The new guy intro/equipment inquiry

sincere · Jan 5, 2006

Hi there, been looking at this place for a minute so i decided to join..i want to take my pics to the next level so i need some advice on equipment. I am working with a Nikon F75 and would like to have some advice on scanners,filters,light and such.

Whenever i go to these photo shops, i often got the feeling that dudes are out to rob me. IMO, nobody can tell whats best to use than those who really use the stuff. I want to shoot people primarily so what upgrade would you recommend? I wanted to get me some filters, a polarization filter first because having strong colors is one thing i couldn´t get together yet.

However, i am open for any advice..

Ajax · Jan 6, 2006

Hi :, )

Consider using the Cokin filters, they make a very good polarizer :thumbup:

sincere · Jan 6, 2006

Ajax said:
Hi :, )

Consider using the Cokin filters, they make a very good polarizer :thumbup:

I just went ontheir site, they got like 3 of them. Wich one did you mean?

http://www.cokin.com/ico7-p2.html

Big Mike · Jan 6, 2006

What lenses are you using?

Having the right lens can make all the difference.

sincere · Jan 6, 2006

I got that standard lens that came with the camera..see sig below..

Big Mike · Jan 6, 2006

I would suggest a 50mm F1.8

It will be quite cheap but much better optically than your kit lens. Also, the maximum aperture of F1.8 will be a delight because of the shallow DOF and the faster shutter speeds that you will be able to use.

danalec99 · Jan 6, 2006

Big Mike said:
I would suggest a 50mm F1.8

I'd second that!

duncanp · Jan 6, 2006

^ me too, i'd reccomend LEE filters as well

Don Simon · Jan 6, 2006

Can't speak from experience when it comes to Nikon, but in general I'd have to agree with everyone that primes are the way to go - especially a good 50mm. I started off with zoom lenses, but now use primes nearly all the time. In terms of filters, I'd recommend starting off with a standard skylight, a circular polarizer, and an 81a warming filter. IMHO you don't really need a huge range of filters.

Ajax · Jan 7, 2006

sincere said:
I just went ontheir site, they got like 3 of them. Wich one did you mean?

http://www.cokin.com/ico7-p2.html

The ref 160 linear polarizer .... the 50mm is a great ense to have :thumbup:

sincere · Jan 7, 2006

Big Mike said:
I would suggest a 50mm F1.8

It will be quite cheap but much better optically than your kit lens. Also, the maximum aperture of F1.8 will be a delight because of the shallow DOF and the faster shutter speeds that you will be able to use.

Any specific brand? Any specific shop that you know is reasonable(pricewise)? I´m loking at this right here:

http://cgi.ebay.com/Nikon-Series-E-...578328409QQcategoryZ48556QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

sincere · Jan 25, 2006

Oh, i just noticed that there is also a manual version of the 50mm F1.8. Wich one do you recommend?

kemplefan · Jan 26, 2006

i know that you sed no digi SLR but if you can do it go digital or get a film scaner. i use a DSLR and love it but i have herd good things about the nikon film scaners

markc · Jan 26, 2006

danalec99 said:
I'd second that!

Third here. Er.. I guess sixth.

For lighting, you can do a lot with available light and a few cheap props. Foam core makes a great reflector. If you want to make a big piece moveable, slice it in half an put tape along the cut only on one side. A translucent white shower curtain also makes a decent reflector and a good diffuser.

For portraits, I don't use any filters at all. On the street, a polarizer can help with reflections. If good color is your goal, experimenting with film choice is probably your best bet.

sincere · Jan 28, 2006

markc said:
If good color is your goal, experimenting with film choice is probably your best bet.

What EXACTLY does experimenting with film choice do you mean? I have no idea what direction to look at on this one.

Still, can someone say wich lens i should look at? There´s a manual and autofocus lens 50mm F1.8.