dsmeltz Loc: Philadelphia

Echo the Sigma 18-35 1.8. It rocks. Sigma also makes a very solid 30mm 1.4 for APS-C, which gives a 45mm equivalent @$499.00.

Both are part of their Art series.

MW

Regarding the sample photo and the subsequent comment that there might be some camera movement despite the tripod: I suggest you rule out the possibility by making some test photos with a tripod plus a fast (1/1000) shutter just to be sure.

You might also search the forum and/or the web for the procedures for checking accuracy of focus.

I mention these because correcting them, if they exist, costs a lot less than a new lens. And if they are an issue a new lens will still suffer from them.

RKL349 Loc: Connecticut

I see two approaches here. One would be to buy some better glass for the D5200. That would help with the detail and expand your collection to meet widening demands as you grow your skills and involvement with photography.
The other path would be to make the move to a FF body and lenses if you are in this for the long run, and you can always keep the D5200 for a back-up or second camera. A good combination of lens and body will greatly enhance the detail and low light capabilities, matched to a great tripod and heads, durable enough to handle the weight of the body, lens, flash, etc. It will certainly not get less expensive if you follow this path. Factory refurbished can help ease the cost burden and many manufacturers warrant these units against defects. Only you know how much you want to invest time wise and expense wise as you move forward. Good luck.

johncaccese Loc: Pittsfield, MA

Also, for just $200 or so, you can get the Nikon 35mm f1.8G lens which is super sharp, fast, compact and lightweight.

Mark7829 Loc: Calfornia

That detail is in the dynamic range, more in the highlights and shadows. You will find it in a larger sensor camera - full frame. Full frame lenses on a full frame camera will render superior images. You will not miss the DX, or any of the crop factor calculations. You will have access to the best glass available and your enjoyment will just soar.

jsmangis Loc: Peoria, IL

I just upgraded to a D610 from my D80 as a birthday gift to myself. I looked at all of the full frame options and even hesitated because of the rumors of the announcement of the D750. In the end I took the plunge because the $100 rebate was supposed to end Labor Day weekend(it didn't). I am extremely happy with my purchase. I have used every lens I own on my new toy including my 50mm f1.4Ais and an old 20mm f2.8 Soligar. Considering your history with Nikon, I really think that the D610 is the camera for you. The prices on all Nikon products are pretty stable, and any store tat sells for considerably less is selling "grey market" items. What you might try is a website named EBates. After you login and register, you search for the item or retailer and choose your cash back offer. I bought my camera this way from Cameta Camera and got a check for $47.00(2.5%) in the mail. Good luck, I don't think you will be sorry no matter what you do.

jack schade Loc: La Pine Oregon

There is tremendous corolation between mega pixels and resolutuin. Get the most pixels you can afford. A DX lens on a full frame camera will cause a loss of uch resolution. When I upgraded to ful frame I also went with full frame FX lenses. I have never regretted it.

nikonkelly Loc: SE Michigan

In one of your replies, you state that you have other lenses of better quality. To see if your issue is the lens, try your best lens on your camera. If the best lens that you have is still not that great, go to a camera shop and ask to try a 24-70 or 70-200 and see if that gives you what you want. Take the images that you shoot home and process them and compare at your leisure. While you are at the camera store, try a new camera (610 or 800or 810) with your lens as well as with the 24-70 or the 70-200. I suspect that you find what will resolve your concerns.

b2bjacks Loc: Sequim, Washington

Ordered a new tripod last night. Most want to sell you a sleek lightweight tripod. But I went with this because it was rated well and weighs 5 pounds. One feedback even mentioned it was a little heavier than expected. I like that.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/748116-REG/Manfrotto_MK294A3_A0RC2_294_Aluminum_3_Section_Tripod.html

Gene51 - Will try to find an image that helps explain. Part of what I want is the color lines. I know the photo I uploades at the begining is small, but you'll notice one rock toward the left, you can see a red line on the right side and a blue one on the left. That's not from the camera movement on the tripod. But mostly, it appears, I want detail that's coming from the 36mp sensor on the full frame Nikons and Cannons. Or get as close as I can get get with my d5200.

Thanks MW, that's probably the next step after the tripod.

tomcat - Thanks. I'll take a look.

Jcmarino - I have Adobe Lightroom. And a remote is a good idea too.

Capture48 - Didn't know a dx lens on d800 would result in a worse situation.

dsmeltz - The Sigma looks like the droid I'm looking for!

MW- Will check out the focus idea.

RKL349 - Better glass will be next on the list after I use my new incoming tripod. Factory refurbished seems to be a champion on this website.

johncaccese - $200.00 american? Now there is an idea!

Mark7829 - Got a feeling I won't be happy till I get a d800 and a great wide angle zoom. But connecting the dots first.

jsmangis - A d610 is quite possible. Don't know I'll ever get enough bread together for a D810. Thanks for the extra info too. Nikon history?? I have a pair of Nikon FM's one fell in the Russian River in Alaska and I fished out for parts. The other has only had about 25 rolls of Kodachrome gone thru it.

jack_shade - Thanks for the input.

nikonkelly - Thanks for your input too.

RKL349 Loc: Connecticut

Manfrotto makes great stability equipment. I am sure you will enjoy using it. I like mine! Very stable for my gear. Enjoy!

Christm Loc: Howell, Michigan

same ste up I have. works great. I would like a little more reach but I am pretty happy with my set up

zigipha Loc: north nj

I don't think its motion blur..i think it jpeg artifacts. Look the boundary between the rocks and the sky - you see a faint ghost image that follows the countour. that is jpg artifact.

OP -are you complaining about the detail in this photo? its not that great.
How about when you look at the raw file in LR? or export a super high res jpg and see if it gets better

Reinaldokool Loc: San Rafael, CA

The Dynex is the Best Buy house brand and pretty worthless. Dolica makes some decent tripods at a reasonable price. You can spend more on the tripod than the camera, of course. In fact, I would also suggest getting a Yongnuo 603 and close the mirror to remove as much camera shake as possible.

b2bjacks Loc: Sequim, Washington

Here's a re-worked version in lightroom. I paid closer attention. I am still learning Lightroom. But this is clearer. I think the original was too far in the minus highlights. And clogged up the detail. The hard part of developing this shot, was to keep shadows open and take a little brightness out of the sky.
NOW the rest it seems is tripod shake/movement. Looking at this full size. You can see some slight jagged edges on the edges of the rocks from slight camera movement.

K_Duncan Loc: Whiteville, NC

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