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Today's Featured Head-Fi Blog: A Japanese headfier's monologue (Sasaki)
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I only put the last three up because bigshot might've been interested. If you've been stalking my posts, you might've noticed that this is only my first time posting 100% crops (unless I've been going on subconscious bouts of posting). I understand that pixel peeping can be informative but of little real-world value considering I never even post pictures in 100%, nor do I ever print my photos billboard sized.
It's more or less flat. I've walked pass the scaffolding more times than I can remember. That said, you do make a good point, one which hadn't crossed my mind!...
I didn't use auto ISO even though I do normally have it on at max ISO=1600 and min shutter=1/15. I set ISO at 200 on purpose because I did a few at 1000 though. Here's one, 1/1250 F4 300mm and accidental +0.7EV:
Re: AF tuning
1) I have no idea how it works
2) Haven't had the time to learn how it works
3) Didn't have the charts to do it
4) Don't think I could've realistically done an effective AF tune-up right there and then in the shop
In all my researching on which is a good 'next lens' after the standard 18-55mm kit lens, I've found that most of these high power tele lenses get slightly soft zoomed all the way in, and you're also shooting at f/4, not, say, f/11.
100% crop in such a situation is bound to disappoint, but just look at the resized picture, it's not that bad! Also, it may have been the case that some other factor was affecting sharpness.
In all my researching on which is a good 'next lens' after the standard 18-55mm kit lens,
What have you decided on?
I've found that most of these high power tele lenses get slightly soft zoomed all the way in, and you're also shooting at f/4, not, say, f/11.
Most objective reviews agree with you! I've also noticed the same at 200 on the 18-200VR and 300 on the 70-300VR. The Sigma 100-300 is meant to be able to hold its sharpness throughout its range though.
100% crop in such a situation is bound to disappoint, but just look at the resized picture, it's not that bad! Also, it may have been the case that some other factor was affecting sharpness.
That "some other factor" was 'tremor'. No way are my hands steady enough to get a good 300mm handheld shot at 1/125s.
I've kinda decided on the Nikon 50mm f/1.8, it's nice and cheap, but it has superb optics and allows for low-light, low iso, flash-less photography.
I might look also at the Tokina 12-24, as I like taking wide angle shots, and it's reasonably priced, at around the same as the 70-300VR.
Finding the right lens is rather daunting, I've found, so many factors to consider. At least with the 50mm, it seems to be universally loved, and very shallow DOF is another thing I enjoy making use of.
How has the 70-300 been so far? Is all that zoom useful or do you end up shooting at the wider end more often?
I was gonna pick up a 50/1.8 today but they are surprisingly hard to come by in Edinburgh Like you, I also want something fast, light and most importantly cheap. ISO isn't really a problem because the D300 is surprisingly usable all the way up to 1600 before anything really starts to suffer. I resize to around 1280 max so noise is generally well masked.
The only thing I'm worried about is the focal length on a crop sensor. 50 ~> 75 on a Nikon DX, which is far too long for indoors (where I'll most likely be using it for low-light, flash-less, etc). The 35/2 would be ideal, but much more expensive and slower. That said, I've shot with a 35/2 on a friend's D300 and even that is too long for confined spaces. It's also surprisingly difficult to shoot in focus at large apertures due to the wafer thin depth of focus.
I've only had the 70-300VR for 12 hours. Haven't even had a chance to really shoot with it at all. Will update when I take it out for a walk over the next few days
Milk, if that's what you want (low light indoor without flash), grab a Sigma 30mm 1.4.
I don't have one but I've seen tons of pictures created by that lens and I have to say they are damn good. Not really cheap though, but the thing is you buy this kind of lens to last you for many many years, so don't skimp and just get one that you really like when you can afford it instead of buying several so-so lenses.
If I was in a market for something like Nikon 50mm 1.4, I'm pretty sure I'd get a Sigma one instead with just a tad more money.
With your Nikon the and the crop factor, that 30mm will be pretty close to 'real' 50mm feel. You're in HK, so I assume you have the luxury of buying lenses with less price compared to say, here in Australia.
Does anyone have the 17-35mm f/2.8 and 80-200mm f/2.8 AF-S? I'm thinking of forgoing some strobist gear and instead selling my 24-120mm VR and getting the above. I honestly can't think of anything I shoot that would benefit more from some off-camera flash than one of those lenses.
If you don't mind the weight of those 2 combined and especially the price, why not? Those 2 are among Nikon's best.
The difference from 24mm to 17mm is a lot. So you may be happy with it because it gives you much wider view, or you may be annoyed because it's so limited unlike your 24-200mm.
Milk, if that's what you want (low light indoor without flash), grab a Sigma 30mm 1.4.
I don't have one but I've seen tons of pictures created by that lens and I have to say they are damn good. Not really cheap though, but the thing is you buy this kind of lens to last you for many many years, so don't skimp and just get one that you really like when you can afford it instead of buying several so-so lenses.
If I was in a market for something like Nikon 50mm 1.4, I'm pretty sure I'd get a Sigma one instead with just a tad more money.
With your Nikon the and the crop factor, that 30mm will be pretty close to 'real' 50mm feel. You're in HK, so I assume you have the luxury of buying lenses with less price compared to say, here in Australia.
I'll look into the two. Lens are quite cheap in HK. With my exams behind me now (just got my results), I may be able to convince my parents to buy me an af-s 60mm, failing that, a Nikon or Sigma prime
Not the perfect day for photography, but I got some decent results with my brand new 70-300VR and a basic CPL:
, you might've noticed that this is only my first time posting 100% crops (unless I've been going on subconscious bouts of posting). I understand that pixel peeping can be informative but of little real-world value considering I never even post pictures in 100%, nor do I ever print my photos billboard sized.
Like you, I also want something fast, light and most importantly cheap
), I may be able to convince my parents to buy me an af-s 60mm, failing that, a Nikon or Sigma prime
