Looking for a new (Nikon) lens & advice

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kbkeith

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Keith
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Hi, slowly getting into my photography.

I have a Nikon D90 which I really enjoy getting to know and use.

Mainly shoot family portraits, pets, landscapes majority of the time.

But the other day I went to a kids sports day and my 18-70 certainly wasn't good enough to zoom in and get any good enough shots that I was pleased with.

I have the following lenses:

Nikon 35mm 1:1.8G
Nikon 50mm 1:1.8D
Nikon 18-70mm 1:3.5-4.5G

I do not 'think' I, at this stage (perhaps) want to spend extortionate amounts on a new lens. But I am interested in what perhaps I should consider around the 200/300mm range.

Was curious about the Nikon 18-200


Maybe someone can give some guidance on here.


Many thanks.
 
Just seemed that to me, when they were a distance away, I focused on them and had a high enough shutter speed (so i though) but images seems somewhat blurred when I cropped into them. They were, to be honest a good way from where we were standing at that point.

Like I said, I am new to photography, slowly learning, I guess we all are at times.

That is why I was thinking about a lens with a longer range if that would help. Not that I foresee going to a lot of sporting events, But you never know what is around the corner. Certainly perhaps good to have something in my bag, that could help though.
 
Nikon 70-300 is a decent lens, relatively cheap as well, would add on well to what you already have.
 
Keith, probably best post up a few images you aren't happy with along with settings used.

The 18-70 is a capable lens, no offence, but maybe its just a settings thing?

Trust me, i've been there, blame the lens, buy another lens, find out it was me all along. ;)
 
Okay I will post some photo's for you. Couple of questions though as pretty new to this forum as a poster.

I use Photobucket, will that be able to upload and show you all my EXIF settings from that camera as well as it being in RAW, or is there a better place to sign-up and be able to upload photo's onto here for you people ?

Thank you
 
Flickr probably the best?
 
Okay, just sorting Flickr out.

But Flickr will not allow me to upload 'NEF' Files though so had to convert to JPEG, so no idea whatsoever if you will be able to see camera settings from the photo's?

I know I have seen some websites with photos (I forget which) and next to the photo's it also shows all the camera settings for you.
 
The problem with the second and third images, or there softness is twofold. First the F number is f4.5 so a narrow depth of field which effects sharpness. Secondly the shutter speed is to low for sports style shots at 1/60th of a second. Both these numbers could have been higher if you had kept the ISO at 400 as in the first shot. For sports set the ISO up around 640 or 800 if it is not a bright sunny day. Keep the shutter speed above the focal length your using, i.e. 70mm keep around 1/90th and above.
 
fracster said:
Nikon 70-300 is a decent lens, relatively cheap as well, would add on well to what you already have.
Click to expand...

This.

Great on the D90, speedy AF, good price point.

Alternatives 70-200 f2.8. Either the older sigma variety or Nikon 80-200 f2.8.
 
Keith,

H3 - at 1/320, best of bunch as higher shutter speed freezes motion. Aim for minimum 1/500+?
H1 & H2 - only 1/60 shutter speed so a) not quick enough to freeze the action and b) not even fast enough to get a steady shot hand holding. (aim for focal length x 1.5, so 70mm x 1.5 = 105), so 1/125 as a minimum when at 70mm.

As you shot at ISO 100, consider upping the ISO which will allow you to increase the shutter speed.

I appreciate people suggesting 'good lenses', but I think technique and an understanding of how iso/aperture and shutter speed work is more important (and cheaper) at this stage than buying a lens and still having the same issues.

Yes, a 70-300 would allow you to get much close to the action, but the same iso/aperture and shutter speed principles (and problems) remain.

This book really helped me when I was starting out: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Understandi...p_title_0?ie=UTF8&qid=1404131841&sr=8-1-spell

Hope this helps?
 
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Thank you guys for your pointers and advice. Very much appreciated. Still learning, as always and value the advice you offer.

Practise time then. Noticed that a local cricket team play near me on a Sunday so will pop down there and have a picture practise soon.


Once again, thank you for replying.

Keith
 
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