D60 in Macro Mode

[mikevet]

Hello again all,
I'll only bother you guys with one more question from a prospective buyer of the D60. I'm really interested in closeups of wildlife. How do the closeup shots turn out, and how close can you get to the subject of interest and still get a quality pic?
Thanks again,
Mike

[y6y6y6]

It depends on the lens. Not to be evasive, but it just totally depends on the lens.

And when you say wildlife, I think of deer and birds, which you certainly don't want a macro set up for. With "macro" you take pictures of bugs and flowers.

But to directly address your question:

1) The shots turn out fantastic if everything works. With macro you are so close and so small and with such narrow DOF that there is a good bit of luck involved, at least out of the studio.

2) I've taken marco shots where the lens is within an inch of the subject.

Here's a macro shot of a bee:
http://www.jonsullivan.com/BigPicture.php?imgid=1978

I think it's pretty darn sharp. But I took about 40 shots that day and this was by far the best. This was hand held and manual focus with a 90mm macro lens and a +2 close-up filter.

Did you by any chance mean "telephoto" pictures of wildlife? That makes more sense to me. But it's a whole different ball of wax.

[mikevet]

Jon,
Thanks so much for your reply. First, I must apologize for the ambiguous nature of my post. I did indeed mean closeup shots of insects, etc. I'm pleased to see, ( via your EXCELLENT macro bee shot ), that the D60 is quite capable with the correct lens and/or filters.
I'm ready to take the plunge of purchasing the camera, but am running into the problem of back orders everywhere. Any ideas where to purchase the D60 and receive delivery relatively soon?
Thanks again,
Mike

[jadams]

Hi Mike-

If you want a D60 asap, you can try calling camera shops in your area (closest cities, etc.). From what I've read this is the quickest way for people to get them. A shop might have one on the shelf that isn't spoken for and you might be able to snap it up. The larger stores (B&H, Ritz, etc.) tend to get more in but they also have every single one spoken for.

Also, people have the best luck if they prepay or at least leave a deposit. Many customers are putting their names on several lists -- obviously they aren't buying one everyplace that they put their name with. A store might be willing to let you jump the list if you prepay because they know that you are serious and that they will get the money right away.

Local Camera shops, Larger Local Shops with deposit, B&H with deposit, "other"

That would be my hunting method if I was looking for a D60.

I hope this helps,
Jasper

[jadams]

Oh, of course, there's always the route of paying more than retail for the camera.

1- You could try eBay (careful)!

2- Some have had great luck ordering from Canada. Canada seems to be getting a good supply compared to their demand. But the exchange works out to most likely make it a little bit more expensive. Technically there shouldn't be any duties/taxes on the sale -- but it depends on how thorough the exporter is in declaring the item.

But then again, I wouldn't suggest paying more than MSRP. Unless you're really desperate it isn't a wise move -- they'll be here in storms, eventually.

Jasper

[mikevet]

Jasper,
Thanks for your insight. I'll research the D60 problem further and hope one day, in the near future, to be able to post my pics to this forum.
Thanks again,
Mike

[y6y6y6]

It took me 6 weeks of waiting on Ritz's list to get mine. From most of the forums it seems that's still the average wait. Another way to go is to get a used or refrubished D30. I've used both and the D30 is an excellent camera. Nearly identical to the D60, just an earlier version.

Jon Sullivan
http://www.jonsullivan.com/