[nilanjanray]

Originally Posted by nilanjanray

Finally took the plunge, and signed up for the 30 day trial version of Adobe Creative Cloud (LightRoom + Photoshop). Now need to figure out how they work, the pros and cons, and see how they fit within my workflow (which is currently Capture NX2 + GIMP based).

I am liking Photoshop for wildlife and nature photos. Adobe Camera RAW for D810 is good. For D7100 I am still using CNX2 (DD810 is not supported by CNX2 unless one uses complicated hacks). Stopped using GIMP. tempted to uninstall it.

Will sign up for the monthly subscription.

[Jeroen]

Give Lightroom a good try. I used Photoshop elements for years but I have switched completely to LR. Unless you have the need for editing in multi layers and very advanced other features LR is much easier and faster.

[nilanjanray]

Originally Posted by Jeroen

Give Lightroom a good try. I used Photoshop elements for years but I have switched completely to LR. Unless you have the need for editing in multi layers and very advanced other features LR is much easier and faster.

Naah. I tried LR, anther SW to learn and master. I have already invested some time and effort on PS, no more bandwidth. But if I ever get more serious about photography, I will use LR for cataloging and meta-tagging and overall image file management.

Processed in PS. Adobe Camera Raw as the NEF converter. Negative exposure compensation in PP.



Edit: another one with PS. The images look less warm when I view them here. Adobe RGB/sRGB issue me thinks.

[condor]

The Tamron 18-200 lens is being featured in Amazon.in Today's deals. If anyone interested -you can check it.

[M35]

Spending more time behind the lens than in front of the computer these days. Using Lightroom ever since I got my first DSLR. I would have liked a tool for selective sharpening on LR though.

• Link to any LR plug-in for framing/border will be appreciated.

On a separate note, let me confess that over time I too suffered/suffering from GAS [Gear Acquisition Syndrome] and now more or less settled with the arrival of D810. It is built like a tank and am loving those controls at your fingertip, the most used one being the‘AF-ON’.

Now I feel that there is nothing like a DSLR for a starter et all. If you are serious and have the budget, go for the best you can afford, of course based on your requirement.

My D810 is always coupled with Tamron 150-600. My new Nikon 16-35 F4 VR is almost always in the bag that I have even put it up for sale online recently. Anyone interested ?

This picture was taken with a D810 + Tamron 150-600 @ f6.3 ISO 1800 1/800 s

[ampere]

Originally Posted by M35

Link to any LR plug-in for framing/border will be appreciated.

Try Mogrify 2. Have been using that for a long time. Works for both framing and watermarks.

On a separate note, let me confess that over time I too suffered/suffering from GAS [Gear Acquisition Syndrome] and now more or less settled with the arrival of D810.

Still on with my humble 550D. But yes, I put money on the lenses.

My D810 is always coupled with Tamron 150-600. My new Nikon 16-35 F4 VR is almost always in the bag that I have even put it up for sale online recently.

Dont do it is what I would suggest. You will need a good wide angle whenever you need it. Its definitely worth a keep.

[nilanjanray]

Originally Posted by M35

My D810 is always coupled with Tamron 150-600.

This picture was taken with a D810 + Tamron 150-600 @ f6.3 ISO 1800 1/800

How is the AF with that combo? You changed bodies pretty fast

[M35]

Originally Posted by ampere

Dont do it is what I would suggest. You will need a good wide angle whenever you need it. Its definitely worth a keep.

Point taken. Will keep

Originally Posted by nilanjanray

How is the AF with that combo?

Nothing great for moving subjects. Heck, my old Sigma 150-500 performed better that too on a D610. I am sure it is the Tammy to be blamed here. D810 Auto- focuses even in dark if subject is stationary. But in good light it is superb. For subjects in motion, my keeper rate with this combo is very poor, may be my skill or lack of it to be blamed here.
Having said that, I must say both Tamron and Sigma have not only produced quality and competent glasses off late off late, but also pushed major players like Nikon to launch lenses like 200-500 f5.6 at a realistic price.

Originally Posted by nilanjanray

You changed bodies pretty fast

Not just bodies

Yes, my chase for that ‘perfect’ body has come to an end with D810
Loving the crop mode and the dedicated control buttons.
This picture is nearly a 100 % crop.



Edit: click on the image for a better view.

[nilanjanray]

I rented a Tamron 150-600mm for a day and played with it.

The lens is sharp at f/8. The reach is fantastic on a crop sensor body. But I am not to happy with the AF for moving subjects, and the weight distribution (front heavy). I guess I will wait till the Nikon 200-500mm is launched, and then take a call. I will probably choose between the Nikon and the Sigma 150-600mm S.

A couple of photos taken in the garden.

[nilanjanray]

I used this combo during a day outing. Disappointing AF with the 2X TC. the 150-600mm zooms are better. And the weight - over 3 kgs - is not worth it. I was shooting from a coracle, handholding is a pain without high shutter speeds. And 300mm (without a teeleconverter) - even with a DX - is too less for wildlife, if one is paying mega bucks.

So, it seems that Sigma 150-600mm S is out (I played with the 300mm f/2.8 since it has equivalent weight, but the Sigma is more unwieldy - front heavy).

The Nikon 200-500mm seems to be the best compromise option now for wildlife. Along with a 300mm PF + 1.4x TC.

[Aroy]

Originally Posted by nilanjanray

I used this combo during a day outing. Disappointing AF with the 2X TC. the 150-600mm zooms are better. And the weight - over 3 kgs - is not worth it. I was shooting from a coracle, handholding is a pain without high shutter speeds. And 300mm (without a teeleconverter) - even with a DX - is too less for wildlife, if one is paying mega bucks.

So, it seems that Sigma 150-600mm S is out (I played with the 300mm f/2.8 since it has equivalent weight, but the Sigma is more unwieldy - front heavy).

The Nikon 200-500mm seems to be the best compromise option now for wildlife. Along with a 300mm PF + 1.4x TC.

If you need long range, then 300mm PF + TC is a better option, as it will be sharper wide open. You can take the TC out when you do not need the reach.

[R2D2]

Originally Posted by nilanjanray

I used this combo during a day outing. Disappointing AF with the 2X TC. the 150-600mm zooms are better. And the weight - over 3 kgs - is not worth it. I was shooting from a coracle, handholding is a pain without high shutter speeds. And 300mm (without a teeleconverter) - even with a DX - is too less for wildlife, if one is paying mega bucks.

So, it seems that Sigma 150-600mm S is out (I played with the 300mm f/2.8 since it has equivalent weight, but the Sigma is more unwieldy - front heavy).

The Nikon 200-500mm seems to be the best compromise option now for wildlife. Along with a 300mm PF + 1.4x TC.

The 300 2.8 is not a "birding" lens per se as it lacks reach. Its mostly used with TCs, the TC 2x III in particular to make a "poor man's", light weight 600 f/4. While it's a superb lens when used bare, the TC impacts IQ ever so slightly. I have used this combination and it produces more than acceptable results with good AF on a D4 and D800.

I don't own the 300 F/4 PF but the 300 2.8 VR II would AF faster than a 300 PF with a 2x TC.

Also make sure you do an AF fine tune when you attach a TC to the lens. It affects AF accuracy a bit and causes the lens to front or back focus.

[nilanjanray]

Originally Posted by R2D2

The 300 2.8 is not a "birding" lens per se as it lacks reach. Its mostly used with TCs, the TC 2x III in particular to make a "poor man's", light weight 600 f/4. While it's a superb lens when used bare, the TC impacts IQ ever so slightly. I have used this combination and it produces more than acceptable results with good AF on a D4 and D800.

I am not a birder, I prefer shooting large and dangerous mammals







The 300mm f/2.8 - the bare lens is droolworthy. And apparently it gives up very little when combined with a 1.4X TC. But 2X TC, that is too much of a compromise IMO - for my kind of use. Btw, I guess you meant 600mm f/5.6.

I am not using any 2X TCs anymore. 1.4X, I am ok with.

The advantage of the 300mm PF is the size and weight. One can take shots easily in a matter of seconds. With a 3 kg lens, it would take more time...though if you get it right, the image would be totally worth it.

Regarding birds: I had to stalk this peacock (late afternoon, nice light) for a while before I could get close to take this shot with a 70-300mm lens. The 300mm PF weighs the same. I am not sure I could have come close enough with a 4X heavier lens.



Sigh. Decisions! Portability and flexibility vs IQ and cost.

[JMaruru]

Are there any simple tools for inserting watermarks on windows?

[Jeroen]

Originally Posted by JMaruru

Are there any simple tools for inserting watermarks on windows?

If you use programs such as Photoshop or Lightroom it's real easy
Jeroen