What should I get next?

[Rob]

I don't get this? Is there somewhere that explains it better? Sorry for being a noob.

You'll have to wait for the PDF guide unless someone else wants to explain it!! In the mean time, use google, there's loads out there on "crop factor for digital cameras".

Rob

 

[PNA]

The two lenses I use are Nikons 28-105 and 70-210. They seem to cover both ends and the middle too. Very satisfied with them. In your case it depends on what your nich is. By the way both are micro-ed.

 

[DocFrankenstein]

You need to buy the most expensive lens you can afford. The one that looks the coolest.

I'd say buy a good tripod. Spend at least 300$ on it.

 

[El Gabito]

at this point in my interest I'm not sure that I can spend $300 on a tripod. I don't really get why.

This is also what makes me nervous about spending so much on a lens. I'm leaning towards getting the cheaper nikon lens, because I can always buy nicer lenses later. I'd rather buy a cheap one, decide it doesn't work out, then I haven't lost much than buy an expensive one, and not ever use it.

The one lens that I want to get of decent quality is the 50mm... does Nikon make a "digital" lens or am I fine getting a film lens? I've done research, there's just so many acronyms it's hard to differentiate between what's what.

 

[digital flower]

This is also what makes me nervous about spending so much on a lens. I'm leaning towards getting the cheaper nikon lens, because I can always buy nicer lenses later. I'd rather buy a cheap one, decide it doesn't work out, then I haven't lost much than buy an expensive one, and not ever use it.

I disagree with you on this. If you buy a cheap lens you will keep trying to get good shots with it which will lead to frustration. I had a really cheap Sigma zoom lens that I kept trying to use but it just sucked. I finally threw it out and bought a pretty good lens and I am a lot happier.

 

[DocFrankenstein]

at this point in my interest I'm not sure that I can spend $300 on a tripod. I don't really get why.

If you're not sure if you like photography - then don't purchase anything.

Go out and just shoot.

The 18-55 is more than enough for most photo stuff. Just don't get stuck in "I want to shoot sports and birds at night" mentality.

Don't buy anything.

Embark on a photo project!

Explore elements of design
Document your family's daily life
Document the community around you

You can do it all with your 18-55

 

[kemplefan]

i say go witha mono pod, i own the 70-300 lense and realy like it it fit my price point and is a good lense, that does not mean that i dont want a better lense, what about a 1.4/1.8 85mm

 

[El Gabito]

when I say a cheap lens, I'm talking the Nikon 70-300 that you have. I've always loved photography, I'd just like to try some different zoom levels. I've had two SLR's, but always just with the standard zoom that came with them. I'd just like to get some experience shooting some other stuff, primarily motorsports this spring.

Thanks for the advice everybody.

 

[fotogenik]

Will have to second what several others have sed here. 50mm prime lens. See my signature.

 

[DepthAfield]

I'd just like to get some experience shooting some other stuff, primarily motorsports this spring.

Unless you are shooting motorized wheelchair races, photographing motor sports will likely necessitate the use of FAST (re: expensive) zoom glass. The Nikkor f/4.5 70-300mm lens will be frustrating under those conditions.

Rashadan is on the money with suggesting a fast 50mm prime. It’s a great piece of glass, I own one myself!

 

[Rob]

You need to buy the most expensive lens you can afford. The one that looks the coolest.

I'd say buy a good tripod. Spend at least 300$ on it.

Yeah, a white lens... that's what you need. :lmao:

Rob

 

[nymtber]

You need to buy the most expensive lens you can afford. The one that looks the coolest.

I'd say buy a good tripod. Spend at least 300$ on it.

lenses get better with more money, so yep hes right here...

but you dont need 300 dollars on a tripod!!!! i have a manfrotto (bogen) 3001BN with a ball head, its probably 140-160 and honestly it is as stable as i need. i believe its rated to support 11 pounds....how many of you have 11 pound slr cameras? that said, most tripods under 50, and probably some over 50, arnt going to satisfy you. get one with as little or no plastic as you can. plastic breaks, simple enough. Carbon fiber, IMO, is overkill unless your walking up mountains all day

 

[slickhare]

if you don't have them, a Lowepro bag and some cleaning tools. sounds simple but they're very important things to have

 

[kemplefan]

as long as its high light out doors you are fine, i hate myn some times becuas i shoot low light sports but i can not aford the 2.8 so i just make do

 

[El Gabito]

I am in the process of deciding which lowepro bag to get. I really want the Nikkor 70-210mm f/4-5.6D, but it's just freakin expensive.Supposedly it's a fast lens, and I think the 210 would be a big enough zoom for me. I may just have to save.