[low_bass_makker]

Originally Posted by sbraj

Does the MB-D80 have a re-charging socket? Or the batteries have to be re-charged seperately, one by one?

Have to charge separately !!!

[SPARKled]

@shajufx: Check out the 80-200 2.8 and trust me you will not be disappointed if you are in the market for a 70-200 2.8. Infact the 70-200 2.8 actually replaced the af-s 80-200. But only thing to worry is that at this price it will be the screw driver 80-200 and not th af-s so dont know if it will be af in your camera.

[shajufx]

Originally Posted by SPARKled

@shajufx: Check out the 80-200 2.8 and trust me you will not be disappointed if you are in the market for a 70-200 2.8.

I agree the quality part, but we are talking about AF-D version here, which is a big compromise for that 45k when Sigma 70-200 f/2.8 HSM II version is available for 39+. Dont you think so ?

AF-D lenses will work on a D90 since the body has a built-in motor, but the question is a toss between a 5+ years old lens with a latest HSM II technology. New Sigma lenses are reported or reviewed to be just equal to the Nikon/Canon ones, which makes a PRO pixel peeper sweat to differentiate between pics shot by either of them.

I am only a Hobbyist and chose to remain that way throughout, so if I can get a quality shot for less money, offcourse that gives a mental satisfaction and serves the purpose perfectly balanced.

[racingmachine]

Hi all. I am too bitten by the SLR bug and have started doing my research recently.

My purchase will be in 2-3 months period. In the meanwhile, i will be doing all the research from my end before choosing one for myself. Although i am an ameture in this field, i plan on purchasing an intermediate level camera.

I have been looking at the Nikon D60, Nikon D3000, Nikon D5000, and Nikon D90. I plan on purchasing Nikon preferably, though i will be checking out canon and olympus models too.

If you guys have any suggestions, tips and tricks, etc., do please put forward your thoughts. I read somewhere on this thread that the D90 might be replaced with a newer model. Since my period of purchase is around 3 months, is there any replacement expected in that time? In the meanwhile, i am beginning to like the Nikon D5000.

Confusion : 1) These cameras come with an option of kit lenses. Is it advisable to buy the camera with them or just buy the body and then buy the lens later?

2) Although i will start off with still photography, i will also want to enter into the territory of motion photography. Generally there are lenses which offer all-in-one option, like the 18mm to 105mm lenses. Is it advisable to purchase such lenses or separate lenses for different application?

3) Would also appreciate if someone could throw some light on prime lens and zoom lens, as to which among the two options would help in bringing out a better picture?

Do pardon my questions in case you find them silly, i'm still in the learning phase.

Regards.

[absynthguzzler]

My first suggestion would be to read through the DSLR thread and also the non auto image thread here . Most of your doubts ( even the ones not queried ) would be cleared up.

tips, tricks, prices, lenses, experiences, mistakes and solutions, themes to know what kind of photography your truly interested in ............... everything is wonderfully detailed in the above threads.

Welcome to the DSLR experience .

[SPARKled]

Originally Posted by shajufx

I agree the quality part, but we are talking about AF-D version here, which is a big compromise for that 45k when Sigma 70-200 f/2.8 HSM II version is available for 39+. Dont you think so ?

AF-D lenses will work on a D90 since the body has a built-in motor, but the question is a toss between a 5+ years old lens with a latest HSM II technology. New Sigma lenses are reported or reviewed to be just equal to the Nikon/Canon ones, which makes a PRO pixel peeper sweat to differentiate between pics shot by either of them.

I am only a Hobbyist and chose to remain that way throughout, so if I can get a quality shot for less money, offcourse that gives a mental satisfaction and serves the purpose perfectly balanced.

The 80-200 is one of the sleeper Nikon super lenses. Screw driver lenses last for ever as there is nothing in them to really go wrong. Don't let the age of this lens fool you. Lots of professionals still use this lens in their professional assignments. On Bodies like D200/D300 and above with powerful focus motors, screw driver lenses focus almost as fast as AF-S lenses. So this should not really be a deciding factor unless you need the absolute quite AF-S operation. Also AF-S motors can be problematic after a few years of service. I almost bought this lens but in the end settled for the much sharper 180 2.8 and the 85 1.8 combo. Also normally people avoid third party Sigmas or others when they can have a Nikkor at its price. Also I am not sure how much faster will the Sigma HSM focus in comparison to the screw driver 80-200.

[sriturl]

Originally Posted by racingmachine

I have been looking at the Nikon D60, Nikon D3000, Nikon D5000, and Nikon D90. I plan on purchasing Nikon preferably, though i will be checking out canon and olympus models too.

Canon and Nikon are both very good SLRs with good collection of lenses including third parties like Sigma and Tamaron.

I would suggest that if you have any other friends who are using D SLRs, you buy the same brand, so that you can buy a different set of lens and probably exchange them as you require. (If you and your friend are both comfortable with it)

[shajufx]

Originally Posted by SPARKled

The 80-200 is one of the sleeper Nikon super lenses. Screw driver lenses last for ever as there is nothing in them to really go wrong. Don't let the age of this lens fool you.........

Every word typed above is highly appreciated and I have no words to thank you. Anyway I am going through some reviews and user opinions about this lens, luckily I am NOT in my 'usual hurry' to pick it up. May be matured bit more on using the head more than the heart .

I find everything about Sigma 70-200 well written and well reviewed, BUT I must be really lucky to get a good glass as there are plenty of users who exchanged their 'bad' pieces with another one. With warranty and bill, its easy for a person in US or UK to do that, but picking up a grey piece and facing even a minute error with it, we really have to depend on our stars !

[sbraj]

Originally Posted by racingmachine

Generally there are lenses which offer all-in-one option, like the 18mm to 105mm lenses. Is it advisable to purchase such lenses or separate lenses for different application?

Having separate lenses (like 18-55, 55-200 etc) means that the lens may have to be changed often, while shooting. Depending on the kind of usage, this may not be convenient. Consider this while selecting. If you don't like changing lens often, then 18-200 VR also can be considered (budget permitting).

[jacs]

@ Shaju, I couldn't find time to go to Market side and hence had to settle with Whizz forum mall for the tripod. Got the basic one for 1500 bucks, 4 feet legs + 1 feet rotory head kind of thing. This will not work with anyone who use a heavy lens attachment on DSLRs, but ideal for my current usage.

Just thought of sharing the price list of Whizz, Koramangala Forum mall.

Tripod (Basic) - 1500/-
Tripod (Professional) - 2700/- (It was a superb piece for the price, but my DSLR dreams were still far)
Canon 1000D kit - 22575/-
Nikon D3000 kit - 22975/-

Note : Do not waste time in eZone, Koramangala GKwale etc. I walked atleast 4 KM around Koramangala to find a tripod . Everyone is eager to sell DSLR kit but no accessories.

[sbraj]

Originally Posted by jacs

Just thought of sharing the price list of Whizz, Koramangala Forum mall.

Tripod (Basic) - 1500/-
Tripod (Professional) - 2700/- (It was a superb piece for the price, but my DSLR dreams were still far)

Which brand were these tripods?

[MileCruncher]

I just picked up a basic tripod of Simplex from Tokyo Japan Centre in Haridas Market, Hyderabad for Rs. 700 /-
Professional ones were for about Rs.1200/-

Sony tripods are for Rs.1200/- at Reliance Digital.

BTW can someone guide me on how to find the shutter count in a EOS1000D and what's the hack to make the camera take video's also

[jacs]

Originally Posted by sbraj

Which brand were these tripods?

Logo looks like Samsonite but brand is Sonia . I have seen lens filters also from this company while searching on Polariser.

[shajufx]

Originally Posted by shajufx

I placed an order at ebay for Matin Air dust blower ($7.99), Matin Neoprene Neck shoulder strap ($16.88) and a benro screw adapter ($4.99), it has to come from Hong Kong (free shipping), therefore expected to receive within 2 to 3 weeks. Will update here about the time taken and the quality of things later.

I have got my parcel today, exactly 11 days, I am happy with the quality of products. Neoprene neck strap is a 'must have' for people who carry over 2kgs (body and a heavy lens) for shoots.

[jacs]

Guys,

I am making my first serious step into photography, decided to join a weekend workshop to learn the basics . May be I have to get hold of an entry level DSLR soon to make the learning effective. I have only 1000D with kit in my reach, please let me know if anyone has a reasonably new and slightly used kit for sale in Bangalore.