Team-BHP - The DSLR Thread

Ive got a budget of $1000-1200 and have a pal in USA coming over in Feb. I'm planning to purchase a tele lens and thought its best to get some options shortlisted by members on here..Camera in question is a D90. I currently have the below in mind

Sigma 70-200 f/2.8 II EX DG APO MACRO HSM - $799
Kenko Teleplus PRO 300 DG 2x AF Teleconverter - $219

any other options on having a good tele combo within this budget guys.

cheers
Arun

Quote:

Originally Posted by clevermax (Post 2180422)

As a matter of fact, I never knew (or rather noticed) that reducing the f number by half demands 4 times increase in shutter speed. Now that I know it, I don't think it's gonna add any value to my photography.

Quote:

Originally Posted by alpha1 (Post 2181493)

It will if you intend to use the M mode on your DSLR (or even P&S).

Quote:

Originally Posted by Samurai (Post 2181524)

The TTL metering will work even in M mode. He can see the EV. However, if he is dealing with a lens that doesn't/cannot tell the aperture value, then he will need this knowledge.

Yes.. even in M mode, We can see the metering. Only thing is that I am manually setting the exposure there, but the metering always helps in setting it at the exposure I want to have, which can be above or below camera's metered value.

I have seen guys who use the M mode for learning and never look at camera's metering (or even not aware of the indicator for it) - they just use a shutter speed which they think is right.. and will get a good shot after couple of trial and error shots.

Personally, I prefer the A/Av mode for everyday shooting. You primarily control the DOF, and optionally the ISO speed. I can always have EV setting to control exposure additionally. I've found this as the best suited mode for me. And I always tend to keep EV of -0.3 in case of center weighted and multi segment metering - increases my shutter speed by a small margin. DOF is something which you cannot change in PP, while you can still play around with EV in PP.

Quote:

Originally Posted by absynthguzzler (Post 2181873)

.....Camera in question is a D90. I currently have the below in mind......
Sigma 70-200 f/2.8 II EX DG APO MACRO HSM - $799
Kenko Teleplus PRO 300 DG 2x AF Teleconverter - $219

I have a D90 and a Sigma 70-200 f/2.8 (38k from Chennai), the same combination what you have in mind. I got Sigma 2X teleconverter which is a perfect pair for the Sigma DG lenses (9.5k few months back). Its made for each other. Sigma 2X tele is EX DG as the 70-200. I was not getting a positive feedback about Kenko that time.

Quote:

Originally Posted by cruiser@0523 (Post 2185896)

Im going in for the Canon 50mm 1.8f now, what price should i be looking at ? JJmehta says 4.9K.

The least I ever heard was 5k and even if someone sells at a very low price it wont make a difference of more than 100/-. So save your petrol, buy it at 4.9k!!

Got myself a 500D, Kit I for 33K from Reliance Digital. (After 1k discount/cashback for using Master/Maestro card) Also got a Jump Start guide DVD + Tripod free. There was another slab offer in place, If you purchase any other product from the same department, they give you some jewelery from Gitanjali. I got a diamond studded pendant. (My 2nd product was a Philips earphone worth 500) Not a bad deal eh? ;)

Quote:

Originally Posted by evo8 (Post 2186515)

After much confusion over whether to go for a 5D MK II or upgrade lenses.
Finally upgraded the Lenses for my Canon 500D. The dream Combo

Canon 70-200 L f2.8 IS
Canon 24-70 L f 2.8

Wise decision to go in for the lenses instead of a body upgrade. clap:

I too am saving up for the 70-200 F2.8 AFS VR-II & 16-35 F4 AFS VR-II in the Nikon range to use with my FX camera. :D These lenses are smoking expensive, especially for an enthusiast amateur like me!

Rgds,

Quote:

Originally Posted by evo8 (Post 2186515)

After much confusion over whether to go for a 5D MK II or upgrade lenses.
Finally upgraded the Lenses for my Canon 500D. The dream Combo

Canon 70-200 L f2.8 IS
Canon 24-70 L f 2.8

Here's an interesting video on the topic :)
YouTube - Pro DSLR + Cheapo Lens vs "Cheapo" DSLR + Pro Lens

@driv3r, 70-200 was about 3300 SGD and i traded my 18-200 with a topup of 1000SGD for 24-70, All cash, rates are different if you use cards.

@r2d2, even I'm an amateur, I had to hold up on a lot of my spending to buy this , that included an Led tv and home theatre :). Now I'm happy and had to convince my wife to not to gift me anything and just help Ne save for these!!

Quote:

Originally Posted by evo8 (Post 2186515)

After much confusion over whether to go for a 5D MK II or upgrade lenses.
Finally upgraded the Lenses for my Canon 500D. The dream Combo

Canon 70-200 L f2.8 IS
Canon 24-70 L f 2.8

Is the 70-200 you got USM1 or the new USM2? Could you give the breakup of the prices and whether if this is with-warranty price or grey market price.
Sorry for bothering you with all these questions.

Quote:

Is the 70-200 you got USM1 or the new USM2? Could you give the breakup of the prices and whether if this is with-warranty price or grey market price.

This is the 70-200 IS II USM, the latest one.

The 70-200 is with local singapore warranty for 3300 SGD. The standard Cathay price is 3600 SGD. In gray you could get it for 3100 or 3000 bucks. Check this site Home | Camera Store Singapore | DD Electronics PTE LTD, he is a parallel importer.

24-70 is about approximately 2000 bucks, In gray you can get it for about 100 bucks lesser.

Guys...I am planning to buy a 70-300mm zoom lens, I will be getting this from US, I have zeroed in -

Nikon 70-300mm f/4-5.6G ($136)
Sigma 70-300mm f/4-5.6 SLD DG ($152)
TAMRON AF 70-300mm F/4-5.6Di LD MACRO (Rs.8500 - ebay India)

Can anyone please provide me with any other suggestion, feedback if using any of these already

Requirement - Birding and some wildlife
Camera - Nikon D90
Budget - 8500 INR Max

I wanted to get the ED version of the Nikkor but then its too expensive, I am also open for second hand options (if available here on Tbhp), because right now I am in a learning phase.

Thanks