Camera System for Photography Class - Opinions please

[vtf]

If you are planning to take photography class, you may want to check with the class teacher about the requirements. Some members mentioned in the past that their class required 35mm film camera so any of the digital camera won't work.

This is a good point, my daughter last year was required to have both but when I spoke with the course Director this Spring for my tour they were phasing out film as a required coursework. Definitely get recommendations from the teacher.

 

[supercomp]

thanks!

 

[supercomp]

According to the information I read here, it seems that digital format is OK.

 

[supercomp]

Is the D90 a good camera to go with? What two lenses would be the best (and why).

 

[Ginu]

I see that the Nikon D90 models can be purchased for around the same price (obviously without all of the attachments), but what would be the most useful lenses to buy?

Thanks,

Supercomp

For the price you're into... you can pick up a used D90 600$ a 50mm 1.8 100$ and a 18-70 VR 180-200$ or can also get the D90 with a package with the 18-105 for about 959$


I would strongly suggest a flash as a next upgrade

 

[Ginu]

Is the D90 a good camera to go with? What two lenses would be the best (and why).

The D7000 is the camera to get however the price is quite a little different. Overall a D90 is a great performer with lots of toys, capabilities and the price of a used body is quite good since the D7000 was released. I sugest perhaps reading up on it instead of asking others to do the work for you.

Canon is also worth looking at although I can't really suggest something in particular as I am not extremely familiar with their lineup.

In terms of lens again you need to do a little research to figure out what you're into. Do you like to shoot landscapes, portraits, low light, macro, sports and so on?
Any lens will give good results if used accordingly with appropriate light and the beauty of the D90 is that it can work with a vast variety of lens. I picked up a 25$ 28-80mm AFD which works beautifully for the price.

Perhaps you can get a used D90 and a inexpensive but awesome 50mm f1.8 and save the rest of the cash until you figure out what you want or need....just a thought.

 

[supercomp]

Hey Ginu,

Thanks for the link. Good detail found there.

Beyond the learning process, I would like to use the camera for a complement of applications, but another hobby I have is racing. So I guess I will need a telephoto lens. In a sense ... that is why I was looking at that other one. (It had lots of lenses.) But moving on from there, it does seem that the Nikon D90 could be a good choice.

For class it seems that a wide range of applications will be covered. So in order to watch my budget, what two lenses would be recommended.

Thanks again

 

[Ginu]

Hey Ginu,

Thanks for the link. Good detail found there.

Beyond the learning process, I would like to use the camera for a complement of applications, but another hobby I have is racing. So I guess I will need a telephoto lens. In a sense ... that is why I was looking at that other one. (It had lots of lenses.) But moving on from there, it does seem that the Nikon D90 could be a good choice.

For class it seems that a wide range of applications will be covered. So in order to watch my budget, what two lenses would be recommended.

Thanks again

For racing you will require a fast lens and they are not cheap. Depending on what kind of racing and where its held you might be able to get away with a slow lens granted you have enough light to freeze action. So again be specific in what type of conditions you're looking to shoot in, and what kind of racing; if you're looking to shoot drag-racing on a sunny day a 70-300 VR will probably do, but if you're looking to shoot a mountain bike race in the woods where the sun doesn't shine very well then you will need a fast and more expensive lens.

Depending on where you will be standing in terms of distance to your subject I would pick a 70-200 2.8 VR I or 70-200 VR II 2.8. Again these lenses are not cheap as they start at usually about a bare minimum of 700$ and up(if you're lucky) with averages of 1500-2000$ per lens. Sometimes a used 80-200 2.8 can be picked up for around 600-800$.

My recommendation is to get what is required for your photo class and go from there. A all around all purpose lens 18-105 VR which a D90 comes with as a kit is a good starting point, you can go wide and you can go telephoto.

Keep in mind photography is not a cheap hobby and unfortunately to shoot anything moving fast you will require good fast lens and a good camera body.
Another idea is to rent expensive lens instead of buying and save the pennies for specific equipment once you're certain on the purchase. Worst thing would be to drop 1700$ on a 14-24 f2.8 because someone recommended it, but you would rather have the the 24-70 or 70-200 for what you shoot.

 

[enzodm]

Beyond the learning process, I would like to use the camera for a complement of applications, but another hobby I have is racing. So I guess I will need a telephoto lens. In a sense ... that is why I was looking at that other one. (It had lots of lenses.)

as you see from the previous very informative post, the learning process is what would help you in understanding why your first choice is not adequate for racing

 

[Ginu]

Beyond the learning process, I would like to use the camera for a complement of applications, but another hobby I have is racing. So I guess I will need a telephoto lens. In a sense ... that is why I was looking at that other one. (It had lots of lenses.)

as you see from the previous very informative post, the learning process is what would help you in understanding why your first choice is not adequate for racing

I think it would take some explaining for the OP to understand why...

On a different side-note I would like to invest 10$k into a F1 racing car for a side hobby... sometimes I'd like to take the car to the track for some time lapses. Can anyone point me in the right direction?

 

[supercomp]

Hey Ginu,

Great post again. And you can see why I need to take a course. Photography is not my strong suit ... but I have a desire to learn.

So that you can understand my situation a little better. I am licensed (NHRA) to drive in a class called supercomp. I enjoy this sport, but it is both time consuming and expensive. I have a pocket Samsung camera that I use at the track, but am looking to buy something better. Since the cost of racing is what it is, I want to be careful about what I spend. On the other hand, because of the places I am allowed to be at an event (virtually anywhere I care to go on the track at some time or another), if I had the right camera, I would probably be able to shoot some great photos.

The reason I started this thread, was to learn more from the experts in your area of expertise.

And I thank you for your input.

If I decide on the D90, I guess that I should probably have a variable telephoto lens in the 100 to 300 range. Do you have any recommendation? And perhaps who has the best price?

Supercomp