010, it's a great camera. I've since moved on to full frame for some professional work, but I still use the crop frame 7000 quite a lot for personal shooting (while hiking, or just walking around the city).
Take a look at some of the Ken Rockwell guides for the camera (I've bookmarked them)
https://kenrockwell.com/nikon/d7000/users-guide/index.htm
https://kenrockwell.com/nikon/d7000/af-settings.htm

And after you start to get some good results, post the photos here for some good feedback.

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