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Hey guys,
I have recently purchased a Nikon D70 and I am using a 28-80MM AF lens. My photography mainly revolves around automotive shooting although I dont mind shooting landscape when I have the chance. I am looking at purchasing a few new goodies. I am looking into either a new lens, possibly the SB800 flash unit or a new tripod foR slow shutter shooting. I would just like to hear some of your opinions on what you think I should buy next?


Thanks
Mitch

12- 24
70-200VR
24-120 VR walk around
180 Macro

Should get you started, seriously do a search on any of those, there are plenty of pics to look at.

Oh the lust....


MATT

Have had a look at the 70-200VR lens. A mate uses it (Fezz off the forum) and the results are exceptional. Thanks for the tip champ. Open to any suggestions

Mitch

Automotive shooting + landscape is a big range.

Definitely 12-24 for the landscapes

For automotive - what type of automotive - product type close up shots, or racing shots. Lens required would be very different for these two.

Thats a question I cant really answer. At the moment I am doing still automotive shots (photoshoots etc) but I am trying to get Media access which will allow me trackside for some action shots. So 12-24 is the go for landscape shots?

Mitch 12-24 is great for landscapes - just have to decide which one (Tokina, Nikon or Sigma). Search and you'll find plenty of good reading.

For the automotive & looking to the future maybe a Nikkor 80-400VR or a Nikkor 70-200VR in that order because of price (I have the 70-200 but its more than the 80-400, but is faster to focus lock) or perhaps the 18-200VR (not a lot of user reviews on this one yet)

Thanks for the tips guys. Any others? At the moment I am leaning towards the SB800 and a new tripod. Then keep saving for a new lens which will give me more time to make a decision

mitch i woudl think a tripod can help you in both first
you can shoot landscapes with your current lens

a tripod is essential for slow shutterspeed picture taking and i think you can do without a sb800 and be creative with available light sources and a nice tripod

lens purchase can come after that and i think the 12-24 is very versatile lens

Mitch - have you decided how much to spend on a tripod? Do you want Carbon Fibre or Aluminium? etc etc

If you do a search there are lots of options and opinions. That would be your best starting point.

That was my next question. If I do decide to go this way, what tripod should I be looking for? Price etc?

The reason I have not searched as of yet is because I wanted a basic opinion from some photographers first. If i can get a basic knowledge of what I am looking for, it will make it alot easier. Its much appreciated guys.

Mitch wrote:That was my next question. If I do decide to go this way, what tripod should I be looking for? Price etc?

Search is your friend. Look for Benro, Gitzo or Manfrotto there has been lots of discussion on this. See the bargains section for Benro & Gitzo pricing.

Some examples:

http://www.dslrusers.com/viewtopic.php?t=15542

http://www.dslrusers.com/viewtopic.php?t=11432

Mitch, in a PM wrote:Thanks for the advice. Money is not the main factor. At the moment I have a budget of about $800 but that increases weekly . I am looking at a 24-120 f/3.5-6 VR lens. The cost is approx $740. Do you think this would be a good investment? I mean I probably wont be shooting anything that requires slow shutter speeds in the next few weeks, therefore I can save for the tripod or SB800 (which ever I decide to go with). What is your opinion?

Mitch

The first lens I bought after I got the camera with the kit lens (18-70) was the Nikkor 12-24 (if I was doing it now I'd probably get the Tokina). The next lens I bought was the 24-120VR. I've had the 24-120 for just on a year and it's been my most used lens by far. There has been some debate about it being soft (see HERE), but this is not my experience - have a look at my pics on SmugMug and judge for yourself.

So in answer to your question I'd say the 24-120 VR is a great walkaround lens and the VR is a nice bonus. It would be useful for your car shots and the VR makes up a little for no tripod.

My only concern is that this covers the same range as your existing 28-80 lens.

Now that I have a D2x I've ordered a 28-70 (3 times the cost) to replace the 24-120. This should arrive soon so if you do decide on a 24-120 VR mine will be available second hand in a week or so. Keep a lookout.

Mitch what's your budget and what type of photo's do you usually take?

Andrew

At the top of the thread:

My photography mainly revolves around automotive shooting although I dont mind shooting landscape when I have the chance.

Still automotive shots (photoshoots etc) but I am trying to get Media access which will allow me trackside for some action shots.

At the moment I have a budget of about $800 but that increases weekly

stubbsy wrote:Andrew

At the top of the thread:

My photography mainly revolves around automotive shooting although I dont mind shooting landscape when I have the chance.

Still automotive shots (photoshoots etc) but I am trying to get Media access which will allow me trackside for some action shots.

At the moment I have a budget of about $800 but that increases weekly

Stupid Me

If it's mainly automotive shooting than I'd go a wide angle 12-24mm lens.

If you go the Tokina than there will be nearly enough money spare for a SB-800

Geez, if you are into automotive shooting, buy yourself a Ferrari 246 Dino, probably one of the prettiest cars ever made. No shortage of a subject with that.

Glen wrote:Geez, if you are into automotive shooting, buy yourself a Ferrari 246 Dino, probably one of the prettiest cars ever made. No shortage of a subject with that.

If you have a real one in your garage than I'll take up automotive photography.

Glen wrote:Geez, if you are into automotive shooting, buy yourself a Ferrari 246 Dino, probably one of the prettiest cars ever made.

Yep, that or the BMW Isetta.

Cheers
Steffen.

Steffen, those photos look like you are going to tell us a story of how poor your family was in Germany. BMW have made some nice looking cars like the 507, M635, etc but the Isetta didn't quite do it for me. Mind you, I think it looks better than anything since Chris Bangle joined the firm.



Andrew, no real one yet, but probably about the only significant car I go close to affording. I could imagine one very easily in the garage.

Quick update:
I have decided I am going to purchase the 24-120VR lens. The approx cost of this is $740. I have a budget of $1200-$1300 at the moment. Any opinions on what I should go next? I was thinking maybe the SB800 flash unit or my original thought of a tripod? Does anyone have any recomendations for tripods?


Thanks In Advance
Mitch

Steffen wrote:

Glen wrote:Geez, if you are into automotive shooting, buy yourself a Ferrari 246 Dino, probably one of the prettiest cars ever made.

Yep, that or the BMW Isetta.

Cheers
Steffen.

Steffen, is this the car we must have to solve our parking issues at work?

Mitch wrote:Quick update:
I have decided I am going to purchase the 24-120VR lens. The approx cost of this is $740.

As posted in this thread, there's one in Sydney here for $550, and Stubbsy will probably have his up in the For Sale section soon too.

What condition in these lenses in? Im taking they are second hand? Im not sure if its worth spending an extra $200 for a brand newy?

LostDingo wrote:

Steffen wrote:

Glen wrote:Geez, if you are into automotive shooting, buy yourself a Ferrari 246 Dino, probably one of the prettiest cars ever made.

Yep, that or the BMW Isetta.

Cheers
Steffen.

Steffen, is this the car we must have to solve our parking issues at work?

Yes, we could double the number of parking spots, in the same space

Cheers
Steffen.

Steffen wrote:

LostDingo wrote:

Steffen wrote:

Glen wrote:Geez, if you are into automotive shooting, buy yourself a Ferrari 246 Dino, probably one of the prettiest cars ever made.

Yep, that or the BMW Isetta.

Cheers
Steffen.

Steffen, is this the car we must have to solve our parking issues at work?

Yes, we could double the number of parking spots, in the same space

Cheers
Steffen.

promote and you should more than double the already massive payrise you will be receiving

Mitch wrote:What condition in these lenses in? Im taking they are second hand? Im not sure if its worth spending an extra $200 for a brand newy?

I have no idea, just passing on that these lenses exist. You'd have to ask the people selling them.

Any other suggestions? 24-120VR is a definate! Who ever I might buy it off!