Nikon Users: Recommended upgrades?

[ImKosher]

Alright so the Noob is needing some advice, I'm looking into getting some more equipment but it will be coming at one peice at a time as I make the money. I have a D5000 w/ a kit 18-55mm. I'm interested in a Nikkor DX 55-200mm, SB-??? speedlight (which would you reccomend), and light room 3. From your experience which one would you get first, and is there anything else i need to consider to enjoy this field of photography? I'm interested in Portraits, Travel, and Architecture.

'Jonathan

 

[David-Wayne]

I've got the sb900 and I love it. It's great about lasting forever without switching batteries, but like all it will overheat. All the sb line were good flashes. Which to get first would really depend on what you are shooting. If it's parties inside, then get the flash, if it's close ups of birds in the yard then grab that zoom.

 

[David-Wayne]

Oh and if you don't have any good editing software, get lightroom first. It'll make the biggest difference overall

 

[2WheelPhoto]

You'll sure enjoy lightroom 3

 

[Kerbouchard]

I would go with the flash. Preferably an SB800, but a 600 or 700 would be a huge step for you, too. Being able to control your lighting and get the photographs you want vs what happens to be available is what photography is all about, IMO.

 

[ImKosher]

So do you think I should invest in the Cadillac (SB900) or get the Pinto (SB600) and learn to drive first? metaphors...don't you love them?

 

[Kerbouchard]

How about a classic Barracuda? The SB-800 can be found used for around $300.

 

[ImKosher]

Oh and is Lightroom an annual renewal program or a one time purchase?

 

[Kerbouchard]

Lightroom is a one time purchase, but I would go with Photoshop Elements before I bought Lightroom. Lightroom is more about image management than image editing or enhancing.

 

[Kbarredo]

Do you want to make a studio type lighting system. Because a monolight kit is cheaper than multiple speedlights . But if portability is what I want speedlights are better.

 

[djacobox372]

I find it odd that everybody is recommending apt he much more expensive sb800 or 900 for his d5000/kit lens setup. The sb600 is just fine--and only cost around $170 used.I'd also recommend the 35mm f1.8 prime lens. Of course those that are pushing for an sb-900 will probably push u towards the 35mm f1.4 which cost three times as much

 

[ImKosher]

I'm aiming to be portable first. We have a lot of wedding photographers and weddings that demand the portability. I'm hoping to follow and learn from these pros for a several years. I have to agree with you djacobox372. I know the D5000 is an entry-level, do you think the SB600 will allow me to fully understand portable lighting? Also what would I generally use the 35mm f1.8 prime, and what brand would you recommend? I heard Sigma are excellent lenses.

 

[Kbarredo]

If you want the 600 get it soon they are no longer in production. They are being replaced by the sb700 which is a 100$ more.

 

[Rossrevew]

I'll recommend you sb900. specially for the flashing amusement and switching battery .

Forerunner 610 Review

 

[KmH]

Get Photoshop Elements or Photoshop CS5 before you get Lightroom.

Elements 9 Camera Raw, CS5 Camera Raw, and Lighroom's Develope module, all use the same edit rendering engine - ACR 6. Because Elements is a consumer verision of Photoshop the ACR 6 version it has is de-featured but still very useful.

Lightroom's primary use is as an image database manager (the Library module), so it lacks many of the desirable editing tools/features like layers, and precise selection/masking tools that Elements 9 and CS5 have.

As far as Nikon SB speedlights, they have a lot of bells and whistles which drives their cost up. Unfortunately, all those bells and whistles require a fairly in depth study of the details involved in using them effectively, and even then the programing of the camera often results in inconsistant results.

So what many people do is buy much less expensive 3rd party speedlights that have few if any bells and whistles, and just use them in manual mode.

Visit www.strobist.com and read through the Lighting 101 archives articles.

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