Hi from sunny Glasgow

[Ian W]

Evening all

Have been wanting to get into photography for quite a while now and have been given a link to this forum from another. I'm a very active member on www.mkivsupra.net and www.itr-dc2.com (both automotive forums) and these are likely to be the main focus of my photos as well as scenic / panoramic shots being somewhat of a hill walker as well.

I'm on the lookout for a good entry level DSLR and have responded to a couple of for sale threads having already missed out on my first choice. Sadly it appears I cannot use the private messaging facility here in order to conclude a sale?

Fingers crossed the mods can help me out with this but in the mean time, just thought I'd say hi and will no doubt speak to you all again soon. This is going to be one hell of a learning curve!

Thanks

Ian

 

[Flash In The Pan]

Hi Ian to TP

You'll be able to use the pm system once your post count reaches 5 (I think :shrug so only another three (outwith the Welcome and Out of Focus fora) and you'll be well on your way to a new camera

 

[Ian W]

Hi Ian to TP

You'll be able to use the pm system once your post count reaches 5 (I think :shrug so only another three (outwith the Welcome and Out of Focus fora) and you'll be well on your way to a new camera

Thanks for that and the welcome.

My new camera is paid for and should be en route / received this week (Nikon D40x).

As said, I'll likely be utilising the camera for scenic shots and some motorsport shots as well. The Nikon is coming with a kit lens but I'm already looking at maybe getting another....perhaps a 70-300?

Any help much appreciated on this, best value for money / lenses for my needs.

Thanks

Ian

 

[mrtoad]

hi and welcome ian

glad to see another choocter on the panel

 

[Yardbent]

.....Ian

I presume thats "sunny Glasgow".....as in

"Glasgow is a city in and the county seat of Barren County, Kentucky, United States.[1] The population was 14,200 at the 2000 census. In 2007, Barren County was named the number one rural place to live by Progressive Farmer magazine. .".......

cos there is no sun here !!!..........:thumbsdown:..............

 

[Ian W]

Progressive Farmer Magazine?!

Sounds like I'm glad it's the Glasgow of the non-sunny variety!

 

[Wail]

Hi Ian, and to TP.

 

[Ian W]

Thanks for the warm welcomes again.

I received my camera and kit lens on Friday and have spent the weekend reading up on it and taking lots of practice shots to get used to it. I think I'm now getting used to aperture / shutter priority modes.

I've also received my 55-200 Nikkor lens which I'll be trying out this week.

Luckily it's my birthday soon so may be looking at another lens / tripod / grip.

What would be most useful given I the lenses I have (18-55mm kit, 55-200mm), a macro or longer prime (i.e. Niftyfifty)?

Thanks

Ian

 

[heidfirst]

btw Glasgow, Kentucky is a dry town - no booze!

what are your photographic interests?
tbh I would suggest that you get used to what you have first & find out from that experience what you think that you are missing that would be useful.

 

[Ian W]

what are your photographic interests?

A fair point, well made.

As far as my photographic interests go, there's a very broad spectrum.

When I'm out hillwalking I could be going for panoramic / scenic views and wildlife shots and upon visits to knockhill etc taking shots of rather fast moving cars.

As well as those there will likely be the requirement to take the usual shots at weddings etc (nothing professional required here btw) and stills of cars on location.

Macro is something that I've always enjoyed with a compact to be honest.

The question is, will the lenses I have already cover all of those with sufficient quality?

Cheers

Ian

 

[heidfirst]

I suspect not.

For Macro the cheaper way to do it is by a reverse adapter or extension tubes or something like a Raynox 250 but you'll probably end up wanting a proper 1:1 macro lens.

& in "not so sunny Scotland" you will probably find that you want more light (max. aperture) for a good chunk of the year @Knockhill & possibly some more focal length too (I'm guessing as I haven't been although I keep meaning to) than your 55-200.

 

[Ian W]

I suspect not.

For Macro the cheaper way to do it is by a reverse adapter or extension tubes or something like a Raynox 250 but you'll probably end up wanting a proper 1:1 macro lens.

& in "not so sunny Scotland" you will probably find that you want more light (max. aperture) for a good chunk of the year @Knockhill & possibly some more focal length too (I'm guessing as I haven't been although I keep meaning to) than your 55-200.

That's pretty much as I figured, and in the longer term can see me looking for a 70-300mm VR for the knockhill / walking trips.

Will see what's about regarding the macro lenses second hand. Scotland is a b****r for the lack of sunlight though, eh!

 

[Jamie H]

You'll find the 55-200 is too short and too 'slow' for most shooting positions/lighting conditions at Knockhill but if you can get yourself in the right location it can be fine.

I'd stick with what you've got, get familiar with it and then think about moving up. By the way, the best car shots I've taken have been whilst hanging out another (moving in formation) car and for this your kit is fine. The trick is finding a good road that is quiet enough!

 

[Ian W]

Thanks for that, Jamie.

Do you have any exames of what you've taken and the kit / settings used?

I think longer term I might be looking at a 70-300 VR?

 

[BKphotography]

New myself here mate, good to see another from Glasgow.

The Nikon 35mm 1.8 would be a great lens for your new camera by the way.

Cheers
BK