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Any update on this speed_gladiator ? If you are able to source in local market let me know else I need to order it online

About your question yes there are several types of QR plate , Arca swiss is used by many high end mounting devices. Then you have Bogen-Manfratto type and several other propriety types.

I don't know, even I am looking :D. Everyone seems to suggest a Manfrotto or Vanguard. Up your budget and hunt the stores near you and pick a sturdy one.

Thanks, gd.
That's very reassuring to know.

Ragu - Nikon D3100 is a better camera at a lesser cost as compared to D5000. First ask your friend to go with just the kit lens and then slowly add additional lenses based on his requirement/need.

By 70~300 you mean 70~300 VR or older lens from Nikon (or is from other brand?). Your combo would increase $250 for 18~105 with 35/1.8. $500 with 70~300! Right now his budget is little stretched ($1K is the limit).

Do you suggest 18~105 over 18~55? Most of the review says, IQ is same.
For one benefit I see in 18~105 usability is quite high because of its range.


True. You can see in my conclusion I have offered many combo. Its up to him to chose what he wants. Only thing I don't see in 3100 is auto bracketing.

My advice to my friend is get kit lens + 1 pro lens (cheap), either 35 or 50! Its always beneficial to get this pro-lens in most daily use.

If anyone can verify my conclusions are correct, can better it would be helpful.

Two points ,
First Do you really think D3100 is best entry point in Nikon System ?

Your friend need to understand that he can not use cheap 50mm F1.8 in AF mode on Nikon 3100 and next cheapest available prime which can AF is 35mm F1.8 at 16K rs. Similarly in telephoto range the Nikon lenses which can AF on this body are much more costlier.

So he should sum up what all AF lenses he will need in next 1 year and add up the difference. May be you will find that you can buy D90 itself which will allow to AF with all lenses.

Second there is nothing called pro lens ( pro is the person actually ) but then the two prime lenses you mentioned are good but not cup of tea for everyone for everyday use.

Suppose the owner is using more for shooting family pics in an apartment with 50mm lens he will always find himself literally pushed to walls to get things in frame lol: given the size of modern day apartments.

There is a purpose behind lenses such as Tamron 17-50 F2.8 , Sigma 17-70 OS 2.8 ~4 and Canon 15-85 IS USM ( I am sure there will be a Nikon equivelent as well) ,

So if he is keen on buying that D3100 then a 3ed party Tamron 17-50 F2.8 may work better then 35mm prime at 16K in certain cases.

+1, Very well said. I had bought D90 + 18-105 (kit) and within 2 months I am already thinking of selling my 18-105 and getting Tamron 17-50 F2.8

I had also bought 50mm F1.8 and I thanked god (of-course GD sahab and Sajufx as well) that I chose D90 and now I dont have to worry about upgrading body till I want to go full frame.

Has any one used 15-85 IS Canon with 550D/500D/1000D?
I just wanted to know, if the setup is fine from weight and balance point of view.

Should not be an issue. IMO the lens is not much different size from the 55-250 or 10-20 (in terms of weight) and I have used both without any issues on the 500D. It is only the larger lenses like the 70-200 which are an issue.

Thanks for that note.
Any first hand experiences of this lens?

I was looking for part generic and part wide angle (mostly landscape).

Hey Fellas,

Finally I took the plunge yesterday and got my Pentax K-x kit (18-55 + 55-300) today. Ordered it from Buy.com for USD 629 + free shipping yesterday afternoon and got the camera today morning. It was really nice doing business with Buy.com, I'll highly recommend them.

Here are couple of photos of my new toy (last set of photos using my P&S).





Along with the camera, I also got Caselogic TBC-307 SLR Camera Backpack (Black), Giottos CL1001 Large Cleaning Kit with Small Rocket Blaste, 2 Transcend 8GB Class 10 SDHC Card (TS8GSDHC10), LensPEN Lens Cleaning System, SANYO eneloop 4 Pack AA NiMH Pre-Charged Rechargeable Batterie from Amazon. I already have Duracell Pre-charged NiMH batteries I'm using for my P&S.

Have been reading the manual since yesterday and now off to take some sample photos. Hope I can find something interesting in this cold weather.

Congratulations for your purchase.
you got a good deal so let me tell you few ways to spend the $$ saved :D.
I would suggest buy a good automatic flash with good GN for your camera then a tripod and CP-L filter and still you want to spend then set of ND filters.

Prioritize CPL + tripod + ND if you are more in to nature photography and give prioriy to Flash + tripod if you are more in to portrait and indoors.

Sure and Thanks for the info, mate. Cheers!

Thanks Amit. A good CPL is on my cards, however I have exhausted all my budget that was approved by home ministry :D. So it will be a while before I utter a single word about any purchase related to camera.

@Gandhi,

Lovely. So you were brave enough to go for something that requires bravery. :) Tell us how you reached your decision.