Posts tagged ·Nikon Slr·...

February 9, 2010 11:27 pm

Nikon SB 600 Speedlight Flash for Nikon Digital SLR Cameras

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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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February 7, 2010 4:47 pm

Nikon En EL9a Rechargeable Li ion Battery

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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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10:36 am

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

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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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5:47 am

Nikon D300s 12MP CMOS Digital SLR Camera Body Only

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Nikon D300s 12MP CMOS Digital SLR Camera Body Only




12.3-megapixel effective recording * APS-C-size CMOS image sensor (23.6 x 15.8 mm) * high-def movie mode with sound * high-res 3″ LCD (920,000 dots) with Live View for composing shots on-screen in real-time * pentaprism optical SLR viewfinder (with diopter adjustment) * Dynamic Integrated Dust Reduction System to keep image sensor clean for spotless photos * Nikon EXPEED image processor for fast, accurate shooting and longer battery life * 51-point autofocus system for rapid, precise autofocusing * 1005-pixel 3D Color Matrix Metering II for accurate automatic exposure control, plus center-weighted and spot metering modes * Active D-Lighting mode for better shadow and highlight detail in high-contrast shooting conditions * built-in flash and flash exposure compensation * in-camera image editing functions, including: edit movie, D-Lighting, image overlay, monochrome, NEF (RAW) processing and more * AVI movie files (Motion JPEG) up to 1280 x 720 resolution at 24 frames per second with mono sound *

User Ratings and Reviews

5 Stars Nikon D300s
I am an advanced beginner. Have a Nikon D50 and the D300s is an addition and an upgrade – tried some shooting indoors with it – terrific results. Great camera! Still learning to use it fully though…If my experience with the D50 is any indication, then the D300s will also be fulfilling and satisfying!

4 Stars D300s Medium Range Prosumer
this review is for the average person wanting to upgrade from the D40/D5000

With it’s magnesium alloy inner body and rubber sealed buttons, this camera is an excellent piece of equipment for wildlife photography when paired wig the correct lens.

It is well constructed in the areas that it needs to be strong but quite honesly there are some places on the camera tha have been reduced in quality to cut costs such as the switches, buttons, or the flash release. Those components are higher quality on the D90 to be honest wh you.

Speaking of the D90, this camera has the exact same sensor as the D90. I lke to think of the D300s as a D90 with features and processing from the D3. This camera can shoot 720p motion JPEG based AVI video from a Live View mode activated by a dedicated button. This camera does have a 51 point auto focus system and color 1005 pixel light metering.

Now the ugly truth. If you put this camera next to a D90 in the same conditions, the D90 will out perform this camera in low light. If the D300s is used past ISO 3200 it produces the most horrid smuged and noisy pictures I have seen. The D90 with all of it’s “auto help the novice processing” will help you out and rescue your photos the best it can. The D300s is a professional APS-C camera which means it won’t help you out like that. You absolutly cannot take pictures in inadequate light without the proper equipment.

I would go with the D90 if you want a decent camera that will produce sharp pictures without all of the fuss. With the money you save you can get the AF-S 18-200 VRI. That comes in the D300s kit. If you must absolutly have the pro features such as wired remotes, flash box control, and so on go with the D300s.

5 Stars Nikon D300s 12MP
After much research I moved from a Nikon D70s to the D300s. I was very happy with the D70s however I needed a larger pixel count for the large prints I prefer to make (13×19″+). I agree with many pro’s that have advised that you don’t need more than 8MP if you are producing 8×10′s or even 11×14 full frame in most cases. If you go beyond that print size or crop severely for 11×14′s, then a larger pixel count is where you need to be.

The D300s has been a perfect camera for me. I certainly put it in the prosumer category. It should not be your first camera. If you shoot mostly Auto or like to point and shoot, the D300s is not for you even if you have the money. It is very full-featured/complex camera and to get good pictures and your money’s worth you need to be willing to invest the time to learn its many modes and capabilities. It is capable of shooting great pictures in very low light or in fast moving scenes with its wide ISO range, very low noise and advanced focus system. The ergonomics feel just right to me unlike many Canons I have tried. It has good balance and a very solid feel (metal frame). I shoot often with a Nikon 70-200mm f2.8 VR that is heavy and a good grip and balance is important for me.

I have found the color and resolution to be superb. I easily get professional (saleable) 13 x19″ prints working through Lightroom 2.5 and Photoshop CS4 to a Canon Pro 9000 MkII printer. The D300s’ many focus, white balance and color modes are a great help in a rapidly changing shoot. I have programmed several custom settings for both studio and outdoor work. Its great to be able to shift multiple camera settings with one button push. The “Info” button alone should keep you from buying the D300 vs D300s.

The dual memory card setup is also great. I switch between using the second card as a backup for important shoots to using it in overflow mode when I’m out for a long shoot. I shoot RAW most of the time and the safety of the overflow mode keeps me in the shooting flow so I don’t have to stop, lose the mood and change memory cards. I often add a power grip when I’m using multi-Speedlight set-ups with a remote commander. The Nikon Remote Commander can draw down the main battery over the course of a long studio shoot. Otherwise the battery will easily do a full day and hundreds of shots. The Info button instantly shows you battery condition as a % in both the main and power grip. Nice upgrade so you don’t have to look at a little battery icon and guess.

I am very happy with the D300s and highly recommend it if you are looking for a solid, pro-level camera. It has performed flawlessly for me. Amazon (B&H Photo) remains perfect for me with great price and on time delivery.

5 Stars Nikon D300s: a great camera (but you need to read the manual)
I have been using this camera for a couple of weeks and taken about 5000 exposures. This camera is great; however, it took me a little while to figure out the autofocus (AF) system. I switched from Canon because I truly do not like the size of their files (18MP is way beyond what I need). I like shooting when the subjects are in motion–not necessarily action–and learning how to focus properly is crucial for me. After reading the manual and playing around with the AF, I feel much better with the D300S. I am not new to photography–started with Minolta SLRs and then moved to Canon dSLRs–but I can safely say that the D300S has allowed me to take my best shots. I am still a bit reluctant to use the 6400 ISO, but the 3200 ISO works fine.

This camera is not for beginners. If you are not familiar with photography lingo, reading the manual would be frustrating. Moreover, the Program Mode is not the greatest. The video feature is dandy, but you have to keep the camera still. I have used the video feature a couple of times, and the image quality is fine as long as you use a tripod and don’t move the camera too much. In my opinion, the video recorded with this camera needs a lot of editing, and I don’t really have much practice editing videos.

In sum, this camera is a great buy for those who enjoy taking the time to take pictures. I would not recommend this to a first-time dSLR buyer, an inexperienced/casual photographer, or someone who wants to shoot video.

5 Stars Nice improvements over my D300
I upgraded from a Nikon D300 to the D300S mainly for the video capability. The video produced is not super HD quality, but I didn’t expect that. The video is actually quite good especially if you use a tripod and it allows me to travel without a dedicated video camera. The other improvements have proved to be fun and useful. I like the new door over the data cards, easier to use that the D300 lever. The new location of the live view button is very convenient, the extra frame per second is useful and the focusing and image quality seem marginally beter than the D300. The rocker switch on the back has tactile feedback which is better. All in all I am very happy to have upgraded. The service from Amazon was fabulous. I ordered the camera on Sunday, it was shipped (free of charge) on Monday and I had it in my hand a couple of days later. After I ordered on Sunday the price dropped $75.00 on Monday. I called customer service on Monday and they agreed to credit my VISA account with the $75.00 difference. You can’t beat that! cm

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February 6, 2010 10:26 pm

Nikon D90 DX 12 3MP Digital SLR Camera with 18 105mm f 3 5 5 6G ED AF S VR DX Nikkor Zoom Lens

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Nikon D90 DX 12 3MP Digital SLR Camera with 18 105mm f 3 5 5 6G ED AF S VR DX Nikkor Zoom Lens




Fusing 12.3-megapixel image quality inherited from the award-winning D300 with groundbreaking features, the D90s breathtaking, low-noise image quality is further advanced with EXPEED image processing. Split-second shutter response and continuous shooting at up to 4.5 frames-per-second provide the power to capture fast action and precise moments perfectly, while Nikons exclusive Scene Recognition System contributes to faster 11-area autofocus performance, finer white balance detection and more. The D90 delivers the control passionate photographers demand, utilizing comprehensive exposure functions and the intelligence of 3D Color Matrix Metering II. Stunning results come to life on a 3-inch 920,000-dot color LCD monitor, providing accurate image review, Live View composition and brilliant playback of the D90s cinematic-quality 24-fps HD D-Movie mode.

User Ratings and Reviews

3 Stars Not Convinced I Make the Right Choice
I hate to make a review this soon, but after taking holiday pictures, I must say that I am not bowled over with my pictures. I had a Nikkon Coolpix 8mp and absolutely loved it. Thus my choice with this camera for moving up. My pictures are either very bad or great, but not really in between. I’m sure I need to learn more, but it’s not the quick pick up and shoot camera my other one was! I am disappointed for now.

5 Stars Great camera
The Nikon D90 is outstanding. My family can’t believe the pictures that I’m taking since I got the camera. The camera has a lot of bells and whistles. It’s takes a good time learning the camera but it’s worth it. Would recommend this camera for anybody that enjoys a well constructed camera.

4 Stars First time SLR Owner – Light Years better than ANY Point-and-Shoot
I have used DSLRs before but this is the first one I bought and was not at all disappointed.

It is the perfect camera to own as a first time SLR owner if you plan to use it often as it can autofocus with all the old Nikon lenses.

The picture quality is excellent but I recommend trying a wide angle lens such as the Nikkor 10-24mm or the Tokina 11-16mm which will create a whole new experience as you can create art with pictures.

If you consider yourself a semi-serious photographer who considers photos art and don’t mind a lot more weight compared to any Point-and-shoot, the D90 is for you. It takes excellent photos and most importantly is laid out very sensibly and is easy to navigate around the menus, not to mention is very, very very fast compared to a point-and-shoot.

If you just want to take snap shots with your friends and family and shoot on occasional trips you probably want a point-and-shoot or the Nikon D3000 or older entry level models which are smaller, lighter and cheaper while not sacrificing quality very much but slim on more advanced features.

5 Stars Must add a 5 star
The first few reviews sum this camera up pretty well. I love my camera, and I purposely chose this camera over the more expensive D300.

5 Stars Big bow to D90 it really rocks !!

Big bow to D90 it really rocks !! i recently bought Nikon D90 and we had a baby 1 week back and the pic’s experience was really different and amazing. I am not a professional photographer but still dared to put money on this and now i realize it really worth for money. The picture quality and features are brilliant, easy to operate. Do not think twice to buy this product , just go a head !!

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