[rkbharat]

Originally Posted by shajufx

Thought of presenting my birding equipment as of today , a poor man's birding set up by any standards, so please dont compare. Its 400mm f/5.6 at its best. Featuring;

Nikon D90 with MB-D80 battery pack
Sigma 70-200 f/2.8
Sigma 2x Teleconverter
Matin neck strap
Fiesol CB Tripod
Benro BH-0 ball head
Attachment 423839
Camera is at 6 feet height in the picture, it can go upto 7 feet.

Awesome setup. I recently attended one workshop with Rathika Ramasamy and realized how important and critical ball head is while having bird photography.

BTW do you have any shot with 2X Teleconverter, I want to see the quality of 2X teleconverter

[shajufx]

Rajiv, ball head is far better (flexible in all directions) than a pan and tilt head when it comes to birding and such constantly moving subjects. BUT, if one goes serious into birding, there is nothing compared to a Gimbal or Wimberley head exclusively designed for birding and sports. They are expensive and I would love to own one when budgets permit.

I find a 2x teleconverter perfect to my satisfaction, best results achieved on a tripod with atleast a decent natural light. I am sure nobody goes for birding or sports in poor lighting, specially with a budget lens.

Here is a sample from my above set up, so you get an idea of what 2x tele can bring . Both are at 400mm f/5.6 under very cloudy sky. First one is on tripod, second one is hand-held and panning.

[jkdas]

"If you don't want to hate your current camera, look away now. Nikon's 16 megapixel D7000 has landed into the world of officialdom with a bang, bringing with it an almighty 39-point autofocus system, 100 percent viewfinder coverage, 1080/24p and 720/30p video options, dual SD card slots, 6fps burst mode for up to 100 shots, and magnesium alloy top and back covers for that extra bit of metalized durability. The continuous video autofocus that debuted in the D3100 is here too, though bear in mind there's a 20 minute cap on uninterrupted recordings. Video nuts might not like that, but at least there's a stereo mic input and an added control dial for adjusting shooting modes. It's looking like a thorough upgrade from the D90, but remember that Canon's direct competitor -- the 60D -- costs a Benjamin less than the D7000's $1,200 body-only asking price (or $1,500 with an 18-105 kit lens) , so take the time until this becomes available in mid-October to weigh up your options well. Oh,

and the outfit's also throwing out two new pieces of high-end glass alongside a new flash:
an AF-S 200mm f/2G ED VR II for $5,999.95,
an AF-S 35mm f/1.4G for $1,799.95,
and an SB-700 Speedlight for $329.95. "

Lifted from Nikon D7000 brings 39-point AF, 1080p video, and magnesium alloy construction to $1,200 price point -- Engadget

[joshguy]

Hi All,

Is there any places in chennai where photography classes are conducted? i heard of Ambitions but cost seems to be bit high for a starter (9k).

Please give me suggestions

[navin]

Originally Posted by jkdas

"If you don't want to hate your current camera, look away now.

Very nice. Nikon's really going after Canon now! However if you really want video you gotta have an articulated LCD (with LiveView).

[Samurai]

Here is a news nobody cares about in India.

Olympus E5 has been launched. Funny thing is I was not at all looking for any upgrade. But I am not alone, it seems...

Originally Posted by dpreview

The long delay has caused some wild speculation about the E-5, borne not out of dissatisfaction with the existing model (in fact most E-1 and E-3 users are still happily taking pictures with their 'old' cameras), but, I suspect, out of a need to see Olympus competing with the 'big boys' at this level, and the need for a clear sign that it hasn't abandoned Four Thirds in all the excitement surrounding the mirrorless system.

Olympus E5 Quick Preview: 1. Introduction: Digital Photography Review

[shajufx]

Olympus was my first priority when I thought about moving to a DSLR after using an Olympus film camera (IS-500) for 4 years (my middle east days), I might have finished atleast a 30-40 rolls within that time-period. Interestingly thanks to the middle east system of FREE film roll and quality album whenever you develop one. BUT shots were always on the AUTO mode, never realizing the hidden technology and beauty of this gadget. I still regret about those days, because I could have learnt the basics much earlier than a late start last year. I must agree that cam had the size and look of a DSLR and used to produce crystal sharp shots at any given situation.

Naturally my upgrade was leaning towards same brand, but I could not get any feedback here about this brand and its service. I think even today Samuji is the only person I know who uses this brand, and I believe you might have got it from your US days .

To add to the film thoughts: Having migrated to the digital world since 2005, I was still carrying a film negative of my passport size photo whenever I required copies for some document or other. I dont remember where it was clicked and how long I am carrying it. Unfortunately not a single studio accepted my fresh copy request in my vicinity last week (tried kodak kiosk, konica studio and instant print, g k vale, printo, local studio). Some of them plainly said 'NO negatives please', some of them said they have to print it, scan it and make multiple copies. I realized how the technology is taking over.

[R2D2]

Originally Posted by shajufx

So far I bought 7 lenses (4 already sold) and only one was shipped from B&H US (35mm 1.8), which became a painful experience, because I ended up paying equal to the MRP (with the duty and customs) on a US warranty thats useless here.

Hi shajufx, I am thinking of ordering from Adorama or B&H. Was curious to know how much duty you paid on the lens you ordered. That will help me decide on whether to buy a camera accessory/lens locally or order from abroad.

BTW, Nikon's lenses, speedlights and film SLRs carry a worldwide warranty. It is only with the DSLRs that they have forced a country specific warranty.

Also, is how do you sell your old lenses? Is there a photo group or site for BLR based photographers?

Cheers!

[P180V1]

Hello everybody, I was thinking of buying a new DSLR camera & wanted to know which is better for a beginner, a Canon 1000D or Nikon D3000 ? I was told that 1000D is better since it has a CMOS Sensor, what is the difference in reality ? What about Live view too? Is it really helpful ? Does buying from Bangkok make sense or is it better to buy it here in Bangalore ?

CHEERS,
G D

[ampere]

Some basic questions:

How does one compare a Tamron (70-300) Lens versus Canon (55-250).
JJ Mehta lists Tamron to be cheaper than Canon. Is it just for the brand or there is some thing else that I am missing here?

Also how does one compare 450D, 500D and 550D?

JJ Mehta Lists 550D as a 15MP while Canon says 18MP.
For the moment I will believe Canon site.

[amitk26]

Originally Posted by ampere

Some basic questions:

How does one compare a Tamron (70-300) Lens versus Canon (55-250).
JJ Mehta lists Tamron to be cheaper than Canon. Is it just for the brand or there is some thing else that I am missing here?

Also how does one compare 450D, 500D and 550D?

JJ Mehta Lists 550D as a 15MP while Canon says 18MP.
For the moment I will believe Canon site.

Depends on which Tamron 70-300 there are several versions LD , DI LD or DI LD VC USD XLD phew long sequence of alphabets

Generally Sigma and Tamron are cheaper then Canon because they need to fight on price point.
But just focal length and brand does not tell anything you need to compare feature by feature.

Prices vary as per version DI LD VC USD XLD is latest greatest and available for preorder should be above 20 K in Indian market if they make it available.

Amazon.com: Tamron AF 70-300mm f/4.0-5.6 SP Di VC USD XLD for Canon Digital SLR Cameras: Electronics

This lens I think is bracketed against Canon 70-300 IS USM DO and much cheaper.


Similarly for canon it depends on the lens.

Canon 55-250 IS is image stabilized ( VC in Tamron terminology) but lacks in focal length.
Canon 70-300 IS USM is good and provide extra 50mm but much more costlier then 55-250 IS.

Canon 75-300 is old lens and better to avoid this buy a Sigma 70-300 APO DG or a Tamron any day.

Canon 70-300 IS USM DO is uber expensive compared to any budget telephoto given above.

[ampere]

Amit, I have no idea. JJ Mehta's site just mentioned a 70-300 Tamron along with Cannon (550D/500D/450D) with various deal options.

Hence the query.

[amitk26]

Originally Posted by ampere

Amit, I have no idea. JJ Mehta's site just mentioned a 70-300 Tamron along with Cannon (550D/500D/450D) with various deal options.

Hence the query.

So better to avoid JJ Mehta site in this case :-) , If nothing is mentioned you can be sure it will be cheapest version. I see you are in Bangalore and there are several dealers who offer good price you can search on this thread for contacts.

[dar3dev|l]

Nikon has released the D7000 mid-level digital SLR. Housed in a magnesium alloy body, the feature-rich camera incorporates a 16.2Mp CMOS sensor, faster 'Expeed 2'-branded processor, 921k dot 3.0" LCD and can record 1080p24 full HD movies. It features the company's latest 39-point AF system with 3D tracking and 2,016 pixel RGB metering sensor. It will start shipping with the 18-105mm VR kit lens from October 2010 at a retail price of $1499/£1299.99/€1399. We've had a pre-production D7000 in the office for long enough for us to prepare an full hands-on preview looking at the camera, its features and where it'll sit in the range.


Source: Nikon D7000 announced and previewed: Digital Photography Review

Hands on review: Nikon D7000 Hands-on Preview: 1. Introduction: Digital Photography Review

[rjstyles69]

If I were to decide between a D7000 and a full frame, I would definitely put my money on a full frame considering the pricing of the D7000.