[Traveller Nayak]

Originally Posted by NetfreakBombay

Certainly VR, since non VR lens is not compatible with D5300.

1. Cheaper prime lens (35 mm 1.8, costs around 7.5. - 8.5k, but much batter quality)
2. Sturdy tripod (4k)
3. Polarizing filter (3k )
4. MC-DC2 Remote Cord (Costs around 800 - 1200)

Originally Posted by Speed Pujari

And take my suggestion, never buy a UWA. I had a 12-24 and think hardly 2-5% of whole of my pic lot were shot using that lens.

Originally Posted by condor

Not 85, but 50 mm would be better, IMO

The 17-55 f2.8 is a goood one ! Actually, this, instead of the 18-55 f3.5-5.6 would be much better.

Originally Posted by nilanjanray

If you ask me, you could just buy a 18-105 (or 18-140 - even better) and a 70-300VR and be happy for a while. The 18-105 is a very handy walkaround lens. And the 70-300 VR is a great VFM one (for example b/w 70-200mm it is as good as the 80-400mm which costs 3 times).

If you are very keen on - or want to take up wildlife photography - especially birding - then you would need a longer lens e.g. the Sigma or the new Tamron. If you want a UWA, then a Tokina 11-16mm will be good.

I have been using the 18-105 and 70-300 for a while now (I do rent other lenses for my wildlife trips). Many of the photos here were taken with these two lenses: http://500px.com/nilanjanray

But yes, I am planning to upgrade soon.

Dear all: many thanks for the guidance. So its going to be (i) 18-140mm, (ii) 70-300mm and (iii) 11-16mm. The former 2 Nikon and the last one Tokina.

I am planning to go with Flipkart (WS Retail). Any suggestions for a retail store at Delhi will be helpful. I have had a good experience with Flipkart till now.

With 3 different lenses (in the bag) should I be looking at an extra body to meaningfully use these lenses? Also, need guidance with a good tripod. Thanks again.

[NetfreakBombay]

Originally Posted by nilanjanray

That is why I feel one shouldn't make generic statements such as Canon vs Nikon. Best to compare same class of cameras.

Working on custom firmware for D5300, so had to look into innards of autofocus module. current generation of Canon does have three advantages over Nikon in crop bodies like D5300 / D7100.

1. Center AF point in Canon 60D / 70D is dual cross type
2. Cross type AF points are spread wider across the viewfinder
3. CMOS chips have phase detect sub-pixels on sensor chip itself (Nikon's system depends completely on contrast detect for Live View)

Some of it due to trade-offs made in Fujitsu Milbeaut / SONY EXMOR modules that Nikon depends on.

[condor]

Originally Posted by NetfreakBombay

Some of it due to trade-offs made in Fujitsu Milbeaut / SONY EXMOR modules that Nikon depends on.

Curious, but have you been able to look towards the D5200, which uses a Toshiba ?

[NetfreakBombay]

Originally Posted by condor

have you been able to look towards the D5200, which uses a Toshiba ?

Have not looked at D5200. I guess autofocus would be similar since it is from Fujitsu, but dont know for sure.

D5200 has much better documentation thanks to Chipworks:

http://www.chipworks.com/en/technica...toshiba-found/

Toshiba CPU :

http://elcodis.com/parts/6146807/tmp19a44fda.html

[nilanjanray]

ing

Originally Posted by NetfreakBombay

Working on custom firmware for D5300, so had to look into innards of autofocus module. current generation of Canon does have three advantages over Nikon in crop bodies like D5300 / D7100.

1. Center AF point in Canon 60D / 70D is dual cross type
2. Cross type AF points are spread wider across the viewfinder
3. CMOS chips have phase detect sub-pixels on sensor chip itself (Nikon's system depends completely on contrast detect for Live View)

Some of it due to trade-offs made in Fujitsu Milbeaut / SONY EXMOR ive - modules that Nikon depends on.

Interesting. From a theoretical perspective - for certain types of shooter - yes, I can see why Canon could be compelling.

For action shooting, from a field perspective - I am not so sure. And yes, i have seen those videos where the cameras are in 3D or auto mode and the shooter try to track moving subjects. The thing is, I haven't read of any pro shooter who shoots in auto or 3D mode where the decisions are left to the camera. And I don't know exactly what AF settings were used e.g. what focus lock mode was used?

I can only speak about nature and wildlife shooters, since that is a genre that I am familiar with. No pro shooter uses a AF point that is far away from the central points, if there is any chance of the subject moving, None of them shoot in live mode for any dynamic subject. Folks typically use a dynamic AF mode (single/9/21 points - and the Canon equivalent) for moving subjects. You seldom come across subjects where a 3D mode is worthwhile (where the camera follows the subject across all the AF points - that is where the spread cross type AF points will be useful). And one only uses 3D mode for extremely dynamic and unpredictable subjects - say a bee - where there is a clear demarcation b/w the subject and the background.

Having said that, I do read that the 1DX AF (or for that matter, 5D Mk III) is extremely powerful - better than the D4 AF. D4S AF (the group AF) has supposedly surpassed the 1DX benchmark for action shooting, but my 'knowledge' is from hearsay and internet gossip.

Btw, for nature still shooting - where AF is not that important - there isn't a FX camera that can beat the D810, or even the D800E. Though I am sure that Canon would move the goalposts pretty soon with a new launch.

Canon and Nikon are an oligopoly. Moving the goalposts in turns. Some claim that there are hidden common investors who make sure that none of the companies threaten each other badly.

[frequentflyer]

Originally Posted by shajufx

Franky, I suggested Tamron 90mm, because I have seen a friend of mine using it for the same purpose. I also owned the same for 6 months, its a very sharp lens. Sold mine because I wanted a 150mm for shooting bugs and tiny flies with better working distance. Even a 50mm should be fine for you but I am not sure about the prices. Best thing is to cross check with your senior friends in the profession, they will give an accurate practical suggestion as yours is an exclusive usage.

I assumed ring light requirement, because you might be shooting mostly in f/8 or f/12. So specific camera flash comes handy and ring lights are not expensive.

Can you tell me where to buy a ring flash for nikon Dslr3200 with a ttl light in India? The LED ring flash I got from amazon is not working on the manual mode.

[govigov]

Originally Posted by Traveller Nayak

Dear all: many thanks for the guidance. So its going to be (i) 18-140mm, (ii) 70-300mm and (iii) 11-16mm. The former 2 Nikon and the last one Tokina.

I am planning to go with Flipkart (WS Retail). Any suggestions for a retail store at Delhi will be helpful. I have had a good experience with Flipkart till now.

With 3 different lenses (in the bag) should I be looking at an extra body to meaningfully use these lenses? Also, need guidance with a good tripod. Thanks again.

Flipkart lenses are extremely over priced when compared to street prices. For comparison street prices with bill and warranty currently are 70-200 f4 IS at 75k, 85 1.8 at 26k and 100-400 at 100k.

[nilanjanray]

Anyone knows of a good deal regarding the Tamron 150-600mm Nikon mount?

And is the D810 available in India now, at a decent (simple USD to INR conversion) price?

[condor]

Originally Posted by govigov

Flipkart lenses are extremely over priced when compared to street prices.

any specific shops ? The cheapest I have seen are with Anish G.

[Traveller Nayak]

Originally Posted by condor

any specific shops ? The cheapest I have seen are with Anish G.

Originally Posted by govigov

Flipkart lenses are extremely over priced when compared to street prices. For comparison street prices with bill and warranty currently are 70-200 f4 IS at 75k, 85 1.8 at 26k and 100-400 at 100k.

Any reference of a Delhi NCR store will be really helpful. I am planning to buy tomorrow. From what I read about flipkart not being authorized by Nikon has dissuaded me from going online for this.

[condor]

Actually, what you get on Amazon.in should be grey-market.,

Check for the warranty terms on each item page to get an idea.

[govigov]

Originally Posted by condor

any specific shops ? The cheapest I have seen are with Anish G.

Yes, it is with him. There was one specific shop near my area (well reputed), who was also selling at similar prices as him. The price for the 85mm f 1.8 with Anish was 26.7k, while at the shop was 26.5k.

[Mr.Boss]

Guys, need your urgent suggestion & support.

About to buy an entry level DSLR with a budget of 30k. Preferably Nikon.
Right now narrowed at D5100 & D3200. Please let me know if I'm travelling on the right track.

Also I need to purchase it today (I'm travelling tomorrow evening) Please do let me know the right place to buy in Chennai (preferably around Tambaram, but good / reliable stores inside City is also OK)

[tsk1979]

Originally Posted by Mr.Boss

Guys, need your urgent suggestion & support.

About to buy an entry level DSLR with a budget of 30k. Preferably Nikon.
Right now narrowed at D5100 & D3200. Please let me know if I'm travelling on the right track.

Also I need to purchase it today (I'm travelling tomorrow evening) Please do let me know the right place to buy in Chennai (preferably around Tambaram, but good / reliable stores inside City is also OK)

Go to the Smartshoppers store.
They usually have stock

[Mr.Boss]

Originally Posted by tsk1979

Go to the Smartshoppers store.
They usually have stock

Thanks tsk1979.

Visited their site and price seems higher when compared with other stores.
Anyone have hands on experience with them?