[condor]

Originally Posted by ani_meher

Any thoughts on whether DSLR are losing place for non-pro consumers? Did any of you have a similar experience?

I have a D5200 and an iPhone. Though I use the iphone regularly for pics, I dont think it can beat the DSLR. I am actually doing a re-jig of my lenses (getting better ones). The iphone is easier than the bigger DSLR to carry, but a regular camera is far better for shooting. My take.

[Thad E Ginathom]

Not that much experience of using them, but I have 2 tripods and a monopod! The brands are Vanguard and Sirui. I would strongly recommend Sirui. It is a Chinese company that made it into the mainstream with quality products. I even saw their stuff on sale while sightseeing in a London pro/studio photography shop.

One India source for Sirui is Fotocentre. Also available from Videolinks. Both sell online from their own sites.

[roy_libran]

Originally Posted by ani_meher

I think I am slowly moving out of DSLR space :( With iPhone first and now Pixel 2 XL, my D5200 simply seems too unwieldy to carry around. With amazing sensor, great camera software and instant editing and sharing, the mobile camera is far far more preferred than lugging around a camera. I am now planning to even sell off the D5200.

Any thoughts on whether DSLR are losing place for non-pro consumers? Did any of you have a similar experience?

Bang on!

Non Pro or Social-media only use - Is rapidly going towards good phone cameras supported by apps like Snapseed.
Pro users or serious hobbyists - Continues to be with the DSLR cameras and even Mirrorless but I'd reckon that the market is gravitating towards the specialized and mature (also more expensive) lenses, whereas the entry level lenses are flooding the used sites.

For example, I am a hobbyist and don't tend to post many pictures on social media. For me, photography is a journey towards improving myself continuously, at my pace and to my standard. For this a mobile camera, however good, doesn't work and it has be a camera with more control and a great sensor combined with good lenses.

[knrn]

I use both my iPhones and dslrs for candid photographs. Although the portrait mode of the iPhone is really great, I would still rate it at about 60% points vis a vis the dslr. The dslr though cumbersome is a lot more providing in depth, clarity and exposure. The difference is evident when you see pics on a large screen like tv. But to each his own.
The more you get to use your equipment, the more you will know what are the shortcomings and advantages of each. I suggest use most suitable equipment for the pic you want to take

[surjaonwheelz]

Hello Enthusiasts,

You must be aware that the Canon 90D is launched recently.

That's a semi-pro body launched almost after a year by Canon. Rumors say that this might replace the 7D Mark II too (I'm not sure on this).

If it does then this would be the top of the line offering from Canon in the APS-C size sensor DSLR. Wildlife photographers, would you still prefer the 7D MarkII?

I'm happy that a new DSLR is launched.

Keep capturing,
--surjaonwheelz

[ampere]

Originally Posted by surjaonwheelz

You must be aware that the Canon 90D is launched recently.

That's a semi-pro body launched almost after a year by Canon. Rumors say that this might replace the 7D Mark II too (I'm not sure on this).

It may not yet. Because I think it does not have dual card slots. Need to wait and watch. At least I am still not parting my 7D-II. Still very happy with it and all the awesome Canon glass!

[Jeroen]

Originally Posted by BaCkSeAtDrIVeR

What benefit do these premium brands / ball heads provide?

I have had several tri pods over the years. Whereas I tend to use my camera and lenses for many years, when it comes to camera bags and tripods, I am still in the process of finding the most suitable.

When it comes to try-pods it is all about stability versus weight. So my two current ones are a lightweight carbon fibre Sirui. Folds up real neat and sticks easily on the outside pocket of my camera rug sack. It works reasonably well. I rarely use it at it full extension, as it might get a bit wobbly.

My other tri-pod is a sizeable Vanguard. (Alta Collection). This one is a lot heavier (aluminium) and bigger and has some clever attachment as well. So it is more versatile, more stable but considerable heaver and larger.

The Sirui I always have on me. The Vanguard I take when I know there is going to be the need for a sturdy tripod. E.g. when going out on a landscape shoot, windy conditions and using filters, so low shutter times.

On the ball heads. I keep mine as simple as possible. Because the fancy ones add a lot weight. They should be easy to adjust though and have clear, crisp action. But I sometimes see photographers dragging around ball heads on their tripods that are more for video shooting. So you need the ability to smoothly turn, pan etc. My requirement is just simple lock and release.

Good luck

Jeroen

[Torque123]

Originally Posted by BeantownThinker

Guys need a bit of advice.

I currently use the Nikon D5100 body (over 7 years old). Have been trying to extend the reach of this while doing wildlife photography.

Am eyeing the Sigma 150-600mm F5-6.3 DG OS HSM | C.

Need clarity on:
1. Are Sigma lenses any good/reliable?
2. Is it worth sinking 80K on this lens?
3. Is it a smart decision buying this on Amazon?
4. Any other issues with regard to body compatibility?

My suggestion would be to go for a mid level full frame & a 70-200 f/2.8 with IS/VR. You can always rent out a 200-500 or any other super telephoto primes like the 300 f/2.8 or 4 500 f/4 or 400 f/2.8. The clarity, sharpness & bokeh of a prime cannot be matched by a Tele zoom like 200-500 or 150-600. I would go for this set up & if I have to wait to get this then I will as I know it will burn quite a whole in the pocket. From my experience, It is worth the wait than to invest in lower end gear & then again upgrade which one will eventually end up doing if they are serious/addictive to the hobby. Moreover wildlife is addictive

I currently use a Nikon D7200 & the 200-500 which is good when there is sufficient light. 50% of your wildlife photography will be during early foggy mornings or cloudy/late evenings & light plays a very important role here. High ISO performance & able to go as wide as possible is important in such situations. And in every trip I come across sightings/situations where in I feel the need for a 70-200 as I find it very difficult to fit the entire subject into the frame with my crop sensor camera body & 200-500 combo. Even if I am able to fit the subject into the frame the image will look like its been taken in zoo with not much of habitat around. So having 2 lenses with different focal lengths is a must.

Just my 2 cents. Cheers

[Thad E Ginathom]

Originally Posted by Jeroen

On the ball heads. I keep mine as simple as possible. Because the fancy ones add a lot weight. They should be easy to adjust though and have clear, crisp action. But I sometimes see photographers dragging around ball heads on their tripods that are more for video shooting. So you need the ability to smoothly turn, pan etc. My requirement is just simple lock and release.

I have only met ball heads recently. I don't really like them. Doesn't need to be one of those balanced fluid-head video things but I'd much rather have a pan and tilt head. It may be easy enough to pan with a ball head, using dedicated pan built into head or tripod, but the moment one wants to tilt, it is necessary to free up the camera in all dimensions. and that means getting them all right again when resetting it.

But it seems I am in the minority. Must be, as pan/tilt heads seem rare compared to balls.

[knrn]

@ anindya anni



This is the one I am talking about. It is very good. Excellent for use and will fully satisfy all your needs. My wife uses it extensively for her YouTube videos.


This one the cheap one is sort of ok ok in quality. Not able to support a dslr. So please don't confuse the two. The one above which is the Rs 1299 is nice. I have included pics for your reference. I hope this helps.

[condor]

The Kenko extension tube being my new toy, was looking up some material and found this:

https://www.cambridgeincolour.com/tu...cro-lenses.htm

[Thad E Ginathom]

Extension tubes are wonderful! Macro on the cheap. And, by buying ones dedicated to our camera and lens, with electrical contacts, we keep all the auto functions. Macro on the cheap and easy!

[Anindya_Anni]

First of all, sorry for replying so late.

Originally Posted by DaptChatterjee

You can use CPL for glare. Buy a good one like Hoya. I had bought a cheap AmazonBasics CPL and it does reduce image quality. Any screw-on filter can be used with hood.

CPL will be a bit costlier for me at this beginning stage of dslr photography. I intend to purchase hoya uv filter for front lens protection.

Wait for the next sale (early october), you should get it for around 12K. Not much can go wrong in a tripod. Test it thoroughly during return window.

I'll purchase it in the upcoming Amazon great Indian sale.

Bought both HB-N106 (for 18-55mm) and HB-77 from Flipkart. Good decision to stay away from cheaper third-party hoods!

I have been observing both lens hood prices since February, but they never came down even during sale. The prices of both hoods, listed at flipkart, are more than the mrp.

Originally Posted by roy_libran

Might I also throw in a (genuine) Gorilla pod into the mix? I do have a Tripod, but lately on most outings, I tend to carry a Manfrotto monopod and a Gorilla pod.

May I know, which brand tripod & gorilla pod are you using. Secondly, I want to know the scenarios in which each of the 3 pods will be useful.

Originally Posted by Thad E Ginathom

Not that much experience of using them, but I have 2 tripods and a monopod! The brands are Vanguard and Sirui. I would strongly recommend Sirui. It is a Chinese company that made it into the mainstream with quality products. I even saw their stuff on sale while sightseeing in a London pro/studio photography shop.

One India source for Sirui is Fotocentre. Also available from Videolinks. Both sell online from their own sites.

May I know the problems you faced while using vanguard tripod, and which brand monopod do you use.

Originally Posted by Jeroen

I have had several tri pods over the years. Whereas I tend to use my camera and lenses for many years, when it comes to camera bags and tripods, I am still in the process of finding the most suitable.

I'm also finding a suitable camera bag, which can accomodate my Nikon D5600 alongwith 70-300 mm lens attached. Currently, I have to remove the telephoto lens in order to fit my camera into the bag. Please suggest, which bag to buy.

When it comes to try-pods it is all about stability versus weight. So my two current ones are a lightweight carbon fibre Sirui. Folds up real neat and sticks easily on the outside pocket of my camera rug sack.

My other tri-pod is a sizeable Vanguard. (Alta Collection). This one is a lot heavier (aluminium) and bigger and has some clever attachment as well. So it is more versatile, more stable but considerable heaver and larger.

The Sirui I always have on me. The Vanguard I take when I know there is going to be the need for a sturdy tripod. E.g. when going out on a landscape shoot, windy conditions and using filters, so low shutter times.

Thank you sir for explaining the use of both tripods, but which one will you suggest for a beginner photographer like me. I'm not able to decide, which one to buy.

On the ball heads. I keep mine as simple as possible. Because the fancy ones add a lot weight. They should be easy to adjust though and have clear, crisp action. But I sometimes see photographers dragging around ball heads on their tripods that are more for video shooting. So you need the ability to smoothly turn, pan etc. My requirement is just simple lock and release.

Good luck

Jeroen

While looking for tripods on amazon, I came across ball heads which were selling separately. Kindly guide, whether to purchase a tripod with ball head or purchase both tripod and ball head, separately.

Originally Posted by knrn

Excellent for use and will fully satisfy all your needs. My wife uses it extensively for her YouTube videos.

I got your point sir, but I'm getting inclined towards purchasing either manfrotto or vanguard or sirui tripods.

This one the cheap one is sort of ok ok in quality. Not able to support a dslr. So please don't confuse the two.

Not at all sir. I always try to purchase genuine products, like for e.g., I purchased original Nikon lens hood HB-N106 for around ₹800 from an authorised Nikon dealer, instead of opting for cheap hoods available in the market. So, here also, cheap tripods are out of my consideration.
Thanks for sharing your feedback on the amazonbasics tripod.

With regards
Anindya

[roy_libran]

Originally Posted by Anindya_Anni

May I know, which brand tripod & gorilla pod are you using. Secondly, I want to know the scenarios in which each of the 3 pods will be useful.

For Gorilla Pod you can take a look at this LINK. Choose the larger Pods (GP3 or bigger).

Based on my experiences with each -

Monopod - Very useful for Bird Photography, especially where you'll be walking a lot since this is easy to carry with your camera+lens mounted. You can quickly place it and use it. It is also useful for other kinds of photography where you don't need to use a longer exposure than 1 second. But even a 1 second exposure will need practice and technique. If you buy this, choose light and strong, over cheap.

Large Tripod - Useful for supporting big lenses while shooting stationary subjects or predictable subjects. Allows very long exposures as long as the subject allows. Obviously not pleasant to walk around with. If you buy this, choose strong and smooth mechanicals.

Gorilla Pod - Almost does everything that the above Tripod will, but won't support big prime lenses or some of the larger lenses without a tripod collar. Another limitation is sometimes you'll find it difficult to shoot from eye level. But, the biggest benefit is that it is small and can be carried easily. Moreover, it doesn't need flat(tish) ground to be able to use it. You can wind it around an electric pole or a tree branch or you get the idea...?

If I were to go on a trip and could only carry one, I'd take the Gorilla Pod.

[DaptChatterjee]

Originally Posted by Anindya_Anni

I have been observing both lens hood prices since February, but they never came down even during sale. The prices of both hoods, listed at flipkart, are more than the mrp.

Nikon re-sellers don't seem to be interested in stocking up/selling cheaper accessories. The hoods were not available at Gurgaon which has one of the biggest Nikon store (Kumarjee Nikon).

I'm also finding a suitable camera bag, which can accomodate my Nikon D5600 alongwith 70-300 mm lens attached. Currently, I have to remove the telephoto lens in order to fit my camera into the bag. Please suggest, which bag to buy.

Ideally, you should buy a slightly bigger bag than what you need so that you don't need to upgrade when you buy another lens. What all do you want to fit into the bag? Just Camera and accessories or something more like a Laptop/some clothes etc. Depending on your need, check out the various Lowepro and Manfrotto bags (Manfrotto has bought Kata). Lowepro has so many options!

I bought the Wildcraft Shutterbag Pro backpack as I was a little short on budget. It easily accommodates D5600 + 18-55 + 70-300 + 35 f1.8 + Godox TT685N and still has space for the UWA lens I plan to buy, has separate compartments for Laptop and accessories, Tripod attachment, rain cover. The bag is obviously big but meets my need of a single cabin bag for flights (I can't leave my office Laptop behind when I travel).

The bottom line is that you freeze your requirement and there should be a bag that meets it!