New user

[benst]

Hi all,

I just bought a D70 with th 18-70DX lens and I'll be printing with a Canon i9950. I bought the camera with a Lowepro MicroTrekker bag from Camera Exchange in Melbourne.

I have to say this is one awesome camera. It's my first SLR and even my wife is interested in learning how to use it. We also have a Kodak DX6490 but it's rubbish by comparison, IMHO, particularly when trying to take photos of our 16 month old daughter running around the house. The picture taking speed of the Nikon actually means we now get photos in focus most of the time.

I've borrowed a friend's Nikon 70-300 f/4-5.6G lens and it's not bad but doesn't seem as sharp as my 18-70 and often the pictures are out of focus. I'm not sure if it's worth buying this lens or if it's just my technique. Initially I was using inappropriate shutter speeds when using high focal lengths, but even after I realised and corrected that mistake, I still get fuzzy photos - something that wasn't a problem with my Kodak. I'm keen to here other peoples' experiences with that lens.

I'm 28 and I live in Melbourne and I'm really looking forward to the Formula One Grand Prix. I think it's great that they're having a parade of some of the cars through the city and it's a perfect opportunity to get more familiar with my camera.

[huynhie]

Welcome Ben,

I am sure you will find this site extremely usefull now that you have acquired a D70.

Just out of curiousity, did you have the aperature fully opened or stopped down with the soft photos taken on Nikon 70-300 f/4-5.6G? You will probably find the kit lens to be sharper but was the other lens extremely soft?

[SoCal Steve]

Welcome!
This is a good bunch of folks. They'll help and guide you with a kind hand.

One of the things I like most about the D70, besides the fact that it's awesome, is that it's also very easy to use when you want it to be.
My wife can pick it up, turn it on, set the mode dial to the green auto setting and shoot.

Right now I would suggest a couple things to help your technique.

1. Hold the camera steady. Use the flash in low light.
2. Remember to press the shutter button 1/2 way down to focus before shooting and get visual confirmation of focus with the little green dot in the bottom left corner of the viewfinder. If you re-frame your shot or your subject moves, let up on the shutter button and press 1/2 way down again to refocus.
3. Don't try to shoot closer than 2 feet (.38m). This particular lens (the kit lens) isn't designed to do that.

Cheers.

[benst]

Welcome!
This is a good bunch of folks. They'll help and guide you with a kind hand.

One of the things I like most about the D70, besides the fact that it's awesome, is that it's also very easy to use when you want it to be.
My wife can pick it up, turn it on, set the mode dial to the green auto setting and shoot.

Right now I would suggest a couple things to help your technique.
<snip>

Thanks for the suggestions!

[mudder]

G'day Benst,
Welcome, you'll enjoy it here...

Some people using the zoom you've mentioned get excellent, really sharp results, spose it depends on how it's used and what it's used for... There are a few alternatives at a similar price range I think, like the Tamron or the Sigma APO (I've used the Sigma and thought it was terrific value, still have it).

Looking forward to the racing cars going through the city today, they plan to go past the office I work in so I hope to get a decent view Didn't bring the camera into work though, doh!

Cheers,
Mudder

[SoCal Steve]

Sorry if I was being too elementary in my response. Just trying to take a stab at it from the description of the problem that you gave.

Again, glad to have you on board with us. (pun intended.)

[gstark]

Ben,

Welcome, and yes, I would imagine the parade could be a good thing to practise on.

I personally don't think a whole lot of the 70-300G. If you can pick one up for sub$150 it'd probably be ok, but either the Tamron, or go for one of the more highly specified Nikkor 70-300 lenses.

And if you're not doing anything better, we're having a minimeet in Melbourne this Friday evening, in Lygon St. Please look at this thread for details.

Leigh and I will be down from Sydney for this, and we're looking forward to meeting as many of our Melbourne users as possible.

[birddog114]

Ben,
If you want the Nikon 70-300G, PM our member lejzacat, he has one brand new for sale.

[xerubus]

Welcome Ben... enjoy your new toy..

cheers

[sirhc55]

Hi Ben - hopefully we will see your first pics very soon

[striking]

welcome aboard ben

the D70 sure is a great camera

[christiand]

Hi,

I agree with Xerubus and I also like how the droplets on the leaves
bring back a magnified leaf colour.

Welcome.
CD

[kipper]

Bird, I will be selling my 70-300G once the 70-200VR (most likely tomorrow) arrives.

[christiand]

sorry guys and girls,

I accidently posted in here, when it actually belongs to after the rain.
Bloody Mr Alzheimer !!!

Cheers
CD

[birddog114]

Bird, I will be selling my 70-300G once the 70-200VR (most likely tomorrow) arrives.

kipper,
How can you walk home with two big boxes?

Hi all, this guy has two big toys with him tomorrow and he'll "walk like an Egyptian", anyone know where he is and need a good glass for F1GP on this weekend?

[kipper]

Hahaha....man, my bag is going to be so heavy

Don't think I'll be taking lunch tomorrow, won't have the room for my lunch box on the way home!

[birddog114]

Hahaha....man, my bag is going to be so heavy

Don't think I'll be taking lunch tomorrow, won't have the room for my lunch box on the way home!

Throw the lens away and keep the lunch box

[Alex]

Welcome Ben,

I am around your age (29), also live in Melbourne and also recently (2 months ago) got myself a D70. Still very excitited and learning a lot. I have the kit lens +70-300 G which you used - seems to work ok, but I haven't used it very often. I think out of focus pics may be due to long lens being attached to d70 is hard to hold steady, especially if you are chasing running kids .

Cheers
Alex

[georgie]

particularly when trying to take photos of our 16 month old daughter running around the house. The picture taking speed of the Nikon actually means we now get photos in focus most of the time.

Welcome Ben - this feels wierd as only a few weeks ago I was being welcomed, but I share the same experience - mine are just starting to crawl and I am already thankful of the speed of the the D70.

[Matt. K]

Welcome to the forum Ben. Look forward to seeing your posts.