Sorry same old question

[Suelovesfish]

Okay, want to go to darkside.. I am certain the Nikon D90 is best for me. Now, the lesnses? have no idea?(recommended make and model #'s please) looking for a good one that that pics upclose but not too complex I will need another diploma to figure it out. need fish close ups and general easy photograph?

Also, where is best place on line to get?

[76dragon]

MyJohnson will be able to answer you soon

[imagirlgeek]

I'm no expert, and yes, myjohnson will be able to answer this better than I can, but I have a D90 and for my close-ups I use a Tamron SP AF Di 90mm 1:2.8 Macro lens. I know Tamron is a 'bargain' lens, but I've been really impressed with it. It's got an auto focus which makes getting close-ups so much easier.

Here are some photos taken with the D90 and this lens. http://www.houstonfishbox.com/vforums/showthread.php?34990-New-Camera!-New-Pics!

And I don't know a good online store for lenses, but if you live in the Houston area and want to go local, Houston Camera Exchange continues to impress me. Plus they have an aquarium in the store that you can test out the lenses on.

[Gene D]

I would suggest a 60mm 2.8 for what you are looking for. If you have the money Nikon Nikor would be the way to go however Tamron and some others make good quality glass.

Online my first choice is always Keh.com

You might also consider
Adorama camera
B&H Photo

KEH is located in Georgia the other two are in New York. They are two of the few reputable camera companies in NY. The others will commonly offer unbelievable web only deals. When you attempt to order those specials they will require that you call them and attempt to sell you additional components and accessories. If you decline these add ons they will then inform you that they are sold out of the advertised special. It is a pretty shady yet all too common practice .

[Zulaab]

One of the websites I love to go look at reviews at is at www.photozone.de (German site but written in English).
They show distortion and chromatic problems in their lens reviews which should help you get a lens you like. I just read the review on the Tamron that girlgeek uses and its impressive.. might just have to pick up one myself. I love my 28-75mm tamron, so I know tamron makes good glass, specially in their SP line...

http://www.photozone.de/nikon--nikkor-aps-c-lens-tests/283-tamron-af-90mm-f28-di-sp-macro-nikon-mount-lab-test-report--review

[myjohnson]

Okay, want to go to darkside.. I am certain the Nikon D90 is best for me. Now, the lesnses? have no idea?(recommended make and model #'s please) looking for a good one that that pics upclose but not too complex I will need another diploma to figure it out. need fish close ups and general easy photograph?

Also, where is best place on line to get?

There are two lens you can look at to do exactly what you are looking for. These two lens will hold the value best over time. I would go Nikkor over all others for this reason. First, the Nikon 60mm f/2.8D AF Micro-Nikkor lens. Most will go for $400-450. You can find it cheaper if used. This is a medium telephoto micro lens for portrait and other high magnification close-up applications. So you can use this lens to not only take macro close ups but it makes a great (if not the best) portrait lens.

For our applications (taking pictures of corals and fish) this is the perfect lens to get those close put shots. The lens provides for extra working distance which is good for elusive subjects (like fish) or ones requiring supplemental illumination (which we also need for fish). The lens can only do so much without a good wireless flash. And you picked the perfect camera for flash purposes. The lens has continuous focusing from infinity to life-size (1:1) so it can work as a walk around lens.

Second, the Nikon 60mm f/2.8 ED AF-S Micro-Nikkor lens. This was recently released as the updated version of the lens above. This lens comes with Nikon’s exclusive Silent Wave Motor which means it ensures faster and quiet autofocus operation.

The best change (to me) is that this lens comes with Internal Focusing (IF) design which allows faster, smoother autofocusing. But most importantly people with the older nikon bodies that do not have AF can use the lens' IF. Second best change is the closer focus distance. It allows you to even get closer to the tank glass to get closer macro shots of the corals. This is going to run you $500-550 brand new.

For reproductions over 1:1, look into a "closeup filter"... it's basically a magnifying glass in front of the camera lens. These come in filter thread sizes to screw onto the front of your lens, and they come in diopter strengths (different magnifying intensity).

For fish, I recommend flash first. You want to use it as a wireless slave. Get the sb-600 or the sb-800. Do not get the sb-900 b/c it's getting a lot of bad reviews.With your 90D, a macro lens, and a lens you will take the best pictures. Now, photoshop is a whole different game.

If you are looking to buy in town, check out craigslist. There is people selling stuff nearly brand new most the time. Good luck and letting the picture taking begin!

[Suelovesfish]

Thanks everyone! Looks like the hunt is on and some education required? Come to find out my Sister in law works at Houston Camera Exchange-who knew? I like the best even though I have no idea what I am doing-will get my favorite "sister-in law" (never met her :-)) working on Nikkor/Nikon or Tamron? We see what they have? May need to take one of those continuing education classes?

[freespool]

For my side work on the weekend I am a photographer for a fishing trail that travels up and down the TX coast. I can only confirm what has been said here about Nikon and Nikkor. I have 2 Nikon SLR and MANY Nikkor lenses. Nikkor is the best, and in camera's and lenses you get what you pay for. The only thing I don't have are Micro dedicated lenses, as I just use some of my other lenses and set to Macro setting. I do also have a SB-600 flash and it is the best for the money in my opinion (I use flash as a filler for just about every picture I take no matter where I am).
Disclaimer- I have not taken many aquarium photos, I take event tournament photos and wildlife photos.

[myjohnson]

SB-600 is the best bang for the buck for sure!

When taking pictures of fishes, top flash matters so much. The additional lighting allows for faster shutter speed to capture fast moving fishes.

It also allows of using high f-stops number so the dept of field is sharp all around.

[Suelovesfish]

My Johnson,

I'm pretty sure you have great info posted, but can you please put in my "dumb ***" terms?

Went to all the site everyone recommended... Least expensive is B&H by a mere $ 4.00 over Keh.com? Insignificant. Are these cameras certified Nikon cameras or something different? Price varies dramatically from $1,399 to $839????

Is iy posiible to but a "package price with mocro-Nikkor lens?

My sister-in-law can't touch the body in terms of $, but sounds like she can on lens? OHHHHH the decisions?

[Gene D]

In regards to price there will be a difference because of what is known as markets. The licensed cameras sold in the US market will be covered by a full manufacturers warranty. You can also buy what are considered gray market products. These are produced by the manufacturer but to be sold elsewhere and will not be covered by warranty. Some of the difference in price could be a new/used issue as KEH sells alot of used merchandise.

In terms of the lens Thai was referring to the new internal focus for Nikkor lenses. The lens focuses internally which allows to focus quicker than the external part of the lens physically moving. This allows you to capture images you might otherwise miss.

With a 60mm Macro you will be able to step back and still have enough focal length(magnification) to capture detail. As well the macro feature will allow you to get as close to the subject and capture detailed close ups. The AF-Micro-NIKKOR-60mm has a minimum focusing distance of 0.72 ft.

The flash will give you the advantage of depth of field. Which basically dictates how much of the image will be in focus. By using a larger number like f18 (smaller opening in the lens) you will have a greater DOF (focus throughout the entire image. See the image with the mountain range. By using a smaller number like f2.8 (larger opening) only a selected part of the image will be in focus. See machine gun image (this affect was done purposely to lead the eye from left to right down the barrel to the primary subject). The other images used a smaller DOF for the same affect. In an aquarium situation the flash means that the entire fish or group of fish will be in focus with an overhead flash.







I hope this clears thing up if you have any other questions please feel free to ask.

[Suelovesfish]

getting more complicted now :-) So, does B&H sell gray market Nikon's? How does one know if a company does or does not sell gray market products? Go on Nikon webpage and see who is is on Nikon's authorized dealers list?

[Gene D]

It looks like Nikon is offering a $50 rebate on the D90 right now. That makes all of the online offers about the same on new models. I don't believe that any of these retailers sell grey market cameras. I would consider looking at some at the used/refurbished models. I would call and ask what kind of warranty the various companies offer on used/refurbed bodies.

I have bought used bodies in the past without problemas. I bought my Nikon D1x used in 05 and after being used daily overseas and bouncing around in a humvee and traveling over 6 countries it still works flawlessly today. I have also purchased a number of 35mm SLR bodies that are now 20-30 years old that are still functional.

[myjohnson]

Gene is 100 percent correct.

There is a balance of three main elements you have to consider when taking a picture. Pictures are also all about lighting. The main three you have to consider is aperture, shutter speed, and ISO.

This link is not for your camera but it is very helpful. Take the time to read it and ask additional questions as needed.

http://www.aakatz.com/whitepaper/part4.htm

[myjohnson]

Okay, want to go to darkside.. I am certain the Nikon D90 is best for me. Now, the lesnses? have no idea?(recommended make and model #'s please) looking for a good one that that pics upclose but not too complex I will need another diploma to figure it out. need fish close ups and general easy photograph?

Also, where is best place on line to get?

http://houston.craigslist.org/ele/1830312958.html

Nikon D90: $700
Nikon SB-600 Speedlight Flash: $125
Nikon 18-55mm VR Zoom Nikkor Lens: $125
Nikon 55-200mm VR Zoom Nikkor Lens: $175
Nikon Wireless Remote Control: $15

Do it before its to late!