Digital Camera Gift Ideas

Canon EF 75 300mm f 4 5 6 III Telephoto Zoom Lens for Canon SLR Cameras

Capture the far-off action of fast-paced sports or zoom in for an intimate portrait with the Canon EF 75-300mm telephoto zoom lens. This high-performance 4x zoom lens is distinguished by such features as a newly developed micro ultra-sonic monitor (USM) that makes autofocusing quicker and quieter, along with an improved mechanism to make zooming smoother than ever. Plus, the front part of the zoom ring now sports a silver ring, giving the lens a luxurious touch. As with all Canon lens, this 75-300 model carries a one-year warranty.

• Focal length: 75-300mm
• Maximum aperture: 1:4-5.6
• Lens construction: 13 elements in 9 groups
• Diagonal angle of view: 32 (at 11 feet) to 8 degrees (at 15 feet)
• Focus adjustment: Front group rotating extension system with USM
• Closest focusing distance: 4.9 feet
• Zoom system: Rotating type
• Filter size: 58mm
• Dimensions: 2.8 inches in diameter, 4.8 inches long
• Weight: 16.8 ounces

User Ratings and Reviews

5 Stars Canon Lens
This lens was purchased for use with a Rebel and has been excellent. It was ready to use the minute it was taken out of the box. Quality in both low light and normal light has been excellent. It is lightweight thus carrying an extra lens is not an issue. These lens are much smaller in size than the Nikon lens I use for my Nikon cameras.

1 Star I Got the Lemon
Very suprised by this product. High expectations were dashed after I installed the lens in my camera an attempted to operate it. The rotational zoom mechanism is ’sticky’ which makes it jump as you are trying to zoom and focus. I don’t know how it got thru the QA check. Anyways I have reported it to Canon and am waiting for a response. Very unhappy with it right now.

4 Stars Great lens
A great product for the price. The lens is “fast” enough for almost every application, and the wide zoom range lends itself to most situations. It is compatible with the Canon system and works in the auto-focus or manual-focus mode. I am pleased with this product.

2 Stars Wish I had bought the 70-300mm
The UPS man just dropped off my lens and I ripped it open eager to play. I am completely happy with the service from Cameta Camera, they were fast and I received exactly what I supposed to. I can only hope they will be as accommodating if I return it. I am very disappointed with my lens however. I wish I had paid heed to some of the more negative comments.

I am using this on my Canon Rebel Xti. I am an artist and amateur photographer but work with my photos for montages and artwork so I need clear pictures. If I want it soft, I’ll do that in Photoshop myself. My pictures are way to soft for my liking. To be fair, it is a cloudy day and I’m shooting through my window. I have no reflection, but I cannot zoom all the way to 300 and get a crisp photo. I cannot even get a crisp photo in the 75 range in this light. I’ve played around with the iso and the speed and still no crispness. Maybe I misunderstood that this lens was for fair conditions (meaning not sunny outside). Maybe it is for outdoor sunny use only, but I have not read that on the Canon site. I do plan to give it another try in sunny conditions before I send it back. (I have 14 days to return and will lose my shipping costs both to and from.) Inside with normal can lighting (like in a kitchen) is just as bad.Canon EF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 III Telephoto Zoom Lens for Canon SLR Cameras

If it performs well in the sunny conditions, I will have to decide if it’s worth the $ for just perfect conditions. I am very close to forking over the extra $$ for the 70-300 mm. But will post again, probably an edit or addition to this review.

If someone (like a pro) can tell me if I have unrealistic expectations of this lens, please tell me.

5 Stars Christmas Gift
This item is going to be a Christmas gift for our daughter. She loves this lens and wanted one of her own.

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Nikon EN EL9 Rechargeable Li ion Battery for Nikon D40 and D40x Digital SLR Cameras

The EN-EL9 is a rechargeable Li-ion battery for use exclusively with Nikon digital cameras. It can be recharged repeatedly using the MH-23 Quick Charger.

User Ratings and Reviews

1 Star Made in china
My Nikon Lithium Ion EN-EL9 7.4V came with camera and

lasted only two years. It held a charge well. No complaints

there. But this last time I did not use the camera for 3

months, came back and battery is dead. Perhaps the charger

is to blame, can’t say. But I had a similar thing with a non-USA

hard drive for my 3 year old Mac laptop. The hard drive malfunctioned

and the repair man said even new ones don’t work, now that they

are not made in USA. My freezer had a fan failure, but Frigidaire

sent me a new fan even though the system was out of warrenty.

The fan LOOKED the same, but the dye casting was poor on the

screw threads…there was no way to attach it with same screws.

So quality control on this battery and other Made in China items

is questionable. While I am at it: when my barn burned down the

fire department told me a lot of fires have been starting with

Chinese lamps. I had a new brooder lamp I hung the night

before the fire. Then my neighbor’s house burned down, the

result of a new night light. She is a politician and was moved

to Washington D.C. before I got to ask her if the night light

was Chinese.

5 Stars Great battery!
Great battery…charges quickly and lasts for an extremely long time even when used for lengthy playback and editing. Also works for the D60 which is the camera I own.

3 Stars MRS
Ok I couldn’t find a way to contact you so…

I think giving a shipping range of July 6 to July 21 is lame. It was be nice if you could get it to me before July 7 cuz thats when I need it. If not I’ll cancel my order.

Thanks

Mary

5 Stars Digital camera battery
What can I say its a battery whose main job is to store power to run my device. I charged it up and it held the charge so it seems to work great.

Thank you

5 Stars Works as expected.
I bought this as a spare battery for my Nikon D60, as it is always recommended to have a spare. The battery worked well as expected. If yo are an amateur, or a serious photographer, a spare or two is always a must. I would recommend this product.

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Nikon SB 600 Speedlight Flash for Nikon Digital SLR Cameras

compatible with Nikon digital SLRs and other select Nikon cameras * fully automatic and manual modes * wireless remote operation * 4 selectable frequency channels * vertical and horizontal angle adjustment * number of flashes: About 200 per set of fresh batteries * weight: about 10.6 oz. (without battery) *

User Ratings and Reviews

5 Stars Excellent primary or secondary speedlight
As a longtime (30+ years) pro Nikon shooter, I’ve always relied on Nikon Speedlights to mate with my various Nikon cameras. I’ve never been disappointed with the excellent results.

The introduction of Nikon’s iTTL (intelligent through-the-lens) flash system is a major step forward for flash photography. I’ve owned the SB-600 for more than a year and it’s never let me down. I use it as a primary flash for travel (lighter in weight than the SB-800 and SB-900) with my D300 camera. It’s also an excellent secondary flash when used in wireless mode with the other Nikon speedlights. With three or four speedlights, I can achieve quality studio and location lighting effects that rival my pro strobe units AND have complete creative control over the lighting.

If you’re serious about photography, I’d recommend the SB-600 over the SB-400. The additional cost gives you not only more power, but many advanced features that you’ll come to use and appreciate.

Get the Omni-Bounce difusser for the SB-600 and you’re good to go!

5 Stars Best choice for most Nikon SLR owners
I purchased the SB-600 for my Nikon D5000. While the D5000 and other entry-level Nikon DSLRs (e.g., DX40/60/3000) do not have the built in Wireless Commander, I think the SB-600 is still a better investment than the SB-400 for entry/mid-level Nikon SLR users.

The SB-400 has a limited ISO 100 guide number of 21/68 (feet/meters) at the 18mm zoom head position. The SB-600 has a limited guide number of 30/98 at ISO 100 when set to the 35mm zoom position. In other words, unless you want a flash unit that is only slightly more powerful than the built in flash of your camera, or just want to extend the life of your camera’s battery, the SB-600 is a more powerful and versatile flash unit. It will swivel sideways and straight up for more bounce options, and has a built in diffuser panel. Other advantages over the SB-400 include a built-in AF Assist lamp and power zoom. I found the AF Assist works very well in dim light.

The LCD has an easy interface for changing modes or manual adjustments, and is illuminated making it easy to see in dim light. As with Nikon’s other current speed flashes, it supports Auto ISO sensitivity, and red eye reduction.

While my camera does not have built-in wireless commander, with the SB-600 I do have the option of purchasing the SU-800 ($250) to utilize the 600’s wireless capabilities. As for comparison to the SB-900, I’m just a novice user, so the differences between the SB-600 versus the higher-end SB-900 (and 800) is not really significant for me considering the jump in price. The major differences that I see are wireless commander mode, lens coverage, optional power supply, and non TTL auto mode (which I don’t need). The recycle times on the SB-600 are comparable to both SB-800 and 900 units. Moreover, the SB-900 has an overheat protection feature that can abruptly shut the unit down at critical times, so the SB-600 (and 800) is a great back-up even for pro users.

The photos I’ve taken with my D5000 have come out excellent. I’ve used the bounce flash, even with high ceilings, and had excellent results; and compared to the built in flash in my camera, the difference is huge. Except for professional photographers and prosumers with specific needs, for its price I think the SB-600 is the best choice for most Nikon SLR owners.

5 Stars Surprising improvement
I have generic flash units and i have light kits but i was not prepared for the improvement this unit made to my photos. I have struggled with low light photography since the dawn of man but the very first time i set this unit into my hot shoe i fell in love with it. I use this with my D90 and i just love the results. I was leery about spending hundreds of dollars on a flash unit but if you care about your photos you are just going to have to sacrifice some dollars. No regrets, this unit is excellent quality and is a must have for nikon cameras.

5 Stars Nikon SB-600
There are other flash units out there for about 1/2 the cost and to be honest I haven’t used any of them. Ken Rockwell’s review was very helpful in helping me make my decision to buy the Nikon product. I was surprised at the difference the flash makes in my photos when using the SB-600 as compared to the built-in flash on my Nikon D90.

5 Stars Phenomenal lighting! Wish I would have bought sooner!
I have taken my indoor photos to a whole new level with this flash. I bought it for my friend’s wedding and I wish I would have gotten it sooner.

I am using in conjunction with my Nikon D40 and a new Stroboframe Press-T Flash Rotating Bracket for portait photography. See review and photos there…

Flash features that I love:

1. Full tilt – from 90 degrees to 180 degrees with several stops – I bounce off the ceiling most of the time for lovely natural lighting

2. Built in pull out diffuser that can also be used for angle bounce

3. Head rotation from -90 degrees to 180 degrees (perfect for portrait photography with a flash frame to point to the ceiling)

4. Flash refresh rate is fantastic! I set the camera on a tripod and with the remote took many family photos in a row! Especially necessary when there are crying babies in the group!

5. Batteries last a long time

6. Includes nice protective case for flash

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Nikon En EL9a Rechargeable Li ion Battery

rechargeable lithium ion battery for use with compatible Nikon digital SLR cameras * rated at 7.2V, 1080mAh *

User Ratings and Reviews

4 Stars Needed battery
This battery is being used as an extra battery for my Nikon DSLR. It has worked in the way I need: power. I just went with the name brand because of the fear factor of third-party horror stories.

1 Star Sudden Death – No Warranty
I have had two of these go from working to DOA and the charger not even recognize there is a battery in it. I called Nikon and was told by a very rude customer service person that Nikon offers no warranty at all on their batteries. One of these batteries had been charged three times and the other 10 times at most. Don’t waste your money on the Nikon brand. I have had good luck with the CTA brand replacement and it costs 20% of what the Nikon brand does.

5 Stars Would buy again
Not sure how much you can say here… It’s a Nikon battery. I’ve bought off-brand batteries before and had bad luck. So, I won’t do that again. Bought this one as a backup for my D5000. A backup battery, in my mind, is a must have item. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been taking photos and found the battery to be running low. With a backup, you just swap batteries and keep shooting. Got it fast, in good condition, free shipping and at a much better price than in store.

5 Stars Great battery, great price
Just purchased my DSLR Nikon D5000; wanted a backup battery. The store offered them from $65-$90, this was a bargain at under $60. Glad to have found it.

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Nikon 50mm f 1 4G SIC SW Prime Nikkor Lens for Nikon Digital SLR Cameras

L1)NIKON 50MM F1.4G AF-S LENS (2180)

User Ratings and Reviews

5 Stars Great lens, especially for low light, no flash work
It’s fast and great optically. For portraits or poorly lit subjects where a flash is not allowed (or not wanted) this is the perfect lens. On a DX format camera it’s a bit long (field of view is about 75mm equivalent) for some inside work, a 28 or 35mm focal length might be a better option (but 1.8 is the faster you can get in those focal lengths).

5 Stars Good stuff. Worth every penny.
I had two of the previous generation of 50/1.4 AF before owning this lens. I’ve tried both versions on a D2x, d90, a d300, d3, and d3x. This is the better version, and it’s really the top of the heap, short of the MF 1.2 or a bloody Leica. So if you want sharp and AF simultaneously, this is your best bet.

Yes, it could be a touch sharper wide open. It could also be five times more expensive. It’s sharper edge to edge than the old version at all settings. It’s sharper in the corners than the Sigma or the Canon 1.2.

All around I’m quite happy.

I am nervous about only one thing: while blowing dust off I tapped the rear element with the plastic tip of my blower bulb. It made a quite resonant “TING”. Looking at the diagrams on Nikon’s site, it is a very thin element. Moreso than the previous generation. For the most part, this seems to be a much more robust build than the previous 1.4AF. (I owned two because I pretty nearly destroyed my first one…it did still work even so.) But that rear element does give me pause and I now try to shift it forward before and after mounting it (when I can remember).

Optically, can’t complain. Focus doesn’t seem any faster or slower than the previous version. It’s more comfortable to hold since nothing spins or moves externally while it’s focusing. It’s quieter, which is nice in the dim situations I often use it it.

It actually focuses properly on my d90, unlike other fast nikon glass. (I’ve tried many d90’s and it seems that d90’s just don’t focus precisely with their center point with large aperture screw driven lenses.)

Good stuff. If you shoot film or FX get one. If you have a DX, get the 35/1.8 AFS. If you have the 35/1.8 AFS, get this too! If you are using your Nikon DSLR for video, you should get like ten of these. Ok, maybe one. But still, it’s that nice.

Hope you found this useful. Enjoy shooting!

4 Stars Nice for DSLR without the internal motor
This is an excellence “fast” lens – very sharp and the auto focus is fast and accurate. This is one that you want when shoot in a low light environment where flash is not permitted.

Having said that, however, it is so much more expensive than the Nikkor 50mm f1.4D without significantly improvement on the optical quality. If you own a entry level Nikon dSLR (e.g., D40/x, D60, D3000, D5000) without an internal motor to power the D-series lens (or lenses without internal motor of their own) then, you will like this one. If you own a more advance dSLR (D80, D90, D300/s) then, you are better off economically with the 50 f1.4D.

5 Stars Sharp, well constructed, and AF-S; great normal lens!
Pro’s:

I initially got this prime because it was THE ONLY lens at the time that had an f-stop less than 2.8 AND AF-S on my old D40x BACK in December of 2008 (other than the $6,000 200 f/2).

Thankfully, Nikon updated their DX AF-S lineup this year aggressively with the Nikon 35mm f/1.8G AF-S DX Lens for Nikon Digital SLR Cameras as well, but I’ll review that later.

This is a bokeh machine, not as creamy and perfect as the Nikon 85 1.4, but pretty nice. But bokeh is a personal thing, and some people find it a little nervous in this lens (your call).

AF-S is dead silent, hunts very little in low light, and tracks well.

Light weight and a nice hood is included.

Works awesome on my N75 film body (and I can’t WAIT to use it a D700!!)

Con’s:

AF is apparently slower than previous 50mm models that are AF only (not AF-S).

A bit long on a DX body to be considered “normal”(75mm equivalent), but still useful as a portrait lens (just not AS close as say a 85mm on an FX body).

I just don’t use it as often as I’d like and always reach for the 35 1.8G as my “go to” prime ONLY because 50mm on a DX is too long for a general purpose lens.

Upshot:

A worthwhile purchase, an excellent AF-S revision to older models, and perfect choice for those AF-motor-less users (D40/x/D60/D5000) who need a portrait/fast prime lens. Also works on FX/Film bodies (but not compatible with film bodies prior to the N75 era, ie

P.S.

I have also found DxO Optics Pro v 5.0, Elite Edition Photo Enhancing Software for Mac & Windows. a priceless software tool with this camera/lens combination (This “module” is available with my D200 + 50 1.4G, helps give my shots an “extra stop” of noise reduction.). I always shoot RAW images and use DxO to convert to TIFF or jpg.

5 Stars Nikon 50mm f/1.4G SIC SW Prime Nikkor Lens
Good basic prime lens. Bought it because it is a required/suggested/recommended lens for many photo classes & exercises. Forces you to get closer to your object. Is closest to “human eye” observation. Not an expsensvie lens: I read great reviews on this lens.

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