New to me Nikon D300
Feb 14, 2020 09:17:59 #
maxlieberman
Loc: 19027
I bought my D300 when it first came out as a replacement for my D70S. It was my primary camera until I purchased a D7100, at which point I kept it in my vacation condo so I wouldn't have to lug a camera back and forth. I have since acquired a D7500 and sold the condo, so it is now my back-up back-up camera. It works just fine; unless I try a very severe crop or an extremely large enlargement, the resolution and color rendition are more than satisfactory.
Rocky Mount published an excellent manual for the D300. I doubt it is still in print, but I recommend you try to find one used on Amazon or similar. It is much clearer than the one that came in the box, and it is larger and in color, too.
Rocky Mount published an excellent manual for the D300. I doubt it is still in print, but I recommend you try to find one used on Amazon or similar. It is much clearer than the one that came in the box, and it is larger and in color, too.
Feb 14, 2020 09:19:14 #
Thanks all, exactly the info I was looking for. Camera is out for delivery. Hopefully, I'll be shooting photos this very afternoon. WooHooo!!!!
Rick
Rick
Feb 14, 2020 10:04:40 #
"The body has a built in AF motor. I'm not going to hurt it with this adapted lens, am I?
Any tips for using "M" mode? (other than what's in the manual?)"
Just make sure the front Focus Mode switch (C-S-M) is set to M. I understand that you could damage the the AF motor when manually focusing while in Auto Focus mode (usually with non-Nikon lenses.)
Any tips for using "M" mode? (other than what's in the manual?)"
Just make sure the front Focus Mode switch (C-S-M) is set to M. I understand that you could damage the the AF motor when manually focusing while in Auto Focus mode (usually with non-Nikon lenses.)
Feb 14, 2020 10:21:40 #
larryepage
Loc: North Texas area
Camera55 wrote:
I have a D300S that I really like for the winter at the zoo. I’m still learning but can produce decent photos. Can anyone recommend a good, inexpensive(?) mid telephoto VR lens - can’t always bring my monopod with feet to zoo. Thanks in advance.
I leave a Nikkor 24-120 mm f4 VR on one of my D500s most of the time. I find it to be good for a surprising range of uses, including at the zoo. Bought mine used at a local camera store for $425 in like new condition.
Feb 14, 2020 10:38:01 #
lsaguy wrote:
Thanks all, exactly the info I was looking for. Camera is out for delivery. Hopefully, I'll be shooting photos this very afternoon. WooHooo!!!!
Rick
Rick
Rick,
I've owned my D300 since it first came out. Chose it then because I could use all my legacy AI lenses from my film days. I have since acquired a D7200 as my other crop body, but still keep and use the D300. You might consider acquiring a used - in excellent condition - Nikkor 18-200mm VR lens also. It's a great alternative to multiple lens - works great on that body, and is smaller and lighter than it's bigger brother the 18-300. I've had no issues with my D300 and don't let the 12mp sensor size fool you - I have even made 20-24" prints with no issues.
Enjoy!
-Chuck.
Feb 14, 2020 10:43:59 #
maxlieberman
Loc: 19027
I concur. I keep the Sigma 18-300 on my D300, but I used to use the Nikkor 18-200. I take a lot of bird pics, so I opted for the longer reach.
A picture I took in Africa with this camera-lens combination was published by Shutterbug before it folded, so it can't be too shabby.
A picture I took in Africa with this camera-lens combination was published by Shutterbug before it folded, so it can't be too shabby.
Feb 14, 2020 12:29:34 #
mas24 wrote:
The D300 and D300s have the internal focus motor. Something that more current Nikon D3000x and D5000x Nikon DSLRS don't have. Which means you can use Nikon Legacy manual focus lens on them.
The built in focus motor allows AF on AF lenses that don't have built in motor not to allow using manual focus lenses. Manual focus lenses (AI or AI-S) can be used on all Nikon DSLR but to meter with them you need the AI coupling tab (not the focus motor as they are manual focus lenses).
Feb 14, 2020 13:27:09 #
I moved on from the D80, D100 and D200 but the D300 is a keeper. I use it to back up my D800e and D850.
Feb 14, 2020 17:09:44 #
ButchS
Loc: Spokane, WA
The D300 is a great camera. I loved mine. But eventually replaced it with the D800. Except for the DX vs FX difference, I found the D300 and the D800 to be very comparable cameras.
Feb 15, 2020 04:05:05 #
mas24
Loc: Southern CA
BebuLamar wrote:
The built in focus motor allows AF on AF lenses that don't have built in motor not to allow using manual focus lenses. Manual focus lenses (AI or AI-S) can be used on all Nikon DSLR but to meter with them you need the AI coupling tab (not the focus motor as they are manual focus lenses).
You are correct. The D3000x and D5000x DSLRs, don't have the AI index tab, so that it will meter. You can still manual focus it though. And either guess the exposure. Or have a light meter, or use the Sunny 16 Rule?
Feb 17, 2020 15:23:15 #
exakta56
Loc: Orford,New Hampshire
I have two D300 cameras and would not let them go. Tough camera and it does pretty good shutter bursts.
Feb 17, 2020 17:28:01 #
RWR
Loc: La Mesa, CA
lsaguy wrote:
The body has a built in AF motor. I'm not going to hurt it with this adapted lens, am I?
The adapter will keep the camera’s autofocus coupling shaft depressed, deactivating the motor - you won’t hurt anything.
By the way, the lens in the adapter can be removed, giving in effect a 5.28mm extension tube.
If you want to reply, then register here. Registration is free and your account is created instantly, so you can post right away.