The Photography Discussion Thread

[zeppelin]

I've heard people say putting your camera in a zip-lock bag between extreme temperature changes helps too, as the air inside warms or cools more slowly. It's kind of like putting new fish in a tank, inside the bag.

[NSXType-R]

Originally Posted by 2ndclasscitizen

No, the D40 isn't sealed. I wouldn't be too concerned about taking a camera through somewhere like that, but if you are, get a reasonably air-tight box and a bunch of silica packets, stick the camera in with the packets, seal it up, and put it somewhere warm and dry.

Originally Posted by zeppelin

I've heard people say putting your camera in a zip-lock bag between extreme temperature changes helps too, as the air inside warms or cools more slowly. It's kind of like putting new fish in a tank, inside the bag.

Makes sense, the suggestions from both of you.

Here's another question- anyone use the 18-200 Nikkor VR? Seems like a really nice lens. It's something that I want to buy in the future. I want to know what you guys think about that lens.

Right now I'm using an 18-135 lens with my D40.

[zeppelin]

Is the 18-135 just the standard Nikon kit lens?

I don't know so much about Nikon, however with the 18-200mm lens, it seems your current lens covers most of that zoom range anyway. For an expansion maybe go with a different range, 75-300mm telephoto perhaps? Unless you're looking to replace the 18-135, I try to go for covering as much zoom length as possible across my lenses for variety.

[NSXType-R]

Originally Posted by zeppelin

Is the 18-135 just the standard Nikon kit lens?

I don't know so much about Nikon, however with the 18-200mm lens, it seems your current lens covers most of that zoom range anyway. For an expansion maybe go with a different range, 75-300mm telephoto perhaps? Unless you're looking to replace the 18-135, I try to go for covering as much zoom length as possible across my lenses for variety.

Yeah, it's one of the kit lenses that is offered for the D40. Usually it's the 18-55 though.

Question is, I don't know which lens to buy next (in the far future). I was trying to do macro with my lens, but I don't think it's possible. I might need a dedicated macro lens.

For telephoto, could I think about getting a teleconverter instead?

Also, is the 75-300 large? I haven't looked at telephoto lens really.

[zeppelin]

75-300mm telephotos are somewhat large. My Canon one is manageable however, but the Nikkor equivalent seems to be much bulkier.

http://lh6.ggpht.com/laszlo.prekop/R...JPG?imgmax=800

As for macro, if you really want to get into macro shots, then a dedicated lens is a good idea. One with a 1:1 magnification ratio. That means the image in the photo is the size of real life, or something like that.

Telephotos at the long end of the zoom (my 75-300mm for instance) are also good for close-up photography. I don't know if it's considered macro, but for getting shots of animals/nature/whatever you can keep your distance, while getting a very close shot with a lot of depth of field. A tripod is essentially necessary for stillness at the long end of the zoom though.

Also you can take shots like this:

[NSXType-R]

Wow, awesome shot!

Lemme do some research on telephoto lenses then.

I was also thinking about a teleconverter. What do you think about that?

One more question- how do you store all this photography equipment, especially long term storage?

Do you have a rack to put them all in, or is it just a random shelf?

Cause I heard moisture could get into the camera, and that could be a big problem.

Edit- Just looked- it's actually way cheaper than I thought it would be.

Nikon | Zoom Telephoto AF Zoom Nikkor 70-300mm f/4-5.6G | 1928

Wait, forget it, it's a manual focus for me, cause I own a D40. But still cheap.

[zeppelin]

Hmm, I've never really used or looked into teleconverters much, so I couldn't say first hand. As for storage, everything is just on a shelf. Sometimes neatly, other times not, but I'm not the greatest with organization. You shouldn't have to worry about moisture as long as you don't live somewhere extremely damp, just store them somewhere where with decent air circulation.

Does the D40 not have a built in AF motor?

[NSXType-R]

Originally Posted by zeppelin

Hmm, I've never really used or looked into teleconverters much, so I couldn't say first hand. As for storage, everything is just on a shelf. Sometimes neatly, other times not, but I'm not the greatest with organization. You shouldn't have to worry about moisture as long as you don't live somewhere extremely damp, just store them somewhere where with decent air circulation.

Does the D40 not have a built in AF motor?

I see. Maybe I'll look around some photography forums for the teleconverters.

Then I shouldn't need to worry about moisture much then.

Yeah, the D40 is missing an AF motor. Only the newest lenses work with it. The D80 has one though. It would have been $1000 if I had gotten the D80 plus the 18-135. I choose the D40 in the end for the weight and ease of use in general. Plus it's a couple hundred cheaper.

Quick question- How big of an issue is dust on the sensor? I don't change lenses, so do I still gotta worry about it?

[Sauc3]

Originally Posted by NSXType-R

Wow, awesome shot!

Lemme do some research on telephoto lenses then.

I was also thinking about a teleconverter. What do you think about that?

One more question- how do you store all this photography equipment, especially long term storage?

Do you have a rack to put them all in, or is it just a random shelf?

Cause I heard moisture could get into the camera, and that could be a big problem.

Edit- Just looked- it's actually way cheaper than I thought it would be.

Nikon | Zoom Telephoto AF Zoom Nikkor 70-300mm f/4-5.6G | 1928

Wait, forget it, it's a manual focus for me, cause I own a D40. But still cheap.

I'll begin with the question regarding the 18-200 VR first off then work my way down. The 18-200 VR is a great lens for someone who wants a good range but keep a very compact kit. It's range is excellent for travellers and people who just want a camera to take around with them without having to take a whole kit. The problem is that it sacrifices the max aperture to do this. If you're more concerned about the compactness and versatility of the lens, go for it. If you're more concerned about the light sensitivity and eventual photo quality, the 70-200 2.8 VR is the way to go, but it's rather pricey, and would possibly require a lens to bridge the 18-70 gap.
The 70-200 2.8 VR is a great lens, although a bit bulky and oddly shaped for general use, after using a mate's and switching back to my own Canon 70-200 2.8 IS I must say I MUCH prefer the Canon lens, but I might be biased there....

Teleconverters are great for budding sports or nature photographers on a budget, and offer a range that rivals a 10,000 dollar lens at a tiny fraction of the price. At a serious cost of the aperture. Again, you'll only really be able to take pictures on bright days without risking serious camera shake if you were to get the 18-200 VR with teleconverter combo. Definately a good option if you want a longer range - 200 (330ish after conversion) becomes 400 (660), which is a serious range.

Regarding storage, personally all my equipment lives in my bag on the floor. Haven't had a problem with moisture in the camera through storage. Ever. Only moisture problems have been because of shooting in rain, and even they were minor. Cameras can handle a lot more moisture than you might imagine (don't go and stand in the rain for 3 hours though, something will most likely go wrong ).
I have been recommended to put those little silicon packs that you get in boxes for all sorts of stuff (I got 2 packets from a box with a desk chair) and they keep any moisture that you might get out of the camera and suck them up themselves. Apparently you're meant to replace them ever 3 months or so but I'm sure they can last longer than that.

I hope that helps.

[NSXType-R]

Thanks.

Eh, the 18-200 will be expensive for the time being though.

It's something to think about for the future.

[drakkie]

Originally Posted by Sauc3

Regarding storage, personally all my equipment lives in my bag on the floor. Haven't had a problem with moisture in the camera through storage. Ever. Only moisture problems have been because of shooting in rain, and even they were minor. Cameras can handle a lot more moisture than you might imagine (don't go and stand in the rain for 3 hours though, something will most likely go wrong ).
I have been recommended to put those little silicon packs that you get in boxes for all sorts of stuff (I got 2 packets from a box with a desk chair) and they keep any moisture that you might get out of the camera and suck them up themselves. Apparently you're meant to replace them ever 3 months or so but I'm sure they can last longer than that.

I hope that helps.

Great tip ! Will find some of those bags for mine. It gets a little bit wet sometimes, when you have your window open in the rain to get that nice ship on the picture.

[NSXType-R]

Here's another question.

How do you get those pictures of billowy clouds?

Whenever I take pictures of clouds they always end up flat.

In the photo comps I see pictures of clouds with nice shadows.

Is it done through the use of filters?

Edit- While I am at it, what about lighting?

[kvisser]

Originally Posted by whiteballz

Its getting cooler down here :P

Being on the bottom of the planet, I still can't figure out how you guys aren't falling off!

[pat_ernzen]

Originally Posted by NSXType-R

How do you get those pictures of billowy clouds?

Most of the time it's simply the lighting/exposure. It can be seen with even a cheaper point-and-shoot if the lighting/weather is right. A filter like a C-PL can definitely help bring it out and some post-processing can greatly increase/enhance the effect as well.

[NSXType-R]

Originally Posted by pat_ernzen

Most of the time it's simply the lighting/exposure. It can be seen with even a cheaper point-and-shoot if the lighting/weather is right. A filter like a C-PL can definitely help bring it out and some post-processing can greatly increase/enhance the effect as well.

I see.

What's a C-PL? Circular Polarizer?